Island Fire

by Bobbi Smith

  "Please . . . Mitch," she whispered as the small pain she'd experienced lessened and he began to move deep within her. "I want you."

  "Move with me, sweet," he urged, sliding his hand to her hips to guide her untutored movements.

  Espri intuitively understood, and she began to match him, thrust for thrust. Sweat glistened on their bodies as they strained together, hips grinding against hips, legs interlocking in the throes of their passion.

  Espri was filled with wonder as new sensations swelled through her and each stroke of his driving body took her nearer and nearer to that ultimate release, until in one blinding instant her world exploded into a thousand shards of exquisite delight.

  Mitch had never been emotionally touched by a woman's pleasure before, but the knowledge that he'd satisfied her on their first time together filled him with mystifying joy. Entranced by the beauty of their joining, his own completion overwhelmed him, filling him with rapturous ecstasy as he gave her the gift of his love.

  At last, his breathing ragged, Mitch lay still, reflecting on their coming together. It had been so spellbindingly perfect. Yet how could she have been a virgin? The discovery that she had been untouched had struck him as sharply as a physical blow. Espri was lovely . . . and so responsive. Surely any man would want her. Why had Jacques not taken her? Was he impotent?

  Mitch drew a shuddering breath as rational thought slowly returned and with it the painful acknowledgment that he had taken another man's wife. He could not deny that he'd enjoyed making love to Espri, and that admission provoked guilt. He'd been no better than a rutting animal. He had wanted her, damn the consequences. Even now as she lay quiescent beneath him, Mitch knew he wanted to take her again; she was like a fire in his blood.

  Suddenly furious with himself for his own part in her betrayal, he levered his weight from atop her. He didn't know why she had been a virgin, but he intended to find out.

  Espri opened her eyes and started to smile blissfully up at Mitch, but the smile froze on her lips when she saw the undisguised anger in his penetrating gaze. Their lovemaking had been more wonderful than she could ever have imagined, and she could not understand why he was upset.

  "Mitch?" She lifted a hand to touch his cheek in a lover's gesture.

  Mitch snared her wrist, and when he spoke, his words were snarled. "I think some answers are in order."

  Espri was stunned by his attitude. A chill shook her. "Answers? I don't know what you mean."

  His grip on her wrist tightened unconsciously. "I mean, how is it that you came to me a virgin? Why hasn't Jacques . . .?"

  Espri's bewilderment was total as she stared up at him through the semidarkness. He sounded as though her untouched state had been loathsome. Anger grew within her. "Jacques? What has my father got to do with this?"

  Mitch blanched, his lips tightening in a grim line. "Your father? Jacques is your father?"

  Espri pulled away from his grasp and sat up. "Of course he's my father. Who did you think he was?"

  "Your husband." The words came out slowly, painfully.

  Espri gasped in righteous fury.

  "You thought Jacques was my husband, yet you made love to me?" She grabbed her sarong and twisted it about her, concealing her lush figure from him before getting hurriedly to her feet. "You must have a very low opinion of me if you think I would do something so treacherous as bed you while I'm married to another!"

  Her words made him realize how grossly mistaken he'd been, but he was not about to explain to her that most of the women he'd known would have had no compunctions about doing such a thing.

  "I'm sorry."

  "I have been nothing but kind to you. I don't understand how you could have thought me so low, so deceitful!" Espri's heart was aching for his revelation had destroyed the beauty of that night.

  Mitch loomed over her, but she gave no ground, glaring up at him, hands on her hips.

  "Espri," he began. Thinking that she, like every other woman he'd ever been involved with, could be distracted from her purpose by another session of passionate lovemaking, he reached out to take her in his arms. "I misjudged you and I'm sorry." He drew her against his chest, bending to kiss her deeply.

  Espri submitted for a moment, but even as the flame of desire flickered to life at the sensuous touch of his lips, the fury of her indignation smothered it. Twisting away from him, she rushed to the door.

  "My father was right! White men are different. I should have heeded his advice and stayed away from you."

  Without a backward glance, she raced off into the night's concealing shadows.

  Mitch watched her go, his emotions in turmoil. He almost went after her, but the disgust he'd read in her expression held him immobile. She had been an innocent, and he had shattered that innocence, in more ways than one.

  Cursing, Mitch searched out his pareu, then tied it about his waist before lying down once again on the mat. His arms crossed behind his head, he stared blindly at the thatched roof, knowing there would be no rest for him this night.

  Jacques rolled over and opened bleary, bloodshot eyes. It took a few moments for his world to right itself, and when the dizzying motion finally ceased, he sat up. Blindly, he grabbed for the bottle of kava, sighing with relief to find that there was still some of the potent liquor remaining. He tilted the bottle to his lips and drank heavily. When he'd savored the last drop, he angrily tossed the empty vessel aside.

  "Espri!" His ragged voice boomed across the early morning brightness of the glade. "Damn! Where is that girl?" he muttered to himself as he struggled to his feet.

  The liquor he'd just imbibed hit his empty stomach with resounding force, and he staggered as he made his way across the clearing to the hut in search of his daughter and another bottle of kava or rum. Leaning heavily against the doorway, he gazed inside the darkened hut, hoping to find Espri, but to his dismay the room was empty. He frowned at the deserted hut, then swung drunkenly around, glaring in confusion out across his domain.

  "Jacques."

  The Frenchman turned quickly to find Mitch coming toward him from the direction of the beach. "What are you doing up? And where's the bandage?"

  "I'm feeling much better this morning. As you can see, my cut is healing nicely."

  Jacques grunted in acknowledgment. "Where is Espri?"

  "I haven't seen her for a while," Mitch answered truthfully.

  "She must have gone to the pool," Duchant grumbled, rubbing his temples to relieve the ache. "Are you still going to the village today to stay with your friend?"

  "Yes, if it's no trouble for you." Mitch was certain that his despicable actions had destroyed whatever feeling Espri had had for him, and after long sleepless hours of reasoning the situation through, he'd decided that perhaps it had all been for the best. True, she was a tempting piece; the most delightful creature he'd ever bedded, in fact, but she was also just a woman. He'd had many before, and, no doubt, he would have many more. Still, an unbidden thought encroached on his rationalizing: Espri had been a virgin. He had been her first lover. Mitch determinedly pushed the thought away. He would not allow himself to care. Caring only led to deeper feelings. He would follow through on his plan to join Tommy in the village, and as soon as possible, he would leave for home.

  "We will go as soon as Espri returns and we eat," Jacques told him, eyeing him thoughtfully. "You look mighty uncomfortable in that pareu," he added, with a twisted smile. "I have several pairs of pants, if you'd like to try one of them. And a razor?"

  "Thank you." Mitch returned his smile as he rubbed at his bearded chin. "I'd like that very much."

  Jacques went into the hut to search out those items, and he followed.

  Tikiru stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Nelani.

  "You will do exactly what I tell you!"

  "Yes, Tikiru." The servant girl bowed her head submissively.

  "As soon as the ceremony ends tonight, we will return here as always. No one will suspect a thing. Then, when the m
oon begins to rise, we will leave again."

  "Are you planning on seeing the white man again?"

  "He will be waiting on the beach in the cove."

  "Tikiru!" Nelani was truly frightened. "If the high priests find out, it could mean your life."

  "Do not worry. I have done nothing that will endanger my vows nor do I intend to," she replied smugly.

  "Then why are you meeting him at all?"

  "I will not be meeting him. You will."

  "I don't understand." Nelani was confused.

  "He is expecting a woman named Nelani to be there, and you will be."

  "But how could he be expecting me?"

  "Because I told him my name was Nelani. He could not see me plainly in the dark of night, and since we are both about the same size . . ."

  "Why do you feel the need to do this?"

  "Do not question my motives, Nelani. We will speak of this no more until tonight. Then, I will tell you exactly what I want of you. Now, come and help me bathe."

  "Yes, Tikiru." Though Nelani agreed easily enough, she was worried. What did her mistress intend to do? Surely this was related to her vision, but how? Knowing that she would get no answers, she gathered Tikiru's cleansing ointments and followed her mistress to their private bathing pool.

  As the sun edged ever higher into the eastern sky, Espri knew it was time to return to her home. She did not look forward to seeing Mitch again, but not being one to back down, she intended to face him with as much calm as she could muster.

  After fleeing Mitch's embrace, Espri had passed the last long hours of the night sitting by the waterfall in silent meditation. In all honesty, she could not deny that she had wanted Mitch since the first time he'd touched her. She had enjoyed the lovemaking they had shared that night. For the first time, she had been attracted to a man and she had gone to him willingly. She had expected their joining to be blissful, but it had not turned out that way. He had satisfied her physically, but the disturbing discovery of how he felt about her had left her feeling soiled.

  Determined to have no more to do with him, she squared her shoulders in an unconscious gesture of control. They had made love, the moment had been pleasurable, and that was all there was to it. As her father had told her, Mitch would be leaving the island at the first opportunity anyway, so it was better that things went no further. After all, Espri thought fiercely, I don't love him. Yet, as she neared the glade, she couldn't help but wonder why Mitch's low opinion of her had hurt so badly.

  "Espri!"

  Jacques's welcoming call drew Mitch's attention, and he stopped shaving to watch Espri cross the glade to speak with her father. She looked cool and composed this morning, not like the abandoned lover who'd come to him during the night, but at the memory of their encounter, he found himself becoming aroused. No other woman had had this effect on him. Irritated, he wiped the lather from his face. Thrusting the vivid images from his mind, he set aside the razor and small mirror that Jacques had loaned him, and slowly brought his urgings under control. Glad that he had decided to move into the village, he started across the clearing.

  "Must you drink so early in the day, Papa?" Espri asked as she watched Jacques lift the bottle of rum to his lips.

  Her father paused thoughtfully for a moment and then set the liquor aside. "I suppose you're right, ma petite. I'll refrain for now."

  His response totally surprised Espri, and she could only stare at him in wonder until Mitch's good morning intruded into her thoughts. A tingle raced down her spine at the sound of his deep voice, but she dismissed it as unimportant and turned to face him.

  "Good morning, Mitch. It's good to see you up and about." She swallowed nervously, and her eyes widened imperceptibly as she glanced at him. Surely, just the sight of him shouldn't cause her heart to beat faster and her legs to tremble, but it did. Gone was the rough growth of beard, and he seemed even more handsome without it. He'd shed the pareu for a pair of her father's white pants which fit him almost too well. Snug across the hips, they were molded to his taut buttocks and powerful thighs, and Espri couldn't stop herself from staring as she remembered those thighs pressed so intimately to hers. He looked so different that he almost seemed a stranger. Forcing herself to answer with casual indifference, she remarked, "I see Papa's loaned you some pants."

  "Yes, and a razor." Mitch grinned easily as he rubbed his clean-shaven jaw, but he was uneasy. He wondered how she could be so aloof when hours before they had lain in one another's arms, making love. His eyes narrowed as he watched her, but he could detect no flaw in her composure. Perhaps what the sailors said about island women was true, that sex meant very little to them and that, until they married, they enjoyed many partners. The thought grated on his nerves. He had been her first, he told himself, not one of many. That had to have meant something.

  He bristled at the possibility that Espri had already dismissed their encounter. Suddenly becoming aware of the path his thoughts had taken, he girded himself against them. He was moving to the village, and he probably wouldn't see her again. That was exactly what he wanted. What difference did it make anyway? He would be going home soon.

  "Are you all set to go to the village?" Espri directed her attention back to her father with an effort.

  "Yes, chérie. As soon as we have something to eat," Jacques replied. He sensed some kind of tension between them, but he had no idea as to what was causing it.

  "Of course. I'll prepare something right away." Espri was grateful for the excuse to leave them. "Then you can be on your way."

  "You'll be coming with us, won't you?" her father asked. "Luatu, I know, is anxious to see you."

  Realizing that she didn't have a good reason for not accompanying them, she agreed. "Of course. I have missed Grandfather greatly."

  "Luatu?" Mitch wondered.

  "Chief Luatu is my grandfather," Espri explained. "My mother was a princess."

  "Oh. And your mother . . ."

  "Is dead," she answered, glancing quickly at her father, her expression apologetic. "I'd better prepare the food now so we can go. The walk to the village is a long one."

  As she hurried away, Jacques slowly reached for the bottle of rum.

  Chapter 9

  Tana was idling away the hours until Konga returned from the day's fishing when word came to her that Jacques and Espri were on their way to the village with the white man named Mitch. She anxiously awaited their coming, hoping that what she'd said during her visit to Espri's home had had an effect on the other woman. If she had managed to stir Espri's interest in Mitch, then there was a good chance that Konga could be made to realize Espri did not want or love him. Certainly, his warrior's pride would not permit him to continue to profess love for a woman who had chosen another man over him. Then he would be hers, hers alone! Eager to see if her brazen remarks had had the desired effect, Tana kept close watch until she spotted the trio approaching her family's hut.

  The tall, clean-shaven white man looked vitally alive as he crossed the clearing, and though Tana had been only half serious when she'd chided Espri about him being a gift from the sea, she was certain now that her words had been true. He was magnificent, broad at the shoulders and narrow at the hip. The pants he wore only served to emphasize the powerful strength of his thighs and the long, lean length of his legs. His skin was deeply tanned, and his hair was as dark as that of the island men. When he looked up, his gaze locked with hers, sending an animal thrill coursing through her body.

  Her eyes feasting on Mitch's handsome features, Tana spoke first as she walked boldly forward to meet him. "You have recovered."

  Mitch looked down at the woman standing before him. "I'm afraid I'm at a disadvantage," he told her in his most courtly fashion. "You know me, but I know nothing of you."

  "You mean Espri didn't tell you that I came and offered to help nurse you?" She glanced accusingly at Espri. When she saw a quickly shuttered flare of possessiveness in the other woman's eyes, she was pleased. Her plan had worked!
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  Mitch was instantly aware of the subtle antagonism in their exchange, but he continued smoothly. "I'm afraid not, but then we've had little real time to talk. I'm Mitch Williams, and you?"

  "I am Tana, daughter of Anuitua," she told him, turning slightly to gaze up at him flirtatiously.

  Despite her breathlessness and the pounding of her heart, Espri had convinced herself that she didn't care about Mitch, and she had been in total control during the long trip to the village. But now, as she watched the other woman work her wiles on Mitch, a strange resentment filled her. How dare Tana approach him so! And in the middle of the village!

  Tommy had been right the previous day when he'd said that Espri was far lovelier than Anuitua's daughter, Mitch thought.

  "Tana, I've come to see Tommy. Is he here?" Mitch pretended not to notice her posturing.

  Tana was about to answer when her mother came bustling forward to greet them.

  "Espri! Jacques! How good to see you! Is this Tommy's friend?" She regarded Mitch with open curiosity.

  "Yes. Anuitua, this is Mitch Williams." Jacques nodded toward the other white man.

  Anuitua smiled widely at the stranger. "Tommy has spoken of you often. I am glad you are well."

  "Thank you." Mitch returned her smile and then looked quickly around. "Is Tommy here?"

  "He has gone out in the canoe with my husband Kohea, but they should be returning soon. Will you stay and wait?"

  "Thank you, but no," Espri answered quickly, for she did not want to remain in Tana's presence any longer than necessary. "We are going to visit my grandfather. When Tommy gets back, please send him to Luatu's."

  "I will," Anuitua promised. Then she stood by her daughter's side, watching as the others started off toward the house of the chief. "This Mitch is a very handsome man, Tana. You did not mention that when you came back from your visit the other day." Anuitua looked up at her daughter, questioningly.