He followed her. Inspecting where she’d soon be living was high on his list of priorities. He needed to ensure the area was completely secure.
* * * *
Saria walked upstairs to room 410, punched the code into the lock then stepped inside. Sunshine streamed into the room through the sheer white nets and played its lacy pattern over the cream and gold striped wallpaper. The open window next to the ranch slider blew the nets inward and circulated the sweet aroma from the pink bougainvillea trailing along the deck’s handrail. She crossed to the bed, sat and patted the brown and golden leafed bedcovers. “This is nice. What’d ya think?”
“The bed looks comfy.” Ben shoved one hand in the pocket of his black denim shorts as he strolled around the room. “The window is security latched. You’ll be able to leave it open as you please.”
“What about the balcony? Can trespassers get in?”
He stepped outside, peered over the balustrade then returned. “It’s all good. No one can swing in here uninvited. Thanks for giving the doctor my card by the way. Did you sort out what you needed to with him?”
“I tried. I wanted to get another injection. You have to have them every three months to maintain protection.” She really didn’t want to have to explain all this girl stuff to him, but he deserved to know what she’d found out. “Apparently my timing is a little out, but not by much. Now I have to wait until my next cycle starts before I can get it done.”
“Which means what?” He paled.
“Nothing major.” She poked her head into the bathroom. Lovely soothing colors of peach and cream greeted her, as well as a massive mirror along one wall, which reflected the bedroom and Ben towering behind her. “The chances of me falling pregnant are incredibly slim. The protection I was on usually has an overlapping period of a week or so, and it’s not like we’re doing it anymore. I simply should’ve had the shot before I sailed. That’s all.”
“You’re sure it’s nothing?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then let’s get some fresh air and take a walk.” He tugged her out the door, jabbed the elevator button then steered her inside. From the v-neckline of his black shirt, he swiped his sunglasses hanging over one edge and slid them on.
“Where are we going for this walk?”
“The beach,” he answered.
“Great. I have my bikini on underneath. I’d love a swim.” The elevator doors opened onto the ground floor and she raced ahead. Instead of taking the main entrance, she snuck out the side door leading to the meadow, which would bypass the crowds.
“The jungle is this way, not the beach.” Ben marched behind her.
“Dr. Hika and I walked out here the other day. Luke turned up and showed me a small gap in the trees. There’s a path to the beach, but it’s a tight fit.”
“I’d rather do something which doesn’t require me watching you strip down to two flimsy pieces of material. Bikinis should be outlawed, particularly on you.”
“You’ve seen me in less. I think you can handle a little of my bare skin.” She shuffled through the thin gap between the bushes and down onto the beach. “It’s less populated here too.”
“You go for a swim, and I’ll”—his cell phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket—“answer this.” He turned away. “Hammers. Yeah, I’m still in the islands with the girls. What’s up, Gilchrist?”
She lifted her cream tank top over her head, tossed it onto the sand then tightened the top ties of her bikini. Four or five hundred feet offshore, waves broke over a short coral reef. Two men sitting at the stern of a small boat tanked up then flipped off the back end and disappeared under the water. She had to go diving along this reef while she was here. It would be so much fun. She shimmied out of her pink skirt, dropped it on top of her shirt then walked into the gloriously warm water.
Ben paced the beach as he continued his conversation with Gilchrist. She waved and he groaned. So stubborn. Sure, they weren’t well-matched when it came to what they wanted in life, but in every other way, they were. If only he’d take a chance with her.
She walked in then at waist-depth, dived. Stunning blue starfish graced the sandy bottom while multicolored tropical fish darted around and snuck close as if hoping for a feed. Next time she came swimming, she’d bring some bread or fish food.
After coming up for air, she dove again then kicked out toward the reef. A swish of sand plumed on the base as a stingray far below shot off. It glided along to a clear spot and settled again. The ocean was alive and so beautiful. She swam to the surface and floated on her back.
On the beach, Ben stripped off his black shirt, rolled his cell phone into the folds then tucked it beside her clothes. The sunshine bathed his chest and tanned pecs. Then he slid his denim shorts down and exposed slim black swim trunks. It looked like he’d changed his mind and decided to come swimming with her after all. Nice.
He ran into the water then swam out toward her, his strokes powerful and fluid. With a splash, he stopped and treaded water. “I didn’t think you’d head this far out.”
“There’s a coral reef on this side of the island, so we’re fairly protected.”
“Sharks can still swim in over by the wharf. If The Idle Dream can sail in, so can the dangerous marine life.”
“What are you trying to say?” She drifted closer toward him on her back. “That I’d make a tasty meal?”
“You’d be a treat no shark could turn down.” He swept his hand under her back and tugged her up against him. His gaze remained glued to hers, so heart-pounding precious. “Your eyes are the richest, darkest shade of brown. I love it when you look at me.”
“And yours are the same pale blue as the sky, the most soothing color I’ve ever seen.”
“I hate my eyes. They’re the same as my father’s. I even have his blond hair.”
“No, don’t go there. You’re nothing like him, even if you share some of the same physical characteristics.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and he took her full weight in the water. “Lydia and I are identical and share all of the same physical attributes. Have you ever felt she’s me?”
“Hell, no. She’s nothing like you.” His gaze narrowed and he snorted. “I can see where you’re heading with this.”
“You weren’t even raised by him, yet emotionally he’s had a huge influence over you. It’s time for you to let that go. Stop allowing a dead man to dictate what you can and can’t do, now and in the future.”
“I made a vow to remain alone and I intend to honor it.”
“I love that you honor your vows, but I’d rather you be more selective in the ones you make. Being alone surely isn’t as much fun as spending time with those you’re closest to.” She played her fingers through his wet locks. “Make another vow to me. I want to strike a new deal. Let’s extend our time together. Wouldn’t you like a little more fun?”
“No.” He smoothed over her bottom and brought her up against his hard shaft. “Feel that? I’m more like my father than you can imagine. I want to take you right here, right now, even though there are people just along the beach.”
“Then we’ve got a problem, because I want that too.” She stroked his broad shoulders. “Does that make me like your father as well?”
“You wouldn’t even have considered what I said until I mentioned it.”
“Maybe, but my thoughts were heading in that direction. Trust me. I wouldn’t have been far behind.” She traced along his lower lip. “I’ve missed your mouth on mine, and I’m desperate for it back.”
“Saria.” He jerked away and dropped her.
She sank under the water and came back up spluttering. She shoved her hair out of her face and splashed him. “That wasn’t funny.”
“You needed a cool off, and after the call I just took from Agent Gilchrist, I really should be focused on getting you back to the ship and ensuring your safety. Let’s go. I’ll explain the call once we’re there.” He strok
ed slowly toward the shore, making certain she was close.
The only kind of call that would cause him to worry would be if it related to hers and Lydia’s case. Except their case was solved. Gilchrist had charged all those involved and ensured they were behind bars. At hip-depth, she stood and waded out. She flapped the sand from her skirt and wriggled it on over her damp skin “Tell me about the call.”
“It’s not news I expected to hear.” He hauled his clothes on, slid his sunglasses into his top pocket then picked up her cream tank top and held it out. “Arms up.”
“What’s got you so worried?” She lifted her hands.
He slipped her shirt over her head and tugged it down. “Mia Taita’s high-powered lawyer has managed to get her out of jail. There should have been enough evidence to hold her until Gilchrist could form a more solid case, but apparently not.” He steered her along the beach toward the wharf, his shoes and her sandals swinging in his hand.
Oh, not good. Mia Taita’s brother had been killed in a hit-and-run, and Lydia had witnessed it. The woman was the sole heir to Taita Software, one of the nation’s most lucrative businesses, and speculation was Mia had contracted the killer to take her brother out. “What’s Gilchrist going to do?”
“He’s not going to rest until he gets Mia Taita back behind bars. She’s the instigator, even though it was Kern Hyena who did the job. We just need more than the current circumstantial evidence to get a full conviction.” A seagull squawked and took flight from the wharf’s corner post as they stepped past it. “Gilchrist and his team are back on the case. They intend to pin her down, and fast.”
“The Hyena brothers are still behind bars, right?”
“Yes, neither Kern nor Ladd can get to either of you. The case against them is solid, just not the woman who sent them.” Ben guided her onto the ship and through the lounge toward the ship’s private office on the second floor. “Her being out is risky, Saria. We’ll need to take all the necessary precautions to ensure neither of you falls prey to her again. Anything is possible.”
“We’re not going under again are we?” They couldn’t. They were just getting their lives back on track.
“Gilchrist wants his star witness kept safe.”
“Which is Lydia, not me.”
“What happens to one of you happens to both of you. You know that.” He closed the office door behind them. Ben nodded her toward the blue and beige pinstriped couch. She sat and gripped the edge under her knees. “I asked Gilchrist to call Tyler and Brigs with the news. They should be here soon.”
“Lydia’s going to be peeved. She’s so tired of running.” Sunlight streamed through the partially turned cream blinds and lit stripes across the white shag carpet and huge mahogany desk holding a laptop that looked very familiar. The yellow sticker on the top held Ben’s name. “You brought your laptop on holiday?”
“I never go anywhere without it, same as my weapons.” He sat behind the desk, lifted the lid and turned it on. “I’m going to try to close your new Fijian bank account. Knowing Mia Taita, she’ll find that with ease. Give me the bank number.”
She rattled it off and he typed it in. “If you cancel Lydia’s request for a marriage license, she’ll kill you.”
“She doesn’t have a choice. I need all documentation leading to you two being on or near this island extinguished. We’re dealing with a woman who’s a computer genius and has a habit of getting the information she needs. I’ll also chat to the local authorities, let them know of the possible problem.” He slid out of the chair and before the corner safe, knelt and keyed in an unlock sequence. He removed a gun, checked the safety then slotted it into the back rise of his shorts.
“Saria.” Lydia raced into the room in a short yellow sundress and floppy hat, Tyler and Brigs hot on her heels. “Did you hear? Mia Taita’s out of jail.”
“I heard. I’m sorry this has happened right before your wedding.” Non-wedding now. She hugged her sister, squeezing her extra hard.
“We can deal with it, as long as we’re together.”
Tyler fetched his weapon from the safe. “We need to ship out, immediately.”
“Got anywhere specific in mind?” Brigs asked as he buckled his holster on and slid his gun into place.
“I know the perfect spot.” Tyler nodded and eyed Ben. “There’s a secluded cove around the other side of this island. There’s no way for anyone to get there except through the jungle, and the central mountainous plateau isn’t all that easy to cross. It’s where I hid Lydia before Gilchrist turned up and took her through re-identification. It’s completely safe, yet if the girls wish, they can enjoy the private beach and not feel caged in, that’s after we get it fully secured.”
“Sounds good to me.” Ben returned to his laptop. “It’s best we remain somewhere close by anyway. We need to be able to pick up the island’s exceptional phone and data coverage so we can stay in touch with the team back home. The satellite link isn’t always that reliable as I’ve come to learn, and we certainly can’t miss any of their communications. I’ll forward our new location to Gilchrist.”
“And I’ll go and find my brothers and get them back on board.” Tyler wrapped an arm around Lydia’s waist and popped a kiss on her forehead. “This means our wedding has to go on hold.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She shook her head despondently.
“I’ll take you to our room.” Tyler walked her out the door.
Saria edged around the desk and faced Ben. “I think you’ve forgotten I have work on Monday.”
He eyed Brigs. “Could you deal with that before we leave? Speak to the good doctor and inform him he’s lost his nurse. Let him know she’s had to return to protective custody. Also, have him remove all record of her coming employment. Not a trace can be left of the girls’ arrival or stay here. You can trust him with whatever information you need to ensure his compliance. I talked to him earlier. He’s trustworthy.”
“No problem. I’m onto it.” Brigs left and shut the door behind him.
“Come here.” Ben pulled her down onto his lap then continued typing with his arms around her.
She rubbed his chest through his damp shirt. “Are you all right?”
“I will be once Mia Taita is locked away. She’s the one loose end I can’t stand.”
“Me too.” She breathed deep, slowly in and out, although no panic rose. Lydia was safe in her room and Ben was safe right here.
They’d beat this, as long as they all stayed together.
Chapter 8
Ben swept Saria’s silky brown hair over her shoulder as she nestled against his chest at the office desk. She’d fallen asleep and not wanting to wake her, he’d continued with his work. One bank account had now been canceled, and one request for a marriage license, via Gilchrist, revoked.
Holding her safe in his arms brought such peace to his soul. There might be a madwoman out there, but he’d never allow her to get to his woman. He pressed his lips to her forehead then drifted down and kissed each closed eyelid. “I wish I could strike a new deal with you.”
“Ben?” Saria yawned and stretched.
“I’m here. You fell asleep on me.”
“Oh, sorry.” Her lids lifted and she smiled, so sweetly he wanted to spill everything he felt for her in his heart. “I didn’t get as much sleep last night as I should have. I missed having my bodyguard at my back.”
“I missed you too.” Damn. He shouldn’t have said that.
“Yes, but I missed you in ways you probably don’t want to know about.” She slid a finger between two of his shirt buttons and he almost purred at the delicious touch. “I can’t believe I lost the first job I ever got.”
“You can get back to work once Mia Taita’s taken care of. Until then, you should relax and enjoy this extended break in the islands, compliments of the Whitehall family.”
“I hope Tyler’s brothers don’t mind the change in plans.”
“T
hey’d do anything to ensure you two remained safe.” So would he, and getting the girls to the other side of the island, was his priority. Yes, even should Mia Taita manage to unearth the information he’d now buried and discover their location, it was unlikely she’d consider they’d moved only a short distance away.
“Hey, you’re worrying again.” She popped a button and spread her hand wider over his chest. “I could help with releasing that tension if you’d like. There’s one physical activity in particular which works a real treat.”
“If it’s one of those ways I don’t want to know about, don’t mention it.” He stood and set her on her feet. “It’s getting late. I’ll take you downstairs to your room.”
“Great,” she grunted. “I’m a prisoner in my own room again.”
* * * *
Saria leaned against her bedroom window as the setting sun sent a wash of red and gold blazing over the beach and the sweeping canopy of palm and coconut trees. Along the wharf, a crewmember freed the coiled mooring rope and the ship’s motor rumbled and they moved out of their berth. Her reality had well and truly sunk in and sent her mood spiraling further downhill. “I can’t believe we’re going into hiding again. This is the pits.”
“It’s a temporary measure. Think of it only that way.” Ben stood like as shadow behind her. “Why don’t you get ready for dinner?”
“I’m not hungry.” The last thing she wanted was food on her anxious stomach, and that short nap she’d taken earlier on Ben’s lap hadn’t been nearly long enough. “I might take a shower then call it a day.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. You can go and boss someone else around for the night.” She strode toward the bathroom then stopped and sent him a small smile over her shoulder. “I’ll catch you later.”
“I want to make sure you’re settled. I’ll change and come back.”
Ben would never leave her, not if he thought she needed him. “Okay.” She nodded and closed the bathroom door.
Under the hot spray, she washed her hair then let the jets work their wonder on her tense shoulders. Finished, she dried herself and dressed in pink sleep-shorts and a white camisole. She left the bathroom and found Ben had already returned. He’d changed into black pants and a striped black and gold shirt only partially buttoned and leaving half his glorious chest on display.
Bodyguard Pursuit Page 9