“Get your dirty hands off my sister,” a young male said.
“Luca.” Asia tensed as if she expected her brother to attack again. Her voice was scarcely louder than a whisper.
“If I were Asia, I’d want his hands all over me,” the sister said.
Roman froze. He didn’t like the avid sensuality in her light gray eyes—unusual in an orca. They seemed to pierce straight through him, bringing discomfort and edginess. Damn, he wished he had some clothes.
“Rosa,” the last of the trio said, her voice carrying authority. Lydia Bolino. He knew her by reputation but hadn’t met her before.
After dampening her daughter’s enthusiasm, her attention turned to him and Asia. She frowned when her gaze slid over him. Roman stared back, waiting for her to fire the first salvo. But he was determined. No matter what she thought or whatever objections she had, he was not leaving Asia, not unless that was what Asia wanted.
He needed to head back to Auckland Island to sort out the mess he’d left there. Asia could go with him or she could stay here until he finished, but he had every intention of keeping her indefinitely. They were good together. She made him happy, and he sure as hell hadn’t felt that emotion for a long time.
“I hope the two of you have thought this out,” she said, surprising Roman with her first words. “Your tribe won’t be any happier than us when they find out about the two of you. Do you want to start a war?”
Roman stood and helped Asia to her feet. “We’re going to the house to dress and clean up Asia’s forehead.”
“Fine. We’ll be back in an hour to discuss this debacle,” Asia’s mother said crisply. She turned and strode into the sea without looking back or checking to see that Asia’s siblings followed.
“You’ll be sorry you touched my sister,” Luca snarled before he stalked after his mother.
“I’m not surprised my sister succumbed to you, big boy.” A naughty smile shaped Rosa’s lips when she glanced down his naked body. Her gaze drifted back up to his face. “Nice…chest.”
“And it’s all mine,” Asia snapped. “Go find your own stud.”
Rosa’s dark brows rose. “Well,” she said with a slight smirk. She cast another lingering look at Roman before turning and sauntering after her brother and mother. The wench gave an impudent shake of her butt before shifting and diving into the water.
“We’d better attend to that wound,” Roman murmured, amused by her sister despite himself.
“Rosa is a flirt,” Asia muttered, scowling after her sister. “Pay no attention.”
Roman suppressed a grin, instinctively knowing this was not the time to laugh. “I’m not interested in Rosa. Her older sister, now that’s another matter.”
He pressed his lips to hers and nibbled at her lips. His body reacted immediately, and he chuckled. “See.” He gestured at his groin and laughed again. “If we don’t hurry, your family will arrive.” Roman slid his arm around Asia’s waist and directed her toward the house. “I’d prefer to meet them with clothes on next time.”
“Your memory. It’s returned! You didn’t seem surprised about anything.”
Asia halted without warning and turned to him with clear apprehension written across her pale face. “You’ve remembered everything?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. Those phone calls you’ve been getting probably relate to a few problems I’ve been having on the island. The attack on me and the one today too.”
A frown appeared on her forehead. “You know who attacked you?”
Roman tugged on her hand, urging her to continue walking. He wanted to soothe her fears and make love to her all night long until dawn. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen with their families trying to come between them. They walked up the front path, edged with rustling, native grasses, and Roman pushed open the front door to let her inside. “I have my suspicions. I don’t suppose we can drive back to the city so I can collect my gear from the hotel. I have a satellite phone there.”
“You can borrow my car if you want. I’m going to bed. I have a headache.”
Roman didn’t like the dejected set of her shoulders when she turned and headed for the bedroom. He hunted through the bathroom cabinet for first-aid supplies. After pulling out disinfectant, cotton wool and an antiseptic cream along with some headache tablets, he walked through to the bedroom to check on Asia. She lay across the bed, her dark hair fanned across the pillow. Her eyes were closed and a tiny whistle emerged from between slightly parted lips. Roman hesitated, wondering whether it was safe to leave her sleeping or if he should wake her. She’d certainly seemed lucid enough after she’d come to. While he hesitated, a sharp rap sounded on the front door. Roman grabbed a pair of shorts and pulled them on before going to answer. A damn short hour, he thought with a trace of irritation.
He wrenched open the door and stood aside for Asia’s family to enter. They arrived en masse and the open-plan kitchen-dining room was full by the time they’d all entered. Roman bit back a snarl when one of the shifters shoved him out of the way.
“Where’s Asia?” her mother demanded.
“She’s asleep in the bedroom.”
“Kill the bastard,” Asia’s brother snapped. “He’s sleeping with her. I could smell him all over her.”
Roman shrugged, unconcerned by the younger male’s bluster. “Asia might get a little upset if you hurt me. She loves me.”
Luca sneered, pushing his face close in a threatening manner. “Bah! Feminine crap. She’ll get over it.”
“That will be enough from you, Luca,” Asia’s mother said in a hard voice. It was obvious to Roman she ruled the family. Her word was final and they deferred to her in all things. “Healer, please go and check on my daughter. Take Rosa with you.”
“Aw, Mother. Can’t I stay here?” Here was right beside Roman, standing way too close for his comfort. Her breasts rubbed against his arm in an annoying manner.
The sisters were alike in appearance, but Rosa didn’t stir his lust in the slightest. Asia, on the other hand, could offer him a tentative smile and turn him inside out.
Lydia Bolino cleared her throat to grab his attention. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Anderson? Your tribe is on the verge of civil war. You should be on Auckland Island putting a stop to all the petty bickering.”
“The workings of my tribe are nothing to do with you,” Roman said icily. He could pull the leader persona out when he had to. “Neither is my relationship with Asia.”
“Asia is my daughter.”
“A mature adult,” Roman countered, knowing he wasn’t wise to rile the Bolino family when he was the sole Anderson present. Yet he was good at reading other shifters, and although he sensed anger, it was controlled. “An adult ready for marriage.”
“Marriage.” The word repeated a dozen times until it sounded like an echo bouncing around the interior of the house.
“Asia and I intend to cement our relationship with human legalities.”
“And what does Asia say about that?” Luca said. “We only have your word for it.” He lurched at Roman and swung his fist in a wild punch. Roman felt the breeze when the young male’s fist skated past his cheekbone.
“Leave him alone,” Asia cried from the bedroom doorway. She looked pale yet beautiful in a royal blue-colored robe. She wobbled, and Roman caught her arm to steady her.
“It’s all right,” he murmured. “Everything will be fine. Go back to bed and try to sleep. No one will hurt me.” Roman guided her into the bedroom, slid her robe off and tucked her between the cool sheets. The healer stood at the foot of the bed, a scowl on his face with Rosa at his side, wearing a mischievous grin. With a reassuring smile at Asia, he left to face her family again.
“I want to talk to Asia.” Asia’s mother walked past Roman into the bedroom and closed the wooden door with a sharp snap. She was back minutes later with the healer and Rosa and made a sharp gesture with her hand. The family members filed from the house with low muttering. “
Don’t think you’ve won this battle, Anderson,” she snarled. “You might have won this round, but my daughter will come to her senses.” She stomped to the doorway then turned to glare at him, a tall, imposing woman with glossy black hair and a distinctive white lock at her temple. “You will marry Asia over my dead body.”
* * * * *
When Asia woke the next morning, the house was still and quiet. No arguments. That could be a good thing or it could mean there were dead bodies littering her lounge. Had Roman left? The thought brought a frown and niggling uncertainty. If he’d left because of her family, he wasn’t worth the stress. She’d get over it. One day soon.
Asia forced away thoughts of Roman and things she couldn’t control. A gingerly stretch caused a wince of protest from sore muscles. Either her brother or sister had landed some good blows. Her ribs ached something fierce. When she glanced down at her arm, she noticed the deep purple bruise. She grimaced. No wonder she was feeling sore. Asia grabbed her robe, padded down the passage and peeked through the doorway into the lounge. No blood or bodies. After checking the rest of the house, she discovered it was empty. A folded blanket draped across the couch in the lounge told her Roman had spent the night there. At least she hoped it was Roman and not one of her family members. She headed to the bathroom and flicked on the water.
Hopefully, the warm water would take some of the stiffness from her body.
Twenty minutes later, she walked into the kitchen and plugged in the kettle. The sound of the front door opening and closing made her whirl around. Her heart jumped like a racehorse leaping from a starting gate. Her hand slid across the kitchen counter to curl around the handle of a carving knife. “Who’s there?”
“Asia? What are you doing out of bed so early?” Roman strode into the kitchen, bringing the tang of the sea and outdoors. His dark gaze traveled lazily up and down her body. There was a sexual intensity to his gaze but concern as well. “You feeling okay?”
“A bit sore. I’ll live. I thought you’d left.” Asia quashed her sudden nerves and forced a smile as she released the carving knife. She pulled two mugs from the cupboard. “Is Mother right about a possible war?”
“There was unrest when I left, and according to rumors your mother has heard, things have become worse. I need to finish the business discussions I came to Auckland for before I return to the island.” Roman sauntered up to her to brush a kiss across her lips.
Asia shuddered at the intense, searing emotion that shot through her at his touch. The phone rang and fear ratcheted up the tension inside her. More weird calls?
“I’ll get it.” Roman plucked up the phone. “Yeah? Who is this?” The phone crashed back down. “Heavy breather.”
Asia swallowed in an effort to settle her jumping nerves. “I wish they’d quit calling. If they want to freak me out they’re succeeding.”
“Try not to worry, babe. It’s me they’re trying to harass.”
That made sense, except… “Maybe, but how did they get this number? Oh never mind. I’m listed. It wouldn’t be difficult. I want to ask you something else. Did you mean it? About marrying me?” She tried to keep the neediness, the uncertainty from her voice and failed dismally. Dammit, she needed reassurance if she was going to rebel against unwritten family law.
Roman cupped her face with his hands. “I meant it. The feud between our tribes is ridiculous. If you ask the elders, I’m sure they won’t remember what the feud is about. Besides, the woman I love is part of the Transients. I didn’t plan for it to happen but it has.” His stern mouth softened into a smile that made hope bloom inside. Rosa had been wrong. So had her mother. He wasn’t after a scalp to attach to his dorsal. This was love. “It’s past time to end the feud. I still need to go back to the city,” he said.
“Can I come too? I should probably contact my accompanist about the new bracket of songs we’re planning, anyway.”
Roman flashed a grin before tracing his fingertips over her parted lips. “I was hoping you’d come with me.”
“For sex?” she asked, teasing him now that she felt more secure.
“You betcha.” His good humor dispersed. “We can get a special license and get married at the same time.” His gaze was intent as he searched her face for a reaction. “What do you think?”
“Yes. Oh yes!” Asia threw her arms around his neck and rained kisses on him, ignoring the protest of sore, aching muscles. Nothing mattered except Roman. “Roman. I love you so much.”
“Good,” he said with a grin. “Because I can’t imagine life without you.”
* * * * *
Roman listened carefully to his younger brother Gene, his gut tightening with each word. “Has Helena openly taken over or is she just throwing her weight around?”
“She hasn’t taken over yet, but it’s only a matter of time. She’s hanging out with shark mercenaries, and that can’t be good. You need to come home before she turns the island into a military state. Gads, you should see the way her cronies strut about the town with barely concealed weapons.”
“There’s been a problem with brokering the treasure. I’ve had to set up new meetings for next week.”
“Damn,” Gene muttered. “The end of next week might be too late.”
Roman hesitated, wondering if anyone might be trying to listen in to their call. The hair at the back of his neck prickled as it had before the attack, yet he hadn’t been able to catch his watchers out. “I’d hoped to take a holiday before I head back to the island.”
“A holiday?” his brother yelped. “Time for that later. You’re needed here.”
“I can’t come back right now.” Roman cut through his brother’s bluster. “Besides, I want to bring someone with me.”
“A woman?” His brother sounded shocked. “Man. Helena is going to be pissed. Who? Do I know her?”
“I don’t think so. We’ll discuss it when I get back to the island.” Too bad about Helena’s feelings. She’d have to deal with it. Roman was aware Helena still thought of him as her property. Her maneuvering to stop other women getting close amused him. Most of the time. The female orca wanted power. Oh, she’d coated it up with sweet smiles and sex, and it had taken him a while to see through her manipulation. Discovering her in bed with another orca during the summer games had torn away his blinders. Roman refused to share. After telling her their relationship was over, he’d walked away. It appeared Helena hadn’t accepted his edict. Roman scowled. The rumors from Asia’s mother and his brother’s demands for him to return home brought conflict. The tribe needed him, but for the first time in his life, he wanted to do something for himself instead of putting the tribe first. “It’s none of Helena’s business who I see.”
Roman heard raised voices on his brother’s end.
“Wait a sec,” his brother said.
Roman was unable to decipher words but the tone was clear. Panicked.
“Bro, Helena and two of her brothers have disappeared. They seem to have left the island but the rest of the gang is here. Roman, I don’t like the sound of this. They’re openly wearing weapons and telling orcas to stay indoors.”
Roman cursed, low and pithy. “Damn, Gene. I have to make at least the first meeting. They’re calling me back to confirm a time, but missing the last meeting has made negotiations tense. They don’t trust me to deliver.”
“Do you think Helena had something to do with the attack? Maybe slowing up negotiations on purpose?” Gene asked.
“It’s a good possibility.” Roman had wondered the same thing. His gut churned uneasily while he debated his course of action. “I didn’t see faces but there were three of them. Has Helena left the island before?”
Gene hesitated. “I was away for a few days on general patrol. I’ll ask around.”
“Thanks.” Roman dragged a hand through his hair and wished he had more time. “I’ll check back with you in a few hours once I know what’s going on this end.”
* * * * *
Roman walked to the busines
s meeting since it was to take place at the Imperial Hotel, only five minutes away. The instant he left the Odyssey Inn where he was staying, his senses told him he was under surveillance. Damn if he could see who was watching. A casual glance over his shoulder when he crossed the street didn’t catch his watchers out. Roman paused at the next set of traffic lights, waiting for the signal for pedestrians to cross. The traffic halted and Roman started across.
A battered blue sedan failed to stop and continued across the intersection, the wheels spinning when the driver floored the accelerator. Roman froze for an instant. The driver was trying to hit him! He threw himself out of the path of the oncoming vehicle, hitting the ground with a painful thump before rolling to safety. The car continued past.
“Man, he tried to hit you!” A young male dumped the backpack he’d had draped off one shoulder on the ground and helped Roman to stand.
“Are you all right, young man? Should I call the police?” an elderly woman asked.
Roman thought for a moment she intended to check for broken bones. He dusted off his suit. It had all happened so fast he hadn’t seen the driver, but one thing was clear. That was no accident. The driver had wanted to run him down.
“Thanks. I’m fine.” Roman limped down the street to make his appointment.
The meeting went well, better than he’d expected. Gerald Jones was willing to buy the items they’d found in the sunken ship, or family heirlooms as he’d told Gerald Jones and his team. The orcas didn’t want anyone poking around near their island, searching for sunken treasure. Roman cursed the day they’d found the ship. Greed had ripped the tribe apart with Helena and her followers wanting to keep the treasure for a select few. Roman had decided to use the proceeds for the good of all to make improvements on the island. The debate continued, but it seemed the fighting had turned mean and dirty.
Roman took the elevator to his hotel room. The door was propped open when he arrived outside his room. He walked inside, expecting to find the maids cleaning. Instead his belongings were strewn around the room. Clothes, paperwork and toiletries littered the floor.
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