I want her to know it is all right, no matter what she is hiding from me. I grab the sweatshirt and she helps me as I pull it over her head, her arms going in the sleeves. She is swimming in my clothes, but at least she will be warm. I pull back the covers, helping her to get under them and she lies back, wincing when the bed puts pressure against her abrasion. It will be sore until it scabs over. Once she is settled, it takes her no time to be fast asleep.
I fall in the chair next to the bed taking a deep breath. Fuck, that was intense. I watch her for a moment, sleeping in my bed. Just where I've wanted her since I laid eyes on her, in my bed. I can feel a tear prick my eye, as the intensity of what just happened starts to sink in.
I wipe it away and breathe a sigh of relief that she is okay.
Chapter 20
Ellie
I wake, not knowing where I am at first. I try to turn onto my side and feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck and that's when it all comes back to me. I bury the side of my face into the soft pillow and smell him. His smell is all around me and it comforts me, makes me feel warm and safe.
I hear muffled voices and can't make out what they are saying, but it is two men talking. Sounds like arguing. It takes everything I have to sit up and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. The alarm clock on the bedside table says four p.m. As I stand, the sweat pants I'm wearing fall down my butt. I grab them as quick as my sore arms will let me and tighten the draw string. I go to the door, and on the other side of the bedroom is a living room. At least, there's a leather sofa and a TV. Then there is a hallway leading to the bridge of the boat, that's where I find a door to get to the deck. I see the back of Justin's head through the front end window.
Walking out, I cross my arms in front of me. It's a cool day with no sun. He hears me and turns around.
“Hey, you.” He comes to me and wraps one arm around my shoulders, the other around my waist. It feels good, it feels too good. He kisses the top of my head so lovingly.
“Hey.” My throat feels like sandpaper as I speak for the first time. I notice an older man who is a little overweight and wearing a brown official Sheriff's uniform walking down the dock. “Your dad?” I rasp. He nods, and I can tell whatever words were exchanged must not have been good. “Everything okay?” I see the Sheriff coming back down the dock, now holding a clipboard.
“Yes, nothing you need to worry about right now.” He moves so he is beside me with his arm still around my waist and leans down to kiss my temple.
“Oh, hello,” Sheriff Bennett greets as he boards the deck, just noticing me. I realize then what I must look like, my hand going up to my hair. It is all knots and tangles, and is probably sticking up everywhere.
“You're beautiful,” Justin whispers, reading my mind once again. “Ellie, this is my father, Ben Bennett.” The Sheriff doesn't offer to shake my hand, but nods politely.
“I hear you had quite the day, young lady,” he says, telling me that Justin has told him what happened. “I'm glad you're all right.” He smiles and I can see the same warmth in his smile as I do in Justin's.
“Thank you,” I speak as loud as I can, which comes out as a raspy whisper.
“I was just having the Sheriff run the license plates on that sedan we saw this morning.” I stare up at him. He beat me to it. Oh well, one less thing I have to have Tommy do.
“Oh, the movie star,” I try to joke. This gets me a warm smile and a kiss on the forehead.
“Yeah, the movie star,” he chuckles.
“It is a rental car, the renter is Reed Smith,” Sheriff Bennett says, announcing Cody's cover name. “I ran the name. Nothing suspicious, son, you can relax,” he says, although now I'm anything but relaxed. Why is someone using Cody's cover to spy on me? It can't be a coincidence, can it? I need to talk to Cody, now.
“Yeah, I guess,” he says to his dad.
“I got to get going. Nice to meet you, Ellie, and I hope you feel better soon,” he says, nodding politely.
“That is Cody's cover,” I say as soon as Sheriff Bennett is out of earshot.
“What? Cody, your partner, Cody? Why would he be watching you on vacation?” Justin asks me the same questions I am asking myself.
“Where's my purse?” I had it this morning and left it in the Jeep when we got to the cave.
“Inside, I put all your stuff in the living room.” He points in the boat.
Still a little unsteady on my wobbly legs, Justin keeps his arm around my waist as we go inside. I find my cell and call Cody straight away.
“Where are you?” is the first question I ask.
“Relax, I'm in D.C.,” he says instantly. “Is this about the tail?” I feel instant relief knowing that it is Cody's doing and not someone else's. Not sure who that someone else would be, but either way I feel relief.
“Yes, why are you having me—”
“I was worried after we talked last night, so I had an agent in Augusta come to check things out. I had him use my cover so you would know it was me,” he explains, like it makes perfect sense. "Are you okay? You sound like you have a cold," he comments at the sound of my voice.
“I'm fine, just a sore throat. Why were you worried?” Justin is sitting beside me and I can see he is chomping at the bit wanting to know what is being said.
“I think, and I'm not sure yet so don't panic, but the McGill brothers might have had some dealings with LDR,” he says, making my heart start to race.
“Is this recent activity?” I try to steady my breathing. As Justin senses my reaction, he stands and starts pacing in front of me.
“I'm still checking. There was a transmission intercepted two years ago. It wasn't much, but it was enough to put The Sweet Suzy on a watch list. The thing is, it only stayed on that list for four days. There's nothing as to why it was on or why it was off so fast,” he says, puzzling me more.
“So what now?” I don't know if I'm in danger. If anyone is still left of LDR, it could be very bad. Another reason I've not returned to Chicago, was just in case there were still some of them around. As far as they all know, Ellie Michaels, Chico's girlfriend, died the day of the bust.
“It's your call. I checked into your boyfriend a bit.” He sounds condescending when he says boyfriend. “Navy SEAL, impressive,” he chuckles, “but everything seems like it's on the up and up with him. Discharged with honors and a medal. There is a mission that he was on just before he was discharged that is totally redacted, but it was top secret so that could explain that. I would say you are safe with him. I'm sure the two of you could kick some major ass. Other than The Sweet Suzy, everything about Bailey Island seems safe. There is no movement on Juan, or Fausto, so no worries there. I'm still working on it though and will keep you informed,” he says. I guess it makes me feel better. “I'll keep in touch,” Cody adds before hanging up.
“Well?” Justin asks the moment my phone leaves my ear.
“He was just checking on me, he's a worry wart.” I decide fast that I'm not going to divulge the LDR information to him yet. It's not for sure and he doesn't need anything else adding to his hatred of his brother-in-law.
“He had you tailed because he was worried?” he barks, not buying it at all. “There was anxiousness in your voice, was there more than that?” he adds quickly.
“That's it, call him yourself.” I hold my phone out to him. He gives me a look of disdain as if he doesn't believe me at all. He stares at me for a moment, and I try to act as normal as I can.
“Mmmm...okay,” he shrugs, “If you say so, that's all it was.” I don't know why he gives up so quickly, but I'm glad he does.
“I have slept more in the past two days than I usually sleep in a week,” I change the subject immediately.
“How are you feeling?” It's obvious the conversation is not over, but rather because of what I've been through today or because he knows I'm not going to talk, he plays along.
“Tired.” I laugh, making every muscle hurt as I stand so I'm in front of him.
“I remember the cave,” I whisper first, and he gives me an expressive smile. I'm not sure what it was like for him, but for me it was mind blowing. The way he acted I would be surprised if he didn't feel similar. “I remember falling in the water then the next thing is lying on the beach. Your words; they comforted me, they soothed me.” I stare into his eyes.
“Do you remember what happened after that?” he ducks his head a little to make better eye contact. I think, it is somewhat fuzzy, but then I remember him dressing me in the clothes I have on now and...my hand goes up to where my scar is between my breasts. I remember him kissing it and the feeling it gave me. It made the pain go away, all of it. Not just the pain from almost drowning, but the pain that I've been feeling for so long. I see his eyes soften. It hasn't escaped me that he has now seen me buck naked. I'm jealous I have not had the same opportunity. Basically just a small glimpse of him after.
“I had to get you out of those wet clothes and warm you up,” he defends his actions with a wicked smile.
“You did save my life and all,” I smile back weakly. I'm not upset, just not the way I would have chosen for him to see me naked for the first time.
“The next time you are naked I will be too,” he says with a wink, hugging me close.
“Next time, huh?” I raise one eyebrow. “You are assuming I want another go at you.” I laugh.
“Yes, I am assuming that. Just so you know, it will be soon,” he says it like a fact, making my breath hitch. I would be jumping on him right now if I had the strength. “Are you hungry?” he asks, shaking me from my thoughts.
“Not really, my throat hurts.” I hold my hand up to my neck. I can't believe how much it does hurt.
“I have chocolate ice cream,” he says with a childlike grin.
“That sounds really good.” I pick my purse up off the couch. “I'm going to use the bathroom and try to get a comb through this.” I point to the pile of rats on my head.
“Aww, I think it's cute. You could have a family of birds living in there.” His hand goes up to my hair and pulls lightly on a few strands that are sticking out wildly.
“Oh my God.” I snort laugh and it hurts, my muscles screaming at me with my uncontrollable laughter.
“That is cute too.” His head goes back as a deep throaty laugh roars out, making my knees feel weaker than they already are.
“I think I will try and comb through it first.” My stomach aches from the laughing.
“Suit yourself. I'm going to go down to the galley and get us some ice cream,” he tells me, going to the bridge and disappearing through the hole in the floor.
I search my purse for my travel toothbrush and quickly brush my teeth. Next, I find my comb and start working on the tangles section by section to get through the mess.
“Everything good?” Justin lightly knocks on the door.
“Yeah, you can come in,” I say, as loud as my croaky voice will let me. He comes in without hesitation and wraps his arms around my waist, splaying his hands on my belly. I love that he is so touchy feely. I love that he just does it. It's like we've been together for years, so natural feeling.
“I guess the birds are going to be homeless.” He chuckles. Seeing that I've gotten through the last of the tangles, he reaches up, brushes my hair to the side and kisses my neck. I lean my head back on his shoulder, and the sensation of his lips sends shivers through me. “How's your back?” He pushes me up and lifts the back of my sweatshirt. There's no, ‘Can I look at your back?’ No, there was no wavering at all. It makes me smile. “What?” he says after scanning my back, seeing that the scrape is not a serious injury.
“Nothing, it's just...I never had this before, you know...” I mutter, not sure how to explain this.
“I've never had this before either, but I like it,” he whispers by my ear, kissing the shell. “Our ice cream is melting.” He turns me to the side and bending down lifts me up in his arms.
“Justin,” I screech and laugh at the same time. “I can walk.” My arm goes around his neck.
“I like you in my arms, so get used to it,” he says with no apology.
Chapter 21
Still Ellie
We watch TV on the couch while we eat our ice cream. The cold feels so good on my scratchy throat. In fact, when I'm done eating it I deem that I feel almost one hundred percent better. Justin takes my empty bowl, setting it off to the side. He pulls me toward him, my back against his front as we relax on the couch.
“Does your dad have any ideas on what happened to your brother-in-law?” I bring up, fishing for information.
“If he does he hasn't shared it with me.”
“Do you think they could have been into something else besides lobster?"
“Like what?” He is resting one hand over my shoulder and I take it in mine, playing with his fingers, rubbing in between each one lightly, admiring how strong his hands are.
“Something illegal?”
“Honestly, with those boys anything is possible,” he says, closing his fingers around my hand. Dropping the remote that is in his other hand, he wraps both of mine in his. I don't know where it comes from, but I get an uneasy feeling that Justin would have the skills to get rid of all of them and get back to the island without anyone knowing. I don't think he did, but I can see others thinking this as well. He definitely had means and motive.
“How would they disappear?” I just want his opinion, but I guess it comes out accusatory.
“Another boat? I don't know, I guess there are a few scenarios.” He grabs my shoulders, turning me enough so he can see my face, sadness on his. “Why are you so curious about this?” Damn it, he can sense my uneasiness. The change in his demeanor tells me that he knows what I'm thinking.
“Hey, I was just asking. Don't get defensive.” I turn it around, telling him I can sense him also.
“I swear there for a minute you were wondering if I did it.” He hits the nail on the head, smack, dead center.
“Oh my God, no,” I screech, a little overdramatic for effect. I will never admit out loud what I just thought.
“It would kill me if you ever thought I could do something like that.” He is not completely buying it. I turn in his arms so we are face to face and I am lying on him.
“I don't think that.” I stare into his brown, telling him that I don't. Honestly, it was a fleeting thought. I really don't think he would be capable of cold-blooded murder. I place my lips on his and one of his hands goes in my hair at the nape of my neck, pulling me against him.
Our kiss is intense, just like in the cave and on the beach. It is like we can't get close enough to each other. His free hand goes down to the small of my back, and I bear the pain because I don't want him to stop. Resting his hand on my ass, he pushes me into him. By the way my body is tingling, it is no surprise that I feel his erection growing beneath me. I moan at the sensation of his cock pushing against me. But he stops the kiss, lifting me off him, his breathing heavy.
“Babes, we need to stop,” he gasps for air. “I won't be able to control myself, and you need to rest more.” His thumbs are caressing my cheeks as he holds my head in his hands.
“I feel so much better,” I argue, and go in for another kiss. He doesn't stop me, his tongue in my mouth as I suck on it lightly. “Don't you want me?” I pout when he pulls back again.
“Want you? I want to paste you up against that wall and tear you apart,” he growls like an animal, making my breath hitch. “I want to fuck you in every way possible, but you need to rest.” He is being persistent on this.
“Oh my.” My heart starts racing at the intensity in his voice.
“Please, gorgeous, you are making this so hard for me.” He pulls away again.
“I know.” I place my hand o
n his jean-clad erection; caressing it and feeling it jump a little under my touch.
This does it for him and I'm glad because I don't think I've ever wanted something so much in my entire life. I want to connect with him even more than we already have. I climb on his lap, straddling his thighs. His lips move to my jaw and down my neck as his hand goes up my shirt, lifting it as he goes. Lifting my arms, he pulls the sweatshirt over my head.
He stares at me, his eyes going to my scar and he moves his lips over it, brushing it gently before kissing his way to my breast. Cupping one in his palm, he sucks on my hard nipple, making my back arch toward him. Kissing and licking as he goes, his lips travel to the other side. Cupping and squeezing with his hand, he bites my nipple gently, making me moan. My hips move back and forth so I can feel him under me.
“You taste so good I want to kiss every inch of you,” he groans against my skin.
“Yes.” My fingers tangle in his hair as I pull his head toward me. Nothing has ever felt so right as what is happening at this very moment. Moving his hands to my ass, he stands with me and I wrap my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck. He walks with me into the bedroom where he lays me gently on the bed.
Standing, he leaves me to pull off his t-shirt. He takes my breath away. My eyes travel down his body to the v-cut that disappears into the waist of his jeans. I sit up, wanting to touch him. My hands slide up his chest as my lips brush his abs. I feel his body tremble under my touch.
“I want you so much,” I whisper, looking up at him through my lashes. He leans down, grabbing the bottom of the sweatpants and pulls, causing me to fall back on the bed.
“Oh, your back, fuck,” he gasps, remembering the scrape.
“It's fine, I feel no pain right now.” I reach out for him, my now naked body completely exposed.
“Beautiful, babe.” He whistles through his teeth, his eyes traveling up and down my body. He bends at the knees, leaning on the bed with his hands. He positions himself so his head is by my knees and slides his hands under my legs as he starts kissing my lower inner thigh. Moving tortuously slow, he reaches just below my sex.
Suspicion At Sea Page 8
