by Kelley, HD
My hand quickly retreated. “I’ll never tell.”
Alec took another step forward. Less than an inch separated us now. “Don’t tempt me, Isabella, because I have ways of making you tell.” His eyes narrowed and I wondered if that was a promise or a threat. My insides began to tingle once again. This was so wrong. He was a client, and I was still married. That couldn’t happen, no matter how much I wanted him to make me talk.
“Is that a waterfall?” I asked by means of distraction, more for me than him this time.
“It is,” he relented. “Here, take another look.”
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves before accepting his outstretched hand. Anxiously, I walked back to the edge, doing my best to hide my mounting fear. With a firm grip of the rail I peeked over the edge once more.
The water flowed into a large, oval shaped pool that was surrounded by a garden of tropical plants several decks below us. I focused on the sound of the falling water and soon forgot all about my wobbly legs.
“Alec, it’s amazing.”
“It is,” he said with a satisfied look that made me smile. He moved closer, wrapping his arms around me now.
Instinctively I leaned into him. Stop this. Stop this now! my inner voice shouted. I stood up straight but Alec didn’t let go. And honestly, I didn’t want him to.
“I could stand here with you all night, Isabella,” Alec whispered in my ear, “but you have a plane to catch.”
No, I wasn’t ready to go. I wanted to stay in this moment, wrapped in his arms, warmed by the heat of his hard body, no matter how wrong it was.
Alec released me then tugged my arm, forcing me to let go of the rail. As we walked back toward the elevator I spotted a miniature golf course that I hadn’t noticed earlier and was suddenly curious about the ship. “An outdoor track, a waterfall, a garden, mini-golf, what else do you have onboard?”
Alec pressed number fourteen on the control panel of the elevator. “I guess we have time for a quick tour,” he said.
We stepped out onto the promenade deck. “There’s a theater that way,” Alec said, pointing toward the bow. He tugged on my hand, leading me in the opposite direction. “There’s a video arcade for kids here and a casino for parents over there.” He paused briefly, allowing me a chance to look around. “The bar behind me is alcohol free for our younger guests, but we can get a drink in the lounge.”
Alec led me through the spacious lounge to a barstool in front of the sleek black bar and motioned for me to sit. He stepped behind the bar and pulled two wine glasses off the shelf, placing them both on the counter in front of me. When he leaned down I heard the cooler door slide open, and when he stood up again he was holding a bottle of Riesling. The same wine we’d had with dinner.
Alec moved with ease behind the bar and it made me wonder how much time he’s spent here. He probably brings women here every night, my inner voice offered. I shook her off. She was probably right but I didn’t want to think about that right now. It had been so long since I’d enjoyed a man’s attention. And I was definitely enjoying Alec’s. He filled both glasses and returned the bottle to the cooler before handing me a glass.
“Let’s go. We don’t have a lot of time.” Alec extended his hand and I accepted it willingly.
We walked past a multitude of restaurants and shops, an art gallery, and several night clubs before coming to a stop outside the garden we’d viewed from the top deck. A sign outside the entrance read adults only. I looked at Alec, wide eyed, curious as to what I was getting myself in to.
“It’s a place where adults can relax without the chaos of kids,” he said as if reading my mind. I nodded, completely understanding the need for an escape, and not just from kids.
Beyond the entrance was a lush garden of tropical plants. There were several species of palms, plus an array of calla lilies, orchids, and the greenest big leaf philodendron I’d ever seen. Alec motioned for me to sit in one of the many lounge chairs that circled the pool.
I walked to the row of chairs and cautiously took a seat, taking extra care not to trip. I’d expected Alec to follow me, but when I turned around he wasn’t there. Before I had a chance to look to see where he’d gone, the light inside the pool caught my eye. Quickly, the colors changed, fading from blue to purple to red before jumping out of the pool in a fabulous display of light and water mixed with sound.
“What do you think?” Alec’s voice was a whisper behind me that made me jump.
“There you are,” I exhaled, quickly turning to face him.
Alec broke out in a full mouth smile. “Are you always this jumpy?”
You’d be jumpy too if you were having nightmares almost every night, my inner voice snapped. I crossed my arms, feigning insult.
“Are you deliberately trying to drive me crazy, Isabella?”
The temperature of my face rose and I immediately looked away to hide my crimson cheeks. “Am I?” I wondered. He’d told me earlier pouting made him crazy and here I sit, arms crossed, bottom lip protruding.
Before I could answer, Alec grabbed my chin between his thumb and forefinger, slowly lifting my head until my eyes met his. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I pulled away. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Alec shook his head. “Rolling your eyes, pouting, and now lying.” He inhaled sharply, closing his eyes as he did. The muscles in his jaw tightened when he said, “Someone needs to teach you some manners.”
A nervous grin crossed my face. My insides were on fire. My heart beat faster and faster still. I hadn’t even realized I was biting my lip until I tasted the blood. Damn it, Izzy! I admonished. This is so wrong. I took a deep breath, inhaling slowly through my nose and out through my mouth, over and over again until the tingling between my legs stopped.
I raised the wine glass to my lips and took a long, slow drink. “The lights and fountain are a nice touch,” I said finally.
That wicked grin crossed Alec’s face. “Dangerous, dangerous game, Isabella.” He took a seat behind me. Heat radiated from his body and before I knew it my heart was racing all over again.
Breathe, Izzy, I chanted to myself. I took another long drink, nearly draining the glass this time. I was walking a fine line and I needed to get out of here before I completely crossed it.
Quickly, I stood. “We should go.”
Alec looked up at me, his wicked grin replaced with a blank stare. “Okay.” He stood, his eyes fixed on mine. “This way,” he said walking past me.
I emptied my glass and put it down on the table before following him out of the garden, neither of us saying a word until we were back inside the elevator.
“Thank you,” I said finally. Alec’s eyebrow raised, unsure what I was thanking him for. “Dinner. The tour of the ship. The ride to the airport.”
“Anytime.”
I smiled, a genuinely appreciative smile. In all honesty I hadn’t had this much fun since that awful package arrived, confusion and all. I just wished it didn’t have to end. But it did.
I stepped out of the elevator and began retracing the steps we took earlier. Alec quickly caught up to me. His hand brushed up against mine, sending sparks all the way through my body. I inhaled sharply and looked away, embarrassed by both my reaction and my behavior this evening. I did my best to steady my breathing as I picked up speed. Suddenly afraid of what might happen if I didn’t get away from this man. “Dangerous, dangerous game,” he’d said and I wondered now what he meant.
“Isabella, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I answered quickly.
Alec grabbed my hand and stopped, forcing me to stop too. “Tell me. And I want the truth.”
His sharp tone caught me off guard and had me spilling my guts. “Alec, I’m sorry.” I looked down at the marble floor, shaking my head in disappointment of my indiscretions this evening. “You’re a client and I’ve behaved unprofessionally tonight. I should go.” I pulled my hand free from his grip and started tow
ard the exit once more.
Alec’s footsteps echoed behind me.
“Goodnight,” the security guard called out as I walked quickly past him. I waved goodbye without slowing down, desperately needing to get off this ship. I moved carefully down the gangway, keeping a firm grasp on the rail in case I tripped. Every step had my breathing quickening and by the time my feet reached the concrete I was completely out of breath.
I walked back toward Channelside Bay Plaza, doing my best to regain my composure. I couldn’t believe how I’d behaved. I was still married for God’s sake. What the hell was I doing here with Alec?
“This way, Ms. James,” Alec called out from behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see which direction he was headed then changed course toward the car that was parked on the street nearby.
Preston opened my door when I approached. “Thanks,” I said as I got in. He nodded and closed the door behind me. I took a deep breath, relieved to be alone, even if it was only for a minute. “Pull it together, Izzy,” I whispered out loud.
Moments later the door opened and both Alec and Preston climbed in. “TIA,” he said coolly.
Alec turned toward me, every muscle in his jaw clenched. I looked away, rolling my eyes as I did. I had my own issues right now. I certainly wasn’t in the mood to deal with his.
“Just so I’m clear, Isabella, tours are off limits but you consider eye rolling professional behavior?”
I whipped my head back around, my look mirroring his. “As a matter of fact, I do.”
Alec narrowed his eyes and I nervously bit my lip again. He reached over and tugged at my chin, freeing the trapped piece of flesh from my teeth. “Dangerous. Dangerous game,” he said once more.
Alec’s touch was so electric it jolted me back in my seat. I had to stop this. Now. I pulled out of his grip and crossed my arms. “I wasn’t playing a game, Mr. Payne. You asked me a question and I answered it. It’s not my fault you can’t accept the answer I gave.”
Alec’s jaw dropped. He closed his eyes, his jaw tightening once again and I got the feeling Alec Payne wasn’t used to being challenged. “You’re right, Isabella, you should go now.”
Now you’ve done it, my inner voice chimed in. You’ve pissed him off. This is why you don’t get involved with clients! I sat back in the cool leather seat and stared out the window, praying my unprofessional behavior tonight wouldn’t jeopardize my business relationship with Ultimate Cruises.
We rode in silence the rest of the way to the airport. Preston pulled the car next to the curb in the passenger loading and unloading area and promptly hopped out. “Alec,” I said, turning so I was facing him. “Thank you again and—”
“It was my pleasure, Isabella,” Alec interrupted. He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Instantly my insides began to tingle and I couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped. Alec’s grin returned. “Well, maybe not all mine.”
Preston opened my door, pulling me away from that tantalizing moment. I hopped out of the car and looked back at Alec one final time. “You have my card, sir.” With that I closed the door, relieved I’d managed to get out of there before things got any more out of hand. With a final wave goodbye I walked through the automatic doors toward the self-check kiosk.
When I got to my gate I sat down in one of the chairs and pulled out my phone. I needed a distraction before I started to panic about all that’d happened today. My reaction to Alec had me on edge. I’d never imagined meeting someone like him, let alone being remotely attracted to him. I wasn’t sure what surprised me more, the fact that he was drawn to me, or that I could be drawn to someone as controlling as him.
My phone rang. Excitedly I looked at the screen, a pang of disappointment shooting through me when I saw it was only Tim. I should’ve answered but I wasn’t sure what I’d say. You played a dangerous game and lost! my inner voice snapped. You could tell him that. I tried to shake her off but I couldn’t because, once again, she was right.
“What have you done, Izzy?” I admonished. Dimarco had strict guidelines on professional conduct and they definitely wouldn’t approve of my behavior tonight. “You’ve worked too hard to throw it all away,” I scolded.
Even for the sexiest man alive? my inner voice chimed in again, in full temptress mode now. I closed my eyes to fully consider the question but was interrupted before I could come up with an answer.
“Flight 452 traveling to Pensacola now boarding at gate A15,” the agent announced. I pulled out my boarding pass and photo ID, gathered my bags, and got in line, more than thankful for the distraction this time.
• • • • •
It was nearly midnight when we landed in Pensacola and I still had a forty-five minute drive to Ft. Walton beach ahead of me. I meant to have Jonathan book me a room since I had to be back here tomorrow morning for a mandatory staff meeting, but in my recent absentmindedness I’d completely forgotten.
There was very little traffic this time of night, so the trip home was quick. Even still it was well after midnight when I finally got there. The house was dark when I entered, with the exception of the light in the foyer that turned on automatically when it got dark.
Drew and Anna were fast asleep and the house was quiet. I sighed with relief when I remembered Spencer’s trip had been extended. I was much too tired to deal with him tonight. I pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator and headed upstairs to get ready for bed.
I’d finally managed to get Alec out of my mind and was ready for sleep to find me. Out of habit I picked up my phone to do a final check of email before turning off the light. Much to my surprise, there was a message from Alec.
Date: April 14, 2015 10:10 PM
To: Isabella James
From: Alec Payne
Subject: Your visit to Tampa
Ms. James,
Please let me know you’ve made it home safely. I look forward to discussing what else you consider professional behavior.
Until then,
Alec Payne
CEO, Payne Enterprises
I smiled as I read his email a second time, his words from earlier still ringing loudly in my ear. “Dangerous. Dangerous game,” he’d warned over and over again. While I had no idea what he meant, my heart skipped a beat just thinking about him. These feelings I was having for this man were too conflicting. Part of me wanted to run away screaming, but the other part was begging to play. I decided to email him back tonight so he wouldn’t worry, being Mr. Control Freak and all.
Date: April 15, 2015 12:51 AM
To: Alec Payne
From: Isabella (Izzy) James
Subject: Safe at home
Mr. Payne,
I made it home safely. Thank you again for dinner and for your concern regarding my safety.
Maybe we should discuss what you believe to be professional behavior. As you may recall, you didn’t much care for my earlier consideration on the subject.
Izzy James
Issues & Reputation Management
Dimarco
I leaned back against the headboard, a satisfied smile on my face. When my phone vibrated with Alec's quick response my smile broadened.
Date: April 15, 2015 12:52 AM
To: Isabella James
From: Alec Payne
Subject: Your consideration on the subject
Ms. James,
Your earlier consideration was unreasonable. We can start there.
Get some sleep.
Alec Payne
CEO, Payne Enterprises
“What are you doing to me Alec Payne?” I asked out loud, even more confused now. I closed the email app and put my phone back on the nightstand before switching off the light. I pulled the covers over my head and squeezed my eyes tightly. Thoughts of Alec filled my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
• • • • •
It was cold and dark. I felt someone standing over me. I turned so I could get a better look but I couldn’t move. My arms were tied above my head. I felt
his hand on my face. I tried to pull away but he squeezed my checks, preventing me from moving. My heart was racing so fast I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t want him to touch me. I wanted to scream and run away, but I couldn't.
“Feel me, Bella,” he moaned; his mouth on mine once again.
No, no, no! I opened my mouth to scream but no sound would come out. He claimed my mouth, plunging his tongue to the back of my throat. He smelled of liquor and cigarettes and something sweet. It was an awful combination that sent a shiver down my spine.
“No!” I finally managed to shout when he pulled away. I twisted and kicked my legs, trying to get away.
“Fight me, Bella. I like it when you fight me.” The voice was so familiar.
“Get off me,” I screamed as loud as I could, relieved my voice had returned. “HELP ME! PLEASE, SOMEBODY HELP ME!” I felt a sharp pinch on my neck. My eyes were too heavy to hold open.
Chapter Four
I jolted upright in bed and pulled my hands toward my face. Relief washed over me when they moved. Beads of sweat covered my forehead. My face was wet with tears and my heart was still racing. I took a deep breath, in through my nose, out through my mouth; first one breath then another until my heart rate slowed.
With moonlight shining through the window, I glanced around the room, stopping when I reached the doorway. My door was open. I was certain I’d closed it when I came to bed last night. I froze, my whole body tensing all at once. A shadow in the corner of my room moved. Heat filled my body as panic started to set in.