A Death Wish

by Dakota Black

  She huddled over the steering wheel and the moment she drove out of the overgrown trees, she took a hard look at the sky. All reports indicated a category two hurricane, but that was last night. Given the near blackout of information, everything could have changed.

  As the gusts of wind increased, blowing hard against the tin can of a vehicle, she continued to check her phone until she had enough of a connection to try and make some calls. Snake was right. Getting off the island was in their best interest. Pulling into the parking lot of a motel, she kept the engine running as she pulled out their return tickets, finding the number of the airport. After three attempts, she was able to hear a ring coming from the other end. What she knew about the airport was that the flights were limited, almost none going out daily. And they certainly didn’t take any chances.

  “Kirkconnell International Airport.”

  “Good morning. I’m trying to see if there are any flights off the island at any point today. I’ll take anything.” Closing her eyes, Katherine already knew the answer.

  “I’m sorry, Miss. All flights have been cancelled. I would try and check back tomorrow, but given the upgrade in the storm, it may be several days until we have the capability of flying.”

  “What are the current predictions?” She fisted her hand as she watched the various shops lining the street boarding up, preparing for the worst.

  “The hurricane is fast approaching, and we will feel the full effects within a few hours. The storm has been upgraded to a category three and the islands are supposed to receive a direct hit. I would get to safety as soon as you are able.”

  She nodded, as if anyone could see her. “Thank you.”

  “Be safe, Miss.”

  She ended the call and held the phone with a death grip. “Damn it!” Well, if there was no way off the island, there was no way on. Exhaling, she tapped her fingers on the steering wheel and contemplated calling John. Would he tell her the truth or was he playing yet another game with her? And why did she think she could trust him in the first place?

  Think. Figure this out. She would know if John were lying. She’d know. Even his voice over the phone held the contrite quality, as if he was lording something over her during every call. She stared at her phone for a full minute before dialing his number. Of course, it went to voice mail. Of course. “John. I don’t need any shit from you. I need the truth for once. Were you reassigned the Chavis case then got the bastard out of prison? Would you really do something like this and not tell me? Do you remember what he did to me? Do you? Just let me know because I’m being threatened, and I think the bastard is the one doing it. And before you ask, Frank is the one who told me, and I guess, given the fact he’s a damn prosecuting attorney that he would know the truth. Damn you! Just call me!” Her voice had increased by several decibels by the time she ended the call. Angry as hell, she tossed her phone into the passenger seat.

  As if the asshole would call her back.

  Laughing, she held her hand over her mouth. As if he could get through with a phone call. Oh, this was ridiculous. Inviting a stranger to an island to spend a week after being threatened? She was out of her freaking mind.

  There was nothing to do but wait out the storm. She was forced to turn on her wipers as the rain began in earnest, the torrent of wind forcing the water to come down sideways. She’d never liked storms, hated the concept of being without electricity. Then again, she had a reason why. Ramone’s capture had been in the dark, during a violent and unpredicted storm. She’d been lucky that the police were in hiding, waiting for his attempt on her life.

  And he’d almost made good on his threat.

  Katherine rubbed her neck, remembering the knife he’d held at her throat, the way he’d whispered in her ear, the nasty stench of the dozen roses he’d shoved into her face. Swallowing, she wanted nothing more than to get back to the safety of… The villa or Snake’s arms?

  She controlled her breathing, but the anger and fear remained. One thing she absolutely could do during this nightmare was confront Snake. He was either telling her the truth and was her ally or he was lying his ass off. Either way, she would fry him, exposing his past to Rush Enterprises as well as to the Press. Whatever his story, perhaps the cover-up was enough evidence to force Congress into action and approve the proposed bill. A win-win for everyone.

  But what about your heart?

  Hissing, she shoved her little voice back as far as possible and threw the gear into drive. Overshooting the exit, she had to slam on her brakes to avoid a collision.

  Beep!

  Her purse, the phone and half of her mind was pitched onto the floor. “Shit!” Her heart was racing, blood pumping into every vein and for a few seconds, she was certain she was going to hyperventilate. Control. Breathe and control.

  Reaching down, she tossed everything back onto the passenger seat, huffing when an addition caught her eye. She glanced at the traffic then slapped the jeep into reverse, backing into a parking spot. As her fingers wrapped around the picture, a black and white photo, she had to study the photograph to understand what she was seeing.

  Sitting back, she thought about the words, the warning and the concept. This had to be what Pepe had given Snake the other night. No wonder the man was terrified. No wonder he held dark secrets. Now, she was beginning to understand.

  “You will do exactly as I tell you. There is no choice in this organization, Snake Boy,” he said as he laughed.

  Snake stared into the monster’s eyes, the man they called El Jefe, and gave the freak a look of amusement. His arms were shackled above his head. He’d been stripped of his clothes, his naked body swinging from the rafters of the old warehouse. Other members of the gang crowded around them, waiting to carry out his punishment, waiting to see him die. He knew what they were capable of, had seen their heinous acts.

  After all, they were members of the Mexican Mafia.

  “A defiant one. You will learn, or you will die.” El Jefe eased off his chair and walked toward him. “I like you and only because of my daughter’s love for you will I allow you to remain alive, but you will be taught a lesson.” As he pointed to his captain, a vicious killer, he nodded. “There were no others.”

  Holding his breath, Snake could see the bullwhip out of the corner of his eye. No one would ever break him.

  Crack!

  Rubbing his eyes, Snake fought off the memory. The majority of the vigilantes had been killed in a violent raid, the others captured, tried for their crimes and sent away to rot in prison. There should be no one left who even remembered who he’d once been.

  But there was.

  He rubbed his face and walked back into the house. Even the description of the man Pepe had seen didn’t match anyone he remembered. What the hell did he know? He’d spent his entire military career learning to forget.

  Snake had found enough plywood as well as basic tools that he managed to board up the few windows that didn’t have hurricane shutters. Given a portion of the villa had been built almost twenty feet above sea level, the storm surge would likely not flood the house. He heard the howling wind as well as the waves as they crashed into the shore. The tide was low, but the wind had driven the water several feet up the beach.

  He glanced at his watch for the fifth time. Almost an hour had gone by. Dropping the hammer on the kitchen counter, he grabbed his gun and headed out the front door, walking toward the bridge. Water was already lapping over the edges, several tree limbs dragging against the surface of the road. He could hear creaking sounds as the limbs dipped from the effects of the wind, threatening to give away.

  Shielding his eyes, he stood waiting, as if she would arrive on his command. Fear had encroached on his anger, leaving him antsy, every muscle in his body tense. As he stood still, he thought about the information he’d received. There were too many games being played. At least he could count on his buddy. How could he convince Katherine that what he’d learned was accurate? Trust. It all came back to trust and they bo
th had reasons to shove hard against the concept.

  As the wind continued to whip around him, he heard the sound of limbs falling yet nothing else. Rain had settled in, pouring down, leaving puddles in the aging gravel road. He was drenched yet couldn’t feel the wetness. He could feel nothing inside, the death wish controlling his entire system. Did he still believe he should die? The answer was too difficult to comprehend. She’d changed him somehow, this beautiful and arrogant woman.

  He snickered and wiped the water out of his eyes as he noticed headlights. Reaching for his gun, he wrapped his hand around the barrel. The jeep appeared, the frontend dipping into the potholes created by the stream of running water. He could see her face, her expression pensive as she killed the engine, remaining inside.

  There was no one following her, no one hiding in the vehicle. She was alone and from what he could tell, she seemed apprehensive. He took two steps closer then stopped. She would have to come to him.

  Katherine opened the door and stepped outside, slamming the door and standing by the driver’s door.

  “I thought you’d left,” he yelled over the roar of the wind.

  “Where would I go? We’re stuck here,” she called back as she held her arms, shivering.

  He took another two steps, his heart aching. “I meant what I said. I can’t lose you.”

  She took several steps closer until they were only two feet apart. “Snake, I… I want so many things.”

  His breathing ragged, he nodded. “So, do I.”

  A look of relief flooded her face and she rushed forward, falling into his arms. “I don’t know what’s going on but I’m so scared.”

  He held the back of her head against his chest. “I know but you’re safe with me.” Easing her back, he cupped the side of her face before kissing her lips, allowing a moment of softness, a gentle reminder that he was merely a man.

  She moaned into the kiss and gripped his arm, darting her tongue just inside his mouth.

  Crack! Boom!

  Jerking back, she twisted in an effort to locate the noise then burst into laughter. “I guess we should get inside.”

  Snake grabbed her hand, yanking her against his chest. “I’ll secure the jeep then build a fire.”

  Intertwining their fingers, she gave him a slight smile. “I’d like that. Hurry inside.”

  He watched as she scampered toward the house, darting inside. Relief remained but he sensed her questions, her concerns. He had no other choice but to allow her into his life.

  Would she run?

  Katherine continued to rub her hair with the towel, watching his every move as he built a roaring fire. A chill remained, but the combination of the thick terry robe as well as the flickering flames was warming. She studied his face, the way the fire highlighted his features. He was a stunning man, carved in all the right places, his shoulders broad and his chest muscles dipping into a thin waist. He’d removed his shirt but remained in his wet jeans and she realized her pussy was wet just thinking about him. He’d remained quiet, now sitting in front of the fire with his arms crossed over his knees. “What are you thinking?”

  Snake darted a look over his shoulder, his eyes illuminated by extreme desire. “Something about devouring you in front of the fire.”

  Dropping the towel, she eased onto the rug beside him, curling her legs under her as she leaned against his shoulder. “I don’t believe you.”

  “You’re calling your sir a liar?”

  The lilt in his voice was unexpected given she knew the weight of the world remained on his shoulders. “I believe I am.”

  “I think we might need to do something about that.”

  The lights flickered as lightning crashed across the sky and she yelped then laughed. “We’re going to lose power.”

  “I don’t need power to see your beautiful face.” Twisting his body, he brushed the tips of his fingers down her face to her jaw, skimming his index finger along the bone. “You know I’m not a good man.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Whatever happened in your past is a part of you but doesn’t define the man you are today.” Her eyes darted back and forth across his, longing for him to let her in, to open up and share.

  “Everything we do in life defines us, whether good or bad. It’s what we do with those experiences that matter.” He allowed his finger to continue exploring, rubbing the tip to travel in between her breasts.

  She tilted her head back and tingled from the soft touch, the loving aspect. He could be so tender, so caring.

  Snake moved his fingers down further until he reached the belt on her robe. Issuing a single growl, he wiggled his finger into the knot then tugged the material. When the sash was untied, he peeled away first one side of her robe then the other, exposing her breasts. He moved onto his knees, pulling Katherine onto hers then eased the material off her shoulders. “I’m falling in love with you.”

  “I know.” As he used both hands, caressing her shoulders and arms, her breasts and stomach, she continued to shiver, her nipples hard and aching. She brushed the back of her hands up his chest then gripped his shoulders, kneading. “And I’m in love with you.”

  He exhaled as if the concept remained terrifying then lowered his head, the whisper little more than a husky moan. “I want to make love with you.”

  She closed her eyes as he kissed her lips, her nose and forehead, empty inside when he pulled away. Seconds later, she heard the sound of his zipper and bit her lower lip. He pulled her on top of him, forcing her to straddle his waist. She draped her arms over his shoulders, her hands cupping and caressing the back of his neck and head. “Yes.”

  His hands planted on her hips, he bent her back and lowered his head, taking her nipple into his mouth.

  Whimpering, she dropped her head all the way down, allowing her arms to dangle as he sucked and licked around first one then the other hardened bud. Every lick was sensual, every nip calculated. The way his cock was throbbing between her legs, pushing hard against her slickened pussy was driving her mad with desire. She undulated her hips as his grip became stronger, more forceful.

  Snake grunted and dragged his tongue up and down her chest and around her breasts as he moved her back and forth, creating friction.

  Every cell, every muscle in her body was on fire. She jerked up, rising onto her knees and dropping her head, allowing her long hair to cascade across his face and shoulders. “God, I want you.”

  Gripping her hips, he held her aloft, rubbing his stiff cock back and forth. “I’ve told you before, be careful what you ask for.” His eyes twinkling, the tone guttural, he eased his hand around his shaft, rubbing the tip around her clit.

  “Oh… God.” The way he touched her was incredible, creating waves of small orgasms rushing up from her toes. She pressed her lips against his, breathing a swath of hot air into his mouth. “Fuck me.”

  The growl was primal then he chuckled just seconds before he yanked her down, impaling her pussy with the entire length of his cock. “Yes!”

  Her entire body began to shake as he filled her, his shaft shoving against the walls of her cunt. No man had ever consumed her this way. No man had known how to push her boundaries, fill her aching heart. After kissing his lips, she rocked forward and backward, slowly. Deliberately. She wanted this to last.

  His fingers dug into her skin and he rocked with her yet allowed her to take control.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, clasping her hands as her heart raced. With every push, every thrust he seemed to go deeper. She picked up speed, moving faster, her hips jutting forward.

  “Wet. Tight,” he managed as he licked the top of her neck, his tongue following her jaw to her ear.

  “Yes. You do this to me.” She continued to rock, wanting nothing more than for him to fill her, take every inch.

  Snake sucked on her earlobe as his hands roamed up and down her back. “I want more.”

  “More,” she breathed, a smile crossing her face.

  Giving
her a commanding look, he pushed her back until he was over her, his hands placed on both sides. “I want absolutely everything, lady. All of you.” He eased his legs between hers, pushing both aside and began to thrust in and out.

  She curled her legs around his and cupped his face. This was the true beginning, a moment that could never be repeated.

  For she was becoming his.

  Harder and faster he plunged, the force pushing her into the floor, his grunts becoming feral. Yet his eyes never left hers, the love and hunger growing, increasing with every savage drive.

  She was so wet, every part of her shaking and she wiggled back and forth as she clamped her pussy muscles around his cock, pulling him in deeper. He was so big, filling her utterly, current rushing into every cell. “Oh…”

  “Hold it, baby. Hold on.”

  Tossing her head back and forth, she arched her back, meeting every hard thrust, trying to hold back her orgasm. “I… can’t.”

  He continued pumping, skin hitting skin, moans pushing past his lips. Stiffening, he dropped his head until their lips were touching. “Come for me. Come with me.”

  Clamping her feet together, she squeezed her cunt muscles as stars floated in front of her eyes. “Oh… I…” Every muscle tensing, the climax raced from her toes and there was no holding back, no way of stopping the utter. Amazing. Ecstasy.

  “Yes!”

  They sat together, wrapped in a blanket, both holding a glass of wine. They’d remained quiet after making love, basking in the quiet moment. Katherine was content, perhaps more so than she should allow herself to be, but the experience and the time shared had been so wonderful that she didn’t want to face reality.

  “I need to tell you a few things,” he finally whispered, the words broken as if in doing so, his heart would be ripped away.

  “I know. Whatever you need to tell me, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

  “Yeah.”

  She shifted out of his hold. “I’m serious. I think everyone you’ve ever been close to has left you, run away for some reason.”