A Reluctant Hero

by Dara Girard

  “I think I’ll call you Ginger. Glenda can be Mary Ann.”

  “And are you Gilligan?”

  He shook his head. “No. The professor.”

  The next day Daniella ignored him. She did her chores, glad that everyone did their part, but kept as much distance from him as she could.

  “You stupid girl!” Mrs. Pruit said.

  “What is it?”

  “She spilled my drink.”

  “I didn’t see it. I just accidentally—” Glenda already sounded as if she’d given up, knowing Mrs. Pruit wouldn’t listen.

  “I bet you did it on purpose. Since the crash didn’t kill me you’d like me to die of thirst and to fade away from dehydration.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “So that you can have my son all to yourself.”

  Daniella took her cup and poured some of her water into it. “You can have some of mine.”

  “Thank you.”

  After averting that disaster Daniella went to check on Herman, who had barely eaten last night and hadn’t eaten much that morning. When she saw Richard she called him over.

  “I’m worried about Herman. He’s unusually quiet.”

  “He’s fine.” Richard continued what he was doing.

  “He’s not fine.”

  “Leave him to me.”

  “You’re covering for him.”

  Richard didn’t reply. Instead he walked over to the copilot.

  “What did he do,” Daniella continued. “Fall asleep?”

  Richard spun around so quickly she knew she’d uncovered the truth. Her eyes widened as everything came together. The pilot had had a heart attack and when the plane nosedived the sleeping copilot must have fallen forward and hit his head.

  Richard returned to her and kept his voice low. “Don’t say a thing.”

  “But that’s criminal.”

  “What’s criminal was the schedule he was given.” Richard shook his head before Daniella could speak. “Look, he’s got a family to support.”

  “And I’m supposed to care? What if you hadn’t been on the plane? We’d all be dead.”

  “But we’re not.”

  “Fine, I won’t say anything, but I bet you the others will have their own questions.”

  “We’ll handle them.”

  Daniella folded her arms. “I’m sure you will. Is there a pilot honor code or something?”

  Richard took her hand and led her over to Herman. “Give me your wallet,” he said to him. When he did, Richard opened it then handed it to Daniella.

  She saw a color photograph showing three smiling children. “I get it, he has a family.”

  “More than that, he could lose everything.”

  “He’d probably just get suspended.”

  “You don’t know what it’s like to lose everything you love. To have everything you care about on the line.”

  “I’d never take the risk.”

  He snapped the wallet closed. “Sometimes you don’t have a choice.”

  * * *

  The man who called himself Richard Engleright knew Daniella was a distraction for all the wrong reasons. He’d already forced himself to get over the fact that she was one of the most beautiful women he’s ever seen—and in his travels he’d seen a lot. No, it wasn’t that. Or even that her lush, curvaceous figure—he’d imagined her naked twice—at times had him mesmerized. It wasn’t even the fact that she managed somehow to look both sexy and sweet. No, it was her strength that pulled him to her the most.

  She had a quiet energy that made his life easy, by allaying fears and calming tension. She was able to keep everyone’s spirits up. He barely slept the next night. He couldn’t afford to because not only was she strong, she was smart. He knew she wanted to know more about the crash and about him, especially where or how he’d learned to fly but he wasn’t going to tell her. He didn’t want to explain his background, but he was thankful that his training had come in handy, especially since he hadn’t used it in years. He’d been able to steer the plane from an inevitable crash that would have killed all aboard. When he felt the plane plummeting and the pilot hadn’t been able to pull up quickly, he instinctively knew something was wrong. Very wrong. And he was right. When he entered the cockpit he found the pilot dead, the copilot not sitting in his assigned seat, unconscious probably from hitting his head when they lost altitude. Richard knew the copilot must have been dozing or something, but there was no time for him to waste trying to assess what had happened, he had needed to land the plane safely.

  Fortunately, they had been flying over a very dense area, and he was able to successfully maneuver the plane close to a column of tall trees, using their tips to help absorb and slow the plane enough for him to make a safe, although bumpy, landing. He’d gotten them out safely, but now he found himself in danger from a curly haired woman with a bright smile. Here he was supposed to think of survival and at every turn she was there or in his thoughts. She tempted him without trying—especially her mouth. Every time she opened it he wanted to dive inside. He could imagine doing a lot of things with that mouth and having that mouth reciprocate in kind. Her lips would be wet, warm and sweet. Yes, he would bet it was sweet. He groaned at the thought. He had to get over it—get over her and the feelings she stirred up in him. He was a man of control and he’d use it now.

  On the third day the copilot had a slight relapse and suffered a seizure. This clearly indicated to Richard that his injuries were more extensive or serious than he had first identified. One of the children, the boy, kept having hysterical crying fits that woke him from his dreams all through the night, keeping everyone awake, because he was convinced that they were all going to die. Mrs. Pruit’s demands had become more oppressive; then they had to deal with Glenda’s mental instability, which was beginning to unravel. She had walked off that evening into the bushes without telling anyone. When she didn’t return, the Baxter brothers had to go and find her. Daniella tried her best to stay upbeat and positive, but she too had begun to have doubts. Why hadn’t they been found yet? Was anyone looking for them? What would they do if they ran out of food? At one point she looked at Richard, watching him secure the stakes that held up the makeshift tent. She knew he could read the fear in her eyes.

  “It’s going to be okay. Trust me,” he said in a gentle tone.

  But at that moment Daniella wasn’t so sure. Who was this man that she should put all her trust in him? What if he decided to run off and save himself and leave them to survive on their own? He was willing to cover up for the copilot, a man he did not know. He had nothing to lose and since he was in excellent physical shape he would probably be the one to survive, along with the slimmer Baxter brother. The women would never make it, or the children. Glenda and Wendell already looked pale and were showing signs of dehydration.

  No, stop it, Daniella thought. She had to pull herself together. Richard was all they had. She had to trust him. Even though she had doubts, it was clearly evident that the children didn’t. They stayed close to Richard and he seemed to calm any fears. Anna and Mark followed him wherever he went and Richard never lost his temper with his new sidekicks. They slept near him, ate near him and talked to him. Daniella guessed that they were desperate for a father figure and he filled the role.

  On the fourth day Daniella felt Richard watching her as she did her chores. Her first task was to help the children bathe in the creek Wendell had found on the first day of their ordeal, giving Richard a needed break from them, although he hadn’t complained. A short distance away she watched Richard remove his shirt and she had to admit that her imagination hadn’t done him justice. He offered a spectacular view. He was beautifully made but he was also strong and potentially lethal. She was glad he was on their side. She noticed a tattoo with the words The Sheppard Saints. Daniella wondered what
it meant and what the significance was for Richard. He certainly wasn’t a saint by any stretch of the imagination. More like a fallen angel.

  “I’m not trying to start a coup,” she said to him later in the evening. They had eaten the last meal of the day and Mark and Anna had fallen asleep, giving him some freedom. The others had also gone to bed and they both found themselves together. Alone.

  “What?”

  “And I’m not going to say anything about Herman.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  “The reason you keep watching me.”

  He sighed, scratching the stubble on his cheek. The facial hair made him look even more The Renegade—just sexier. “Oh, that.”

  “Yes, that.”

  Richard ran a hand down his face. “I can’t help myself.” He winked. “I like the view,” he said, his gaze dipping to her trousers and top, sliding over every curve of her figure as if he were slowly undressing her.

  Daniella folded her arms, feeling her body grow warm. Did The Renegade just wink at her? “You like watching me?”

  His gaze remained lowered, rising up to her chest then resting there. “No.”

  She lifted his chin. “Look at me.”

  His voice deepened with appreciation. “Trust me, I am.”

  She shivered and felt her heart lurch in anticipation, of what, she wasn’t quite sure. But the air around them suddenly felt electrified. “I want you to look at my face.”

  His eyes met hers. “This better?”

  Much. She licked her lips, gripping her arms tighter to herself. The entire world seemed to fall away, all her fears and worries disappearing with it. All she thought of was him and how safe she felt with him. “What do you want?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

  “Do I need to spell it out for you, Ginger?”

  “No, Professor.” Daniella took a small step backward.

  “What were you doing on this flight anyway?”

  “Visiting my lover.”

  Richard shook his head. “You don’t have a lover. You probably have a nice steady boyfriend who treats you like fine wine and tells you how beautiful and wonderful you are.”

  Daniella was annoyed by how close to the truth he was. She had, but she didn’t anymore. “I do have a lover.”

  “Does he mind sharing?”

  Daniella’s heart began to race. “What?”

  He curled a strand of her hair around his finger, his knuckles brushing against her cheek. “How come I always have to repeat myself with you?” he said, his breath warm against her neck.

  “Because you say outrageous things.”

  “Is it so outrageous that I find you attractive?”

  “You don’t even like me.”

  “You and I both know that’s not true. I like you very much.” His gaze trailed the length of her. “Remember you’re Ginger not Mary Ann, stop being naive.”

  Daniella folded her arms, suppressing a grin. In truth she wasn’t naive at all, but usually men didn’t notice. She knew that the tight pair of trousers and red rayon top, from the limited selection in her suitcase, flattered her figure in more ways than one. Her travels around the world as a writer had provided her with ample opportunity to expand her horizons. She’d experienced fun, danger (usually no more than getting lost in a strange city), and romance. She had lots of opportunity for romance from Italian men to Kenyan men. She didn’t sleep with them; she didn’t have to. They adored her anyway. They were flattered by her attention and the fact she noticed that they existed. She’d learned the delicate and effective art of stroking a man’s ego early. She loved men of all colors and creeds, but knew better than to let them get past her facade of naïveté, afraid she might scare them off. However, Richard was something else entirely. He challenged her, teased her and didn’t seem afraid at all. She had to be careful of him. “Did you find some liquor on the plane?”

  “You think a sober man wouldn’t find you attractive? That’s a pity.”

  “No, I just think you’re acting strange.” She never doubted her beauty, why would she?

  “The fact that we’re still alive makes me believe in miracles.” Richard held up Daniella’s hand, in the cool evening air his hand felt exceedingly warm. “Is your lover the one who gave you this?” he said, staring at the antique ring she wore.

  “No, my sister Izzy gave it to me along with a pair of matching earrings. It was an extravagant present, but she wanted me to have it when I sold my first major story.”

  He frowned. “You’re a reporter?”

  “No,” she said, knowing she should draw her hand away, but also knowing she wouldn’t. “I’m a travel writer and I do freelance work.” She glanced down at the ring. “The only reason I always wear it is because it’s like carrying my sisters with me wherever I go. Twice I’ve been offered a lot of money to sell it and the earrings, but I never will.”

  Richard lifted Daniella’s hand and kissed the back of it. The touch of his lips on her skin made her mouth go dry and she wished that he’d kissed her lips instead of her hand. “I don’t blame you. It looks good on you.”

  She drew her hand away and gripped it into a fist, annoyed with herself. She had to remember that he wasn’t for her. Too dangerous. “There’s another young woman you can focus your attention on.”

  “She’s married.”

  “After spending these days with her mother-in-law she may change her mind. You could persuade her.”

  “I’d prefer to persuade you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ve been sweet to everyone else and I want you to be sweet to me.”

  Daniella was slightly taken aback by how bold and direct he was. “How?”

  He moved closer. “Kiss me.”

  “Is that an order?” she teased, stalling to make sure she was ready to take the leap that was before her.

  “I could make it one. But I hope I don’t have to.”

  Daniella recognized the challenge more because of his intense, smoldering gaze than by his tone—although she had to admit that was just as inviting. She leaned forward, ready to fulfill his demand on her terms. “All right,” she said then touched his lips with hers, wanting to give him a quick, indifferent kiss, but he didn’t give her the chance. The moment their lips touched a rush of emotions assailed her body and his arms circled her waist and brought her close. He pulled back a moment and stared at her in wonder. “It’s amazing.”

  “What?” she breathed, equally in awe.

  “You actually taste as sweet as you look.” He kissed her again before she could reply. His hand snaked up her shirt, cupped her breasts. “How come I don’t scare you?”

  “Who says you don’t scare me?” Her heart was beating fast from pleasure, not fear, and she was breathing so shallow she was afraid she’d either faint or he’d kiss her to death.

  “You wouldn’t be touching me like this if I did.”

  She glanced down at her hands and saw she’d removed the buttons to his shirt. “I shouldn’t be doing this.”

  “Yes, you should. Keep going.”

  “We hardly know each other.”

  “My name is Richard,” he said then captured her mouth again. It was so warm and inviting that it took her away from all her fears. No, he didn’t frighten her but maybe he should.

  She quickly pulled away. “No, I’m not doing this.”

  “You want this as much as I do,” he said in a low velvet tone. “Do you need a reason to continue? I can give you a few.” He caressed her cheek and again she marveled at the strength and tenderness she felt in his hand; that a man of such power could be so gentle amazed her. “I risked my life for you, and you want to give me a reward.”

  “Wouldn’t you want something more substantial?
”

  He cupped her breast again. “You’re substantial enough.”

  She pushed his hand away. “That’s not what I mean.”

  “Come on. Admit it.”

  “What?”

  “You like me.” He held up his hand before she could argue. “Yes, you do. Okay, you need another excuse so we can continue? I also cleaned and bandaged your wound. You can thank me for that.”

  “I already thanked you.”

  “You can thank me again.” Again he gave her no opportunity to refuse him—not that she would have—capturing her mouth in a hot kiss that made her think of warm, dark nights, tumbled sheets and melted candles.

  Richard pulled away, a smile of triumph crossing his face, hinting at a vulnerability she hadn’t expected to see. She sensed not only triumph but relief as if he hadn’t been sure of her feelings. It seemed strange for a man who seemed to be sure of everything. “I’m glad you’re not afraid of me.”

  A sharp cry interrupted Daniella’s reply.

  “Richard!” Anna cried out.

  He didn’t move, still gazing at Daniella as if in a dream. “Richard!”

  Daniella tugged on his sleeve. “I think you should go.”

  His face fell. “What?”

  “Anna’s calling for you.”

  He sprang into action and raced over to the child. “It’s okay. I’m here.” He pulled her onto his lap and cradled her with a back and forth rocking motion.

  Anna sniffed. “I woke up and you weren’t there. I thought you’d left us.”

  “I just went for a walk. I would never leave you. Now go back to sleep.”

  “Are you going to sleep, too?”

  “Yes, in a minute.” He quickly calmed her down.

  “Is she going to be okay?” Daniella asked, coming up behind him.

  “Yes. I guess we’ll have to call it a night.”

  “Why did you hesitate?”

  “What?”

  “When she first called you, you didn’t respond.” She laughed. “It was as if Richard wasn’t your name.”