by Desiree Holt
Damn!
What was the matter with her, anyway? Stefan Maes, one of the most evil men in the world wanted to punish her for what he saw as betrayal. And his idea of punishment was enough to give her nightmares. She had no idea how long she’d have to stay in hiding, how long it would take for Brian Gould to neutralize the threat or even how he was going to do it. The key to her safety was keeping a low profile at this place they were going to. That needed to be her focus.
“Princessa Key is right below us, guys,” the pilot announced through the headphones they wore, his words jarring Marissa out of her thoughts.
“Right there.” Justin touched her elbow and pointed.
Marissa looked harder, trying to take in the details. Most of the small island was shielded from view by the thick leaves of the palm and palmetto trees and the exotic bushes that grew almost as tall as small trees themselves.
Somewhere in the center of all that was Rosewood, the ultra-exclusive resort where she and Justin would be staying until it was safe for her to come home. She supposed if it didn’t happen quickly, they could create another identity for her. Lord, she had never thought of this when she’d gone willingly into the CIA.
The helicopter made a sudden slight bank to the left, and in a moment, the resort itself came into view. The main building rose two stories, with large wings extending on either side. The walls facing the sea were all windows. To the left of the central core, scattered along paths among the trees, were individual cottages available for those who wanted more privacy than the primary facility afforded.
A carpet of green lawn stretched out, sprinkled with patio tables and chairs and a large curve of white sand at the water’s edge. Canoes and pedal boats filled the water, and a couple sailboats tacked into the breeze. Colorful lounges and umbrellas dotted the beach, and some of the guests stood at the edge of the water. No one seemed to be paying much attention to the chopper, though it was one of only two methods of transportation to the island, the other being the large white motor launch just past the beach.
The helo banked again and Justin nudged her arm.
“We’re getting ready to land. You all set?”
She nodded and gave him a smile. “I’m used to playing a part.”
The chopper hovered then lowered smoothly to the wide helipad at the rear of the resort. Marissa took in a second helicopter off to the left on the apron of a small hangar. A low metal building sat at right angles to the hangar, with two extended golf carts parked next to it. When they finally settled on the macadam, Justin pushed open the cabin door and jumped down, then reached a hand up to help her out. Behind him, next to a third golf cart, stood a man in khaki pants and a white shirt with the Rosewood logo on it.
“Mr. and Mrs. Kelly. Welcome to Princessa Key and Rosewood.” He gave them a warm smile and held out his hand. “I am Albert.”
The Kellys. Yes. That was them. Her name would not appear anywhere, and no one could make the connection between her and Justin except Vigilance and the Morgansterns. She allowed herself to draw a breath.
She and Justin both shook hands with him. The pilot offloaded their luggage, and Justin had a few final words with him while Albert dealt with their bags. Then they settled in the cart, and were off down a path of crushed seashells toward the main building. On both sides of the path were the trees she had seen from the helo, leaves and fronds waving gently in the soft breeze. The air was rich with the scent of bougainvillea, hibiscus, oleander, and plumbago, and the different hues of the flowers blazed in the sunlight.
When they reached the center of the complex, Albert stopped for a moment.
“Most of the amenities are there,” he told them, “except for the spa, which is in a separate small structure. Our guests expect every luxury, so we make sure it is all available. You have only to make your needs known.”
“I see only golf carts in the parking area,” Marissa commented. “No cars or SUVs?”
Albert chuckled. “Where would they drive them, madam? The island is small and can only be accessed by air or water. We have some small trucks to haul equipment, but they are over by maintenance.”
“Of course.” She wanted to smack her forehead, she felt like such an idiot.
Albert accelerated again, made a right-hand turn and drove them down another path, through the towering trees, past cottages barely visible from the cart. Finally, he made one more turn and pulled up to the entrance of a villa with the sign Orchid House over the front door.
Albert hopped off the cart. “I have your keys right here. Mr. Morganstern took care of it all after speaking to your employer. As requested your names will not appear in the computer. Everything else you will need is already inside the cottage. Come.”
He jogged up the two wide steps, pulled a key card from his pocket, and slid it into the reader. Then he opened the door wide. “Welcome to Orchid House.”
Marissa just stood there and stared. “Wow!”
“Nothing but the best for my bride.” Justin gave her a casual hug and a peck on the cheek.
“The best on the island,” Albert agreed. “The Morgansterns are delighted to accommodate you. We have been instructed to respect your privacy and putting you here at the end of the conclave is one way to do it.” He winked.
Marissa look at Justin, who shrugged.
“I guess we’re the royal couple.” She turned back to Albert. “Please tell Mr. and Mrs. Morganstern we are very grateful for their hospitality.”
“You will have a chance to tell them yourself. They have invited you to have dinner with them tonight in their suite. Now. Let me get your things inside.”
Albert refused Justin’s help, juggling the bags with an expertise borne of long practice. Following behind him, they stepped into a wide foyer with a high, sweeping ceiling. Slate steps led down into the large living room, and beyond that a wall of glass doors opened on to the pool area.
Albert turned to the left, into the bedroom that appeared almost as big as the living room.
One bedroom.
Marissa glanced across the living room for the door to another room, but all she saw was unbroken wall. Well, wasn’t that interesting? Apparently, they had a decision to make regarding the sleeping arrangements. Should she bring it up now? Wait for Justin to say something? Just announce she was taking the bed? Too bad they didn’t write etiquette books for these situations.
“Jesus!” Justin breathed the word as he stood in the doorway to the only bedroom.
Marissa peeked around him to see what had caught his attention, then slipped around him into the room. Jesus, indeed! A magnificent four-poster dominated the bedroom, its wood gleaming. She ran her hands over it then stroked the finish of the huge carved dresser. The satiny finish of the wood felt warm and smooth beneath her touch.
“Rosewood,” she whispered to Justin.
“Of course,” he whispered back, and grinned.
The wall facing outside was again all glass sliding doors, and right now the afternoon sun cast its rays inside, bathing everything in a warm glow.
For a moment she forgot Albert was still in the villa with them, until she heard his voice in the doorway.
“There is a full kitchen off the living room,” Albert told them after setting their luggage down. “Although hardly anyone ever cooks. Let me show you a couple of additional things.”
They followed him into the living room where he pressed a switch next to a painting on the wall. The wall slid open to reveal a fully stocked bar.
“If you prefer something not there, you have only to press One on the house phone and tell them what you’d like. The kitchen also delivers full meals. Press Two if you would like a cart to fetch you up to the main building. The portfolio on the counter will give you any information you need about the resort itself. It also includes a map, which a lot of guests find helpful.”
He
closed the sliding wall. “One more thing, if you will please follow me?”
He opened the glass doors and led them through the pool area into the yard bordering it. Then he pointed to a narrow path between two very large bougainvillea.
“This will take you down to a private section of beach. You of course are free to enjoy the resort beach but many of our guests prefer privacy.”
“I’ll bet they do,” Justin murmured. The look he slid at Marissa sent a flash of heat over her body.
“Excuse me?” Albert looked at him. “Did you need something?”
“No, we’re fine. Thanks. And thank you for all your kindnesses.” He reached into his pocket and slid some folded bills into Albert’s hand with an almost-invisible motion.
“Thank you so much.” Albert handed two key cards to Justin. “And the Morgansterns dinner invitation for this evening? Does seven thirty work for you?”
“Of course.” Marissa wanted to say anything worked for them, but she was still dazzled by everything. “And please thank them for us very much.”
She waited until Albert had left and the door was closed before allowing herself to give in to a tiny flush of pleasure and spin in a circle, arms wide.
“Ohmigod, Justin. Just look at this place. I mean, look at it. Is it so wrong to be excited about this when the reason we’re here has nothing to do with fun and pleasure?”
Justin laughed. “You mean to tell me on your European sojourn you never saw places like this?”
“I saw opulent homes but none that I took any pleasure in. Not like this.” She stood at the glass doors facing the pool. “God! If I have to hide away, can you imagine a better place?”
“No. I can’t.”
She sobered and turned back into the room. “For a moment—a very brief moment—I forgot about Stefan Maes and the target he has painted on my back.”
“A target I’m going to keep covered up,” he assured her, coming up to stand behind her. “Trust me on that.”
“I have to believe he can’t get to me here.” She searched his face. “Right?”
“That’s the plan. And by the way, no, it’s not wrong to appreciate our surroundings. Better than a sand hut with no air conditioning. Besides, it’s nice to see you smile.”
They were standing so close together she could feel the light fan of his breath on her face. They stood that way for what seemed an endless moment, his gaze locked with hers, his eyes filled with a mixture of hunger and heat. This is it, she thought. If she hadn’t misread things, he’d reach for her, testing the waters. Otherwise he’d take a step back and she’d deal with her embarrassment. When he pulled her closer, so their bodies were touching, she went willingly, holding her breath, mesmerized, waiting. He threaded his long fingers in her hair and cupped her head, holding it in place, and in the next moment his mouth descended on hers.
His lips were soft against hers, and warm, a mere touching of skin, until the tip of his tongue came out and traced the line of the seam. Fire streaked through her as if he’d put a torch to her body. Even as she gripped his upper arms to hold herself steady, the pulse between her legs throbbed with an insistent beat and moisture drenched her panties.
She opened wider to accept his tongue that swept inside and licked every inch of her mouth. Everything except the feel and touch of this man disappeared from her mind. She closed her eyes and let the sensations grab her, felt the hard wall of his chest against her breasts, and the thick ridge of his cock against her sex.
She had never responded to another man this way, had wondered often if she just chose badly or there was something wrong with her. For the past five years she hadn’t had to worry about it. That part of her life had been shut down out of necessity, only now Justin had found the right switch, just as she’d known he could.
It seemed forever until they ran out of breath and he lifted his head. She stared at him through fogged vision, finally taking a deep breath. He studied her face as if trying to read her thoughts.
“Marissa.” His voice was low, thrumming through her body. “Two things before this goes any further.”
She held her breath, waiting for him to go on, encouraged by the fact his arms were still around her, pressing her to his body.
“I have one assignment here and that’s to protect you. I promise you whatever happens between us is not going to interfere with my ability to do that. Nothing will distract me from keeping you safe.” One corner of his mouth kicked up in a smile. “I’m that good.”
She caught the intense look in his eyes and smiled back at him. “I believe you. I do. I feel safe with you.”
And that was no lie. She knew he was one of the top agents at Vigilance.
He slid his hands up to cradle her face. “I’ve been trying to convince myself since the first time we met that you were off limits. Too bad neither my mind nor my body seem to be listening. Tell me you’ve been feeling the same pull I have all these weeks.”
“Yes.” She whispered the word, although she really wanted to shout it. She was scared and exhilarated at the same time.
“Things don’t always happen on a convenient timeline,” he told her. “I’ve always made it a rule to never mix business with pleasure. The problem with you, from the beginning, is it’s a lot more than just pleasure. Or could be. I’ve never wanted to grab on to something as much as I do this thing, whatever it is, that’s happening between us. Do you want this as much as I do?”
She nodded. She wanted this. Oh, yes, she absolutely did.
“Say it.” His mouth hovered just over hers.
“I want this.” She whispered the words. “But I have to be honest with you, before…things happen.” She took a deep breath. “I mean, between us. I, um, have to let you know I’ve never responded well to men. Physically.” She gave a tiny laugh. “And no, I don’t swing the other way. I just think there’s something wrong with me.”
“I don’t agree. Not after that kiss.” He was still cradling her face. “We have an unexpected gift here, an opportunity to see where this goes and if it means something. I want to take that chance.” When she didn’t answer he cupped her chin. “Marissa?”
She let out a slow breath. “Yes. I want to see where this goes, too.”
“Good, because this is more than casual for me.” His smile reached into every one of her dark corners. “Now. I say let’s get unpacked and do a little exploring. And later…” He let his voice trail off.
“Yes.” She let out a slow breath and nodded her head. “Later.”
“Good. Come on. I want to know about every nook and cranny of this entire place. Avery would not have sent us here if she expected trouble, but I always do, and I like being prepared.” He brushed his lips against hers in a soft caress. “We need to check this place out.”
“Albert said there’s a map in the packet on the kitchen counter,” she reminded him.
“See?” He ran the tip of one finger along her cheek before stepping away. “That’s why you get the big bucks.”
She snorted. “Yeah, right.”
“Let’s put our stuff away, and then go exploring.”
They unpacked efficiently, trying not to be too obvious about ignoring the big bed that dominated the bedroom. Instead she focused on putting away the contents of the suitcases. She had no idea where Avery had gotten this wardrobe, but every piece was more gorgeous than the last, and every one in the correct size. Including some very naughty lingerie.
Had Avery been expecting this? Was she doing a little matchmaking?
“Got it.” Justin walked back into the bedroom unfolding an overlarge sheet of paper. “I thought we’d take a little walking tour, so I can get the layout fixed in my mind.”
Marissa looked at him and frowned. “You don’t think we’re in any danger here, do you? We’re really off the grid and Avery wouldn’t have sent us if there was the l
east chance—”
“I don’t expect trouble, but I’ve learned if I don’t prepare for it, it’s sure to show up. In the SEALs, we learned never to take anything for granted and always have an escape plan. Same when I joined Vigilance.” He winked. “Can’t lose my precious cargo.”
She sighed but then nodded. “Yes, you’re right. Let me just get a couple of things from my purse and I’m ready.”
She shoved a lipstick and small comb in the pocket of her slacks, pulled her hair into a ponytail, and she was ready. For a brief moment, she thought about taking her gun but decided she wouldn’t need it.
“All set,” she told Justin. “Let’s see what the rest of this place is like.”
As they followed the path toward the center of the resort, Marissa caught glimpses through the trees and thick brushes of more cottages nestled away for privacy. Avery had explained to her that only the world’s richest and most elite came here to vacation, with others of their wealth and social standing. Sometimes they came here for business meetings that needed to be out of the public eye and privacy was crucial.
“I can’t imagine having so much money that paying to stay at a place like this is nothing.” Marissa shook her head. “I just find it so hard to believe.”
“Yeah?” Justin turned his head to look at her. “I thought you rubbed elbows with people like that in London.”
“I did,” she agreed. “And that boggled my mind, too. You know, it’s funny. When I dealt with accounts it was all just so much paperwork to me. Not real. It’s the conspicuous consumption that makes me shake my head.”
“Think you can handle this for a week or two?” he joked.
She laughed. “I’ll force myself. And it’s not that I’m complaining, but I hope that’s all it takes to find Maes.”
“However long it takes, you’ll be safe with me.”
As if it was the most natural thing in the world, he reached for her hand and threaded his fingers through hers as they continued their walk. A tang of salt drifted in on the breeze from the water.
