by Zara Asher
He nodded, unable to speak fully. He found a bottle of water in his hands and a towel covered his shoulders before a jeep pulled up as close as they could get, with Taylor and the girls mother. He’d drifted a fair distance in the water trying to get the girls back to shore.
He saw Taylor and the girls mum run the length of the beach, she to reach her babies, and Taylor to get to him, her hair flying magnificently wild in the wind.
‘Fuck, I thought you were all gonners,’ she said breathlessly as she knelt down beside him, rubbing his arms through the towel. If this was how a hero got treated, he’d have to save little girls more often.
‘What a stupid, brave and absolutely wonderful thing to do!’ Her mouth kissed his cheek while the lifeguard checked him over, and asked if he wanted to go to hospital. He declined. He wanted a hot shower and a sleep. Nothing more! He doubted that even Taylor’s multiple charms could raise his body from the exhaustion he was currently feeling, but he did accept a ride back to their hotel. He doubted that his legs would carry him that far.
###
Taylor checked them in at the desk, explaining what had happened to the receptionist. They were treated like royalty, and whisked up to their room by an efficient porter. Their bags were already in their rooms. David looked so exhausted and miserable that the porter didn’t even wait for a tip. He stripped off his wet clothes in the shower, dropping them on the bottom of the wet room floor when Taylor stepped in behind him.
‘I’ll run a bath,’ she said decisively, not giving him the option. He simply nodded. He was happy to let her take charge, as his eyes wanted to close. It was nice to have someone look after him. That was something he couldn’t remember since his mother was alive, and she’d died when he was ten. It was only around one pm, and their table was booked for evening, so he could sleep and still introduce her to some lovely French food. He didn’t want to disappoint her. He wrapped a towel around his waist while she ran the steaming hot water, dropping bubble bath into the flowing water. He risked falling asleep where he stood, but stepped in when she was finished. Doing what he was told. He relaxed into the water, letting his head rest on the side of the tub, before she slipped out of her clothes.
‘Move forward,’ she commanded. He was surprised, but did as he was told. He was in no mood to be alone. She slipped in behind him, sliding a plastic pillow between her shoulder blades and the unforgiving porcelain, pulling him towards her. He laid his head on her breasts as she soaped and rinsed his hair, washing away the stinging salt on his face. He felt his eyes close as he drifted off to sleep in her embrace.
Chapter 6
Taylor couldn’t believe he’d just dived into the water. She’d seen the dinghy, and the two little heads in the distance, far enough away for their screams to be silent. The mother was frantic, screaming and running to find people to help. When David ran into the sea, the mother had collapsed onto the sand, her tears and sobs wracking her whole body, shaking with a force of violence that Taylor had never seen before.
A man who spoke English, ran to the beach and said he’d find a lifeguard. She wished he’d just jumped into the sea like David, and gone to his aid. She waded into the warm water when he turned round briefly, but he was too far away to hear anything. Her blood began to pump faster as her heart thumped in her ears when he reached the dinghy. They looked like small specs in the distance, before she realized they were drifting along the shoreline.
‘Come on,’ she said as she helped the stricken mother to her feet, knowing they needed to move.
‘The lifeguard’s on his way,’ the English speaking gent returned and helped her steer the wailing mother along the beach. She’d no idea what language the mother was speaking, but what did that matter? She’d do as she was told.
A jeep pulled up alongside, the driver shouting for the English gent. The three of them gratefully climbed in. The driver spoke English well, which gave her hope. David had managed to get the dinghy close enough to shore for two lifeguards to get to them. He’d been amazed that the two children hadn’t fallen out of the little dinghy, considering how far out they were.
By the time they reached the rescue point, she saw him sitting on the sand, his shoulders wrapped in a towel and the two little girls being checked by a doctor. The mother wailed with happiness at seeing her girls ashore again, and Taylor’s heart had surged with emotion. Surely she couldn’t be falling in love already.
She’d felt useful when she took charge, getting their key from the hotel desk and running his bath.
Lying contentedly in the bath with his head resting on her chest, she felt his breathing steady, relaxing into a regular rhythm. After washing the salt from his face and hair, she lay twisting strands through her fingers, knowing she was falling for a man that could never be hers.
She struggled to believe that only a few days ago, she’d thought he’d be a mindless thug with no thought for anyone but himself. She couldn’t even bring herself to text Amber about him. Amber would think she was mad to fall for an ex gang kingpin with a blue dragon tattoo.
As the water cooled, she used a hand to wash the bubbles over his chest, filling in time before she knew she’d have to wake him. With her decision made, she kissed his temple, taking a liberty while he slept.
‘I am sorry,’ he said sleepily as he roused from his deep slumber. ‘It all caught up with me.’
‘Don’t be sorry, but it’s time for the hero to get out of the water. It’s freezing in here now.’
He rose from the bath, then wrapped himself tightly in an oversized towel, but she got a good look at his body, and the strong legs that saved those two little girls. She wrapped a towel around herself, then went with him, to his room, but she felt like an intruder and stopped at the door.
‘Do you mind if I come with you?’ she asked, not sure of the right protocol for things like this. He simply reached out his hand and took hers, leading her into the room before closing the blinds and picking up his phone.
‘We’ve got hours before the booking at Chavabox. I’ve delayed our table and set my alarm for eight. Is that enough time for you to get ready?’ he queried, while he slipped under the sheets.
She couldn’t believe what he’d said. She’d assumed they’d just eat in after what happened. ‘We’re still going?’ she raised her eyebrows and pursed her lips.
‘I want to spoil you Taylor. I think you’d like the food on offer, so if you’re still up for it, I’d like to take you.’ At that moment, she wanted to give him what he wanted. If he’d asked her to get him the moon, she would have sold her soul to get it.
‘No oysters, please. They give me a terrible headache,’ she grinned, sliding in beside him under the crisp white sheet on a massive bed. She could fit three double beds inside this beauty.
‘Were you scared? Out on the water, I mean?’
He propped himself up on an elbow to look at her. ‘I didn’t have time to be scared. It was two little girls Taylor. My brain didn’t think much, it just took over and made my arms and legs work.’
‘It was incredibly brave. It would have been nice for their mother to say thank you.’
‘Seeing those girls calmed down was enough thanks for me. They were petrified Taylor. When I got to them, they were screaming and crying and desperate. They were just so young and vulnerable.’
‘You’re my hero today!’ She ran a finger across his cheekbone before leaning her head forward to brush her lips against his.
She didn't care if they went out for dinner, but if he wanted to spoil her, she'd just enjoy it. If she slept for six hours right now, she'd be awake all night, which would be boring on her own if he crashed out again. There were only so many texts she could send Amber without telling her exactly what was happening.
She couldn't help herself. She leaned over to kiss him gently, which ended with David inhaling a long slow breath, which turned to a low moan from his throat. Taking the lead, she ran her hands down his chest, stopping at his navel to lightly trail
her fingers in a line across his hips, moving slowly lower until her fingers met his erection, standing proud between their bodies. She picked a condom from the dresser, ripped the foil and slipped it on. She turned round, her back facing his stomach as she guided him into her waiting lips from behind.
They rocked together in short, slow, sensual movements. He kissed her ear while he eased in and out gently. Sex this slow was new to her, but very welcome. Her body climbed in gentle waves, unlike anything she'd experienced before.
This must he what making love is, rather than just raw sex, she thought as her nerve endings tingled and twinged. Feeling his shudder and sharp intake of breath behind her, she knew he'd come silently. She expected him to fall asleep quickly afterwards, but he dealt with the condom and slipped quickly back in beside her.
He mimicked the actions she’d made with his body, sliding his fingers down her body, but turning her slightly to widen her legs for easier access. Just enough for him to spread her outer lips for access to her orgasm button.
She hadn’t expected him to finish her off. She’d given her body in awe, to the man whose esteem had climbed to impossible heights after rescuing the two girls. Taylor had been expecting to just lie with him for a few minutes, and then watch a little TV, or even read for a while, but his fingers caressed her clitoris as he circled and pinched it, bringing her to the point of orgasm. She felt her body tense as she came, taking her breath away for a few blissful seconds.
As soon as the waves of nerve tingling sensations left her body, she felt his hand relax, and a low snore come from his mouth in exhaustion, as he flipped over into a deep sleep. She dozed with him for a couple of hours, occasionally watching his chest rise and fall, before getting up for a glass of water. She unpacked her clothes, then came back to make a start on his, surprised to find them already hanging in the wardrobe. His young PA was efficient, and she hadn't even found out his name. Anyone who was this dedicated was worth knowing personally.
She began to tidy the mess they'd left in the bathroom when she had to smile. There were four different tubes of toothpaste laid out beside his toothbrush holder. It was like a flavour for every season. Lifting each one in turn, she found mint, fresh mint, stain removal and sensitive. The seemingly perfect David Burton had a little chink in his armor. She was almost tempted to take one away and see what happened, but that would be childish.
###
‘Easy tiger,’ she said as he thrashed about in his sleep. He’d been sleeping for hours, but settled back when she smoothed his brow. She was beginning to develop feelings for him and that made her nervous. She’d known when he swam out to the girls that if he didn’t make it back, she’d be devastated. Telling herself that it was wrong to fall in love with someone so soon, she convinced herself that she was in lust, nothing more.
With a couple of hours to go, she made an effort to get ready, knowing it would take her far longer than it would take him. Reluctantly, she made her way through the lounge to the connecting bedroom at the other side of their suite and closed the door. Just washing her hair, made her think about running her fingers through his, tugging his head closer, and stirring the familiar ache in her belly when she thought about him.
Shaking out her royal blue dress, she hung it in the shower, steaming it to remove any creases from being packed in a bag for a day. The dress was ruched at the sides, making allowances for the few pounds she’d put on since her skinny days. It would show off her new curves to perfection. She’d usually buy something much more conservative, but she’d felt daring in the shop. Perhaps it was the vibes he’d given off, making her want to look sexy and attractive for him.
Drying her hair, she piled it on top of her head, pulling out strands to frame her face. She put on a full face of make-up, paying particular attention to creating the illusion of dramatic and sexy eyes. It would be the first time he’d seen her dressed to kill. She knew she should start to quiz him about the gang, but it didn’t seem right to keep nagging him to tell her more. Kevin would just have to wait for an update.
As if he’d read her mind, her phone rang as she rolled her eyes in annoyance. She wondered if she should ignore it, but imagined him sending in the cavalry to rescue her if he thought something had gone wrong.
‘Hi Kevin, what can I do for you?’ she asked jovially.
‘How’s it going? Have you found out anything interesting yet?’
‘Nothing much to report really, other than he saved two little girls lives when they were set adrift in the sea around lunchtime. You’ll never believe it, but he took off, diving into the water and swimming out to get them. They were so tiny and so scared.’
‘What’s he doing now?’ Kevin sounded agitated. She knew he was annoyed. He’d think she was ignoring her work.
‘Sleeping it off. He was exhausted when he got back to shore.’
‘Is there any point in you staying? I can arrange to have you picked up and driven back to the closest airport.’ She’d forgotten Kevin could find out where she was. She’d given him the password to track her phone, but she was slightly irritated that he’d used it when there was no emergency situation.
‘I’d rather stay,’ she answered, quietly.
‘Jesus Taylor,’ he said exasperated. ‘You’ve crossed the line, I can tell. I’m pulling you out.’
‘You are not pulling me out. Yes, I like him, but it’s nobody’s business but mine. It’s not as if he’s a suspect or anything, but yes, to go back to your original point, I did find out something. He thinks Alan is a good guy, using a gang front to pull in kids from the wrong side of the tracks and show them a better life.’
Kevin paused, as if he was considering what she’d said. Either that or he was angry. She picked at her fingernails as she gave him a few seconds breathing space, waiting for him to speak first.
‘That makes sense, but it doesn’t tell us why Alan hasn’t given that up as a defense for himself.’
‘Why would he? It would blow his cover, and the gang too.’
‘Does David think he’s in the firing line as a possible victim?’
‘He thinks it’s a co-incidence and won’t affect him.’
‘I told you to watch your back girl. Getting involved with gang life isn’t something you should do lightly.’
‘I’m not a baby, Kevin. I’m twenty four years old. I can take care of myself.’
There was another agonizing pause. Kevin was obviously practicing his reply. It was a routine she’d seen him use in court to put a witness off guard. ‘I was afraid you’d say something like that,’ he said dejectedly. ‘I should have sent a guy. Someone who wouldn’t fall for his patter.’
‘I’m switching off my tracker. This weekend is off the record and it’s off the radar of work too. I’ll see you on Tuesday in the office.’ She ended the call, not wanting to hear any more. What if she’d just put her job on the line? Was any man worth that? Especially one that only wanted you for forty eight hours!
###
‘Time to get up,’ she whispered in his ear to rouse him from his deep sleep. David opened his eyes slowly with a grin on his face, widening to a sheepish glance of sheer desire as he took her in from head to toe.
‘Wow, I’m taking a Goddess out to dinner tonight. You look amazing.’ She’d worried that the dress would be too revealing for dinner in a fancy restaurant, but then remembered they’d seen lots of topless women on the beach earlier. Her dress was positively conservative in comparison.
He leapt from the bed, obviously recovered from his ordeal in deep water, and raced to the shower. She relaxed in the lounge, standing pensively at the window and admiring the view of the sea. She’d only had time to send a couple of texts when he breezed towards her, wearing trousers and pulling on the sleeves of a crisp white shirt. She raised her eyebrows appreciatively as he took her breath away, just as he did the first time she saw him. He pulled her in for a kiss, letting her hands feel the soft skin under his shirt before she began to button him up, knowin
g they’d miss their reservation if they went any further.
‘Down boy,’ she said, giggling like a teenager. Honestly, he was reducing her to a quivering mess. He stayed where he was, not in a hurry to move anywhere.
‘A taxi?’ he quizzed, with his hands on her hips, swaying them with the tiniest of movements.
She smiled brightly, the corners of her mouth turning up sexily while it reached her bright bluey gray eyes.
‘Let’s walk and work up an appetite.’
‘If you want to work up an appetite, we can do that right here,’ he nodded to the bed, his intention clear.
Swatting him in the chest with a hand, she stepped back and away from his embrace. Walking would do them both a lot of good, and dampen those raw, lustful emotions that threatened to overpower them both.
‘It’s nearly a mile you know!’ His lips twisted into a grimace, but she didn’t waver.
‘We’d better go then, or we’ll be late, and I know you don’t like people being late!’
When he shrugged on his jacket, she appreciated how it hung from his well-built shoulders. Damn, but he was a good looking man. She was in danger of losing her head - totally.
###
Walking through Le Suquet, alongside the West End of the port, Taylor was curious.
‘How did you find out about Alan using a gang to turn kids lives around?’ she asked as expensive cars flashed by frequently. She fleetingly wondered just how much money rode the streets, with every third car seeming to be a Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche. The narrow streets led to the top of a hill and she hoped he knew where he was going.
‘He wanted a friendly backer, and I was it. Who else could he have approached for sponsorship?’ He slipped his hand in hers, pulling at her fingertips. She wished she’d worn lower heeled sandals. They’d definitely get a taxi home. The balls of her feet were beginning to throb mercilessly.
She stopped outside a very expensive shop on the Bvd de la Croisette. Handbags in the window cost thousands. What kind of people can afford these?