by Lara Nance
Did she really stand a chance against the lovely, guilt-enshrined Sakhet? Her heart fluttered a denial. Pushing those thoughts away, she flicked a long strawberry blond tress over one shoulder, applied lipstick and pressed her lips together, then walked out of the room to the foot of the stairs.
The sounds of laughter and clinking of glasses filtered down to her. Hand on the rail, Cara hurried to join them. Hidden at first by the shadows of the afternoon sun, she paused at the top of the steps. One by one, the talking ceased and all heads swirled in her direction. Cara put her hands to her face, as embarrassed heat pooled there. “What’s wrong?” She searched the room for Rolf and breathed a sigh of relief that he wasn’t present.
“Nothing’s wrong, girl.” Shana jumped from the couch and rushed over to hug her. “You look seriously hot,” she whispered in her ear.
Cara started to deny it when the skin on the back of her neck pricked. She pivoted and there, just off the deck, one hand on the door, Rolf surveyed the room. His blue eyes captured her glance and the room stilled. His gaze took in her appearance from top to bottom before he finally moved.
“Sean grilled some shrimp. Anyone hungry? We’re eating on the back deck.” He held open the door and waved them outside. Dusty and Rambo bounded through, barking.
Amber glanced at her expectantly, and handed her a glass of chilled chardonnay. Cara forced her own breathing to slow, hating that Rolf had this effect on her.
The group trailed to the back of the boat, and the crew brought trays of food, while Sean removed skewers of shrimp from the deck grill to place them on a platter. The garlic and jerk spices wafted through the air, and Cara’s stomach grumbled.
Everyone picked up a plate, piling them high as they circled the teak table. Cara hid a smile. Seems everyone’s as hungry as me.
The group scattered to chairs and chaises, enjoying the evening breeze as reds and purples painted the sky. Unfortunately, talk eventually returned to discussion of the Takers and how to deal with them.
“What is done must be discrete,” Rolf said. “The rule throughout my career of tracking and killing them is to leave no clue to lead anyone to discover how they died or to trace the killing to me.” He sat beside Cara on a bench, a foot apart, which was torture to her. The bond formed in their shield training remained. A trickle of energy flowed between them, making the hair rise on her skin. Doesn’t he feel it, too? She ached to touch him, even just a brush of skin as their arms pressed together. But he maintained a discrete distance at all times. Damn it.
“So, we have to get the dudes in an isolated spot,” Tor said. “We also need to consider any evidence it’s possible to leave behind and eliminate it.”
“What do you mean?” Marc asked.
“Hair, clothing, fingerprints, that sort of thing. Forensic evidence.”
“There’s no need for weapons, which is the biggest threat to discovery. If we overpower them, I’ll drain their energy and leave no trace of the cause of death.”
Cara shivered. She knew he was a killer, but it still gave her chills to hear him talk about taking a life so calmly.
“It would be good to take them on separately if possible,” Shana said. “There’s less chance of the Takers escaping if we outnumber them.”
Rolf nodded. “I agree. One at a time would be the best way.”
“I have an idea.” Shana moved to the edge of her chair, excitement shining in her eyes. “Why don’t I go into the bar where Rolf saw one and pretend to let him lure me out of the club? The Takers will want to go to a secluded spot for their own purposes. We’ll just turn the tables and attack them instead.”
“Are you crazy?” Marc jumped to his feet, glaring down at her, hands on his hips. “You’re not doing any such thing. You don’t know what these people are capable of.”
Shana stood and glared at him, their faces inches apart. “You can’t tell me what I can or cannot do.”
“You know what? You’re right. No one can ever tell you anything. It’s always been that way, and it always will be. I don’t know why I ever thought we could make a relationship work.” He spun around and stomped up the side deck. The door to the salon slammed a few seconds later.
Shana stood there, silent for a moment. “Did he just break up with me?”
“You should go after him, honey,” Amber said. “Talk to him.”
“No. What I said is a good plan and I’m not backing down. He thinks he can control everything, but life isn’t so cut and dry.” She flopped back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest.
“It actually is a good plan,” Rolf said. Everyone whipped their heads around to stare at him. “We’d be there to make sure nothing happens to Shana. It’s a great way to get them outside without their suspecting anything.”
Tor nodded, but Amber shook her head, eyes bright with fear.
“I’m afraid Rolf’s spot on,” Alistair said. “Perhaps if Tor talked to Marc he would be reassured about Shana’s safety.”
Tor gave Shana a grim smile and pointed a finger at her. “I’ll try. But you two really need to get this thing worked out. We’ve been tip-toeing around his moodiness ever since we left Norfolk. If he’s going to help, he has to focus.”
“Yeah, well tell him that,” she retorted.
Tor threw up his hands and went inside to find Marc.
“I’m going to my cabin. I can’t take this drama.” Shana came to her feet.
“Of course, sweetie, but don’t you think you should talk to Marc?” Amber twisted her hands together. “You shouldn’t go to bed angry.”
“Not now. Let him cool off.” Shana stomped away.
Cara caught a glimpse of tears in her friend’s eyes before Shana turned. It might be better to let both of them cool off, then try to work out their differences. They all had their differences; she and Rolf were no exception. If only he would realize it.
“Well, I’m going to work on the remaining amulets,” Amber said, rising from her chair. “I hope Tor can calm Marc down.”
“Me, too. He and Shana are miserable apart.” Cara gazed over the stern rail to the sparkling water beyond. It was more sapphire now in the gathering darkness. It seemed the group’s cohesiveness was splitting at the seams. She prayed it wouldn’t unravel completely. “They have to be able to find a way to accept this situation for what it is. Face it. The stress is getting to all of us.”
Amber patted her arm on the way inside.
“How about a game of chess, Alistair?” Rolf jerked his head toward the salon. Alistair’s eyes lit and he snapped his fingers at Rambo then followed Rolf.
The night air grew heavy as Cara’s temper grew hot. Rolf avoided her by playing chess with Alistair? Really?
She stalked up the side deck and thrust open the salon door. The two men had settled at a small table holding a chessboard beneath the windows of the opposite wall.
Alistair laced his fingers and cracked his knuckles, then moved a pawn forward.
“How about a glass of wine, Rolf?” She walked toward the two men, hips swaying.
“Not right now,” he said, keeping his eyes on the board but raising one hand. “I don’t want to give the professor an advantage, and I have some calls to make later. Thanks, though.” He moved a pawn as well.
Alistair chuckled and moved a bishop to take Rolf’s pawn. “Indeed, you should keep your wits about you, my friend, or this will be a quick game.”
It felt like someone had dumped cold water over her and her insides fluttered. “Sure, fine, no problem.”
She clenched her fists and her nails bit into her palms. What an iceman! He didn’t seem to be tempted at all. She jammed her fingers into her hair at the scalp and gave a tug. With a sigh, she surrendered the field and retreated down the steps to her room.
Chapter Twenty-Six
The next morning, Cara leaned against the side rail of the boat. A light breeze lifted the hem of her short green sundress and she ran a hand down her thigh to hold it in place.
“Hey, Cara.” Shana sauntered toward her from the stern of the boat, eyeing the elevated hem of Cara’s dress. “You look super yummy. Has Rolf seen you in that?”
“Hey, Shan.” Heat rushed up to Cara’s cheeks. “Where’s the rest of the group? I was thinking to walk over to the shops.”
“Oh no, girl, you do not get off that easy.” Shana strolled toward Cara, pointing a finger. “You and me have to have a little talk.”
Cara groaned, but Shana took her arm and dragged her to the back deck.
Outside, the warm sun coaxed Cara to return to the secluded cove and swim the rest of the day alone with Rolf. Reggae music, mingled with talking and laughter from the surrounding boats, wafted across the air.
Guilt crept about her mind, reminding her they still faced grave trouble, and yet all she wanted to do was return to the tranquil beach with Rolf.
“Sooo?” Shana said when they reached the back deck
“So what?” Cara decided to torture her.
“Oh, come on Cara. What happened last night? Give it up.” Shana jerked playfully on Cara’s arm.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Cara sighed and sat in one of the lounge chairs grouped at the stern of the boat.
“Don’t make me beat the crap out of you.” Shana stood before Cara with her hands on her hips. “There’s no denying the heat between you and Rolf. So, what’s up?”
Cara waved a hand. “Okay, okay. But, the truth is, nothing happened.”
Shana sank into a chair beside her, eyes wide. “Are you kidding? You were smoking hot last night. What’s his problem? It’s obvious he cares about you. When he looks at you, I feel like melting myself.”
“I know what you mean. He’s seriously hot, in a dreamy, mysterious, ancient killer sort of way.” Cara slapped her hands to her flaming cheeks.
“Man.” Shana turned her face to the sun and closed her eyes. “I don’t get him. What’s he waiting for? I bet he’s good, too. All subdued strength with an inner core of gentle lover. Mmm, de-lish.”
“You nut,” Cara said, laughing. But she had to admit, Shana’s description came right out of her own imagination, spurred on by memories of that intense kiss.
“Well, admit it.” Shana turned to her. “He’s not like your normal, everyday guy.”
“No.” Cara shook her head. “He’s not that.”
“Don’t give up, girl. He’s bound to come around. You look totally scrumptious in that sundress.”
“How about you and Marc? Have you talked?” Cara didn’t want to discuss Rolf, it only made her feel worse.
Shana frowned. “I don’t know, Cara. I talked to him last night when he came to bed. I don’t think he understands what happens to people who are in an extreme situation. It means we all may have to act out of character to survive. I understand he doesn’t want to see me get hurt, and I appreciate it, but me hiding in a corner isn’t going to stop these monsters from taking over.”
“Are you back together?”
“Not the way we were. He’s trying to be nice, but it’s not the same.” Shana frowned. “He’s distant. And he has nightmares now. He wakes up yelling and sweating, shaking all over. This is really upsetting him.”
“I’m sorry, Shan. I think you guys belong together. Maybe he’ll be at ease with what we have to do when he sees for himself what’s happening back home.”
“Maybe.”
“Just don’t give up on him yet, okay?” She rested a hand on Shana’s arm.
“I do love him.” Shana flashed her a small half smile.
###
“The men in California report several items of interest,” Sean said to the group of mercenaries gathered about Rolf in the pilothouse of the boat. “They’ve been watching Desmond’s bank account. He’s slick, but they’ve tracked him depositing and transferring huge sums of money. Seems all the bribed officials got a hundred thousand dollars. He sent over five hundred million to an account in the Caymans. More seems to be coming in each day.”
Rolf rubbed his chin and leaned against the boat’s control panel. The biting smell of his espresso filled the room. He took another sip and set the cup on a shelf of charts to his right. “So, money is part of the equation, but is it all he’s interested in?”
Sean scanned the paper in his hand where he’d scribbled notes. “They say there are no reports of anything out of place. So, the reduction of Light must not keep people from carrying on with their lives.”
“I wonder if Desmond plans to expand his control?” one of the men asked, leaning on the steering wheel.
“It was implied in the files Sean downloaded, but we don’t know the next cities,” Rolf said. “Let’s have the men in California focus on the expansion.”
“They already started,” Sean said. “Hopefully, they’ll have more information tomorrow.”
Rolf ran a hand through his hair. “Bottom line, we need to eliminate this group of Takers, then return to the mainland and stop him before he expands this travesty any further.”
“What’s your plan?” Sean asked.
“Since we have an untried group, I suggest we start in an area away from Desmond. If we’re successful there, then we can strike at the head.”
“We won’t be part of the strike?” Sean asked, voice tinged with surprise. They were all mercenaries, hired by Rolf for their fighting and technical skills.
“No, you’ll have to stay on the boat with the globe. Your full level of energy would be noted at once. The amulets only work for Dealers because the crystals connect with their inner Light core, which you don’t have. But I want you to help with training the others.” No way would he help train. The impact of Cara’s body beneath his had only served to increase his temptation.
“Okay, where do you want to strike?” Sean spread out the map of the east coast.
Rolf moved the map across to the navigation station on the left side of the room. The rest of the men looked over his shoulders. Light from the windows surrounding the bridge glared off the paper and he squinted. “Here.” He pointed to Charleston, South Carolina. “It’s the southernmost point affected. We can make port easily and hunt down the Takers by tracking their energy.”
“We should anticipate he has people searching for us,” Sean said.
“Yes, but he doesn’t know we’re on a boat or even that I own one. This boat is registered to an alias. We must be very careful, though.”
“Won’t Desmond know he’s lost one of his groups?”
“Very likely,” Rolf said.
“He’ll know we’re coming for him.” Sean looked at his boss.
“Yes.” A feral glint of predatory anticipation surged within Rolf. “He’ll know. But he won’t know when or how.”
Rolf descended the steps from the pilothouse at the same time Cara and Shana opened the door to the salon. Cara froze on the threshold when her eyes met his. He took the last step and could move no further as his gaze traveled down her to the long expanse of leg showing. His heart thudded in his chest. Last night’s daring neckline had nearly done him in and now this.
Shana snickered and pushed Cara forward through the door, passing behind her into the room. She remained where she was, gaze locked on his. It was the most exquisite torture, his heart swelling at the sight of Cara and his brain lashing him with barbed whips for his betrayal of Sakhet.
Reason tugged him in two directions. Allow the bond with Cara to grow, and reap some happiness in this life before she grew old and died, or maintain his loyalty to Sakhet and hope to join her someday soon in the paradise beyond. He cursed the gods for placing this decision before him. No man should have to suffer in this manner.
Cara slid her hands down her thighs and broke their connection. She walked to the closest chair, the short skirt of her dress flaring out to reveal even more of her creamy thighs. He bit his cheek until he tasted blood, and jerked his head away, fighting for composure. They had to focus on the Takers, they had to.
Wit
h a deep breath, he turned back. “I need to discuss some planning with the group.”
“I’ll get Amber and Alistair.” Shana hurried down the steps to the cabins.
“Coffee?” Rolf asked Cara.
“Yes, thank you,” she said in a low voice. She crossed her legs and her skirt rode up even higher.
He nodded and shifted his gaze when he walked to the bar. Sakhet’s face floated before him, smiling, love shining in her eyes. He squeezed his eyes shut and leaned against the counter.
“What’s up?” Amber followed Alistair and Shana into the salon. Tor and Marc were a few seconds behind.
Rolf relayed the Charleston plan.
“Why not just take out Desmond first?” Tor settled beside Amber on the couch.
“Because you all will be responsible for the action. My men will be unable to participate. They have full energy and the Takers will sense them. It would put us all in danger. It would be best to take on a less powerful group first. As practice.” He met their gazes, unwavering. “But I would like to have my men start participating in your training.”
“Well, they can probably help us, I guess,” Shana said. Marc shifted in his chair, crossing his arms. She shrugged. “We need practice, right?”
“You’re right,” Tor said. “We’re not ready for Desmond yet.”
“How do we stand on the amulets?” Rolf asked Amber.
“I’ve finished mine and Alistair’s this morning. So, since you don’t need one, I’m done.” She handed a necklace to Alistair.
The scholar studied it for a moment before slipping it into his pocket. “Brilliant, my dear.”
“Excellent,” Rolf said. “Tomorrow night, we go after the group here. We need to strike before they kill anyone else. Until then, I suggest you continue your training. You’ll need every bit of experience you can pack into the next twenty-four hours.
“Let’s get with it.” Shana clapped her hands.
Marc shook his head, but he didn’t leave.
