by Piper Stone
“I’ve dabbled. Some people like my work.”
“Do you have samples?” he asked.
I nodded. “On my phone.”
“Let’s see them,” he demanded, holding out his hand.
My hand shaking, I attempted to punch in the code on my phone, taking shallow breaths as I moved toward the photographs that I’d lovingly stored. While the iPhone was a poor excuse in comparison to my Nikon, I’d managed to take a few amazing pictures. Or so I thought.
“I don’t have all day, Ms. Archer.”
I wanted to reach out and wrap my hand around the man’s throat. When I found the group of photographs that I was most proud of, I handed him the phone, managing to offer a curt smile. “I think you might like what I can do.”
Eyeing me warily, he yanked the phone out of my hand, growling as if I was some stupid idiot for making a suggestion. As he moved his finger across the screen, I could see his eyes lighting up.
Was he pissed?
Incensed?
Should I plan on heading straight to the diner?
“These are... very good. In fact, these are some of the best photographs I’ve seen taken in one hell of a long time. Does that mean you’re available for freelancing?”
That was something that sounded intriguing, especially getting the hell away from Miami for a little while. Ted had called me twice, pretending he wanted forgiveness and had even texted six times.
Bastard.
If I could go far, far away, maybe I could get over the jerk once and for all as well as save my job at the same time. I walked with defiance toward my boss’s desk, tilting my head. “Absolutely, Mr. Bradley. My passion is photography, something I excel at, and I’d be honored and willing to go to your private island and make certain you sell your amazing home within two weeks. That I can promise you. I think I’m the only one who can do the kind of qualified shoot you really need in order to enchant buyers.”
He narrowed his eyes and glanced at me, even though his finger continued to scroll.
Tick. Tock.
When he finally smiled and nodded, he glanced up and down, obviously sizing me up. “You’ve got some nerve, Delaney. I honestly didn’t think you had a backbone. That’s something that’s sorely missing around this place.” He pressed a button on his landline, barely waiting until the chirp indicated someone was on the other line. “Ms. Maxwell. I have a job for you.”
“Yes, sir?” the female voice asked, a nervous tone in her voice.
“I’ve found the perfect photographer for my needs. Make certain Ms. Archer has everything she needs. Contact my pilot and see that the flight arrives this afternoon. Also let Walter know that I won’t be accompanying Ms. Archer on the trip.”
“Yes, sir.”
The call was ended abruptly.
When he finally turned his angry gaze in my direction, the smirk crossing his face was wry. Why the hell did he make me so nervous? A full ten seconds ticked by, the longest of my life.
“Ms. Archer. What an interesting change of events. In fact, I called you here today to consider terminating your employment. Although I’m uncertain I want to do that, the fact that you snooped where you didn’t belong remains... disconcerting.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to fuck, I mean screw—”
He threw up his hand, interrupting me. “Apologies mean shit to me. I prefer informed actions. You’ve been here long enough to know how important my business is to me. I can’t afford to take any time to babysit some snivelly nosed associate any more than I can a worthless photographer. If I allow you to handle this special assignment for me, do you think you can do your job unsupervised? Will you be willing to do whatever it takes to finish your work no matter what’s asked of you?”
While I wasn’t certain what he was getting at, any chance at keeping the job was one I was willing to take.
Even if I’d moved from plucking out his eyes to carving out whatever heart he might have.
“Of course, sir.” I lifted a single eyebrow, giving him my attempt as disdain. My spirit had been crushed, which meant I had nothing to lose.
“I’ll need to be able to count on you. My private island has been my respite during the most difficult times in my life. I crave privacy. No one is to know where it is or what you’re doing. I’m trying to get a fair price in order to move on to a more secluded location.”
Butterflies rumbled in my stomach. “Yes, sir. Completely understood.”
He gave me another hard stare before walking around the desk. The man made more money than God, but I’d never even seen him actually smile.
“Ms. Archer. You have a deal. With few exceptions you have free rein of the house, which has been fully stocked with all the necessities given my usual photographer normally has an entourage. However, I expect that you will come through with your promise. Then maybe we can talk about other... opportunities more suited to your skills. Otherwise, I will be pressured to terminate your position.”
My God. What kind of secrets was the man hiding? I had the distinct feeling that this was nothing more than a test. Why did I also have a gut feeling there were things he wasn’t telling me? “Yes, sir. I promise you I’ll come through. I’m very good at what I do. Excellent in fact.” An entourage. Maybe that’s why I’d been doing wrong all those months ago, trying to do everything on my own.
Mr. Bradley glanced down at the screen once again, a single eyebrow lifting. The sneer on his face made me uncomfortable as hell. Very slowly he handed me my phone.
“You will be paid handsomely for your work, Ms. Archer. In fact, if you perform well, that will certainly allow me to see just how much chutzpa you have. However, keep in mind, other than some workers who are finishing up with a few repairs, you will be entirely alone on the island, cut off from normal communications. There are no other inhabitants, no way off once my pilot drops you off. There is a radio room if you find a need to contact me; however, it’s only to be used in case of an emergency. I hope that won’t be a problem.”
“Trust me, Mr. Bradley. Quiet time is exactly what I need right now.” The man owned an entire freaking island. Why did that not surprise me? I caught an odd look in his eyes, as if he was worried someone would seek out the estate. What secrets was my boss hiding under his suave demeanor and expensive attire?
I was almost eager to find out.
He studied me as I walked out, his eyes still glistening.
The second I closed the door, I leaned against the wall, eager to text Justine. When I pressed in my code, the screen that popped up made my legs quiver.
Now I knew what the odd look had been about.
My boss had seen exactly what I’d written about him.
Fuck.
Chapter Four
Sawyer
“Do you remember the first time you brought me here?”
Just the sound of her voice created a wave of desire tickling every synapse within my body. “Labor Day weekend.” The scent of her perfume was enough to entice the beast dwelling deep within. Amber always knew how to entice any man. Her long blonde hair flowed in the breeze as she stood gazing out at the Miami city lights, her eyes closed as the last vestige of sun shimmered across her porcelain skin.
“Yes,” Amber purred. “A very special night.”
My balls tightened as I walked closer, brushing the rough pads of my fingers over her shoulder and down her arm. “A night I’ll never forget.”
She tilted her head, her scarlet-covered lips pursing. “And I hope I’ll never forget.”
I clenched my fists from the memory as I stared out at the ocean, enjoying the sight of the turquoise water even though the area no longer seemed like my home. While the time I’d spent with her had only been a few weeks, the bad taste in my mouth would last one hell of a long time.
I felt the tap of something against my shoulder and shielded my eyes as I glanced up into the glaring morning sun. “I hope it’s fucking tequila.”
Rafael’s deep
laugh was followed by him slumping onto the seat next to mine. “I wish to hell it was. Been a long few months in my line of work.”
I accepted the bottle of water, taking several deep breaths. “Yeah? Well, at least your shitty months were all about a legitimate job.”
“Do you think what I’m doing is entirely legal? I’m a hit man, for God’s sake, although the assholes deserve what they get.”
While it wasn’t a huge stretch for Rafael, it was different than I thought he’d turn out.
“I hear you. Still, you had freedom,” I half whispered, an awkward tension shifting between us. “Jax is powering the boat, huh?”
“He insisted,” Rafael said then shook his head. “You know, I almost didn’t recognize him, or you for that matter.”
“The years have changed all of us.”
“Maybe not for the better.”
After twisting the cap, I leaned forward, the face of freedom not as welcoming as I’d believed it would be. Perhaps I’d never really be free, not even if I exacted revenge. Hell, I didn’t know any longer. My thoughts had been consumed by the need for exoneration since the second I’d been arrested. Very little else had mattered. “We’ve all had shit to deal with.”
“True,” Rafael said quietly as he shifted his bottle from one hand to the other. “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more after your arrest.”
“Not your place.”
“Yeah, well, I could have called in a few favors.”
I snorted, chugging several gulps before answering. “Carter Bradley is far too powerful. I just didn’t understand how much so.”
“Every man has a weakness. You know that.”
“I do, which is why going to the island is in my best interest.”
“What if this doesn’t work?” Rafael seemed hesitant in asking the question.
“Then I guess he will have won.” I laughed bitterly, my gut churning.
Rafael slapped his hand on my arm, squeezing. “We won’t allow that to happen.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes as I drank in the ocean breeze. “If the shit goes south, I don’t want either you or Jax to take the fall. I’m the one responsible for this.”
“Do you remember what you always told me all those years ago?”
“I said a lot of shit back then. Not sure what you’re talking about.”
He tipped his head in my direction, dragging off his sunglasses. “You always said that the best thing that could happen to a person was adversity. That allowed their true nature to show.”
Hearing the stupid shit that I’d said when we thought we were the baddest asses in town created a wave of disgust deep inside. “Like I told you. I said a lot of shit back then.”
“I learned the hard way that you were right. What pissed me off for years is that I couldn’t live up to it. I lost a lot of my life just trying.”
His voice sounded so haunted, as if he’d grappled with his share of the crap life usually tossed out. “And now?”
Rafael held out the bottle of water, chagrin on his face. “You’re right. We need tequila.” He took another swig then struggled to replace the cap on the bottle, his fingers white-knuckled. “Now I know my limits both in my professional life as well as in aspects of attempting anything personal.”
All three of us were bitter men, stymied by the choices we’d made. At least I didn’t feel alone.
“Limits. Wish I knew mine.”
“Just be careful that what you have planned doesn’t change you forever.”
Jax whistled, drawing our attention. As Rafael and I took long strides toward him, I scanned the horizon, able to see a spray of churning water. A boat was headed right for us. When Jax turned the boat, moving out further into open waters, my gut told me we’d been spotted.
“We got company,” Jax snarled.
Rafael moved quickly to one of the bags he’d brought, hunkering down.
“Coast Guard?” I huffed, easing the weapon Rafael had already provided into my hand.
“They aren’t identifying themselves and I ain’t gonna get too close,” Jax answered, darting a look in my direction.
Rafael yanked out two rifles, moving closer to the side of the boat. “We can stave them off.”
“We aren’t going to shoot unless absolutely necessary.” Shit. I’d been afraid of this after making the threat. However, I’d also wanted to see just how far he was willing to go. If he was unnerved enough, he’d make mistakes. That’s what I was counting on. I dropped to my knees, taking the AK-47 into my hands, checking the ammunition. The man used quality weaponry in his chosen profession. “What’s the plan?” I called to Jax.
“Moving away from the island. I’ll double back once we lose them. Time to see what this baby can do.” Jax laughed, shifting gears as he adjusted the throttle.
The roar of the engine rumbled under my feet as the boat picked up speed, churning through the quiet waters, a light spray splashing over us. Within seconds, it was easy to see they were gunning for us, even able to keep up with the excessive rate of speed.
A part of me wanted to confirm that it was indeed the Coast Guard following us. A part of me didn’t give a shit. I glanced through the enhanced optics, keeping my arms steady as I waited for the boat to come into a solid view. While the markings on the hull were similar to that of the typical Coast Guard boat, my hackles were raised.
As well as my excitement. Perhaps Carter had taken the bait.
Jax shifted, the boat veering off and I could hear him laughing, forcing a smile. The man was in his element, enjoying fleeing from the assholes as if it gave him a badge of honor.
When two shots rang out, both Rafael and I ducked. Fortunately, their aim was off, the bullets slicing through the water several feet away.
“Shit,” I snarled.
“I don’t think we have any choice here, buddy,” Rafael half laughed.
The man was right. While the quickness of Carter’s actions was surprising, perhaps I’d get answers sooner versus later.
“Who the fuck are they? Carter’s men? They don’t appear to be CG,” Rafael snapped then dropped to the floor of the boat. Seconds later, he popped back to the railing, positioned the rifle then sent off several shots in a row.
The ping of bullets meant we’d been hit.
“Goddamn it!” Jax roared, shifting the direction of the boat once again.
I didn’t need my instinct to tell me that Carter had already checked to find the threat had been real. Now the game was on.
“Hold on. Things might get dicey,” Jax called.
“If it is then we might have to change plans,” Rafael huffed.
“If it is then Carter is in the mood to play. Why don’t we send a second message to him?”
Rafael grinned, both of us ducking as another round as their weapons came damn close to taking us out. “Why the hell not?”
Together, Rafael and I sprayed the area with bullets, several finally hitting the target. Within seconds, the boat slowed, smoke billowing into the sky. While a few additional shots were made, none of them came close to our boat.
Jax shot several quick glances over his shoulder, refusing to slow down. “Woo-hoo!”
“He’s enjoying this way too much,” Rafael said, half laughing.
When it was apparent their engine had failed, I slumped against the boat, taking several deep breaths. The ante had just been upped. I would be curious if Carter would continue his plans or have the island surrounded. Only time would tell.
“What do you think?” Rafael asked, still remaining in position.
“I think we continue as planned.”
“And you don’t think the island will be taken over by cops?”
I snicked and clicked on the safety, taking another look as the smoke continued to rise. “No, I don’t. I think Carter will hunger to finish what he’s started. We shall see.”
* * *
I stood staring at the house, glaring up at the number of doors and windows cov
ering the back of the estate. I didn’t think seeing the place again would make me uncomfortable, but I was wrong.
“Jesus Christ,” Jax snarled.
“You should see the new condo he moved into. Twenty thousand square feet of all glass, the penthouse overlooking the Atlantic,” Rafael said as he yanked off his sunglasses before walking closer to the lagoon-style pool. “Never mind the Ferrari.”
I wasn’t surprised. Carter had grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth. All the silverware I’d seen from the time I was born was tarnished.
“We breaking in?” Jax asked casually. “I’m certain there is a security system.”
“That’s what you have me for,” Rafael stated, a grin on his face as he glanced in Jax’s direction.
“A professional burglar, huh?” Jax shook his head then headed for one of the lounge chairs, easing down and propping up his feet. “I could get used to this. Hot tub. Pool. All that’s missing is a hot babe or two.”
“Don’t get too used to it. I doubt we’re going to be offered a permanent residence,” I huffed. Not after what I had in mind.
Jax yawned and leaned back into the chair, folding his arms behind his head.
I glanced toward the ocean, no longer able to see where we’d moored the boat. I was uneasy leaving it tied to the dock but at this point, we had no other choice. A quick exit might be necessary. Fortunately, there’d been no real damage to the hull, the bullets merely nicking two areas.
“The security is likely in the front. I’ll have one shot to cease transmission from the code before a blast will go out.” Rafael hoisted one of the bags over his shoulder. “Then all hell will break loose.”
“Jax, get a handle on the perimeter while we get inside. I know there’s a power station along with several outbuildings. Just make sure there’s no one else here.” At least yet.
Jax gave me a harsh glare before easing off the chair. “Thought I was just along for the ride.”
Grinning, I followed Rafael to the front of the house, marveling at the beautiful and very creative design of the house and grounds. The estate was protected against the weather, built on a steel platform with stilts, the modern architecture completed with beautifully decorated concrete blocks. While the rear of the house had the most incredible views, the front had a curved drive and extensive tropical landscaping, an actual natural water lagoon within sight.
