Fire Dancer [Dr. Love Shark 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage and More)

by Bobbi Brattz

  Van shook his head. “Not now. Get some rest and we’ll let you know.”

  The house was only a pile of smoldering black rubble. That was all that was left of her life. Even her costumes for the dance were gone. Kona was in the same boat. They’d lost everything they owned.

  “I’m ready to go to your house, Mateo.”

  Kona placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m going to talk to the fire chief and Van to see if I can find out anything. I’ll see you up at Mateo’s place⎯sis, I’m so glad you’re all right.

  Mateo spoke up. “We’ll see you at eight o’clock for breakfast, Kona.”

  “Thanks, Mateo. I’ll be there.”

  He turned to face Layla. “Layla, I’ll be along soon.”

  “Be careful, Kona.”

  “Why, what’s going on?”

  “I’ll have to tell you later. I’m too tired right now.”

  “Okay. I’m sure Rae and Mateo will watch over you. Bye, honey.” Kona kissed her soot-ridden forehead and left her with them.

  Rae put an arm around Layla’s shoulder and walked her back to the car. The day had only just begun, but the nightmare was running full steam ahead.

  * * * *

  The house had burned down to the ground. Van stood at the front looking for a clue as to why it happened. The fire chief by his side stood silent for a minute as he, too, watched the smoldering coals in the ruins.

  “I hope it’s not arson, but if Layla said they don’t use candles, I have to believe her. The front door was open. It looked like it was chipped away at the lock,” the fire chief said.

  “I doubt their insurance will cover arson unless we can prove it was a third party.” Van shook his head. Layla was incapable of such an act. She was the sweetest person he’d ever met. He knew she didn’t like him, but he wanted her more than he’d ever wanted another woman in his whole life. Though she avoided his gaze, it gave him a chance to watch her eyes, her beautiful, cinnamon-brown eyes.

  “I’d best go up to Mateo’s and have a chat with her. The only clue we have is the gift and note. She said there was another one as well, but that’s gone in the fire.”

  “If anyone can uncover the culprit, you can, Van. I’ll write up my report and give you a copy if that helps.”

  “It will. Thanks, Mac. I’ll be in touch.”

  As Van drove off, he thought about Layla and hoped that since they had something to talk about now, she might be more willing to open up to him. She was like a skittish cat and jumpy when she was around him, but that would have to stop. He’d waited for her long enough. If someone was sending her flowers and lingerie, then he’d better start, too. Before heading up to Mateo’s place, he stopped at the florist and a clothing shop. She had nothing. It was time to show her how much he cared about her.

  * * * *

  Wrapping up the box with a large red bow like the one he’d used on the last gift, he placed it aside and wrote the next note. She was where he wanted her to be now, at the doctor’s house. The resort was the perfect place to capture her attention, especially now that she had nothing. She’d be sure to fall for him.

  He knew she’d survive the fire. She was a strong one. Layla…He sighed as he thought of her perfect body, that sexy black hair, and the warm brown color of her skin. She was perfect the way she tamed the flames. Imagining her long hair wrapped around his waist as she serviced him turned him on like nothing else. She was his perfect mate, and she’d learn to obey him once he had her with him.

  When at the next luau, he’d finally bring her to his room, and she’d be his. That’s when his life would be complete.

  * * * *

  Lying on the bed in Mateo’s home, Layla thought about all the belongings that she and Kona had lost in the house. All their costumes were gone now, as well as most of their equipment, not to mention all their childhood photos. Some of the torches and tools they’d kept at the resort. Tears trailed down her cheeks, her heart broken.

  “Who would do such a thing to our home? I’ve never done anything bad to anyone!”

  Anger leapt forward, taking precedence over her pain. She wanted to know who’d done it, and put them away for life. If Kona had been home, would he have gotten out also? Thankful that he was all right, she swiped at the tears, furious that one person could bring her so low.

  That was her breaking point. No more would she bemoan their fate. It was time to fight to get it back. First, she had to go shopping. Once she’d had a shower and cleaned up. She sought out Rae.

  Nothing would keep her down.

  Chapter Three:

  Dangerous Proposal

  Thankfully, the new costumes, which previously she’d had made at Madam Luai’s Costumes, were all ready to go. She held up the first one. The bodice and short skirt were covered in flaming figures. Kona’s was identical in design, but his only had the shorts. After ordering three more costumes, Layla and Rae went to buy some necessities at a local department store. By the time they were done, they could barely fit everything in the car.

  “I don’t know about you, my friend, but I’m exhausted,” Rae said, her arms loaded with a few last-minute items.

  “Me, too. I’m also quite hungry. How would you like to stop for lunch? We’ve been going since breakfast and it’s already two o’clock. My stomach is growling so loud, I can barely think straight.”

  “I’m amazed at you. You’re one strong and determined lady. Let’s get Italian? I could use some pasta.”

  “Rae, you read my mind. I’m so glad you came with me. I wouldn’t have thought of half the things you suggested.”

  “What are friends for, but to make you spend more money? I hope you have enough funds to get you through until your insurance comes in.”

  “That’s something that has me worried. The insurance company won’t pay out because it’s arson. Until someone is caught for it, the money is unavailable. I’m so angry. I don’t know what to do. At least we still have our jobs.”

  “If you need anything, you know Mateo and I are here for you.”

  “I know, and you can’t imagine how much I appreciate that, but Kona and I have our savings, which should get us by for a while.”

  “You both can stay with us indefinitely.”

  “You and Mateo are the greatest. I don’t know what we’d have done without you.”

  “Here is De Luca’s. Let’s get the daily special of lasagna. It’s amazing. Mateo and I go here often.”

  “Sounds like a plan, Rae.”

  Rae pulled the car into the parking lot and stopped. Once she’d locked the doors, they entered the restaurant and were seated.

  “I’ll be right with you,” the waitress said as she raced by, her hands full of dishes of hot food.

  “Hey, there. It’s nice to see friendly face.”

  Looking up, Layla recognized Rae’s best friend, Tara Kaaumoana.

  Rae smiled. “Tara! How nice to see you. How is the good doctor?”

  She laughed, her eyes lighting up with love. “Piers is like a puppy right now. Since we got back from our honeymoon, he’s been a doll. I can barely get him to go to work because he won’t leave me alone.”

  “I sense that you love every minute of it.”

  “Rae, you have no idea how happy we are. If you hadn’t introduced us at your wedding, I would probably still be sitting at a desk in San Francisco bemoaning my fate as a single woman.”

  “Come, sit down and have lunch with us.”

  “I have some time. I was going to do takeout, but it would do Piers good to wait a while.”

  The three woman laughed as Tara sat down with them.

  “Oh, Layla, I heard about the fire. I hope you’re okay now.”

  “I am, but I’m so angry, I can barely think straight.”

  Rae placed her hand over Layla’s in silent support.

  Tara nodded. “It will pass. I hope they catch whoever did it.”

  “Tara, Mateo thinks it might be one of the guests since the gifts only start
ed this week.”

  “You’re right, Rae. The fire chief agrees with him,” Layla said.

  “That means you have one or two more weeks to go before they head home to catch them. Are you still going to do the luau shows?”

  “Yes. Van said it would be a good idea to stop the shows, but there’s no way. He’s being a bit overprotective,” Layla said, her cheeks flushing with heat.

  “What’s going on between you two?” Tara asked, grinning from ear to ear.

  Layla felt the heat increase as embarrassment set in.

  “There isn’t anything going on. He’s not interested in me. He barely even speaks to me.”

  Rae and Tara both snickered.

  “Layla, I’ve seen the looks he gives you when you’re not looking, and that’s not disinterest. He’s been in love with you for a long time. I’ll bet he thinks you don’t like him because you don’t even talk to him.”

  “But, I can’t. He makes me so self-conscious when I’m near him that I simply can’t talk. I don’t know what it is about Van, but he freaks me out.”

  “I think you should give him a chance to get to know the real you. It’s like watching two cats at play. He’s chasing you, but you’re running away.”

  The heat rose up another notch, causing Layla to squirm in her seat.

  “Can we change the subject, please?” she asked, unable to meet their eyes.

  “Sure,” Tara said, a mischievous look on her face. “We’ll stop bugging you, as long as you promise to talk to him for once.”

  Panic set in at the thought.

  “I…I can’t. I’m… I just can’t. My reasons for not getting involved are legitimate. Please don’t push me.”

  Rae’s hand tightened on hers as she said, “Layla, honey, you know you can tell us anything in the world and we’ll keep your confidence. What’s happened?”

  “I’m not ready to talk about it.”

  Tara jumped in. “That’s okay, honey. Let’s get some lunch into us, and then if you feel like talking, we’re here for you anytime, okay?”

  Relief mixed with tears overwhelmed her. She swiped at them and took a deep breath, nodding her head.

  “Okay. I am really hungry. I’ll have the special.”

  “Me, too,” both Rae and Tara said at the same time, then laughed.

  The mood lightened immediately. Layla was thrilled to have such great friends, though she wasn’t ready in any way to talk about her past. She put it behind her and enjoyed the company.

  * * * *

  Van once again watched as Layla played with fire. Though she appeared to still be shook up by the fire at her home, she was competent and proud as she wielded the torches, throwing them high in the air and catching them again without burning herself.

  His heart always managed to climb up to his throat when she did it, fear for her safety foremost in his mind. He watched the crowd with avid interest, trying to discover who the stalker might be. Though he’d never seen the other note, he believed that she wouldn’t lie about something so serious.

  The crowd gave her a rousing applause when she finished her act and bowed. She stepped aside, a shy smile on her face. It was time for Kona to perform, and the women in the group whistled and gave catcalls, excited by him. He always gathered a following at the luaus, his handsome looks and charming personality gathering women like flies.

  Not in the least envious, Van kept watch from across the campfire, looking for anyone who appeared to be out of place. Fire dancing would be an arsonist’s dream come true. They tended to be fascinated with the flames.

  He knew that pyromaniacs got gratification and sometimes sexual relief from fires, but this one was fixated on Layla, possibly due to her skills. She conquered the blaze, something Van imagined was the reason that the arsonist stalked her.

  “Hi, Van.”

  Taking his gaze off Layla, Van turned to watch Logan walking toward him.

  “Hi. What are you doing here?”

  Logan didn’t answer the question right away.

  “Hello, Layla. How are you doing today?”

  She smiled at him, though her eyes still had a wary expression.

  “I’m good. Mateo and Rae have been awesome. I went shopping with her and we had lunch with Tara Kaaumona. Excuse me, I have to find Rae.” Before she could turn around, Rae spoke.

  “I’m right here, Layla.”

  Layla started. “Oh! You scared me,” she said, holding her hand to her heart. “I guess I’m a bit jumpy lately.”

  “I would think you are, having a stalker and all. I found this gift waiting at the front door before I came down here.” In her hands, she held a small present about the size of a ring box with a red bow on it.

  Van watched as Layla shuddered, her hand pressed to her heart as though it was beginning to race.

  “Van, will you open it please?”

  Her eyes avoided looking directly at the tiny gift box. The small note attached to it had only her name on the envelope.

  “All right.”

  Careful not to touch as much of the paper as possible, Van used his pocket knife to slit open the tape, cutting the bow as well. When he opened the velvet box, inside was a plain silver wedding band. It was old and tarnished, but had Layla inscribed inside it.

  “The note says, ‘Marry me, fire dancer’.”

  Layla gasped, her hands going to her cheeks. Her expression showed that she was horrified that the man was so bold. There was no way to track him down. She paused a moment to study it, then her eyes widened as the meaning became clear. She turned to run, but Van caught her by the arm and stopped her.

  “Layla, don’t go. If you want to leave, I’ll go with you, but you should never be alone until he’s caught.”

  Though she stopped and waited, he kept his eyes constantly on the move as he searched the crowd. No one was watching her, as many of the people were watching Kona as he flirted with the women.

  “I’d like to go to the house, Van.”

  “No one is there. I don’t want you to be by yourself in case he breaks in.”

  “Why is he doing this to me?” Tears filled her eyes as she fought for control. Van pulled her close to his chest and held her for a moment, but she pulled away, fear riding her heart.

  “Rae, will you come with me?” she asked, visibly trembling head to toe.

  Van fell silent, his shoulders slumping as he placed his hands on his hips.

  Nodding, Rae said, “Sure I will, but I think Van should come, too.”

  Biting her lower lip, Layla looked up at him with tearful eyes. She was always pushing him away as though she couldn’t help herself.

  “Okay. Will you come now?”

  “Yes, let’s go.”

  Kona raced over to them.

  “What’s wrong? I saw you were crying. Are you all right?” he asked, throwing his arms around her. He’d finished the last of his dance and put the torches away.

  Van felt the loss as she clung to her brother, letting the tears flow while the others watched in silence.

  “I’ll let Van tell you. We’re going to Mateo’s place. Do you want to come, too?”

  “Yeah, I sure do.”

  Together they walked up to the house.

  “Stay out here while I check out the place.”

  “Okay.” Layla looked up at him with trust in her eyes, something he’d waited for over the years. A small spark of hope glinted in his heart.

  Rae, Kona, and Layla waited impatiently on the porch while Van made his rounds. He held out his gun, ready as he searched each room. When he returned to them, Layla sighed with relief.

  “It’s okay now. Come on in.”

  “Mateo is down at his studio setting up for tomorrow’s classes. I’ll give him a call and tell him what happened,” Rae said, giving Layla a warm hug. “It’ll be all right, honey. Just take your time and talk to Van and Kona about it.

  Both Van and Kona went into the living room with her. When Van moved to sit on the sofa, Layl
a opted to stand instead by the window. Hiding his disappointment, he waited in silence until Kona spoke.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Your sister has an admirer. He’s a pyromaniac.”

  “You think he burned our place down?” Kona asked, his voice a low growl, fury turning his face red.

  “Yes, but we have it under control. He’s sent three gifts to Layla, with notes.”

  “What kind of presents, Layla?” Kona got up and took her into his arms, staring down at her with questions in his eyes.

  “First he sent a book, the pages marked one letter at a time. I added up the letters, and they spelled, ‘You are mine.’ He…he sent me roses with only the stems, some disgusting skimpy lingerie, and an engagement ring. He wants to marry me.” Tears filled her eyes once again as she curled into her brother, his arms tightening around her.

  “Why burn our house down?”

  “Kona, we think he’s a guest here on the resort. He probably burned it down so she would be closer to him.”

  “Well, why aren’t you questioning the guests?” Kona’s anger made his voice harsh.

  Layla placed her hand on his arm. “Kona, Van is doing all he can right now. Please, don’t be angry at him.”

  She wouldn’t look at Van even though she defended him. “I think I’ll go lie down. I’ve had enough for the day. Good night Kona, Van. See you in the morning.

  “Good night, sweetheart. Don’t you worry. I’ll be here tonight with you.” Kona kissed her brow and let her go.

  Van watched her walk down the hall to her room, closing the door tight behind her.

  At least he could take pleasure in the fact that she’d defended him to her brother. Van’s resolve to make her talk to him strengthened. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. Not anymore.

  * * * *

  “Van, what the hell is going on?”

  “Your sister is being stalked. I’m going to make sure she’s safe. That’s the end of the story.”

  “Some story. What are you going to do when you can’t be with her?”

  “Logan plans on relieving me so I can get some sleep. I want you to trust us, Kona. We’ll take care of her.”