Touch of Paradise

by Dara Girard

  “Keeping an eye on you,” he said. For some reason, in the stillness of the room his voice sounded darker and deeper. “I told you I wasn’t leaving you alone.”

  “Do you plan to sit there all night?”

  “No.”

  “Then what do you plan to do?”

  “I expect an invitation.”

  “You’re going somewhere?”

  “Yes.” He nodded to the bed. “Right there.”

  Rebecca grinned. “And what if the invitation doesn’t come?”

  He slowly rose to his feet. It was a casual, controlled motion that could have been frightening considering his size, but all she could think of was the soft touch of his lips and the feel of his arms around her. They both knew what would happen tonight, no matter how she teased him. “I’ll have to be persuasive,” he said, crossing the room and closing the distance between them.

  “Like a gentleman?”

  He shook his head. “No,” he said, his heated gaze keeping her still, his voice sounding like silken oak. “When it comes to you, I feel like being anything but a gentleman.” He traced a slow, seductive trail along her jawline with his finger. “First, I need you to solve a mystery for me.”

  She looked up at him, startled, feeling the mood change. “A mystery? I told you I don’t know who—”

  He pressed his finger against her lips. “Let me finish. Can you do that?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ve been trying to figure out one thing. When you ran out of your villa after finding Trident under your bed, were you naked under your robe?”

  Rebecca grinned. “That’s not much of a mystery. I’m sure you can guess.”

  “I don’t like to guess,” he said, loosening one button on her blouse. “I like to know.”

  “You could use your imagination.”

  “I already have. That doesn’t satisfy me.”

  “Would you like me to replay the scene?”

  “Replay?”

  “Yes, so that you can get a full picture of all the events.”

  He frowned. “Couldn’t you just tell me?”

  “Yes, but I think this will be a lot more fun. First, I came in after a long day and started to undress,” she said, removing her blouse and skirt.

  Aaron sat on the bed. “You can slow this part down. I’d like to get the full gist.”

  “Well...before I took off my bra and panties, I grabbed my robe.” She reached for her robe hanging on the back of the door.

  His face fell. “Oh.”

  “Then I went into the bathroom and turned on the shower,” she said, walking into the bathroom.

  “Then you took off your bra and panties,” he said, following her.

  “No, then I put on a shower cap.” She put it on. “And checked the soap and hung up my robe, and then took off the rest,” she said, unclasping her bra.

  “Wait, that was too fast.”

  “You can’t unclasp a bra slowly.”

  “I’ll show you how next time. Proceed.”

  She shimmied out of her panties. “Better?”

  Aaron watched her, caressing her body with his gaze. “Beautiful... I mean, much.”

  “Then I got in the shower.”

  He quickly undressed, then joined her. “I need to follow this story closely.”

  “Of course.”

  He squeezed soap gel on a loofah. “Where did you start first?”

  “With my arms,” she said, reaching for the sponge.

  He moved it out of reach. “Just tell me where and I’ll do it for you. I want you to concentrate on the details of your story,” he said, sliding the sponge down her back to the swell of her bottom.

  “I didn’t do that.”

  “You need to allow for some poetic license.”

  “Not too much license, or we may never leave the shower.”

  “Don’t tempt me.”

  But she didn’t have to. He made sure that every last inch of her body got his full attention, and then allowed her the same pleasure before they rinsed off and toweled each other dry.

  “And then I put on my robe,” Rebecca said, tying the belt. “Mystery solved.”

  “There’s something else I want to know.”

  “What?”

  “When will I get my invitation?”

  Rebecca sauntered over to the bed, then lay on her side and loosened her belt. “I’m not sure I should.”

  “Why not?”

  She swung the belt around in a lazy circular motion. “I don’t usually sleep with pirates. You’re not to be trusted.”

  “It’s better to have me in bed with you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because if I’m holding you, I can’t be stealing anything else.”

  “Unless it’s my heart.”

  “I’m not that kind of pirate.” He climbed onto the bed and kissed her.

  “A gentleman waits for an invitation. I haven’t given you one yet.”

  “I told you, I’m not a gentleman, and I don’t like to wait.” He covered her mouth again.

  “But you are a man of honor and duty who will fight until you can claim your prize.”

  His eyes darkened with emotion. “I’m already claiming it.”

  And he made her feel like a treasure chest filled with riches. His lips made her warm, his tongue made her wet, his hands made her wild. He caressed her breasts as if they were crystal goblets, her lips rubies. He slid his hands down her thighs as if they were a string of pearls. She arched into him, demanding more, and he obliged.

  Her feelings for him had always been stronger than his. She knew it was unfair to ask for more, even though she wanted it. She wanted him to ask her to stay. She wanted to know that he truly desired her, not as something he had to protect, but as something truly important. When she no longer needed him, would his feelings wane? When the show was over, would they be over, too? She tried not to think of that. It felt too good to be with him. Her body cried out for him to love her as a woman. A whole woman, with her weaknesses and strengths.

  She briefly wondered about his ex-wife. What had convinced him to marry her? She pushed away the pain of knowing that he’d loved and offered his life and possessions to someone else, while she didn’t know what she was to him. Was she just a passing fancy? But he wiped her worries away with his passionate lovemaking, stirring up a divine ecstasy within her. This moment was hers. She may not be able to steal his heart, but tonight his body was hers.

  Rebecca wrapped her arms and legs around him, staking her own claim, taking her own possession. “You are the true prize,” she whispered. “And I won’t let you go.”

  He laughed. “You’ll grow weary of trying to hold on,” he said with an edge of grim certainty. “But let’s not talk about the future.”

  “No, there’s no need to talk at all.”

  Chapter 11

  He’d become a man obsessed. He didn’t care about how Wethers had teased him about his new clothes and haircut. He wanted to look his best. Harvey sat in the bar lounge trying not to think about Rebecca, but failing. He couldn’t seem to stop himself from loving her, wanting to be with her, though he knew that was impossible. Fortunately, being the carrier of her secrets made him feel special. He knew secrets could be dangerous things, but he was hungry for them, hungry for any chance to be close to her or by her side. To be of service. He sipped his drink, remembering the last time he saw her in town. She was in disguise again, wearing a floppy hat, glasses and shapeless clothes, but her beauty could not be hidden.

  He found her at one of the stalls in the bustling marketplace that smelled of spicy beef, filled with the sound of people bartering in their native Creole around her. He wondered how she’d managed to get away from Aar
on, impressed she’d been able to.

  “What are you looking for?” he asked her.

  She spun around, her eyes wide. “I’m beginning to think you’re following me.”

  “No, I come here often. You can ask anyone.” He looked around. “Where’s Wethers?”

  “Who?”

  “Aaron. I know he’s determined to stay by your side. He’s not someone you can easily slip away from.”

  She looked nervous. “The truth is—”

  “It’s okay,” he said quickly, seeing the fear on her face. “I understand you wanting your space.”

  She bit her lip. “I’m doing something I probably shouldn’t.”

  “Wethers—”

  “Can’t know yet,” she said in a rush. “And neither can—” She shook her head. “It’s a lot more complicated than I thought it would be. I’ll tell you everything soon because I trust you. I just need you to do something for me.”

  “Anything.”

  Which was why he now sat alone in a bar watching Kelli Davis. The most Kelli did was dance and flirt, so there wasn’t much to report. He didn’t know why Rebecca wanted him to watch her assistant. Did she suspect her of something? He glanced at his watch. She’d asked for a half hour, and the time was almost up.

  “Looking at your watch won’t make sure someone will come any faster,” the bartender said.

  “I’m not waiting for anyone.”

  The bartender looked unconvinced. “It’s not like you to dress this sharp hanging around here, H.C.”

  “I’m trying something new.”

  “If she doesn’t show, it’s her loss.”

  Harvey grinned. “Thanks.”

  “If you’re really looking, I have a cousin—”

  “I’ll keep her in mind,” he said when his phone buzzed. Harvey glanced at it and saw a text from Rebecca, giving him a location to meet her. He left the bar with his heart racing, although he scolded himself to remain cool. He met her in a shaded enclave by the cove, where no one could see them. She rushed up to him, her face beaming. “H.C., I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “I haven’t really done anything.”

  “You’ve done a lot. Because of you I think I’m getting close to discovering the truth. Look at this.” She held out a bag.

  Harvey looked inside and saw an assortment of items that didn’t make sense. “What is this?”

  “Evidence. I think Kelli is behind the sabotage. I’m not sure why yet, but I’m getting some idea.”

  He looked up sharply. “How did you get these?”

  “I went into her room. That’s why I had you watch her.”

  He snatched the bag from her. “You can’t do that. No one can use these as evidence if they were stolen.”

  “But I thought—”

  “You weren’t thinking.”

  “I found a small carrier that could hold a snake, and a disguise. I found that after the panel collapsed.”

  “We have to put these back and let the authorities find them.”

  “I can’t go back there. Do you know the risk I took?”

  “Then I’ll do it, but don’t do anything more.” He’d find a way to resolve this once he replaced the items, then he’d tell Wethers.

  * * *

  Rebecca had never been much of a morning person and was even less so after the night she’d spent with Aaron. He lay sound asleep beside her, and she was about to snuggle closer when her cell phone rang.

  She silently swore, snatched it off the side table and answered before it woke him. “Just a minute,” she whispered, glancing at Aaron once more before she grabbed her robe and tiptoed into the bathroom, carefully closing the door. “Sorry about that.”

  “How’s my darling?” her grandmother said.

  Rebecca smiled. She loved when her grandmother was mentally lucid enough to talk. Those times seemed to grow shorter. “I’m fine, Gran.”

  “How was your show?”

  “It’s not for another three days, but it’s coming along great,” she said, not wanting to worry her.

  “How is your sister?”

  Rebecca sat on the edge of the tub. “The last time I spoke to her, she sounded fine.”

  “But how did she look?”

  Rebecca paused. “I wouldn’t know that, Gran, I haven’t seen her.”

  “Why not? Isn’t she staying with you?”

  Rebecca sighed, saddened that her grandmother was already confused. She usually got more disoriented toward the evening. “No, she stayed behind to be with you.”

  “But she’s not here.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be back later,” she said in a reassuring tone.

  “Something’s wrong,” Gran said, sounding more urgent. “You should have seen her. You should have seen her.”

  “Gran, is a nurse with you?”

  “She may be in trouble.”

  “Gran, it’s okay. Let me talk to the nurse.”

  But her grandmother wouldn’t listen. “My baby’s in trouble. You must get help.”

  “Oh, wait,” Rebecca said quickly. “Here she is. Rachelle just walked in.”

  Her grandmother paused. “She’s there with you?”

  “Yes, she’s waving at me and making a face because she knew I didn’t expect her.”

  “Let me speak to her.”

  “She really—”

  “I have to hear her voice.”

  Rebecca sighed. “Okay, one minute.” Rebecca took a deep breath, then affected her sister’s voice, which wasn’t hard, since it was identical to hers. “Becca’s told me you’ve been worrying again.”

  “I can’t help myself. Did you tell her about my dream?”

  “Of course,” Rebecca lied, knowing her sister had more of a tolerance to listen to her grandmother’s crazy dreams than she did. “Now we have to go. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Let me say goodbye to Rebecca.”

  “Okay.” Rebecca waited a beat, then answered as herself. “It was great to hear from you.”

  “Let Rachelle help you.”

  “I will. Love you,” she said, then disconnected and called the main desk of the nursing home where her grandmother was being cared for. It was located about twenty minutes from where her sister lived in Delaware. “Hello, I just spoke to my grandmother and she’s in quite a state. Could you have someone go in and check on her?”

  “Yes.”

  “And when my sister gets in, please tell her what happened.”

  “Your sister? Your sister hasn’t been here for almost two weeks. Your uncle has been stopping by, so it’s okay.”

  Rebecca hung up the phone, stunned. She paced the room. Her sister hadn’t told her she’d been traveling when she last spoke to her. Could it be that those sounds of the tropical bird she’d heard in the background hadn’t been from the TV? Could her sister be on the island, as well? Why? What was she up to?

  Rebecca dialed her sister’s number.

  “Hello?” Rachelle answered after the first ring.

  “I just spoke to Gran,” Rebecca said, keeping her tone even.

  “I’m glad. She loves hearing from you.”

  “And she asked me about you. She was worried.”

  Rachelle laughed. “She always worries about us. What’s new?”

  Her sister sounded so sincere, but Rebecca wouldn’t be fooled. Her sister could point to a blue sky and convince you it was green. “She got me worrying, too.”

  Rachelle’s carefree tone shifted. “What do you mean?”

  “Where are you? And don’t lie to me. I know you haven’t visited Gran in nearly two weeks.”

  “I call her every day.”

  “Where are you? Rachelle?”
she asked when her sister fell silent.

  “I’m in St. James.”

  “Why? Why haven’t I seen you? Where are you staying? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because I didn’t want anyone to know. I thought it would be safer that way.”

  “Safer?”

  “I followed you on a hunch.”

  “A hunch?”

  “I felt that something might go wrong. I wanted to look out for you. The last time you visited this island, you came back so distraught—”

  “You could have told me.”

  “And then things started to go wrong, and I started investigating things.”

  “Investigating?”

  “Yes, and there’s something you should know. Come and meet me, but don’t tell anyone.”

  “I can’t come until later this evening. My schedule is packed. Today I have a TV appearance and a radio interview, and I have to visit a local gallery.”

  “All work and no play,” Rachelle said with a forced laugh.

  “Tell me where you are and I’ll—”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not? You’re alone, and I’m not. Besides, it will be difficult for me to get away from Aaron.”

  “Fine. Call me later so we can schedule a way to meet. It’s important,” Rachelle said, then disconnected.

  Chapter 12

  This was the last place he wanted to be, but he’d dine with the Devil if that would keep Rebecca safe. Having to see his ex-girlfriend Tonya again came close. Her career had risen in the ten years since their breakup. She had a voice for radio and a face for TV. Her syndicated TV show was a hit on both the island and abroad. He’d gotten over her, but the humiliation of his pathetic plea being broadcast live still lingered. He watched her getting her makeup touched up—not that she needed much; she was a natural beauty. She looked every bit like the smart, ambitious girl who’d escaped a broken home and become one of the most successful women on St. James. She had skin the color of rum, and light brown hair with blond highlights. She looked as sweet as treacle swimming in honey, but he knew better.

  “Well, this is a surprise,” Tonya said to his reflection in the mirror. She waved her makeup artist aside and swung her chair around to face him. “I never thought I’d ever see you here.”