by Dakota Black
She could just make out Snake, still standing in almost the same spot, studying the ocean as if trying to recapture something from his blackened soul. The man was aching and the chip on his shoulder was too much for her to deal with. This was business. Nothing more. Sighing, she walked back to her suitcase, unzipping and selecting a dress. Yeah, she’d brought clothes that would make her feel good, island clothes.
Groaning, she walked into the bathroom, tossing her make up bag on the counter before changing. The dress was form fitting, an old one from the back of her closet. She was fooling herself if she thought this was anything resembling a vacation, but after the day she’d had, the confrontation with John, she wanted to feel like a worthwhile woman again. Or any kind of woman for that matter.
She slipped into to dress, smoothing down the gentle creases and freshened her makeup. This was going to have to do. She glared at her reflection, making faces before tugging the hairbrush from the side compartment. Her long hair was unruly, the curls going every which way. She brushed until her hair was as smooth as possible in the humidity then gripped the edge of the counter. “You can do this.” Whatever this was.
Before she left the room, she heard music, almost doleful jazz. Stopping just inside the doorway, she was surprised at his selection. She could see him as a metal man, preferring hard vibes and solid riffs. When she walked out into the living room, she remained intrigued, especially given the fact he’d lit several candles. This wasn’t the same man. Hard edged. Angry. Maybe the softer sell was to keep her off guard. Two could play at this game.
She found him in the kitchen, an empty wine glass on the counter, a bottle already opened. “I had the place stocked. I didn’t know what you liked, but I thought we would buy anything we feel we need tomorrow.”
Snake studied her before taking a sip, his eyes roaming down to her bare legs and feet. He swirled the wine, his expression one of contempt. “I’m not certain how you think we’re going to go anywhere, Katherine. We are miles away from civilization and I doubt you’d like to walk.”
What an asshole. A nasty retort was on the tip of her tongue. He was goading her, treating her as if she had zero idea what she was doing. She’d been given a layout of the villa, the garage included. If her instructions and hefty payment had been clear, she’d be able to back her increasing anger. She offered a smile and beckoned with a single finger. “Follow me.” She walked through the kitchen, past the brooding man to the single door located just off the wash room. Flinging it open, she fumbled until she found the light switch. Then she prayed to God the assholes on the island hadn’t forsaken her.
He walked out and down the two stairs and into the garage.
She could hear the thumping his boots made then peeked around the corner, breathing a sigh of relief. Not only was there a jeep parked in the small area, but she could see two sets of diving equipment positioned on a small table. She could only pray the boat was parked at the dock, the cost cutting into her bank balance, but they needed to be able to go out further, past the first set of reefs. “We have everything we need.” The single look he gave her was enough to send a series of electric jolts coursing through her body. Sucking in her breath, she walked back inside the kitchen, grabbing the wine bottle and nearly sloshing the wine onto the counter.
“I’m impressed. You seemed to have thought of everything.” His words were simple, the tone husky.
“I tried to. I realized our time needed to be well spent, especially since you have no faith or concept of why we’re here.” Perhaps pushing his buttons wasn’t in her best interest, but the man was going to know she was serious as well as important. She took a gulp of wine then glanced at the label. Her money had been more than well spent. As he walked closer, she could sense he was hungry, but not necessarily for food. She resisted looking at her chest, her hardened nipples, the goosebumps that had formed even in the humid conditions. And she was wet, her panties soaked. This was insane.
“You are much more than I believed you were capable of.”
“I’m not certain if that’s a compliment.”
Snake hesitated. “Take it for what you will.” He walked out of the kitchen, grabbing the bottle.
She remained behind, sipping on her glass of merlot and trying to figure out how to get through to him. Had some woman been responsible for turning him into a hardened man? Was he trying to keep her at arm’s length for fear of actually caring about someone? Whatever hand he’d been dealt kept him on edge, full of rage. How sad.
She wanted to break the ice, to talk to someone other than herself. She counted to five, cursed several times then walked out of the kitchen to find him.
He was out on the back deck, leaning against the railing, the wine bottle on the table. “You know this place?”
Katherine padded out onto the deck, remaining just behind. “Not this particular place but the Cayman Islands? Yes.”
“He brought you here. John.” His tone was flat.
Startled, she was hesitant to answer. She studied the blue water, listened to the sound of the splashing water, allowing it to lull her into a sense of peace. Even hearing John’s name was enraging.
“Yes, I know as much about you as I’m certain you learned about me.” The single look was authoritative, commanding.
“Yes, we came to the Caymans on our honeymoon, if you can call the time we spent anything of that nature. He was on his phone doing business for the majority of the time.” This wasn’t just about undressing her with his eyes. He wanted to devour her. “Yeah, I know. As if you care. Neither do I.”
Snake remained silent, his hand swirling the wine glass. “There are no perfect relationships.”
“At least we agree on something.” She walked toward the railing, making certain to keep a clear distance between them. Leaning over, she inhaled the scent of the ocean, relishing in the light spray of salt water as the waves crashed against the shore. She sensed she was being watched, sized up, as if she was the enemy. Perhaps, there was more. The electricity between them was palpable, current creating goosebumps and tingles. “And you obviously know these islands.”
He said nothing at first. “I know them to a degree.”
“You never give a straight answer. That’s what I’m afraid of, especially when you report back to your bosses at Rush. I’m certain whatever you tell them will be creative.”
“My goal isn’t to hurt you or your upcoming political campaign. That’s not the kind of man I am.”
The words were surprising, even tempting. Far too tempting. “What kind of man are you?” She tipped her head and even in the twilight, she could tell he was tense. Brushing hair from her face, she resisted moving closer.
Snorting, Snake downed the entire glass before turning toward her. “The kind you don’t want to know. The kind that will rip apart your world. I’m far too dangerous for a woman like you.” The words were nothing more than a challenge, pushing to see if she would break. When she remained quiet, he chuckled and grabbed the wine bottle by the neck, swinging it back and forth as he took long strides toward the door.
“You have no idea what kind of woman I am, what hungers I have. The kind that are all consuming and unrequited. You might find out that what I crave is absolute danger.” Katherine moved toward him, grabbing the bottle out of his hand. “That is, if you’re man enough to find out.” She held her breath as she started to walk past, the position of his heated body standing in the doorway requiring close proximity. Even the scent of his exotic cologne was alluring, sensual yet wild. Her mouth was suddenly dry, yet her pussy was wet, soaking her panties.
Gripping her wrist, he yanked her closer, forcing her breasts against his chest. Snake lowered his head until their lips were almost touching. Breathing in and out, his eyes darted back and forth across hers. “Be careful what you ask for.” He held the stance, refusing to move, refusing to allow her to go anywhere. “I take what I want.”
She licked her lips and wanted nothing more than for him to k
iss her, take her right here. Claim her. But this was nothing more than a game. Huffing, she issued a wry smile and yanked her arm out of his hold. “I guess we’ll see.”
A series of chills remained scuttling into her system when he allowed her to slip back into the house. Blinking several times, the man was not going to see her reaction. Not now. Not ever. Her legs were like rubber and she struggled to walk back into the kitchen. She placed the wine glass on the counter, allowing a slow breath to escape and closed her eyes.
There was no sound alarming her that he’d followed, but she knew he was there, standing right behind her. Tensing, she gripped the edge of the counter, waiting, wishing for more than the standoff they’d both become accustomed to.
“I suggest we go out to dinner.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, she nodded. “Yes.” When she turned around, he’d left the room, his empty glass, the only sign he’d actually been inside the kitchen. Beads of perspiration had formed above her lip and she licked them away, shifting her hips as trickles of her cunt juice slid into her thong. “Jesus.”
Snake opened the garage door, peering out into the darkness. The confrontation with Katherine had been expected, yet far more sexual than he cared to admit. His cock remained hard, pushing against his pants. Why was this woman so enticing? Why did he care? He slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. He knew the island well, much better than he’d allowed her to believe. This had once been a playground, long before he’d attempted life as someone else. He suspected things hadn’t changed much if at all. There were businesses and restaurants that had survived generations of hurricanes and strife. He sensed her presence and glanced into the side mirror.
Katherine stood on the landing, peering at the driver’s window as if expecting to drive. To her credit, she didn’t try and force the issue, simply moved to the passenger door, climbing inside.
He darted a single glance before shoving the gear into drive. She was completely uncomfortable, her body language and pinched face giving her away. But he could tell how turned on she was, her dark desires fighting with her conservative requirements. Smiling to himself, he sped down the path, keeping his foot pressed on the accelerator. If she craved danger, he would be happy to oblige.
Taking a chance, he’d decided to find his old haunting spot, the single location he used to visit on a frequent basis. Not a single woman had ever been with him to the local joint, but there was a first time for everything. His thoughts shifted to an earlier time in his life, moments shared with a woman who’d captured more than just his heart. This was no time for haunting memories. If Katherine had a hidden agenda then he’d be a fool to allow his guard down, even for a night. Even for desired passion.
He rounded the corners, the speed forcing the tires to squeal. The winding road led to an area tourists would likely never see, perhaps would even be concerned for their safety. This was a treasure, the secluded beaches and stunning water only a small portion of what the village offered.
“Where are we going?” Her hand was firmly gripped around the handle above the door, her hair flowing in the wind given the open windows.
“A small restaurant that’s incredible.” The headlights illuminated the craggy road, the broken pavement, pot holes creating deep dips along the sides. The single lane road had seen better days but held no traffic. Not at night.
She sighed but remained quiet, allowing her body to move with the bumps, her face staring out the windshield.
The road remained winding, trees overhanging the narrow path, hitting the top of the jeep. With every hard slap, her body visibly shuddered, her mouth going slack.
He could smell her fear.
Snake rounded a corner and could see lights, various lit torches coming from just up ahead. When he neared the area, he could just make out the dilapidated sign. Island Paradise indeed. He hesitated before advancing, almost concerned as to what emotions the location would conjure up.
Leaning forward, she squinted then looked in his direction. “You’ve been here before. Secrets and lies.”
The words haunted him.
As he pulled next to the few cars in the parking lot, jamming the gear into park, he exhaled. “I’ve been almost everywhere. There is a great deal you don’t know about me, instances and events that you’ll never find on any report, no matter the level of payment you provide.” He could see trepidation in her eyes, as if he’d probed her entire life. There was no need. He knew exactly what she was made of and what she longed for in a relationship. “Shall we go inside?”
“As long as we can get a drink.”
He cut the engine, a grin remaining on his face. She was still full of surprises. The building had been recently refurbished, the tawdry colors vibrant even in the flaming torches. Even the stone around the entrance had been repaired. He could hear the lapping waves, could smell the fresh seafood on the grill.
Opening the door, he ushered her inside, keeping his hand on the small of her back, surprised that she didn’t object.
An older man walked around the corner, the limp more pronounced than from years before, the once salt and pepper hair now gray and white, but his intense eyes remained the same. A scowl covered his face until he was within a few feet. “Snake Driscoll? Is that you?”
“I wondered if I’d find you here.”
“My God, son. I thought you were dead.” His decidedly French accent remained husky, but years of heavy smoking had stripped him of his once sensual baritone.
“Pepe. I’m so pleased you’re still here and at times, I believed I’d be better off dead.” Embracing Pepe, he could hear the words whispered from a man he so respected.
“Be careful, son. There are those who still remember you and what you’re capable of.”
Nodding as he leaned back, Snake had known coming here could be a mistake, but given the almost twelve years, he’d hoped otherwise. Anonymity wasn’t an option.
“And who is this beautiful woman?” Pepe’s eyes twinkled, and he took her hand.
“This is Katherine Wallace, a very important senator in the United States,” Snake offered, resisting laughing given her trite expression.
“Just Katherine and on this island, I’m merely a woman who enjoys a good meal and a fine glass of wine,” Katherine said as she gave him a nod of respect.
Pepe laughed and kissed her hand. “I like this one for you, Snake. I like her very much. You, my dear, have come to the right location. We have the freshest fish and don’t allow my battered restaurant to fool you. The wine is superb. Come. I’ll give you my finest table.”
Katherine sighed. “That would be wonderful.”
Pepe began to sing, the words in lilting French, as he walked through the six-table restaurant and outside a back door, leading them to a small table for two nestled in the corner. “The finest view in all of the islands.”
“This is gorgeous,” she breathed, her face lighting up.
Pepe winked at Snake as he pulled out her chair. “If you will allow me to select the perfect wine, that would make me a happy man.”
“Absolutely.” Snake eased down onto the chair and had to admit, the memories were bittersweet. The setting was certainly romantic, although his previous visits had nothing to do with romance or even sex. His business adventures had required the seclusion as well as trust in those around him. He could trust Pepe with his life. In truth, he had more than once.
“He knows you well.”
“Pepe and I have shared many a bottle of wine.”
She rolled her eyes before concentrating on the view off to her left. Breathing in, she rested her chin on her folded hands, her entire body stiff with apprehension.
“Does that surprise you?” Snake asked. In the moonlight and soft lighting, her skin glowed, accentuating her almost delicate features. She wanted to be taken seriously, her work of extreme importance, but the woman hiding behind the mask of steel wanted nothing more than to let go, giving up control. Olivia was very much the same, but this w
oman held a need that was all consuming, threatening to break free at any time.
“I suppose nothing should surprise me about you any longer. Then again, I was surprised to learn about your training as well as your degree. I would have taken you for something else entirely.”
“And what would that be, Katherine? I have varied interests, much like you do. I worked in oil fields for years when I was younger, but what lured me was the ocean. I’ve never been as comfortable anywhere else in my life. Then again, you know something about this as well.”
Katherine took a deep breath, her eyes never blinking. “I think we can end the cat and mouse game. My life is an open book. Although my father was a highly respected oceanographer, he was gone for extended periods of time, traveling the world. Yes, he gave me a love of the ocean. I learned to free dive when I was four, scuba diving almost every day by the time I was seven. My mother used to say I would grow up with web feet.”
“Here we are. I believe you will enjoy my selection,” Pepe said as he returned, showing a dark bottle to Snake.
“Perfect. What is on the menu this evening?”
Pepe winked at Snake as he opened the bottle. “The freshest yellow fin tuna and octopus. I will be preparing your food tonight. I can tell, my friend, that you will need your strength.” He began to sing again as he poured the two glasses, then patted Snake on the shoulder. When the grip increased, he glanced up at Pepe. The old sign the man remembered. What did Pepe need to tell him?
Snake shook his head as Pepe walked away, a lightness in his step. “He seems to believe we’re together.”
“He would be wrong.”
Leaning over, he studied her eyes, could see such sadness buried deep inside. “For whatever reason John believed he should hurt you, the man was a fool.”
Taken aback, she lifted the glass of wine, her lower lip quivering. “Please don’t mistake why we are here. I have one week to help you understand the effects of off shore drilling, even in a remote locate such as this. I’m not certain that will matter to you or how you will jade the report that you provide to your employers. That, I can’t control. What I can control is how we interact. While we will get to know each other, make certain you understand that I have no interest in anything…”