CHAPTER 73

Celina

The large iron gates open slowly and we drive through. The house is actually a two-story sprawling mansion with white adobe walls. A huge fountain takes up the area about twenty feet from the front door. The water cascades into a round pool bigger than my last apartment. The sun is still shining, but the color of the sky is changing. This signals the beginning of a three-hour change from daylight to darkness in the desert. The sun will completely set by nine. The temperature will only take a marginal drop.

Alex parks on the circular drive between the fountain and house. It’s a Spanish-style monstrosity. I’ve only ever seen pictures of homes like this in magazines. It’s difficult to remember to keep my mouth closed. I’m surprised when Alex clasps his warm hand around my fingers and squeezes.

The front door opens and Mak exits with Moon at her back. She places her hand out to me after walking down the steps. Alex doesn’t release my right hand, so I offer my left. Mak’s eyes spark