by Loren Teague
He turned to face the sea. Fishing boats were outlined against the horizon. He knew the boats belonged to Rosselini Fisheries. Seeing them gave him a sharp reminder of who Gina was. Yeah, there was that complication too.
His gaze shifted, focusing on the long stretch of white sand. Curling surf beckoned like fingers. He knew it would do them both good to have a swim and to take some of the heat out of their argument. It would put things back to the level they were before. He heard her footsteps behind him. He turned to find her standing there, looking uncertain. Worry still shadowed her eyes.
‘I’ve made coffee.’ She held out a mug to him as if it was a peace offering.
He took it. ‘Thanks,’ he murmured. He gave her a smile. ‘I promised to teach you to surf, so here’s your chance. Let’s head down to the beach soon,’ he said lightly.
He hadn’t regretted what had happened the night before and he only hoped she hadn’t either in spite of what she’d said earlier.
By the time they drove down the narrow track with the surf board on top of the wagon, it was nearing midday.
A strong wind blew with large rolling breakers. Conditions were excellent. Lying on the surfboard, Rick paddled out to deeper waters. He half-turned to face the shore keeping an eye on the oncoming waves. A few seconds later, a wave tubed and raced off. He’d catch the next one, he decided, as he started paddling again. It came before he knew it. It was the perfect wave to cut loose on. Soon he was skimming the water fast. Adrenaline pumped, making him clench his fists as he rode it through. More waves followed, thick and hollow with enough punch to severely hammer him should he make a mistake.
After an hour, his muscles were aching from the constant tension. He noticed Gina swimming in to meet him. Ready to take a break, he met her halfway. She stood up, the water nearly to her waist. She was wearing a black and gold bikini which when wet revealed more than it ought to. Desire shot through him, hot and sudden.
‘Are you ready to have a go?’ he asked hoarsely.
‘Sure I am,’ she answered, tossing back her hair. Her eyes met his in a challenging look.
‘OK. Here’s what you do. Paddle out lying flat and then turn with the oncoming waves. Try and gain your balance first before you stand up,’ he instructed.
‘You make it sound so easy,’ she replied, laughing.
Gina did her best and managed to hang on for all five seconds before she lost her grip and fell backwards into the water as the surf ripped over her head. When she surfaced, she shook the water from her hair and climbed back on again. After a few attempts, she got the hang of it, though didn’t stay for long on the board. He smiled at her determination not to give up.
About an hour later, Gina swam towards him. ‘My arms are aching. I need a rest.’
‘You did well for your first time,’ he acknowledged, taking the board from her.
‘Who said it was my first time?’
‘So you have been out before?’ he replied with a smile. ‘I suspected as much.’
‘Once or twice,’ she admitted, ‘but it was a long time ago.’
They walked out of the water side by side and Rick left the surf board on the edge of the beach.
When they reached their towels, Rick lifted one up and draped it over her shoulders, turning her around to face him. He tilted her chin up and kissed her squarely on the mouth, tasting the salt on her lips. Then he pulled back, his hands curving around her shoulders.
‘Feeling better?’ he asked. She gave a smile that made his heart flip.
She nodded. ‘The sea always calms me. I really am sorry about before.’
‘Forget it.’
He gathered up their things, and together they walked towards the car. A movement in a gully on the hillside caught her eye. She stared. ‘Someone is watching us.’
He frowned. ‘Where?’ He scanned the gorse covered hills. ‘I don’t see anything, only native bush.’
She pointed. ‘Over there. A man. He was standing there, staring straight at us.’
Rick scanned the area again but all he could see was a flock of seagulls wheeling high above the beach house, their screeches echoing along the cliff face. His arm slid around Gina’s shoulders. ‘There’s no one there.’
Her forehead creased in puzzlement. ‘That’s odd, I was so sure….’
Rick felt uneasy. Nothing he could put his finger on, but the feeling was still there, niggling away at him. It was probably the weather, he justified. Change was on its way. In spite of the sun beating down hotly on the sand, grey clouds were rolling in from the north.
As he walked beside her, he took her in. He’d seen beautiful women before but Gina was something else. Her dark hair hung in wet strands around her shoulders but that only seemed to emphasize the slant of her high cheekbones. The fresh air had heightened the colour in her cheeks, and brightened her eyes.
He had surprised himself by his strong response to her. But it wasn’t just her physical looks he was drawn to, it was her mind as well. It irked him that she hadn’t given her whole self, not even during their lovemaking the night before. He moved closer, his hand slipping around her waist. Without hesitation, he lifted her up into his arms.
‘Hey, what are you doing?’ she exclaimed.
‘Wait and see.’
When he found a sandy private spot he put her down gently, and lay beside her. ‘We’ve still got a few minutes. Let’s talk for a while.’
‘OK.’
‘What you’ve told me about your marriage, it doesn’t have to be like that between us. You need to give us a chance. You have to trust me. Don’t you see that?’ he said gently. He pushed her hair back from her face and brushed his lips over hers. The kiss deepened.
Eventually she pulled back, breathless. ‘When you kiss me like that I can’t even think straight.’
She didn’t know a kiss could be so seductive. It promised more than she had ever imagined. Long ago she had convinced herself that she wouldn’t feel like this again but she was wrong. So very wrong.
Neither of them knew exactly when the tempo changed. One moment, she was lying in his arms enjoying his mouth on hers, the next riotous sensations clawed through her, demanding release.
She couldn’t believe she responded so readily to his touch. As his mouth found hers again, she let herself melt into his embrace.
‘Now,’ she urged. ‘Let’s make love here.’
‘Making you wait will do us both good.’
‘Damn you. You believe in making me suffer.’
His mouth slid to her throat where he tasted and savoured, then slipped lower to her breasts, which were straining against the silky material. With one quick movement, he unhooked the top of her bikini and dropped it beside her. Only within a moment of him touching her, he realized he’d underestimated himself badly. That control he’d always prided himself on having, disappeared in a flash.
He heard her breath come in short gasps as his hands slid down her hips, pressing her to him. When he stroked, he could almost swear she purred. Grains of golden sand fell between them, trickling down her abdomen, and rubbing harshly against her skin.
Her eyes told him what her voice refused to and for now he was heartened. He wanted all of her. But he knew he only had her body still. While some men would have been grateful for that, he wasn’t. If this didn’t work, nothing would.
‘Marry me, Gina,’ he shot out.
Shock floored her eyes. ‘What? You can’t mean it.’
‘Why? Is it so hard to believe?’
‘It’s not that … it’s just….’
He waited a few seconds, his mouth twisting. ‘Well?’
‘It’s unexpected,’ she said lamely.
‘You mean, I don’t have the money the Rosselinis have?’ he replied, coolly. He picked up her bikini top and handed it to her.
‘What?’ she exclaimed in disbelief. ‘How can you think that?’
He laughed dryly. ‘Well, what else am I to think?’
She shook h
er head. ‘You make is all sound so simple. Marriage, love … but what happens if you get tired of me … will you play around? I had enough of that before.’ She shook her head, trying to form the right words to make him understand her fears.
He sighed wearily, ‘That’s something you need to decide for yourself. It all comes back down to trust.’
He could see the tears she’d held at bay for so long, threatened again.
‘Trust?’ she repeated.
His voice deepened. ‘Yeah, trust. Think about it.’
He softened when he saw the fight inside of her and wanted to reach out for her to tell her he’d be by her side always but he also knew realistically she had to make up her own mind about him. He needed her complete trust. He couldn’t settle for anything less.
And because she still said nothing, only stared at him, he had no choice but to walk away.
Late afternoon, the rain hit. Softly at first, and then it came down in torrents, the sound deafening as it battered the iron roof of the beach house. Large pools of water formed in the driveway, mirroring the dark, grey sky. Gina knew that storms like this in summer were not unusual but they could be severe.
Gina flicked her wrist to look at her watch. It was early evening. Rick’s sister still hadn’t arrived and the weather was worsening. She turned up the radio, hoping to drown out the pounding of the waves against the cliff. Feeling restless, she stood at the French doors, looking out. The colour of the sea had changed from turquoise to an angry dirty green colour, churning and frothing, wild in its fury. Tension coiled in her stomach. A rift had opened up between her and Rick. It had been all her fault. Only she didn’t know how to make things right again. Perhaps, later, when they were both alone, they could get over this hurdle. She hoped so. Right at the moment, she could see the worried look on Rick’s face. She knew it was because of his sister. Not because of her.
‘Still no answer from Elena?’ asked Gina.
‘I’ve left two messages on her mobile, but she hasn’t returned my calls.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘I’ll ring my mother. See if she’s heard anything.’
He’d only just picked up his mobile, ready to dial, when it rang in his hand. He pressed the button and held it to his ear.
A voice said, ‘I need you to come and pick me up.’
‘Elena? Is that you?’ Rick frowned as he detected a tearful note in her voice. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘I skidded on the road, and hit a bridge. The car’s a write-off.’
Rick swore under his breath. ‘Are the kids all right?’
‘Yes, they’re OK although shaken up a bit. The cops wanted us to go to hospital to get checked out, but I decided the best thing we could do was to call you to come and get us. They’ll be fine once they’re tucked up in bed.’
‘Where are you?’
She quickly gave him her whereabouts.
‘I should be there in about an hour. Just stay put.’ He hung up.
Gina, realizing something had happened, moved over to stand by his side. ‘Trouble?’
‘You could say that.’ He explained what had happened.
‘Shall I come with you?’ she asked softly.
He hesitated for a moment. ‘I don’t want to leave you here on your own, but they’ve got a car full of luggage and there’s not going to be enough room.’
‘I’ll be OK. I’ll make dinner while you’re away.’ It was the least she could do.
Rick nodded. ‘Thanks. The kids will be hungry when they get here.’ He looked thoughtful. ‘Have you got your mobile phone with you?’
‘In my bag.’
‘Let me see it.’
She took it out and handed it to him. He checked it, making sure the battery was charged.
‘Good.’ He handed it back to her. ‘Promise me, you’ll keep it close by you.’
She nodded.
He grabbed the car keys and gave her a hug which suddenly made her want to say, ‘Don’t leave me,’ but, of course, she couldn’t do that. His sister and her children needed him more right now.
‘Make sure you lock the door behind me.’
She nodded.
After he left, she noticed how empty the place was. It unnerved her. To take her mind off things, she set about making an evening meal. Before long she had meatballs simmering which she would serve with spaghetti. Elena’s children would love them. They were always a favourite with families. She settled down to read a magazine for a while, but she couldn’t concentrate. Her thoughts returned to what had happened between them earlier in the day. How could she have been so stupid? She had made a complete mess of things.
It hit her. She was hopelessly in love with Rick whether she liked it or not. Only she was too damned scared to tell him. He wouldn’t have offered marriage if he didn’t love her, she justified. He had been testing her, waiting for her to meet him halfway. And she’d backtracked.
Her thoughts were disturbed by a noise at the window. She looked up, realizing she hadn’t pulled the curtains closed. She hurried over to the window. Only now, the noise sounded like someone tapping on the front door. She turned.
She hadn’t locked the door. Rick had told her to after he’d left, but she’d been distracted and forgot. She hadn’t heard a car drive up, so what could it be? The handle started to turn. Someone was coming in. She rushed forward intending to slip the latch. Too late. The door swung open with a crash. Gina screamed. A dripping wet dark figure stood in front of her.
Oh God, it couldn’t be. When she finally found her voice it was hardly more than a whisper.
‘Jason, it’s you. I … I thought you were dead?’
When she saw the firm set of his jaw and the violence in his face she knew she was in trouble.
‘Not dead. But very, very angry with you, Gina.’
Gina felt the familiar fear grip her tightly. She had thought she’d never have to face him or his temper again, but here he was standing right in front of her and she was all alone.
Telling herself not to panic, she took a deep breath, and tried to keep her voice calm. ‘What is it you want?’
He gave a low laugh. ‘You Gina. It’s you.’
When the first blow came, it caught her on the side of her face, stunning her. She heard herself cry out as she lost her balance and fell to the floor. He took her arm and hauled her up again. Then, he slapped her across the face again, making her eyes water.
‘Did you think I wouldn’t see you with lover boy?’
‘You’ve no right to do this.’ She tried to twist away, lashing out at him but he held on to her in a vice-like grip. Desperation gave her sudden strength so she kicked him hard on his shins. He grunted with surprise. Then he laughed out loud and Gina knew then he had gone completely over the edge. He made a move to grab her again but she fought hard, raking her nails over his face. Her movement incensed him. He grabbed her hair and yanked it, making her cry out loud.
‘You’re not going to get away from me this time,’ he said harshly.
Gina let her body go limp. If she could fool him into thinking he had won, he might loosen his grip on her and when he did, she’d make a dash for the door. Maybe if she kept him talking it would even buy her some time.
‘Why?’ she managed to say through a haze of pain.
He smiled, making her shiver. ‘Because you deserted me.’
‘I didn’t. I tried to help you. Please … let me go and we can forget this ever happened.’
‘You think I would do that?’ He released the pressure on her arm slightly while he was talking. ‘Your boyfriend can’t help you this time.’
‘How did you find me?’ she asked.
‘Anthony’s secretary.’
While he was talking, Gina’s gaze slid over to her mobile phone sitting on the table. If only she could reach it in time.
He let her go while he bent to retrieve the rope he’d dropped at the doorway. Gina saw her chance. She grabbed her mobile phone and sprinted into the bedroom, slamming the door shut beh
ind her. With a sinking heart she realized there was no lock on the door. She put her back up against it, digging her heels in and bracing herself.
Quickly punching in the number of the emergency department, she said, ‘Help me, please….’
The pressure behind the door increased as he rattled the door handle.
‘Let me in, Gina. You can’t escape,’ he growled.
It was only a matter of seconds before his strength would get the better of hers and the door would finally be forced open. An unexpected heave from behind the door jolted her. She dropped the phone. It clattered onto the floor, just out of reach. If she bent forward to retrieve it, he’d be able to push the door inwards. She turned quickly and, with both hands, pressed hard against the door with all her strength. But it was no good. The door was inching open slowly, until finally Gallagher stuck his foot in the doorway, jamming it open. It was then Gina knew she had lost. She let the door go suddenly and made a grab for the phone lying on the floor. Her fingers had only just curled around the plastic casing when she felt him jerk her head back by her hair. He plucked the phone from her fingers and threw it against the wall where it shattered.
Jason’s face contorted with fury. ‘So you thought you could get away from me, did you?’
Fear slid up and down Gina’s spine completely immobilizing her. He was going to kill her, she was sure of it. He slipped the ropes over her wrists and bound them tightly.
‘Jason …’ she pleaded again, this time sobbing. ‘Please don’t do this … please.’
He didn’t answer her. Suddenly she leapt forward, surprising him, but he was fast and bolted after her. He caught her by the arm and whirled her around so quickly, she thought she had dislocated her shoulder. She jarred her back against the wooden dresser, knocking off a large vase of flowers. It smashed on to the floor with a loud crash, water spilling everywhere. She didn’t see the blow coming to the side of her head and in the encroaching darkness sank slowly down to the ground, knowing there was no escape.