The Bad Boys of Eden

by Avery Aster

  Phillip scowled. “What? No, I wasn’t.”

  Carissa slowly backed away, feigning genuine fear as the security guards dragged Phillip toward an office behind the front desk. “Please come with us, sir. We need to ask you a few questions.”

  One of the guards turned toward her. “Are you okay, Miss?”

  She nodded. “Yes. Thank you so much for your help. I’m going to go back up to my room. I need to lie down.”

  The guard hauled Phillip behind closed doors. Carissa was about to head up to the room when she caught sight of the employee who’d come to tell Jett about the phone call.

  She called out for the man, who stopped. “I’m looking for my date, Jett Lewis. You spoke to him in the restaurant.”

  The man nodded. “Yes.”

  “According to the clerk at the front desk, he never came to take the phone call.”

  The man shrugged. “Some lady pulled him aside as soon as we got to the lobby and they started talking.”

  “A woman?”

  “Yeah. Pretty woman with long, straight dark hair.”

  Stella.

  Suddenly, a light went on and Carissa knew they’d been duped. Fooled into believing Stella was some dim-witted, harmless woman when she’d actually been setting them up all this time.

  “Did you see where they went?”

  The man nodded and pointed to an employee exit at the side of the room. “Last time I saw them, they were headed over there.”

  Carissa didn’t have a moment to lose. Stepping out onto the path, she took a second to catch her bearings, then her heart started to race. She was fairly certain this path would lead her to the spot where she’d found Gregory. That thought propelled her forward and Carissa sprinted through the woods.

  She ran for several minutes, slowing down when she spotted a light glowing in the distance. A flashlight dotted the darkness. The sky was fairly cloudy, the light of the moon continually appearing, then vanishing. When clouds covered the moon, the night swallowed her almost completely, making it difficult to stay on the path.

  She moved toward the light, stopping when she heard a female voice. Creeping closer, Carissa silently kicked herself for taking off so heedlessly without going inside for help. Panic had set her in motion, but now that she was here, she realized she needed backup.

  No one knew where she was. If she had a snowball’s chance in hell of saving Jett, she’d have to do it on her own.

  God. This was bad.

  Taking cover behind a bushy tree about twenty feet away, she peered toward the flashlight, hoping Stella couldn’t hear her panting breath—fear and the run had her gasping for air.

  As a cloud moved away from the moon, Carissa was treated to her first glimpse of the clearing ahead.

  Stella was talking as she secured something to a lounge chair. From Carissa’s position, she could only see the back of the lounger. Leaning closer, she realized Stella was tying a hand to the arm of the chair.

  It was Jett. It had to be. Given his stillness, she could only assume he was unconscious or—as Gregory had been—drugged.

  Stella continued to speak, her singsong voice alerting Carissa to just how unhinged the woman was.

  Carissa slowly tugged her cell phone out of her back pocket. She hesitated for a moment, uncertain if she should turn it on. What if Stella saw the glow of the screen and came to investigate?

  Plus Carissa was fairly certain 9-1-1 didn’t work on Eden and she didn’t have the number to the hotel plugged into her phone. What the hell was she supposed to do?

  Tucking the phone away, too afraid of risking discovery, she started searching the area for a weapon. She didn’t see Stella holding one, so maybe if she could find a big enough branch, Carissa could knock the woman out.

  Unless Stella had a gun. Then it was Carissa who would be shit out of luck.

  Carissa heard a groan and saw Jett begin to stir. It occurred to her that Stella had actually been waiting for Jett to wake up. The evil woman wanted her victim conscious.

  Stella clapped as Jett began to struggle against the ropes binding his hands and legs to the chair. Stella knew her business. She’d definitely rendered Jett helpless.

  Jett said something in a low voice. Carissa couldn’t make out his words, but she could hear Stella’s response.

  “No. I’m not letting you go. You’re hurting my best friend.”

  Carissa frowned. Her? Stella considered Carissa her best friend? They’d hung out for a few hours the past few days by the pool and perused a couple of hotel shops, while Carissa struggled to make conversation!

  Jett responded, but again Carissa couldn’t hear what he said.

  Stella’s smile faded, her expression morphing from insane to terrifying in two seconds flat. She lashed out, slapping Jett across the face. Hard.

  Carissa struggled to remain where she was, every instinct pushing for her to kick the woman’s ass. However, rushing in without a plan and with no idea of what she was up against was a sure way to fail.

  She took a calming breath and tried to clear her mind. She needed a plan.

  Jett continued to speak to Stella, no doubt attempting to keep her talking until the Calvary arrived.

  Stella’s tone was vicious as she answered whatever question Jett had asked. “Carissa is a nice girl and you’re making her a bad one! Just like Master did to me.”

  Carissa found it interesting that Stella still referred to Gregory as her Master. Killing the man seemed to indicate the respect behind that title should have been long gone.

  Jett’s voice was louder, stronger now. The drug must have lost some of its potency. “I’m not forcing Carissa to do anything she’s uncomfortable with.”

  Stella laughed loudly. “Yeah, right. That’s what you all say. You tell us we want it, even when we don’t. You force us to do whatever you command, no matter how painful or degrading or scary.”

  Carissa could almost feel sorry for Stella. Gregory had betrayed her trust.

  “Why didn’t you just leave, Stella?”

  Stella actually seemed confused by Jett’s question. “Because he was my Master.”

  Jett fell silent for a moment, but quickly spoke up when Stella opened the backpack at her feet and retrieved a wicked-looking knife.

  “I’m not Gregory. I won’t hurt Carissa.”

  Stella studied the knife, looking at it almost as one would a lover. Carissa clenched her hands into a fist, hoping to still the trembling that had begun the moment Stella retrieved the weapon.

  It looked like time was running out. Carissa crouched down, desperately searching for something she could use as a weapon. It was too dark to see the ground clearly, so she was forced to feel around.

  She was thrilled when she wrapped her hands around a thick branch. Pulling it up slowly, she abruptly stilled when the leaves around her rustled from her movement.

  A quick look confirmed Stella hadn’t heard. Jett was still talking to her, trying to distract her.

  “How did you manage to get back into the hotel without anyone seeing you after you killed Gregory? The doctor said he would have lost a lot of blood.”

  Stella seemed thrilled by the opportunity to brag about her previous crime. “I’ll show you.”

  Slowly, Stella tugged her t-shirt over her head. She didn’t wear a bra. Then she drew her shorts and panties over her hips, kicking off her flip-flops as she did so. Folding up the clothing carefully, she tucked it into her bag and tossed it several feet away from the chair. “The ocean makes a wonderful bathtub. Washes away all sin.”

  Carissa didn’t have any more time. She tried to figure out the best way to approach. Stella stood facing the woods, so she’d see Carissa coming from at least fifteen feet away.

  The only other way to enter the small copse was from the beach, where there was absolutely no cover.

  Essentially, Stella would see her no matter which direction she advanced from.

  Carissa decided her best plan was to move in fast and loud.
If she took off at a run, screaming at the top of her lungs, hopefully someone in the vicinity would hear her and come to help.

  A surprise attack was the best she could do.

  When Stella knelt by the chair and began to unfasten Jett’s pants, Carissa realized the time was now.

  She’d taken just one step forward when a large hand clasped over her mouth and strong arms tugged her back against a muscular chest.

  It had never occurred to Carissa that Stella might have an accomplice.

  Carissa panicked, kicking out, struggling for freedom, but the arms around her were tight, impenetrable.

  Then she heard a “Shhh. I’m here to help you.”

  It was Phillip’s voice.

  Carissa stilled, and then turned slowly when Phillip released his grip.

  Tears filled her eyes when she saw that he wasn’t alone. Flanking him were three members of Eden’s security force. For the first time since spying Stella with Jett, Carissa could breathe easy again.

  Phillip pulled a gun from a holster under his jacket and the security guards followed suit. Carissa stepped aside as they spread out, surrounding the area.

  Carissa silently willed them to go faster when Stella pulled Jett’s cock from his pants, stroking it lovingly.

  Jett was talking, still trying to reason with the crazy woman. Carissa longed to yell out, to tell him that everything would be okay.

  Finally, Phillip gave the signal and the men moved into action.

  Stella rose quickly when the first man appeared from the woods.

  She lifted the knife defensively as they continued to walk closer. Carissa wished they’d move faster, that Stella wasn’t still standing so close to Jett.

  Carissa wasn’t sure how crazy Stella was, but it would only take the work of seconds for the woman to drive the knife into Jett’s chest. That terrifying thought drove all the air from Carissa’s chest and she started to step forward.

  Phillip noticed her movement and shook his head, but Carissa didn’t stop. Someone needed to protect Jett.

  All four men moved closer, surrounding Stella. Carissa joined their forces, armed with only her tree branch.

  Stella swung around desperately, but they’d tightened the circle. There was no way out. When Stella looked down at Jett, the other members of the security squad pulled out their guns and Carissa leapt forward, employing her original plan of speed and noise.

  Startled, Stella made one last ditch attempt to escape. She charged toward Carissa, the knife aimed to kill. She didn’t make it more than two steps toward Carissa before Phillip overpowered her, tackling her in the sand.

  Stella put up a good fight, but she was no match for the sheer brute strength of the much larger man. One of the security guards jumped in, subduing the woman with ease as he kicked the knife out of reach and cuffed the woman’s hands behind her back. The master of the island had staffed his security force well.

  Carissa continued running toward the chair, her fingers shaking as she fumbled with the ropes binding Jett.

  She sensed he was going to yell at her until he saw her face. She wasn’t sure what he saw there, but his eyes softened and she smiled. She wondered how the hell he could look so calm.

  The knot defeated her until Jett said, “It’s okay, Rissa. I’m okay. Take a breath.”

  Until he’d spoken, she hadn’t been aware of the tears streaming down her face. She was crying. And not some quiet, ladylike tears. She was sobbing, choking.

  Phillip stepped next to her and gently pushed her away from the chair, leaning down to free Jett.

  Once he was untied, Jett reached for her. She fell to her knees by his side, wrapping her arms around his waist tightly. Jett’s grasp was uncharacteristically weak and she realized the drug hadn’t fully worked its way out of his system yet.

  She refused to release him even as Phillip began to speak to them.

  “Your girlfriend came out here by herself and was preparing to rescue you on her own.”

  “Was she?” Jett asked.

  Phillip’s tone suggested annoyance. “She just threw herself at that woman without a damn weapon.”

  “I was t-trying to get to you.” Carissa was surprised by the stutter in her voice, her teeth were suddenly chattering.

  Jett clearly wasn’t as upset by her actions as Phillip. He kissed her lightly on the top of her head. “So brave,” he whispered.

  Carissa didn’t move, didn’t acknowledge the compliment. She wasn’t ready to let him go yet. Chances were good she’d never be ready. She clung tighter, feeling the need for his warmth. She didn’t remember the air being this chilly a few minutes earlier.

  “Who are you?” Jett asked.

  Carissa had been wondering the same thing since Phillip arrived, gun in hand, swooping in like her savior to save the day.

  “I work for the State Department.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  Phillip snorted. “Truthfully, I was on vacation. Then I spotted Gregory at the dungeon. He’s been a person of interest for the past few months, suspected of human trafficking, sex slavery, that kind of thing. When I called my superior to tell him Gregory was here, my vacation ended. I was told to run surveillance. Problem was my quarry vanished. I started tailing Stella, thinking she would lead me to him, but she didn’t. Then the two of you started asking a lot of questions and showing more than casual interest in Gregory and Stella, so I started watching you as well.”

  “How did you know we would be here?” Carissa asked, finally loosening her grip on Jett enough that she could turn to look at the agent. “Last time I saw you, you were being dragged away by security.”

  Phillip narrowed his eyes at her, obviously still angry at being set up. “Once I flashed my credentials to the security guards, the master of the island showed up. He told me about the murder. We realized the two of you were in danger. Since we didn’t have a clue where you were, we decided the best bet was to return to the scene of the crime. Fortunately, that paid off.”

  Jett tried to rise, his slow, clumsy movements prompting Carissa to throw his arm over her shoulder, offering her own strength to help him stand.

  “I don’t know what the hell that woman drugged me with, but it was pretty powerful stuff.”

  Phillip helped Carissa lead Jett to the golf cart, where a security guard waited to escort them to the castle. They rode to the hotel in silence, the adrenaline of the past hour giving way to exhaustion.

  Phillip and the security guard helped Carissa get Jett to the room and into bed. Jett refused when the security guard offered to call Dr. Magdalene to examine him, claiming all he needed was some rest.

  Carissa thanked the men for their help and bid them good night. Jett’s eyes were drifting closed as she returned. She actually thought he was going to go right to sleep, so she was surprised when he turned his head to watch her as she tugged off her clothes and crawled in next to him.

  “Get in bed,” he demanded, his voice deep and Dom-like. She’d never noticed that commanding tone at home, never realized her fantasy man had been sitting at the end of her bar for years. “I was afraid you were going into shock out there on the beach.”

  She turned to him, nestling close to soak up his warmth. “Yeah. I think I was, but it’s okay. I’m only sort of slightly freaked out now instead of in a state of complete and total panic.”

  Jett chuckled, then sobered up. “You saved my life, Carissa.”

  She shook her head. “No. I didn’t. Phillip did.”

  “I’m not just talking about tonight.” His voice was heavy, his words coming slowly. She wondered if he would even remember this in the morning.

  It didn’t matter if he didn’t. She would. She moved closer and pressed her lips to his.

  “You saved mine too,” she said.

  Jett was asleep within seconds. Carissa thought it would be harder for her, but in the next instant, she drifted off to sleep too.

  Chapter Nine

  Jett nudged his s
houlder against Carissa’s as they walked along the shore. Dusk was setting in. The two of them had slept in late that morning, and then meandered through the afternoon like a couple of exhausted zombies.

  The master of the island had sent a word of thanks to them for their help catching the killer. He’d also invited them to return to Eden for another vacation—free of charge.

  Jett liked the idea of coming back here with Carissa for their honeymoon, but he didn’t mention that to her. The issue of their relationship and whether or not they even had a future was still up in the air.

  “Penny for your thoughts,” he urged. She’d been uncharacteristically quiet all day. He’d thought she was merely tired, but as afternoon led to evening, he realized she was troubled.

  She paused, using his grip on her hand to stop him as well. “What are we going to do, Jett?”

  “I thought we were going to finish up this walk, go back to the castle for a late dinner, then hit the dance club.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I’m not talking about tonight.”

  He knew that. “I’m not sure what you want me to say, Rissa. I think I’ve made my feelings clear.” He grasped her waist and pulled her closer. “I want you and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

  “And you don’t think we’re too different to make it in the long term?”

  He tilted his head, shocked by her concern. “Different? No. Not at all.”

  “I own a seedy little bar, Jett. That’s pretty much going to be my life. Forever.”

  He grinned. “That’s the closest you’ve ever come to admitting you actually like that dive.”

  She gave him a dirty look. “Dive?”

  He chuckled. “So it’s okay for you to talk badly about it, but not me.”

  She lifted one shoulder. “Exactly.”

  “I love that place, Rissa. And the regulars. And the bartender.”

  “You could do better.”

  Now it was his turn to scowl. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  She sighed. “I’m saying this so badly.”

  His temper was piqued. “No. I think you’re finally saying exactly what you’ve been thinking all week. But I’m struggling to decide if you’re suffering from low self-esteem issues I’ve never noticed before or if you’re calling me a stuck-up snob.”