Chief Distraction

by Kelly, Stella

  Roland scratched his head. That meant another few hours of being stuck with this lot, his decision to disappear after this job was prolonged again. He’d have to be patient. Maybe he could report everything they’d done to the police and go into one of those witness protection programs depending on how much – or how little – Blunt decided to fork over at the end of all this.

  “Roland, where’d they go?”

  “Don’t know. It was dark and I heard a scream, some sort of fight, a gunshot and then nothing. Just silence. I walked around the base camp and found Sanders lying on the floor in one of the buildings. He was mumbling for help. I thought they’d shot him but I guess they just hit him on the head with something. He’s gonna need stitches for sure.”

  Pax let out a noise like a laugh. “Yeah, right. As if we can just cruise on into a hospital. See one around here?” He put his hands out mockingly.

  “I’m just sayin’ he’s in pretty bad shape.”

  “He’ll be fine. Give him some water. He’s coming around already.” Blunt bent in front of Sanders. He reached back and snapped his fingers at Pax. “Give it. That water canteen.” Pax jumped into service. Blunt held the canteen gingerly to Sanders mouth and eased the water in. Sanders lapped it up, trying to guzzle yet still disoriented. His head lolled to and fro. Blunt stood up again, assessing the situation before spilling a bit of the canteen directly into Sanders face. The cool water jarred him upright. He shook it off and seemed a little more alert. Blunt grabbed hold of Sanders hair and straightened his head so they were staring at each other squarely. “Where are they?”

  Sanders closed his eyes, like he was about to fall asleep. Blunt took a backhand to his cheek, startling the others. “I said, where are the two people who attacked you?”

  Roland sneered as he watched, disgusted by the act. These men were nothing but animals, heartless, cruel animals willing to rip each other to shreds.

  “They got away. The one guy’s a fighter. Took my gun.”

  Blunt tore his fingers from Sanders hair, pushing his head back in the process out of shear frustration. Roland held his breath. He was in trouble too, so he stayed as quiet as possible.

  “What about the woman?”

  Sanders shook off more of his concussion. “She’s a beauty. Ready for the plucking if we get rid of him. She’ll give us somethin’ to do when we’re waiting around. She really got me though.” Sanders touched the back of his head. When he brought his hand away Roland saw sticky dark blood in the firelight. “I’ll get that bitch.”

  “Good, I like your fighting spirit. See that, Roland,” Blunt threw his piercing gaze toward him. “That’s what I’m looking for…a real man. Get my point?”

  Roland nodded, placating.

  “Take another drink and then get your sorry ass back out there to take care of those witnesses. Otherwise we can’t use this island again. They have to be found and eliminated. I don’t care what you do to the woman first,” Blunt knew this would perk Sanders grogginess. “No trace left, am I clear?”

  Sanders nodded. “I’ll go do it and getter done.”

  “We’re on it,” Pax added.

  The two men cocked their guns and rushed away in the same direction, Sanders a little slower than usual. Roland raced ahead, in step with Pax. He leaned in real close. “Someone’s gotta tell Blunt we don’t have time for chasing two nobodies around this damn island. I wanna get paid and leave.”

  “Listen, you don’t understand how determined Blunt is. I’ve seen his type before. He’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Remember Hani, the Hawaiian guy that used to work with us?”

  “Yeah.”

  “He started running his mouth off about island superstitions and how Blunt was upsetting the universe or something. You don’t see him around anymore, right?”

  Roland sneered. “Where is he?”

  “Good question. Just sorta disappeared. Blunt’s a kamikaze or something. He won’t stop until those two are dead, especially now that they’ve seen Sanders. No way.”

  “Ever wonder if it’s all worth it?”

  Pax stopped short and stared him down. “’Damn right it’s worth it. Why wouldn’t it be? You a traitor or somethin’?”

  “No. Just wondering what you thought.” Roland dropped back and followed the two men without another word.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “They’re searching for us, look.” Mak pointed toward the small yellow dots that bounced along the shoreline.

  Blythe sighed. “Flashlights. Will they come for us then? They’ll figure out we’re up here, won’t they?”

  “No. They probably think we’re still on the other side of the island. That’s my guess.” He studied her as she stood hugging her arms to generate warmth. “Still cold?”

  Blythe nodded. She threw a few more branches on the blaze and stood watching it, mesmerized by the dancing flames.

  He consumed her image from a safe distance, his energy charged with anticipation. They’d gotten off on the wrong foot, but Mak found her smart, witty, and…very, very attractive. He liked her immensely, despite her feisty exterior. She was unwaveringly independent and capable, having proven herself by trying to take out her attacker earlier in the bunkhouse. Watching her, he got the impression she could hold her own and didn’t want to rely on a man for anything – yet she was caring and vulnerable at times too – like her sadness over Lou. A lovely combination of sassy and sweet. He found it irresistible.

  As part of his training at the Fire Academy, he’d learned to control his rising fears and anxieties. He knew Blythe didn’t have that luxury. When in the midst of a blazing inferno, one had to suppress the fight or flight response and work it to one’s advantage. The same could be said about the willpower needed to suppress his raging sexual fantasies. With a few visualization and breathing techniques, Mak could direct his mind elsewhere, though it took great effort. Hell, all he really had to do was think of his damn curse and his ego would deflate like an old inner tube.

  His eyes rose to meet Blythe’s. She stared right back. Even thinking of the curse couldn’t cure him this time around. His body buzzed with desire for her. She was blatant temptation. His hands itched to caress her back, to skim her gentle curves. His mouth grew dry at the yearning and he coughed, trying to clear his thoughts in the process. He ripped his gaze toward the distant water, forcing himself to think clearly, be on guard, but without fail his eyes drew back to the curve of her breasts in the firelight, the length of her supple legs, and her flowing auburn hair each time she pushed it back off her beautiful face. Would seducing her be fair? No. She deserved more than he could ever hope to give. Like any other woman, she was vulnerable to the dreaded curse, and the thought of losing Blythe left him with an ache he hadn’t expected. It was best not to go further, though it took every fiber of his being to resist. She wasn’t like all the other women he’d met. Not by a long shot. She was special.

  <><><>

  Blythe could tell he’d wanted her as she’d fixed up his wound, and the very thought of his stare made her face flush in giddy anticipation. Since their first meeting at the cane burn, the way he’d reprimanded her, scolded her even, she never would have guessed his true feelings. He was good at masking them, but then again, most men she’d encountered were good at that.

  On the volcano last weekend he’d been friendly yet distant, but he’d also been preoccupied with his nephews. Blythe remembered how the two women had shown interest. He could have had his pick, but he’d politely declined.

  And yet he wanted her.

  Making love to Mak would be a really, really bad idea. Not sure if she wanted a relationship with anyone now, she sure as hell didn’t want one with the one guy in Maui who every other woman considered toxic. He was the equivalent of a walking plague. No way, no how. It couldn’t happen.

  And yet, something nagged at her heart and she couldn’t overlook the heat that traced up her body when he looked at her a certain way. He was charming and sexy as h
ell. The chemistry they shared was white hot and Blythe longed to act on it, even if she was struck down by a bolt of lightening or attacked by killer bees all thanks to the curse. A thug with a gun would probably strike her down anyway, so why not go for it.

  And through her own reservations, she sensed his as well. What would have happened if she’d taken their kiss further? She could tell he’d been aroused to no end. Would Mak have seized his opportunity and had his way with her against the rock, right then and there? Crazy, mixed up emotions of elation, giddiness, and shear terror flittered around her head. She knew thinking of Mak romantically at this point in time when ludicrous. She should solely be strategizing on how to get off this damn island. Still, her mind veered toward his image in hopes of escaping her present reality. And boy oh boy, it was easy to imagine all the possibilities. Like seeing Mak in his fireman’s hat – and nothing more – as he swooped her up in his strong arms and carried her breathless to her bed before ravaging her senseless.

  Blythe shook her head, trying to clear the x-rated visions that captivated her mind’s eye. The images were too tantalizing, too explicitly provocative to forget. Blythe longed to make them a reality. She tried to imagine what things would be like if he hadn’t been cursed, and if she hadn’t played a hand at propagating the now well-known legend. Perhaps they would have been drawn to each other instantly, without hesitation or second thoughts. They would enjoy exploring each other’s mind and body without a care.

  Mak stood and walked around the edge of the clearing, his movement pulling her attention out of her fantasies and into the here and now.

  “I should throw a bigger branch on the fire. Otherwise it’ll go out.” Finding one, he brought it over and nestled it beside the existing tinier branches. He stood beside her, so close she could feel the heat coming off him, a pulsing expectation. “That should last a while.”

  She couldn’t take it anymore. Something had to happen. Walking toward a destination was better than this waiting. “I can’t stand not knowing what’s going to happen. I need answers.”

  “Easy, Blythe. We’ll get through this,” Mak said as he grabbed a few more rocks and piled them around the edge. He’d moved away again and the void between them felt wide. Could he sense her needs? He must.

  Her senses heightened to a fever pitch as their eyes met briefly across the fire. He held her gaze, never wavering. She knew then that he felt the same. He was fighting it too, for his own reasons. Mak closed their gap again, making Blythe’s heart pick up it’s pace. Her legs felt weak and she was instantly light headed. There was nothing more but right here, right now. Her stomach quivered as he stood in front of her, his face knowing. He was so close.

  He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently kneaded. “Relax, Blythe,” he said softly, “I need you calm and alert, ready to move quickly. This could get ugly really fast so we have to be ready.”

  She closed her eyes and her breath caught. His touch was tantalizing and she wanted nothing more than to be as far away from Kahoolawe as possible…with Mak. His fingers felt like magic as they rubbed her fears away. He stopped and brought his hands away, but not before catching a strand of her hair between his fingers and rubbing it as if it were silk.

  Part of her couldn’t believe this was happening. It was all too much to bear. One little kiss would make it all disappear. She swiveled to face him. Blythe brought her hands up with purpose, running them over his broad chest, realizing in the act that she’d longed to do this since the moment he’d bared his chest on Big Beach when her sister was visiting. She could feel Mak’s adrenaline pulse, as if he were holding himself back with everything he had. It was up to her to initiate and she had nothing to lose.

  On tiptoe she leaned up, her lips matching his. Energy pulsed between them, the act making time stand still. Mak remained steadfast, like a rock statue, not kissing back as he had earlier. She pulled away then, reeling in the fallout of desire.

  “Sorry, did I cross a line again?” Blythe quickly walked back toward the fire, poking it with a stick and feeling completely foolish. Had she read the vibe wrong? Why wasn’t he saying anything to save her misgivings?

  Peering sideways, she watched as he sat back on a boulder with hands on his knees. He leaned forward and let out a long breath. She tore her eyes away from him, letting out a slow breath of her own. Seeing Mak at a distance was painful, her blatant need for him pulsing out of control yet he seemed to be denying her. The rejection stung.

  “If you’d crossed a line, you’d know it,” he said huskily. “Come here, please.”

  She faced him then, still a little unsure. With a few quick strides, she was in front of him again, closing the gap. “Remember how you said you’d never take advantage of me?”

  Mak met her eyes with intensity. “Yes, I remember.”

  “What if I said I wanted you to take advantage of me? What if I said we have nothing to lose?” Leaning down toward him, she kissed his forehead gently, sensuously. “I’ve never wanted someone so badly,” she whispered.

  His stubble tickled her fingers as she traced her hand down his jaw line, down his neck, before pressing her hand against his firm chest. He was solid – a grounding force amidst the chaos. He felt safe and secure and right now, all that mattered. Reaching around, Mak brought her body closer. Hovering face to face, Blythe’s pulse throbbed and those million little warning flags she’d been waving disintegrated into thin air.

  Curse be damned.

  She was willing to live with the fallout. With heavy eyelids and mouth parted, she took his forceful kiss willingly, invitingly. If the sky fell on her or worse, she wouldn’t notice. When he said he was experienced earlier, he wasn’t kidding. She instantly became putty in his hands, letting it happen and enjoying the uncertainty. How much time did she have left? It was now or never. The one thing she was certain of – Mak was a gifted kisser. He tasted like salt and heat and good things to come. Her mind wandered to what other parts of her body she’d like to feel those talented lips.

  Mak stood in one fluid motion, broke their kiss and took her hand. He led her toward the overhanging rock. “Over here,” he instructed. “I’ll keep you warm.”

  He gently guided her down onto the soft grass before following. He kissed her gently, playfully, and then he lay back beneath the inclined rockface. Blythe watched as he stretched out his long legs, his hiking boots crossing at the ankles. “Come closer.”

  She crawled up beside him, burrowing in as he wrapped her in a strong embrace. The earth beneath them was still warm from the sun’s earlier rays and felt soft and comforting.

  “Are you tired?” he asked.

  “A little, but I don’t think I can sleep knowing they’re out there hunting us down.”

  “That’s what I’m here for,” Mak turned onto his side, propped on an elbow with head in hand. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you, promise.”

  “I believe you,” she whispered. Mak brought his mouth to hers, deepening the kiss. Blythe moaned and moved in closer, prolonging the kiss until Mak let the intensity mount. If one of them didn’t pull away now, would they ever?

  To her disappointment, Mak did pull away, surprising her. In the dim light she could see desire etched on his handsome face, his eyes hooded and lips parted. He was totally involved in their shared moment, but concern crossed his face. He traced a finger over her lips as they both breathed deeply, caught in the moment. His hands were rough and callused, capable. She liked the feel of them on her skin, their efficiency. Though she was never one for a one-night stand, Blythe felt the danger and wanted nothing more than to be physical on every level.

  She reached in to kiss him again but he hesitated. “Wait.”

  “What? I want you so badly, Mak.”

  “Trust me, Blythe,” he brought his forehead against hers, holding it there as he breathed in deeply. “Stopping this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. You feel amazing, but you should get some sleep,” he whispered.

  He
r heart sank. Was he being a gentleman or a tease? She couldn’t’ tell. “I guess you’re right, but I don’t really want to.”

  “This may be your only chance. We need to be as alert as possible when the sun rises.”

  Mak brought his arm up and around her. She inhaled his manly scent, acutely aware of his larger-than-life presence. His strong grip engulfed her and added a temporary feeling of security. She snuggled closer, the immediacy of the moment making her forget her apprehension.

  <><><>

  Of course Mak wanted nothing more than to rip her clothes off and ravage her here on the top of the world, but he resisted the urge with a superhero’s strength. “Here, get comfortable,” he said and turned her away from him so they spooned. He pulled her closer and held her tight with a strong arm, their bodies joining in perfect unison.

  Blythe snuggled against him lightly, sending firecracker-sized sparks to his groin. Her snuggle intensified as she ground herself into him, the friction of her backside against his upper thighs bringing him right up to the edge of all reason. If she didn’t lean away soon, he’d go over the edge and fall without stopping. He wrapped his strong arms around her tighter, drawing her even closer – playing with fire. He was sure she must sense his growing desire, along with his growing manhood. It was inescapable, right there. As if to drive him wild deliberately, Blythe leaned back again, the curve of her backside making direct contact with his erection. She moved her hips slowly, methodically, aligning their bodies in just the right way and arching slightly into him with more force than before.

  “You’re driving me wild,” he moaned.