by Jayna Vixen
Underneath the useful anger she wrapped herself in, Rhee was scared. She was so very scared. Dax couldn’t find out. There was no telling what he would do. And if he put his hands on her right now…well, there was no telling what she would do either. He took another step, grim determination on his face, a storm of intensity in his eyes. Rhee glanced nervously at her car, seeking an escape.
Fuck! The car seemed so far away, now that her mode of getting to it required her to hop like a drunken, one-legged bunny. She ventured a glance at Dax. His intense blue gaze swept from her face, down her body, to rest for several seconds on her bleeding heel. Dax had a protective streak, and from that look, Rhee knew he was about two seconds from pulling her into his arms to get her off of her foot. Although her head resisted, her body was already humming with a sweet-hot, fiery feeling that had become foreign to her over the last three years.
Don’t, don’t, don’t….Oh, God don’t let him put his hands on me…
“Let me help you, Rhiannon.” His voice was deceptively calm and soft, but she knew he was royally pissed.
Shit! Rhee hesitated as old memories flooded her brain. Meeting Dax, waking up half-naked in his house…he had asked her to let him help her then, too. More like demanded! Feelings of déjà vu, nostalgia, and loss ripped through Rhee, nearly causing her to double over. She never could have predicted how things were going to turn out. Still, what she had now was so worth it. She would do it all again for Sirena.
Sirena! Oh, God. I have to get home. Rhee forced herself to step firmly on her injured foot, stifling the sharp yelp of pain that resulted from the action.
“I’m fine, Dax. Really. I have to go now.” She turned away, feeling the bite of the glass in her heel, and the burn of his stare heating her back.
***
What the fuck?
After their cataclysmic reunion, she was just going to walk away? Again? No fucking way. Hot boiling rage threatened to spill over as Rhiannon pierced him with her words.
Ruined her life? I helped that girl out! More than once. I just saved her ass again tonight!
In his mind’s eye, Dax saw himself throwing her facedown over his knee and yanking up the slinky material of her dress. The image was becoming quite compelling. And constant. Dax wasn’t sure why the idea of spanking the stowaway until her heart-shaped ass glowed red seemed so appealing all of a sudden. His jaw felt tight as he took a menacing step towards her retreating back. Then, something shiny glinted from the ground, and Rhee was suddenly hopping on one foot, swearing up a blue streak. The sight would have almost been comical had she not been bleeding. A single, red droplet splattered onto the concrete, and all thoughts of punishment evaporated from his mind, replaced by the urge to help her.
He stood there for a few seconds, watching her retreat. Stubborn little girl. She favored her right foot, but Rhee moved surprisingly fast despite her awkward, limping gait. She actually had the key in the door of her little hatchback before he reached her.
“I’m driving you home.” he growled.
“No!” Rhee practically yelled, cold fear lacing her voice. Dax narrowed his eyes at her.
“Look, I don’t care if you’re with someone, Rhee. As long as he’s less of a douchebag than that piece of shit,” he spat in Darren’s general direction. “But I’m taking you home.”
Rhee turned to the car, presenting him with her back. Ignoring him. Refusing him. Dax grabbed the girl’s arm before he could even process his own intent. He heard a stifled gasp, then Rhee jerked back so hard she banged her elbow into the door, like she couldn’t tolerate his touch. She yelped as her elbow made contact with the hard steel, and then she closed her eyes tightly, squeezing them shut as though she were willing this night, and him, to just disappear. Her teeth set into her lip, in that familiar gesture that used to bring him low with need.
It was no different now, he realized, his groin growing taut. In fact now, it was very nearly worse. An ache developed in his balls, one that he was suddenly desperate to relieve. Dax was rigid in his tailored suit, watching Rhee’s small, white teeth worry that full bottom lip until it swelled in protest. His head swam, his fingers itching to trace that lip with his thumb, tug it from beneath those small, perfect teeth, and capture it in his own mouth. A low growl escaped him as he placed both hands on either side of her shoulders, effectively trapping her within the confines of his body. Dax tore his gaze away from her mouth to look into her eyes, losing the will to fight the animalistic urge that compelled him to crush her mouth underneath his own. Then, he stopped cold at the look on her face.
Rhee’s green eyes were nearly black with anxiety, and he could see barely restrained tears shimmering in their depths. Her pulse fluttered in her neck as she cringed. Away from him. Remembering her past, Dax immediately removed his hands and took a small step back, giving her some space. He shook his head, trying to physically shake the desire out of himself. What the hell was wrong with him?! He glanced back at Rhee’s boss, who remained crumpled on the ground, moaning like the pussy he was.
I’m no better than that asshole.
***
Rhee’s foot was going numb and so was her mind. The adrenaline that coursed through her was fading. Her brain was still in full fight or flight mode, but resisting Dax would be a losing battle. She was still in shock that he was here and at the turn of events that had brought them back together so aggressively. He was standing so close—it would be so easy to just lean her head on his chest and let it all out. But, she couldn’t.
I’m so tired.
Rhee took stock of her jittery limbs and her foggy brain. The tears she had been holding back began to seep out from beneath her half-closed lids. Rhee hated to admit it but the domineering outlaw was right. She was in no condition to drive. She took a deep breath and regained some of her composure. It was no easy feat, considering that Dax Jamison, all six-feet, two inches of him, was standing over her, glowering, and staring at her mouth in a way that made her knees even weaker than before.
“I’ll call a cab.” Rhee held out a remarkably steady hand for her phone. For a minute, she thought Dax was going to acquiesce, but the low rumble signaling the arrival of a dark van interrupted any response he may have had. The driver acknowledged Dax by shooting him a hand sign before screeching to a halt. As Rhee watched, another guy bent over Darren. It looked like he was taking his pulse.
“What will they do to him?” It was a husky croak. She swallowed reflexively.
“Patch him up. Drop him off at home if he isn’t too bad off. His wallet’s in his pocket, so they’ll know where to take him.”
She nodded. “If he is—bad off?”
“There’s a hospital down the road.”
Dax eyed her as she placed weight on her foot. It hurt. Fuck. Rhee tried unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn. While she was struggling to process the situation, he knelt slowly and carefully picked up her injured foot. She quivered at his touch, but this time, she allowed him to examine her heel, holding herself taut.
Rhee stifled a moan as he ran his rough thumb over the delicate arch of her foot, and then encircled her dainty ankle in his large hand. It stung, but the wound didn’t feel that bad. Still, Rhee knew that Dax wasn’t the sort to rescue a damsel in distress only to let her wrap her car around a palm tree on the way home. It was going to be an argument. But…she couldn’t let him find out where she lived.
“Don’t see how you can drive safely with this cut,” he challenged.
“I’m fine,” Rhee countered weakly. Stay strong.
“You look exhausted. Please, Rhiannon. Don’t make this difficult.”
Rhee struggled not to react as his long fingers grazed over the sensitive skin of her ankle, but a shiver went down her spine nonetheless. It was probably after three in the morning. Manali would be wondering where she was. Sirena would be up in a few hours. Tomorrow was not going to be pretty as it was. Rhee tried to think rationally. It would be much faster and easier to have him drop her off. Getti
ng a cab at this hour would be dicey anyway. She could call Max and he would leap out of bed to get her, but she didn’t want to worry the older man.
What to do?
“What about your bike?” Rhee stalled, trying to gain a few precious moments to think.
“A buddy will pick it up. It’s a loaner anyway.”
She hesitated, her fried brain rationalizing. He can drop me in front of Manali’s. What’s the harm in that? There was no reason for him to see her actual place. Even if he did come back unannounced, Manali wouldn’t let him past the front gate. She was an effective man deterrent, that woman.
Reluctantly, Rhee nodded. “Fine.”
While he was busy texting, presumably about transporting his bike, Rhee slid into her car and climbed over the hand brake before Dax could insist on helping her in. Her dress rode up and she yanked it down quickly to avoid any accidental malfunctions that might encourage physical contact. She wasn’t completely aware of her efforts to avoid his touch but a tingle ran down Rhee’s spine as she recalled his method of helping her into the Suburban way back when. God, why were those memories so vivid? She could almost feel the man’s hard chest and steely arms around her. Rhee’s nipples puckered with a long-forgotten ache and she shifted uncomfortably in the passenger seat.
Dax plunked down in the driver’s seat of her small car, his large frame looking very out of place. Apparently, he felt the confines of the space as well. He felt around for the seat adjustment lever, pushing back until he was practically sitting in the back seat. Rhee gulped, taking stock of just how tall the man was. Furtively, she followed his gaze as he glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. Rhee’s heart began to race as Dax abruptly yanked his tie over his head as though it were choking him and tossed it into the backseat. Then, he unbuttoned the collar of the stiff, white shirt he was wearing, revealing an expanse of smooth muscle below his neck. She gulped, all too aware of her body’s reaction to the man.
Dax rolled up his sleeves to cover the brownish-red stains that adorned the cuffs. Finally, he adjusted the mirror and turned the key in the ignition. Her car sputtered to life, breaking the hypnotic trance that seemed to compel her eyes to his body. She looked away quickly but it was too late. Just before she turned away, Dax glanced at her sidelong, catching her as she peeked at him. He grinned, seeming pleased at the flush that crept up her neck. Pressing her cheek to the cool glass to camouflage the hot rush of heat to her cheeks, Rhee stared studiously out the window.
“Take the main road to the light and make a left.”
They drove in awkward silence for most of the way. Rhee was relieved that Dax didn’t seem interested in discussing the sudden way she had left three years ago. She swallowed nervously, waiting for Dax to open that can of worms. Luckily, he seemed to be lost in thought. She could feel his eyes slide over her a few times, causing a hot ache to throb between her thighs. It was a feeling she had become unused to, and the sensation threw her off. The ride seemed to take forever, and Rhee was grateful when Manali’s older, but well-maintained place came into view.
“Well, er, thanks for the ride Dax. And for-for before.” Eyes lowered, Rhee held out her hand for her keys. I can’t look at him. God, he’ll see it…he’ll see that I still want him.
Dax smirked. “My pleasure.” Then, to her chagrin, he slipped from her vehicle before she could comment, and opened the passenger door. “Allow me.”
“What are you doing?” Rhee asked, her irritation reflected loud and clear. I knew this would happen!
“Helping you inside.”
“I told you, Dax. I’m fine. For God’s sake, I do not need anyone’s help! Especially yours!”
Well, that statement was ridiculous and they both knew it. Rhee had accepted a lot of Dax’s particular brand of help. Without him, God only knew where she would be. Her former dependence on him fired her up. He always treated me like a kid! The surge of anger that accompanied her outrage provided the boost Rhee needed to duck under Dax’s arm. She took one triumphant step to prove her point and promptly stumbled. Hard. Before she could hit the ground, she was scooped up into two arms that felt like metal vices.
“You always were a stubborn one, Rhiannon.”
His voice, hard like steel, cut into her, the sweet torture of his touch evoking a sensation that she wasn’t sure how to describe. A pleasure so profound that it was almost painful jolted through her traitorous body. Dax’s mouth, so close to her ear, sent disturbingly familiar sensations through Rhee, heating her blood, and taking her breath right out of her trembling body.
Oh, shit. Here we go again.
Chapter Seven
The feel of her in his arms sent Dax’s senses reeling, but he wasn’t about to reveal that to the stowaway. Something that he wasn’t aware he had lost was now literally in his grasp. Dax found that he liked the way she felt there more than he would ever admit to himself— or, to her.
Even if he wanted to talk about what had happened between them, now was certainly not the right time. In addition to being in yet another dangerous situation—one that made him want to paddle her sweet little ass—Rhee was obviously afraid of him finding out who she lived with.
Some chump.
No, that wasn’t fair, Dax told himself, as he strode up the front walkway with Rhee holding herself stiffly in his arms. Hopefully, she would have chosen well. Or not at all. He smiled grimly, wondering what kind of man he would have to ingratiate himself to. Would he be a nerd? A surfer? Probably that. Yeah, he could see Rhee with a surfer. Surfers were territorial about a lot of things. He hoped this little reunion wouldn’t end in another fistfight.
“Dax!”
He snapped to attention as they approached the front door. “Don’t worry, stowaway. I just want to see you safely inside.”
Dax continued up the steps, intending to set Rhee down on the doorstep. She needs a new nickname. Stowaway doesn’t really fit anymore, he mused. Hmm. Runaway, maybe…
“No, Dax!”
He was appalled at the fearful octave in her voice. Just who the hell is she afraid of? Me? Or someone else?
“Um, this is the front house. I’m in the back. I can take it from here. Put me down already!”
Dax ignored her, finding the walkway next to the house. In the dim light, he could see the outline of plants and trees that littered the backyard. The sound of running water gave the place a tranquil feel, even in the dark. Dax strode to the front door of a little white guest cottage nestled behind a copse of small trees and hibiscus bushes.
“Seriously. Put me down, right now!” Rhee spoke in a panicked whisper.
Yep. Definitely living with someone. The sinking feeling in Dax’s chest was hard to push away, but logic stepped in. Of course he couldn’t expect her to be alone. Look at her, for Christ’s sake. Plus, it wasn’t as if he had been a saint.
“Look, Rhee. I brought you this far. I just want to see you get inside…”
“No!” Rhee pushed at him hard, twisting like an eel so that he almost dropped her right on her cute little ass.
“Goddamn it, Rhiannon….”
Dax had half a mind to kick the door open, but then it suddenly flew open on its own. He froze as a wholly unexpected development made this night even more interesting. Dax blinked once to make sure he was seeing things correctly. Yep. No mistaking that. It had been a long time since he had stared down the long barrel of a twelve-gauge shotgun, but it was a sight one never forgot.
“Let her go or I’ll shoot your haole nuts off!”
Dax was stunned into silence as he assessed the situation. The person wielding the firearm was a much older woman. His eyes swept over her and her weapon. She was short and dark, with the distinctive features of an islander. Her hair was nearly completely white, but her dark eyes belied that she was no passive lady—they flashed with intelligence and fire as she jerked the gun towards him. The weapon was old and it looked rusty. Probably hadn’t been cleaned in decades. There was a good chance that old piece of w
ood and metal wouldn’t even fire a shot. Still, an angry woman and an unsecured rifle were never a good combination…
“Manali! It’s not what it looks like!” Turning back to Dax, she hissed, “Put me down before she shoots you!”
“Ma’am,” Dax said calmly, looking over the woman’s head into the cottage. “Rhee cut her foot. If you don’t mind, I’d like to get her to that couch over there. Then, I’ll be happy to let you handle her.”
His sharp eyes took in everything he could through the narrow slice of open doorway. It didn’t look like anyone else was there. Is this crazy old broad her roommate? Odd choice. Then again, I like her protective vibe…
Dax wondered at the heightened anxiety and tension that seemed to roll of Rhee in waves. What was she so afraid of? That he knew where she lived? That her roommate was a crazy old bird who came strapped with a loaded weapon? He affected a shrug as he stepped into the small, well-maintained cottage, a firm grip on his irate cargo.
***
“Cut her foot, you say?”
Manali stared hard into his eyes and he didn’t back down. She liked that about the tall man. Humpf. Good-lookin too, for a mainlander. Why’s he callin her Rhee? Short for Rina, maybe? Manali peered down, and upon seeing the gash on Rina’s foot, slowly lowered the rifle. There was something about this man and the way he held Rina. Something that just seemed…right. Manali had been around long enough to know that her gut always told the truth.
“Dax!” Rina’s voice came out as an anxious screech and she lowered it to a whisper. “I am perfectly fine. You wanted to take me home. I’m home. There is absolutely no need for you to barge in here and—”