Suspicion At Sea

by Nichols, Amie

  I go into the bathroom to take a shower. Pulling off my shirt, I stare in the mirror at the scar on my chest right between my breasts where I was shot the day Chico Alverez, the head of Los Diablos Rojos, died. The day my cover officially ended. Chico used me as a shield when the bust went down. The LDR started shooting as soon as the raid happened and, like the fucking coward bastard he was, he grabbed me and pulled me in front of him. I took friendly fire. The last thing I remember that day was seeing Cody empty his clip into Chico. It was massive overkill and so bitter sweet.

  Now all that is left is the round scar and the blood red tattoo on my lower hip with LDR's initials to remind me of the worst time of my life. I'm getting the tattoo removed, but for some reason haven't yet. Maybe it's a reminder to myself that I am strong enough to do what needs to be done.

  In the end, it was a huge win for the bureau. LDR was the biggest supplier of heroin and gun running in the United States. The LDR's reach was large.

  They trafficked girls from all over the world, tricking them into thinking they were going to have a better life in the US, only to be sold to sleazy old men.

  I shove the memories aside and get ready for bed, looking forward to the surprise Justin has in store for me in the morning.

  “May I say you look beautiful,” Esther says the next morning when I go through the sitting room to wait for Justin. She gives me a beaming smile with the compliment. I am wearing an off-the-shoulder white peasant blouse that has a built-in bra, with a short jean skirt and flip flops. Hopefully wherever Justin is taking me is suitable for this attire.

  Justin is pulling up in his Jeep just as I walk out the door. I look down the street and see a black sedan with tinted windows. I know a suspicious car when I see one, and this has ‘I'm watching you’ all over it.

  Ignore the car, Ellie, there is no way you are being watched, I tell myself over and over in my head.

  “Damn, you are pretty.” Justin whistles through his teeth at me, making me laugh. “You look perfect for our third date,” he throws in quickly.

  “Third date? I already ate breakfast.” I laugh at what he constitutes a date.

  “Doesn't matter, I'm picking you up. Therefore, this is a date.” He gives me a sexy smile and takes my hand to help me up into the vehicle. I see him notice the black sedan and can tell it instantly rattles him.

  “What is it?”

  “I've never seen that car before, and the tinted windows are a little weird.” Of course he is going to pick up on this, he was a SEAL. He's had as much training in covert ops as I have. At least I'm not the only paranoid one.

  “Maybe it's a movie star visiting your little paradise,” I say, hoping to hell that I'm right, even though I'm sure I'm not.

  “I doubt that.” He doesn't buy it, but it makes him laugh anyway. I have no doubt in my mind he has memorized the license plates by now because so have I, and will be mentioning them to Tommy when he calls.

  We drive about a mile on the main street when he turns onto a gravel road that leads to the water. Bringing the Jeep to a stop next to a grouping of rocks, he gets out and comes around to my side, taking my hand to help me down.

  “I used to come here as a kid all the time,” he says with excitement in his voice as he leads me to the front of the large rocks. “Watch your step, and stay close.” We move on a small ledge around the rocks. I am regretting my shoe choice now. We have to shuffle along the very small edge as the waves crash against the rocks below us. I'm starting to get a little scared at the height and the narrowing of the ledge as we start descending toward the water. The edge is getting wider, and the footing is better. We've just about reached water level when Justin disappears into the rocks.

  Grabbing my waist, he lifts me up, pulling me into a cave only visible from the water side. No one would ever know it was here.

  “This is so awesome.” I'm sure I sound like a little girl, but I'm in awe of the beauty I am surrounded by.

  “It is. It's only out of the water for about two hours every day.” Justin is really proud of this little cave, I can hear it in his voice.

  “Really, that is amazing. How did you ever find it?” I walk around the little cavern looking at all the natural water carvings that have eroded the rock over millions of years.

  “Like I told you, I did a lot of exploring when I was a kid. I was scuba diving one day and found this place when it was under water. I was here at the right time and watched as the water receded and stayed until it started filling back up again.

  “Always a frogman.” Instinctively, I put my hand up to touch his tattoo and he turns his head toward my hand. I look up to see he is watching me as I absentmindedly trace the trident on the tattoo before I pull my hand away, realizing how weird I must look.

  “Your grandfather meant a lot to you?” he asks, studying me.

  “He did, he was an amazing man. I grew up idolizing that tattoo and what it stood for.” I nod in the direction of his upper arm.

  “I can tell.” He seems pleased once again that he guessed me correctly.

  “As soon as I saw it on you I knew I was in trouble,” I sigh. “That and the way you looked at me.”

  “Well, babes, ditto.” He winks a sexy, heart-melting wink.

  “It's so beautiful,” I remark, still staring at him, but then look around the cave. I sense him watching me. I feel such a pull to him, especially at this moment. The way he watches me, the way he senses my every thought. I walk toward the entrance of the cave and lean against its rocky wall a few feet from where Justin is standing. He walks to me just like I want him to.

  Without words, he brings his hands up and cups my face. I lean into the palm of his hand, his touch setting my skin on fire. His thumbs rub gently along my jawline as he studies me for a second. Slowly he brings his lips to mine, a gentle brush at first. My whole body tingles from the slight contact. He brushes them again as if teasing me and I can't take it anymore. One hand goes up to the back of his head, the other around his waist, fisting his shirt.

  He groans deep in his throat, a sound of pure animal lust, as his lips press hard against mine. Our mouths open at the same time and his tongue enters my mouth. My breathing is heavy as I have never felt so connected, so alive as I do at this very moment. His hands travel down my back, grabbing my hips as he pushes me against the wall harder and I feel his erection on my lower belly. My hips push into his, wanting to feel him, wanting him to know that I feel it too.

  His lips don't stop, they are needy as he pushes his tongue deeper. His hand reaches down and grabs my thigh, bringing my leg up to his waist. Fisting my skirt up over my ass, I lean my head back against the wall of the cave. His lips travel down my neck, licking and sucking as they go. Grabbing my ass with his other hand, he lifts me, wrapping my legs around his waist. Pushing his cock against me, I feel its hardness against my center through my soaking wet panties.

  “Justin,” I breathe heavily, clawing at his back.

  “I want you so bad, you are so beautiful,” he moans against my neck. I want it, too, I want him inside me, deep. I don't just want it, I feel like I need it to survive.

  I give him the green light by pushing my hips off the rock to press myself into him. It's all he needs, as his hand goes between us and I feel his finger move my panties to the side. His finger enters me, making me moan.

  “You are so fucking wet,” his voice is a deep growl that sounds primal.

  “Please,” I beg as his finger moves in and out of me.

  I feel the loss of his finger, but hear the metallic sound of his zipper. He frees himself and slams into me before I can even blink.

  “Oh my God,” I moan, the invasion feels so good. The first thrust is so powerful that we both stop to look into each other's eyes. It is dark in the cave, but I can still see the intensity, the dark lust. With another hard thrust, I have no choice but to scream. It's a scream of pain, yet so much pleasure.

  “You are so tight,” he groans, bringing his head down to
my neck. Both of his hands on my ass, he squeezes with every thrust. His pace picks up, and I arch into the rocks as my back slides against the slickness of the wall. I can feel myself pulsating around his cock, my orgasm coming. The feeling is so great and amazing that my eyes roll back in my head as I groan loudly. It is prolonged and seems to last forever as the waves of pleasure shoot through me.

  “Fuck,” he shouts as he comes inside me. His hot cum broadens my pleasure with every tiny thrust as each one delivers more of him into me. He rests his forehead on mine, our breathing so labored we aren't able to talk.

  “Damn, babe,” he sighs heavily, his lips falling to my shoulder, kissing me lightly. “I think that was the best orgasm I've ever had,” he breathes against my shoulder, his chest heaving up and down along with mine.

  I still feel him jerking inside me, making me want more.

  “Shit,” he says, looking down. When I see what he is looking at I start to panic. The water is filling the cave back up and is now just over his sneakers.

  “We have to go,” I scramble, panicked all of a sudden, my legs dropping from his waist.

  “Relax,” he chuckles, setting me down gently and pulling up his jeans to button and zip them. I only catch a glimpse of his cock, but it makes me take my mind off the water quickly filling the cave. Well, for a second. I readjust my panties and skirt, and the wetness between my legs makes me realize we didn't use a condom and I never thought twice about it. That is a new one for me, what the hell was I thinking?

  I decide we can talk about safe sex later when we aren't standing in rising water.

  My legs are weak and shaky, I'm a little scared to go on that ledge.

  “It's okay, I'll hold on to you tight.” He gives me that damn knowing smile.

  “How do you do that?” I stare at him.

  “What?” He chuckles, knowing exactly what I mean.

  “Know what I am thinking before I actually do?”

  “I really don't know.” He shakes his head, but gives me a naughty smile. “C'mon, follow me.” He takes my hand and I follow.

  I do just what he does, take steps just where he steps. My flip flops have no tread and are soaking wet. When we reach the highest point, and before we start to descend the other side, my foot slips. It's like a moment in time that freezes for a second. I wonder if it is really happening, but the next thing I know I am falling in slow motion into the choppy water.

  Sea water fills my lungs as I fight to get to the surface. The water pushes me toward the rocks and I hit, causing pain where the rock scrapes my back. The impact makes my mouth open, filling my lungs with more salty water. It's a tunnel I can't get through, then everything is black.

  Chapter 19

  Justin

  I saw it coming and couldn't stop it. I watch in horror as her head just misses a larger boulder. Jumping in without thinking, I search, panicking like never before. I've been on hundreds of rescue missions in water way worse than this, this should be a cakewalk. But I was never rescuing her. Taking a second dive, I see her, passed out from the lack of air and floating just below the surface. I grab her shoulders from behind and swim like I have never swum before. Having to go out and around the rock to make it to flat shore, it takes me longer but I can't risk getting sucked into the current.

  I don't stop, not for a second, and as soon as I touch bottom I have her up in my arms, before setting her down in the shallows, the waves crashing over her legs.

  I start CPR, pushing on her chest bone in five repetitions, then plugging her nose I tilt her head. Blowing a quick breath in her mouth, I return to chest compressions.

  “Come on, Ellie,” I yell, starting the whole process over. I taste the salt water coming up as soon as I place my lips on hers. She begins coughing and I roll her onto her side. “Relax, let it come out.” She is gasping for air.

  Thank fucking God, I pray in my head. I rub her back to help her get the water out, and air back in her lungs.

  “Baby, short shallow breaths.” I lean down, resting my forehead on her temple. “Like this, Ellie, like this,” I whisper and breathe like I want her to. Together we breathe as the color starts to return to her cheeks.

  “I'm so sorry,” I mutter, my forehead pressed against her cold cheek. I should have never taken her there wearing flip flops, and coming back they were wet. So stupid, she trusted me and I let her down.

  “It burns,” her voice is harsh as she presses her hand against her chest.

  “I know, baby, it's the salt water. I need to get you to a hospital.” I scoop one hand under her shoulders the other under her legs and bring her up to my chest. As I stand with her in my arms, she brings her arms up around my neck. She's strong, I didn't think she would have enough strength right now to hold on like she is.

  “No hospital,” her voice raspy, but she is pleading. “Please.”

  “You have two choices, a hospital or you are coming with me to my boat where I can watch you.” This is stupid, I should take her straight to the ER.

  “I'll come with you,” she whispers, laying her head on my shoulder. I press my cheek to her forehead, holding her tight until we reach the Jeep. I set her in the seat and pull her seat belt around her. She is shivering and her lips are blue.

  “Two minutes, we'll be there in two minutes.”

  I drive like a maniac back to my boat. Stopping at the dock, I waste no time getting her out of the Jeep onto the boat. First thing I do is set her down on a chair in the bedroom and wrap a blanket around her. Her eyes are half closed, but she is trying to act strong. I can tell it is taking a lot out of her to do it.

  I run to the bathroom and start the water in the tub. Warm, not too hot, to slowly bring her core temperature back up.

  In my room she is lying back in the chair, her body shivering.

  “Ellie, I need to get you out of these wet clothes, okay?” I'm hoping she cooperates, considering I just told her I want to strip her.

  She nods and I pick her up again and carry her into the bathroom. Sitting her on the counter, I remove the blanket. Her wet, white shirt is clinging to her breasts, this time no bra. It is like something from one of my best wet dreams that I can't enjoy because she almost fucking died.

  I pull up the hem of her shirt and she lifts her arms to aid me in sliding it off. I see the bullet scar right away but don't react to it even though I want to scream at her, “Who did this to you?” It also doesn't escape me how beautiful she is. I just had the best fucking sex I've ever had with this girl, and this is how I get to see her body.

  I try to avert my eyes from her creamy, soft, perky breasts because goddamn if my dick isn't twitching again.

  Not appropriate right now, Justin!

  I help her to stand and unbutton her jean skirt. Pulling it down, I place her hand on my shoulder so she doesn't lose her balance as I bend to remove her skirt. Tapping one foot, she lifts it just enough to free it from the denim. Then lifting the other I have her skirt free. I look up and notice the red tattoo peeking out the top of her bikini panties. Pulling them down next, I look everywhere but the place I really want to look. The place I just was and am dying to go again. She doesn't seem to mind me undressing her, and I guess after what we just did I don't know why I’d think she would.

  I help her walk to the tub and she steps in on her own. Holding her under her arms, I help her lower herself in the water.

  “Ow,” she hisses between her gritted teeth as her back hits the water. That's when I see the abrasion that takes up most of her lower back. She must have scraped against a rock. It's not serious, but I'm sure it stings.

  “It will get better, just give it a second.” Slowly, I lower her in all the way as she sucks air between her teeth from the pain, but relaxes into the warm water after a second. Kneeling by the tub, I put my hand on the nape of her neck and lower her head so that it is submerged but making sure no water splashes her face.

  I hold her like this for a few minutes and I see her lips starting to turn rosy.
Her shivering has stopped and she looks like she is asleep. With my free hand I run my fingers through her hair to wash out the sand. She opens her eyes halfway, and I get a small smile.

  “Thank you,” her voice is soft and sweet. I did this to her and she is thanking me. What's worse is I can't stop thinking about her naked body right here all exposed to me. Thank God I am wearing a long shirt, because as the life returns to her body the harder it is not to get aroused. Fuck, she is gorgeous. Every inch of her body is perfect. The tattoo that says LDR and the scar has me upset, like I want to find whoever did this to her and kill them. I've never felt this protective of anyone, with the exception of my sister. This is so different in so many ways and I don't know how to explain it.

  “Shh, just relax.” I lean over, placing my arms under her to lift her out of the water. I get even wetter than I was and I couldn't care less.

  I set her on her feet for a moment while I reach out and grab a large towel, holding on to her hip to keep her steady. Wrapping it around her shoulders, I grab another one to wrap her hair in. I rub her dry as she stands on wobbly feet. Almost dying and she is still standing, she should be limp and lifeless. What she went through is physically and emotionally exhausting. Every muscle in her body should be rock hard with tension.

  I pick her up again and carry her to my bed. Setting her down on the edge, I leave her to grab a sweatshirt from my closet and some sweat pants. I kneel in front of her and feed one leg at a time into the soft cotton material. She places her hands on my shoulders and stands on her own as I pull them the rest of the way up and remove the towel from her shoulders. She is definitely more with it now. Her hand goes to cover the scar between her breasts. I move my head to catch her eyes even though she is trying to avoid mine. Once I get them in my sights I gaze at her until her hand drops. Maybe it is instinct, or maybe it is something else, but I place my hands on her knees and lean in, kissing the scar lightly. I feel her tense, but she doesn't pull away. I bring my eyes back to hers and smile.