Witness Pursuit

by Wadsworth, Joanne

  “What midday news?” Huh, her sister could change subjects quicker than she could.

  “Ben didn’t tell you? Hold on, he’s right here. Let me ask him.” Saria coughed. “Ben, I’m talking to Lydia and she hasn’t heard about Taita Senior being all over the news. Why’d you not tell her?”

  “Because you answered my phone, Saria.”

  “You left your cell phone on the kitchen counter,” her sister replied. “I answered it, because I’m helpful.”

  “Hand it over if you two have finished catching up and I’ll tell her.”

  “Nah, I can tell her. The bad news will be better coming from me. You have no diplomacy. Sooo, sis,” Saria said, “John Taita Senior is demanding justice and that a year on, additional resources be assigned to moving his son’s case forward. Ben’s on his laptop copying the broadcast to a file. He’s going to email it to Brigs in case he has trouble picking it up there.”

  “A broadcast?” She shouldn’t be surprised that had happened since the newspaper’s morning headline. Taita Senior was aggressive in keeping his son’s name in the news. He wanted justice, and he wanted it now.

  The bedroom door swung open, and Tyler marched in. “Is that Saria?”

  “Yes.”

  He held out his hand. “I need to speak to Ben. Can she get him? It’s important.”

  “I heard,” Saria said in her ear. “Here’s Ben. Be good, sis. Talk to you soon.”

  With a sigh, she handed the sat phone to Tyler as her sister did the same for Ben. So much for catching up with her sister.

  “After Brigs arrives tonight, we’ll sail the ship to the secluded cove on the other side of the island.” Tyler’s words were loud and clear as he issued them to Ben.

  What? She couldn’t do that. She had to get out of here.

  Tyler watched her intently. “Ben, there’s no other location that’s safer than the one I can and will provide for her. You know it, and I know it.”

  She didn’t catch Ben’s answer, and then Tyler coded his response. She sat, wringing her hands together as she tried to make it all out.

  Tyler hung up. “It’s sorted.”

  “Did Ben agree with you?” He better not have. Ben knew her position on not involving Tyler.

  “Yes.” His gaze sparked as he tossed the phone on the bed and leaned over her. “He also said, you’re all mine to care for. Brigs holds the secondary position, but will stay.”

  She stamped her foot. Damn.

  Why did no one listen to her?

  7

  Close to dusk, Tyler stood beside the helipad at the edge of the resort tennis courts. Tucked behind him against the equipment shed, Lydia wore her gloriously long hair hidden beneath a cap.

  Brigs had called from the main island’s airport. It was a forty-five minute chopper flight, and he’d confirmed he’d downloaded Ben’s midday news release and that they’d look at it after he landed.

  Lydia shivered against his back, her hands bunched in his t-shirt.

  “Are you cold?” He surveyed the area.

  “Not in this tropical heat. I’m anxious, that’s all.”

  “Don’t be.”

  She drew in a deep breath. “I feel so exposed. There’re a dozen people here playing tennis and we’re standing about doing nothing. They’ll get suspicious.”

  “You’re right.” He twirled around, drinking in the sight of her bundled so close. Bending his head, he seized her mouth with his. Uh-huh, nothing remotely suspicious about two people necking on an island full of singles. People hooked up all over the place.

  He sank against her, likely squishing her into the storage shed at her back. She was like an elixir he needed more of, and he’d hated their constant standoff today.

  Cupping her face in his hands, he traced his tongue around the inside of her lips and loved every inch. Delicious.

  “I want more, Lee.” Crushing her closer, he blocked her from everyone’s sight, slid his hands around to her butt, and lifted her higher. He smiled as she pressed her breasts into his chest and kissed him back as if trying to meld them together. Her actions spoke far louder than her fierce words during the day past ever could.

  “I hear something. Chopper blades,” she mumbled against his lips.

  He stroked the sweet curve of her butt, his breathing and hers loud in his ears. Mmm, the taste of her was an addiction.

  “Tyler, seriously. Chopper blades.”

  “If there’s a chopper, it’ll be Brigs.” He ran his thumb around the waistband of her shorts. “I need to get you into my bed. You’re feeling better, right?”

  “Yes.” She nipped at his lips. “But very coerced.”

  “I’ve barely begun coercing you, and I want exclusivity.”

  “I was a virgin until yesterday. You can’t get more exclusive than that.”

  “No more pulling away from me.”

  She held her cap as it fluttered from the wind coming off the incoming chopper. “Sure, I’ll do that if you stop trying to get your way.”

  “My way is the only way.” The blades whirred down, and he turned. Brigs strode across the landing toward them.

  She slapped his back. “Your way is in fact trouble.” She eased past him, ran to Brigs and gave him a huge hug. “How was your flight?”

  Brigs speared her a look. “Very short notice, and why did I see you cavorting with your bodyguard from up in the air? It goes against the rules.”

  “You’re my bodyguard, not Tyler. He’s a pest.”

  Brigs gripped her shoulder. “Lydia, Tyler doesn’t recall you addling his brains a year ago, but I do. I was there that final day for rotation change and saw what you meant to him.”

  “Tyler has no brains left to addle, but you’re welcome to try to knock some sense into him. He won’t listen to me.”

  Tyler eyed Brigs. He was a big man with bronze skin from his mother’s Samoan side, his black curly hair cropped close to his head. In his early twenties, Brigs had trained with Ben in the army before Ben had left to build his own specialist firm. He, Brigs and Ben were a team, no matter he’d left a year ago.

  “I’ll do my best.” Brigs lightly tapped her nose. “I’m sorry about the recent developments.”

  “Yeah, I bet Ben wishes he never dropped me off on Tyler’s ship now.”

  “Something like that.” He flicked a glance Tyler’s way. “I could take this one away with me now if you wish. There’s enough daylight for a return chopper flight. You don’t have to be involved.”

  His gut fisted in on itself. He understood why Brigs had made the offer, but he’d never accept it. Not a chance. “I can’t let her go.”

  “Right, I get it. I take it the sweet ride off the deep end of the wharf is all yours?”

  “Yes. The crew restocked supplies this afternoon. We sail on the high tide to the far side of the island. There’s so much bush around there, that very few ships drop anchor. We’re almost guaranteed privacy.”

  Brigs adjusted his army duffel over his shoulder and caught Lydia’s elbow. “Let’s move out then.”

  Tyler stayed on Lydia’s other side, keeping her snugly between them.

  Lydia cast a glance his way as they passed couples strolling along the beach hand-in-hand. The surf rolled in, foamy waves rising to beat against thick round pillar posts as they made their way along the wharf to their berth. Brigs strode ahead up the gangplank and Tyler set his hand to the small of her back.

  From inside, Nico called out it was dinner.

  Lydia slowed at the glass doors and plucked off her cap. She spread her fingers under her hair and swished it. Silky dark chocolate tresses tumbled to her waist. Damn, he loved her hair.

  He caught a lock and ran his fingers down the smooth shaft.

  “What are you doing?”

  “You understand why you’re not going?” Twining the length around his finger, he tugged her closer.

  She poked his chest. “Yeah, because you’re a dummy.”

  He grinned. “But a d
ummy who likes your smart mouth.”

  She reached up and kissed him. “I need to eat. It takes boundless energy to keep up with you, and right now I’m low on fuel for our next argument.”

  He let her go, and she grabbed a seat next to Nico. She picked up his nephew’s knife and fork. As she cut his meat, he glanced at Brigs. His friend knew his brothers well from the years they’d worked together. Brigs chatted to them, and then sat next to Lydia.

  Tyler came around the table and sat opposite the one woman who held all his attention. His brothers eased into their chairs.

  With his legs stretched out, he caught one of Lydia’s feet between his, needing the contact.

  “What are you doing?” She crooked her head to the side.

  “Exactly what it looks like, and a bit more.” He hooked her foot higher and propped it into his lap.

  Luke let out a low whistle from beside him. “Bro, she looks angry.”

  “She’s looked that way all day.” Tyler cut into his steak then turned to Nico. “How’d Uncle Luke do on the sandcastle building?”

  “Every single one he made fell down. Daddy’s was the best.”

  Luke chuckled. “In my defense there were a lot of scantily dressed woman on the beach. So many thongs, and it was most distracting.”

  Tyler grinned. “Well, you’ll be able to build better ones tomorrow. The beach we’re going to is within a secluded cove.” He glanced back at Nico. “I’m told it has dolphins close by.”

  “Can we swim with them?” Nico’s eyes bulged.

  “Yes, but you’ll need to wear your wetsuit and a life-vest.”

  Nico beamed.

  Luke held up his hands, weighing the left down and the right up. “Hmm, thongs and beach babes, over dolphins and sandcastle building. That’s a tough call.” Everyone laughed.

  Returning to Lydia, Tyler ran his hand over her caught foot and massaged the sensitive arch. “You want to join us and swim with the dolphins, Lee?”

  “Lee?” Brigs set his cutlery down with a loud clatter. “Tyler, what did you just call Lydia?”

  “Lee. Why?”

  “I thought you didn’t have any memory recall of this one.”

  “I don’t, and what’s calling her Lee got to do with my lost memories?”

  “A lot.” Brigs arched a brow at Lydia. “Has anyone else ever called you Lee? You know, apart from…”

  Lydia caught a hand to her mouth. “No. I didn’t put the two together like that. Shoot.”

  Okay, why was she freaking?

  Brigs stood and moved behind Lydia’s chair then guided her to her feet. “Apologies folks. Little lady here needs to have some confession time.” Brigs jerked a look at him. “Alone, and with you. Obviously it’s case-sensitive.”

  Her gaze darted around the table. “I’m sorry for disrupting the meal.”

  Tyler scraped back his chair. “The office is this way.” He led her into the room and shut the door. “Would you care to explain what Brigs is on about?”

  “I’m so sorry. During your time at Jeffrey Lawntree’s, you called me Lee. You and Jay were the only ones, but I didn’t think much of it beyond that.”

  He stiffened. “I think this warrants some form of memory recall, which means you have some serious explaining to do.”

  * * * *

  Lydia searched her mind. What else might she have missed? “Tyler, we spent every daylight hour together, you, me and Jay. There were so many subjects we spoke about, your family and mine. From that first day I boarded your ship, you had this way about you, not with displaying any prior knowledge of me, but certainly the emotional connection was there. Definitely the attraction.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I mean, you were totally professional back then. You stuck to your guns.”

  “Did we ever kiss?” He palmed the back of her head. “I can’t stand this memory loss.”

  “Almost. It was close a few times.”

  “I imagine I struggled with that.” He stepped her back until her bottom nudged the top of the desk. “Is there anything else I’ve said or done that may have given away any memory recall?”

  “Um, when you served me lemonade. You always poured Jay and I our drinks while you watched us. It’s not much, but–” She sighed. “Why don’t you ever get mad at me?”

  He lifted her onto the desk before edging between her legs. “Why get mad when I can get even? I certainly don’t feel like sticking to my guns right now. Wanna help me out with that?”

  She peered over his shoulder at the door. “Only if that’s locked.”

  He was gone one second then back the next. “You are the worst influence on me, Lee.” His gaze challenged hers, and he didn’t hesitate to take her mouth, tasting and exploring until her ears buzzed.

  “Help me celebrate my birthday, so I’ll never forget.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice.” Grinning, he ran his hands around the hem of her lacy shirt, and pulled it over her head. He dipped his head, nuzzled down the valley of her breasts and swiped his tongue across each peak. “Uh-uh, I’d say it’s more like my birthday.”

  “You forgive so quickly.”

  “Life is too short for anything else.” He cupped one mound, tweaked her nipple then bent and sucked feverously.

  Wanting more, she arched her back. Always more. His touch sent a glorious shiver down her spine. “Tyler.” She clasped his face and brought his gaze back to hers. “Don’t ever forget me again.”

  “You can shoot me if I do.” He clutched the waistband of her shorts then dragged them down over her hips, taking her sheer red panties with them.

  “Well, we don’t need to go that far. Dropping your pants will do.”

  “You got it.” He shoved them down to join hers in a puddle at his feet.

  “Shirt.” She mouthed as she wriggled up against him. “Mmm, you feel good. This is exactly how I like you.”

  “Whatever you want shall be done.” He tossed it away.

  “Then I want you, deep inside me, only I’ll never be done.” She wrapped her arms around his neck as he dragged her bottom across the last inch of desk space separating them. With a gentle nudge, he pushed his cock inside, just an inch, but one superbly erotic inch.

  Looking down where they were joined, the full evidence so sweetly right, she wrapped her legs around his hips and took him fully in, feeling the stretch of tender muscles, but loving every second.

  With a deep moan, he pressed his mouth to hers. “It’s only your second time, Lee. We should take this slower.”

  She rocked forward, consumed by the scalding heat. “Whatever you say. How do we do that?”

  “I have no idea.” He pushed even deeper, going harder and faster with each heavenly thrust.

  “You make me feel too much.” She dropped her head back and his lips moved over her neck as he sucked along her skin. Restlessly, she shifted, her inner muscles already pulsing, trying to drag him to her core. “Slow next time,” she gasped, digging her fingers into his shoulders. She cried out. There was such pleasure. Her channel contracted around him, squeezing and demanding he join her as she flew.

  “Lee.” He pulled her harder against his cock, holding her in place as he seized her mouth and kissed her beyond her next thought.

  8

  His heart still pumping at warp speed, Tyler slowly lowered them both from the desk to the carpet, crushing their clothing underneath as he held the woman he wanted to take again and again, and never stop.

  He nuzzled her neck, and her answering soft purr of pleasure thrummed through him. Now to take it slow, if he could. He stroked her belly then trailed lower to dip his fingers into her curls. He smoothed his thumb gently over sensitive flesh.

  Her eyes jolted open and she pressed her hands to his chest. “Too soon.”

  With a chuckle, he murmured, “Too bad.” Nothing would stop him from making every moment count. He rubbed her swollen flesh, circling her precious little nub, his handiwork earning him a very drugged intake of her brea
th.

  “Or maybe not.” She stretched out under his touch.

  He smiled and pushed her knees apart, opening her further. “I want to get lost inside of you.”

  “That sounds like a plan. Don’t let me stop you.”

  He pressed his stiff shaft to her wet entrance and slid home. “I have to learn patience with you, but it’ll have to be next time.”

  He exhausted himself as he made love to her. Sure, he may not recall their past, but he’d certainly never forget a single moment of now.

  * * * *

  “Brigs,” Lydia whispered in Tyler’s ear as she lay half-sprawled over him. “We’re supposed to look at the files he brought. We need to get a move on.” But first they needed to right the room. The desk was jammed against the wall and the chair had toppled over, while her clothing and his was scattered, ah, everywhere. “I think we need to straighten the furniture, and how did my panties get over there?” They hung from the top corner of the safe.

  Gripping her butt, he gave her a soft pinch. “You tried to put them back on.”

  “Oh, that’s right. I remember now.” She tugged her shorts and shirt from underneath his back, and then crawled across to the safe to nab her underwear.

  He remained where he was as she dressed, looking so edible sprawled on his back, the white shag carpet a comfortable bed underneath him. As he stretched, his abs rippled and, oh boy, those powerful thigh muscles she was now incredibly intimate with flexed.

  “You probably shouldn’t look at me and lick your lips like that, not since we need to see what Brigs brought us.” He eased onto his side and caught up his pants and t-shirt then flicked the wrinkles out. Once dressed, he ambled to the desk and heaved it into place. He rubbed the spot where he’d laid her out. “I now have a real liking for this piece of furniture since it’s just given me a nice new memory. I’ll have this moved to my home office. I want this where I live.”

  “Where’s that?” Easing in behind him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, his words touching her. “If you don’t mind me asking?”

  “On the hills overlooking the marina, about a ten minute drive to the wharf. It’s close to work, and on the same street as Liam and Nico.” He turned and looped his arms around her. “Where does Ben keep you? And not just the southern quarter of the suburbs.”