by Uncut
“I’ll grease you up, babe.” Her gaze revealed a hard warning. “Don’t worry. I won’t touch anything I haven’t before.”
He pooled a palm full of the fragrant oil and rubbed his hands together to warm it. Lord, his hands were shaking. She turned onto her stomach and he rubbed the oil over her back and shoulders, the feel of her firm flesh under his hands arousing him.
“Want your legs oiled?” Sam grinned at her silent direction. She waved her pretty fingers toward her ass. “That’s a yes?”
She lifted to her elbows, looking over her shoulder. “Get it over with, Horn. I can do the front.”
He took a good long look at the sweet buns in her suit, remembering the feel of the firmness in his hands. Her back looked strong and her waist slender, tempting him to go places he shouldn’t. Suddenly parched, he cleared his throat.
“How about something to drink?” Sam looked around, locating the Antigua party across the pool. “Looks like a stag party and Antigua’s the only stag present.”
Lana sat up to gaze around. “Look how he expects those women to kiss his ass.”
“Pearly. I’m shocked by your coarse talk.” Sam pushed her down on the deck chair. “Different cultures. Different ways.”
She allowed him to oil her arms. He liked the hat she plopped onto her head, all the time keeping an eye on where he put his hands. He knew it was for others’ benefit, but she giggled when his hands gripped her calves.
“Thank you, Ms. Pearly. Now start taking pictures.”
Sam had gotten a jolt from her giggle, but several new hired guns joining Antigua erased his lusty thoughts. Where the hell had they come from?
He pretended to put lotion on Lana’s face, leaning close to her. “I recognize those two from file photos. They’re probably tailing Antigua to see if he brought the cash.”
She looked every bit the wide-eyed tourist, snapping pictures of him and the entourage. She laughed happily when several seabirds flapped over the ship, taking pictures and chattering happily.
“Better do something romantic, Sam.” She put her arms around his neck to pull him forward. “Don’t get shy now. Act like you like me.”
He loosened her grip and teased her. “Do you mean it, or is this a new brand of torture?”
“Get busy, Horn.” She closed her eyes. “Antigua has been watching us. Don’t mess this up.”
He held his animal instincts on a tight leash, brushing a quick kiss on her lips. Her look of disappointment threw him. “That’s enough for now.” Damn. Why did he have to sound like a drill sergeant? “Want to take a dip? I’ll mess with you in the water.”
“Kiss my rear, agent man.” She pulled her hat down to shade her eyes.
While he sat pondering her attitude, one of the loudest, almost naked chicks on the cruise hurried up to grab his arm. “Hey, now lady.” He laughed and pulled his arm free. “I’m with this beautiful lady.”
The woman didn’t seem to give a shit about ethics. “Aw, she won’t care if I borrow you.” The caps on her teeth glistened in the sun. “I want to win the best looking couple contest.”
Lana peered at him from under the brim of her hat. “Oh, go on. I’m sure you’ll wow them.”
Sam wanted to tell the woman to bugger off, but he decided to go on with the buffoon act. “Okay, as long as my lady doesn’t mind.”
Walking behind the hippy woman with four-inch heels, Sam figured it would be another chance to make Antigua see him as an inept ass, short on brains and experience.
He put his arm around his contest partner and grinned until his face hurt. She giggled like a teen and rubbed his ass. He noticed the other guys posed and smiled for the judges. Hell with that.
“Say, honey.” She looked up at him with the most open invitation he’d ever seen. “How long does this last?”
She seemed to think he’d asked for time in the sack. “My name’s Nita. And it will be over soon.” She rubbed his belly. “Anxious, are we?”
“Anxious? For what?”
The sparkle in her eyes dimmed. “You know. Sex.”
“Oh.” Sam met her gaze with a slight scowl. “Aw, I don’t do that nasty stuff.”
Her attitude went into sultry vamp. “It’s not nasty, honey.” She squeezed his arm. “I’ve trained lots of virgins.”
He laughed the dopiest laugh he could muster. She seemed encouraged, posing for the judges dressed in rainbow-colored Speedos and leaned forward to reveal most of her implants. He could see the scars when her breasts plopped forward.
Sam tried to keep a watch on Pearly and was damn glad he did. Antigua had moved in on her. He needn’t be concerned. Pearly had the man enthralled, tossing her head back to laugh at whatever he’d said. Something close to possessiveness grabbed Sam in the gut when Antigua stroked Pearly’s arm.
“Pardon me, ma’am. I see my girlfriend is in trouble, as usual.”
“You send her to me if she needs lessons on pleasing a man.”
He shook his head. Ms. Pearly didn’t need lessons. If memory served him correctly, she’d taught him a few things. And he couldn’t forget any of them.
He picked up the pace and waved at her, catching her attention.
“I’m coming, baby.”
She didn’t act like she needed any help, just gave him that look of superiority that drove him nuts.
Antigua sat comfortably on the deckchair with her, smiling with all his wolf’s teeth. Sam figured the prick was sizing her up for the kill.
Over my dead body, scumbag.
Chapter Ten
Lana shut down her nervous reaction to Antigua, even moved her legs aside to allow him to sit on the deck chair. “Yes, we’re having a wonderful time, Mister Antigua.” The hell they were. She could hardly resist kicking this lizard off her chair. “But I can’t wait to get back home to Miami.”
Antigua’s brows went up and his gaze warmed. “Such luck.” He toyed with the sunscreen bottle. “I am staying in Miami for a few days. Perhaps I could see you again while I am there.”
“Oh, I doubt it.” He was a babe, perfectly groomed and in control of himself, right down to his fingertips. “My fiancé keeps me busy most of the time. You did mean both of us, didn’t you?”
His firm lips set in a tight smile, and she noticed a tick of irritation in his cheek. “Of course. We will call it a date, then?”
“Of course.” She laughed and picked up her camera. “Do you mind?” She snapped several pictures before he could answer. “I want to save every memory of this trip. We probably won’t be doing anything like this again.” She ducked her chin for effect. “We have to watch our pennies.”
She wanted to pat herself on the back. Antigua’s smile was actually sympathetic.
He lifted his head to watch Sam, who tried to get away from his female friend on the other side of the pool. “I see your fiancé is having fun. Does he do that often?”
How should she answer that? Whine or act ignorant. “Oh, yes. He’s a favorite wherever he goes.”
“I’m sure.” Antigua seemed to be calculating the situation, the tick in his jaw more pronounced. “It seems he’s gotten away from his companion. I’ll speak with him about joining me for a few activities later on.”
“He’d like that. Sam is always up for doing new things.” Lana snapped Sam’s picture as he hurried toward them. “I just love that man.”
Antigua stood and waited for Sam to join them. Relaxed, his hands resting on his hips, he seemed like nothing more than a good-looking guy on the prowl for a chick. She watched him, knowing he had a dark side and murder meant little to him. He had plans to spread misery over his own country, and killing a few more people wouldn’t mean a thing to him.
Her gaze switched to Sam. He didn’t look the bumbling fool at that moment. He walked toward them with a sure stride and a set look of suspicion on his face. Unlike the jokers taking pictures for the contest, his blue and white trunks fit him, showing his fabulous legs and flat, ripped belly. She licked
her lips while studying his suntanned muscles and windblown hair. Sam Horn had no physical flaws.
Only one flaw. He looked mad as hell.
“Hello, darling.” Lana attempted to diffuse whatever had lit Sam’s fuse. “Did you have fun?”
“Like a monkey with a banana.” He stared at Antigua and then smiled. “Want to shoot some skeet?”
Antigua’s face lit up with pleasure. “Of course.” He glanced from Sam to Lana. “Do you shoot?”
Sam guffawed and slapped Antigua’s back harder than necessary. “Naw. But it looks like fun.”
Working his shoulder after the hard slap, Antigua nodded. “Meet me at the back of the boat where the sport is allowed.” He gestured to Lana. “Please bring your fiancée.”
“Sure.” Sam dropped onto his deck chair and grinned. “She’s never handled a gun either.”
Antigua arched his fine dark brows. “I shall see you in a few minutes.”
Lana put her hand over Sam’s mouth, expecting him to say something to stir up a problem. “Let’s have one of those pretty drinks, honey.”
Damn, she even fluttered her lashes.
He laughed, roughing his hair before waving at the steward. “Don’t worry, Pearly. I won’t kick his ass. Yet.”
She leaned back and closed her eyes, wishing they were really alone, not on a cruise ship waiting for the time to take someone into custody. She observed Sam from beneath her lashes. Yeah, she couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather be alone with. Tonight. And every night for days. She warmed from her toes to her scalp.
She wanted him to squeeze the breath from her, bang her into oblivion. He had found every nerve in her pussy, not to mention her ass. She wanted the master of climax to give her a rough ride to that wave of heat. Oh, yes, the pleasure and heat.
You’ll screw up if this mindset continues.
“Did you say something, Sam?”
He turned toward her, resting on his side. “So what did Antigua have to say?”
She closed her eyes again. “Nothing valuable. He’s concerned about our lack of inactivity.”
He huffed loud and clear. “You mean he’s concerned about you not getting enough sex.” His chuckle pleased her with the overtones of evil intent. “Maybe he can tell I haven’t been scoring anything lately.”
“You had your chance earlier.” She smiled sweetly, laughing under her breath.
“If you mean Nita, she came on too strong.” Sam snapped the waistband of his trunks. “I don’t trust just anyone with my stuff.”
Lana laughed softly. “I don’t remember your requirements.”
“Yes you do.” He stroked her thigh. “I remember all of yours.”
Okay. He knew how to arouse her without getting in her pants. Her mind snapped back to business as she caught sight of Antigua and several of his party heading to the rear of the ship.
“I think the hunting party is gearing up, Sam.” She swung her legs off the chair and rose to stretch. “Keep your temper under control.”
Sam got up and patted her ass, reassuring her in a husky whisper. “I won’t embarrass him any more than necessary.”
* * * *
Sam took in the scene where Antigua stood waiting like some frigging wuss on a safari. He held a skeet rifle like a rookie cop, and his pockets bulged with shells. Two of his men stood nearby wearing the same dumb expressions they always wore. He figured they would test positive for hydrophobia.
Getting back into character came hard. Sam waved like a clown to make sure Antigua noticed him.
“Hey, Antique.” Trying to sound interested in the proceedings was rough for Sam. “Tell me what we’re shootin’ at again.”
Antigua inhaled with visible disgust, but Sam could imagine the power he felt at dealing with an inferior. “The targets are skeet. Small clay targets fired from that machine.”
“You don’t say.” Sam reached for Antigua’s weapon.
The watchdogs stepped forward. Antigua waved them off. “Sam, you never reach for another man’s weapon.”
Sam shuffled his feet and ducked his chin. “Okay, man. When do I get a gun?”
Antigua nodded to the guard nearest them. “Give Sam a rifle.” He smiled at Sam with a knowing quirk of his brows. “You may fire first.”
Catching a glimpse of Lana at the edge of the small crowd watching, Sam motioned her forward. “I need a kiss for good luck.” He held his hand out to her, and she ran to his side, offering her luscious mouth for his kiss.
“Thanks, baby.” She was an amazing actress, glancing down shyly, but her pinch to his side said something different.
She issued a tight-lipped warning. “You’d better let him win.”
“Sure, doll face.” He watched her walk back to the flimsy barricade the activities people had set up.
I’ll let him win. This time.
Antigua eyed him as he took the rifle, probably expecting him to drop it. “Take aim and tell the man at the controls that you are ready.”
Sam pulled the rifle butt to his shoulder, squinting through the sights. “Okay. I’m ready to roll.”
“No.”
Sam chuckled at the sound of petulant irritation in his host’s voice. “Was that wrong?” Sam enjoyed the look of anger worming across Antigua’s face.
“You say ‘pull’. The targets will come out and you fire at them.” His words were chopped off and mean.
Sam shrugged. “Okay.” He set his weapon and yelled, “Pull.” The trigger was smooth as satin and the clay pigeon sailed past. Still in one piece. “Pull.” He lowered the weapon and grinned at Antigua. “Guess this isn’t like quail hunting.”
As he expected, Antigua became animated, downright friendly. “It takes practice. You did well for a beginner.”
Sam longed to kick the creep in the ass, but hung his thumbs in the waist of his trunks. “Thanks, man. Maybe we can play some cards one day.” He laughed. “I ain’t any good at that either.”
He suffered the pompous ass shooting with marginal accuracy at a dozen clay targets. Each time he missed, Antigua turned to scream at the guy working the machine. He shook his head and informed Sam the wind had shifted or his weapon had malfunctioned.
Sam nodded and slapped Antigua on the back several times. He enjoyed the wince of irritation he gained from the man who couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.
Offered another try, Sam declined. “Naw, I don’t think me and guns go together.”
Antigua seemed pleased with that and ignored him as Sam backed away from the man who thought he should be shining his shoes.
Sam walked toward Lana, winking broadly at her. She smiled and he knew he’d passed the test with her. His step quickened, working on his plan to make her smile wider damn soon.
Chapter Eleven
Lana’s smile was from relief. “Thanks, Sam.”
She put her arm around his waist, sipped her drink, and thought about what would happen once they reached international waters.
“Sam, I think it would be a good idea for us to make a list of possibilities and probabilities.”
Either he hadn’t heard her or did what he did best. Ignored her.
He seemed distant, his gaze on the placid blue water on the horizon. “I think you’re right. This guy thinks he’s royalty and don’t even take a leak by himself.” He tugged on the scarf tied at her waist. “We’ll make that list tonight.”
Lana brushed at her hair. “Good idea.” The insanity of the job they were on left her slightly off-kilter. “I don’t like not having an airtight plan. Too many things go wrong.”
“Pearly,” he drew her to the rail, looking over her shoulder while offering some insight, “the brass is aware that Antigua has more bodyguards and spies than the Prince of Wales. They don’t much give a shit how we bring him home, even if it’s in a plastic bag.”
“So, you’re telling me we are more or less on our own.” Her lungs squeezed against her ribs. Sent out to clean up a mess the department didn’t
want to be involved with. “How nice. I knew this was all too sweet. Sending me on a cruise with an agent I know nothing about. No tangible orders on the actual arrest, no back up, nothing. The bastards.”
He took her arm, pulling her against his side. “We are expendable, Pearly. I suggest we concentrate on staying alive.”
“Count on it, Horn.” She buried her anger and a hint of fear. “Antigua’s a worthless piece of crap, but I’m going to have the pleasure of taking him down.”
“That’s my girl.” Sam exhaled, the first time she’d gotten the slightest hint he wasn’t into the game. “Let’s take a stroll around, visit the shops, and get a little tipsy.”
She took his hand, feeling alone for the first time in her career. Sam had become her anchor, and she had only him to rely on. “Yes, let’s do that.” She heard music coming from the party room where the young crowd gathered. “I feel like dancing.”
He nodded, his sexy smile making an appearance once again. “Let’s do it, babe.”
She shimmied her shoulders and pointed toward a women’s dress shop. “I have to have the proper dress. Bring your charge card.”
He laughed and dug it out of his trunks pocket. “Always prepared.”
Lana held his hand and walked him into the ritzy shop, amazed that he didn’t try to hide behind something while she shopped. He looked around with no sign of discomfort. He proved to be patient, waiting without complaint while she tried on dresses.
She made her choice, an azure blue slip dress. She went back out to the sales floor and gestured to Sam, who lounged by the entrance. “Sam, I’m taking this one.”
The warmth of his gaze told her the dress met with his approval. “Nice, Pearly.” He handed over his credit card to the saleswoman. “Anything else you want. Or need?”
Somewhere in that question, he had inserted something personal. What had happened to her? The tight-fisted, tight-tempered, and lonely Lana flew away. She wasn’t lonely or afraid anymore.
She took the bag that held her suit and scarf, laughing freely. “Good times, Sam.”
He took her hand and smiled. “Yeah, good times. While we can.” He took the shopping bag from her. “Do you want to stop in at our cabin first? I need to make a costume change if I’m going to dance.”