Chapter 26

The final flight to Reyes' home took about forty-five minutes by helicopter through treacherous mountain passes and valleys. Occasionally he pointed out volcanoes to her, glaciers and lakes. She shivered and craned her neck, staring in open-mouthed awe at rugged scenery she had never even thought to hope to see in her lifetime.

When they finally landed, Casey was surprised at how energized she was despite her lack of sleep. Her body felt as though it were on some kind of high. She managed to unbuckle her own belt while Reyes tugged the headset off her head, careful not to catch the long strands of her hair. She turned her head this way and that trying to catch a glimpse of his home, but she was frustrated in her efforts when she only saw more mountain peaks.

"Patience, nena," he chuckled, catching her chin and forcing her to look at him. "The house is lower into the valley. I keep what is mine well protected." She easily caught both the innuendo toward herself and the implied critici