by Tena Stetler
With a smirk, he said, “You got it. I’ve made the same promise to Hannah. Except for my assignments. She doesn’t want to know.”
“Understandable. But remember she is your confidant and will always have your back. Not that we all won’t, but your relationship is different. Now let’s go tell Bruce your plans.”
“Angie, let me handle this, please.”
“Okay, but don’t muck it up.”
Tristian strode out behind his sister. “Hey boss, the company jet might be gone a wee bit longer than anticipated. We’re not going straight back to Maine. I hope you don’t mind.”
Bruce raised an eyebrow at Tristian’s cockiness and glanced at Angie, who discreetly shook her head. “Okay, but make sure the pilot files a revised flight plan.”
A puzzled Tristian stood in front of Bruce for a couple of beats, his mouth a gape. Not the reaction I expected. Then the light dawned. “She told you telepathically before we came out here.”
Bruce smiled and winked. “I’ll never tell.”
Tristian grinned and headed for the door, grabbed the handle, and turned back to the group. “Willow, this Caleb is the same one I met when you took me to dinner?”
“Of course. How many Caleb’s do you know?” Willow shot back, with everyone murmuring in agreement.
He chuckled and waved exiting the door.
Once inside the limo, he proceeded to give Hannah a blow-by-blow description of everything, with one tiny exception, their destination.
“Well, I’m glad everything went well, and Angie was rescued without irreversible trauma. It will be good to get home.” She sighed and relaxed against the smooth, white leather seats of the jet. The fresh lilacs in attached vases on the wall filled the plane with a pleasant aroma.
“About that.” Tristian grinned outrageously.
Chapter Fourteen
Planned Detour and a Tropical Retreat Turns Stormy
Once they were settled inside the plane, Tristian twisted in his seat to face her. “We’re not going home yet.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a devilish grin.
“Where are we going?” A puzzled expression crossed her face as she shifted her attention from the window to him.
“It’s a surprise, but I guarantee you are going to love it. It’s a long flight, so…”
“When we arrive, I’d better call Ma and Da. And what about my boss? He’s going to have a fit. How much longer will I be gone?”
“A week or so. Did you have a nice chat with your sister?”
“I did.” Hannah grimaced. “I told her I was seeing someone; that’s why she had such a hard time catching me at home.”
Tristian frowned. “I’d rather you didn’t…” He caught the spark of defiance in Hannah’s eyes and reconsidered his reply. “Temporarily, I’d rather you keep our relationship under wraps, for now. I trust you, but I don’t know your family. As you discovered, my line of work is—can be—dangerous. Not only for me but those closest to me. Protecting you, I can handle. Anyone else—out of my area.” He shook his head.
“Oh, I know. I didn’t tell her your name or any information. Just that I was seeing someone, and I’d fill her in if it turned serious. Believe me, the last thing we need is her showing up on my porch, unannounced. She’ll do exactly that, if I don’t tell a little of what is going on.”
“Isn’t she going to want to check me out at some point? That’s when it could be difficult, as I explained to you.” He extended his hand, stroked her thigh.
She brushed his hand aside and turned to watch out the window.
“Hannah. We discussed all of this.”
“I know, but my family is close, and we always keep in touch. Don’t make me choose between you and them.” She rested her head against the seat and continued to stare out the window.
More complications. How in the hell do people make a relationship work? He rubbed his eyes with thumb and forefinger, blinked a couple times, and closed them. The last few days had been difficult, to say the least. Leaving this conversation until they landed would be best. Resting his head against the seat, he drifted in and out of sleep, checking on Hannah frequently until she pushed her seat back and covered herself with a blanket.
He hadn’t considered her family in the equation. Of course, she had a sister, brother, ma and da but were there anymore? Were they gryphons too? Sure they were. He shoved his fingers through his hair. Ireland is a land of myths, legends, and magic. Would keeping his identity a secret be problematic? A dad is always going to want to know how a suitor plans to support… Aw shit… He had so many sources over there, it would be impossible to keep a low profile. Unless…her family knew she worked in security, couldn’t talk about her work. He’d claim the same. As long as he and Hannah stayed on this side of the pond, everything would work out fine. He could deal with her sister. Checking on Hannah again, her regular breathing indicated she was asleep, so he drifted off to sleep again.
Tristian jumped at the sound of the flight attendant’s voice as she woke him. “We’ll be at our destination within the hour, sir. Thought you’d like to know.” He nodded and yawned, checked his phone for messages. There were none. He’d let his team know he would be out of the loop for a few days and left Ruben in charge. Bruce and Owen knew his whereabouts. He would check in with them periodically as required. This vacation with Hannah was just what he needed, though he’d taken more time off in the past couple of months than in his entire career. Relationships take work.
When the jet touched down at the Lihue Airport and taxied to a stop, Hannah’s eyes blinked open. She covered a yawn with her petite hand and stretched. “So, are you going to tell me where we are?”
Tristian got to his feet and offered her a hand. “Nope, when you step off the plane, you’ll know.” He snickered as he moved her ahead of him while he reached for their stowed luggage. He nudged her with his elbow. “Day one of the tropical adventure.”
Hannah hurried to the door of the plane and stepped out onto the stairs. A dark-skinned man waited on the tarmac next to a gleaming white SUV with a couple leis in his hand.
Tristian followed behind her and nodded at the man. “Right on time! Thanks.”
“Welcome to Kauai,” the man said in a cheerful voice, keeping a blank expression on his face. He draped a beautiful purple and white orchid lei around her neck. He grinned and offered one to Tristian. “Sir, it’s been a while, thought you might like…”
“Very funny, Daewon.” Tristian leaned to the side waving the yellow and orange lei away. His gaze met hers, and he motioned to the man. “This is Daewon Tamaloa; he takes care of my property when I’m away. Daewon meet Hannah.”
Her eyes rounded. “You own property here?”
“Yes.”
As Daewon held the door open, Hannah snatched at the ring of flowers. “Oh, I’ll take that one too.” She inhaled deeply. “Heavenly.”
Daewon chuckled and held the lei over her head, dropping it around her neck. “You look very festive ma’am.”
“Oh, it’s Hannah.”
He cut his gaze to Tristian. “I’ve already got the rest of your luggage; ready to go?” Daewon asked.
“Yes, we are.”
Tristian waited for Hannah to settle into the soft buff-colored leather seat of the vehicle. He scooted in beside her. “You hungry? We could stop somewhere and grab a bite.”
“That’s not advisable, sir. Kachina has lunch ready at the house. She spent most of yesterday getting the house ready for you. Did grocery shopping too.”
“That’s was nice of her.” He wrapped his arm around Hannah’s shoulders and leaned back against the seat.
Daewon glanced in the rearview mirror, surprise now etched on his face. “Yeah, I told her you were coming, but you didn’t mention a guest. Knowing Kachina, she’ll have bought and prepared enough food to feed an army.”
“She usually does.”
“Oh, by the way, we’re having a big luau this evening. You’re welcome to come.�
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“Maybe. We’ll see how things go.”
“Really? My wife won’t believe…” His gaze met Tristian’s in the rear view as he raised an eyebrow. “Never mind.” He cleared his throat, turned the key in the ignition and his attention straight ahead on the road.”
Tristian fingered a red curl along Hannah’s face. He smiled at her murmured oh’s and aw’s as lush vegetation and tall trees blurred past the window. “It’s green like back home, but much warmer. The breeze from the partially lowered window blew the curl out of Tristian’s fingers, and she turned to smile at him. “My hair is a mess after the long plane ride, and my brush is packed. Didn’t know we’d…”
He combed his fingers through her hair. “I think it looks just fine.” Cupping her chin, he gently turned her toward him, brushed his lips over hers. “What would you like to do first?”
The vehicle slowed following a winding driveway up to a house with large bay windows facing the ocean, a porch ran the full length of the front. On it a swing and four chairs with matching blue and yellow swirled cushions occupied space between the windows.
Hannah sucked in her breath as she exited the SUV, her fingers twined in Tristian’s. Walking up the path, the sun shone on the oval stained glass inset in the door depicting a bright fantasy scene, with a dark cloaked figure in the bottom right. “Is that you?” She pointed to the bottom of the glass.
He glanced at her then the door and cackled. “No, well, never really thought about it. Meant to show even in a mystical carefree world, danger lurks.”
“You.” She giggled and ran her finger over the glass. “It’s warm to the touch, and there is something else.”
“A protection spell is woven in the glass. Surprised you could feel it.” He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and waved a hand over the alarm panel.
“I have many talents.” She shot him a saucy smile and sashayed by him only to stop mid-stride and stare at the rooms before her. A dark leather and cream sofa sat against one wall, with a matching lounger a few feet away. Carved wooden end tables graced one edge of the couch and beside the chair, large brightly-colored floor pillows were scattered in front of a fireplace. The circular staircase wound its way to a second story loft. It was an open concept with the kitchen separated from the living room by only an archway and breakfast bar and stools. A short petite woman with miles of shiny black hair whirled around and started toward them. She paused and looked from Tristian to Hannah, her gaze landed on Daewon as he brought the luggage in behind them.
“I didn’t know you were bringing…who’s…you never…”
“Kachina.” Tristian strode forward and hugged the woman. “Now could you finish at least one sentence?” He laughed, releasing her, and squeezed her shoulders one more time before turning to Hannah. “This is—Hannah—she’s become an important part of my life. Hannah, Kachina is Daewon’s wife and keeper of my castle.”
Kachina finally found her voice. “I guess so—in all the years.”
“Things have changed,” Tristian said in a firm voice and pointed to the loft, hesitated then jerked his chin toward the floor. “Daewon put those bags at the bottom of the stairs. I’ll see to them later.”
“It’s no problem.” He sprinted up the stairs with suitcases in hand then returned.
“If you two are having a luau this evening, you better get back home and tend to it. I’ve got things handled here. I really appreciate your help.” Tristian looked around the kitchen at the spread Kachina prepared and let out a low whistle. “You fixed all this for me? Did you expect me to bring an entourage?”
She shrugged then put hands on her hips. “I certainly didn’t expect—”
Daewon ambled over to his wife and threw an arm around her shoulder. “After all these years, we never know what to expect.”
“You’re welcome to grab a bite before you go home.”
“Sounds good. I haven’t eaten all day. Too busy.” He reached out and scooped up a Hawaiian Sweet Roll, added pork, and took a large bite. His wife glared at him.
He shrugged one shoulder. “What. He offered.” His expression clouded over for a beat then he beamed. “Guess what? They might come to the luau tonight.”
His wife’s glance shifted from her husband to Tristian. “Well, there’s a first time for everything. You two will have a grand time. Unless.”
“I said maybe.”
“Oh, it’s sounds like fun. We’ll just take a little nap and be good to go.” Hannah’s effervescent attitude and smile were contagious.
Tristian nodded. “We’ll probably see you tonight.” Thinking back, he couldn’t remember ever going to one of their luaus, though he was always invited. In fact, usually he stayed to himself, this place was his sanctuary, a place to unwind, relax without interruption from anyone, and he liked it that way. Almost anyone. Yet, he was elated at the thought of taking Hannah to the luau. Huh?
Daewon smirked. “We’ll leave you to your nap.” He wriggled his eyebrows at his wife and grabbed her arm, tugging her toward the door. “See you tonight.”
As they walked out the door, Kachina whispered, “What if she comes?”
“Shhhh…I bet he can handle it.” Daewon stopped, pivoted, and tossed the keys to Tristian. “Almost forgot. You’ll be driving yourself this trip?”
“Yep.” Tristian reached up and caught the keys, turned to see Hannah narrowing her eyes at him.
“Is there something I should know?”
He took her hand and led her up the winding staircase. “I never pretended I was a monk. There have been—several women, but none mattered. They were well aware of that. Until you.”
She stiffened and yanked her hand out of his when they reached the top of the stairs. “How many are several?”
Tristian rolled his eyes and blew out a breath. “I enjoy women and didn’t see a reason not to indulge. It was a release for me after grueling assignments. That’s all.”
“Am I—”
His eyes steeled; he reached for Hannah and took her mouth with a savage intensity. Her lips parted in surprise, and his tongue thrust inside taunting, teasing, tasting. She struggled for a moment then succumbed to his domination, curving into him. His mouth softened, the tip of his tongue traced her full lips. He nibbled on her bottom lip, felt her heart thunder against his chest, her pulse race. He enjoyed arousing her. Raising his mouth from hers, Tristian gazed into her eyes. “No woman has ever mattered to me, except you. Now, I don’t want to visit the subject again.”
“What if we meet some of your conquests?”
“I’ll handle it. You can look them in the eye and know I’m yours. I’ve seen that domineering look you have. Use it.” Nuzzling into her neck, he inhaled her warm fragrant scent and let his hand slip to cup her butt cheek, pressed her against his excitement. “How about that nap?”
She slithered against him. “You have too many clothes on.”
“As do you.” With a quick flick of his hand, they were both naked.
Chapter Fifteen
Commitment Decisions Can’t Wait Forever
Muted orange, yellow, and red spread across the wall as Hannah opened her eyes. The sun’s reflection sank low in the sky as its warm glow seeped onto the hardwood floor. She rolled against Tristian and breathed a kiss on his bare chest. “If we are going to make the luau, we better get up.”
“Huh? Oh…yeah, the luau. Positive you want to go?” His strong arm snaked around her waist, fingers feathered along her soft skin, caressing, teasing.
“Is that all you think about?” she teased.
“Yes, when I’m with the sexiest woman alive.” He brushed his lips over hers. “But if we must get up, we must. Daewon seemed quite pleased that we would be there.”
“Kachina too. Don’t socialize much. Do you?”
“No.” Tristian pushed up to a sitting position, sliding her into his lap. “If you’re sure,” he said in a low sensual rumble.
In answer, she wiggled out of his arms and stood
beside the bed. “What should I wear? Didn’t pack for the beach.”
“What you have on is fine with me.”
She picked up a pillow and tossed it at him. “You don’t want the whole world to see me naked, do you?”
“You’ve a point.” He swung his feet off the bed and sat on the edge. “I guess I could have told you where we were going, but that would’ve spoiled the surprise.” Sitting quietly for a moment, while his gaze wandered over her, he shifted and snapped his fingers. Colorful Hawaiian sarongs, bikini sets, and short outfits covered the bed, along with two pairs of sandals. “That should keep you in clothes until we can go shopping.” Tristian picked up a sarong in aqua, with yellow and orange florals. Held it up for her to see. “This would be perfect for the luau.” He cleared his throat. “If you like it.”
Eyes rounded, she stared at the clothes on the bed, then glanced at the turquoise sandals on the floor. “You’ve quite an eye for style. Those strappy sandals match the dress perfectly. Normally, I like to pick out my own clothes, but…” She stepped to him and threw her arms around his neck. “The clothes are perfect. Thank you.”
“And you will have a chance to do that. But right now, we’re a bit pressed for time.” He picked out light tan shorts, his favorite Hawaiian shirt that happened to match her dress and slid his feet into worn leather sandals. “I’m ready.”
She blew raspberries at him and shimmied into the sarong, surveying herself in the mirror. “Fits great. How did you know?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “Really? I’ve had my hands all over you and…”
“Never mind.” She interrupted. “You use magic more than most. Aren’t there rules?”
“Magic is a necessary part of my job. I risk my life to keep the magic stabilized in a mortal world and the creatures from tipping the balance from good to evil. If I use a bit more than most for personal reasons, not gain, the effect on me is less because of the perils I endure to keep it safe. Does that make sense?”
“Sort of.” She brushed her hair and put on the sandals. “I’m ready. How do I look?”
