by Susan Hayes
Amber chose a bench against the railing and rested her head as she closed her eyes in complete contentment. The ferry was the main transportation for Sunset Point for everyone and everything, coming and going. She couldn’t believe how clean and fresh the salt water smelled or how crystal clear the blue water was. She knew for a fact that she wasn’t in Chicago anymore just by the peacefulness and the tranquility of the sea. There was something in the air she noticed as the ferry embarked closer to Sunset Point that seemed so refreshing and exotic. Everything about this experience to Amber was exciting and exhilarating. She was never more thrilled to start a fresh new beginning than once she arrived at Sunset Point Island. This was the beginning of Amber Green’s first chapter of her new life.
As she sat on the bench of the ferry, Amber rested her eyes and thought back to the reason that had caused her to head to Sunset Point in search of a new life.
Amber thought back to what seemed like just hours ago, when she had been fired from her job at the beauty salon where she worked part-time. Her boss, Patrice, had informed her that her services were no longer needed and she was relieved of her job as a hairdresser. Patrice, the ball-busting witch she worked for, had told her she was tired of the constant phone calls throughout the day from her boyfriend Charlie. She also was tired of Charlie coming into the salon harassing Amber for her tips she had made for the day so he could go drinking with his buddies at the local bar. Patrice told her that it wasn’t good for her business having her boyfriend harassing her at work all the time and she was making a business decision by firing her. Amber was actually thrilled to no longer be working for Patrice. The woman was rude and never gave Amber any decent comments when it came to her clients’ hairstyles. Amber knew she was a good stylist and tended to ignore her snarky remarks. She was constantly putting her down in front of her clients.
Good riddance.
Amber had gone home to an empty apartment that day. Charlie was most likely drinking with his buddies somewhere in a bar. That was when she came up with the idea. Enough was enough. Amber needed a change, and with her being fired today this couldn’t have come at a better time. She went to her bedroom and grabbed everything she owned, which all fit into a suitcase, and the rest went into a large carrying bag. She was just about to walk out of the bedroom when she realized she forgot to grab her favorite toys. Lately she had been using her B.O.B. more frequently since Charlie was rarely home. Sex was just okay between her and Charlie. He never wanted to try anything new. It was the same thing every time, never a thrill for either of them. Charlie got his rocks off and left her to bring herself to orgasm with her own hand or battery-operated boyfriend.
Amber opened her nightstand and grabbed her pink butt plug and favorite purple silicon vibrator. After shoving them into the side pocket of her suitcase, she then walked out of the apartment and headed for the nearest cheap motel until she had a chance to call her one true friend, Trinity.
Trinity Cross was like a sister to Amber. They were raised in the same foster home until Trinity was adopted at thirteen. Today she had a successful job working for Mac Securities. Amber had always thought that Trinity was beautiful. She had light-brown hair, hazel eyes, and an awesome body. One that Amber would kill for.
Amber decided on the cheapest motel she knew that was within walking distance. She needed to save every penny she had from now on since she no longer had a job. Once Amber checked in to the cockroach-infested dump, she sat on the dirty God-only-knows-what’s-on-this bedspread and picked up her cell and dialed Trinity’s number.
“Hey, sweetie,” Trinity said as she answered the phone. “I’ve been meaning to call you. I’m gonna have to cancel my appointment with you next week.”
“Oh, umm, that’s fine. Listen, Trinity…I’m in a little trouble.”
“What did that bastard do now? Are you okay?” Trinity asked.
“I’m leaving Charlie,” Amber said.
“Hell yes! About damn time!” Trinity exclaimed. “I’m toasting his ass good-bye right now.”
Amber let out a weak laugh. “I know you never liked him…and I guess you were right. I just saw it too late. He…he got me fired today.”
Trinity gasped. “What? That’s bullshit. You’re one of the best fucking hairdressers at that place!”
“Thanks. Charlie was calling me on my cell, but I was with a client so I didn’t answer. Then he started calling the main line, demanding to speak to me, and well, you know how my manager is…”
“You mean the queen bitch of the world, Patrice?”
“Yeah, her. Anyways, she told me that she couldn’t have people thinking they could get personal calls at the main desk, so she fired me. When I got home Charlie wasn’t there, so I packed my stuff up and left. Oh, god. Trinity, I lost my job. What am I going to do? I don’t even care about Charlie. How sad is that?”
“Fuck him. Don’t worry, sweetie. Everything is going to be fine.”
“Do you think I could stay with you for a few days? I just need to figure out what I’m going to do. I was thinking maybe I should move, start somewhere fresh—”
“Oh my god, this is perfect! Come here! Hold on one sec—” Amber could hear Trinity talking to someone in the background. “Hey, Max. You can get my friend Amber a job as a hairstylist in the spa, right?”
“Ah, I suppose so. But what are her credentials?” she heard the man say. .
“She does my hair.” Amber heard her friend snap.
“Well, then. She’s hired,” said the man.
Amber grinned to herself. Trinity had always been a take-no-shit-from-anyone gal. “Amber? I’m on an island off the coast of Florida called Sunset Point. It would be perfect for you! I got you a job at the Palace Resort and Spa.”
“Holy crap! How in the world did you do that?”
“I’m sitting with the owner right now. Where are you right now?”
Amber paused on the phone. “I found a hotel close by my old place—”
“Which is probably a shithole.” Trinity cut her off. “Listen, this is what we’re going to do. I want you to text me the name and room number of your hotel. Stay there until a guy named Moretti comes to get you. He’ll take you over to my apartment for the night then have someone drive you to O’Hare airport tomorrow, where you’ll catch a flight to Florida. You’ll have to take the ferry over to the island.”
“Wait, wait! Trinity, I can’t afford to—”
“Sure you can. Your ticket will be waiting for you at the airport. All you need is some money for the ferry. Do you have enough for that?”
“Well, yes. But I—”
“Good. Once you’re here I’ll either pick you up or have a car sent to get you. Promise me you won’t open the door to anyone but Moretti.”
Amber let out an aggravated sigh. “Trinity, you’re like a bulldozer.”
Trinity laughed. “And that surprises you? Amber, promise me.”
“I promise.”
“Good. Now pack up your shit and get moving, girl. Welcome to your new life. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The ferry horn blew and brought her back to reality. Amber sat up in the bench she was seated in and looked at the beautiful, exotic island that she would now call home. As she looked at the tropical paradise before her, she could see the white sandy beach that was surrounded by crystal-blue water.
Amber looked over her shoulder as she saw other tourists taking pictures of the two dolphins that were diving in the water beside the ferry. She couldn’t wait to dig her toes in the sand and step into the cool ocean water.
Amber noticed as the ferry ventured closer to the docks that there were numerous ski boats, fishing vessels, and a few boats that could have been yachts. Sunset Point was a striking and colorful island. There were large trees strategically placed around the grounds surrounding large colorful bushes, and planters were sprinkled as far as she could see. As the ferry grew closer to the island of Sunset Point, Amber could smell the faint aroma of the tropical flowers that
fermented the salty clear-blue skies.
As soon as they permitted her, Amber picked up the only suitcase she had with her and her large bag that contained the rest of her belongings. Everything she owned was in these two bags. Amber exited the ferry with all the other patrons as they made their way toward the island.
At the end of the dock there was a man holding a sign with her name on it. Amber walked toward him.
“Excuse me, sir. I am Amber Green.”
“Ms. Green. I was asked by hotel management to escort you to the Palace Resort and Spa. Ms. Cross told me to tell you it was her idea.”
That made Amber snicker. “Yes well, my dear sweet friend Trinity does know how to get her way, doesn’t she?”
“Ms. Cross is definitely set in her ways, ma’am.” He smiled and then took her suitcase from her hands and said, “Please follow me to the car so we can get you settled in to the hotel.” The large six foot, ginormous, attractive blond driver walked ahead of her as she followed him to the black sleek town car that was a few feet away. The driver then opened the trunk and placed her suitcase inside. He then opened the rear door for her as she entered the luxurious car.
While on the ferry, Amber overheard some patrons talking as they stood beside her. She heard a man say that Sunset Point was about eight hundred square miles, not even as large as Rhode Island. There were only about twenty thousand people that populated this very private and exclusive island. After listening to their conversation, Amber had grown more interested and fascinated with Sunset Point.
The Palace Resort and Spa was a truly extraordinary sight. They had driven up to the resort on a deserted road lined with the rainforest on either side until the striking structure came into view. Rising over the treetops, with the sea at its back, Amber thought of an exotic palace with a contemporary appeal.
When Amber entered the lobby she was amazed. It was simply breathtaking.
“Ma’am?” someone asked from behind her as she stood staring at the magnificent lobby. She turned and faced a man who was dressed in an expensive business suit. “May I help you to check in?”
“Oh, yes. I’m sorry. I was just in awe of how beautiful your hotel is. Yes, I need to check in. My name is Amber Green.”
His smile broadened. “Ahh yes, Ms. Green. We have been expecting you.” He then snapped his fingers toward the bellhop. “Please take Ms. Green’s luggage for her, and I will let you know what suite she is in so you may take them to her room for her.”
“Oh please, don’t bother. I can carry them for myself.
“Nonsense. If you will just follow me, I will have you checked in within no time.”
Amber couldn’t believe the suite they had set her up in. This was one of the nicest places she had ever stayed in. This was more like a miniaturized version of a condo than a hotel room. Amber placed her bag on the chair as she went further into the room for a better look. As she walked toward the large floor-to-ceiling windows she noticed the large, open living room with a full kitchen and a bedroom off to the side. Amber couldn’t believe she was going to be staying here. She felt guilty, almost out of place if she were to stay here. Amber kept telling herself that Trinity was just helping her out and as soon as she found a job she was going to find a place to rent on the island.
As she looked out her window, she noticed the pool below. Maybe she would have a chance to sneak down and take a dip in the inviting pool. Amber heard her phone ring in her purse. She ran to the chair where her purse was and answered it.
“Hi, sweetie.”
“Hi, Trinity! Oh my gosh, why am I staying in such a nice suite? I don’t need to be staying in a room like this. This room even has a full kitchen. Can’t I stay in a normal room—”
Trinity laughed. “Slow down, Amber. You should see the owner’s suite I’m staying in. That place will make your suite look like a Cracker Jack box. Listen, honey, get your shit and come meet me and some friends at a bar in town. I’m declaring a girl’s night.”
“Trinity, I don’t know about going out on my first night here. Couldn’t you and I just go out and have dinner together?” Amber asked.
“Nope. You’re meeting me at the Kracken’s Cave tonight, and I don’t want to hear another word. I know you could use a drink after what you’ve been through and I know I can after the day I’ve had.”
Amber knew she was going to lose this battle whenever Trinity got all badass on her and everything. Trinity was the stronger one of the two of them. Amber tended to let people push her around and tell her what to do. People always told her she was too nice and needed to grow a backbone.
Amber sighed. “Okay. What time should I be downstairs?”
“There should be a rental car for you downstairs. Just go to the front desk and give your name. They should have the keys, and they’ll give you directions. See you soon.”
Amber looked at the phone after her friend hung up and sighed.
Sunset Point
Tattoos and Cupcakes
Being sequestered on Sunset Point Island is the least of Lane Erikson’s worries. Being a witness to a murder may be her demise. What does one do when a network of FBI wanted criminals are looking to kill you? You run like hell, even it’s to a place you’ve never heard of.
Dane Hutchinson, local tattoo artist, sets his sights on winning Lane’s affection and sharing her with Bannock Garrison, Sunset Point police officer. Bannock never wanted a ménage relationship, even though his parents have lived a happy life in one. The idea of sharing a woman bothers him, but losing Dane’s friendship bothers him more.
As the relationship begins to soar with possibilities, Lane is faced with her world crashing down again, and her life hangs in the balance. Can Bannock and his colleagues save the day? More importantly, can Bannock overcome his distrust for women and allow Lane into his heart and share her with his best friend?
Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre
Length: 64,672 words
Chapter 1
Lane hated this, hated that everything had gone to hell. If she would have known sooner, things may be different now. If she had any idea, she would have stopped it, or would have tried. If only. She pushed her unruly hair out of her face. Her hands trembled as she recalled the scene. How did she miss blatant evidence that must have been in front of her face the whole time? How could she have not seen the terror behind their smiles, and the fear concealed by their sensual glances and movements?
She couldn’t stop crying. Dead. Ingrid had been dead when she found her, laid out across the floor with her long blonde hair haphazardly strewn over the hardwood floor. Smart, she thought, the hardwood that is. Carpet would have been a nightmare to clean up. She wondered if he had killed before. Is that why he chose hardwood over carpet? Goddamn it! Why didn’t she see the monster under his handsome face? Had she been so caught up in her own world she ignored any and all clues of his true nature? I’ve had sex with a monster, a killer! He had touched her body in the most intimate of ways. She had given herself freely to him. She wanted to shower in extremely hot water with the toughest soap on the planet. A gag involuntarily rippled over her tongue. The desire to brush her teeth became an immediate urge.
At the sink, Lane brushed three times. Her queasy stomach threatened to blow any minute. The problem was she’d done that already, three times during her run from the club to the police station. There was so much blood, so much damn blood. The last thing she noticed before she ran was Ingrid’s expressionless face, eyes wide open, staring up at the ceiling. Those beautiful blue eyes of hers were like ice, shimmering with intensity. Her tall and fit body demanded attention from all those that passed by her in the club. Even women stopped to stare, unable to understand how any woman could be as striking or beautiful.
When Ingrid had danced in the club, her long, blonde hair draped over her shoulders, cascading down her back in large ringlets, and framed her slender face. Plump lips made her red lipstick envious and grateful to be smeared over such perfectness.
Now, she was gone. All her dreams were dead and gone like her cold body that was probably at the morgue by now. The mortician may die of shock when he unzips her, Lane thought, sure he’d think he was staring into the face of an angel. Then he’d weep for her and hate the monster that took her from this earth.
Lane knew she needed to get it together, stop crying, and pretend to be strong. For crying out loud, she didn’t even know Ingrid. She had just seen her at the club working, dancing, and using her perfect body to captivate the men who entered.
For the last three months, Lane Erikson had been to the club quite a bit to see her boyfriend, the owner of the club, The Sinful Seven. She thought Joe was a good guy. He owned one of the most exclusive night clubs in LA, which anyone who is anybody frequented. And she thought he was a good guy? She questioned herself again. Right, I’m a dumbass. And since when had she been so dense, so naïve, and downright dirt dumb?
Everything was gone. Everything she’d worked toward all these years and finally succeeded and it was gone. Her life as she knew it would be screwed, along with her apartment, new car, and shoes…lots of new shoes. Most importantly, her career was over. There was no way she could model in high fashion magazines and be a runway model without being recognized. From what she understood, the criminal network her boyfriend was involved in was large, expanding to each continent around the world. Lane had become a key witness and a liability. They wouldn’t want her story told.
The name of the club, The Sinful Seven, finally made sense and it struck Lane hard. She face-palmed her head. There are seven continents and the club showcased women from each, and all were housed under one roof. They were kept as prisoners though. A headache developed, almost debilitating with the intensity. She needed pain relievers in the worst way.
Lane returned to her bedroom to continue the task she had started. Mr. Suit from the FBI stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorjamb in his black suit and tie. His eyes regarded her without emotion. It was just business for him, but for her, devastating. What do I even take? Where am I going? And when can I come home?
