Aztec Gold (12 page)
Authors: Caridad Piñeiro
Carefully she snipped off the twine and then unfolded the brown parcel paper to reveal the leather-bound journal within.
She ran her hands over the surface, experiencing the sensation of old. Savoring the patina on the leather from the many hands that had touched it over the centuries for she had no doubt that the journal was quite old.
Because of its apparent age, she sat and removed a pair of gloves from her top desk drawer and slipped them on to safeguard the journal. Gingerly she opened the tome and slowly turned the thick parchment pages. As she skimmed the entries in the chronicle, she realized that it dated back before Cordero’s diary.
With anticipation, she examined the notations with their scratchy script and beautifully drawn sketches detailing early scenes of Mayan life. About a dozen pages into the book, she noted the map pinpointing the locations of various Mayan cities in lower South America, including one position with which she was not familiar.
“What is this?” she asked, jabbing at a spot on the hand-drawn map with her gloved finger.
Rafe stood and peered down at the journal. A small smile came to his face as he said, “I had hoped you’d pick up on that. As best as I can tell, it’s a sister city to Machu Picchu.”
“A sister city?” She racked her brains but could not recollect a mention of any such location from any of the materials she had studied over the years.
“And not just any old Mayan development,” he said and continued with his explanation. “Apparently Ponce de Leon was looking on the wrong continent.”
He sat on the edge of her desk and reached for the journal. Flipping ahead a few pages, he then returned it to her and motioned to one of the entries. “But I could be misreading the entries, which is why I brought it to you.”
Cyn peered down at the journal and read through the entry detailing the wonders to be found at the Mayan city, including the fountain that De Leon had sought so eagerly.
“The entry claims that this sister city has a fountain of youth.” She leaned back in her chair and considered him, trying to gauge his demeanor, which up until now had been mostly serious except for that earlier hint of a smile.
Now a broader grin broke out on his lips. “I think it’s more like the center of a power source rumored to provide all kinds of healing energies.”
She was prepared to tell him he was crazy but reminded herself about the man-eating demon they had both barely escaped months earlier as well as Rafe’s unusual new powers. In comparison, a source of healing energy didn’t seem all that far-fetched.
“So what do you plan to do with this information?” She motioned to the journal.
He shook his head and pointed at her. “Not me.
You
. The gift was made to
you
.”
She skimmed her fingers over the pages, once again relishing the age of them. Knowing that any tests she ran would be wasted, because she had no doubt about the authenticity of the journal, although she still would follow protocol and confirm the provenance of the document. But as she met Rafe’s inquiring gaze, she also knew she had no doubt about something else.
“Do you think we should go find this fountain of youth?”
He shrugged, appearing noncommittal, but a twinkle grew in his dark gaze and the grin remained as he said, “Only if you think you can spend life eternal with me afterward.”
She thought about all that had happened in the last few months. About all the changes.
She considered this possible new adventure and that it might bring yet more mayhem into her life. But as Rafe moved toward her and cupped her cheek, ran his thumb across her lips, the buzz of energy arced between them, awakening desire. Reminding her of what would be missing from her life if she didn’t take another risk and embark on this journey.
“So when do we leave?” she asked as she rose from her chair and walked to stand in front of him as he sat on the edge of her desk.
He chuckled, glanced at his watch and said, “Is tomorrow too soon?”
“Tomorrow? Why so long a wait?” she teased and dragged her fingers through the thick locks of his hair.
He grasped her hips and gently urged her into the V formed by his legs. They were face-to-face thanks to the difference in their heights, and he rubbed his lips against hers and said, “It’s tomorrow, because I want to spend the rest of this day making love to you.”
Heat erupted across her body as she imagined having him in bed. Having him inside her, but not just for tonight. For life eternal as he had said earlier.
“Sounds like a plan,” she confirmed and opened her mouth to his. Embraced him in her arms and knew one thing: The best adventure of her life was just about to begin.
New York Times
and
USA TODAY
bestselling paranormal and romantic suspense author Caridad Piñeiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project—to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word through high school, college and law school. In 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released and a decade later, Caridad is the author of over twenty novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information on Caridad, please visit www.caridad.com or www.thecallingvampirenovels.com.
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ISBN: 978-1-4268-9104-5
Copyright © 2011 by Caridad Piñeiro Scordato
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All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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