Ashley walked to the front door of the main house and tried to open it. To her surprise, it was locked. She frowned and jiggled the doorknob. That was odd. Inez Key was a quiet and safe place with just a few homes and buildings. No one locked their doors. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d used the key or where she had left it.
“Ashley, is that you?” Clea asked as she walked from around the house. She gave a squeal and ran to Ashley, welcoming her with a big hug. “What are you doing back?”
“I was going to get my things and leave,” Ashley said as she gestured to the door. “But the main house is locked.”
“I know, isn’t that strange? Who locks their doors?” Clea asked. She planted her fists on her hips and shook her head. “I haven’t been in there since they started renovating.”
“A lot has changed.” She gave a nod at the tropical flowers and plants near the white columns. At first glance the landscaping looked natural, but she knew it had been meticulously planned. How did Sebastian manage all of the changes when the island had only recently been in possession? “I wasn’t gone that long.”
“The new owners have been busy,” Clea said as she guided Ashley away from the front door. “And there are a lot of new security features. It won’t be long before the guards find you.”
“They haven’t torn anything down,” Ashley murmured as she gave the main house one last look.
“It’s more like adding and updating,” Clea said. “I’m glad to see they have respect for the history of the island, but I think the way of life on Inez Key won’t be the same.”
The gentle rhythm of the island life would change if there were bodyguards and security features. “Have you heard from the new owners?”
“We received letters from Cruz Conglomerate,” the housekeeper said as they walked along a dusty path. “I thought it was going to be an eviction letter like yours, but they promised nothing has changed for us.”
At least Sebastian didn’t break that promise. She had suspected it was a threat to keep her in line, but she couldn’t be sure. “What else did the letter say? Anything about turning the island into a resort or a hotel?” Or worse, razing it and destroying it inch by inch. Ashley shuddered at the thought.
She didn’t think Sebastian would do that, but she obviously couldn’t predict his every move. She suspected he wanted Inez Key for an exclusive getaway. He had undoubtedly posed as a paying guest to see if buying the island was worth his time.
And after spending a few weeks with the man, she noticed his interests focused on travel and leisure. She had stayed at some extraordinary hotels and exclusive resorts. All of them were part of his global business. Her home was definitely going to be part of that. The crowning jewel of his empire.
“No, I haven’t heard what they plan to do with Inez Key,” Clea said without a hint of concern. “We’re expecting to see the new owner next month after the renovations are complete.”
“You’ve already met the new owner,” Ashley said bitterly. She hated how her voice caught in her throat. “You know him as Sebastian Esteban.”
Clea halted and stared at Ashley. “That man took your island from you? The man you fell in love with?”
She shifted her lower jaw as she fought back the spurt of anger. “I did not fall in love with Sebastian Cruz.”
“Honey, I saw how you were with him,” Clea argued with a knowing smile. “You were in full bloom every time he looked at you.”
Ashley closed her eyes as her skin heated. She couldn’t be in love with Sebastian. She had more pride than that! The man had kicked her out of her home, made her his mistress and ruined her life.
But she couldn’t hide from the truth anymore. She had been enthralled by Sebastian Cruz. It was more than the sizzling sexual hunger. Ashley didn’t want to admire his hard-earned accomplishments or value his opinions. She tried not to help him or smile at his humor. She hid the longing for Sebastian’s company and the way her heart leaped every time he entered the room.
None of it worked. No matter how hard she had tried, she had fallen for a man who had no respect for her. He only wanted her for sex.