Accidental Bodyguard by Sharon Hartley

again. She was terrified. And obviously didn’t trust him. Or anyone.
    â€œSo can I call Marsali?” he asked. “I need to get ahold of her before she goes out for the evening.”
    She raised her chin. “Do it. But please, please don’t mention Carlos Romero.”
    * * *
    M ARSALI W INTHROP SWEPT in wrapped in a luxurious knee-length fur coat that Claudia knew the animal rights activists would want to trash with buckets of paint. Marsali shrugged off the fur into Jack’s waiting hands.
    â€œThank you, Jackson darling,” she purred in her musical accent when he’d placed the coat over a chair.
    Claudia gaped at Marsali’s dress, a black silk sheath that hugged every curve of her slender body, revealing only a hint of cleavage. Glittering diamonds dangled from her ears and around her neck. She looked like royalty. All she needed was a tiara.
    â€œLouise.” Marsali kissed both of Claudia’s cheeks, leaving behind a fragrance that likely cost as much as the wine had last night. “I hope you’re feeling better tonight, cherie .”
    â€œNot really,” Claudia said.
    Marsali turned to Jack. “I trust you intend to elevate her mood, Jackson.”
    â€œAre you going off island tonight?” Jack asked.
    â€œThe Kirkmans are entertaining,” Marsali said. “I understand they have a guest from Dubai.” She shrugged gracefully. “So perhaps later an adventure to our private club on South Beach?”
    â€œAh. Will Lloyd accompany you to the Kirkmans’?”
    â€œBut of course. Unfortunately, as you know, he quickly grows weary and must retire early. Is that why you asked me to come over to Villa Alma, Jack? To inquire about my plans for the evening?”
    â€œCan you sit, Marsali? I’d like to talk to you about something.”
    â€œCertainly.” With a curious glance to Claudia, Marsali perched on the edge of the sofa. “Is there any wine?” she inquired.
    â€œI’m sorry,” Claudia said. “I don’t have anything except a beer left by the pool guy. You’re welcome to that.”
    â€œBeer?” Marsali appeared interested. “From Belgium?”
    â€œMexico, I think.”
    â€œNo, thank you, cherie. ” She looked back to Jack. “Now, what is this about, Jackson?”
    â€œAfter you met Louise last night, did you tell anyone about her?” he inquired politely.
    Claudia was no judge of liars like Jack claimed to be, but Marsali definitely appeared perplexed by the question. She looked at Claudia. “Is there a problem, cherie ?”
    â€œRemember I told you about my ex?” Claudia said.
    Marsali nodded. “But of course.”
    â€œI came to Collins Island to hide from him, and now somehow he’s found me.”
    â€œAnd you think I may have given you away?” Marsali sounded offended.
    â€œNot intentionally,” Claudia said quickly. “But maybe if you told someone about the crazy woman you met in the middle of the night—”
    â€œAh, cherie ,” Marsali said. “You are not crazy. Just a betrayed woman. And, no, I did not mention our chance meeting to anyone, not even to my husband. Why would I?”
    â€œYou’re sure,” Jack asked, staring hard at Marsali.
    â€œYes,” Marsali said. “Did your ex beat you, cherie ? Is that why you’re hiding?”
    Claudia looked away.
    â€œAh.” Marsali rose and approached Claudia, speaking in rapid, musical words she didn’t understand, most likely French. Gathering Claudia into a fierce hug, Marsali spit out, “The bastard.”
    Claudia hugged Marsali back. She hated lying to this woman, but had no choice. “Yes, a bastard,” she whispered.
    Marsali turned to Jack and opened her arms. “So how can I help, Jackson?”
    â€œJust don’t mention Louise to anyone.”
    â€œDoes this have anything to do with the stowaway the whole