by Rachael Wade
I freeze. My eyes fall to her cold, firm hand, clamped around my arm.
“Tell me, Miss Banks. Does Jade know of your affair with Tanner?”
“This isn’t something I care to discuss, Mrs. Christensen. Anything you want to know, I think you should speak to your son about.”
“This isn’t about me and my son.” She plants herself in front of me, blocking my path to the kitchen. “This is about my son and his fiancée. It’s about our ship and our family legacy. I’ve seen Tanner run around with his fair share of women, but they have never been so bold, so disrespectful!” She hushes herself for a moment, working to lower her voice. “I don’t know who you think you are or what on God’s green Earth you think you’re doing, but I refuse to let a home wrecker like you stand in the way of my son’s happiness and the wellbeing of his ship.”
For the first time since I’ve started seeing Tanner, I feel something different than anger or the need to defend myself. I’m suddenly hurt. All I can see in this woman’s eyes is complete disgust. All I hear in her words is the truth. I blink, pushing back a sudden onset of tears.
“You have every right to be concerned with your son’s personal and professional life, Mrs. Christensen.” I gently pull my arm from her grasp. “But I assure you my being here has nothing to do with my desire to interfere or harm Tanner in any way. I’m here because he asked me to be here, and because I have feelings for him. And I’m here, working for Jade, because she backed me into a corner out of spite and meddled with my career.”
“Serves you right. You’re the meddler, here. Sounds to me like she’s simply giving you a dose of your own medicine.”
I steel myself and look at her through hard, glassy eyes. “There’s a lot more to Tanner and Jade’s relationship—if that’s what you want to call it—than I think you realize. Maybe you wouldn’t judge me so harshly if you knew the truth.”
“Tssk,” she sputters, her arms going rigid at her side. “Nonsense. I know all there is to know about my son’s relationship with Jade.”
“Do you?”
“Of course I do. And I support the arrangement one hundred percent.”
Her words hit me and my chest tightens. She knows. She knows it all. Not only is she aware of the sham engagement, she’s all for it. A heavy, disappointed breath billows from my lips.
Of course, she is.
It ensures the preservation of her late husband’s legacy, as well as Tanner’s. It’s the answer to all of her problems. Now here I am, standing in her way. An inconvenience. A nuisance. In her eyes, a home wrecker.
“I see.” My voice is deflated. “So, you’re just as selfish as Jade. Good. Watching your son marry a woman he doesn’t love to please you and his deceased father won’t cause you to lose any sleep, then.”
She gapes at me, at a loss for words.
“People like you never have to worry about losing sleep, do you? As long as you get what you want, you’re satisfied.”
Margaret’s mouth slowly closes. She finally speaks. “You have some nerve, speaking as if you know a damned thing about me or my family. You know nothing.”
“I know enough. I know a self-absorbed woman when I see one. I know I’d never treat a loved one the way you’re treating your son.”
“Why, you little—”
“Okay!” Jade flits through the bedroom door, adjusting the long, flowing butterfly sleeves of her dress. “I’m starved. Shall we?”
Margaret averts her eyes and goes quiet, stepping back to distance herself.
Jade eyes us warily, but doesn’t comment. “Are you ready, Margaret?”
“Yes. Yes, of course, darling. I’m famished.”
“Perfect! The car just arrived.” She points out the living room window and reaches for her handbag. “We’ll speak later, Miss Banks.” I nod stiffly and watch them exit, stalking toward the bedroom the moment they disappear. My temper has just gone from zero to sixty in about ten seconds flat.
An overwhelming tidal wave crashes over me, sending my mind reeling. I don’t know how I’ll win this—any of it. I don’t know how I’m supposed to walk out of this situation unscathed. I stepped into an easy, exciting arrangement with Tanner and am now immersed in a world of deceit, threats, and emotional warfare. I never asked for any of it, and yet I willingly placed myself in the line of fire. For him.
It’s all been about him. From the very beginning. It was always him.
Suddenly my limbs can’t move fast enough. My feet can’t keep up with the frantic beat of my heart as my mind directs it to dive into action. I reach for the phone and dial Tanner’s number, jumping when I hear the door slam from the living room. Keeping the phone to my ear, I hurry out of the bedroom.
“Sorry I’m late.” Tanner stands there in his signature baby blue tie and a cream suit, his hair windblown and disheveled, eyes wild. “Come on, we’re going to be late.”
I cancel the call and set the phone down. My brow scrunches and my mouth waters as I drink him in. “Huh? Late for what?”
“You’ll see. I have everything we need in the car.” He glances at his watch and steps forward, holding out his hand. “Hurry, Anya. Time is of the essence, baby.”
I stumble forward and take his hand, scanning the house for anything I might need. “I thought we were going to the bedroom. What’s going on, is everything okay?”
Tanner walks us briskly to the door and turns, blinding me with a wide, stunning grin. “More than okay. I can’t wait to see your face.” He tugs my hand and we race to the car, peeling out of the driveway the moment our seatbelts are fastened. “Where was Jade?”
“She just left.”
“Where’d she go?”
“Out to eat with your mother.”
Tanner’s head snaps toward me, and anxiety douses his excitement. He slides on his sunglasses and looks back at the road. “My mother’s here. Again.”
“Yes. She said she has business to take care of in Nassau.”
“You, in the house with Jade and my mother at the same time. Perfect.”
“Hey.” I reach over the console and rest a hand on his knee, giving him a light squeeze. “Don’t worry about that right now. Tell me why you’re in such a rush. Where are you taking me?”
“To paradise.”
I laugh and scan the horizon before us, lifting my hands. “Uh…we’re already in paradise.”
“No.” Tanner shakes his head firmly, keeping his gaze glued on the road. “Paradise is anywhere you and I are alone, far away from this ship, this island, this mess. From now on, that is officially paradise in my book, Miss Banks.” His hand drops from the steering wheel, which up until now he’s been gripping for dear life, and covers mine.
“So, you’re really not going to give me a hint?”
“Nope.”
“I’m supposed to be working on the first feature. How long will we be gone?”
“That depends.”
“On?”
“How long you’d like to stay. You’ll have plenty of research material at your fingertips. Just sit back and relax. Let me spoil you.”
“You’re very good at that already.”
He grins wickedly and cranes his neck, leaning over to give my throat a swift bite. “I’m just getting started, baby.” The sting of his teeth sends goose bumps racing down my arms. I inhale a slow, warm breath and settle back into the passenger seat, reveling in the balmy, tropical breeze as it whips through the open windows and slips over my skin. The sun reaches into the car and wraps itself around me, and the tension leaks from my body.
Tanner flicks a dial and “Gooey”by Glass Animals fills the car. And it begins to happen again—the same thing that always seems to happen when Tanner and I are alone, in our own little bubble. I’m sent into a hazy, welcome bliss, where for just a few minutes, I can pretend. I’m Tanner’s, he’s mine, and no crazy fiancée, meddling mother, or warped business deals exist. All is right in the world.
Mr. Blue Eyes loves me. And we’re on our way to pa
radise.
SIX
“Won’t Jade and your mother wonder where we are?” I glance around as Tanner drives us onto a bumpy, dirt road. The trees begin to thin out and we approach a large, rusty gate. It opens automatically.
“Of course they will,” he says nonchalantly, one hand draped over the wheel as the other rests on my knee.
“And that doesn’t concern you.”
He eyes me over his sunglasses, giving me that cocky, self-assured look that he owns so well. “I’m still Tanner Christensen. The Trident Voyager is still my ship, Miss Banks. Jade has power here, there’s no denying it, but so do I, and I’ll spend my free time as I see fit.”
“If you say so…”
“I say so.”
“What about me?”
“What about you?”
“Jade technically owns me.”
“Technically, so do I.” He pulls his sunglasses from his eyes and sends me a devilish wink.
“That’s not what I mean, you smug arse. She’ll demand to know where I am. And the second she learns I’m with you, that will only agitate her more. Are you sure you want to stir the pot? We already have enough working against us at the moment.”
“I told you, Anya. I will not let you lose your job. If Jade wants to argue over how you spend your time while you’re aboard my ship, I’ll simply tell her the truth. You’re doing research. And the cat’s out of the bag. She knows I’m involved with you. Now, are you going to quit worrying and pay attention to where we are?” He coolly gestures to the front windshield, directing my attention to the vast, open field that sprawls out before us.
“Is this…oh my God, it is.” I sit forward in my seat as I register our surroundings. A small, shabby airplane hangar is stationed to our right, and a compact, private jet awaits us at the far end of the grassy runway. “We’re taking your mother’s plane somewhere?”
“No, we’re taking my plane somewhere. I have my own jet.”
“Of course you do,” I mumble beneath my breath, gaping at the luxurious aircraft.
“This runway used to be prime drug smuggling ground in the early 60s. Once the island was purchased by my father, he cleaned it up and used it for private charter services, and for his and my mother’s personal use, of course.” He brings the car to a rolling stop, parking just a few feet from the jet. A man in a black suit and matching shades hurries over to open his door, then scurries around to open mine. I thank him and watch as he promptly ducks into the driver’s seat and relocates Tanner’s car.
“I’ve…I’ve never been in a jet this size before.” My steps slow as Tanner leads me to the entrance. My stomach is a bit uneasy and my hands are suddenly cold and clammy.
“Do you not like to fly?” Tanner slows his stroll and hangs back with me, keeping my hand tight in his. “It’s perfectly safe, baby. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I shake my head and bite my lip. A sweat breaks out over my forehead. I’m not sure why I’m panicking. I fly often, and I intend on flying even more as I branch out in my career endeavors with Four Corners Elite. But something about this sleek, shiny, small jet sets me on edge.
“Miss Banks, you’ve conquered the ocean. Now it’s time to conquer the sky.” Tanner’s thumb finds my bottom lip, freeing it from my teeth. His eyes pierce mine and he bends, pressing a soft kiss along my jaw. “I assure you, what’s awaiting you on the other end of this flight is more than worth it. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?”
I peer up into his shimmering, azure gaze. Since I’ve met him, I’ve done nothing but trust him. Trust him with my heart, body, and mind. Against all common sense, I placed myself at his mercy. I knew he played. I knew he was unavailable—that I could only have him on his terms. But now, as I stand here looking up at him, I realize I’m more vulnerable in his care than ever before. Because I’ve already jumped in. He already has me. There’s no going back. But none of this changes anything. I still want to trust him. I still want more of him—more than I know he can give.
I nod.
“That’s my girl,” he says huskily, brushing his mouth against my temple. He moves aside and lets me take the first step forward, gently keeping my hand in his.
I fill my lungs with air and release a full breath, then take my first step up the platform. Tanner is right behind me, patiently guiding, encouraging me forward as we duck and step inside the jet. As soon as I’m in, I’m taken by the seating arrangement—it’s not at all what I feared it would be.
Instead of tightly-packed, lumpy chairs, the ivory leather seats are just as luxurious and appealing as the jet’s external design. They’re wide and accommodating, with ample space between them. There are four seats total, all facing one another like armchairs in a living room. Small side tables are perched at the sides, boasting glasses pre-filled with champagne and tiny trays of exquisite, finely crafted chocolates.
I smile. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
“This isn’t paradise yet, baby. But we’re getting close. Are you pleased?”
“Is that a serious question? Yes!” I lean up on my tiptoes to peck him on the cheek. “Yes, I’m pleased!”
“Are you still nervous?”
“Yes, but I’m ready.” I move steadily toward one of the seats and settle into the sensuous leather, and quickly strap myself in. “Tell the pilot to take off. Now. Before I lose my nerve.”
Tanner chuckles and starts for the cockpit. “As you wish, Miss Banks.”
Minutes later the low rumbling of the jet engines vibrate around us, but it’s a soft rumble, almost a purr, as sexy as the machine itself. Tanner sits beside me, one arm casually draped over his lap. He is the picture of sophistication, marred by a carnal edge that demands my attention. My glance slides to the right, taking in the top of his crisp shirt and the two buttons he’s left undone, which expose a sliver of his chest. His suit jacket is undone, the luxurious fabric yielding smoothly to the hard ridges of his abdomen.
I cross my legs and clear my throat.
“Is there a problem, Anya?” He slides his cuff, glancing briefly at his watch. “You’re missing takeoff.”
“I’ve never been on a private jet before.”
“What’s your impression so far?” A knowing curl of his lips sends my fingers digging into the armrests. He readjusts his cuff and turns his attention straight ahead.
“You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“That thing you were doing earlier. The new approach of yours, or whatever you called it.”
“Am I?”
“You know damn well you are.”
His head tilts, just enough to let me know he’s enjoying himself. The smug bastard. “Well? Is it working?” A smooth, low chuckle vibrates in his throat. “Of course it is. I’m just waiting for you to say it.”
I cross my arms and my chin lifts in defiance. “Waiting for what, exactly?”
He finally turns to me. His voice is deadpan, eyes crystal clear and sparkling with mischief. “That you want me to fuck you here, in the air. Above it all. Where no one will ever hear you scream.”
For a split second, I attempt to think of a witty comeback. Something sharp and snappy, something that will put the arrogant prick in his place. But my body and heart always win when it comes to Tanner. My mind takes a backseat, and I can’t say I feel too badly about that.
He’s just that good.
“Tanner,” I swallow and pause, summoning the will to give him exactly what he wants. What difference does it make if he wins? I’ll be getting something out of this, too.
“Yes, Miss Banks?”
“Please fuck me here, in the air.”
His eyes spit fire, holding mine. His chest rises sharply and his lips part, but he doesn’t move. His feet are planted firmly on the carpet, hands poised on the armrests. “Finish the request.”
I glance to the left. “What?”
His lips close, pursing tightly. His Adam’s apple bobs. He spea
ks again. “Say it—all of it. Tell me again. Finish the request. Tell me how to please you.”
I replay the request in my head, mumbling to myself to recall the words he’s just recited to me. “Please fuck me here, in the air. Above it all.” I throw him a questioning look, making sure I’m on track. He nods in response, the motion almost imperceptible. “Where no one will hear me scream.”
The moment the words are out, he snaps from his seat, rising to yank me up and out of mine. One hand grips my throat, while the other clamps down on my waist, directing me backward, to the back of the jet. My eyes are wide as I absorb his aggression, the serious intent in his gaze. There’s nothing careful about it, nothing soft or sweet. I’ve seen this side of Tanner before, but this—this is something different entirely. It’s raw and animalistic, and one hundred percent dangerous. I know the man would never intentionally hurt me, but the sheer strength of his force and the look in his eyes has me questioning how sore I’ll be after he has his way with me.
The thrill races through me at lightning speed, intensified by the reminder that we are, indeed, up in the air and away from it all—everything that in this very moment holds me hostage.
He shoves us through a red curtain and up against a small serving counter, roughly tugging the curtain closed behind us. I’m lifted and pushed back onto the countertop, where my back rattles a coffee pot and a stack of plates. I think there are rolled-up sets of silverware beneath me, digging into my thigh. I can’t tell. Whatever’s doing the digging, I don’t care. The discomfort is delicious, just as enticing and exciting as the sight before me. Tanner fusses wildly with his suit jacket and tie, loosening them for better access. My hands run over his chest just as frantically, grasping for anything and everything that will allow his skin to brush against mine, faster, sooner, now.
He dips his head and bites at my lip, then my jawline. “Anya, undo your blouse. Now.” His hand drops to his fly and in seconds he’s stroking himself, readying himself for the detonation that I know is coming. All I want is to feel him inside me, but I want to bring him pleasure, more. I know what he wants, what he’s asking for, and I willingly give it to him.