“Vanessa,” he drawled with a thread of warning, “allow me to introduce you to Robert Hillyard’s fiancée, Kelly Cochran. Shortly, we’ll be meeting them for breakfast to discuss this bloody contract you’ve arranged at my expense. Would you care to comment further?”
If embarrassed, Vanessa concealed it well. She languidly extended her hand toward Kelly and slipped back into the regal voice of her movies. “Forgive me. Groupies are constantly throwing themselves at Alex.”
Still stunned, Kelly stood speechless.
Vanessa scrutinized Kelly’s face. “My goodness, what is Robert thinking? Why you’re practically a child compared to him.”
The porter strode out of the cabin. “Anything else I can assist you with, Ms. Caine?”
“One moment.” Vanessa turned to Kelly. “You could do something for me, dear. I need to speak to my husband, and I don’t have change. Be so kind as to give the porter a tip, and I’ll reimburse you later.”
The actress peered down her nose as if she were a queen used to having her every command obeyed by the peasants. Kelly wondered dryly if she should curtsy now or later.
Alex retrieved his wallet from his pocket. “That won’t be necessary, Kelly.” He handed some bills to the porter. “And there is nothing between us to discuss, Vanessa.” He stalked past Kelly and down the hallway.
With a huff, Vanessa flounced into his cabin and slammed the door behind her.
Kelly expelled an exasperated breath. This trip wasn’t going well at all. She was supposed to be relaxing and recovering from a brutal attack, and now she had to deal with these people.
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Kelly reluctantly made her way to the sunny top tier café to meet everyone for breakfast. Alex sat at an outside table, staring, with a brooding frown, toward the green mountains of Suva’s harbor––the capital of the Fiji Islands. There was no sign of Robert.
When Alex spotted her across the restaurant, she drew in a deep breath. Too late to do a hasty retreat, she greeted him with a half-hearted wave. He mockingly dipped his head in return. Perhaps they could make an agreement to put that little episode in his cabin behind them. She strode toward him.
Unsmiling, he rose from the chair, a bitter look firmly in place in his expression. Gone was his carefree attitude of yesterday.
“May I join you?” she asked warily.
“Of course. We are meeting for breakfast.”
His sarcasm stung. She pulled out the chair farthest away from his at the round table.
After they sat, she attempted to be civil. “We’ve had a bad beginning. Why don’t we clear the air?”
He stared at her, his lip curled in a cynical expression.
She gritted her teeth. Damn him. “I’m so glad the weather has cleared,” she said, changing the subject. “It should be perfect for the dive tomorrow.”
He shrugged and seemed uninterested. “Vanessa was rude to you.”
“I guess I can overlook it. I admire her talent.”
He shot her a hard glance. “Making excuses for everyone’s darling? That always happens. And I’m painted as the rat.”
She didn’t know what to say. The silence grew between them, accentuating the voices of the other diners.
The waiter brought two steaming cups of coffee to the table.
While she sipped the hot beverage, she studied Alex. Had Vanessa married him for his looks? They seemed an odd couple. The actress had to be at least ten years older than her gorgeous husband. And it was an outrageous coincidence he would be working for Robert.
As if he read her mind, Alex pinned her with his gaze. “Relax. Your secret is safe with me. As you can see, I wasn’t lying about my impending divorce. This won’t create the best atmosphere for a-soon-to-be wedded couple, but since you’ll be on your honeymoon, you won’t be spending much time with us.”
She bit her lip. He was right. She’d be alone with Robert.
In his cabin.
With her napkin, she blotted the beading of perspiration along her top lip, then sank back in her chair, closing her eyes. What was wrong with her? She wanted to marry Robert and grasp some happiness? Didn’t she?
Alex interrupted her thoughts. “You’re pale. Are you seasick?”
Her lids flew open. She straightened. “No, I-I’m fine.”
“Really? Not nervous about the upcoming nuptials?”
She narrowed her gaze on him and wouldn’t dignify his question with an answer.
“I’d be anxious, too. I’ve had my fill of marriage. You saw what Vanessa’s like.”
“I’m surprised. In her movies, she plays such a likeable person. Everyone in America loves her.”
His brows drew together. “That’s her public image. Don’t let her aristocratic manner fool you. Vanessa grew up in a rough neighborhood in London. She’s as hard as nails.”
“But Robert has known her for years and likes her.”
Alex studied his fingertips. “He benefits financially from her, and he’s not married to her.” He shot her a glance. “Soon, I’ll be free.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “To go out flirting with as many women as you please?”
A sardonic smile played across his lips. “Who told you that? Hillyard? But, yes, I can guarantee you there won’t be just one woman for me in my future.”
“Don’t you even care who you hurt?”
“I’m not going to lie to anyone. Plenty of women are all right . . . without a permanent relationship.”
“No wonder Vanessa thought I was a groupie. Besides, from what you’ve shown me, you’re not exactly easy to get along with.”
He stared at her for a moment, then turned to scan the port as if he preferred to be far away from this ship.
“Why don’t you and I start over and try to be friends, or at least be amicable?” she asked softly. “We’ll be traveling together for a while.”
When he turned back to her, his eyes gleamed with mockery. “It won’t work. I find I want you in a way that’s none too friendly, and you know it.”
A wave of warmth swept over her. It was worse when he leaned toward her and her pulse accelerated.
“Now, tell me, you didn’t feel anything when I held you in my arms?” he asked.
Her face heated. He would bring up that moment of insanity in his cabin. “You did return my kiss. Doesn’t sound like a woman who should be marrying––”
“I told you I was afraid. And you took me by surprise.”
“Surprise?” He chuckled. “And I don’t believe I’ve gotten the whole story.” He lowered his voice. “What was in that strange letter that terrified you?”
“It’s none of your business.”
As if dismissing her distress, he propped one elbow on the table and rested his chin on his fist. “Then I have to think you really wanted to get into my cabin to meet me.”
She wanted to shake him. “Robert wouldn’t hire you if he knew what you’ve said to me.”
His eyes gleamed naughtily. “Frankly, I don’t care about the part. As much as I wanted the work, I’m not thrilled to have to work with Vanessa.” He lowered his gaze to her lips. “It’s you I prefer to please, Kelly.”
In spite of herself, her name on his lips sent a thrill through her. “I told you, I’m engaged,” she said in a shaky voice. “Can’t you understand?”
“But you weren’t yesterday when we kissed. He’s almost old enough to be your father. Did you agree to it for the money?”
The remark stung. She gripped the hot coffee cup. Would everyone think the same?
“You’ve no right to judge me. You don’t even know me.”
His lips twisted cynically. “True, but I can see right through you. You’re marrying an older man for his money, and he gets a sexy young lady in the deal—”
She stood abruptly, practically knocking over her chair. “Robert doesn’t need me for this meeting. Tell him he can find me in the gym––I’m going to check to see if there are
any available punching bags.”
Standing, Alex held up a stopping hand. “Don’t get yourself in an uproar. I’m teasing you. Please, sit.”
“Are you?” She eyed the passing waiter. “Because I’d love to dump that hot pot of coffee right into your lap.”
With a glance around the café, she realized people stared at them. She dropped into her chair.
He must have noticed they’d garnered attention, too, for he settled back in his chair and said in a lowered voice, “Accept my apologies. I shouldn’t take my black mood out on you. These past twenty-four hours haven’t gone as I’d planned, and honestly, ever since I met you, you’ve piqued my curiosity. Let’s dismiss that curiously passionate kiss we shared. Why don’t you tell me what frightened you enough to drive you half-naked into my cabin?”
She narrowed her eyes. “You can’t really be concerned about me. We’re strangers.”
He shrugged. “Don’t you at least owe me the truth? I wore only a towel when you burst in on my privacy, and I nearly lost the thing completely.”
Remembering how little he had on, her cheeks burned. “All right, but if I told––”
“There you are,” Robert called out from behind her.
She turned to find him walking toward the table. An unsmiling Tammy followed him, clutching a briefcase.
Robert’s mouth took on an unpleasant twist. “Where’s Vanessa?”
She could tell he was angry to find her with Alex again.
“I’m here.” Dressed in a flamboyant, sarong skirt, Vanessa strode toward them in high-heeled sandals that clicked on the deck. A wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses shaded her eyes. Her long brown hair was held back in a ponytail.
Alex’s cousin, Susan, demurely followed behind Vanessa with a downcast expression. She seemed as unhappy as Tammy.
Vanessa fanned herself with a paper. “Is it dreadfully hot out here, or what?”
Alex gawked at her. “You’re in the tropics. What did you expect?”
“Darling,” Vanessa said in a sweet voice. “I don’t find it unpleasant. I’m only making an observation.” She greeted Robert with air kisses before giving him her hand to kiss. “I’ve already met your little fiancée. How charming.”
Robert grinned. “Isn’t she beautiful? If she were an actress, you’d have something to worry about, Ness.”
Vanessa laughed, but was anything but in agreement with him.
He winked at Kelly. “Everything’s all set. The captain will marry us on Saturday.”
Kelly’s stomach clenched. Was she really ready to get married so quickly?
Vanessa stood and waited at the table. When Alex didn’t make a move to assist her, Robert pulled out her chair.
Nothing like the bubbly English girl from yesterday, Susan seated herself on the other side of her employer and opened a notebook.
Vanessa seemed to have a searing effect on everyone, except Robert. He sat beside Kelly and leaned toward her for a kiss. Pretending not to be aware of his intention, she dropped her gaze to study the menu with a grave fascination.
After the waiter took the food order, Vanessa peered over the brim of her coffee cup. A satisfied smile curved her lips. “You’re a fortunate girl to be getting Robert for a husband.”
“No.” Robert picked up Kelly’s hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. “I’m the lucky one.”
Kelly met Alex’s skeptical gaze, then managed to ignore him throughout what remained of breakfast.
After the waiter cleared the table, Tammy produced the preliminary contracts. Robert enumerated contract matters. Filming was scheduled to begin in June, a scant two months away. Barely known in the U.S., Alex would receive a mere pittance compared to Vanessa’s large salary and her percentage of the movie profits.
With a glum expression, Alex sat back in his chair while Robert read aloud the numerous perks Hillyard Pictures would provide for Vanessa. After several minutes, Alex seemed bored and occasionally glanced Kelly’s way, giving her subtle, yet knowing, looks.
Surprised by the warmth coiling in her body after each look, she fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat. Why did she have this reaction to him? Last night, after she and Robert left the nightclub, when he had kissed her goodnight at her cabin door, she’d felt no sizzling desire, nothing except wanting it to end. Was she making a horrible mistake with her life––and Robert’s?
For some strange reason, she had this bizarre chemistry with Alex. And the way he looked at her couldn’t go on. Robert would notice. After all he’d done for her, she couldn’t hurt him. She owed him everything.
Keeping her eyes averted, she smoothed the tropical tablecloth beneath her fingertips. Her refusal of Alex’s advances had only stoked his ego. She’d have been foolish to tell him about the death threats and the attack. Perhaps she’d just become some kind of game to him? Determined to be the most loyal fiancée that had ever existed, she focused on the mountain scenery and the seagulls scouring the surf––anything, except looking Alex’s way.
“That should wrap up everything,” Robert said, packing the papers into his briefcase. “Tammy will draw up the final contracts and get them to you this evening to sign. Now, let’s enjoy the cruise.”
Kelly sighed with relief that business was over. Everyone rose from the table.
Robert linked his arm through hers, and they made their way toward the restaurant exit. He smiled at her as if she were a cherished treasure, making her feel even guiltier. “Kelly and I are going to the island to shop. Would anyone like to accompany us?”
Tammy, who had been subdued throughout the meeting, shook her head.
Vanessa clutched Alex’s arm and offered him a hopeful smile. “I hear the shopping in Suva is interesting. Would you care to go?”
“Not a chance.” He extricated his arm from her grip. “I think the love birds need time to themselves, so I’m off to explore the city alone.” His gaze rested on Kelly, and he added, “Mr. Hillyard, she’ll make a beautiful bride. You are fortunate.”
At the gleam in his eyes, Kelly seethed underneath what she hoped appeared a calm facade. The comment made in front of everyone sounded innocent enough, but she knew better.
She’d do well not to find herself alone again with Mr. Alex Drake.
Chapter Four
After returning to the ship from their shopping on the island, Kelly had pleaded a headache and left Robert to entertain his guests on his own that evening.
In the morning, she woke up from a restful night’s sleep. Excitement bubbled in her when she thought about about the dive she’d signed up for. After showering and slipping on her robe, she tapped on Robert’s door, bracing herself for his disapproval. She ran her fingers through her wet hair. He had to hear her out as she was going on the dive.
Robert swung open the door. Wearing pajamas, he urged her into his cabin. “What brings you by so early?” He sat on the bed, while she perched herself on a nearby chair.
“I’m not letting the letter ruin this chance for me. I’m going on the dive.”
He scratched his neck. Heavy, gray-black hair protruded from his unbuttoned pajama top. She wrinkled her nose, unaccustomed to seeing him partially undressed.
“Kelly, we’re getting married tomorrow. There’ll be other dives on this cruise.”
“But not this one. The same dive my mother took. She raved about it.”
“Seriously, Kelly, we need to entertain Vanessa and Drake for a day or two. I don’t plan to see much of them after the wedding as I want to focus all of my attention on you.”
She mustered up the smile he expected, but her stomach rolled.
He sighed. “Although I don’t know how pleasant she’ll be with this divorce he’s trying to force on her.”
“How long have they been married?” She could have bitten her tongue at her question, but she wanted to know more.
“Let’s see. After Vanessa did The Flaming Rose . . . about six years ago. Drake, I believe, was a drama student at the tim
e.”
She frowned. “He must have been very young, compared to Vanessa, who was already a major star.”
He looked thoughtful. “Yes, he would’ve been.”
“Alex seems so bitter.”
“Probably because he knows he’s not going to get the fat, juicy divorce settlement he thought to get when he married her.”
Was Alex the gold-digger and if so, why he had pegged her as one, too? “How terrible for Vanessa,” she muttered.
He chuckled. “Don’t worry about Vanessa. No doubt, he expected her to help his career, but that didn’t happen, and he’s paying dearly. What he doesn’t know is Vanessa has him right where she wants him—under her thumb.”
“He doesn’t appear to be anyone’s boy-toy.”
“He married her, didn’t he? She’s older and wealthy. If he divorces her, he won’t be able to land a job in Hollywood, even as a waiter.”
She shoved a strand of wet hair behind her ear. “Now you’re making me feel sorry for him.” Ugh. How could she pity Alex after the way he’d harassed her?
“Your kindheartedness and loyalty are two of the things I admire most about you, but stay away from Drake.”
She planned to. “Don’t worry about me, but it’s obvious you don’t like him. Why?”
Robert shrugged. “Soon after they were married, Vanessa called me crying and told me he was cold and emotionally unavailable to her. I’ve always thought he used her.” He stood and took her hand. “Enough about the Caines. Drake belongs to Vanessa, like you do to me, and clearly, Vanessa wants him back.”
He lifted his hand to Kelly’s hair and twirled one of her wet locks around his finger. “I can hardly wait to make you mine completely.” Desire flickered in his eyes. “But I’ll wait because I respect you, Kelly, and our wedding night will be something special. I’ll take you slowly, making sure you enjoy every moment of our first time together . . .” He brought the lock of hair to his lips. “Beautiful.”
A queasy sensation gripped her stomach. She frowned, not sure she liked the idea of being his, as if she were a possession. “Robert, do you like my hair?”
“I love everything about you. Why?”
Dangerous Paradise Page 5