by Piper Stone
Then I remembered there was no service.
And I doubted this was some emergency.
Yet for about a half dozen reasons, my hackles were raised, sending skittering butterflies directly into my stomach. Carter might be a lot of nasty things, but he was meticulous in everything he did. There was no way in hell he’d leave one of his boats on the island. However, I was a curious girl and couldn’t help myself, glancing over my shoulder before heading in the direction of the dock.
While I certainly wasn’t rich and famous, I’d spent more than a few hours on several of the boats Bradley Enterprises had in its fleet. Then there were the interesting adventures Ted had taken me on, none of which had been memorable. A violent rumble of anger skittered into my stomach as I walked closer. The boat was one powerful beast, capable of running at high rates of speed. It swayed back and forth even though obviously secured by a professional.
I walked closer, studying the markings. I might not be an expert with regard to the boats Bradley Enterprises produced, but from the markings it would appear the powerboat did indeed belong to Mr. Bradley. An odd blemish on the hull drew my attention. After closing the distance, I took a couple of pictures then pulled the viewer closer to my face. I would swear they were bullet holes. This had to be the boat used by the repairmen. Maybe bullet holes made sense.
Rolling my eyes, the same odd feeling remained but I took several pictures before deciding to head back toward the pathway leading to the house. A portion of my stomach churned, even though there was no reason. Or was there?
I moved closer to the trees, the shadows enabling me to more clearly see the photographs I’d taken earlier. As I pulled the ones highlighting the back of the house, I navigated to the photograph with the shadow I’d seen.
Enlarging it did nothing but make the entire picture blurry, but I could swear there was someone standing just in front of the upstairs window. Goosebumps popped along my arms, the breeze now creating a wave of significant chills as fear furrowed into my tummy. What if there was someone else on this island?
Jesus. I was being ridiculous. Even if there had been, there had to be a good explanation as to why. Perhaps the other photographer had changed her mind. Maybe the boat held her entourage. Ugh. Then what? If there was one thing I knew about the artsy type, they hated anyone interfering with their vision. Would I be out of a job again? Huffing, I headed back toward the house, determined to find the communications room and at least call in my discovery. That was the right thing to do. Sometimes I hated that I always did the right thing. Where had it gotten me in this dog eat dog world? I also wasn’t certain how Carter would react, but I could imagine.
Then again, there could be a million reasons why a boat was moored at the dock of a private island owned by one very wealthy and nasty man. Right? Nope. Had to be the repairmen.
As I cleared the trees, the tickling sensations intensified. I wasn’t alone. There was no doubt. After blinking several times, I shielded my eyes, my heart racing.
Standing on the pool deck were three men, every single one of them absolutely gorgeous. Big, buff, and beautiful, they wore rugged and dangerous like a badge of honor. My breath was ripped from me, my heart racing.
They said nothing at first, merely stood without moving, their jaws clenched.
Three men, girlie. That would do you so much good.
I couldn’t get Justine’s teasing words out of my mind even as a nagging feeling pooled into my stomach. If all repairmen looked like this, every girl would be in heaven. Given they wore jeans, that was entirely possible.
Besides, there was no reason to fear the strangers, at least not at this point. Taking cautious steps, I walked closer, trying to keep a smile on my face. When I was within a few feet of them, my breath caught in my throat, my legs trembling.
I’d never had this kind of reaction to any man, let alone three at the same time. They were dressed casually, each wearing tight jeans, the material highlighting their gorgeous physiques and bulging muscles. However, the clothes they wore seemed out of place, the shirts ill-fitting, as if borrowed, the shirt worn by the largest man bulging at the seams. They also had no tools in their hands.
I was instantly on edge although my entire body was on fire, nasty visions rushing into my mind.
What. The. Fuck?
Perhaps my anger at Ted was the reason my pussy ached, already wet enough to soak my panties. A warm flush crept along my jawline, guilt for my ridiculous thoughts the reason.
I almost jumped when the blond took a single step forward, his expression blank even though his chest heaved from his deep breathing.
Now a sickening feeling pooled in my stomach.
“Hi. Can I help you with something?” I asked, trying to keep a pleasant tone even as they gazed up and down the length of me. “Are you performing the work Mr. Bradley mentioned?”
I could have sworn one of them snickered.
They had intoxicating scents, the fragrance ripped with testosterone. All three also had the kind of presence that would command any room.
However, I could see something in their eyes, as if they’d found fresh meat.
Or as if they planned on capturing me.
Over my dead body.
“Okay, now I need to ask you, who are you and what are you doing here?” I asked in a less subtle voice. When the other two flanked the blond’s side, I moved from frustrated to pissed. “Are you part of the original entourage here to help sell the house?”
The other two began to walk closer, studying me intently, not one of them attempting to answer my questions.
“Okay. Maybe you don’t understand English or you’re just being assholes.” That got their attention, the blond actually smirking. “So you do know English. Do you work for Mr. Bradley in another manner?” I asked, more hopeful than I should be that they did. “I need to see some identification or I’m going to be forced to make a call to Mr. Bradley since he’s due to arrive with several others at any minute.”
“That’s exactly what we’re counting on. His arrival to the party,” the gruffer of the three stated half under his breath. He tilted his head, his eyes burning into mine. With his short cropped hair and chiseled muscles, there was no doubt he used his size to try to intimidate.
And I hated to say that it was working.
“Fine. Then I’ll go make that call. I don’t think Mr. Bradley will be happy and there definitely isn’t going to be a party,” I stated with as much authority as possible.
“I assure you that we’re not part of any entourage; however, we’re looking forward to spending some quality time with you until Mr. Bradley arrives,” the blond stated, his gaze falling all the way to my bare feet. His shoulder-length hair shifted in the breeze, the two-day stubble covering his square jaw adding to his sex appeal. But there was something very dangerous about him, almost unstable. “In fact, we’re here to offer you a deal.”
The blond studied me carefully, taking a few steps from one side to the other.
“What are you talking about? What deal?” I demanded, the hackles raising on the back of my neck. That’s the exact moment that I noticed the outline of a gun positioned under the waistband of the blond’s jeans in the small of his back.
Oh, fuck. Oh, fuck.
“We’ll get to that,” he continued. “We’ve been expecting you. I must admit, Carter’s tastes are... impeccable as always.”
Tastes? Wait a minute. For some reason they thought I was Carter’s girlfriend. I took a deep breath, struggling with keeping my nerves in check. The last thing I needed to do was freak out. “I work with Mr. Bradley if that’s what you’re talking about. Nothing more.”
“Uh-huh,” the blond growled. “If by work you mean under the sheets, then o-kay.”
The blond’s voice was grating, his insinuations creating a buzzing sound in my ears. “He’s my boss. How fucking dare you.” I tried to back away but immediately the other two shifted sideways, obviously prepared to keep me exactly where
I was. Oh, God. What the hell was I supposed to do?
“How dare I? Do you even know the kind of man your boyfriend is?” the blond hissed as he tried to close the distance, but I backed away, his nasty words biting. When he stopped short, he chuckled. “Nah. I won’t spoil it for you right now. Besides, maybe you like the darker side of him. That would make you a very bad girl, one who needs to be punished.”
What the hell was he talking about? I could almost read the asshole’s mind as he undressed me with his eyes. While I knew Mr. Bradley certainly had his share of enemies, no one had threatened him openly since I’d been working there.
Then my mind went to overhearing the earlier phone call.
I suddenly felt paralyzed, unable to think clearly, my entire body shaking.
The third man finally closed the distance, allowing me to see the vibrant tattoos covering his arms. He was positively enormous, his thighs pushing at the seams of his jeans. There was something else shoved against the dense material as well, his hard-as-a-rock cock.
When he reached out his hand, I jerked away until he fisted my hair, holding me in place. “What are you doing?” Now my voice was barely audible, fear slamming into every cell.
He ceremoniously removed the camera strap from around my neck, taking his time. The fucker dared to look at the pictures I’d taken, a strange look crossing his face. “Here’s the way it’s going to be, girlie. We’re now in charge of this residence. While you might be very important to the fucker, we’re prepared to help you understand the error of your ways.”
“Fuck you!” I snapped without thinking. “That’s my camera.”
As he yanked me closer, drawing me onto my toes, I gripped his wrist, digging my nails into his skin. Cocking his head, he gave me one sexy but evil grin. “You might think that asshole can protect you because of who he is. You are wrong. Dead wrong.”
“Here’s the way this is going to play out,” the blond stated, his eyes shimmering. “Ready to hear about the deal?”
“Get it over with.” Fucker.
“Such a feisty little brat. I like that. I’m Sawyer. This is Rafael, and the enforcer over there is Jax. First, you’re going to tell us everything you know about Carter and his current business tactics, including information about the board of directors. Investors. You’re his girlfriend so he’s confided in you. You’re also going to obey our every command. If you do all these things, I promise you that your stay with us will be much more enjoyable and I do keep my promises.”
“Look, I really don’t know anything. I’m his assistant. Mr. Bradley certainly doesn’t tell me anything confidential,” I retorted. Were they trying to steal from Carter, perhaps passcodes to his accounts? I wouldn’t put that past them. This was crazy.
“Assistant. Girlfriend. You know things. Now, if you don’t accept the terms of the deal, you will be punished severely, and I’ll make certain Carter knows exactly how close we’ve all gotten. He is a jealous man, so I doubt he’ll appreciate that. So which would you prefer?” Sawyer kept the smile on his face as he gazed all the way down the length of me.
Christ. They would take photos. Horrified, I weighed the odds. What I did know is that I had to buy time until I could get to the boat. I would get off this damn island. Either way, I was fucked. Oh, God. The thought was sickening and... I was mortified that I’d found them attractive for even two seconds.
They were thugs.
Nasty criminals.
Gorgeous men.
I wanted to shut the fuck out of my inner voice. It was funny how she sounded like Justine.
“We don’t have all day,” Jax growled.
I snapped my head in his direction, my hands clammy. “Fine. I accept your deal. I’ll tell you everything I know, but if you dare hurt my camera or try and take a single picture of me, I will cut off your hand.”
Rafael chuckled. “Feisty isn’t the word for it.”
“I think she needs a lesson in authority,” Jax added.
I stood as tall as possible, glaring from one to the other.
“Accepted, little girl,” Sawyer said as he brushed his knuckles across my cheek. “However, you will keep your end of the bargain. And do you want to know why?”
“Why?” I managed, shivers shifting down my spine from his touch. Why had they told me their names? I managed to jerk out of Jax’s hold, stumbling backwards several feet.
“Because we... Own. You. And I assure you that if you lie or attempt to escape. You. Will. Be. Broken.”
Clenching my jaw, there was nothing I could say, my mind shoved into a surreal zone. This couldn’t be happening.
But no one was coming for me at least for four days.
Four treacherous days.
I glared at him defiantly, suddenly refusing to fall prey to whatever game they were playing. In my mind, the very one that would likely chastise me later, I did the only thing I could do.
I took off running.
Chapter Six
Delaney
Terror.
It tore through me as I scampered like a rabbit, my feet pounding against the sand as I fled through the trees. I had no idea what bullshit they were spouting off or if I could manage to get away, but I didn’t give a shit. I had to try. I refused to allow them to capture me.
As if I could stop them.
Break me? They had me confused with someone else. Yet I’d made a deal with them. What had I been thinking?
Getting free.
Getting help.
Within seconds, Jax popped out from behind one of the trees several yards in front of me, grinning like some beast who’d cornered his prey. “Come here, little girl. We won’t hurt you. We’re simply going to eat you alive.”
I hated the fact a screech roared up from the depths of my being, giving away my fear. Nothing was making any sense. Why were they doing this? I was a nobody, just a girl trying to do her job. I certainly wasn’t privy to a confidant’s information. I swerved, able to get away from him, still running. Still trying to get away. I burst through the trees, racing along the shoreline in the direction of the boat. If I could manage to get it started, I’d be able to... As if I knew where the hell I could go.
Still, I refused to give in. No. No!
But it was no use.
I was tackled to the ground, the force slamming both of us directly onto the wet sand. “Get off me!” When we rolled sideways from the momentum, I kicked and squirmed, able to knee the asshole then plant my foot in the middle of his chest, lunging forward.
“I don’t think so,” Rafael snapped, his voice gruff. “You made a deal and you’ve already broken it. Tsk. Tsk.”
He grabbed my ankle, dragging me down once again. I continued struggling, only freeing myself long enough to crawl a few feet away. Exhaustion settled in quickly, the adrenaline rush not enough to fight his powerful vengeance.
Rafael yanked me several feet across the sand, turning me over and positioning his massive body on top. “Such a bad little girl,” he snarled and dragged my arms over my head, planting them roughly into the sand.
“You have no idea, buster.”
“I like them feisty.” He laughed, the kind of sultry tone that would turn any normal female into mush. I refused to be that woman. As I continued fighting, he ground his hips against me, creating another unwanted wave of horrifying sensations sweeping everywhere. I was breathless, enraged beyond anything I’d experienced before. And the motherfucker thought this was funny.
“Fuck you!”
“Such a mouth on you, little lady. Might have to gag it. Let’s get this straight. You’re not getting away from us. Not now. Maybe not ever. In fact, we might decide to keep you. Of course, that depends on how obedient you are and what information you can provide.”
He allowed me to continue fighting him until I was worn out, gasping for air as I tried to keep tears from forming. I refused to allow them to see just how panicked I was.
“That’s better.”
I looked up int
o Rafael’s chocolate-laced eyes. I could swear his pupils were glistening, allowing me entrance to his dark and dangerous soul.
His nostrils flared as he peered down at me, grinding his hips back and forth slowly. Provocatively. “You are very beautiful but also very difficult. That much is easy to see.”
“I have every right to be difficult.”
“Mmmm... As I said, a woman who needs to be tamed.”
Tamed? The bastard had another think coming.
Every molecule in my body was on fire, my mind screaming to get away but my muscles unable to react. He was devastatingly sexy, his long, dark hair pitched over his shoulders. Even his scent was intoxicating; a hint of fresh cedar and cinnamon. After issuing a slight growl, he pursed his lips as if he wanted to kiss me.
And I swear he would have if the ocean hadn’t revolted for me, sending a rushing wave over both of us.
“Oh!” The water seemed frigid to my heated skin, sending a wave of steam over both our bodies.
The look of shock registering on his face was exactly what I needed. With one hard shove, I managed to knock him loose, shifting then able to give him a knee to the gut. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew what I was doing was useless, but I still had to try.
Scrambling to my knees, I raced away from him as well as the other two, but not before I saw the incredulous looks on their faces.
As if a woman had no ability to get away from them.
I made it almost twenty feet before being pummeled to the ground once again, the wind knocked out of me. “Argh!” My scream was pitched away by the light breeze, muddled by the call of seagulls. I’d never felt so alone or so vulnerable in my life.
“That wasn’t very nice of you,” Rafael growled before yanking me onto all fours by my waistband. “We have ways of dealing with that where I come from.”
When he brought his hand down against my backside, I fell into a state of shock. Where the hell did he come from, Neanderthal land? “What do you think you’re doing?” I moaned, the pain biting.
