eyond Desire Collection

by JS Scott, M Malone, Marie Hall, et al

  She knew he was right, and yet how could she sit idly by and let her world go to hell? She squeezed her eyes tightly to ease the stinging of threatening tears. “I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try.”

  She hung up the phone and grappled with the hurt and anger that were choking her, the knot in her throat lodged there and refusing to budge. She should let it go. Jack and Ava had made their decision and with luck, Holt would realize that it would be foolish to turn the inn into something that would be out of place with the rest of the island.

  It’s not like she’d come up with a better alternative that would allow Jack and Ava to retire with the money they’d need. Logan was in the same position she was in, which meant he didn’t have anywhere near enough money to buy the inn, and her other best friend, Lucy, had her money tied up in her bookstore.

  Before she could wallow further in her misery, Thorsen walked back into the room. Pushing her emotions to the side, she managed a smile. “Everything okay?”

  “One of my business dealings has gotten a bit complicated. Ethan’s handling it for now, but I’m afraid I might have to take off and deal with it. It would only be for the day, and it may very well not be needed when all is said and done.” He shook his head, frustration working its way into his smile even if he was clearly trying not to make her worry. “I hate to cut our vacation short, but would you mind terribly if we headed back to the island? If I get the call, I’ll need to run, and don’t want to abandon you here on your own. I promise to make it up to you.”

  “Actually, I just got off the phone with Logan, and wouldn’t mind heading back with everything that’s happening.” Despite telling herself that she should let it all go, Thorsen’s request left her relieved.

  His brow furrowed as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close, his eyes searching her face. “Has anything else happened?”

  With a shrug, she rested her head on his chest and nestled against him, the pounding of his heart so strong and fast. “Just more nonsense with Holt—which means I have absolutely no control over what’s happening.”

  “Hey…look at me, love.” She did as he asked, only to find him looking at her with such a look of concern. “Are things that bad?”

  “I wish they weren’t.”

  ***

  As tense and edgy as Riley was feeling, she jumped at the chance to hand over her car keys and let Thorsen drive. Everything felt off, somehow. And it wasn’t just the anticipation of dealing with Anna. Thorsen was sweet and caring as always, but even he seemed to be distracted with his own problems and she was now wondering if his business dealings were more troublesome than he’d let on.

  She doubted anyone else would even notice it, and maybe she was being paranoid, but she still thought something was bothering him. Too often, he seemed lost in thought, his smile fading until he once again turned his attention back to her. Then, his smile would reappear as if to reassure her that all was fine—even if she knew it wasn’t.

  Obviously, she had firsthand knowledge of how stressful and all-consuming work could be. She knew she worked far too many hours, and maybe it had been her way of ignoring the fact that outside of the Siren, she had little else. Maybe it was why she was so panicked over the sale. Because if she lost the inn to Holt, then she might lose the only thing that held any meaning and value in her life.

  This, of course, meant she was screwed. And pathetic. She was twenty-eight years old, and basically had nothing to show for it except her job—and with the sale of the inn, she could easily find herself without even that. Hell, she might even find herself homeless if Holt decided she wasn’t a “good fit.” And what were the chances of that happening?

  At least she had Thorsen in her life now, and that sure as hell hadn’t been something she’d been expecting. She glanced over at him as he maneuvered her car down the winding seacoast road that led to the bridge and Mermaid Isle, and felt a tug on her heart. Not only because the man was gorgeous, but because she truly did mean it when she told him she loved him.

  It was insane that she could feel so strongly for someone given the amount of time they’d been together, and yet now that she had Thorsen back in her life, it felt like he was what had been missing all along. He had even convinced her that he’d stick around—and that sure as hell was a rare thing.

  So many of the other guys she’d dated would keep a smile plastered on their face and pretend everything was perfect until, all of a sudden, they’d had enough. The clock would strike midnight and they’d turn into pumpkins, their bags packed and them walking out the door with hardly any notice or discussion. The only one who’d stayed was Logan, and that was because work was the reason he was there in the first place.

  She knew that living on the island wasn’t for everyone, but she couldn’t imagine any place being more perfect—and Thorsen had the same connection to the place. Except that something wasn’t quite right, and it triggered all those fears she had, leaving her worried that his latest work issues would make him realize that living on the island so far from any major city just wasn’t feasible when your clients and the closest major airport were hours away.

  Needing to reassure herself, she ran a hand down his arm. “Are you sure everything’s all right?”

  “Sorry—just a bit distracted. No worries, love.” He twined his fingers with hers and threw her a sideways glance and a smile before turning back to the road. “I know you have a lot going on with the inn and I have to take off for a day or two, but once I get back, I’d love it if you could help me look for a more permanent residence on the island. I don’t mind renting, but I was thinking that interest rates are decent, so I might just buy something instead.”

  “I think that’s a great idea, and I’d love to help.” She tried to push away visions of the two of them sidled up against each other in a farmhouse kitchen, cooking breakfast after spending the night in a naked tangle of limbs. No matter what happened with the inn, at the very least she’d have Thorsen to snuggle up against at the end of the day—and that was huge. She’d have him in her corner to make the bad days better and the good days great.

  “I’m glad to hear it, darling. I want to make sure you like the place I buy, since I’m hoping you’ll spend a fair amount of time there.” He threw her a sidewise glance, as if wondering if she’d protest.

  “So…does this mean I’ll get my own drawer?” How could she not think happy cohabiting thoughts when the last few days had left her happy, satisfied, and pleasantly sore—a nice little reminder of the mischief she’d been getting in.

  “Darling, you can have an entire closet. An entire room. Whatever you’d like is yours.” Thorsen turned the car towards the bridge.

  They’d be at the inn in minutes, and suddenly her happy thoughts were replaced with worry, her gut twisting into knots.

  Jack and Ava needed the sale to go through and she could appreciate that. She’d just make sure everything was fine, and if they didn’t need her help, she’d hang out at her cabin. At least she’d be close by on the off chance she could help. And in the meantime, she’d distract herself with Thorsen’s company until he had to go deal with his own problems.

  He parked at the inn and shifted in his seat to face her. “Are you going to go check in with Logan?”

  “Yeah. I’d like to speak with Jack and Ava, too.” Hopefully they were still around and hadn’t taken off for Portland. “I hate to abandon you, but it’s a gorgeous day. You should go down to the beach or head into town. I can call you when I’m done.”

  “No worries. There’s plenty for me to do.” He cupped the back of her neck and pulled her in for a long kiss, before pressing his forehead to hers and nuzzling her, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let her go. “And don’t let that woman get to you. She’ll be long gone once the inn is sold.”

  “No kidding. Can you imagine her spending the winter here on the island?” The thought of Anna slipping and sliding her way around the island in her designer heels eased some of the stres
s she’d been feeling. She stole one final kiss.

  “Come on then. I’ll walk you as far as the inn on my way to my cottage.” Once on the path, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tucked her against his side as they wandered towards the inn.

  “If you head towards town, you should check out the Book Nook Café on your way in. Lots of interesting book finds and mind-blowingly good coffee concoctions—not to mention most of the artwork gracing the walls is from artists who stay here at the inn. And all that pirate lore about the island? The owner’s supposedly one of their descendants. Could tell you all sorts of pirate tales.” She gave him a teasing smile, hoping he’d swing by the café since she’d love for Lucy to meet him. “Tell Lucy I sent you. She’s a very good friend of mine.”

  “Ah… Does this mean we’re at the point in our relationship where I have to get the best friend stamp of approval?” The sideways glance he threw her—and that smile—sent a rabble of butterflies loose in her stomach.

  She wrapped her fist in his shirt and pulled him down for another kiss. “Normally, you’d get the once-over before we got this serious, but given how quick things have happened—”

  “Eirik.”

  Eirik—not Thorsen.

  Thorsen stiffened at her side and turned to face the man who was briskly approaching them with a scowl on his face and anger in his eyes.

  Confusion settled over her like a cold, wet fog. She didn’t recognize the man, but he was with Anna and that alone was enough to have her back going up. He must be the one Logan mentioned—the other person from Holt. But if that was the case…how did he know Thorsen?

  She looked up at Thorsen for some indication as to what was happening, and found a man she barely recognized. His kind, intelligent eyes had turned hard, and his body looked like it was coiled and ready to attack.

  Thorsen took a step forward and in front of her, as if to protect her from some unseen threat. “Mark.”

  “What the hell are you doing here, Eirik?” Mark’s eyes narrowed into a glare. “You were told in no uncertain terms to stay away from the island until the deal had been finalized.”

  Mark’s words and Anna’s smug grin had Riley turning to Thorsen. “What is he talking about, Thorsen?”

  “Thorsen? Who the hell would that be? Or is that another one of your…personas?” Mark scoffed as his gaze shifted to her and then back to Thorsen. “Are you not going to introduce us, cousin?”

  His cousin. Mark. From Holt. Was Thorsen’s cousin—Eirik’s cousin. “What’s going on, Thorsen? And why the hell shouldn’t you be on the island—until after the sale?” Because…Mark couldn’t be implying… Thorsen couldn’t be…

  It felt like the ground beneath her feet had been yanked out from under her and she was in a heart-wrenching free fall. She backed away from him, trying to take a breath and only managing shallow gasps.

  “Riley, I can explain.” He reached out to take her hand, but she pulled it out of reach, her head spinning.

  “Then do.” Fuck…she sure as hell hoped he had a good explanation—for whatever the hell this was.

  Mark pulled them from their drama. “And that will have to wait, since you, Eirik, have bigger problems. The board will be furious when they find out you came here—and got involved with one of the inn’s employees, no less. Lucky for you, we managed to close the deal.”

  So that was it then…Holt now owned the Siren. The deal was done and there wasn’t a single thing she could do.

  Thorsen spoke through a clenched jaw, his entire body vibrating. “Right now, my only concern is Riley. I’ll deal with you and Anna later.”

  Tears stung her eyes and she turned to make her escape, betrayal and hurt threatening to swallow her whole. She couldn’t get away fast enough, knowing Anna was loving every moment of her pain and humiliation.

  It was as if there was a knife buried in her heart, and Thorsen was the one twisting it.

  Thorsen grabbed her arm but she yanked it out of his hold and spun on him, furious that there were tears rolling down her cheeks. She felt like such a fool. “Don’t touch me, Thorsen. Or should I say Eirik?” She didn’t wait for an answer and bolted down the path towards her cabin, desperate to escape.

  “Riley, let me explain.” Thorsen’s long stride made it impossible for her to get away from him.

  She turned to face him. “Are you with Holt? And don’t you dare lie to me—” Crap. She didn’t even know what to call him anymore. “And is it really Eirik like I’d remembered or Thorsen?”

  “Legally, my name is Eirik, but I’ve gone by Thorsen for so long that it feels truer to who I am.” He let out a weary sigh, and took a step towards her, stopping when she stiffened. “And yes—I’m part of Holt. I recently inherited my father’s share in the company.”

  His words twisted the knife further, leaving her with a wound she didn’t think would ever heal. “Well, thanks for finally being honest with me.”

  “Riley, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn’t let Holt know I was here.” He ran a hand down her arm, but she shrugged him off.

  “Don’t touch me. Ever.” She took off towards her cottage, but he kept pace by her side, her anger feeding her tears.

  “Please, let me explain. I’m begging you—just hear me out. Five minutes is all I’m asking for.” He stepped in her path so she was forced to either stop or go around him. She opted for the latter, still desperate to get away, and hating the fact that she was crying in front of him, hating that she was so upset over someone who clearly didn’t deserve her.

  Again, he fell in stride beside her, her cottage now within sight. “It’s over. There’s nothing to discuss and, if you’re with Holt, then I’ve already heard enough.” She bolted up the steps of her porch and dug in her bag for her keys but came up empty, cursing when she realized he still had them from driving her car.

  He dangled them from his fingers, his eyes locked on hers and his mood serious. “Five minutes in exchange for your keys.”

  “You’re blackmailing me now? You have some nerve.” She pulled out her cell and hit Logan’s number, but he snatched the phone out of her hand and hung up the call before it went through. And then, just to ensure she was absolutely furious with him, he pocketed her phone.

  “Five minutes, Riley. And I’m not taking no for an answer.” He unlocked her door, grabbed her arm and hauled her into her cottage as she struggled to get free of his iron grip.

  “I can’t believe I fell for you. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to think you were the same sweet boy I loved all those years ago.” She was so frustrated, angry, and hurt, that a fresh wave of tears rolled down her cheeks, making her even more miserable. “And if you think you can bully me into listening to more of your lies, then you can guess again.”

  He finally let her go once he’d planted her on the sofa and took a seat across from her, though upset as she was, she couldn’t even bear to look at him. “Riley…I honestly wish things had transpired differently, but it doesn’t change the way I feel about you.”

  “Well, good for you.” She pinned him with an icy stare, wondering how she could have been so naïve. “And to think that I actually believed you when you said I was the reason you’d come back to the island. You must have laughed your ass off at how stupid and gullible I was.”

  “Och, love...don’t say that. I did come back to the island because of you.” When he brushed the tears from her cheek, she flinched and squeezed her eyes shut, his touch already so familiar.

  It took all she had to not lean into him, even as she struggled to take a breath through the knots in her chest. But she couldn’t trust anything he said. Not when he was with Holt. “You came back because Holt was buying the Siren. All that talk of coming back because you wanted to be with me was a load of crap, Thorsen—Eirik—and you know it. Well, you got what you came for. The Siren now belongs to Holt.”

  He looked away with a shake of his head, before turning back to face her. “I swear, darling, you’re the reason I
came to the island. Even the sale of the Siren to Holt was because of you. I’m just sorry things didn’t go as I’d anticipated.”

  “No…” She couldn’t believe what he was saying. “You mean to tell me that the hell I’ve been going through is because of…what? Because of our summer together? Well, thanks for taking some of my most treasured memories and ruining them for me. And thanks for ruining everything I hold dear.”

  “Och, love…I’m so sorry. But I swear, I thought buying the inn would be a good thing. I had such great memories of the place, and when I inherited my father’s holdings in Holt, I thought it’d be a good investment. The fact that you worked here was…kismet.” He let out a weary sigh. “I thought you’d be happy to have the injection of cash to renovate the place into a luxury hotel. I hadn’t realized…”

  “No, you hadn’t. But you know what? That’s not what bothers me the most.” She swiped at her tears, refusing to let any more of them fall. “It’s that you showed up here and didn’t say a word. Not a word, even when my entire world was falling apart—and falling apart because of you, no less. At any point, you could have told me your role in this, but you didn’t.”

  “I couldn’t risk the board members of Holt finding out I was here.” Bravely, he reached out to take her hand—and she let him for just a moment. One last touch.

  “Yeah…because I have them on speed dial.” She stood, her gaze hard as she did her best to ignore how upset he looked. “You’ve had your five minutes. Now get out. This cottage may now belong to you and Holt, but Maine law says I have thirty days. And don’t worry—I’ll be long gone well before that.”

  She knew she had no other choice, but speaking the words out loud left her heartbroken once more. Stepping to the side, she let him pass, though he didn’t go far.

  “Riley, I love you. That hasn’t changed, darling.”