The Bad Boys of Eden

by Avery Aster

  But before she could let her mind get too carried away, he spoke again. “Main reception is there, of course, as well as the spa.”

  “That’s it? It’s huge.” The cart wound its way along the path, but instead of fading into the distance, more of the castle was revealed. It was larger than Kylie originally thought, if that was even possible.

  “There are some guest rooms and a wing of staff quarters as well.” Brad winked. “Other than that…the castle is anything you want it to be.”

  There it was again: the mystery. At the moment, all Kylie wanted the castle to be was a place she could see Marcus, or get some answers about why she was there. “If the guest rooms are there, why are we driving away from it?”

  “Your host has reserved a beach cabana for you on the east beach. I think you’ll find it to your liking.”

  Of course she would. She sat back in wonder, took in everything around her, and let her senses fill with the scent of jasmine, hibiscus, ginger, and other sweet-smelling tropical flowers she couldn’t identify. The air was thick with the scent of them and she was sure she’d never tire of the smell. Kylie was a mountain girl through and through; at least, that’s what she’d thought before she saw the beach. Things were changing faster than she could imagine, and she still hadn’t seen her mystery host.

  After a moment, the golf cart left the open air, and traveled through a thicket of dense rain forest. The air was cooler in the trees, and Kylie wrapped her arms around her midsection, not so much to ward off the cool air but more to still her body from the nervous vibrations that had started within her. The closer they got to their destination, the more nervous energy she had. Instead of focusing on what and who she was going toward, Kylie closed her eyes and took in the sound of the island birds in the trees overhead. She focused on her hair blowing out behind her and the fresh air on her face.

  When she felt the heat of the sun on her face once more, she opened her eyes. The castle was no longer in view. In fact, the landscape was completely different. To her left was thick rain forest and she could hear a stream burbled in the plants somewhere. She looked ahead and saw a waterfall, just set back from the road. It was beautiful, and she decided she’d be back to explore it.

  The wide open ocean, an expanse of never-ending blue, was to her right. And on the beach, nestled in a thicket of palm trees, was the cabana. The cart pulled up outside the house. Kylie accepted the driver’s hand and made her way up the pebbled walk to the front door, as if an invisible thread pulled her forward.

  Her “host” was inside. She put her hand on the door handle, turned and pushed it open before she stepped inside.

  * * *

  The room was empty.

  Disappointment filled her. She’d been so sure Marcus would be waiting for her inside, she gave her beautiful surroundings only a cursory glance.

  The attendants brought her suitcase in, and opened the glass wall that faced the beach. The doors slid back to allow the outdoors to become part of the cabana. The white curtains floated on the ocean breeze. Kylie fought back tears and stared out at the water. She hadn’t realized how much she’d anticipated the reunion and the flood of emotions surprised her. She wasn’t the type of woman who cried easily.

  “Ms. Wilson. Your host has left you a note.”

  She snapped out of her daze and turned to see where the man pointed. With a nod, she walked toward a table where a vase of flowers sat, an envelope tucked underneath.

  “Thank you,” she said, but the men were already gone. She was alone.

  Kylie picked up the envelope. It was heavy, like the invitation. Carefully, she lifted the flap, exposed the same gold paper and she slid the paper out and read the words slowly.

  I’m glad you came.

  Dress for dinner and meet me on the beach at six.

  She read the note again. No name. And no please. The note was more a command than anything else. Marcus had never been commanding. Of course people could change, because Marcus had also not been the type of man to come up with such an elaborate scheme to get her to an island. A voice niggled at the back of her head. What if it wasn’t Marcus? Who could it be?

  The clock on the wall told her she had just over a half hour to get ready for dinner, which wasn’t long especially considering she had no idea what she would wear. Her suitcase had been placed next to the wardrobe, but she didn’t make it there, because a dress she hadn’t noticed before was laid out on the bed. It was a bright blue, the color of the water she’d noticed as they’d flown to the island.

  Kylie picked it up and held it to her body. The fabric slid between her fingers and she knew it would fit perfectly. She’d never before had a man send her clothes, or suggest what she wear. The idea was so thoughtful and considerate, and also a little domineering, but a thrill ran through her at the idea that he knew her well enough to know that the dress would fit.

  She dressed and took care to pull her dark hair up in a loose bun. A few tendrils escaped to trail over her bare shoulders. With every minute that passed, Kylie’s excitement grew, but there was something else as well: the voice in the back of her head that refused to be quiet. But it didn’t matter; there was no turning back now and wasn’t it way past time that she do something spontaneous? She couldn’t go through the rest of her life wondering.

  No, Kylie thought as she stepped out on her patio with only a minute to spare. She was ready to embrace everything the island had to offer, and just like the pilot Joely had suggested, she’d stay open to the possibilities.

  It didn’t matter that Kylie had no idea which way to walk; her body naturally moved and she went with her instinct, walking toward the water, where the waves lapped gently onto the beach. No shoes had been laid out with the dress, so she went barefoot and relished the feeling of the sand as it squished through her toes. The thin fabric of the dress blew around her legs in the slight ocean breeze and she lifted it slightly so the hem wouldn’t get wet, when she felt the first wave wash over her feet.

  No one and nothing else was around, so she continued to walk. She relaxed with the sound of the waves and the wind, until all at once, as if he appeared out of nowhere, he was there.

  Far enough away that she couldn’t see his face, she could see he was dressed in khaki pants, rolled up to expose his bare feet and a white buttoned-up shirt untucked with the top few buttons undone to reveal his bare chest. Kylie’s heart sped up and her breath came fast as she increased her pace.

  His mouth turned up in a lazy, sexy smile and Kylie froze. Her feet sank into the sand where she stood. Her hand dropped the fabric she clutched, which allowed her dress to fall into the water and ruined the fabric. She didn’t notice the waves that swirled around her legs, because she couldn’t take her eyes off his face. The same face that was all at once familiar and shockingly different.

  CHAPTER 3

  Malcolm watched her come. He watched her in the dress he’d picked out for her, knowing it would bring out her eyes, and complement her creamy skin. She was stunning and completely unaware as she picked up her skirt and held the fabric in her hand. His eyes immediately went to her bare legs, letting his eyes travel until they disappeared under the blue silk again.

  She’d come. That was the most important thing. When he left the invitation, he hadn’t been sure she’d accept it. But he’d bet on the fact that she was ready to move on, ready to try something new and experience everything the island of Eden had to offer. And he’d been right.

  Of course there was the risk that Kylie would expect his twin brother Marcus to be standing where he was. He’d thought of that possibility, considered that maybe she still wasn’t over him, even though he’d been a total asshole when he broke her heart and tossed her aside as if she wasn’t the most amazing woman in the world. But it didn’t matter. He’d loved her for too long to let another day go by without telling her.

  She drew closer and Malcolm waited. He knew she’d seem him as soon as she was ready. And then she looked up. The smile that cr
ossed her face made him want to cross the distance and pull her in to his arms, but he waited.

  And then there it was. The moment she realized it wasn’t Marcus who stood in front of her. It wasn’t Marcus who’d realized the error of his ways and sent for her. It was Malcolm. And judging by the look on her face, she wasn’t entirely sure that was a good thing.

  She froze and dropped her skirt into the water and it was in that instant that Malcolm moved. He forced himself to go slowly, to give her time while he crossed the beach to adjust the expectations she undoubtedly had. He wasn’t a fool. With the history Kylie had with his brother, he hadn’t expected her to fall all over herself when she saw it was him. Sure, a guy could dream, but he didn’t expect it. Of course, there was a lot Kylie didn’t know. A lot he’d kept from her over the years in order to protect her.

  They were twenty-two when he’d seen her for the first time. Marcus had convinced him to move to Cedar Springs to be closer to the ski hill, Bear Mountain, and it was their first day on the slopes. They’d taken a break from the fresh powder to have lunch, and like always, Malcolm had made the run to the cafeteria for burgers while Marcus checked things out in the lodge. More specifically, checked out the women. By the time he’d returned with lunch, Marcus was holding court at a table with some of the beautiful local women. But none as beautiful as Kylie. But it wasn’t until she opened her mouth in retaliation to Marcus’s claim that snowboarders were better than skiers that Malcolm fell for the brunette.

  Not only was she cute, but she was feisty and she wasn’t going to take any flak from anyone. Her sweet voice had rung out across the busy lodge with just enough sass to challenge Marcus to a race. Of course, being the cocky SOB he always had been, he’d taken her up on it and whether it was a home hill advantage, or his brother making a play, Malcolm still didn’t know, but Kylie had won the race that day, but it had been Marcus who’d really won. Because after that, the two of them had been inseparable. Malcolm had always wondered how it would have turned out if he’d been the one to talk to her first that day.

  But none of that mattered now. As Malcolm strode across the sand with a confidence he’d never possessed back then, he pushed all the old thoughts and feelings out of his head and focused on the only thing that mattered. Kylie. She looked so beautiful, as he knew she would in the dress he’d picked out just for this moment.

  He stopped, inches in front of her, reached his hand out and trailed the back of his fingers down her cheek in an intimate and deeply personal gesture. She trembled under his touch but didn’t pull away.

  “I’m glad you came.”

  It was then he saw the understanding in her eyes.

  “Malcolm?”

  “Kylie. You look stunning. It’s been—”

  “You?” She stepped back and put distance between them, and instinctively, Malcolm clasped his hand around her wrist and pulled her back. “No, Malcolm.” She shook her head. “This…us…no.”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t understand. I thought—”

  “I know what you thought.” Of course he’d hoped that she wouldn’t be expecting Marcus. He’d hoped that she’d finally moved past him. Lord knows he’d moved past her moments after he’d left her. Maybe even before. Malcolm pulled her close and moved his hand so it held hers loosely, but not so loose that she could pull away. Now that he had her there, he would not let her go so easily.

  “I know this is a lot to take in.” He led her toward the table that had been set for two farther up the beach. “And you’ve had a long trip, so before you say anything, come sit and have dinner with me. The chef prepared his specialty, grilled lobster. You’ll love it.”

  Malcolm pulled her seat out for her and wordlessly, Kylie sat. He took his seat across from her and a white suited waiter appeared from the late day shadows to pour them each a glass of pinot grigio and light the candle on the table between them before he disappeared again.

  Kylie lifted her glass to her lips and took a deep sip before Malcolm could even make a toast, but there would be time for toasting later. He needed her to relax, and let her mind catch up with what were no doubt a million thoughts racing through her head. Finally, she put down her glass, straightened her skirt and focused those piercing blue eyes on him.

  “So,” she said slowly. “You did this. All of this.”

  He nodded.

  “Why the secrecy? The cryptic notes?” Her eyes blazed. She’d never been one for surprises. “Why all this?”

  “For you.”

  “But, I thought it was from—”

  “Don’t.” He held up a hand. “You’ve always wanted this, Kylie. You’ve always wanted a tropical vacation, your own island with beautiful beaches and warm water to swim in. Now you have it. It’s as close to a private island as you’re going to get. But all this,” he waved his arm to encompass the pink and orange streaked sunset, “it comes with one caveat.” He waited a moment, took a sip of wine and set the glass down again before he continued. “You don’t mention him.”

  Kylie drew in a sharp intake of breath.

  “I mean it, Kylie. I can’t stop you from thinking about him. Lord knows I’ve tried. But there can be no mention of his name. Not if you want this to continue.”

  “Malcolm, I—”

  “One week, Kylie. Can you do it for one week to have the vacation of your dreams? He’s my brother, and I love him, but he doesn’t deserve your time and energy. Not this week.”

  She blinked hard, and he knew she mulled his words over in her head. He crossed one leg over the other and waited. She’d agree to his terms; he knew it. But it wouldn’t be an easy decision for her to make.

  Quicker than he expected, Kylie leaned forward and locked her eyes on his. “Fine.”

  “Fine?”

  “I won’t mention him. Not once. But I still don’t understand.”

  His face split into a smile. “You will.” He tipped his glass in a toast. “You will.”

  * * *

  Kylie was on her second glass of wine and had only picked at her delicious dinner as they watched the sun dip low in the sky. She was too nervous and confused to eat.

  “Watch,” Malcolm said. “On a perfectly clear night, right when the sun hits the horizon, there will be a green flash. It’s beautiful and you don’t see it all the time.”

  She focused intently on the ocean while the sun got lower and lower. “Do you think—” A green light lit up the sky and seconds later was gone. It happened so fast, she couldn’t be sure it’d happened at all.

  Kylie spun in her seat. “Was that it? It was beautiful but so fast.”

  Malcolm laughed easily. She knew he’d been on many trips over the years. And he’d probably seen the green flash dozens of times.

  As Marcus’s snowboarding started to take off, Malcolm scaled back on his love for skiing in favor of studying. He earned his degree through correspondence so he could stay close to his brother, but as soon as Marcus accepted the professional snowboarding sponsorship, Malcolm left for a job in the city. She’d lost them both within weeks. Her boyfriend and her friend. At times she couldn’t tell who she missed more. But she’d never been able to tell Malcolm how much she’d missed him because she knew deep down that if she did, he’d leave everything he’d worked so hard for and come back for her. He would have done anything for her. Hadn’t she always known deep down how he felt about her?

  Maybe. But not to this extent, she thought as she looked around at the lanterns and torches that had been pushed into the sand next to their table. He cared about her, sure. But loved her?

  No. Not Malcolm.

  But what if he did? Isn’t that why they were there? She couldn’t still her mind, but it proved to be a lot easier than she would have expected to reframe her expectations away from Marcus and onto Malcolm. And if she was honest with herself, there was a bit of relief there as well.

  “I know it’s probably nothing to you.” Suddenly self-conscious, she turned away and stared at th
e ocean that was falling quickly into darkness. It was amazing how fast the sun went down. In the mountains, it was a gradual sunset until finally the light faded away. Here, it was just gone.

  “It’s your reaction when you see these things and experience them for the first time,” he said gently. “They’re everything to me.”

  She couldn’t turn around. She couldn’t look at him and see Marcus looking back at her. Not yet. She wasn’t ready.

  “The curse of being an identical twin.” He read her mind. “There are a few of them.”

  That caused her to turn. “Curse?” She didn’t believe it. For as different as they were and the fights they had, Malcolm and Marcus were a tight unit. They always had been. She wanted to ask him more, but she remembered their deal. She wouldn’t mention Marcus. As much as the questions burned in her heart, she would respect his terms and she wouldn’t say anything.

  He shrugged. His broad shoulders moved allowing her to catch a better glimpse of the smooth, hard muscles of his chest. Kylie caught herself and quickly looked away. “There have been some definite drawbacks,” he said. His eyes blazed and they held her with an intensity that would have scared Kylie if she didn’t know him so well.

  She knew the answer before she asked it, but she had to ask anyway. Despite the deal, she had to know.

  “What were the drawbacks?” Her voice was soft, tentative, and totally unlike her, as she asked the question she was sure she already, by now, knew the answer to.

  She shouldn’t have been surprised at his answer, but when he took her hand and answered simply, “You,” a chill went through her despite the warm night.

  “You’re cold.” Malcolm was up and out of his seat before she could protest. The intensity of the moment dispersed.

  A blanket materialized from nowhere and he wrapped the soft fabric around her like a hug. His large hands rubbed her arms; she closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation. “Let’s walk.”

  Together they walked close, almost but not quite touching. Kylie felt as if she should take his hand, that they were a couple on a romantic holiday together. It was bizarre how it all felt strangely and unexpectedly right to be there with him.