Tropical Storm

by Stefanie Graham

  He stomped up the uneven path cursing as pebbles and rocks embedded themselves in his shoes. He slapped branches out of his face and tore a violent path through the vegetation that wrapped around his ankles and knees. He labored on even as his breath grew short from the walk up the steep mountainous incline. By the time he reached the top, his calves ached and he was gasping for air, but he didn’t care. Being there was worth it because it would rid his mind of the earlier encounter with his ex-wife. He threw his sleeping bag down on the ground and threw himself down after it. He quickly took off his clothes and slipped between the folds. As was his custom, he concentrated on the sweeping azure sky above him, the birds singing in the trees, and the cool breeze blowing through the foliage until his shoulders relaxed, his muscles unlocked and his mind calmed, but for only a moment as it quickly crowded again with memories from the past.

  Storm lay stretched carelessly across satin sheets. “Come here, sweetheart.” With a crooked finger she beckoned him forward.

  Cairo didn’t hesitate. He went willingly. Despite his excitement, he didn’t rush. Although she seemed unafraid, he knew she must be frightened. On her left hand a diamond no bigger than a grain of salt struggled to shimmer. He placed that hand on the naked planes of his chest. Storm looked up at him with wide unblinking eyes. He swallowed hard.

  “Are you ready?” His eyes slowly roamed over her features. She smiled.

  “I’ve been waiting for you all my life, Cairo. I don’t care what my parents think. You’re all I need. After tonight nothing can keep us apart. Come here.” She said opening her arms.

  He touched her hair, kissed the curling tips, buried his face in the platinum mass and luxuriated in the feel of the silken curls touching his bare skin. Slowly, so he didn’t frighten her, he caressed her bare breasts mesmerized by the way his hand looked against the pale gold of her skin. He stroked her hesitantly. She shivered and closed her eyes. He kissed the closed lids, ran his hand down her face and touched her parted lips with his fingertips. Unexpectedly, she drew his finger into the warm cavern of her mouth. The texture and feel of her tongue stroking him released a moan from his lips. Her emerald eyes were warm with an emotion that Cairo knew was just for him. He pressed her further into the mattress and for the first time covered her body with his. She hugged him tightly and drew him closer when the feel of her nakedness beneath him made him tremble with excitement. He caressed her hip, kneaded her thigh, stroked her calf and drew her leg up to curl his hands around her toes.

  He loved everything about her. He kissed Storm reverently, mingling his breath with hers. He entered her slowly, stroked past the barrier and buried himself deep inside of her. He made love to her slowly, languidly and thoroughly, until her body shuddered and shook under his. Her eyes now dark with passion, told him that she was his. From this day forward, she was his forever. She would only know his touch and only moan his name. He imprinted himself upon her very soul and she on his. They were a family and no one could take that away. There would be no more secret rendezvous. No more hurried touches and fleeting kisses. The months he’d spent pretending not to love her had nearly killed him. Tonight was the end of him standing idly by while men her parents chose escorted her to high society functions. He’d asked her to marry him knowing he had nothing to give her. None of it mattered now. It was done. They were married and it was irrevocable. He would do everything in his power to make their marriage last. Satisfied and happier than he ever remembered being, he collapsed on the bed and drew his new bride tightly against his chest. He then drifted off into a contented sleep. It was the sound of the door swinging open and hitting the wall that woke him.

  Cairo shot upright, his heart beating. His first thought was that he needed to go to the summit. He was shocked to find that he was already there and that the orange glow of dawn was peeking through the clouds. The summit had always been able to rid him of his troubles. But not this time, not even twenty-four hours since seeing Storm and its power was already fading. He hadn’t remembered the travesty of his wedding night in years.

  He packed up his gear as fast as he could. The trip to the summit hadn’t been a total waste. He knew now what he needed to do. Storm had to get off his island. He had no time to lose. She was destructive. Like Eve, given full reign, she too would destroy paradise. He wasn’t about to let that happen, not again.

  Cairo brushed his curly dark brown hair until it crackled and gleamed. He shaved and then fought with his closet until it produced a pair of designer jeans he was happy with. He selected a lightweight linen shirt that clung to and caressed the peaks and valleys of his chest. Finally satisfied with his appearance, he started his day by stopping at the front desk where he chatted with the morning staff and greeted arriving guests. He smiled, shook hands and even managed a few laughs. No one seemed to notice his bloodshot eyes or the dark, puffy circles under them. He’d only slept a few hours and was running on fumes. Outwardly, however, he was calm, professional and serene. Inside, his emotions were jumbled, and disjointed. He was skilled at showing the world only what he wanted to be seen and right now he wanted to look like a man unaffected by the mistakes of his past.

  “Good morning, Mista Boss Man. How are you feeling?” Tyrone approached the front desk rubbing his sleepy eyes.

  “Are my eyes failing me?” Cairo’s asked with genuine surprise. “Since when do you show your face at the desk any earlier than noon?” He attempted a smile.

  Tyrone didn’t smile back. He was uncharacteristically serious as he stood in front of him.

  “Don’t bother to pretend, cuz. I know how you’re feeling just by looking at you.”

  Cairo’s smile faded. Maintaining it was far too hard anyway.

  “Don’t worry, Ty. There is nothing Jessica can throw my way that I can’t handle.” He said it only half believing it himself. Turning over the desk to Tyrone, he headed to his office, feeling his cousin’s gaze on him the entire time. He disappeared behind closed doors just as a commotion in the hotel doorway caught everyone’s attention.

  Tyrone looked away from his cousin’s retreating figure and started cursing as Storm and her son captured the attention of the hotel patrons. Heads turned, conversations stopped, people just stared. Jamaica was a small island, the parish of St. Thomas an even smaller part of it, new people always garnered interest, but Storm and her son were breathtaking. Neither of them seemed to notice the commotion they were causing. Leaving her son staring raptly at the exotic fish in the lobby’s aquarium, Storm strode up to the front desk and tapped the bell impertinently.

  “Hello, we meet again.” Tyrone said pleasantly, trying to keep his emotions in check.

  She greeted him cheerfully and didn’t seem to notice that the smile and warm welcome he’d given her the day before were missing. “Checking out?” He asked looking at his computer. “Let me be the first to wish you a safe trip home.” Tyrone said finally looking her in the eye.

  Her gaze hardened even as her smile remained fixed in place. “What an interesting greeting. Is that the way you welcome all the guests?”

  He lowered his voice so that only she could hear. “No, it isn’t, but every now and then we make an exception when an ill wind blows in something unwanted from the States.”

  “I’m an ill wind?”

  Tyrone didn’t answer.

  Her brow knitted and her generous mouth thinned. “Sorry, I might have missed something but up until yesterday I didn’t think we’d ever met.”

  “No, we’ve never met but I know all about you, lady.” He kept tapping on the keyboard as he spoke.

  She put her elbows on the counter and drew his attention from his task when she leaned forward so her face was close to his. “Since we’re so well acquainted, at least on your side, I think that it’s time we were formally introduced. Jessica Storm at your service, you are . . . ”

  “Ty” Tyrone supplied stif
fly not immune to the golden expanse of skin exposed when she leaned over the desk.

  “Ty,” Her voice was soft but firm. “If you don’t like me I would like to know why. It seems you have heard some unfavorable things about me. You should know; however, that in life there are always two sides to every story.”

  “Maybe,” Tyrone didn’t try to hide his bitterness. “But I’ve heard the only side that matters to me.”

  “Ah, I see.” She said understanding in her eyes. “I get it now. You must be a friend of Cairo’s? He must have told you all about me.” She said it as if it was a good thing.

  “More than I care to know, lady.”

  “All lies I’m sure?” She smiled and Tyrone could feel the effect of it entering his bloodstream.

  Nonetheless his golden-brown eyes narrowed as a means to convey his feelings on the matter.

  “Did Cairo also tell you that we’re getting back together?” She asked sweetly.

  “Like hell we are!” Cairo said from behind them.

  “Cairo.” She turned around without any hint of surprise. “Don’t tell me you didn’t tell your friend here of our plans.” She said with a straight face.

  “Jessica, stop playing games. Tyrone is my cousin and he knows better than anyone how I feel about you.” If the words drew blood, the wound wasn’t visible for Tyrone to see. Instead, she observed them both from under long sweeping lashes.

  “That was harsh.” She patted Cairo’s chest. “When would you like to apologize for spreading lies about me, now or later?”

  Cairo tensed but didn’t move. When he spoke only the huskiness of his voice gave an indication of how he was feeling.

  “Will you be here long enough for apologies, Jessica? Aren’t you leaving now that you know that I’m affiliated with this hotel? If packing has delayed you, please let me offer one of the hotel employees. I’m sure they will help speed the process along.”

  She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

  “Cairo, I thought I’d made myself clear. Shane and I love Jamaica and we’re not going anywhere.” She blew a kiss at the boy from across the room.

  The child leaped into the air and caught the kiss in his fist then smiled broadly.

  If her plan was to cause trouble, it was working. Cairo looked furious. Tyrone waited for the explosion to come and was grateful when Cairo kept both his cool and his temper.

  His effort didn’t go unpunished. Positioning herself beside him, Storm clasped his hand in hers and held on tight.

  “Cairo, I’m sorry for what happened in the past. We were both young and impulsive. It’s been such a long time between then and now. We both made mistakes that we’ve had to pay for. I would like us to be friends.”

  With great care Cairo extracted his hand from hers. “I was young. You were impulsive.” His voice was deceptively soft. “To upset your parents you married a poor project kid from the Bronx. After you got what you wanted, you wanted out. I don’t blame you. It was unrealistic, a fairy tale. It was a blessing that it ended quickly. We’re both adults now, Jessica. As such we have no time for the past or childish things. If you came here seeking friendship you’ve wasted your time. I’m not interested. Go home. This is my island and there is no place for you on it.”

  Shock had frozen Tyrone in place. Storm stepped away from Cairo and with her face impassive she turned to look at him.

  “Tyrone, my Visa Black Card can pay for my room for as long as it’s available.” Her expression betrayed nothing. “I’ve heard good things about this hotel,” she continued. “I would be disappointed if I were not treated in the courteous fashion that guests have come to expect.”

  The taunt hit. He and Cairo stiffened at the remark. Both of them took great pride in the hotel.

  “Gentlemen, I’m sure the intention of the hotel’s owner was for all its guests to be treated well. Am I wrong?” There was no trace of guile.

  “Yes, you’re wrong.” Tyrone said, “The owner is—” Cairo clamping his hand down on his arm silenced him.

  Cairo released him and then smiled at his ex-wife. “As managers of The Victory we apologize for our behavior. If it will help, I will see to your comfort personally.”

  Storm smiled pleasantly. “Yes, it will help. Believe me it will help a great deal.” Turning to Tyrone she said, “I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s nice to finally meet you. Until later gentlemen.” She called her son to her side, and as if the confrontation never happened, sailed off in the direction of her room.

  She had barely left the room when Tyrone turned on Cairo. “What the hell was that all about?”

  His cousin sighed. “Tyrone, I have a business to run. Jessica is the last person I want in my hotel but she is a guest nonetheless. For the sake of appearances we must be accommodating.”

  “Why?” Tyrone wouldn’t let it go.

  “Because I have to stay in control of the situation, damn it! I can’t lose my head. Jessica is up to something. There’s a reason she’s here. Until I find out what that reason is, I have to keep an eye on her. When she sees that I’m indifferent to her she will abandon whatever game she’s playing and go away. It’s a weak plan at best but the only one I have. Work with me, Ty. Please!”

  “You know I’ll do what I can, Cairo.” Tyrone grudgingly agreed. “But tell me one thing? What could you possibly gain by not telling her that you own the hotel? You have worked hard and from nothing you’ve made something out of your life. Why not throw your success in her face?”

  After a short pause Cairo said. “Does it really matter now? It’s over.”

  Tyrone wisely didn’t remind him that he’d been saying that for over six years. Instead, he nodded in agreement and walked away. When he threw a quick look over his shoulder he saw Cairo briefly rest his head in his hands.

  Chapter Three

  In his office, Cairo sat at his desk immersed in paperwork. He was intent on getting through it all. Nothing was going to sidetrack him. Nothing.

  The splash came first and then the deliciously throaty laugh that he had known so well. Although the window in his office gave him a perfect view of the pool, Cairo refused to be distracted. He had work to do, lots of it. He would have succeeded in blocking out everything if the applause had not come next. Curious, he took the barest second to peek out of the window. It was enough.

  Enjoying herself immensely, Storm dove into the pool and gracefully emerged with her hair still a riot of curls that even saturation couldn’t tame. For her efforts, the men on the deck applauded. In what could only be feigned embarrassment she slowly got out of the pool. Cairo’s chair clattered to the floor. He was standing without being aware that he’d moved. He looked out of the window and then couldn’t look away.

  “What the hell is she wearing?” He asked the empty room. The room offered no explanations. “She may as well be naked.” He mumbled letting his eyes linger on Storm’s voluptuous body. She was barely dressed in a bikini so minuscule that it looked like a tangle of white strings. At any moment the intricate lacing looked like it might fall apart in a puddle at her feet. Created to reveal more than it covered, the wisp of fabric only barely contained her generous curves. It was a bathing suit for someone who wanted to be seen. He was seeing her. Her legs, tanned a golden bronze, were lean, strong and long enough to wrap around a man and hold him tight. Perspiration broke out on Cairo’s brow. He moved from around his desk and wandered closer to the window. He placed his fingertips on the glass. The curve of a well-shaped thigh, the hint of a dusky nipple was what he saw from his position. What did the men see from close-up?

  He was out the door before he could stop himself.

  Walking demurely away from her admirers, Cairo watched as Storm went in search of her towel. She never made it. His hand reached out and jerked her into a hidden enclave near the pool’s entrance. She was about
to scream when she heard his voice close to her ear.

  “What are you doing?” The question came out in a growl.

  She whipped around to confront him. “You scared me!”

  “Good,” Cairo returned. “You should be scared.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What have I done now?”

  He folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t you know?”

  “I don’t!” Storm protested. “Enlighten me.”

  “Jessica, I manage a respectable business with a respectable clientele. I prefer that you don’t wander around the place giving the impression that you are for sale.”

  Storm stepped back and looked up at him, her eyes blazing.

  “What are you trying to say, Cairo?” She planted her hands on her hips.

  “Do you really want me to spell it out?” The words were harsher than he intended as his gaze traveled down her body and he found himself wishing for a moment that the hands on her hips were his.

  “Yes, spell it out for me.” It was a demand.

  “What I’m saying is that your Victoria’s Secret runway display is not appreciated here at The Victory.” He said scornfully.

  “My Victoria’s Secret runway display?” Storm repeated and laughed. “Mmm, that’s a new one. I didn’t know you were watching.”

  “How could I miss it?” He said his voice barely a whisper.

  “Did you like what you saw?” She asked huskily.

  “That’s not the point.” He said annoyed.

  Storm laughed. “What is the point, Cairo? Tell me quick. I’m getting cold.” She said hugging herself.

  Cairo could see why. He let his eyes roam over her. He had only made love to her once but his body tingled with the memory. Having a child and being married to a rich bastard had obviously had no ill effects.