Beautiful Dragons

by Matthew James

  The people at the covered bar were clear, being mostly older folks who weren’t overly interested in the sun. The beach chairs were filled with a mix of families, couples, and singles. Some were dressed in unrevealing one-piece’s, while others were topless and on their stomachs, ridding themselves of their tan lines.

  He never got that last one. He loved tan lines.

  Seeing no one returning his gaze, Roman looked out over the water again. The same group of coeds was there, as was their instructor. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary so far. He was half-expecting there to be a mob of wet-suited gunmen rushing the beach from the water. His mind was trained to look for enemies before it did anything else.

  The “anything else” revealed itself moments later.

  Doing her best Halle Berry “Bond girl” impression, the unknown woman sprang out of the water with dramatic grace. It was sudden and sexy, all at the same time. Standing in the waste-high water, the bikini-clad swimmer removed her mask and snorkel. Unfortunately, the resulting sunshine gave off a wicked glare, making it impossible for him to identify her correctly. Plus, her string bikini was black, not purple, like he hoped it would be.

  He wanted it to be “her,” but Roman knew not to get his hopes up. There was no way for her to know he was even in Tahiti right then. The best way for a former spy to disappear was to actually disappear. Telling everyone where he was going would sort of ruin that.

  Unless she called Willy.

  Either way, regardless of who this lady was, she was a joy to ogle. She procured a pair of sunglasses from between her breasts. They’d been dangling on the string that kept her suit closed. Next, she slid them onto her down-turned eyes and ran her hands through her short, pixie-cut hair. From what he could tell, there were no purple highlights in it, dampening his spirits even more.

  Shoulders slumped, Roman turned back to his hammock but stopped. The had newcomer turned her back to him. The simple move made him grin. The snorkeler possessed a large tattoo of a dragon on her back, extending from in between her shoulder blades down to just above her ass.

  Just then, a single cloud slid in front of the blistering sun, making it possible for Roman make out the tattoo’s purple accents. It was as if something, or someone, knew what he needed and provided it.

  “Thanks,” he said aloud, giving the cloud a small salute.

  Calmly, he headed for the water, weaving in and out of the other patrons occupying the beach. If he made a scene and bull-rushed her, it would draw unwanted attention to what he knew would be a magical reunion.

  Wading out next to her, Roman coolly cleared his throat. “Excuse me, ma’am, but I think there’s been a mistake.” She glanced at him, eyes still hidden behind her reflective, aviator sunglasses. Holding out the drink, he smiled. “I think this was meant for you.”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I think you’re the one that’s mistaken.”

  The act was perfect, and he was all in.

  He took a sip and sighed.

  “How is it?” she asked, sounding curious.

  Swallowing, Roman turned. She did the same. For a moment, they just stood there and stared at one another. It was like high school all over again.

  The awkwardness of the first conversation.

  The uncomfortable tension between two people who liked each other but were too scared to admit it.

  “It’s perfect,” he held it out again. “Would you like a taste?”

  “I would, thank you.”

  Smiling, she took the drink, their fingers grazing one another’s as they did. Roman wanted to jump on top of her and never let go. He resisted, though, playing it cool, fighting the primal urge.

  She gulped down half of it, coughed, and laughed at Roman who looked none too pleased.

  Then again, she did pay for it after all.

  He held up his hand when she tried to give the drink back. “Keep it. I have a bucket back up the beach.”

  Shrugging, she returned the straw to her perfect lips, never once taking her shielded gaze off him. He knew she wanted the same as he did but for both their benefits, it was better to start over. Act the part for now and be rewarded later. They were just two singles, mingling underneath the Tahiti sun.

  Poor Kiki. He smiled, knowing he’d need to let the young girl down easy.

  But “she” was the best reason to do so.

  He held out his hand. “The name’s Roman, by the way.” When she took his hand, he bent down and kissed the back of hers like a true gentleman. Then, he peeked over his own sunglasses and gave her a playful wink. “And you are…?”

  She lowered her sunglasses a touch and their eyes locked. “My name is Rio.” She smiled wide. “You know, like the song.”

  A MESSAGE FROM MATTHEW JAMES

  Thank you again for supporting me and picking up a copy of this book and anything else I’ve released. I’m still in awe that I get to do this for a living. It’s a grueling task sometimes, but I’ve never published a book and regretted the time and energy it took to put together.

  Beautiful Dragons was something a little different for me. I typically lean towards monsters as my villains. This time, I decided that the monsters needed to be people. The word “monster” fits the bill when talking about those that support and operate within the human trafficking business. I wanted to take them down with brutal efficacy while telling a deeper, yet, still badass story along the way. Personally, I feel like I succeeded. Hopefully, you feel the same.

  If you have a spare moment, could you please leave a review on Amazon.com and/or on Goodreads.com? It would be hugely appreciated. As an indie author, I rely heavily on word-of-mouth and social media, and every little bit counts. The more interest I get, the more books I can write. It’s the same as reading a review on a hotel website. If you see a hotel with a ton of reviews, good or bad, it immediately peaks your interest? The exact same thing happens on sites like Amazon.com.

  Thanks again, Matt

  *If you do want to leave a review, here are the links to do so:

  Amazon:

  http://www.amazon.com/Matthew-James/e/B010GDUME4/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14177924.Matthew_James

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  MATTHEW JAMES is the #1 Amazon.com bestselling author of over ten titles, including BLOOD AND SAND, THE CURSED PHARAOH, PLAGUE, and DEAD MOON. He’s also penned two books with David Wood in his popular Dane Maddock series (BERSERK and SKIN AND BONES). Known for his high-octane action and thrilling adventures, Matthew also enjoys dabbling in some science fiction and horror. Regardless of the genre, he loves to move fast and have fun doing it. He resides in South Florida with his wife and daughters.

  Matt also hosts a podcast with his brother. It’s called A GOOD B.M. and each week they discuss all things beer, movies, books, and music. The show is available on Apple/iTunes and Podbean.com/Podbean app.

  You can visit Matthew at:

  www.Facebook.com/MatthewJamesAuthor

  www.JamestownBooks.Wordpress.com

  www.AGoodBM.Podbean.com

  Instagram: MatthewJames_Author

  Twitter: @MJames_Books

  Copyright © 2017 Matthew James

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  The right of Matthew James to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

  All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Cover design © Matthew James

  Used under Creative Commons licenses

  hew James, Beautiful Dragons