Robin in the Hood (Robbin' Hearts Series Book 1) (31 page)

When I finished, I realized that my hands were dripping in blood.

“Okay,” I said, pulling the t-shirt sleeve over Creek’s arm and letting it saturate a deep red. “It’s done.”

Creek nodded, opening his eyes and pulling the stick from his teeth. He blew out the candle, and I noticed his gaze appeared totally focused. “Come on,” he said, “we have to get to Cincinnati by four o’clock.”

He stood up and held out his bloody hand for me to step into the rowboat. There, I saw a bottle of alcohol and some bandages in the center, along with a flannel shirt and a couple of backpacks.

“Why would we go back to Cinci?” I asked.

Creek took the knife from my hand and threw it with all of his might into the middle of Bender Lake.

“Because, Partner,” he gave me a wry smile and dug into his pockets. Then he held up what looked like two passports. “We gotta plane to catch. We’re going to Italy.”

So here I am now, on a 747 flight over the Atlantic Ocean with Creek by my side, heading to Venice. All we have to our names are two backpacks, a couple of fake passports, and one hell of a fat bank account.

As well as an old picture of Alessia in my pocket and the most beautiful heart-shaped ruby ever created.

What am I hoping to find on this journey?

Myself.

That’s what Creek says.

Because only a couple of months ago I was somebody else: An angry boarding school chick with a big axe to grind against her dad.

Well, I ditched that school and that axe—for good.

And I found my
r
e
a
l
dad, who turned out to be someone who loved me far more than I could ever know.

In doing so, I got a huge part of myself back. Like the tin man, I guess you could say I grew a heart, leaving my flinty modern Geisha ways behind.

Now, Creek says I have to do the same thing by finding my mother. Not just for the sake of reuniting with her, but to uncover a big part of me as well. Regardless of how everything turns out, he told me, the journey will bring closure. Whether that means a new beginning with my mom or an ending is anybody’s guess. But at least the road will be taken, and I’ll never be left to wonder again.

So will Alessia be in Venice, in a nun’s habit in a convent somewhere, the way I keep imagining in my visions? Is she even still alive?

Oh, how I wish Granny Tinker was on this plane so I could ask.

All I know is that I found a lovely bird whittled from wood and painted blue in the front pocket of my backpack a few minutes ago. One of Granny Tinker’s strange talismans, I suppose. I hope it will bring us luck.

I leaned back in my airplane seat and glanced at Creek, who’d fallen asleep. His messy blonde hair against his tan skin made him look like a rugged angel, and his expression was more peaceful than I’d seen in ages. But the bandage that bulged beneath his t-shirt sleeve was a cold reminder to me that he was still one incredibly tough Partner.

Reaching out, I swept my fingers tenderly along his cheek, relishing the warmth of this guy that I love. Then I took a deep breath and pulled my mother’s ruby out of my pocket, staring at it for a moment before I gazed at the blue ocean below that filled the entire horizon.

“Alessia,” I whispered softy so no one else could hear, “may this beautiful, crimson heart bring us safely home to you.”

I tucked the ruby into the front pocket of my backpack and closed my eyes.

“And to me.”

To read the sequel to
Robin in the Hood
and other books in the Robbin’ Hearts Series by Diane J. Reed, go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Diane-J-Reed/e/B0071FXGOE/

I would like to thank the following individuals for giving me courage and inspiration throughout the writing of this book: Suzi Reed, DJ Reed, Sheila Townsend, Jen Sokoloski, Marcia Porcelli, Lindsay Horlander, Christine Hardin, and Erin McGraw.

Cover Design by Najla Qamber

at Najla Qamber Designs,

www.najlaqamberdesigns.com

Diane J. Reed has a Ph.D. in English and writes novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries and believe in true love. She has a soft spot for artisans and outlaws of the heart, those of us who burn brightly to live each day as a gift—because it is! Along with her passion for literature, she enjoys hiking, painting, chocolate, and spending time with her husband and two children in the Rocky Mountains.

Diane J. Reed loves to hear from readers, so feel free to visit her at
www.banditsranch.com
to sign up for her newsletter and to share the whispers of your spirit.

If you enjoyed this novel, please consider writing a review at Amazon.com.

Thank you, and have a magical day.

To read the sequel to
Robin in the Hood
and other books in the Robbin’ Hearts Series by Diane J. Reed, go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Diane-J-Reed/e/B0071FXGOE/