In a brief instant she knew she was dreaming, then the notion slipped away like a puff of steam cooling in the air. She was a misty rain on a warm summer’s day, lethargically riding the wind, basking in the ebb and flow of an air current and letting it rock her like a mother to her child.
A mountain came into view several hundred yards below.
The moment her logical mind registered her unnatural flight, she began to descend. She fought the Earth’s pull, but it was as if an invisible tether took hold, yanking and tugging with jerky effort. It was like a strange, ghostly tug of war. One moment she thought she gained altitude, only to slip lower in the sky.
She gave up and prepared for a rough landing. Instead, the tether eased up, drawing her in slowly as if her acquiescence cooled its fervor.
Soon she hovered just feet above a rough gravelly road. A good distance ahead, the surface of the road transformed to a smooth inky black, as though pavers had given up halfway through and left the job incomplete.
Movement ahead drew her attention. On the glittering asphalt, she spotted the dark figure of a man walking away. She recognized the breadth of those shoulders, the confidence in that gait.
She called his name, but Cortez kept going, his pace leisurely. She started down the path at a brisk pace, hurrying to catch him, but somehow he seemed to gain distance. She increased her speed. The space between them stretched and for a moment her task seemed impossible. She called for him again, but an ornery gust drew her words away.
She doubled her efforts. Closing the distance was taking all her concentration, but inch by inch, she gained ground. Why would he not stop? Could he not hear her? It was imperative that she reach him soon, for if she didn’t...well, something terrible was about to happen, she could feel it in her bones. And there was something she needed to tell him before it was too late, though she couldn’t quite remember what that was.
Like a rubber band snapping, the distance between them evaporated. As she was ready to plant her hand on his shoulder, he whirled around to face her so fast, it startled her. Then she got her first good look at him and stepped back in terror. Gazing up at a face twisted with rage, she realized she’d been chasing Dante, not Cortez.
But that couldn’t be. She’d been so sure it had been Cortez.
Abruptly Dante’s features rippled and morphed, and Cortez was staring down at her, mouth curled at the edges, tight and unkind.
Yet Dante wasn’t gone. Like a shadowed apparition, he stepped out from behind Cortez, that same cold smirk in place.
She glanced at the man she’d put her trust in. “Cortez?” Her muttered plea echoed as though off the jagged face of a cavern wall before growing heavy and falling to the ground.
Cortez didn’t respond, only broadened that hated smile, displaying his sharp fangs.
Icy betrayal chilled her heart, freezing it in her chest. She knew without knowing that they meant her harm. If she didn’t get away, they’d—
With a slathering roar, Dante grabbed her by the throat. She struggled to scream, but her voice was sucked back into her lungs as if by a black hole opening up in the pit of her stomach.
Somehow she managed to turn away from the two men. They clamored and clawed at her, trying to trap her. The ground beneath her softened and muddied, grit turning slick and watery. She began to sink, first to her ankles, then her knees, and finally past her waist and up to her neck. She couldn’t breathe. Her vision dimmed. Black sludge inched its way up her straining chin, over her lips, stealing her vision and cresting her forehead. Was she about to die? Black emptiness all around. She was stuck, unable to move, losing air. Suffocating.
With all her might she thrashed, but a thousand tentacles leashed her limbs, staying her struggles, dragging her down, down, down to a dark bottomless pit.
Suddenly the world tilted on its axis.
With a jarring gasp, she awoke, clutching the mattress as if to keep herself from tumbling off. The nightmare drifting at the edge of her subconscious and the slow rocking of the ship registered.
She drew in a long breath and let it out slowly, the dream-induced adrenaline gradually evaporating.
Once again she found herself alone in bed. Shrugging off the last clinging unease of her nightmare, she swung her feet over the edge of the mattress and padded to the bathroom, contemplating the dream. It wasn’t all that difficult to decipher. She was under a lot of pressure, was projecting her fears onto Cortez. Who she really feared was Dante—and the twins; Dante, because she had no idea of his true intentions in sending her to spy on Cortez, or what he’ll do if she comes back empty-handed. The twins, for obvious reasons. Cole was her life. Her blood. They had a couple weeks to pay up, or they’d have to jet.
At this point full payment seemed unlikely. That seven grand wouldn’t be enough, though it might buy them time. That is, if she ever got it. Not only did Cortez appear to be a nice enough fellow—a sexy, drop-dead-gorgeous fellow—but even if he was up to something nefarious at his club, it would be a miracle for her to discover what it was here on this boat. Dante probably hadn’t expected him to take such a liking to her. To spirit her away from the club, inadvertently keeping her from doing her job. Dante would expect her to be at Ever Nights even now, snooping for clues like a trained bloodhound.
Would Dante understand her restrictions? Give her more time? Or send another in her place? Goodbye seven grand.
Or maybe not. She had the attention of the most important man at Ever Nights. If she was charming enough, maybe he would let down his guard and confide in her.
Her stomach twisted painfully at her conniving thoughts. She wasn’t made for this kind of devious work. But for Cole, she would do what she must.
In the bathroom, a small package rested on the counter, topped by a folded note that read this is all you should need to wear today. ~Cortez.
In the box was an olive green woven bikini and black sheer wrap. The bikini bottoms were little more than a patch of fabric and some string. She smiled. He was going to lose his shit when he saw her in this. After a quick shower, she put it on and examined herself in the mirror. The wrap was small, but managed to give her a semblance of modesty. Still, the outfit was sexy as hell. Quickly she ran her fingers through her hair and let it fall to one side, damp with a slight curl.
Satisfied with her appearance, she exited the room. On her way through the ship, she passed Emily, who was all smiles and bright greetings, as though she hadn’t practically been wrapped around Cortez like creeping vine the night before.
At Naia’s scowl, the woman frowned, seemingly confused, but said nothing.
Putting the woman from her mind, Naia sauntered out to the lower deck where a table was set for breakfast. At its center there was a coffee thermos, milk on ice, and orange juice, along with some delicious looking pastries.
Several yards away from where the boat was docked there was a sandy beach sandwiched between a crystalline surf and a jungle-like forest that crept up a low sloping mountain. Farther down the coastline, she saw what looked like a bungalow on stilts over the ocean attached to a boardwalk that stretched like a long leash as though to keep the building from drifting away. With the morning light glinting off the ocean, the scene was picturesque.
Cortez stood at the end of the deck facing away from her, arms braced on the ship’s railing as he peered out over calm waves that licked the pearly sand. He wore only tropical grey and black board shorts, his naked back packed with tight muscles that moved with feline grace.
Her body instantly reacted, her skin tightening with want, but she stood motionless. Awkward. After what she’d witnessed last night, she wasn’t sure how to act now. After she’d fallen back to sleep, had he returned to Emily for another bite to eat?
As if finally sensing her, he turned and then stunned her by flashing a movie-star smile. “So odd...I’m not used to how quiet you are. It’s refreshing.”
“Huh?”
“And my god, you look...” As he slowly took in her appearance, his eyes darkened with desire. “...gorgeous.”
Every nerve ending in her body fired as though he’d caressed each one in turn. Emboldened by his hungry gaze, she pivoted for him, untying and tossing away her wrap as she did.
He sucked in a breath. “I owe Kenzi a serious thank you.”
“She may need a raise,” Naia agreed with a nod.
“I was going to let you have breakfast first, but now I can’t resist.” He crossed the deck, his imposing form closing in, his glittering eyes spelling out dark promises. Reaching her, he took her mouth with his firm lips. The kiss was hot and hard and carnal. Too soon he pulled away, and she didn’t recognize the twinkle in his eyes till it was too late.
“Wait, No!”
He hefted her over his shoulder and raced across the deck, spring-boarding off the railing and flinging them both into the ocean. She was suddenly engulfed by cool, salty water. Bubbles tickled their way along her flesh, seeking an escape from the dense liquid. Kicking her feet, she breached the surface, both shocked and amused by his playful behavior.
He roared with laughter at her expression.
“You ass!” she splashed him and he ducked from the spray, laughing even harder.
Then he dove, swimming toward her. She giggle/screamed, trying to swim away, but he caught her ankle and lightly tugged to halt her progress. Her head whipped around, trying to find him under the surface. He easily circled her as she helplessly bobbed and…
“Ow!”
Did he just…?
When he surfaced right next to her, she smacked his chest. “You pinched me!”
He chuckled and hooked his arm around her waist, drawing her close. “You sure that wasn’t a fish? They like to nip on succulent treats.”
She pursed her lips, going for a censuring expression, but her smile broke through.
“Don’t worry I will protect you from those sleazy lecherous ocean dwellers,” he said, acting as though he were glancing around.
“Ow!” Another pinch to her rear.
“Uh, oh! They’ve broken through my defenses!”
“Ow! Stop it!” She laughed and wrapped her legs around her attacker.
“Ah, ha! A little goose and you cling to me like a barnacle. Note taken.”
“You’d better knock it off.”
“Or what?”
“Or this barnacle might have to defend herself.”
“Oh? And what are you going to do about it?”
She dipped her head and nipped the flesh at his shoulder in warning.
His tone roughened. “I think I might like your retaliation.”
“Ow!” She attempted to climb him to get away from his pinching fingers, but he didn’t stop till she was in hysterics.
With her head tossed back on a laugh, she caught several of the deckhands and stewardesses casting curious glances over the side of the ship, incredulous. She instantly grew self-conscious, tempering her mirth. Cortez sensed the change in her and cut a glare up at the crew. Heads vanished like gophers in a hole.
“Are the women you date always such a spectacle?”
Wry grin. “You won’t have to worry about it for long.”
Because she wouldn’t be with him much longer?
“Let’s get some food in you and then I’ll show you around the island, hmm?”
“Oh! We’re on an island?” She studied the land and beach once more, only now noticing how it curved drastically, disappearing behind itself. How cool! How exotic. She’d never been to an island before.
And yet....
It might have been subconscious, but she suddenly felt the natural isolation of the place.
“I bought it a few years back.”
She gaped. “Shut up!”
“Pardon?”
“You own your own island?”
Curt nod.
“That is baller!”
“Thanks?”
Excitement permeated over her body. “How big is it?”
He gave another crooked grin. “Big enough.”
“Can we go on the beach? Can we hike up the hill? Can we go over there?” she pointed toward the bungalow over the ocean.
“We can stay there one night if you like.”
One night? “How long are we staying?”
“As long as you like.”
She bit her lip. This could turn out to be the perfect place to weasel information out of him. She stifled a cringe and pushed down a surge of guilt. He’d brought her to paradise, and she was planning to thank him with a backstabbing.
He cocked his head at her strained expression. “Everything alright?”
She forced a smile. “Just hungry I think.”
“Then let’s get you fed.”
Breakfast was practically an affair. Stewardesses’ paraded plates past, offering everything from quail eggs to buttered toast.
Cortez didn’t join in on the meal...because he was still full from last night?
When Emily made a final pass, Naia stiffened, avoiding eye contact. Cortez must have noticed, because as soon as she left, he informed her he’d wiped Emily’s memories of last night. He’d said it as though he might inform her he’d changed a light bulb. “She’ll have no memory of our encounter.”
“Um. Okay.” So Naia’s glare this morning would have meant nothing to the woman.
“I figured that would please you.”
It does! Immensely. “Why would you think that?” She wasn’t his girlfriend. She was a fling. He owed her nothing.
“It has been my experience that human women are just as territorial as vampires.”
She shrugged and glanced down at her food. “You think I see you as mine?” She feigned a laugh. “So soon?”
At length, he repeated in a droll voice, “It has been my experience that human women are just as territorial as vampires.” After a moment, he added, “But I will need to feed from time to time.” There were layers to the statement: would she prefer him to go elsewhere during their time together, or would she be willing to provide for him?
She gulped, her meal growing heavy in her stomach. He’d posed the question last night in so many words, but she hadn’t given a definitive answer. She’d figured by morning she’d be over her flash of jealousy, but still the thought of him drinking Emily maddened her like she never expected. “I-I could maybe, you know, try it?” That couldn’t have sounded more uncertain. She tried again. “Yes. We can give it a shot.”
His grin was all wolf, his tone dipping. “I could make you crave it.”
Lord almighty, she believed him.