Southern Regions (Southern Desires Book 4)

by Jeannette Winters

  A single tear rolled down her cheek. He hated doing this to her again, but they were so close to solving this mystery, and he needed to know. Reaching out, he covered her trembling hands with his large, strong one.

  “Me.”

  “What? I don’t understand?”

  “I have the formula.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

  “Where did you hide it?”

  “In me.”

  What did you do, swallow it? If so, it’s long gone now. “How?”

  “One of my least attractive traits, or so I’ve been told, is that I never forget anything. I have a photographic memory.”

  Fuck. The general held her, hoping one day she’d break down and give it to him. What an asshole. Then he realized General Floyd could’ve taken much uglier tactics. He could’ve tortured her, or worse, turned her over to the terrorists. There was no doubt they would’ve obtained the information, or she would’ve died. Maybe in his pathetic way the general honestly cared about her and this was his way of showing it. Protecting her from the evil of the world, keeping her hidden away. Too bad he couldn’t protect her from his own greed and cruelty.

  He wasn’t about to tell her again how lucky she was that her father was dead and couldn’t hurt her any longer. She wasn’t going to forgive him for the first time; a second would seal his fate for sure. “You’re free now.”

  She shot him a look and then said angrily, “No I’m not. This is just the changing of the guard. Or are you saying that you’d let me walk out that door right now and go my merry way?”

  Marina knew his answer. The warning he’d given her held true. There was no way she was going anywhere until they had what they needed. Now he knew she was the key. Her nightmare hadn’t ended at all. If anything, it was about to get worse.

  “You—we can’t let that happen. You’re a . . . you’re in danger.” He almost let the truth slip, that she was a danger. Any hope that those bastards would give up, now that the general was dead, vanished. There was only one reason they would’ve killed him. He became a liability they couldn’t afford. A witness that needed dealing with. And we have no way of knowing if he sold Marina out before they pulled the trigger.

  He would like to hope General Floyd took it to his grave. Right now his gut was telling him Marina was in terrible danger. He needed to get this new information to Mark. It was time to get the hell out of the bayou and someplace they could keep her safe. Mark hadn’t disclosed the location.

  “I just want to disappear, become someone else. This life of danger and isolation isn’t a life I can live anymore. It’s so . . . lonely.”

  He’d sensed that before. Now he understood why. “Someday that can happen, Marina. Right now, I need you to come with us. We need to move you to a safe place.”

  She looked at him wearily. “To a prison of your choice. How lovely. I’d rather stay here, if you don’t mind.”

  “We can’t guarantee your safety here.” Actually, we can’t guarantee it at all. But I promise I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe. Someday you’ll be able to disappear and become Venus, the woman you called yourself.

  Looking at him strangely, she asked, “Who are you, Kevin? Why are you doing this?”

  The why had somehow changed from honor and duty to want and need. It wasn’t just for country any longer. He was doing this for her. Everyone needs someone to fight for them.

  “Captain Kevin Collins of the US Marines.”

  “The Marines are back to protecting me again?”

  Not officially. Kevin knew it had been Marines protecting the lab in North Carolina. Ever since she was moved, it didn’t seem to be US military guarding her. He didn’t think she’d noticed, but from her comment, she wasn’t as blind to the change as he thought. Her father wanted her, and what she was working on, as far away from any governmental agency as possible. Seems like dear ole Dad had his own private security force. One we’re still trying to track down. I’m sure Mark is going to have a few question for her about what she knows too. Marina might be the only other person who’s seen their faces. Those questions were going to be tabled for now.

  “Not just the Marines, a special team made of the most talented members of different branches of the service, all with one goal: to keep you safe.”

  “Well, Captain Collins, I have one request.”

  Nothing she could ask for was simple or easy. He’d hear her out, but the odds of being able to fulfill the request were slim.

  “I can’t make any promises,” Kevin admitted.

  She crossed her arms and leaned back. “If you want me to go willingly, you will.”

  Kevin arched a brow. “State your demands.”

  “I want to go visit my mother before you take me wherever you’re taking me.”

  “Anyone you see will be at risk. They can be used to get to you.”

  She became very serious. “Trust me, my mother won’t be talking to anyone.”

  Peering at her, he said, “I hope you’re a better judge of your mother’s character than you were of your father’s.”

  She rose from her seat and walked away angrily. Under her breath, he heard her mumble. “You can ask her yourself if you ever see the pearly gates of heaven. Odds are, you’ll be seeing my father instead.”

  What the fuck does that mean? Kevin knew her father was six feet under and probably in hell. Was she trying to tell him her mother was dead too? If so why were they going to visit her? Damn it. I don’t get this woman. Maybe Mark can figure this riddle out.

  Alone in the room, Kevin ran his hands through his unruly hair. He should’ve told her no, straight forward. Marina wasn’t in charge, and whatever decisions were made, she’d have to deal with it. This was for her own good. Didn’t she realize that? Now she believes her demands might actually get met. I’ll leave this decision up to Mark. Can’t wait to see his face on this update. He’s really going to regret sending my ass back here. I got answers, just not the ones we were looking for.

  Kevin headed out of the cabin to call Mark from the deck. Damn, Marina. Protecting you might be the death of me, and I don’t think it’s the terrorists I have to worry about.

  Chapter Six

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  Marina rested on her bed and stared at the ceiling. She was angry for so many reasons. It would be easy to blame Kevin for how she was feeling. He was the easy target. Mostly because every time he opens his mouth he says something insensitive. He might be a great soldier, but he doesn’t know a thing about women.

  The thoughts troubling her had been something she’d avoided facing for a long time. Kevin only brought it to the forefront. She’d closed her eyes to much that was going on because the general was the only family she had. The power he held over her was one she’d given him. All she had to do was say no.

  She cried when Kevin told her that her father was dead. Not because she was going to miss him. There was nothing to miss. He was her family through blood only. But with him gone, she didn’t know where to go next. The general had controlled her every move since she was eighteen. When Kevin told her she was free, it scared her. Even becoming a biochemist wasn’t her idea. It was her father’s, and she hated knowing the only reason was so she could be his puppet instead of his pride and joy.

  I can’t just walk away from it all. The general might’ve pushed me in this direction, but I’m damn good at it. Her fear was that no one would trust her again. If Kevin spoke the truth and people lost their lives because of what she created, it’d be wise for everyone to keep their distance.

  It was heartbreaking to know that someone she found herself attracted to was only here because it was his job. He didn’t ask what her favorite song was, or color or flower. None of those things mattered to him. He only wanted her for what she knew, what she could do. You’re not so different from the general, Kevin. And he doesn’t even know what that is yet. When he finds out that I created something that could’ve been used to annihilate the military if it’d gotten out, he’ll look at me
just like I look at myself. With disgust.

  It wasn’t how it all had started. It’d been her vision to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. She knew she was taking an unconventional look at it, but she truly believed she could alter streptococcus pneumoniae’s pneumolysin factor to attack the beta-amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In theory, it worked. It’d be an antitoxin, added to the water supply in low doses to counteract any copper induced beta-amyloid build-up.

  When she entered the testing phase, it wasn’t working. She’d made a few changes to the formula which was the biggest mistake of her life. It took what should’ve been good, and changed it to something evil. No longer a simple additive to prevent Alzheimer’s, it was one that within minutes of ingesting rendered a person paralyzed. It was odorless and tasteless, and it didn’t matter whose hands it was in, it could only be used for evil. There’s no way I can ever let it get out. Not to their government and not to ours. It has to be destroyed. But if I can create it, that means someone else can, too. I have to find a way to be one step ahead. I need to find a vaccine against such things. It’s going to come one day, and we’re not ready.

  The reality of that still sent chills down her spine. No matter how much she wished she could vanish and become the woman Venus, a normal person with a normal life, she knew it wasn’t her destiny. She accepted that responsibility and somehow she’d find a way to continue her work.

  That didn’t mean she stopped being a woman. Her wants and needs didn’t evaporate just because she was a gifted scientist. They were with her each day, even if no one noticed. Not even all the way out here in the bayou. I wish Kevin saw me, Marina, the woman, not Dr. Brimlow, the chemist. If only for one day, I just want to be . . . Marina.

  That wasn’t going to happen, and she needed to face it. Just like her, he had his own calling in life. His was the military. Kevin wasn’t here on vacation as he’d said, but he was here on a hunting expedition, and he found what he was after. Me, the chemist.

  She wouldn’t allow herself to have a foolish dream again. Just because she thought she’d seen him looking at her, wanting her, it didn’t mean anything. Kevin was here under orders. That meant he looked at her through a captain’s eyes, not a man’s. All she was to him was another mission, nothing more. Too bad, because when I looked at you, all I saw was a man. A sexy, strong man. I’m not sure I can look at you any other way.

  Marina was going to have to. Kevin had left, and she didn’t doubt it was to report back to the others. She was surprised he left her alone. Didn’t he worry she’d flee while he wasn’t looking? Kevin didn’t strike her as someone who’d neglect his duties or make mistakes like that. That must mean he’s not the only one watching. I wonder how long they’ve been here? How long he’s been here?

  When she’d first arrived in the bayou, she had all the insecurities of someone who was never alone. She’d cover herself up at all times. After a month of not seeing another living soul, she relaxed so much that she wore only the essentials. It was nice showering under the stars, knowing only the critters were watching her. It was her escape from the world and as close to nature as she’d ever come.

  Knowing she was being watched, protected, should have made her feel better, but somehow it didn’t. All she could think about was Kevin watching her every move. Marina tugged at her T-shirt as though her privacy had just been violated. It probably had been, and she could understand the reason behind it, but that didn’t change how it made her feel. Knowing he’d seen her naked shouldn’t make her feel self-conscious. And although she wouldn’t consider herself anything special to look at, her body was toned.

  Kevin, on the other hand, is everything I’ve fantasized about and more. Marina laughed, thinking how boldly she took in the sight of him and didn’t regret it one bit. Guess I can’t complain about you watching me because I got the better deal. You’re magnificent.

  She flushed, thinking of the moment the towel dropped. Marina might not play sports, but her throw was good. Part of her knew she’d intentionally made him lunge for it. Not so sweet and innocent after all, am I, Kevin? From how hard you were, I’d say you didn’t mind one bit.

  Marina couldn’t allow herself to go down that path again. Not after the conversation earlier. He made it clear why he was here, and it had nothing to do with a long night of lovemaking.

  Pulling herself off the bed, she decided it was time to stop living in a dream. Her shooting star had long burned out, and it was time to get back to work. Whether Kevin was watching her or not, she still had a vaccine she needed to develop. If everything you told me was true, I’m needed now more than ever.

  It’d been a few days since she’d flipped open her laptop. It was a desperately needed break, but now it was over. She reached into the leather case and found it empty. I always put it away. She was a person of routine until lately.

  Searching the cabin, she looked everywhere. It was nowhere to be found. It couldn’t grow legs and walk away, so where the hell is it? Her heart pounded as she continued to look. Everything she had on the vaccine was on the computer. She did have a small flash drive with files backed up on it, but she didn’t save her files that last night.

  Closing her eyes, she tried to remember what she was doing when she last saw it. It was the night she found Kevin on her deck. Marina had decided to do some work under the stars but had become distracted and left it on the table.

  Rushing outside, she hoped to find it there, but knew it wouldn’t be. Kevin wasn’t a product of any wish, and he’d seen an opportunity and took it. He probably thought I was asleep for the night and would rise thinking it fell in the water and the alligators ate it.

  Her fears were confirmed, and the laptop was nowhere to be seen. She stood by the rail and called out.

  “Captain Collins. I want my property back. Do you hear me? If you want my help at all, you’ll return what you stole. Otherwise, you and your men can sit out there until the end of time, because I’ll never go with you. Never!”

  She stomped back into the cabin and slammed the door behind her. Marina didn’t care if she looked crazy screaming out into the brush. She knew they were there and listening. They had her laptop. To her comfort, they’d have no idea what any of it meant. You forget who my father was. I learned long ago not to trust anyone. You can hack into my computer all you want, but you’ll never figure out the codes I used to mask my formula. Whatever you think you have, you don’t have it right. And if you try to recreate it, you’ll end up with something that is as lethal as bubble gum.

  “Well, she sounds pissed. Way to go, Collins,” Johnson said, slapping Kevin on the back.

  Kevin ignored his comment. Johnson had a way of getting under Kevin’s skin. If it weren’t for the fact they needed each other right now, he’d tell him off. Probably punch him out.

  Turning to Mark, Kevin asked, “Is the safe house ready?”

  “It is. My men have secured the perimeter, and we can leave anytime.”

  “Have you found anything we can use from her laptop?” Kevin hoped taking it hadn’t been for nothing.

  “I’ve reached out to a friend of mine. It’s coded somehow. So whatever formula she’s working on, we’ll need her to break it. It’s possible to break it other ways, but that’d take a fucking long time, and we can’t guarantee we’d get the data correct. It has to be exact, not close, or it’s a waste of time. Dr. Brimlow is wiser than we anticipated.”

  “That means she either knew or suspected what her father was doing. Either way we can’t trust her,” Johnson added.

  Kevin shot him a look. “Or she was willing to do anything to protect what she was working on from falling into the wrong hands.”

  Johnson shook his head. “You said it yourself. She’s Floyd’s daughter. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

  Kevin hated that analogy. He didn’t want Marina to be prejudged. They didn’t see her as anything except Floyd’s daughter. She was more than that. He saw a sensitive side of h
er. She was vulnerable and alone. “You don’t know anything about her.”

  “And you do?” Johnson asked smugly. “Just remember, no matter how well you think you know a person, sometimes what you think isn’t actually what is true.”

  Johnson’s warning was off, but Kevin couldn’t put his finger on why. He’d ask Mark about it, but he didn’t get much time alone with his brother. Johnson seemed to always be there. He understood that, as he was Mark’s right-hand man and had been since they joined the Navy. Twenty years is a long time to work together. If Mark can put up with your ass for that long, I guess I can deal with your shit a bit longer.

  Kevin addressed Mark again. “Give me an hour, and we’ll be ready for takeoff.”

  “We? She said she’s not going anywhere with you,” Johnson interjected.

  “Listen, Johnson. Give me her laptop and let me worry about the rest. You just do your job and make sure no harm comes to us as we board. Got it?”

  Mark obviously felt the tension between the two and said, “Johnson, do as Kevin says. Once we reach our coordinates, I’ll inform you on the next plan of action.”

  “You’re not leaving him to watch over her, are you? Sir, anyone can tell his judgment has been compromised. We cannot risk—”

  “Don’t question my authority, Johnson. Kevin is as invested in this as any of us. You back him like you’d back me. Understood?” Mark ordered.

  “Yes, sir,” Johnson agreed, but Kevin didn’t feel any sincerity in his response.

  “We’ll meet you at the chopper. Once we’re out of the cabin and in the air, maybe you can have your guys grab her stuff from the cabin and take it to the safe house. I’ll make sure she only packs what she requires.”

  “Roger that. Good luck, Kevin.” Mark extended his hand, and Kevin grabbed it.

  They both knew relocating her was risky. Up in the air made them a target from the ground. If he were in his F-35B, he’d feel better about outmaneuvering any missile or grenade launcher. In a chopper, not so much. Not being in control of the aircraft made him even less comfortable.