by Lacey Silks
Once in the driveway, I clicked the unlock button on the car keys. The headlights of the convertible Miata flashed, and I climbed inside. As soon as the engine purred, I pressed the gas pedal. The tires spun on the gravel before taking hold. I gripped the steering wheel and looked in the rear view mirror. Gabe’s alarmed face froze in the reflection, and I shut my eyes for a moment to make the painful image disappear.
Forgive me.
He waved his arms from behind the cloud of dust I left.
I focused on the road ahead and sped toward the exit.
“Please let this work.” I pushed a button on the dashboard which resembled a garage door opener, and the front gate slid open. With a deep breath I drove through and didn’t look back.
Within ten minutes, the lushness of the green trees faded, and the horizon turned into rolling hills. Beyond, low-lying buildings with red rooftops spread out in even lines. A sign at the side of the road posted the name of a town. The sun shone directly above me, scorching the top of my head, and I wished I’d worn a hat. I pulled over and punched the address Kendra had given me into the GPS. A point flashed on the screen, and I followed the route.
Fifteen minutes later the town appeared behind the rolling hills. I weaved through the streets and finally found a parking lot in the town square. The bank was only three blocks away. Kendra’s detailed instructions told me to speak to Mr. Holler, the bank manager. Looking down at my tube top, I wished I’d worn something more appropriate; after all, I was on my way to the bank to withdraw a large sum of money. How much exactly was it?
I yawned, and the smell of coffee floated toward me as if someone had read my mind. I rummaged through the glove compartment, searching for spare change. Instead, I found five one hundred dollar bills in New Zealand’s currency.
“Figures.” I reached for the money, promising to pay Gabe back. The diamonds on my charms sparkled in the sun, fueling more guilt. “He’s going to hate me for this.”
The pavement pushed the heat upward. I pulled up my top and joined the peaceful crowd on the street. The smell of fresh pastries, fruits, and vegetables wafted from the jammed stores. A few clothing racks decorated the sidewalk in front of a boutique.
“Perfect.” I stepped inside. A fan at the entrance blew my sticky hair, and I tied it into a bun. On one of the racks, a sundress with a daisy print fluttered in the draft.
“Would you like to try it on?” the store clerk asked.
“Yes, please.”
When I stepped out of the fitting room the dress hugged my body as if it were made for me. “May I leave this on?” I asked the lady behind the cash register.
“Of course, miss. Anything else I can help you find?”
“Sandals. And a purse.”
“You’re not from around here, are you?” she asked. I found her accent very sexy.
“No, am I that obvious?”
“No tan.” She pointed to my arms. “You should get a sun hat and protect your fair skin.” She held a tube of sunscreen in her hand.
“Thank you.” I picked up a hat with a matching daisy on its top and fit it on my head.
I packed my shorts and tube top in the shopping bag and paid for my purchases.
Being away from the havoc at Gabe’s house was a relief. Finally, the getaway from New York was starting to feel like a vacation—a guilty vacation. The stress seemed to roll off my shoulders more with each passing minute and I cracked my neck to the side, releasing built up tension. Some time alone was exactly what I needed, although I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Gabe’s disappointed eyes.
The coffee shop had no carry-out cups like in the States. Forced to sit down, I sipped my latte and read over Kendra’s detailed instructions. The fresh croissant melted in my mouth. The sun beamed from above, heating my bare arms where the shade from the umbrella missed me. I truly was the palest person in town and made a mental note to stay by the pool a little more than I had.
Was there any way I could call work? Should I? Could Martinez trace my calls? Perhaps I should ask Gabe first? Guilt returned at the thought of my P.I. worrying about me. I wished he was here. My heart ached when I remembered his sunken face. I should have told him the truth. The urge to comply with Kendra’s instructions and return to the house as fast as possible intensified. I gulped the remaining coffee and left a nice tip on the table.
Across the rotunda, on the other side of the fountain, someone glared at me. I placed my hand against my forehead to shade the bright sun. As soon as I did, the man began walking my way. His aggressive pace increased with each step.
By the time I recognized the furry eyebrows, Martinez was running. I shot off my seat and fled the other way, looking behind me.
He pulled his arm up to his mouth talking to the side of his cuff.
For a moment, he looked like a stereotypical FBI agent, but I knew better than that. He focused his gaze on his target—me—and ran like his life depended on it.
My head spun as he closed in. I pushed my feet harder, and wished I had kept my shorts on. The dress fluttered with the blowing wind, putting my ass cheeks on display every few steps. As I bumped into people, excusing myself, Martinez got closer. Could I outrun him? What if I didn’t?
The streets narrowed, and some became dead-end alleys. One wrong turn and I would be stuck. I veered to the right. Someone grabbed me. A large hand covered my mouth and nose. The stench of cigarettes burned my nostrils. I tried to wiggle out of the grip, but my movements only forced a tighter hold.
“You try to run, and I’ll slice your throat.”
Martinez. His threat held a gruesome promise.
My pulse raced. I gasped for air between his smelly fingers.
“Where is your friend hiding?” he growled. “I’m going to let go of your mouth, but one sound and you’ll be sent back home in a small package.”
He slowly released the grip over my mouth.
“Let me go.” I took a big inhale. The smell of his sweat made me gag, and I wished I’d kept my mouth shut.
He still held me from behind in a chokehold, his ten-inch blade glistening in the sun. “Where?” he gritted through his teeth.
Whether I told him or not, he’d kill me. Martinez had no conscience.
I shut my eyes, remembering my days in college and the self-defense classes offered by campus security. In one move, I elbowed Martinez in the gut and forced my foot up behind me, kicking him in his groin.
His knife dropped to the ground and echoed in the alley. Martinez yelped in pain.
I didn’t look back and hoped I’d bought myself a few seconds to flee. I weaved onto the busy street, losing myself in the crowd. Unfortunately, my white skin stood out like a drop of milk on a black counter top.
When I looked back, Martinez was out of the alley scanning the street. I rushed forward, to where I’d parked Gabe’s Miata. When I finally saw the car, I froze.
Two men stood by its side, waiting. They were the only people wearing jeans and long-sleeved sweatshirts. Their wary gazes moved from one person to another. One of them was talking on a cell phone, and his expression wasn’t pleased.
Behind me, although he hadn’t seen me yet, Martinez was closer than before.
I got sucked into another alley in a swift pull and a softer hand covered my mouth and nose. “Shh,” Gabe whispered in my ear.
Relief washed over me, and I slouched in his hold.
He took away his hand.
“He’s here,” I said, my chest heaving. “He caught me.”
“I know, I saw. Just nod if you’re all right and can go on.”
I nodded.
“Stay quiet, and follow me. I won’t let them hurt you, Sam.”
Gabe led me through a door held open by a pop can. He kicked it away and pulled me inside. The smell of fresh bread filled a bakery.
“Mary, you haven’t seen us here,” Gabe said to an older woman wearing an apron.
“Of course not, Mr. Silver.” A touch of pink tinged her
cheeks.
He quickly kissed her on the cheek and then pulled me away. We had just passed the washrooms when the front door opened. Gabe dashed behind a curtain and yanked me into a pantry full of sugar and flour sacks. He placed his finger on my lips.
My body shook in his arms.
“When I find her, I’ll slice her up, inch by inch,” Martinez said. It sounded as if he spoke through gritted teeth.
“And waste such delicate meat?” Someone else said. It must had been one of the men from the parking lot.
It sounded like they stood within an arm’s length of the curtain. I had never been so scared.
“Rough her up a little. Get under that short skirt of hers and fuck her until she begs you to stop.”
“No, until she’s not even able to beg!” Martinez laughed. “Find her, or you’ll be the one I’m cutting up. Hurry up with your leak!”
They both stepped into the bathroom, and I exhaled.
“Come.” Gabe pulled me to the back of the bakery.
We rushed up two flights of stairs. He pushed open a metal door, and I covered my eyes from the bright sun.
“We’re on the rooftop?” I asked.
“Yes, we are. Let’s go.”
I followed him across the melting tar. My sandals dug into the heated layer of black goo. Every few steps it stuck longer to the soles.
“We’re going to jump.” He pointed to the end of the roof.
“I can’t.”
“Sam, you don’t have a choice. It looks wider than it is.”
The roof on the other side of a narrow path appeared lower than the one we stood on.
“On three.”
Taking five steps back, Gabe counted, “One, two, three.”
Springing forward with all my strength, I launched over the alley. My skirt flew up in mid-air, exposing me. Gabe had been right. The jump seemed more intimidating than it really was.
We landed safely, and he lowered me by my arms onto a wagon full of barrels. The smell of fruit and wood fused together. A slosh of wine resonated as the impact of our jump jostled the barrels. The delicious smell intensified. After another leap, a mosaic walkway paved the way.
“He’s here.” My knees weakened.
Martinez scanned the streets a football field away. It wouldn’t take him long to pinpoint me in the flowery dress.
“Come.” Gabe led me to the front of the wagon. He mounted a discreetly parked motorcycle, its location obscured by the vehicle we’d jumped off, and handed me a helmet.
“Seriously?” I asked. Butterflies fluttered their wings inside my stomach.
“Yes.” He grinned.
“Is there anything you can’t do?” I asked.
“I don’t think so.”
Neither do I.
The helmet straps tightened under my chin as if he had it prepared to fit me ahead of time. I lifted my leg over the seat and wrapped my arms around Gabe.
“Hold on tight. And don’t worry about your skirt. We won’t have an audience soon enough.”
Gabe turned on the ignition. A rumble vibrated between my legs. I peeked back through the nook separating the wall and the wagon.
Martinez’s attention turned toward us at the sound of the engine, but Gabe hit the gas and we disappeared around a corner. The motorcycle swerved between the narrowest of alleys and under low passageways until we reached the outskirts of the city. The engine roared as Gabe gave it extra gas and my dress flapped behind me like the wings of a startled, wild bird.
We passed low-rise buildings, speeding toward hills and valleys. I wondered whether Martinez would follow, and I squeezed Gabe harder, leaning against his back.
After twenty minutes, Gabe turned right into a small forest. Passing through the hidden entrance, we rode along a narrow path until the trees opened to a beautiful beach where he parked.
The hum of the engine stopped. I removed the helmet from my head.
The beach curved on each side, forming a perfect bay. How in the world did he manage to take me to the most exotic places I’d ever seen? Perfect turquoise water, lightly ruffled by the breeze, broke against the shore.
“You look beautiful on a bike.” He kissed my lips unexpectedly.
He’s not mad? Gabe’s cheerful mood confused me, and I frowned. Shouldn’t he be upset? And how had he found me in the first place?
“Don’t you think it’d be wiser to go home instead of swimming?” I asked.
“Who says we’re not going home?” He took my hand and led me toward the beach where two motor boats bobbed by the dock on the water. One of them was occupied by a shirtless man who lounged on its bow.
My mouth dropped open. The physique of this man could actually compare to Gabe’s. Thankful Gabe was behind me, unable to see my face, I swallowed hard, staring.
“Get in, Sam.” Gabe’s voice was stern yet loving. He was mad after all. Maybe he was just waiting patiently for the right moment to let me hear his anger.
“What about the bike?” I asked.
“Don’t worry. Tristan will take care of it.”
Kendra’s ex? The sculpted Zeus wore red swim shorts which hung on his hipbones, baring as much of his lovely triangle as he could without showing off his privates. A straw hat shaded his face. It was the same kind a local would have worn, but this man was certainly not a local. The Cross brother sported a thorn tattoo identical to Gabe’s, and I would have bet my life the two shared the same personal trainer.
What was it about their genes that made their bodies so mouth watering? Tristan must have been on the island for much longer. His natural golden tan had a bronze shine, making the three inch scar on his chest, just above the heart, more vibrant. I fought the urge to touch it, wondering what had happened to him.
He lifted his hat and sat up. “All okay?”
“Yes. We lost him in town,” Gabe said.
Tristan jumped off the boat into the knee-deep water and waded toward us. I wondered why he didn’t use the dock, but didn’t mind looking at the way his muscles flexed as he cut through the ocean.
I removed my sandals and stepped onto the boat.
The two men embraced, and Gabe whispered something into his ear.
“How is K doing?” Tristan asked.
“Better. Getting everyone around her in trouble, as usual.” Gabe glanced at me. “Be careful, Tristan. He’s one sneaky son of a bitch. I’m not sure how he tracked us.”
But Tristan’s gaze was fixed on me. “She has a nice mouth.” A familiar flame sparked in his eyes.
“She’s mine,” Gabe warned.
“If you ever want to share—”
“Forget about it, Tristan.”
“That serious? You?”
“Just take care of the bastard, or I will.”
“Stay clear of him, Gabe. As much as you want him dead, he’s worth more alive. He’s left a good trail behind him we can use.”
“Fine, just make sure he leaves.”
“You sure she’s not interested?” Tristan nodded toward me again, his eyes ablaze. A scar decorating his upper lip lifted in a lopsided smile that said I can satisfy your wildest needs.
Warmth swooshed through my tummy.
“No.” Gabe shook his head. “You’re better off looking at the police academy. In fact, ask for Officer Green. She’s already seen Martinez.”
“Fine. It’s nice to meet you, Samantha.” Tristan reached toward me. “Take care of this guy.”
I shook Tristan’s hand, aware of the way he spoke my name. Each syllable rolled off his tongue like he was making love to it, just the way Gabe did. Shivers ran from my ears down my body and between my legs. His touch reminded me of Gabe’s too. Gentle, yet firm at the same time. What was it about these men that inspired women to succumb to everything they said? The more I looked at Tristan, the more I wondered what had happened between him and Kendra.
“Nice to meet you too,” I said.
Tristan left the shore and strolled toward the motorcycle.
I moved off the front deck and sat in one of the two seats.
“Not a word to Kendra about Tristan, understand?” he said before turning on the engine.
“Yes.”
The tone of Gabe’s voice would have suited a teacher scolding an errant ten-year-old. Regret over deceiving him burned in my veins. I would have preferred he yell or reprimand me instead of not mentioning what I’d done. This was torture! And that’s exactly why Gabe hadn’t said anything, I thought.
The wind blew my loose hair, and I fixed the elastic on my ponytail.
Gabe stood with his back to me. Each time he pushed the handle forward or turned the steering wheel, his muscles responded.
I wished I had the courage to stand up and hug him, apologize until he forgave me, but I wasn’t sure how he’d react.
The perfect blue sky collided with the ocean ahead. My arms itched. The first sign of a sunburn colored my skin. I clenched my hands around the sides of the seat. If Gabe sped any faster, I’d fly off the boat. And swimming in an ocean was the last thing I wanted.
After fifteen minutes, he turned off the engine and the boat slowly came to a stop.
I scoured the blue waves. We were in the middle of the ocean, without a streak of land on the horizon. I sat up straight, expecting Gabe’s fury, wondering whether he’ll eventually feed me to the sharks so I could join my father.
He folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against the steering wheel, waiting.
“Aren’t we going home?” My voice shook.
“Yes, but I need to speak with you in a place where you can’t escape.”
This was bad. This was very, very bad. The endless ocean appeared less threatening than Gabe’s blazing eyes, but I wasn’t too keen on venturing into shark-infested waters either. The hair on my arms stood tall as a childhood memory of my dying father flashed through my mind.
“I ought to punish you,” he finally said.
“What would you do to punish me?”
“I said I ought to, not that I want to.” A faint smile appeared on his face.
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“It was stupid of you to run off like that.”
“I didn’t think he’d be here in New Zealand, never mind on this island.”