Page 52 of Benjamin and the Thief

Benjamin let out a breath of relief. “Oh, thank God. I was worried that he’d gotten beaten up again.”

“But don’t you understand? What if that inmate rapes him?”

Finally, he realized why Catalina was looking so worried. It wasn’t simply his father’s visit that had put her in this state, but her brother’s phone call.

“It won’t happen. I’m paying the other inmate to protect him. Nobody will touch Santiago. He’s safe now. Trust me.”

She stared at him, relief and surprise crossing her face in equal measure. “You’re paying a prisoner to watch over Santiago? But why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want you to feel like you have to thank me for it.”

“But I want to thank you.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and lifted herself onto her tiptoes.

She kissed him, and he tilted his head to the side and responded to her. He gripped her tightly and lifted her off her feet, holding her close to him. A few hours without having her close had made his hunger for her grow exponentially. But as much as he wanted to make love to her right now, there was no time. Now more than ever, they were under time pressure.

Reluctantly, he severed the kiss and set her back down on her feet. “There’s something else you need to know.”

“About the inmate?”

“No. About the Prestons.”

Her eyes widened, and she dropped her arms. “What happened?”

“The Prestons have a video of you trying to break into their safe and of me catching you. They sent it to my father, asking for an explanation.”

She gasped and pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, my God!”

“We think they haven’t recognized you yet, but if they do…”

He didn’t have to finish his sentence. From her facial expression, he could see that she was aware of what would happen.

“That’s why your father was here, wasn’t he? To see why you’re harboring a thief.”

“I told him you didn’t steal anything.”

She motioned to the door. “What did your father say just now? Was he asking you to hand me over to the police?”

“No. He asked me to be careful when looking for proof that Santiago is innocent.”

“Why? I mean, he came here and accused me of dragging you into my evil plan to take revenge on the Prestons and use you to do my dirty work. So why would he suddenly change his mind?”

Benjamin sighed. “Because I told him that I love you.”

Catalina looked at him, her lower lip suddenly quivering, her eyes welling up.

“Don’t cry, baby,” he murmured.

“You love me?” she whispered, lifting her hand to caress his face.

He pressed his cheek into her palm. “I do. With all my heart.”

“I love you too.”

A tear loosened from one eye and rolled over her cheek. He kissed it away, then pulled her back into his arms and kissed her lips. Knowing she felt the same way about him filled his heart with warmth. He hadn’t planned to confess his love for her so early in their relationship, but when his father had told him what she’d said, he knew that his declaration would be well received, rather than put her under pressure.

He released her lips. “Damn, baby, you get me so hot.”

Her cheeks were an even deeper red than before. “You do the same to me.”