Johnny & I : The Island

by Daria M Paus

  Nervousness was nothing but a dim memory, now trivial and shallow in comparison to the moment we’d shared. I’d never felt closer to any other man, not even those I’d known for years. Being with Johnny made me feel so much and so deeply that it seemed impossible to leave him.

  He must have sensed where my thoughts were, and when I refocused on him, the way he eyed me caused small shivers to ripple through my body.

  I flashed him a quick smile, still amazed how he could affect me like he did. Just one intense gaze and I was practically gasping for air. I made a mental note to have my nervous system checked out. Surely, I was not reacting like a normal person anymore.

  "You kill me you know," I said with a grin.

  He raised an eyebrow.

  "Like this?" Before I had a chance to react, he rolled over and trapped me under his body, then kissed me until we both gasped for air.

  The smile on his lips took my breath away all over again, filling my heart with a warmth that had nothing to do with lust. That smile was genuine, as real as I'd ever seen him smile. In that moment, all the sadness that seemed to have taken permanent residence in his eyes was gone. As much as I loved his dark mysterious look, I realized now, that it was nothing compared to the way he smiled. Without the weight of the world on his shoulders, without the haunted look on his face. Without it, he looked younger. Free. Could it really be because of me? Was I responsible for this unforgettable smile?

  "What are you thinking?" he asked.

  I was tempted to tell him the truth, but didn't want to ruin the moment by being emotional. Instead of replying, I slid one hand into his hair, pulling his face down to kiss him. He responded without hesitation, letting his delicate hands caress my body until I trembled under his touch.

  "Johnny," I breathed his name onto his lips.

  His reply was nothing but a growl and I shivered under the weight of his rock-hard body.

  At that moment, everything I’d ever done, every failed relationship, every boring guy I’d turned down—led me to this moment. I was no longer scared, no longer felt the need to run away. But the irony didn’t go unnoticed by me. When I finally found someone worth staying with, life itself would tear us apart.

  A wave of sadness washed over me, bringing tears to my eyes. When he kissed me again the feeling was forgotten. His lips left goosebumps in their wake as they trailed down my body. When he returned his mouth to mine, the only thing I could focus on was this moment. And as he lowered himself down on top of me, and our bodies melted together into one, the rest of the world faded away.

  An ear-shattering boom reached my ears seconds before the window cracked.

  15

  Trapped

  I bolted upright, staring wide-eyed at the cracked glass which still trembled in the aftermath, as I tried to make sense of the abrupt transition back into reality.

  "What the fuck was that?"

  Johnny stared back at me with an equal look of alarm on his face.

  I shook my head, not sure what I’d heard.

  "Bloody hell." He looked at me with the same mix of emotion that must’ve been on my own face. I was tempted to ignore it, whatever it had been, it didn’t concern us. One look at Johnny told me he was having the same thoughts, and I couldn’t help but smile at his confused expression. His eyes traveled between our naked bodies and his typical ‘what the fuck’ look came over his face. Then he groaned. "I have to check it out."

  I nodded, knowing he was right.

  We both got dressed in a rush, and the moment I stepped through the door, the smell of smoke filled my nostrils. My eyes darted to Johnny, and the look on his face sent a chill down my spine. Not knowing what to expect I hurried after him in the direction of the pier.

  A wall of heat hit me before I saw the dark cloud of smoke rising above a raging fire, which seemed to come straight out of the ocean. My feet stopped moving. I stood frozen to the spot as the situation slowly materialized before my eyes.

  “Wait!”

  The roar of the fire drowned my attempt to reach him, and as he ran toward the boat, I knew I had to stop him before he’d get himself killed. His recklessness no longer surprised me, but just because he didn’t care about risking his life—I did.

  I caught up with him, already out of breath from the sudden sprint.

  “Are you crazy?” I gasped, pulling him backward. “What the hell were you thinkin’!”

  Once at a safe distance, I let him go, but he didn’t try to move this time. The stunned expression on his face and the lack of action was the only answer I needed. It was too late.

  "How . . ." I trailed off, taking my eyes off Johnny’s face to look at the burning boat.

  “How could—"

  He shook his head in disbelief.

  I lay a comforting hand on his arm, shielding my mouth and nose with the other.

  As I stared down at the flames, a thought popped into my mind and my body went cold despite the overwhelming heat pressing against us.

  We were trapped.

  I held my breath as if that would make it better, but honestly, it felt like I had forgotten how to breathe. That boat had been our only way off the island. Yes, my secret wish had been to stay here forever, but I realized now, that no matter how badly I wanted to stay with Johnny, I also needed to get home to my family. Now when it seemed my wish had come true, all I felt was a simmering panic deep in my belly.

  We waited for the fire to die down before heading over to the beach. There was no need to rush, the moment it had started it had already been too late, and it was with sorrow in our hearts that we stopped to watch the remains of the boat.

  A look of disbelief was written all over Johnny's face as he walked up to the waterline and picked up something floating there.

  The sun burned my skin and the waves rolled peacefully, not at all caring about what had happened. I couldn't help but think back to the stormy night when we’d been out, risking our lives to save the boat.

  There was nothing left of her now, just a few twisted pieces floating, and the burning remains of oil on the surface of the water. What couldn't burn had sunk, leaving only the memory of the once magnificent ship for us to miss.

  We’d feared the storm would take her, but never could we have guessed a fire would be her destruction.

  "It wasn’t an accident."

  I walked closer to see what he was holding.

  "Is that what I think it is?" I asked, not fully understanding yet.

  He nodded. "It's gasoline. And it’s not mine.”

  A chill ran down my spine and I came to think of the feeling I’d had on the beach that morning. I’d pushed those thoughts aside, blaming it on my imagination, but maybe I hadn't been wrong?

  "Johnny," I began. "I remember somethin'.”

  Before I could explain, a flash of recognition ignited in my mind and the words caught in my throat, threatening to choke me. The color drained from my face as little snippets of voices echoed in my mind.

  She's dead, push her out.

  Get rid of her.

  The world started to spin around me. I grabbed Johnny’s arm. The nagging thought that had been so far out of reach, now overwhelmed me.

  "Bree."

  Hands on my shoulders.

  "Bree!"

  I managed to swallow, to breathe, to finally look up at him. He must’ve seen the fear in my eyes, but before he could ask, the words burst from my lips.

  “I heard someone, voices in the dark. That first night. They thought I was dead.” I paused to suck in a few gulps of air. “It’s them, they did this. I told you I had this feeling, but I couldn’t remember.”

  When I’d told him everything I remembered, only one thing was stuck in my mind. It’s my fault. And that thought was hard to shake.

  His long silence made me fear the worst. I wanted to cry, so sure everything between us was ruined. He must be blaming me; he had every right. Had I only tried harder, had I only pushed myself to remember . . .

&nb
sp; I forced myself to look up at him when all I wanted was to run away and never have to face the consequences. I couldn’t stand the thought of him being angry with me.

  "Fuck,” he said, and I felt like dying right then and there. “Do you know what this means?"

  I just managed a small shake of my head, then I looked down at my feet in shame. "I'm sorry," I whispered.

  "What?"

  He sounded so confused I had to look back up.

  "No," he went on. "No, I didn't mean it like that." He gave me a small smile. "I'm fucking worried.”

  Before I had a chance to speak, he stated the obvious. “We’re not alone on the island.”

  I gulped, looking around as if I’d expected someone to be standing there holding up a surprise sign.

  “Someone just trapped us here.” He looked around, and when I studied his face, I could clearly see the concern he tried to conceal.

  “Why would—" I looked out at the sea, then back at Johnny. "Can we call someone to come get us?”

  He shook his head, and I stared at him in confusion.

  “Phone’s gone.” He stated the obvious, but hearing it still made my eyes grow bigger, the fear slowly coming on stronger and I heard myself shriek. “How are we goin' to get off the island?"

  "Sooner or later they’ll come looking for me; I was supposed to be back on set last week. They’ll come. I just hope . . ." His voice trailed off and he seemed to think before he continued. "I just hope they won't be too late."

  Another chill made me shiver despite the heat. I did not like the sound of that, and the look on Johnny's face didn't make me feel better, either.

  "Let's go back, come." He grabbed my hand and I followed him in silence, casting nervous glances all around as we walked. I saw nothing out of the ordinary, but that didn't offer much comfort, not when I knew we weren't alone anymore.

  16

  The creeps

  He told me to wait and I did—for about ten seconds. I appreciated the thought of my safety, but honestly, I was more concerned about his. The moment I stepped into the hallway I realized something was wrong. Everything was too quiet. For a few seconds I stood frozen to the spot, then I turned right into the living room.

  A little scream tore from my throat and a hand flew to my mouth as my eyes landed on Johnny, sprawled on the floor. The once healed wound in his head had reopened and bled as he lay unconscious before me.

  Not thinking rationally, I ran to him, dropping down at his side.

  "Johnny!” I shook him, but he didn't move. Pressing a trembling hand to the bleeding wound, I mumbled the word no, over and over as if somehow that would make it all right.

  "We have to get out of here!” Panic started to build up inside of me. "Come on!"

  He didn't show any sign of life and I felt like crying.

  Get the hell outta here, my inner voice urged. Now! I didn't listen to it; how could I?

  Leave him! Run! I hesitated, throwing a quick look toward the door. Then I turned my gaze back on Johnny, silently praying to whoever was willing to listen for him to wake up.

  Save yourself, the voice yelled. For Christ sake!

  "You couldn't stay away, now could you?" A raspy voice spoke in my ear. I screamed, trying to move away but I fell back onto the floor. A rough hand grabbed my arm and dragged me to my feet.

  "This changes things, you see."

  My eyes were wide and I could feel the color quickly leave my face as I looked up at my captor. A man with a large frame, topped with short-cropped brown hair, and the palest of blue eyes glared down at me. He wore a leather vest over a dirty white shirt, and the hand that held my upper arm in a firm grip was black with dirt.

  "Let go of me," I shrieked, trying to pull my arm free. "What are you doin’ here?"

  The man laughed. "What are you doing here?" He put a huge emphasis on the word you.

  "Why are you doin' this?"

  "Shut up and listen to me."

  The grip of my arm made it impossible to move. I tried to turn my head to see Johnny, but a sharp pain in my cheek stopped me, and it took several seconds to grasp what had happened. Tears sprung to my eyes and a few rolled down my cheeks. My legs started to tremble and I could feel the taste of blood in my mouth.

  "Please."

  "Shut the fuck up!”

  "What have you done to him?" I dared to whisper.

  The man scoffed, turning me around and the sight of Johnny’s unconscious body made fresh tears spring to my eyes. I choked back a sob.

  "I didn't kill him if that's what you’re wondering."

  “Why—"

  A dirty hand in front of my face shut me up. I was sure that if I didn’t keep my mouth closed, he’d hit me again.

  "Garrett, where the fuck are you?"

  The sudden shout made me flinch. As he started to drag me toward the wall, another man came into view and I shuddered at the sight of him. His blond hair was long and oily and he wore a satisfied grin as he made his way over to where I stood.

  "What do we have here?" He raised a blonde eyebrow in question. "She's hot." He grinned at no one in particular, then he leaned closer. “You and I are gonna have some fun, aren't we, girl?"

  I cringed away and the firm grip of my arm tightened. Both of them laughed. The blond, Garrett, strolled over to where Johnny was lying and placed a well-aimed kick to his stomach. "Get the fuck up."

  Breath caught in my throat from the sudden shock, and I tried to yank my arm free as my body automatically tried to get to him. Garrett placed a few more kicks, and let out a string of loud curses as Johnny remained motionless. I clawed at the man’s hand with my free hand. He grabbed my other arm as well, pulling both of them abruptly behind my back. "Don't hurt him." Desperation laced my voice, and I was sure they found it amusing.

  “Just trying to wake him up, aren’t I, Sean?"

  So that was his name. Sean. I hated it already. The sudden anger that rushed through me surprised me, and before I could control myself, I snapped. "You shouldn't have knocked him out if you wanted him awake."

  "She has a temper, too. Hot,” Garrett sneered.

  "Creep," I muttered, but decided to keep quiet. I didn't want to get hit again.

  The blond crouched next to Johnny and grabbed a handful of his hair to lift his head. Fresh blood leaked from the reopened wound, trailing down his cheek and over his lips, before dripping down onto the floor. "Fuck it, Sean, did you have to hit so hard. I don't wanna wait." He threw a meaning look my way as he said it, and I shuddered.

  "I swear I didn't," Sean defended himself. Garrett snorted, letting go of his grip with a shove. I watched through tear filled eyes as Johnny's head fell back to the floor with a thud. Then I looked away. I couldn't stand to see them hurting him.

  That's when I heard it, and I looked back at Johnny, just in time to see him start to move.

  "About time." Garrett grabbed Johnny's arm to pull him up. He blinked as if trying to focus, squinting at the man hovering above him, and then it seemed to dawn on him.

  His eyes shot open only to narrow again. "Get your hand off of me." He yanked his arm free and tried to sit. It was obvious even from where I stood that he was struggling.

  "Too slow," Garrett snarled, aiming another shoe toward Johnny. I screamed, hoping to warn him, but it was too late. With a low moan, he sunk back to the floor, doubled over.

  "Stop it!" I shrieked, seeing the creep about to land another kick. "Don't hurt him. Please.”

  "Shut up!” Drops of spit flew from his mouth as he yelled.

  I ignored him. "Johnny," I called out. "Get away from him, come on!"

  My shouting didn't seem to have any effect, and the desperation grew as the blond once again hovered over Johnny who was struggling to catch his breath.

  "Hey!" I yelled. "Garrett!" The words I chose weren't pretty but they had the effect I’d hoped for. Garrett’s eyes burned with anger and his lips pressed into a tight line as he strode toward me. The curses that poured from
his lips made my pitiful attempt at bad-mouthing him seem silly in comparison. At least he left Johnny alone, and in my peripheral view, I saw him struggle to his feet.

  "I should’ve drowned you when I had the chance." Garrett was inches from my face, teeth bared in a snarl. “Fucking bitch.”

  Before I had time to mentally prepare for it, his fist slammed into my chin, making my head snap to its side from the blow. I could taste fresh blood in my mouth and tears came to my eyes.

  A loud ringing noise filled my ears, and black dots danced before my eyes. Somewhere around me, I heard the sickening sounds of fists colliding with flesh. The thuds and curses seemed to spin around my head. I felt someone briefly touch my cheek, then my world turned black.

  17

  The Fight

  The first thing I saw as my vision cleared was Garrett with a knife to Johnny's throat. “Fucking coward. Hitting a girl?” Johnny growled.

  Garrett let out a snort. “Hypocrite." He laughed a humorless laugh. "Fucking celebs, think you can get away with anything. All you need is money and a pretty face; it makes me sick." He spat each word out.

  "What the hell are you talking about?" Johnny seemed confused, but I knew.

  “Think.” Garrett gestured toward me. "How would you feel if I fuck your girl, huh?" He tightened the grip of the knife, pressing it a little closer to Johnny's skin. "You wouldn't want that now would you, asshole."

  As if to demonstrate his friend's words, Sean pressed his dirty lips against mine, and I tried to move away but he held me too tight. The stench from his breath almost made me vomit. I gagged, groaned, squirmed, and finally, he stepped back. A twisted grin played on Garrett’s lips—a grin that made me fear that this was not the last thing he had planned for me. My stomach churned and I struggled to hold back the tears. I didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

  "Don't touch her.” I heard the desperation in Johnny’s voice, how badly he wished he could save me. "Please."

  Sean laughed and Garrett joined in. "Why the fuck not?"

  I glanced over at Johnny.