The Bad Boys of Eden

by Avery Aster

  Dahlia: feel better?

  Me: no. I’m such an idiot

  Dahlia: I’m sure you’re not an idiot. We’ve all done stupid things before

  Me: Yeah but I’m stuck on a small island with this guy

  Dahlia: Maybe he’s your prince charming, and you just don’t know it yet

  Me: D, there is no such thing as prince anything

  Dahlia: True. Go for a swim, enjoy your vacation

  Me: ttyl

  I tossed my phone aside, and got off the bed again. I would have a shower and hopefully that would make me feel better. Although I didn’t think hot water could wash away a night of complete humiliation and embarrassment.

  After I showered and felt remotely human again, I went down to the terrace arriving just in time to get in on the lunch buffet. Once I ate, my body didn’t feel like it was going to revolt any longer. The sun was high, the sky a robin’s egg blue. It was a perfect day. The kind of day that required a big sun hat, sunglasses and a good book. Now I just needed the perfect spot to hide away for a few hours so I could wipe the memory of last night’s spectacle from my mind.

  I found Laura at the concierge desk and she told me about a beautiful secluded spot on the other side of the island that would be perfect for me. She drew me a map, it was only a ten minute walk from the resort, and I set out on my way.

  As I walked along the cobble stone path through the dense trees that surrounded the resort, I began to feel better. About the day, about my life. Maybe my parents’ moving was the best thing for everyone. It would give them a new start to a relationship that needed it, and it would give me the push I needed to finally grasp hold of my life and do something worthwhile with it. Heavy thoughts for a girl with a hangover but they were a long time coming.

  I came out of the trees onto a rocky cliff. Steps carved into the stone led through the crag and down toward the pristine white beach. I made my way down to the sand and noticed a carved out spot in the stone face. It was like a little special alcove made just for one or two people. I crossed the sand toward it, anticipating the amazing relaxation of the day with just my thoughts and my book. Laura was a genius. She knew exactly what I needed today.

  But when I stepped into the alcove I gave a little gasp and dropped my book onto the sand.

  Jakob looked up over top his sunglasses at me. “Good afternoon.” He closed the book that he was reading but didn’t smile.

  He looked sexy and casual in shorts, a polo shirt and sandals. He had on a tan fedora that was old school but on him it worked. He was the air of cool and stylish and looked like he belonged on a Calvin Klein ad for expensive cologne.

  I crouched and retrieved my book, brushing the sand from the pages. “Great. This is just what I needed.” I turned to go.

  “You don’t need to leave.” He gestured to the second lounger in the alcove. “There is room enough for two here.”

  “I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You aren’t. I feel like I have to apologize for my rude behavior last night.”

  I looked at him, trying to read his emotions and thoughts. He seemed sincere enough. There wasn’t anything mocking in his manners or his voice. Besides that, I really didn’t want to leave. The spot was spectacular and it already came stocked up with refreshments and snacks by the look of the space-aged looking bar built into the stone.

  “Thank you.” I settled onto the other lounger. It was like falling into a pile of fluffy white kittens. It was so soft and squishy. I think I must’ve moaned when I sat because Jakob’s lips twitched up a little.

  “This is the most amazing chair ever.”

  “Yes, it is very comfortable.”

  “They really know how to do things right on this island.” I stretched out my legs and sighed.

  “Would you like a drink?” He stood and went over to the cut out in the rock. “There is water, juice, wine, beer, anything you want.”

  “I think I’ll stay away from the alcohol. So water would be good.”

  He reached in and grabbed a bottle of water. After untwisting the cap, he handed it to me.

  “Thanks.”

  He settled back onto his lounger.

  I took a long drink then set the bottle down on the stone table beside me. I picked up my book, flipped it open, then set it back down again.

  “I…”

  “I…”

  We said at the exact same time.

  I laughed. “Go ahead,” I said.

  “I am sorry for my behavior last night. I should never have…”

  “Answered the phone?”

  “No, I had to answer the phone. I won’t apologize for that. I should’ve never invited you to my room like that. It was impulsive. And I’m usually not impulsive.”

  “You said you like to take risks.”

  “I do, but they are all calculated. I know the outcome before I jump.”

  “What made you invite me then?” I said it casually, but the look I gave him was anything but.

  He took off his sunglasses and set them down on the stone table beside him. He looked at me. Really looked. As if he was trying to decide something either about me, or himself.

  “I’m not sure. You looked a bit lost.”

  “And you wanted to rescue me, is that it?”

  He didn’t answer just kept looking at me.

  “Well just to save you some time…I don’t need rescuing.”

  “Last night when you came to my room, you looked angry and upset. What happened?”

  I turned away from him and studied the cover of my book. “Nothing. I just had a disagreement with someone.”

  “Your parents? They are on the island as well, yes?”

  I gaped at him. “Excuse me? How do you know that?”

  “I keep informed about all my interests.”

  “I’m an interest, am I? That’s not creepy or anything.”

  His one eyebrow came up. “I like to know the people I have dealings with.”

  “Dealings? So planning to have sex with me is like, what, a business arrangement?” I sat up straight on the lounger, no longer relaxed. “Because I already told you I wasn’t a prostitute. I don’t need anything from you.” My hands started to shake I was so angry. I swung my legs over to put my feet on the ground. “I’m out of here.”

  “I mean no disrespect, Ivy.”

  “Well, you’re doing a fine ass job of disrespecting me with every word that comes out of your mouth.”

  “I was just hoping we could have an adult relationship while on the island together without any drama or complications.”

  “So you just want me to shut my mouth and let you fuck me silly, is that it?”

  “You say that like you wouldn’t enjoy me fucking you silly. I think you need it more than you know.”

  I stood. I picked up my water bottle and tossed it at him. “Why don’t you shove this up your ass, because that’s the only action you’re going to be getting from me.” I stomped out of the alcove.

  I heard his sexy chuckle behind me. But I didn’t turn back. I didn’t look over my shoulder at him. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. The nerve of him. The arrogance. It was enough to make me sick.

  I fully intended to march back up the stone steps and get my drink on at the pool bar and vent to Chad, but that wasn’t going to happen. There were waves of water washing up over my feet. The tide had come in, a bit early I thought. And with it, a whole hell of a lot of gelatinous bluish and purple blobs.

  “Oh my God!”

  “Ivy? Are you all right?” A few seconds later, Jakob stood beside me and gaped at what was once a beautiful sandy beach.

  “Are those jellyfish?”

  “Portuguese man o’ war.”

  I reached out with my sandal toward one dark purple mass. “They’re kind of pretty.”

  Jakob immediately grabbed me around the waist and swung me out of the way. “You don’t want to touch it. Even dead their sting is very venomous.”

  “Like
kill me dead venomous?” I paled and wrapped my arms around my chest.

  “No, but it is very painful.” He rolled up the pant leg of his shorts. “And can leave a scar.” It looked like pink train tracks across his thigh.

  “How did you get that?”

  “Snorkeling off the coast of Bermuda. These are the same waters.” He unrolled the pant leg.

  “What are we going to do? How the hell are we going to get out of here?” I gestured toward the stone steps leading back up to the resort. Water nearly lapped at the first step. Several poisonous blobs blocked the path to the stairs.

  He glanced back at the alcove. “We could stay here. We have plenty to drink and eat.”

  “I’m not going to stay here all night.” I looked around. “Can we call the resort to come get us? They could lower a ladder or something.”

  Jakob took out his cell phone and looked at it. “No service.”

  “Are you serious?” I grabbed the phone from him. There were no bars. There was indeed no service.

  I was really starting to freak out. Panic wound its way around my body. My hands shook, as did the rest of me.

  Jakob must’ve noticed because he put an arm around me and rubbed my arm. “It’s all right. I will get us out of this.”

  “How?” The tide was even higher now. Waves crashed up against the rock face. We had to step back into the alcove. “I know, we can drag the loungers out and use them as a path.” I grabbed the nearest one and started to lug it forward.

  Jakob stopped me. “I’m going to carry you. It’s not far to the steps.”

  “What? No way. You’ll get stung by one of those things.”

  “I’ll step carefully. Trust me.” He gave me his back. “Jump up.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “Yes. Just do what I tell you.”

  As he crouched down, I grabbed hold of his shoulders and jumped up onto his back. I wrapped my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck. He grasped me around my thighs to secure my hold.

  “Get ready. We go.”

  He stepped out into the water then waited. I looked down to see where he was stepping. He’d move forward, then wait for the tide to go out, then step and wait. On his next step, he had to make it wide so he didn’t step on one of the purple jellies.

  “We’re almost there,” he said as he took the next step forward.

  I clung to him like a life preserver, but made sure I wasn’t choking him. I could feel his heart beating under my hands as I pressed them to his chest. I imagined mine was just as fast and hard. If the situation wasn’t so dire, I might’ve laughed. To an uninformed observer it probably would’ve looked comical. Me clinging to Jakob’s back and him taking tentative step after tentative step.

  With the next step he took, the wave rushed hard against his legs. He stumbled a little, and I slipped from his grip. I plunged into the pool of water. Luckily I didn’t do a face plant, but it was close. I’d just managed to land on my knees. Water splashed up into my face and soaked my clothes and hair.

  Jakob turned in a panic. “You didn’t land on one did you?”

  I shook my head and let out a shaky breath. “No, thank God.”

  “All right get back on.” He leaned down again and I scrambled onto his back as the waves continually crashed around us, the water line getting higher and higher.

  After three more steps we were almost there. If I reached out I probably could’ve touched the rock. He made one more step, and the waves washed over him, then I saw the telltale purple color in the foam near his foot and I swore under my breath. Jakob swore out loud.

  “Scheisse!”

  I looked down and saw a dark blue veined tentacle wrapped around his ankle. My gut churned. Images from the movie Aliens came to my mind.

  He hopped up and turned toward the rock. I could reach the step without going into the water. I got off his back, and helped him onto the stair. I held his arm, as he kicked off the jelly arm. Thankfully it came off with one fling of his leg.

  “Oh God, Jakob. Are you okay?”

  He nodded, but his face was strained. He was definitely in a lot of pain.

  “Can you climb the steps?”

  He nodded again, but held out his arm toward me. I grabbed it, and we carefully moved up the stairs. He couldn’t put any weight on his right ankle. I looked at it. It was all purple and had a dark red line around it.

  When we reached the top, I helped Jakob sit in a spot on the grass. “I’ll go get help.”

  “I can walk.”

  “Sit down and I will get help. You already saved me, you don’t need to be a hero anymore.”

  I ran along the path back to the resort. I bolted into the lobby and shouted at the concierge. “I need a doctor.”

  Laura rushed up to me. “What happened?”

  “Jakob’s been stung by a Portuguese man o’ war. He’s down by the stairs to the secluded spot on the beach.”

  A young man ran up to us. He had a medical kit with him. “Where is he?”

  A half hour later, the medic named Shane, was applying a paste to Jakob’s ankle made up of crushed vitamin C tablets, baking soda and water. He’d rinsed the wound with hot water firstly, and applied an ice pack to soothe the pain. Shane said that vitamin C was the best thing to neutralize the venom. He also gave Jakob four tablets to take orally.

  As he was leaving, Shane gave me a whole bottle of vitamin C and told me to make sure Jakob took another four tablets in six hours or so. I didn’t argue just waved goodbye and shut the door behind him.

  I returned to Jakob who was propped up on the bed with a plethora of pillows behind his back and under his leg. He looked really miserable and put out. I had to smile. “You really hate being taken care of, don’t you?”

  “It’s not needed.” He sat up and swung his leg off the bed. “The pain is gone.”

  “Okay, then I guess I’ll go.” I set the bottle of vitamin C on the table beside the bed. “You’re supposed to take four more in about six hours.”

  “You will stay for dinner. I will order us up something.”

  “I could eat.”

  “Good.” He stood. There was a knock at the door.

  I followed him out to answer it. Laura came in, carrying a garment bag. She set it down on the sofa. Along with a toiletry bag.

  At my raised eyebrows, Jakob said, “I thought you would want to shower and change after our ordeal.”

  “Have a lovely evening,” Laura said, then left the room.

  “You’re very presumptuous.” I unzipped the bag to reveal a short pale blue strapless dress. It was gorgeous. I felt the fabric and it was soft and flowy.

  “It is part of what I do, anticipating another’s needs.”

  I opened up the little bag. Inside were shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and a toothbrush. Even some skin moisturizer. The most expensive on the market.

  “What exactly do you do for a living? You never did answer me before.”

  “I procure things for people. Hard to get items.”

  “And these people pay you pretty well I take it for that service.”

  “Yes.”

  I picked up the bag. “Where’s the bathroom?”

  He gestured toward the bedroom. “There is a wonderful shower in the ensuite.”

  I grabbed the dress and went into the bedroom. I found the bathroom and it was huge. Bigger than the one my parents had in their estate home. I hung up the dress, set the toiletry bag down and shut the door. But I didn’t lock it.

  Chapter Seven

  Jakob was right about the shower. It was amazing. It was a large cube, glass on three sides that could easily accommodate four people comfortably. Not that I was considering having a party in the shower. The main overhead nozzle was a large disk and it was like standing in a warm rain. Then there were eight spray nozzles along the wall, four down each side. It was a spa massage. And I needed it.

  The entire time I showered I watched the door. I had a mixture o
f feelings going on. On one hand I’d hoped Jakob would just come in, like a boss. Thinking he had every right to do so. But on the other hand, I didn’t want him to, because I was afraid of what I might’ve let happen. What I would’ve let him to do me.

  He was the first man I’d ever met that I would’ve let take control. The first man that I wanted to surrender to.

  And I wasn’t really sure why. I mean, I wasn’t one hundred percent positive that he was a nice man. He didn’t seem cruel just maybe not particularly gentle or kind. He was a man used to power and control. A man who commanded. But I felt safe with him. I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. I trusted him.

  I shut off the water, and stepped out of the shower. I grabbed a towel, warm from the heated rack it had been hanging on, and wrapped it around my body. As I dried off I kept staring at the door willing it to open. Willing Jakob to walk through to dry me off himself. That thought was an intense lust punch to the belly. I had to do something about it. If he wasn’t going to come to me, I was going out to him.

  Once I was dry, I kept the towel wrapped around my chest, and opened the bathroom door. I peered out into the bedroom.

  “Jakob?”

  “In here.”

  I walked out into the living room, a come hither look on my face. “I thought maybe you could wash my…” I cut my words off as I came to screeching halt.

  Three faces turned toward me. Jakob’s, and my mom and dad’s.

  Just fucking perfect.

  “Hello darling,” my mom said. Her eyes were wide and she looked like she was struggling not to smile.

  “When your parents heard about our ordeal, they were naturally worried,” Jakob explained, “So I thought to invite them up to have dinner with us.”

  “Awesome. I’ll just go get dressed.” I turned on my heel and walked back into the bedroom, then into the bathroom.

  I shut the door and leaned against it, stifling a mortified scream. I couldn’t believe that just happened. How the hell was I going to be able to go back in there and face everyone? I’d completely embarrassed myself. But it would be worse if I didn’t go back.

  I let the towel drop, and I pulled on the dress. There was a zipper in back, so I turned it around, did it up and turned it back. It was a precise fit and the color was perfect for my skin tone. Jakob had good taste. The man certainly knew what he was doing. I was probably not the first girl he’d procured for a few days on an island getaway.