She studied him, her heart in her eyes. “Please, Zach, can’t you just forget about this?”
“No.” His answer was short, concise, adamant.
She worried her hands together, twisting her fingers. “I—I won’t be any good at this. I won’t be able to please you, to give you what you want.”
His dark gaze looked her up and down, running over the lines of her face and body. “You’ll be plenty good at it.”
She continued arguing. “You’re so rich, just extend the loan, give us more time—”
He snorted. “Don’t even think about it. Do you think I’ve gone to all this trouble just to let you go now? Do you have any idea how much that contract cost me? Getting it done in two days?” His voice hardened even more. “You’re right. I’m rich. The amount of money your family owes is negligible to me. It’s you I want.” He heard her gasp at that, but continued. “I want you.” His voice softened slightly and he grimaced at the confession he was making. “I always fucking have.”
Chapter Nine
Katie took a shaky inhalation of breath as Zach’s statement hit her full force. “So what now?”
Zach reached down and fastened his hands on her and bodily lifted her from the chair. “Now you’re mine.” His voice dripped satisfaction.
Katie stood still in his arms, letting him support her weight. “I mean, what happens now?”
“Tomorrow we catch a plane to Harlingen and we’ll drive to South Padre from there. I have a few loose ends to tie up here, but I need some time alone with you. We’re leaving for the coast in the morning.”
****
South Padre Island, Texas
Late the next night, Zachary and Katie landed in Harlingen where he had a rental car reserved. It was nearing midnight when they drove over the Queen Isabella Causeway that connected the barrier island with the mainland. They were, for all practical intents and purposes, at the southernmost tip of Texas.
The lights of the bridge lit the sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre below and even as tired and nervous as she was, Katie still felt a small thrill of excitement. South Padre Island was reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, and she had never been here before.
Growing up, her parents never had any extra money for vacations. She could count on one hand the times she had been to the beach, and it had always been to Galveston Island. The prospect of visiting a locale new to her was the only thing responsible for keeping total panic at bay.
They turned left when they hit the main drag that ran down the center of the barrier island, and had only driven a few miles when Zachary maneuvered the car into a driveway and cut the engine.
A new dose of trepidation coursed through Katie. She couldn’t think of anything she could say or do that would put off the inevitable. They had eaten at the airport in Dallas while they waited for their flight to be called, and as late as it was, there was no excuse she could think of to delay going to bed right away.
Zach grabbed their bags from the trunk and ushered Katie in through the garage.
He turned the switch on at the door, and the room was lit up with bright light. Katie caught her breath. The house was beautiful. A narrow structure, it was built up high to capture the views of the ocean, and the bottom floor they were on now was almost entirely made up of glass walls. It was a large, open room, and the living room had a wall of windows that showcased a breathtaking view. The kitchen was connected via a bar and the open space it created gave a feeling of warmth and space to the medium-sized house.
She didn’t know what she had expected, but something as cozy and functional as this certainly wasn’t it. Surprise made her turn and say the first thing that came to mind. “It’s gorgeous, Zach. How can you stand to leave?”
Zachary was pleased with her honesty; he was glad she liked his house. All the way on the plane, he had been experiencing sharp feelings of unease at what he was doing. It wasn’t until he had the appropriate documents signed, and her fate was sealed and she was in his hands, that the guilt had started eating him alive. It had started again at the airport, while they sat and waited to board the plane. Katie had nervously begun picking at one fingernail. First, she’d ripped all the polish off, then she’d started tearing into the nail itself. Her hands and nails were beautiful, slender and white, and seeing her tear up that one finger had sent flames of punishing fire through his guts. He knew she didn’t even realize what she was doing.
It wasn’t right that she should be so nervous. At twenty-three years old, a teacher and a woman full grown, she shouldn’t be so distressed. And it was his fault. And the guilt was eating at him. He began questioning his motives, and not for the first time, considering his right to implement his plans for her.
For one thing, she was correct when she said she was innocent of anything that had gone before. She had no control over anything her uncle had done, she had no control over what his wife had done, and she was being made to pay the price in full.
Secondly, when he thought about the reasons he should do this to her, he only came up with one answer. He wanted her. He wanted her. That was it.
That’s all he could come up with.
He also admitted to himself that it was telling that he wouldn’t let himself think about any of it until the documents had been signed. He wanted her, and the only way to get her was through the contract. His subconscious mind refused to acknowledge his guilt or her innocence until he had her signature on the paperwork.
He shouldered his way into the room with the bags and endeavored to answer her question. “I do like it here. Other than the ranch, this is my home. The apartment in Dallas is just a place to sleep.”
He moved to the stairway, and took the steps two at a time. He stood at the top landing, expecting her to follow him up.
She stood at the bottom and looked up at him.
“Come up here and let me show you your room.” He turned down the main hallway and began opening doors. Katie slowly followed him up the stairs.
He stood in the doorway of the second room and Katie slowly walked to him. “My room?”
He had already put the luggage down, and he reached out a long finger and ran it down her smooth cheek. “Unless you want to sleep in my bed? I don’t have a problem with that. You’re going to be there soon anyway.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head no, and her dark hair shimmered around her face and shoulders like silk.
“Somehow, I didn’t think you would.” He picked up her hand and her eyes opened. “Come on. Choose a room. That one by the door is the master and all my crap is in there, but you can pick from either of these.” He ushered her into the first room and Katie looked around. It was neutrally decorated and beautiful beyond belief. She walked through to the connecting bathroom. It was a small room, but had a tub and separate shower and everything a person could possibly need for an extended stay.
Her eyes found his. “Can I see the other room?” she asked in a hesitant tone.
“Sure.” He turned and walked out of the door and down the hall to the third and final room. Katie walked in and saw that the bathroom was about the same size as the one in the first room, but the bedroom itself was a bit smaller. Beautifully appointed as well, but it didn’t have as much space. Katie didn’t care. It was farther away from his bedroom.
“This is nice.” She didn’t want to antagonize him in any way, shape, or form. For some reason, she was getting a small reprieve from having to sleep in his bed, and she wanted to keep it that way. She didn’t know why he was suddenly being patient with her, and she wasn’t prepared to rock the boat.
He walked over to her and threaded his large palm through her hair and looked down at her. Her eyes clashed with his and he pulled her closer. “Are you sure you want to sleep in here?” He spoke softly, more gently than she had ever believed he could. “I want you in my bed.” His lips fell to her ear and he whispered in a gruff voice, “I’ll keep you safe from nightmares.”
&n
bsp; The memory of that night long ago hit Katie and she stumbled against him. Ignoring his reference to their past, she asked about the room. “Are—are you giving me a choice?”
He pulled her into his body and his voice when he spoke radiated sexual energy. “Do you want me to give you a choice?”
Katie bit her lip and nodded her head.
Zach roamed his hands down to her butt and sank them into her softness. “You sure, baby? You’re worrying about this too much. How can you doubt how good it will be between us?” His hand left her butt and picked up one of hers. To her dismay, he looked down as he entwined his fingers with hers. “You see how our hands are trembling? That’s chemistry, Katie. Strong chemistry. Why are you so nervous about this? I’m not going to rape you, you know.”
Katie’s breathing became erratic. The word he’d casually used sent anxiety screaming down her spine. That, and the shift in his personality confused her. “You acted differently before. I can’t—I don’t understand your moods.”
Zach lowered his head and skimmed his lips over hers, tasting the sweetness of her mouth without penetrating her. He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. “I can’t explain it, so I’m not going to try, but I feel calmer now that you’ve signed the papers.” His hands clenched into her butt again. “But don’t think you can get away from me. ‘Cause you can’t. I’m not letting you out of our agreement. Understand?”
Katie lowered her eyes from his and nodded her head, just once. Then she lifted her eyes to his again. “But you’re not going to,” she inhaled deeply before continuing, “force me?”
The fear and apprehension in her eyes pierced a blade of guilt through the region of his heart. Jesus Christ, he was a fucked-up, selfish bastard. His answer was swift and sharp. “No. I’m not going to force you.”
He released her from his hold and turned and left the room.
Leaving her in her bedroom, he went to the main room and gazed out at the surf hitting the shore and questioned why he wasn’t right this moment demanding her cooperation in his bed. He poured himself a drink, and as he took a sip of bourbon and it slid down his throat, he grimaced. Alcohol wasn’t what he wanted this night. It hadn’t been what he’d wanted in a long, long time.
A vision from the past of Katie standing by the bedside of a grieving Hannah as his sister fought nightmares intruded in his thoughts. All that time their parents had been in Shreveport, Katie had been there for his little sister. In his mind’s eye, he could see the dark-haired sultry beauty reach out and gently run her hand over Hannah’s brow. Even knowing who her uncle was hadn’t been enough to make Zach stop craving her touch. He’d watched from the crack in the doorway as Hannah had settled down, finally falling into a tormented sleep. Anger at his own weakness had made him grit his teeth and turn the need he felt for a girl far too young, into anger. Hate and anger were feelings he could control, but the pure lust that raged through his system had been so much harder to fight against.
Turning away the troubling thoughts of the past, he threw back his head and downed the bourbon in one shot. He needed to get a fucking grip. He put the bottle away, knowing the alcohol would only hurt the situation, and wearily went to find his lonely bed.
****
The next morning, Katie hesitantly opened the door of her room and carefully stepped out. She had finally gotten to sleep in the early hours, but not before endlessly tossing and turning, which had resulted in dark smudges under her eyes.
Zach’s door was closed, and she made her way over to the stairway and walked down. Taking her time, she strolled over to the bank of windows and looked out. It was early, and the sun was still low in the eastern sky. The water was a deep blue, and the sounds of the surf and seagulls could be heard even through the windows. It was serenely peaceful and beautiful, and she couldn’t wait to go down to the beach.
Zach had said the days would be hers, and pushing the angst to the back of her mind, she ran into the kitchen to scope out the coffee maker. It was recessed into the backsplash of the kitchen counter, and as it was on an automatic timer, already had a fully brewed carafe ready and waiting. She poured herself a cup, found creamer and sugar, and lightly ran back up the stairs to her room.
As she savored the new morning, the aromatic coffee, and the knowledge she wouldn’t have to sleep with Zach immediately, she threw on her swimsuit and cover-up, grabbed a large tote bag and began packing it for a day in the sun.
When she came out of her room, Zach was leaving his. His hair was a ruffled mess and his eyes were bloodshot as if he hadn’t had any sleep, and as he gave her a once-over, he slowly asked, “Where do you think you’re going?”
Katie clutched her things to her chest. “You said my days would be mine.”
He shot back swiftly, “Did you give me last night?”
Katie stared, silent, as a jolt hit her nerves.
He sighed, ran his fingers through his hair and said, “If you want to go to the beach, give me ten minutes, and I’ll take you.”
****
Thirty minutes later, they were strolling down the beach side by side, close together, but not touching. A barrage of feelings inundated Katie. Excitement at having this unexpected vacation at South Padre. Fear of what tomorrow would bring. But first and foremost, unnerve that Zachary McIntyre walked beside her, casually flipping his keys around his fingers.
He was dressed in board shorts, and nothing else. No shoes, no shirt, just a wide expanse of hot male flesh beside her.
They left the house and headed south down the beach and after walking for twenty minutes or so, the scenery began to change. The rows of beachfront homes began to give way to waterfront hotels, one after another. It wasn’t what Katie was used to seeing in Galveston. There was no seawall, no road or boulevard to separate the huge hotels from the beach. These buildings were built directly on the beach, almost on the sand itself. One beautiful building led to the next, dotted with gorgeous palms and landscaping, intricate swimming pools, lagoons and tiki bars.
This morning, the tiki bars were unoccupied, but the tables around the swimming pools were filling up with early risers intent on eating breakfast while enjoying the view. Katie looked longingly at the sparkling waterfalls of the pools, the shaded tables and umbrellas, and the smells of breakfast coming from the five-star hotels.
Zach noticed Katie’s intense scrutiny of the vacation atmosphere coming from the hotels at the same time that an early morning hunger pang hit him. He had left the house before having coffee, and his appetite, always in good working order, didn’t fail him now.
“Let’s go get some breakfast.” He grabbed her hand and made a sharp veer in their footsteps toward the hotel in front of them.
Katie tugged on his arm to slow him down. “Can we?”
He stopped and looked down at her. “Why couldn’t we?”
“We’re not guests. You don’t even have a shirt on. We don’t have any money.” Her excuses were rushed together.
He smiled down at her and entwined the fingers of one hand with hers while holding up his keys with the other. Several key-sized credit cards flashed in front of her face. “I’ve always got money. You can count on that. And we’re at the beach, everybody is half dressed. And trust me, it won’t matter that we aren’t guests. They’ll take my money. No problem.” Explanation finished, he pulled her up a landscaped boardwalk that made a path from the beach to the hotel swimming pool area.
There was an outside kitchen recessed into one area of the building, and two chefs were in the process of cooking breakfast as soon as orders were being placed. Zach led her over to the buffet-style breakfast bar, where he placed their order for eggs, and then began filling up their plates with fruit and bacon.
In a matter of seconds, they were seated at a table overlooking the pool and ocean, a waiter having brought their eggs and taken their orders for coffee, and Katie was digging into one of the best meals she could remember.
It turned out she was hungry after all. The la
st few days, her nerves hadn’t allowed her to eat much, and now the relative safety she felt at having her own room, and the fact that Zach had seemed to back off a bit, brought her appetite to the fore.
After polishing off half his meal and taking care of the most pressing need for food, Zach spoke. “I’ve cleared my schedule for the next two weeks. There will still be a few phone calls I have to take, but for the most part, I’m taking a vacation.”
Her appetite suddenly vanished completely and she looked across the table at him with turbulence etched across her features.
Katie didn’t like the sound of that. In her mind, she had it all figured out. He would close himself in his study, work all day, and then only come out to join her for an evening meal. She knew she would be trying to avoid him at night, but now it looked as if this was going to turn into a game of staying out of Zach’s reach twenty-four-seven. Not a game she was looking forward to playing. She knew he had only given her a reprieve from his bed for a short while, and if he didn’t have anything else to occupy his time, she would quickly become the center of his attention.
When she made no response to his comment, his eyes focused firmly on hers, torturing her with the knowledge that his intent was inflexible. Her eyes lowered from his, and he returned to his meal. She couldn’t help but notice that nothing seemed to affect his appetite. It was just another small thing that wasn’t fair that she stored up in her arsenal against Zach.
A few minutes later, he’d signed the credit card slip, and was reaching down and dragging her to her feet. He was pulling her after him; she took a couple of steps before sanity prevailed. “Where are we going?”
An Eye for an Eye: Zach and Katie's Story (Redwood Falls) Page 12