Pocketful of Diamonds

by Pierce, Nicolette

  He pushed a bowl in front of her. “Stir this while I measure another batch.”

  She took the bowl and spoon, focusing on the dough instead of Gerard. It was moments later when she prodded, “Well?”

  “Well, what?”

  “You said he is versatile. How?”

  “Why do you care?” Ian asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

  “I was just curious. He seems to change in a blink of an eye.”

  “I guess what I meant is that he tends to acclimate better than I do. We both arrived here at the same time and yet he is nearly a local while I still have to choke down fufu.”

  Gwen smiled. “This kind of life isn’t for everyone, Ian. I know I couldn’t do it. Not for any length of time. I love modern conveniences too much.”

  So did he.

  By traveling extensively, he was used to foregoing air conditioning and showers in exchange for desert trekking and mountain climbing. But he always knew he’d arrive back in civilization where he could relax until his next adventure.

  His last adventure had landed him here. And for a while, everything was right with the world. He felt like he had finally come home. Little by little, that feeling was slipping away, and it scared him. His comfort level had plummeted the day the rebels came and tossed him blindfolded into their jeep. However, he couldn’t leave, not when there was so much still to do. And yet, he didn’t see himself growing old here, either.

  “You’re quiet,” Gwen said. “Do you think Jasper will be back tomorrow?”

  Ian shook his head. “I think he’ll be back, but not tomorrow. Though I wouldn’t doubt he’ll have men watching to see what we do.”

  “So you’ll leave the diamonds in the ground,” she said. “You know they won’t stay safe there forever.”

  It was no use trying to deny her suspicions. When it came to diamonds she had more of a sense for them than Gerard. “They’ll never be safe in Sierra Leone. I have to get rid of them fast.”

  “I’d offer to help, but I don’t think you want me anywhere near them.”

  Ian watched as she stirred. What was it about her that made him want to trust her when he knew she’d steal from him again? Weren’t the first two times enough?

  She rubbed her nose with her forearm, leaving a smudge of flour. The palest of freckles that he’d never noticed before shown darker next to the white dusting. His fingers twitched, wanting to reach out, but he held back.

  No. She was not to be trusted. It was just his body trying to convince him otherwise. It wasn’t the first time his body had led him astray. But he sure wouldn’t let it again, especially not with Gwen. He just had to survive tonight, and then he would never see her again . . . as long as she kept her promise.

  Chapter 10

  Gwen was not going to keep her promise. Oh, she would leave, but she had a plan. Well, maybe not a plan, but an idea. One that she couldn’t tell Ian because she knew he’d never agree.

  Gwen gazed upon the merry party as they sang songs in a language she couldn’t understand. The pizza had long been eaten while the poyo and beer still flowed. Their colorful dress clothes illuminated under the bright moon and millions of twinkling stars. There was no need for light when the sky worked its magic.

  She watched as Saba danced around the fire with Ian while Gerard and Manni sat in companionable silence, each drinking from the same cup. Gerard glanced over, surprised to find her looking at him.

  “Trying to find a way to do us in and plunder our diamonds?” he muttered, taking a drink and then handing the monkey the cup. Seeing that it was empty, Manni dropped it and chattered angrily.

  “Plunder?” Gwen asked. “Am I a pirate?”

  Gerard stood and grabbed three beers from the stash he had next to him. He walked over the few steps to Gwen and sat down beside her in the grass. He opened all three and handed one beer to her and one to the monkey.

  “You shouldn’t let him drink,” Gwen said, eyeing Manni.

  “He was drinking long before I got here. The locals say he wandered here as a baby and has thought he’s a human ever since.”

  “But still . . .”

  Gerard shrugged, jostling the tipsy monkey. “He can open a beer himself if he wants to.”

  “No, he can’t.”

  Gerard reached over for a new beer and gave it to Manni, taking the one he had opened away. Manni let out a disgruntled screech and jumped down. He grabbed a small rock from the shore and used it to pry open the bottle cap. Gwen was sure she heard a contented sigh when it popped off.

  “Smart little fellow,” Gerard cooed as Manni raced back with the beer bottle that was nearly as big as he was.

  Gwen shook her head. Life here was a little odd, a lot stressful, and a bit enchanting. She could see why Ian and Gerard stayed. But it’d still never be the life for her. She would, however, help. It was the least she could do. She wasn’t expected to report back for a few days, so she had some time to solidify her plan.

  “When are you leaving?” Gerard asked.

  “I’ll leave now if you want me to.”

  He glanced over at Ian and Saba still dancing and shook his head. “Stay the night. You can have the couch in the office.”

  She eyed him. “Why the change of heart? Before, you tied me up like a mummy.”

  “It’s safer to drive in the daylight, and you worked hard tonight.” Gerard stood and brushed off his shorts. “But I strongly suggest not coming back. Life here is not easy and extremely unkind. And if you come back, I will be unkind. These families have been through enough.”

  She took his warning to heart. “I will be gone in the morning. Thank you for letting me use the couch.”

  “I’d give you the key, but you know how to break in.”

  She nodded. “I can manage.”

  Gerard walked off without another word and headed over to Saba, cutting in on the dance. Ian didn’t seem to mind and clapped Gerard on the shoulder, tagging himself out. Gwen watched as he spoke with the others. He smiled and laughed. Each second she watched him, she fell further under a spell that he didn’t even know he was weaving. She wished things had been different. With him, she could almost see a happy ending. Or, if nothing else, a very exciting beginning.

  With his stormy gray eyes, dark hair, tempting body, and unassuming personality, he was like a forbidden drug, one that she couldn’t seem to shake no matter how hard she tried. She shook for wanting that next exquisite dose.

  Ian spotted her in that moment. His jaw clenched and he said something to the man he had been speaking to, then left to walk over to her. She steadied her nerves for whatever he might have to say, especially since it was most likely an order to evacuate.

  “I thought you might have left by now,” he said.

  She shook her head. “I was watching the party. Everyone is enjoying themselves. But perhaps not the pizza.” She tried for a smile but feared it didn’t quite make it onto her face. Why did he affect her so?

  Ian laughed. “I think they did enjoy it, but it took a few bites to get accustomed to it.”

  “It turned out rather well.”

  He nodded. “Thank you for your help.”

  She dipped her head in acknowledgment. “Gerard offered use of the office couch tonight, if that is okay with you.”

  “And if it isn’t?”

  “Then I’ll leave.”

  Ian grabbed a beer from Gerard’s stash and opened it with a quick twist. He took a fortifying sip before nodding. “The couch is yours if you want it.”

  “Thank you.”

  He nodded one last time and set off, away from the party. Away from her.

  * * *

  Gwen would stay for the night, and all he could do was think about taking her to his bed and burying himself deep within her. What was the matter with him? He shouldn’t think of her in that way. He should hate her. And yet, he didn’t. Not really. Yes, he was angry with her and would never trust her. But there was something about her that he couldn’t let
go of.

  While they were making dinner, it had been almost too simple to forget how she nearly destroyed him and the village. They had worked in harmony, each moving around the other in sync. Her body close to his as they worked in the small kitchen. Why couldn’t the Gwen of tonight and the Gwen of his dreams be the Gwen of his future and not a thief?

  He shook his head to stop thinking of her and walked down the path that led home. Thankfully, he was beyond tired and would probably pass out as soon as he hit the bed. He wouldn’t have to think another minute about her, and when he woke up, she’d be gone. Just like last time.

  But as he finally fell into bed, kicking off the sheets because it was too damn hot, all he could think about was her. He stared at the ceiling until he thought it would light on fire from all the images streaming through his mind. She had been beautiful that night, the pale moonlight glimmered on her skin as she lay entwined with him. Her brown eyes, darkened to the purest onyx. Her satin skin dampened with their mingled sweat after he took her again and again. It had seemed as though it would last forever.

  Willing his eyes to close and remain that way until the sun rose, he shifted to his side and bunched the pillow under his head. After a wrestling match with what used to be his favorite pillow, he gave up. It was no use.

  Ian sat on the edge of the bed and let his head fall into his hands. How could he have given so much control to Gwen? She held his heart in her hands and didn’t even know nor care.

  Slowly, he glanced at the door as a really bad idea took hold. Perhaps one last night with Gwen, knowing they would never see each other again, would finally break the spell. What if, after all this time, there really hadn’t been a connection between them and it had just been a figment of his imagination?

  It was possible.

  But did he really want to find out? It could cause more harm than good. And if he did go to her, how would she react? He imagined everything from her jumping into his arms to slapping him across the face. At this point, he would take either reaction just to know where the hell he stood. As of right now, it felt as though the world was toppling off its axis.

  He groaned and fell back on the mattress. No woman was worth this much self-doubt and misery.

  A soft knock on the door jarred him. He jumped from the bed and hurried over to the door. “Gwen?” He swung the door open only to slam it shut again. Gerard blocked and let himself in.

  “I guess I’m not the one you wanted to see,” he said.

  With his hands on his hips, Ian took a steadying breath. “I’m not in the mood to talk.”

  “Obviously you have something, or someone, on your mind.”

  “What do you want?”

  “Just making sure you’re okay. I saw you leave after you spoke to Gwen. You seemed upset.”

  “Upset?” Ian wanted to laugh. “She dug her way under my skin, and I can’t get rid of her no matter how hard I try.”

  “She’ll be gone tomorrow. That should help.”

  He shook his head. “It didn’t help last time, and it won’t help this time either.”

  Gerard plunked down a bottle of whiskey. “A sleeping aid.”

  Ian eyed the bottle. “Where did you get that?”

  Gerard smiled. “I have my suppliers.”

  “Must have cost a pretty penny to ship it here.”

  “It’s worth a good night’s sleep.”

  Ian studied Gerard. “I didn’t know you had trouble sleeping.”

  “Some nights yes and some nights no.”

  “Why can’t you sleep?” Ian questioned. Though he and Gerard had never talked about much other than the mine, day-to-day village life, and the odd conversation now and again, he thought he knew Gerard pretty well. Perhaps he didn’t.

  “There is more than one Gwen in the world,” he said simply. “She doesn’t run the monopoly on betrayal.”

  Ian picked up the whiskey and opened it. “Who?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “I would think it matters to you.” Ian took a swig straight from the bottle. The burning liquid hit his tongue, and, by the time it reached his throat, he was hacking. “Christ,” he sputtered. “What is that crap?”

  “Crap?” Gerard repeated and grabbed the bottle from Ian. He swirled the bottle and sniffed deeply. “Mmm. That’s the good stuff.”

  “It tastes like fire.”

  He nodded. “You’ll be passed out in no time.”

  “Really?”

  “Never fails.”

  Ian grabbed the bottle and took a large, sleep-inducing gulp. His body involuntarily shuddered as his taste buds reacted to the hard liquor.

  Gerard laughed as he headed toward the door. “Sleep well.”

  Before he shut the door, Ian said, “Make sure Gwen gets to the office okay. I don’t want to have to worry about her.”

  “She’s already tucked in.”

  Ian eyed Gerard. “Tucked in? And you would know this how?”

  “I saw her leave the party, and I followed her to make sure she wouldn’t cause any problems. She walked straight to the office and let herself in. I peeked in the window to make sure she wasn’t rummaging through the office or hacking the computer.”

  “Oh.” Ian hadn’t even thought of protecting the computer and files. “Maybe I’d better go over there and take the computer.”

  “I wouldn’t bother. I think she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the couch.”

  Lucky her.

  “Take two more shots of whiskey and you’ll be out in a wink too,” Gerard said. “I guarantee it.”

  “Come wake me if you don’t see me in the morning.” He swallowed the two additional gulps of whiskey and crawled into bed, waiting patiently for oblivion.

  Chapter 11

  Oblivion never came. Ian had flipped and flopped on the bed, strangled his pillow, guzzled more whiskey, and counted sheep until they blurred together, but nothing allowed him sleep.

  He stood and paced the hut, wondering what he should do. He knew what he wanted to do, but he also knew what he shouldn’t do. Unfortunately, they were the same thing. But he could at least check on Gwen and make sure she was okay. He didn’t see how he could sleep if he didn’t.

  He quickly dressed and slipped on his boots. After grabbing a flashlight and shotgun, he left and made his way to the office. Half of him was sure she’d be gone, and the other half prayed that she would still be there. If his brothers ever found out how far he had fallen for a woman who would rather rob him blind, they’d hold that knowledge over his head for years. He wouldn’t blame them since he would have enthusiastically done the same if they were in his shoes.

  Just as he reached the office, the door opened and Gwen stepped out. She gasped in surprise when she found Ian only steps away.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked.

  He ignored her question. “Where are you going?”

  She looked to the black sky before settling her gaze on him. “I thought it would better to leave now.”

  “Now? In the middle of the night when no one could help you if you got lost or attacked?”

  She shrugged. “I knew this would be awkward.”

  Ian tried to squelch the panic that threatened to consume him. It was dumb for him to leave his hut this late at night when no one was around, but at least he had a gun. Gwen didn’t have anything to defend herself with. She didn’t even have a vehicle in the village. How did she get here?

  “How were you going to leave?” he asked. “Were you going to steal my jeep?”

  “No, I rented one. It’s about a half mile away.”

  Ian narrowed his eyes. “A half of a mile away. In the middle of the night. With no gun.” Each word became more and more threatening. For God’s sake, one snake could have swallowed her whole and they’d never find her, not even her body. “Are you insane?”

  “No, I just thought—”

  “Thought? You didn’t think at all,” Ian growled. For the life of him, he couldn’t co
ntrol the anger that pounded at his ribs. She could have been snatched by rebels. Had she any idea what they would do to her? What they had done to him? Did she have any idea what he had done to escape?

  No, of course she didn’t.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, taking a step back toward the office. “I’ll just go back into the—”

  His hand flew out and caught her arm. “No, you’re coming with me.”

  “Where?” she asked, her voice edged with nervousness. “Ian, you’re holding my arm too tight.”

  “Do you have any idea what could have happened?”

  “I said I’m sorry. I’ll sleep in the office until morning.”

  “No, you’re coming with me,” he said again and steered her down the path to his hut.

  * * *

  When Gwen realized where they were going, she said, “I don’t think this is a good idea.” And it wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought about it a thousand times, but Ian didn’t seem like himself. It was as if he was going to unravel any minute. She couldn’t think of a reason other than maybe he suspected treachery on her part. Which would have been temporarily true, until she explained it to him.

  Thankfully, she bumped into him before she had done anything to provoke his already-deteriorating mood. Her plan had been to sneak out to the mine, unearth as many stones as possible and leave. It would look like she stole them, and no one would be the wiser. Jasper would leave Ian alone and the leaked information would become invalid. Then, she would clean and cut the diamonds, sell them, and wire the money to Ian. It could have worked, but not now. He practically dragged her down the path. She doubted he would let her out of his sight until she was secured in her vehicle and driving away from the village.

  “Ian, slow down.”

  He didn’t. “Do you realize how much danger you were about to put yourself in?”

  She didn’t bother answering since it seemed to be a rhetorical question as he proceeded to scold her. She wondered at his anger. Was he truly upset because she was putting herself in danger? Or was it because she was leaving? She had a feeling she wouldn’t get an answer if she asked. The way he was hurrying down the path was not by a man who wanted to share a night together, but by a man who was scared. He had never seemed that way before, and she wondered what had happened.