LD chuckled this time and returned to his chair across from the desk. “I didn’t have a clue what to do. I was anything but calm. Inside I was falling apart.”
“What counts is the way you handled the situation. You might have been scared to death but you did what needed to be done.”
He doubted that. “When she came to, screaming the way she did and fighting me like I was the one trying to kill her, I felt so helpless.”
LD could still hear the pure terror in her screams as she fought him. He’d been scared to death he was going to hurt her more than she was already, but he was even more concerned about what she might do if he freed her.
“You held her, you comforted her and you stayed with her until the police were done with their report. There’s not much more you could have done.”
That’s all he did. Instead of getting up and insuring the investigation was done correctly, he took her downstairs and held her. He wasn’t sure if the comfort was for her or for him. Then came the nightmare at the hospital. “Sophie insisted on doing a rape exam on her, while she was at the hospital being checked out.”
“Sophie is a good doctor and a good friend.”
“I know and I trust her. She reminded me after Marie lost consciousness anything could have happened. Just because she was clothed when we got there doesn’t mean a thing.”
“And that bothers you?”
“It bothers me that Sophie needed to remind me of something I should have known without being told. Marie doesn’t believe she was raped and neither do I, it’s not Black’s style.” If anyone touched her, he would find them. There wouldn’t be a rat hole big enough or deep enough for them to hide in and then he’d kill them.
Of course, he still needed to find the person who’d beat her and make them pay. He just hadn’t decided what he’d do to them.
“Would it have changed your opinion of her?”
LD met his father’s steady gaze. “No it wouldn’t and I told her the attack didn’t change my feelings. That’s when she lost it and started to cry really hard.”
His father nodded. “Women will do that at times, especially when you say what they really need to hear.”
“Then why does it leave us feeling so inept?”
His father shrugged. “Haven’t an answer for that, but I think if you asked, Marie would tell you that you did just fine today.”
“That would be hard to ask.”
“Especially when you’re in love.”
LD clenched the cabin keys in his hand as he looked at his father, sitting behind his desk waiting for a response. LD knew he should tell his father to mind his own business. He wanted to tell him that, plus add the fact he wasn’t in love with Marie, but the denial stuck in his throat. Obviously, his lack of sleep and food were catching up with him.
He would ask his mother to pack a picnic basket for them to take to the cabin for dinner later tonight. That way, no matter what time they arrived, they would have a decent meal. LD stood, not quite able to meet his father’s waiting gaze. “If we’re going to make it through the swamp before dark, we’d better get going.”
His father’s smile widened.
* * * * *
Long wavy shadows danced across the murky water as the late afternoon sun drifted lower in the sky. The boat sliced through the water, eating up the distance across the swamp at a remarkable rate. Marie knew the sunlight wouldn’t last much longer, especially once they entered the dense foliage closer to land.
When she’d asked LD where they were headed, he’d told her someplace safe and nothing more. At the time, she didn’t have the energy to push harder for more details. Now, she was wishing she’d found the strength to have asked more questions. Because even though she was almost certain they were still in the state of Louisiana, she was utterly and totally lost.
Each tree looked like the next and, other than water, there was nothing else for as far as she could see. The trees were becoming denser, which she assumed meant they were approaching land. She hoped LD knew where they were going, because she wasn’t looking forward to drifting all night in this boat if he didn’t. She would ask, but the roar from the boat motor made conversation impossible.
Marie cringed as LD gave the motor more gas, shooting them along even faster. The days were mildly pleasant this time of year, but when the sun set, a chill would settle over the bayou. Out here on the open water, with the cutting wind, it was getting downright cold. At that thought, she pulled the collar of LD’s leather jacket tighter about her neck in the hope of keeping out the wind.
As another tree loomed in their path, LD deftly maneuvered them around it. Now, they were headed straight for a pair of trees she was sure they wouldn’t fit between and she waited for him to turn. When it became apparent he wasn’t going to change course, she closed her eyes and pulled the collar up to cover her face.
After several minutes, she felt the boat slow. Uncovering her face, she opened her eyes and looked around. They were now deep in the brush. Turning, she looked behind them. There was no open water, only trees, vines and undergrowth. She would never be able to find her way back home without help.
She cut her eyes to LD and glared. At some point in the trip, he’d removed his sunshades and they were now tucked into his shirt pocket. She hoped she was killing him with her gaze, because the way he looked was devastating. Prior to leaving the house, he’d showered and changed. No big deal because she’d done the same, but what he’d changed into made her mind numb and her body hot.
Dressed in faded jeans, chambray shirt and boots that had seen their better days, he looked as if he’d walked straight out of her vision back in Boston. But this wasn’t a vision. It was a living, breathing man whose aura screamed masculinity. With rolled-up sleeves exposing powerful forearms, he guided the outboard motor with confidence.
The tight jeans encasing his long legs were almost white at the knees and butt. A slight smile played at her lips as she remembered the way he looked walking away from her earlier when he’d loaded the boat.
“Is anything wrong?”
His words brought her out of her daydream and she glared at him. “Yeah, actually there is. Was there a reason for driving like an idiot?”
LD put the motor in neutral, letting them drift with the current. With one hand on the controls, he leaned forward and rested an arm on his thigh, his face only inches from hers. “Get this through your thick head, sweetheart. I will never, intentionally, put you in harm’s way. Will you please trust me on this?”
Her heart tightened as she looked into those dark, pleading eyes. She wanted to have that much faith in him, but she’d depended on herself for so long it was hard to take the leap. “I’ll try.”
“That’s not the answer I wanted, but it’s one I can live with for now.” With that said, he reached out with his free hand and her pulse rate jumped thinking he was going to touch her. Instead he pointed past her shoulder. “Look.”
She turned, grabbing the edge of the boat with one hand, in time to watch a very large alligator slide into the water, roll over, and then disappear into the darkness. The thing looked bigger than their boat. Making sure all body parts were as far away from the water as possible, she turned back to LD and realized just how dark it was. “How much longer do we have?”
“Ten minutes at most.” LD reached for a large flashlight as he spoke. Dropping the boat back into gear he started forward at a slow, easy pace with the light guiding their way.
Marie faced forward again, but with the boat moving slowly, she was able to talk in a slightly raised voice. “Where are we headed?”
“My family owns a fishing cabin out here. It’s a private retreat for us now.”
“Can you find it in the dark?”
“Don’t worry, I could find it blind and dead drunk.”
“Well, I’m grateful you are neither.”
LD laughed when she ducked and squealed when a dark object dive-bombed her. “What was that?”
�
��Bat.”
“Yuck.” Marie ran her hands through her hair, making sure nothing was nesting in it.
LD shined the light on her back then aimed the beam out in front of them. “There’s nothing there. They only eat insects.”
He put the boat into a slow wide turn, and directed the light’s beam off to their left. “We’re here.”
A small cabin stood illuminated in the flashlight’s glow. As the beam traveled over the place, a large critter, surprised by the sudden brightness, scampered up a porch pole and onto the roof. She could hear its chatter fade as the animal disappeared into the darkness. “And that was?”
“An opossum and I hope it hasn’t made the cabin its home. If it has, we’re going to have a mess to clean up.”
LD guided the boat smoothly up against a set of wide metal stairs that started at the porch and disappeared into the water. “Grab the pole for me.”
She held the boat in place as he killed the motor and tied the boat off. Handing her the light, he grabbed a smaller flashlight and stepped out. “Wait here while I check out the place. You never know what you’ll find out here or in there.”
She watched LD climb the stairs, and make his way toward the door. Keys jingled, then the front door opened and LD disappeared inside the cabin. Great, just great. She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of place he’d brought her to. At the moment, she really needed the bathroom facilities but was afraid she’d be shown a bucket.
LD retrieved his duffel bag from the porch and entered the one room house. Marie was busy moving food from an ice chest to the refrigerator. Despite the fact it lifted his spirits to see her happy, he didn’t want her overdoing it. Not with the assault she’d suffered the night before.
“I’m finished with the cold food.” She closed the refrigerator and ice-chest lid then turned toward him. She pointed to a large black storage box. “I’m not sure what to do with that box or these empty containers.”
LD dropped his bag next to a large chest before turning back to gather up the empty crates. He knew there was no point in trying to control her, so he might as well give her something easy, yet productive to do. “Why don’t you unpack the basket on the table while I take care of the rest.”
Outside, he set the containers down and then leaned against the railing.
The inky blackness engulfed the world not three feet from where he stood. Somewhere in the never-ending darkness, an owl hooted and something splashed in the water. He reached behind him and removed his gun. Even as he checked it, he told himself there was nothing for him to fear out here. The only people who knew about this place were family members, and they posed no threat. With one last look into the black void of night, he replaced his gun and went back inside. He had the unnerving feeling that in trying to solve the mystery of Marie’s situation, he was missing an important puzzle piece.
His heart pounded hard as his eyes scanned the room, unable to locate Marie. “Marie.”
“Over here.” Her voice came from the other side of the couch. She stood. “Who packed this?”
“My mother. Why?” He crossed the room to lock the front door.
“That explains these.”
He looked over to see her holding a wine bottle in one hand and candlesticks in the other. Suddenly embarrassed, he avoided Marie’s gaze. “She can’t help herself, you know.”
“That’s fine by me.” Marie disappeared behind the couch as she kept talking. “She can pack a picnic basket for me anytime. You have to see this, there’s everything in here except plates and utensils.”
“I’ll grab those.” He kicked off his boots by the door and padded across the room in his socks. “What do we need?”
“Plates, forks, and a couple of serving spoons. Most of it’s finger foods.”
He got out the items she listed, and then remembered the wineglasses and corkscrew. Rounding the couch, he saw the coffee table was covered with a checkered cloth, and the candles in the middle were already burning.
As he approached, Marie smiled up at him. “She even remembered the matches.”
Firelight danced across her face, softening the bruises with a golden hue, and his fingers itched to caress her. He deposited the items he carried on the table. Then he picked up the wine bottle and opener. “That’s the way Mom is.”
With only a few quick turns of the wrist, the bottle was open. He poured two glasses, then placed the bottle on the table. “Let me put more wood on the fire. Then I’ll be ready to eat.”
As he crossed to the fireplace, he silently chastised himself for wanting her the way he did. In the last forty-eight hours, neither of them had gotten much rest. The last thing she needed was him pressuring her with his needs. The woman went through enough of an ordeal without him adding to it, not to mention he was determined to earn her trust before he gave in to his carnal feelings.
Placing the last log on the fire, he turned back and watched as she divided food between the two plates. The need he felt burned hotter than the fire behind him. He hoped he could earn her trust fast because he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to last past tomorrow night without having her.
“You better get over here before I eat it all.”
He took his spot on the floor next to her, using the couch as a backrest. “It does look good.”
He picked up a piece of fried chicken and took a bite, watching as she did the same. It pained him to see her beautiful face marred by bruising and swelling. If only he’d returned to the house last night when she’d called. Maybe he could have stopped this from happening.
For several minutes, they ate in silence. He knew she hadn’t touched the food offered to her earlier in the day, so now he didn’t want to chance her not eating due to conversation. He kept his mouth shut, not wanting to spoil the moment, with the added benefit of not saying anything stupid. When her wine dropped to about half full, he topped it off and kept eating, waiting for her to finish.
“The food was wonderful.” Marie finally leaned back against the couch. “I can’t believe both you and your mother got takeout from Vampire’s Blood. I didn’t think they did that.”
“They don’t.” LD topped off her wineglass, again, and handed it to her. “Jason Corbitt is married to my cousin Cheri.”
“I didn’t realize you were related to them. Their theme restaurant seems to be doing great.”
“It is. And if you look in the freezer, you’ll see we have a supply of Jason’s already-prepared dishes. He also remodeled the cabin’s kitchen area last year after he married Cheri.”
“The stove must have been hard to get in here.”
LD smiled, remembering that weekend fondly. “Yeah, we were ready to feed Jason to the alligators before we were finished.”
“It must be nice having a large family.”
LD shrugged as he swirled the last of his wine before drinking it. “Sometimes.”
Marie finished her wine, and placed her glass on the crowded table before turning to face him. It struck him then how much he was enjoying her company. There’d never before been a woman who made him want to stop and enjoy the simple things in life, like a conversation after dinner.
“Know what I think?”
He smiled at the look on her face. “What?”
“That deep down, you enjoy your family and you want to be a part of it. But for some stubborn and most likely stupid reason, you won’t let yourself. I saw the way you greeted your family this morning, with respect and warmth. That story you gave me about them wanting to run your life is an excuse you’ve made up to justify keeping them at a distance.
“This rift you’ve created between you and your father is going to come back and bite you hard,” she continued. “Take it from one who wishes everyday her parents were still here to butt in where they don’t belong.”
Without another word, she stood and began clearing the table. He waited for her to walk away before grinning from ear to ear. He couldn’t remember the last person who’d told him off so thorou
ghly.
She was right, he did keep a wall between him and the world. The smile faded as he began to gather dishes and the guilt he felt about her attack resurfaced. What she didn’t realize was she’d already breached that wall.
Marie sat on the bed and waited for LD to come out of the very small bathroom. Wrapping her arms around herself, she wished she’d brought warmer pajamas. Her body ached from lack of sleep, stress and abuse, but despite the strong need for rest, she couldn’t quite bring herself to crawl between the covers. The last time she’d been under the protective covers of her bed, she’d been attacked.
The door opened and LD stepped into the main room, which reminded her of an efficiency apartment. “Boy, it’s gotten cold in here. Why aren’t you under the covers?”
“I was waiting for you.”
He crossed the small distance and pulled back the covers, patting the sheet as he did. “Come on, get under there and warm me a spot.”
She couldn’t help but laugh at his lightheartedness. Scooting across the bed she did as he asked. “These sheets are like ice, I’m not about to give up my warm spot.”
He tucked the covers up under her chin. “We’ll see about that.”
He leaned down and placed a soft kiss to her forehead. Marie closed her eyes and savored the way his lips felt pressed to her skin, the scent of his cologne mixed with the aroma of the burning oak. It was several seconds before she opened her eyes and when she did, LD was walking away. She sat bolt upright. “Don’t leave me!”
He was beside her before she could get out of bed. He pushed her back under the covers, and once she was tucked in again, he sat on the edge and leaned down. All she could see were the hard lines of his furrowed brow and those dark intense brown eyes.
“Listen carefully. I’m not leaving you today, tomorrow or ever. But right now, I’m going to go put more wood on the fire and get out the down comforter. Once our heat source dies out, it’s going to get damn cold in here.” He smiled. “Okay?”
Bayou Treasure Page 16
