HOURS LATER, CHALE LED OLIVIA BACK TO THE main chamber, where she found Jordon already waiting. Olivia glanced at her friend, who looked worn, satiated and alive, a new light shining in her eyes. Olivia could definitely relate.
Olivia reached out, grabbed Jordon’s hand and squeezed, happy to see her friend. Together they stood before Donato, as Chale and Amador took their seats beside him.
Donato’s soulful eyes studied the two women. After a long, thoughtful moment, he spoke in a soft tone. “What you have learned here, you will tell no other.” It was a statement, not a question.
They were both intelligent enough to know that estela must forever remain a secret, or at least until the world was prepared for such a powerful aphrodisiac.
“We understand,” Jordon said, and they both nodded in agreement.
Donato smiled, stood and gestured with a wave. “Your guide will be waiting for you.”
Chale stepped up beside Olivia while Amador moved in next to Jordon. The two men slowly led them back outside, to the larger cavern where they’d first entered the evening before.
Olivia squinted against the morning light, surprised that the night had flown by so quickly. Her gaze raked over the majestic area, soaking in all the beauty as they followed the same path out. A moment later, they came upon the rope. Olivia glanced up to see their guide. Arms crossed, he nodded his head slowly.
Olivia gripped the rope and tugged, testing it. She turned to Jordon and noticed that she was speaking quietly with Amador.
“Perhaps we will meet again,” Amador said.
“You can still come with us,” Jordon whispered to him.
“I belong here,” Amador replied. “But perhaps one day, that will change and I will find you.”
Olivia cast one longing look Chale’s way, keeping the memories of his erotic touch close until they, too, met again, as she somehow knew they would.
As though reading her thoughts, Chale smiled, gathered her into his arms and brushed his lips over hers. “Until we meet again, little one.”
“Until we meet again,” she whispered into his mouth.