by Dakota Black
Where was Snake? Huffing, she threw back the sheets and moved to a sitting position. She fought the moan threatening to slip from her lips. The two spankings had been… What exactly had happened between them? She rubbed her eyes and remembered their conversations. Then she remembered the envelope.
The way he’d taken her the night before had been unexpected. She’d thought he would have been brutal instead of almost loving. She’d caught a single glimpse of his back, the incredible tattoo that covered almost the entire area. The colorful design, a snake with intense eyes, was meant to cover up the significant scar tissue. His skin was mottled yet beautiful, the markings only giving him more of a sensual aura, but he’d refused to allow her to explore.
His welts were old. Hers were new. They were both no doubt given for much the same reason.
Grabbing a robe, she moved out onto the balcony, searching up and down the shoreline. There was no one visible but she did notice the dock, a beautiful boat moored exactly where she’d hoped. Clapping her hands, she couldn’t help but smile.
She heard nothing coming from the house and as she walked into the kitchen, there was no sign he’d been up or around. The living room was the same as well as the other rooms. His bedroom door was cracked.
Tap. Tap.
There was no offer for her to come inside. Using a single finger, she pushed open the door. His bed had been slept in, but only on the top of the comforter. Everything else was neat and tidy, his suitcase completely stored out of sight.
She checked the garage and when the jeep was parked in the same spot as it had been the night before, she grew panicky. Dashing out onto the back deck, she leaned over the railing, squinting in order to try and see anything in the glistening sun. “Where in the hell are you?”
Then she saw him, coming back from the boat. She studied his actions, the way he stopped every few feet and scanned the horizon as well as the entire shoreline. He was looking for something or someone. When he tipped his head, she shrunk back. Why? Was her gut instinct telling her that this man was dangerous?
A slight hint of fear trickled down her spine when he kept his face turned in her direction. He’d stopped walking, simply staring at her. Even from where she stood, she could tell he was pensive, even stressed. Maybe last night had been a terrible mistake.
Snake took long strides toward the deck, stopping by the edge of the pool.
She dropped her elbows on the railing and plastered a grin on her face. “Hi ya. I thought I’d lost you.”
He didn’t look up at her for a few seconds. When he did, he had a stern look on his face, his chocolate brown eyes laced with coldness. “I didn’t want to wake you. Noticed the boat. Not bad.”
They were going diving, nothing more this morning. Business as usual. “I wasn’t sure it was here. We can take a ride this morning.” Why was he just staring at her? Uncomfortable as hell, she pulled the edges of the robe closer together. “I’ll make some coffee.”
“All right. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
While she hadn’t expected lovey dovey, the coldness, the way his eyes bore into hers pissed her off. Perhaps she was nothing but his submissive, although he hadn’t given her any order, any basic rules to follow. She mumbled as she dragged out the coffee maker and coffee, hunting and tossing things as she tried to find filters. “Damn it!” She bent over, looking in one of the cabinets. Sensing a presence behind her, she froze just as hands tugged at her shoulders, pulling her into a standing position.
“You have no idea how to greet your Master?” The husky vibe was laced with innuendoes.
Shuddering, she leaned against his chest as he slid his hand inside her robe, cupping her breasts, fingering her nipples. “I thought you’d forgotten.”
“Nonsense.” Pinching her hardened buds between his fingers, he bit down on her neck.
“Mmm… What would my Master like this morning?” Just saying the words seemed so right, but she sensed he remained tense.
“I need to go into town.”
“Now?”
“Just some basic supplies.”
“We should make a list,” she offered, knowing damn good and well his list had nothing to do with household items.
Sighing, he removed his hands, stepping away from her completely. “Nothing for you to worry about. Items for the boat.”
“Okay. I thought I asked for everything.” She adjusted the robe before turning to face him.
“You did. Just some things that will help with the dives.”
She knew better than to challenge him. “I’d like to get out this morning. Maybe a later dive, depending on where we go.”
“I won’t be long.”
He left the kitchen without saying anything else.
Katherine shook her head, remaining where she was. When she heard him driving off, she jerked the coffee pot, filling it with water and cursing under her breath. She was in no mood to play games.
After starting the coffee, she headed for her bedroom to shower and change, but the lure of his open door, the possibility of finding the envelope was far too much of a draw. She hesitated before crossing the threshold. Just being inside his room gave her shivers. Walking the entire bedroom yielded nothing, the bathroom neat and tidy. The only sign he’d even been in the room was the damp towel.
She was far too curious. The dresser drawers held nothing, the nightstand the same. Throwing open the closet doors, the two duffle style bags were in the corner. Nothing had been hung, no shoes placed on the floor. He could leave at a moment’s notice. She lifted the smaller bag, pulling it out onto the bed. Swallowing, she stared at it for what had to be five full minutes before finding the courage to unzip it.
The small case held little other than toiletries and underwear, with the exception of his passport. The black leather case was weathered, as if he’d used it for a significant period of time. She darted another look over her shoulder before opening. His picture was older, but he looked much the same, only with longer hair, perhaps a happier smile. Everything appeared to be in order. His name. His social security number. He’d been to several locations, but all traveling had ceased almost eight years before. “Huh.”
She placed everything back the way she remembered and dragged the larger bag onto the floor, struggling to toss it on the bed. While the side flap held a small lock, firmly secured into place, the main zipper opened easily enough. Inside were his clothes and nothing more. There were no hidden mysteries, other than the side compartment, but as she felt the side, there was no indication anything was inside.
Hissing, she made certain everything appeared the same before walking out of his room. There would be no answers gleaned today. The moment she headed into the bedroom, she had a thought and while she hated the concept of favors, any additional information would be helpful. So, she made the call.
It was answered on the third ring and she had no doubt she’d hate herself later for tempting the Gods.
“How’s the trip? The Cayman’s treating you well? A suntan yet?”
“Very funny.” She heard the clipped sound of his voice as if making fun of her. “I need your help.”
“Well, what a day if the formidable Katherine Wallace needs my help. Especially now.”
“Stop! Just fucking stop. Okay?” Fuming, she almost ended the call. She stormed into the kitchen, yanking a cup from the cabinet. Finding half and half, she poured a cup of coffee, sloshing the cream all over the counter. “I ask for nothing you know. This has nothing to do with what you think is owed.” She took a gulp, scalding her tongue.
His laughter was cut short and he sighed. “Okay, fine. You sound terrified. What do you need?”
“I’m not terrified, just cautious. I need you to find out everything you can on Snake Driscoll and I mean everything. I’ve found out all I could, but I know there’s more. There has to be.” Perhaps he could dig through the past, find out what the man was hiding. Maybe her imagination was getting the better of her. Pacing the floor, s
he blew on the coffee, taking small sips, her mind reeling with possibilities. Maybe he was a plant from Rush. Maybe Snake actually worked for a member of the Republican Party. Fuck. There were too many maybes.
“You don’t trust him. I knew he was more than just an environmental engineer.”
Dear God, the man knew too much. Katherine rubbed her eyes and glared out the kitchen window. She hadn’t noticed the view of the dilapidated street. One good rain and the entire thing would be lost, pitched into the sea. “This isn’t about trust. Not really, but I need to know from your point of view if Rush Enterprises has something on the man or if he is just the latest hired hand. Can you do that for me?”
He laughed again. “You mean, will I?”
She held back her nasty retort, gripping the cup with enough force she could have sworn she would have crushed the damn thing.
“Yes, Katherine. I have no problem making certain you’ve not being made a fool of. Can I call you?”
“No. The reception is only good at the villa and I don’t want Snake around if you call. I’ll give you a call in two days. That should give you enough time.”
“That will be plenty. You forget who you’re dealing with.”
“No, that’s something I’ll never do. Thanks for your help,” she managed. After taking another sip, she’d had enough and slid the cup across the counter.
“Katherine. Just don’t forget you owe me.”
As she ended the call, holding the phone to her head, she groaned. She half tossed the phone on the counter before stalking back into the bedroom. “Take a number, buddy.”
She took a quick shower, tossing half of her clothes onto the bed before finding a suitable set of shorts to go over her bathing suit. She grabbed a pony tail holder and as she walked out on the deck, she grabbed her hair, yanking it through the small circle.
Stopping short, she craned her neck to understand what she was seeing. The only way to get to the villa was across the road. Wait. Had Snake come back? If he’d really purchased things for the boat, he’d go there first.
She moved down the hall toward the living room, the deck outside giving a better view. She raced outside and down the steps. The person was simply standing, staring at the boat. Same type of clothes. Same look. She was about to call out when her gut told her to find out what was going on. Jogging toward the bank of trees, she managed to make it to the tree line before the person turned around. Only she couldn’t see any more of his face. The angle was off.
Crack!
Stepping on a twig, she held her breath and slunk further into the trees. She could tell he’d turned toward the sound. What the hell was she doing? Peeking out, she allowed her breath to escape. There was no backlash, no monster running toward her.
She waited a few seconds before moving down the back of the trees, the foliage getting thicker, denser. When she reached a clearing, she slipped to the side and had a much better vantage point. Except, the man was gone. She thought about the path, what little she’d seen. Was it possible that Snake had simply gone up through a secondary path to the road, doubling back?
The villa was viewable through the line of trees. She took off running toward the house, her feet pelting against the sand, her heart racing as she flew up the stairs. The door was open, just as she’d left it and she bolted inside. “Snake?” There was no sign of him.
She studied the living room, listening for any sounds. She could hear nothing but the sound of the ocean. A sickening feeling remained in the pit of her stomach. Her gut told her that something was off kilter. She rushed to the garage door, huffing before flinging open the door. The jeep was still gone.
As her sixth sense kicked in and she turned toward the counter, a cold shiver raced down her spine.
Someone had been inside the house.
Chapter 7
The ride was bumpy, the humidity high and by the time Snake drove into town, he was on edge. Lying to Katherine wasn’t in his best interest, but given the photographs and the discussion with Pepe, he knew he had no other choice. He managed to find a secluded spot and parked the jeep. After exiting, he studied the area, watching the locals as they came and went. He had no reason to believe he’d been followed or that they’d be in town but being cautious was necessary.
He’d brought enough cash to get him what he needed, no questions asked. As long as there were no complications, he’d be back at the villa before Katherine believed she should ask questions. What little he knew about the boat would allow him to pick up a few things. He’d scoured the deck and the area below, including the engine, looking for any signs of tampering. He could see nothing that seemed amiss.
He shoved his hands into his pockets and headed for the Island Café. There were only a few customers inside and no one paid any attention as he sat down, grabbing one of the small menus. The table he’d selected had a direct view of both sides of the street. At this point, he was secure. Whether or not the owner was behind the counter, he’d soon find out. As the older man approached, his eyes darting down Snake’s body, no doubt looking for weapons.
“Coffee?” the man asked.
“Are you Julio?”
“Yeah. Do I know you?”
“No, but I was told you were the man to see.” Sliding a piece of paper across the table, he waited to see what the man’s reaction would be.
Unfolding the note, the older man eyed the writing, looked at Snake again then eased the paper back across the stained wood. “I think you’ve made a mistake.”
“Have I? I was given the recommendation by Jerry.”
Julio lifted his eyebrows, hesitating before giving a single nod. “I don’t get much traffic here, but Jerry is a good friend. If he sent you, I guess you’re okay. Come with me. Don’t talk. Don’t say a word.”
“Understood.” Snake grabbed the request, shoving the paper into his back pocket before following Julio through a long back hall and down a set of stairs into a basement. The area was damp, reeking of moisture and mold.
Giving him another hard glare, Julio pulled out a set of keys. “Ten thousand American cash.”
“I came prepared.”
“Good. I like doing business with smart Americans.” Unlocking a door, he pushed it open.
The musty smell was replaced with something else, the scent of gunpowder and metal. Snake exhaled as he was led inside, the single swinging bulb turned on. The room was set up like a store room, only the contents had nothing to do with food or wine. Boxes of guns, various types of ammunition aligned the walls.
“Smith and Wesson 9mm, good choice. Don’t get a lot of requests for those from tourists.” Julio pulled out a handgun from a locker, handing the pistol to Snake.
“Not a tourist.”
“And you know your guns.”
Snake moved the gun back and forth into the light, checking the chamber and the weight. Holding it in both hands, he liked the feel, remembering one he’d owned many years before. “I know what I need for what I’m shooting. Ammunition?”
“How many boxes?”
“Four.”
Julio raised his eyebrows, a slight curl on his face. “All right. I can even throw in a fifth if you want.” He reached into the cabinet, stacking the boxes.
“Four will do.” As he was handed the rounds, he was able to fit them in his jacket, along with the gun. He pulled the envelope from his back pocket, pulling out the cash. “And not a soul finds out about this or I will know, and I will come back. Are we clear?”
The look on his face changed, shifting into a slight hint of fear. “I got it. I don’t know shit in this town any longer anyway. Just keep this between us. I don’t need any shit.”
Nodding, he turned to walk out of the room.
“You the man they talk about?”
Tipping his head over his shoulder, Snake tried to remember if he’d ever seen Julio before. Too many years had gone by, too many faces. “I’m nobody. Just a dead man.”
“I hear you. Good luck.”
> “Yeah.” He climbed the stairs two at a time and headed down the street. Yanking out his phone, he debated the call, one that would cause alarm. Logan had no idea what he’d been involved in, had never learned of his secret life. But to place his and Tyler’s life into harm’s way he refused to do. Dialing the number, he held his breath.
“I thought you’d be basking on a beach somewhere,” Logan said then laughed.
Snake breathed out and glanced up and down the street before answering. “Not that kind of trip. I need you to do something for me.”
“Sure. Okay. Are you all right?”
“Fine. Listen carefully and don’t ask any questions. I’ll explain later. Take Tyler on a trip.”
“Excuse me? Why? There is an entire ranch here to tend to.”
“Just do it!” Snake fisted his hand, anger swelling from deep within. “The crew can take care of the ranch. Tell them you have to get away for a few days, but don’t tell anyone, and I do mean anyone, where you’re going. Don’t leave me a message with an address. Nothing. Got it?”
Logan exhaled, the sound exaggerated. “What the hell is going on, Snake? Did something happen?”
“Nothing…” He tried to control his tone of voice. “There’s nothing wrong. Just precautionary. I can’t say anymore right now. Trust me and for once, do as I say.”
“I don’t like this.”
Yeah, well neither did he. “You’re due for some time away. Take Tyler somewhere fun. I’ll pay the expenses.”
“Fine. But you damn well better tell me what’s going on.”
“I will when I can. Just trust me.” With your life. The words and the thought were haunting. He patted the gun, his thoughts drifting, and he had the distinct impression he was being watched.
Logan hesitated. “All right. Call me when you can. I’ll leave tomorrow.”
