Looking away, he said, “Nah, I could do this in my sleep. Sleep well?”
She let out a long, contented sigh and Jack couldn’t stop himself from glancing over his shoulder at her again. Big mistake. She stretched like a satisfied feline, arms over her head and a smile playing on her lips. His t-shirt rode up higher, revealing the soft flesh of her inner thighs and Jack sliced through his finger instead of the pepper.
He didn’t feel the pain past the ache burning in his groin, but Darci noticed. She rushed to his side and clasped his hand. Too distracted by the smell of his soap on her skin, he didn’t notice.
“Here, run water on it. I told you you’d cut yourself by not paying attention,” she scolded as she turned on the faucet and pulled his hand underneath the running water.
Jack glanced down at the tiny cut on his forefinger, wondering why she was making a big deal out of it. Nothing more than a scratch. She should be more concerned with where his thoughts were headed. Her skin felt like silk where it touched his, her hair brushed his arm, her scent wrapped around him.
The cold shower he’d taken this morning hadn’t done a thing for his libido.
“Do you have any Band-Aids?” she asked, sounding weak.
She passed out at the sight of blood; how could he have forgotten that? Even though the water washed away the blood, he noticed the gray pallor to her skin and the way she gripped his hand tightly.
“Ah, honey, you know you faint at the sight of blood. What’re you doing?” He turned off the water and led her away from the sink to the table.
“I don’t faint at the sight of blood,” she muttered, allowing him to push her into the booth.
Jack smiled. She did have that little stubborn streak. “Lean back and close your eyes while I get you a glass of water.”
“Okay, but only for a minute. Then we need to get you a Band-Aid.” She scooted backward on the bench and leaned against the wall.
He was pretty sure he didn’t have any Band-Aids on board. By time he got her a bottle of water, the bleeding had stopped. She sipped the water, not looking at his finger, and within minutes looked better. Jack sat on the other side of her, waiting for her color to return.
A few minutes later she returned to normal. “So what were you making?”
“Omelet, without peppers. How about cheese instead?”
She perked up. “Omelets? Really? That sounds delicious. Lots of cheese in mine. Is that coffee I smell?”
“Freshly brewed.”
“Oh, my hero.” She smiled and slid out of the booth. Jack stayed still and enjoyed the view for a moment while Darci poured herself a cup of steaming hot coffee. He watched her take a sip, close her eyes and moan. He almost groaned at the sheer pleasure of watching her.
“This is really good.” She took another sip. “Hey, what’s that?”
He turned his attention to the television where a weatherman illustrated an area of storms on a map. Jack rose and moved to her side.
Damn. He’d hoped the storm would turn south, but it looked to be heading due west. Not good.
“That,” he said, not bothering to turn up the volume, “is a tropical storm.” Just an hour ago it had been a tropical depression but they’d upgraded it, which meant wind speeds were between 39-73mph. Not so good.
“A tropical storm?” she repeated, staring at the screen. “Will it reach us?”
He didn’t want to scare her, but he also wouldn’t lie. “It’s headed right for us.”
As he said it, a warning popped up on the screen that told viewers a tropical storm watch had been issued for their area.
“A watch? What exactly does that mean?” Darci asked, setting her cup down on the counter.
“It means high winds and rain are possible within the next thirty-six hours, but not guaranteed. Right now they’re tracking the storm and alerting us to the possibility.”
“Oh, that’s not so bad. It could miss us entirely, then?”
Jack nodded, though something told him they weren’t going to be that lucky. They were smack dab in the middle of hurricane season in the tropics.
“Possibly,” Jack agreed. “Why don’t you sit and enjoy your coffee while I finish breakfast.”
Darci refilled her cup and carried it to the booth. He got to work on the omelets, not wanting to waste any time.
“Jack? What’s going to happen?”
He didn’t pretend not to understand. What would happen to them?
Dumping the eggs into a skillet, he said, “We’re going to hole up in one of the local hotels until the storm passes. It isn’t safe here. I’m going to get your things from your villa after we finish breakfast.”
“What do you mean you’re going to get my things? What about me?”
Adding onion and cheese to the skillet, Jack said, “You’re going to stay on the boat while I’m gone so I know you’re safe.”
“Is that necessary? They couldn’t possibly know where to find me.”
“Trust me, Darci, if they want to find you, they will, and I won’t risk it.”
He didn’t miss the shudder his words evoked. He knew how hard it was for civilians to understand. He understood it very well and would do his best to make sure she never had to deal with it again.
After a moment of silence as she digested what he’d said, she spoke softly. “Have you always been this vigilant?”
Jack grinned and grabbed two plates out of the cupboard above his head. “It’s been suggested a time or two.” He flipped the omelet onto a plate, cut it in half and carried both plates to the table. He slid in next to her.
“I don’t know what to say, Jack. I never thought this would go so far. You really believe they won’t give up?” She swallowed hard.
“Let’s take it one step at a time.”
To his relief, she picked up her fork and cut into her omelet. But she didn’t take a bite. Instead, she looked up at him, her eyes bright against her pale skin.
“Do you think they’re here now?”
“Yes, I do, but they don’t know where we are. No one knows my boat and they aren’t going to. You’ll be safe here.”
“I know I’m safe with you, but…”
Something else bothered her. Something besides the bad guys. She stared at her plate now, pushing her food around.
Jack covered her hand with his, stilling her movements. “What’s on your mind?”
Her uncertain gaze met his. “What about you, Jack? Are you okay with this? I feel like…”
“Like what?”
“A burden.”
Jack grinned and lifted her hand to his lips where he placed a kiss on her knuckles. “Sweetheart, you’re not a burden. I happen to like your company.”
Laughing, Darci wiped moisture off her lashes. “Your one of a kind, Jack Taggart.”
“Does that mean you’re ready to try my world-famous omelet?”
She nodded and picked up her fork again. “World-famous, huh?”
Grinning, he watched her take a bite. She made a show out of chewing and swallowing and then spent a moment deep in thought. He’d been taught by the best cooks in the world. The Demarcos were never wrong when it came to food. She kept him hanging by a thread for another three bites and by the time she spoke he was laughing.
“Okay, world-famous works for me. This is amazing.”
“The food never lies,” he said, finishing off the rest of his.
“How about if I clean, since you cooked.”
“Deal.”
He showed her where to find everything, then left her to it before going above deck and preparing to leave. With luck, the storm would dissipate.
At least that’s what he hoped.
*
Once she finished with the dishes she went into the head to freshen up. She couldn’t find a brush so she finger combed her hair to tame the curls. It helped, but they still sprung in all directions.
Taking a deep breath, she stood there for a moment looking at her reflection in the
mirror above the sink. Bruise on her cheek, circles under her eyes, pale skin. She looked like crap. How could she expect Jack to be attracted to her if she looked like something out of a low budget zombie movie?
Last night she’d fallen asleep before her head hit the pillow, much to her annoyance. Sure, she’d been exhausted, but not so much that she didn’t want to wait and see if Jack would make a move. He hadn’t, darn his honorable soul. The man was just too noble for her own good.
Most of the men she dated knew how to have a good time and many propositioned her after a show. Sometimes, if the chemistry worked, she’d accept and allow herself a little fun, but she’d never wanted a man like she wanted Jack. She’d never wanted a man to make a move as much as she did him.
His control amazed her. She’d seen the way he looked at her and it curled her toes every time. What would it be like to see him let go?
Darci’s breath hitched and her nipples tightened. If Jack didn’t kiss her soon she would explode.
Or maybe she imagined things. Maybe he wasn’t interested. Looking at herself now, she could see why not. No, she didn’t believe that for one second. She’d seen the fire burning in his eyes when he looked at her. She’d read his expression before he cut himself this morning. If he didn’t share her feelings then she was farther gone than she’d thought.
Darci sighed heavily. Their lives were in danger and she had sex on the brain. A tropical storm brewed in front of them and bad guys threatened behind them. No relief in sight and her mind was stuck on her attraction to the man who had saved her life. Hero worship to cope with the stress?
Or losing her mind. Maybe the stress got the best of her and she cracked like an egg. Probably. Pretty soon she’d be a basket case.
She met Jack in the hallway.
“Stay here,” he instructed, leading her back into the galley. He kept on walking down the hallway toward the staterooms and she followed him.
“You’re leaving now to get my things?”
She stayed behind him as he turned into the room she’d slept in.
“Tell me which villa is yours.”
Darci watched him reach beneath the bed and pull out a handgun. She rattled off the information as he tucked the gun inside the waistband of his shorts at the small of his back. He straightened and she saw the deadly-looking knife in his hand. This he tucked into a sheath on his belt and covered with his shirt.
“Is all that necessary?” she asked, not liking the fear that trickled down her spine.
Jack rose to his feet to face her. “Yes, it is. You have to trust me, Darci, I know what I’m doing.”
She nodded, taking comfort in the fact he was a Navy SEAL and could handle himself.
Without warning Jack pulled her into his arms and hugged her close, wrapping her in a protective cocoon. Darci wrapped around his waist and held tight, afraid to let go. He smelled of sandalwood and salty ocean air and she buried her nose against his neck, inhaling his scent.
Being wrapped in Jack’s arms beat any blanket. He made her feel safe and protected and her fear began to slip away, little by little.
His hand stroked her back and her fear morphed into something more intimate. She became aware of his solid body against hers, drawn to his strength. What would he taste like if she were to run her tongue over the taut cords of his neck?
“I won’t be long.” He buried one of his hands in her hair.
Not so immune to her either. She could feel him hard against her stomach and that knowledge gave her power.
“Don’t go,” she whispered, certain there were two meanings there.
Jack sucked in a deep breath and eased away from her. Holding her at arm’s length, he said with some regret, “I have to.”
Disappointed, Darci stepped back, tilting her chin. “Then be careful, Jack. Don’t make me come after you.”
He grinned. “Don’t worry, I know better than to cross an Irish woman.”
She smiled. Smart man.
“Stay below deck and don’t go above for any reason. I should be back in fifteen minutes.”
Darci nodded. “Okay.”
Her easy agreement made some of the tension to go out of his shoulders. She hadn’t realized how seriously he took his protection of her. He’d always been there, solid and strong, but she hadn’t stopped long enough to see the sense of duty he instilled in himself. A burden he’d taken on. Her heart swelled in her chest and she knew she had fallen for Jack Taggart.
It both frightened and exhilarated.
Watching Jack disappear up the stairs, she wrapped her arms around her waist. Stay below deck where she couldn’t see him, couldn’t see what was going on. She hated this. All of it, the hiding out, the running, the fear of the unknown, the memory of what had already happened.
Darci shuddered and paced the boat, feeling like a caged animal. She tried not to think about Jack. As she walked the length of the boat and back she told herself that Jack could take care of himself and that if there was someone waiting in her room he’d handle the situation just fine.
She turned off the television, not needing the distraction of the incoming storm to add to her worries. Then turned it back on again. Finally, she went over to the stairs and sat on the bottom one to wait. Jack had seven minutes before she went after him. Until then, she wasn’t moving.
*
Judas Priest. The woman was going kill him with lace.
Jack scowled as he tossed yet another lace undergarment in the suitcase he’d found beside the door. Darci had more undergarments than clothes and the clothes he did find were sexy as hell. Seeing Darci in any of the articles of clothing he picked up was enough to set him off like a rocket.
He realized at that moment there were more dangerous things in this world than a band of thieves, and lace could very well be his demise.
Leaning down, he picked up a tangerine colored piece of lace and let out a long-suffering sigh. Did the woman wear anything besides sexy, sultry lace guaranteed to bring a guy to his knees?
Hastily packing the rest of her clothes and personal effects, Jack closed the suitcase, letting out a sigh of relief. Out of sight, out of mind. Yeah, right, like he would get the images of brightly colored lace out of his head. Who knew that undergarments came in lime green and hot pink? Worse, who would have thought those colors were sexy? He’d be on his knees begging if he saw Darci in them.
No, not going there. His responsibility to her included keeping her safe, not taking her to bed and making love to her until they were both too sated to move.
And he had sex on the brain. Had a woman ever made him want to beg? Never. He’d trained to work through distraction. It had never happened until now. He was in big, big trouble.
Chapter Eight
‡
Jack helped her onto the dock. She had showered, pulled her hair into a comfortable ponytail and changed into a pair of shorts and a white tank top. It felt good to be out of the gown that brought back nothing but bad memories.
Jack guided her down the narrow dock. She knew they must look a sight with their matching bruises, but no one seemed to notice. Jack kept a hand on the small of her back as they walked, an intimate gesture that had butterflies taking flight in her stomach. He looked handsome as ever in low riding cargo shorts and a soft, billowy shirt.
Jack steered her toward the crowded, white sand beach that seemed to stretch for miles along the island. Palm trees lined the edges and people were scattered everywhere. The perfect tropical paradise. Darci let out a wistful sigh. She’d really enjoyed her mini-vacation before the kidnapping. How things would have been different if she and Jack had met under different circumstances. In this island paradise meant for lovers. She would have loved to be here with him, soaking up the sun, drinking rum punch and making love to the beat of calypso music.
“First we need to buy you a hat and scarf to cover your head with.”
“Disguise. Right. What about you?”
He snapped his fingers. “I know just
the thing.”
They stepped onto the beach, clouds darkening the sky. She longed to take off her sandals and dig her toes into the fine-grained sand, but they weren’t here for enjoyment, they were here for a purpose.
All around her men and women shopped, stocking up before the storm. Piece by piece they picked up their disguises, finding what they needed from the vendors sprinkled along the beach.
She noticed a man, not for the first time, following a few paces behind them. He did it covertly, but she saw him.
“Hey, how about this?” she asked, turning to show Jack her costume. She had on a large brimmed straw hat over a brightly colored scarf that had been hand crafted by one of the local women. The scarf draped around her face and neck and a pair of dark sunglasses covered her eyes.
“Perfect,” Jack said.
She leaned in close. “I think there’s someone following us. A man. Dark shirt and pants. Over by the vendor selling t-shirts.”
Jack glanced in that direction. “That’s our protective detail from the police department. He’s all they could spare with the storm preparations.”
“You went to the police?”
“While I was getting your things.”
Something inside her melted a little more. She handed him a baseball cap with the island logo and a pair of dark glasses. “Here, try these.” Then smiled when Jack put the hat on backwards and slid on the glasses. Her heart pounded in her chest. He looked like any other ordinary tourist, only sexier.
“I like it.” She hoped he didn’t hear the breathlessness of her voice.
He touched the scarf. “I like this.”
She smiled, wanting to turn into his hand, but resisted. “Think anyone will recognize us?”
Jack’s thumb brushed her cheek, whisper soft, and she started to melt. “Not now.”
“Good. There’s a vendor over there selling fresh fruit. I’d love some pineapple and mangos.”
“Pineapple and mangos it is.” Jack threw an arm around her shoulders and steered her through the crowd.
To onlookers they probably looked like any other tourists on vacation, but to Darci they were so much more. She found herself scanning the crowd and looking over her shoulder like Jack did, but tried not to look at their tail.
SEALs of Summer: Military Romance Superbundle - Navy SEAL Style Page 108