Perilous Seas

by Lily Harper Hart

  “Oh, no.” Paul’s expression was serene. “I’ve been separated from Rowan far too long. We need to spend time together. I think living next door is the perfect plan. That means I’ll be able to pop in whenever I want.”

  “Without knocking,” Nick added, a twinkle in his eyes.

  “Definitely without knocking,” Paul agreed.

  “You’re messing with me.” Quinn snickered as he moved his hand to Rowan’s back. “I guess I deserved that. We have time to discuss these things. I have specific plans, though, and that includes signing another contract with the company so I can stay on The Bounding Storm for another year. I want a room upgrade so Rowan and I aren’t constantly tripping over each other and I’m in the unique position where I can make demands and they pretty much have to acquiesce.”

  Paul’s smile slipped. “You know I’m her father, right?”

  Quinn was blasé. “I know.”

  “She might be an adult, but she’s still my little girl. I don’t really want to hear how you’re going to maneuver the two of you into a bigger room. It’s ... weird.”

  Quinn ignored the dirty look Paul shot him. “We still need to go, Ro. I thought we would stop for something to eat on the way home. Maybe in St. Pete Beach again. There’s a place called Crabby Bill’s and they have bibs. I saw it on the sign.”

  Rowan brightened considerably. “That must mean their crab is really good if they have bibs.”

  He chuckled, adoration for her washing over him. “Do you think you can handle crab twice in the same day?”

  “Oh, you just watch me.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  UPON LEAVING THE HOUSE, Quinn made sure Rowan’s helmet was firmly in place before grabbing his own. The sun was high in the sky, beating down upon him, and he momentarily wished he’d rented a car so they could enjoy air conditioning during the ride back.

  He knew the breeze would help once they got going, but a hot breeze was still a hot breeze.

  “Look.” Rowan lifted her chin and gestured toward the road, her gaze firmly focused on something only she could see.

  Quinn instinctively turned in that direction, ready to fight off an assailant if need be, but there was no masked marauder ready to hop out of the bushes. Instead, a Rolls-Royce was slowly rolling past the driveway ... and the inhabitants of the car were staring directly at them through the gap in the trees.

  “Patrice,” Quinn said after a beat as he met her gaze. “Well, this is awkward.”

  “Byron is with her,” Rowan noted. “Maybe she won’t recognize you. I mean ... she’s seen a lot of faces over the past few days. Of course, you’re the one who pulled her out of the water so it would be hard to forget you even if you weren’t so pretty.”

  “Oh, that’s sweet.” Quinn squeezed her hand as he watched the vehicle speed off. “I don’t think there’s any chance of her not recognizing me. We can only hope that doesn’t mean she’s going to start digging into Nick, since he’s the one listed as the homeowner.”

  Rowan balked. “I didn’t even think about that. Should we warn them?”

  Quinn shrugged. “I think it’s okay. I mean ... the Sterlings don’t know anything about the Phoenix Society. Why should they? If they run Nick’s name it’s going to overlap with my name. That business with the scavenging crew hit the news hard.

  “Nick isn’t using his real name, so he can’t be tied to you,” he continued. “Besides, you were wearing your helmet. There’s no way they can identify you.”

  “No, but it wouldn’t take much for them to track you to me,” she pointed out. “All they would have to do is ask someone on the ship who you might be with. Mine is the one name that will always come up.”

  “Yeah.” He squeezed her hand. “It doesn’t matter.” He was almost positive that was true. “There’s no way they can tie Nick to you other than what happened on the El Demonio dive. It’s impossible. From their perspective, they’ll probably assume we’re just catching up after the previous event.”

  “And if they don’t?”

  “Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. It’s going to be fine, Ro.”

  Rowan prided herself on not being the sort of person who freaked out over nothing, but she couldn’t shake the idea that they were in more trouble than Quinn wanted to admit to. “I hope so. Let’s get out of here anyway.”

  “Definitely.”

  UNLIKE THE REVOLVING RESTAURANT, Crabby Bill’s boasted a laid-back environment and Quinn and Rowan opted for a cozy booth in the corner. The first thing Rowan did was snag a bib ... and then peruse the menu with so much gusto Quinn found delight in simply watching her “ooh” and “aah” over the offerings.

  “I can’t decide if I want crab legs or one of those buckets with a huge pile of food inside of it,” Rowan admitted. “I probably shouldn’t be this hungry after the huge lunch I ate, but I could eat ten crabs right about now.”

  “That’s a lovely picture you’re painting in my head,” Quinn teased. “All I can think about is you in a tiny bikini, sitting on a plastic tablecloth on the floor, crab legs spread all around you, and a big vat of butter.”

  Rowan’s mouth dropped open. “You’re so gross.”

  “I think it sounds appealing. You’re always in a good mood when you get crab legs.”

  “You’re definitely gross.” She laughed at herself as she turned back to the menu. “I like the idea of a big vat of butter, though.”

  “Somehow I thought you would.” Quinn leaned back on his side of the booth and regarded her with speculative eyes. “You look happy.”

  Rowan slowly shifted her gaze to him. “Am I not supposed to? I mean ... I know it’s sad that we’re investigating the Sterlings and their wicked ways, but I don’t think I’m being inappropriate.”

  “I don’t care about that. I was talking in an overall sense, though. You’re happy to spend time with your father and Nick.”

  “I am happy to spend time with them,” she acknowledged. “It’s like a dream come true. Although ... I’m guessing you don’t see it that way.” She scratched her nose. “From your perspective, this is probably annoying.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “Because we haven’t spent any time together, alone, in days. You’re spending all your time running me to visit them and worrying about what’s going to happen. This can’t be how you dreamed things would go.”

  To buy himself time, Quinn grabbed a cheddar biscuit from the basket at the center of the table and broke it in half. He was debating how to respond when he automatically started talking.

  “We’re a team, right?”

  Rowan nodded. “That seems to be the general consensus.”

  “Well, that means we work together. I’m not doing things simply for you. I’m doing them for us. Right now, you’re the one who needs help. I need you, so I’m going to help. I’m perfectly happy with how things are right now.”

  Rowan was understandably dubious. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure. Although ... if you could work in the bikini and butter sauce before we leave on our next cruise, that would be greatly appreciated.”

  Rowan pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. “You are a funny guy.”

  “I like to think so. Now, decide what you’re getting. Personally, I’d like to see you eat from a big bucket. I might even take a photograph or two.”

  Rowan barked out a laugh. “The big bucket it is. After that, I thought we could take a walk on the beach before heading back to The Bounding Storm. It’s nice here, open. It might be relaxing to enjoy it before taking off.”

  “I think that can be arranged.”

  “UGH. WHY DID YOU LET me eat so much?”

  Rowan made a face as she threw herself on the sand and stared at the sky. Quinn’s motorcycle remained at Crabby Bill’s and they opted to walk a bit down the beach so they could have privacy. There were people out and about, but the area was big enough that nobody was on top of each other
.

  “Yes, I’m the one who made you eat that last crab cluster,” Quinn taunted, chuckling when she shot him a dirty look. “You’re a glutton, sweetie. I can’t take responsibility for your bad choices.”

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Rowan gave him a dismissive hand wave as she threw her arm over her head. “I think I might explode.”

  “Well, at least I’ll be here during your final moments.” Quinn lowered himself to the sand and turned his attention to the water. It was peaceful, the sound of the rolling waves lulling him. He absolutely loved the ocean, he realized. He couldn’t imagine living somewhere away from the water after spending so much time on it. That didn’t mean Rowan felt the same way, though, and he knew he had to ask her a few tough questions.

  “It never occurred to me to ask if you wanted to live somewhere else,” he said after a beat. “I mean ... I just assumed you would want to live on the ocean because you enjoy making sandcastles and love wading in the water. Do you want to live somewhere else, though?”

  Rowan turned her head so she was facing him. “What do you mean?”

  “There are a lot of other states. Even if you wanted to live on the ocean, we wouldn’t necessarily have to live in Florida. We could pick a place that’s not as hot ... like Charleston or New Orleans. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Florida.”

  She was legitimately puzzled. “Don’t you need to be close to Fred if you’re going to go into business with him?”

  “Yeah.”

  “So ... isn’t this a moot conversation?”

  “No.” He vehemently shook his head. “You’re a part of this conversation. If you don’t want to live here, then we can move someplace else. I can start up my own security business and work with Fred remotely.”

  Even though her stomach was overly full, Rowan struggled to a sitting position so she could look him in the eye. “That’s a lovely offer. I like it here, though. You don’t have to worry about that.”

  “Is this your dream place to live, though?” Quinn was earnest. “I mean ... think about it. If you could pick one place to live — only one place and the logistics of how it works don’t matter — where would you choose?”

  Rowan tilted her head to the side, thoughtful. “Estes Park in Colorado.”

  Quinn furrowed his brow. “What’s in Colorado?”

  “The Stanley Hotel.”

  “You want to live in a hotel?” He wasn’t expecting that answer. “I ... why?”

  “I want to live in the Stanley Hotel,” she corrected. “As for why, it’s where The Shining was filmed and it’s supposed to be haunted. You know how I feel about horror movies.”

  Quinn was caught so far off guard he almost choked on his laughter. “That is ... so you.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you really want to live there?”

  “No, but I was hoping we could visit sometime. I always wanted to take a vacation there.”

  “I think I can arrange that.” He cast her a fond smile. “In fact, I’ll try to see if we can get in around Halloween. We both have vacation time coming up. It might be fun to spend it there.”

  “I don’t think I get vacation time until I’ve been here for nine months.”

  “Which will be right around Halloween.”

  “I ... huh. You’re not wrong.”

  “I’m always right,” he agreed, stretching his long limbs so he could get comfortable. “I’m being serious about living here, though. If this isn’t the place you want to hang your hat forever, I’m fine with that. Just let me know.”

  “I’m curious why you think I don’t like this area,” she prodded. “Have I said or done something that makes you think I would be happier somewhere else?”

  “No, but you came from a state with seasons. I thought maybe you would want to move back there or something.”

  “I do like seasons,” Rowan agreed. “I love fall and summer in Michigan. Winter sucks, though, and spring is hit or miss. I actually really like it here.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, although I’m starting to like it less every time you question me on it.”

  Quinn heaved out a sigh. “I don’t mean to be annoying. This is a big deal, though. We’re starting to make plans for our future and I want to make sure you’re always happy. That was drilled home — and hard — this afternoon watching you with your father. Do you think he’ll be happy here?”

  “Do you care?”

  “Yeah. He’s going to be living close to us. I know he was joking about living next door, but he won’t be far away from you. It’s too much after everything he’s been through.”

  “I think it’s too much for both of us.”

  “Which I’m fine with.” He shot her a reassuring look. “Does he like the weather here?”

  “I think he’s fine with it. You forget, he’s a famous author now. I think he’s going to be traveling a lot even though he’ll have a home base. I don’t want you to worry about that, though. That’s his issue.

  “What’s important is what we want,” she continued. “Personally, I want to be with you and I think this is a beautiful area. You don’t need to panic about things like this, even though I know you’re a planner. Things will work out how they’re supposed to.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I just do. It’s a feeling I have here.” She touched the spot above her heart. “We’re going to be okay. No matter what you think, or what you fear, I’m always going to be right here beside you.”

  Quinn’s heart melted and a gooey rush of warmth washed over him. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she beamed. “I still blame you for letting me eat too much, though. Explosion is definitely a possibility.”

  Quinn let loose a genuine laugh as Rowan moved to flop back down on the sand. At the same moment, a deafening bang filled the night air.

  It took him a moment to realize what was happening, especially since she’d been moving to relax on the sand. She fell awkwardly, though, making a gasping sound as she hit the ground. Then, the sand next to her left shoulder started turning an odd color ... as if she’d spilled a dark drink and then decided to lay in it.

  Quinn’s reflexes were honed from years in the military, but the tableau playing out in front of him was straight out of a horror movie. He moved much slower than he would’ve under normal circumstances and threw himself over Rowan so he could serve as a protective blanket.

  In his head, he registered what was happening even as his heart tried to play catchup. Somewhere out there, someone was shooting at them ... and Rowan had been hit.

  That’s all he could register as the blood rushed through his ears and he saw red.

  She was hit ... and he had no idea how badly she was hurt. All he understood was that he had to protect her, so that’s exactly what he tried to do.

  13

  Thirteen

  Quinn was trained to react in situations like this. Even though he loved his men when serving overseas, it wasn’t the same thing as what he felt for Rowan. For some reason, knowing she’d been hit paralyzed him.

  He couldn’t move, and it felt as if someone was squeezing his heart to the point it would explode rather than keep beating.

  Then Rowan spoke.

  “Quinn?” She sounded dazed, as if speaking from a great distance away.

  He jerked his head down and stared into her eyes, which were glazed and unfocused. Despite the confusion wafting over her face, she was present … and in obvious pain. “Ro?”

  “What’s happening?” Her tongue felt thick. “Did I fall?”

  “Something like that.” He exhaled heavily and raised his head, his eyes keen as they scanned the darkness. There was no movement on the beach, no voices. The only sound came from the waves. If the shooter was still out there, he or she was well hidden.

  “I don’t feel so good,” Rowan murmured. “You really shouldn’t have let me eat that much crab. I think I’m going to throw up.”

  Qui
nn managed to slide off her at the exact moment she rolled to the side and vomited into the sand. Thanks to the full moon, he could see the shoulder of her shirt, and it was soaked with blood.

  “Baby,” he uttered, reaching out to touch her.

  She retched again.

  “Rowan.” Quinn dragged a hand through his hair and jerked his eyes toward the area where he was certain the shot came from. There was a cabana located about three hundred feet away and he was almost certain he’d seen a hint of movement in that area directly before the shot rang out. “You’re okay,” he whispered, lowering his lips to her cheek. “You’re going to be okay.”

  “I’m sick.” Rowan was obviously muddled. “I think I drank too much … although I don’t remember drinking. Can you be drunk without booze?”

  “I’m getting you help,” Quinn said, determinedly digging in his pocket. “I’m going to take care of you. Just … hold on, okay?” He punched three numbers into his phone and pressed it to his ear. “I’m on the beach behind Crabby Bill’s,” he announced, sounding much calmer than he felt. “Multiple shots have been fired. My girlfriend was hit.”

  The voice on the other end of the call was unflustered. “Okay, sir. Where was your girlfriend struck?”

  “Her shoulder.”

  “Is she conscious?”

  “She’s … confused.” Quinn smoothed Rowan’s hair as she dry-heaved onto the beach. “I can’t see the wound. It’s too dark. I … just send an ambulance, and the police, as soon as possible. I don’t know where the shooter is. I think he’s gone, though. I … don’t know where he went.”

  QUINN WANTED TO RIDE IN the ambulance with Rowan, but it created logistical problems … especially with the police, who insisted on questioning him in the location where the attack happened.

  “Which direction?” Detective Shawn Morgan asked as he clicked an ink pen and started jotting down notes on a small pad.

  “That way.” Quinn gestured vaguely toward the cabana as he watched the paramedics load Rowan into a waiting ambulance. She was awake but barely alert. “I need to go with my girlfriend.”