Tropical Tryst: 25 All New and Exclusive Sexy Reads

by Nicole Morgan

  Seconds later, her feet met the cold white marble stairs that led inside. She was completely exposed on her left, but then a dark shadow appeared. Within the space of a second, Navid was beside her.

  James closed the door of the patio and glared at Navid.

  Navid blocked her other side from anyone else coming close, and nodded his head. “James Clancy?”

  James tugged her arm closer. “Navid. You need to back off. Now.”

  “I’m not here to hurt either of you. I was a stupid eighteen year old boy when I last saw you, James, but that’s not for now.” Navid stayed on her other side but she walked faster toward the elevator. “I want to help you both.”

  James refused to turn the corner away from the crowd in the lobby that spilled over from the bar. Scarlett swallowed and held James tight. “Why would you help?”

  “Maddox is here.” Navid kept his voice low so only the two of them could hear him. “He’s deranged, and I won’t let him hurt you.”

  Scarlett and James shared a look. “What?” she said. “He’s in jail.”

  Navid walked forward and hit the elevator button. James held her hand, but they followed as Navid said, “He was released on bail and he’s seeking revenge against Scarlett. He said Gabe took his sister so he’s going to take on of his in revenge. I’m here to make sure he doesn’t get that chance.”

  James stood in front of her looking at his phone. She assumed he was checking Navid’s background. She kept him talking. “Why would you help us?”

  “He shot at your parents. I met him when I was an angry sixteen year old boy, and I believed his story then. He’s crossed too many lines and I’m not his friend or associate.” Navid crossed his arms and glared as the elevator doors opened. “I’ve not heard from him in years and now he’s here. I can’t let him hurt innocent women and not do anything.”

  James pocketed his phone and nodded. Maddox must be free. Scarlett refused to lose focus on her discussion with Navid, as talking opened up possibilities. She narrowed her gaze. “You helped James before, to save my brother.”

  Navid walked into the elevator and met James’ glare, again. A moment later, he focused his stare at her. She held her breath. Finally he said, “To take a file I never used, yes. I was young and angry. My father’s other children were always more important to him than me, so years ago I thought the theft was fair, but I don’t want my siblings to die because I stood aside and did nothing.”

  Scarlett tugged James’ hand and they followed Navid into the elevator. “Let me understand. You’re saying that you’re my brother?”

  The doors closed and James hit the button for the top floor.

  “Yes, and you’re in danger.” Navid met James’ icy demeanor with ease. The light soft music of the elevator was almost the opposite of the beach party outside.

  Scarlett smiled. Her heart whispered that he was her brother. He looked like her father, and memories clicked in her head of her mother crying and her father banging on the door. She let go of James and hugged Navid. He didn’t return the hug at first, but she slowly patted his back and she said, “Gabe and Olivia would love to talk to you.”

  The doors opened. Navid pointed toward the open air of the hall. “I don’t have the time. James, her right side might be exposed.”

  James moved slightly to block but scowled as he led her toward their room. Once they were inside, Scarlett rushed to her bag and grabbed all her things. James took three seconds to get his bag and passport off the ground, and Scarlett returned to them a second later with her wheeled bag. James took the handle without question.

  She turned and bounced as she told Navid, “This is easier than I thought. I was so scared. Navid, I’m glad you’re family. If there is one thing I know about my family, it’s that love really bonds us.”

  “I don’t know how you believe this.” James opened the door and she held her breath.

  Navid ignored James’ comment. “Scarlett, I haven’t had the same experience, but you’re sweet. Get your pocketbook.”

  Scarlett took her bag from the table and followed next to James. Navid even sounded like her father, which was more than her own brother Gabe did—he was like their mother. Another memory floated in her mind, of her father saying “I’m sorry. I swear I’ll never cheat on you again.”

  In the hallway, they walked toward the elevator, but James went past and opened the stairwell doors. The loud sound of an engine and rotating blades echoed, and she knew that the helicopter was waiting for them. She walked up the steps with them, and as James led them out the door to the roof, she reached out and hugged Navid again. “This is so easy with you here. Don’t be a stranger. I want another brother.”

  “Go.” The snap of a bullet pierced the air. James reached for her and tugged her away, but Navid’s body jerked. Scarlett screamed and reached out for her brother.

  She screamed at the top of her lungs. “Navid, you’re shot.”

  He pushed her off, pointing toward the helicopter. The turbulence made it hard to hear, but he patted her hand. “I’ll be fine. Get on the helicopter. Now.”

  She reached for his hand again. She shouted against the wind. “Come with us.”

  He followed, but stayed at the helicopter door. Once she was inside, he started to close it. “I’m sorry. Please tell our father I’ll pay him a visit soon.”

  She reached for the handle, but James stopped her from pushing the door open. “You’re not thinking. You have to stay on this helicopter.”

  Navid met James’ stare, nodded, and reached for the helicopter door again. “Don’t make me fight you again. Go and protect my sister.”

  A man dressed in all black stormed onto the roof. Scarlett grabbed James’ shoulder. “Get Navid inside!”

  “Go,” Navid said, and slammed the door closed. She jumped forward, but watched as Navid faded into the blackness and out of sight of the shooter as the helicopter began its ascent.

  Bullets ricocheted off the metal of the helicopter. James had told her it was bulletproof, but she wasn’t quite sure bulletproof helicopters existed. At least nothing came close to them. Her skin felt cold and clammy, and her heart raced. She scanned the roof for her brother, but couldn’t see anything. She closed her eyes, sat back and prayed he was okay.

  Soon they were surrounded by just ocean. She curled her legs to her body and hugged herself as she rocked in a ball.

  James went to talk to the pilot.

  The sound of the blades overhead didn’t comfort her. When James returned, he sat beside her and placed his hand on her knee. She inched closer and let her body relax against his. “I hate that we left him. I really believe he’s my brother.”

  He put his hand on the small of her back again. Once again, his touch relaxed her. “Navid is trained. I have faith you’ll see him again.”

  She let her legs go and sat straight, reaching out for him. “Hold my hand James.”

  He kissed her hand. “Scarlett, I have a place in the Keys. No one will get to us there.”

  Alone might be worse than a hotel. Her body trembled, but she scooted closer to him. “How can you be sure?”

  “The only way on and off the island is by helicopter or ship. We’ll be safe until the police arrive.”

  That hadn’t appeased her, but she hugged his neck. “And what if we do see someone?”

  “My uncle installed a safe room years ago, and I’m not useless either.”

  James, a safe room, and paradise. “Sounds dreamy.”

  Once she was safe, she’d find out what had happened to Navid. She’d not lose her family now, but James was her rock. Another part of her was excited that they’d have a chance to be alone again.

  CHAPTER 9

  Being alone again with Scarlett was not the best idea James had ever had. The helicopter flew away as they stood on the landing pad next to his house. Technically speaking it was his uncle’s old getaway, but everything from his uncle’s estate was his now.

  Scarlett would probably
fit better with most of the things he’d inherited than he ever would. He tucked his hands into the pockets of his jeans and turned toward her.

  She clutched her pocketbook. “James?”

  The pointed look at her luggage let him know what he needed to do. He untucked his hands, took her luggage, and offered his elbow in case she wanted to latch on. “Scarlett, this way.”

  She wrapped her arms around his muscles, and the zap of electricity she set off in him still overwhelmed him. She made no mention of her brother or what had happened today as he opened the door for her. In the foyer, she glanced at the crystal chandelier as her heels tapped against the cappuccino marble floor. “This is absolutely gorgeous.”

  “Not as pretty as you.” He placed her bags next to the table she’d set her Coach pocketbook on, and looked at his well-worn sneakers.

  She wrapped her arm around his shoulder again, and her nearness made him feel invincible. “For a guy who doesn’t want a wife or a woman in his life, you really are sweet.”

  “Scarlett,” he said, leading her further into his home, “no woman I ever met has been anything like you.”

  Her eyes widened as they entered the formal dining area, but she didn’t even blink at the granite tables from Italy. She sucked in her breath. “What makes me so special?”

  Again, her softness made him want to hold onto her and not let go, but at the same time strip her of all her clothes and claim her as his own in the most primal way possible. No girl he’d ever touched was as soft as Scarlett. He swallowed and tried to push his conflicting thoughts away. “Underneath the surface, you’re vulnerable and trying to be more than what you are.”

  “I’m also a spoiled princess.” She let go of his hand and opened the veranda doors that led out to the patio. She glided toward the balcony walls and stared out to the swaying palm trees and splashing waters.

  He stood beside her and folded his hands on the balcony’s railing before leaning closer. “All this time you’ve said that you’re more than that.”

  She reached for her pendant and clutched it. “I want to be. The truth is I’m scared I’ll fail.”

  “Shepard will send his offer.”

  She looked at him, and her blue eyes shone with a brightness that betrayed her internal vulnerability. “What if it’s not good?”

  Their shoulders brushed and his heart sped up. It was time to speak about his own fears too. “Scarlett, look. I inherited this huge company, and while I enjoy working with the science divisions, my shipping side needs better management. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re failing.”

  She squeezed his hand and that single action made him feel everything would work out. Then she kissed his shoulder and made him feel wanted.

  They watched the moonlight reflect on the ocean. Neither of them said anything as the sky became painted with silver full moon gave the waves a secret light. Everything was peaceful and beautiful for now.

  Scarlett finally broke the silence.

  “So, on this island, do we have to make our own food?”

  He turned, admiring how her hair seemed more golden in the evening light. He could feel the instinct to claim her and ravage her rising again, so he held himself stiff and turned toward the house. “My staff should have left plenty of supplies.”

  “So you’re cooking it?” She giggled, clearly with no idea of the effect she had on him. She bumped playfully into his shoulder. “I’ve always wanted a man who would make my dinner.”

  “Funny.”

  His fingers ached to rip the dress off her and suckle on her breasts until she begged him to stop. Then he’d push himself hard inside her until she lost all control.

  “Show me around.” Unaware of his thoughts, she strolled into his house.

  Once he put his growing erection on ice, he followed. She was inside the door already so he jogged and caught up. “Fair enough. This is the kitchen.”

  Banality would help keep him in check. He led her into the kitchen and surveyed what was in the refrigerator. Neither of them had eaten much today. The chicken, lemons, capers and mushrooms would blend together for a fast meal.

  She glanced in the refrigerator after him. “Lovely, we have enough supplies to last us for a while. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for me to eat.”

  “You’ll have to wait and see. Come.” He walked away as she came too close. She needed to stay away, for her own protection. He waved for her to follow, and once she was near the bay windows with him he said, “This is the living area, which has a nice view of the Atlantic.”

  She went down a step and then inched closer to the furniture. “I’d love to curl up with a book on that couch.”

  Books. He never came here, so he’d never had a reason to stock up on anything like books. He shrugged. “You can look around for a book, but I doubt we have any paperbacks here. You can use my iPad.”

  “My sister Olivia might have died from that statement. She loves reading more than talking.”

  “Glad it’s just you and me here then.”

  Some distance would be good for both of them. She was Gabe’s sister, and what happened last night could be thrown up as a one-night stand. Scarlett deserved someone better than him. She deserved someone who could protect her and be worthy of her.

  “Maybe tomorrow,” she said. “Where are we sleeping?”

  We implied she thought they were going to be sleeping together. His body hardened again, so he walked past her and led her down the hall. “The guest room is here.”

  She didn’t blink, but also didn’t go inside. Glancing down the hall, she continued her leisurely stroll toward his room. “And where is the master bedroom?”

  “Here.” He pointed though she had already opened the door.

  They both peered at the king-size bed in the center of the room. She held her wrist in front of her and nodded. “Then we’ll sleep here.”

  “You don’t have to.” If she touched him, he thought he’d drill her so hard that she’d lose the ability to focus. But he kept that thought to himself.

  She walked to the bed and felt the mattress, then glanced up at him with a smile on her face. “It’s not about having to do anything. I want to.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He kissed her. Hard.

  “Yum.” She said as he took a breath, but then he kissed her again.

  Her sweet lips tasted like the nectar of the gods spoken of in stories, and he wanted nothing more than to lick every part of her. A soft sigh echoed in his ear, and he let her go.

  That grin of hers had undone him. She wasn’t as independent as she pretended to be. How nervous she was came through in her gaze, and made him want to keep her safe.

  He walked toward the door. He needed to figure out what he wanted from her. If he took her, he’d have to explain himself to Gabe. He let that thought simmer, but said nothing else.

  She followed him to the door. “Tell you what, I’ve had a long day. I’ll get us something to eat. You get the wine, and after we eat, we’ll see what happens. I don’t want pressure for anything else today.”

  “Scarlett, you deserve to be happy, and get a diamond ring from a man you adore and who is worthy of you.” He chose his words carefully, because he wouldn’t let his guest cook for him. He could handle dinner. Walking into the kitchen, he took out what he needed to make stir-fry. “You get the wine.”

  “I already have a diamond ring, and it’s lovely.” Without another word, she took out green beans and a pot. Clearly she wanted to do something in the kitchen as well, and he wasn’t going to stop her.

  He raised his eyebrow. “You bought that yourself.”

  “I have the best taste, always have.” She batted her eyes and shrugged her shoulders like he should agree. “Even if you’d gone to the store for me, it would have been this one in the end, so I saved us both some time.”

  “There’s that healthy ego of yours.” He shook his head, then put heated the frying pan and reached for a few ingredient
s in the refrigerator.

  She stood next to him at the stove and looked at the pan. “What are you cooking?”

  “Lemon and walnut chicken stir-fry.” He added a splash of olive oil to hear the crackle of oil and added in the vegetables. If there was one thing he knew how to do that impressed all his dates, it was cooking. It helped him figure out everything else in his life.

  “I’m impressed.” She sniffed the air.

  He stirred as she stared at him. Her nearness made him want her, but there was also a sweetness to her presence that made him want more than just sex. It was in her gaze, but there was no way she would love him. But he’d never say that. Then he heard the peas snap in the pan that she wasn’t watching. He pointed to it. “What’s your side dish?”

  “Shoot.” She blinked and lifted the lid as she took the pot off the burner. Then she sucked on her bottom lip. “Slightly burnt canned peas?”

  Most of the peas would be fine, just the ones near the pan were ruined. He took the pot from her and shook the peas into his pan. “We’ll just add that to the stir-fry. Don’t worry about it.”

  Once he was done, she scrubbed the pot and put it on the dryer rack without being asked. A minute later, she bumped into him and said, “Then I’ll get the wine and plates prepared.”

  “Sounds good.” He wanted to kiss her. Once she left, the air near him felt colder. He turned up the heat and finished cooking.

  When the stir-fry was done, he put it on a serving tray and carried it out to meet her. She had already poured them both wine and was enjoying the full moon in the night sky. She turned and said, “Wow. Smells delicious.”

  His face felt hot, even though stir-fry wasn’t that impressive. If they were on a date at his actual home and he cooked for them, he’d have prepared a feast. “It’s nothing. This was fast, and you said you were hungry.”

  He scooped the stir-fry onto both of their plates and set the rest in the middle. She pointed toward the ocean. “Dinner with this view, and no one wants to shoot at me. This is amazing.”

  She was fun, enticing and easy to talk to. They ate in silence for a bit and then, when he was no longer hungry, he asked, “How do you know Navid is your brother? You accepted it without question.”