Island Fire

by Bobbi Smith

  "You look surprised, Espri." Tana's gaze narrowed as she prepared to deliver her most devastating line. "Did he tell you that he was going to stay?"

  "No."

  "I'd thought not, but I suppose you were hoping . . ." She read the answer in Espri's eyes and gave her a consoling look. "Your innocence may have intrigued Mitch in the beginning, but—"

  "But, what?" Espri demanded, suddenly furious that this woman should know something about Mitch that she did not.

  "Mitch is a man used to dealing with experienced women. I assumed you understood, but being as naïve as you are—"

  "What are you talking about?"

  "Well, it's obvious to me how you feel. You love him, and you want to marry him. You even turned down Konga for Mitch. But, Espri, you're being foolhardy. Mitch doesn't love you."

  "You don't know that!" Espri cried. She had already been drawn into Tana's malicious game.

  Tana suppressed a victorious smile. "Oh, but I do." She stood up slowly, smoothing her sarong sensuously over her thighs. "This morning, he denied it before both Tommy and me."

  The color faded from Espri's perfect features. "Oh." She remembered Mitch's slightly distant mood when they'd been together. At the time, she had thought it was because Tommy was with them, but it was not. He did not love her, and he had proclaimed it openly. What he felt for her was simply lust. Espri felt embarrassed by her childish dreams of winning his affections.

  "He said he didn't love you and that he intended to go home just as quickly as he could." Tana enjoyed the sense of power she was feeling.

  "As I told you that first day, Tana, Mitch is free to make his own decisions." Espri tried to seem indifferent, though Tana's statements had shattered her. "I have no hold on him."

  "Obviously," Tana said tauntingly as she started down the path. "And I'm glad."

  When the other woman had disappeared from sight, Espri dove beneath the surface and swam to the bank underwater. Pain, sharp and agonizing, was tearing at her as she stepped from the pool, and her tears fell unheeded as she wrapped her sarong tightly about her. Mitch did not love her . . . he planned to leave . . . he was used to sophisticated women. Now she understood her father's warning. Mitch was a white man, different from the islanders.

  Espri found her own innocence humiliating. How trusting she'd been! She had given her heart far too quickly. She should have remembered her resolution never to fall in love. She should have exercised more control over herself.

  Anger overcame her, and with it came some semblance of rational thought. While it was true that Tana's news hurt, perhaps it was not such a bad thing to find it out now. Now that she'd been made aware of Mitch's intentions, she could protect herself.

  There is no point in continuing to see him, Espri thought. Why spend more time with him and risk deepening my strong attraction when I know there is no future for us?

  It was better to end the relationship. No doubt, Mitch would not be troubled overmuch by her refusal to be with him anymore. As Tana had said, he didn't love her, so it would be easy for him to find another to satisfy his needs. Still, the prospect of never knowing his love again tore at her heart. His touch . . . She knew it would take a long time to forget the bliss they had shared. Sadder but wiser, Espri left the pool.

  As was their custom, the island men met on the beach to make the preparations for the afternoon's catch, and Mitch and Tommy were warmly welcomed by them. When Mitch was congratulated for his stunning victory over Konga, he accepted the praise coolly. He had not wanted to fight the man, and he was glad that it was over.

  "Is Konga going out?" he asked Kohea as they readied the boats.

  "He'll be along, but it is difficult for him right now. He lost much face last night, and he's in danger of losing his status as a mighty warrior."

  "He was drunk."

  "True, but he issued the challenge and he lost. It is our way," the older man explained.

  Mitch said no more as they completed their preparations, and when all was ready, Kohea gave the order and they set forth.

  Under the expert guidance of the islanders, the canoes moved swiftly out to sea, and Mitch and Tommy were pleased that they managed to hold their own with the proficient natives. Though they knew the basic fundamentals of maneuvering the outriggers, it was their first time out and it was a challenge.

  Tommy was glad for the diversion the outing provided, for he was hoping that the fishing trip would help keep his mind off Tikiru. She had been in his thoughts all day; she was becoming an obsession with him. Each minute away from her seemed like an hour, and he could hardly wait to see her again. Forcing himself to concentrate, he followed Kohea's instructions carefully, helping Mitch paddle the vessel through the dangerous, narrow channel in the barrier reef and out into the open, unprotected waters of the Pacific.

  Having made the passage safely, Mitch and Tommy felt more confident about their abilities, and they settled easily into the islanders' ways, relaxing and truly enjoying the adventure of the catch.

  Konga had watched from afar, waiting until the outriggers were in the water before joining them. Even then, he trailed slightly behind, for he wanted to avoid drawing attention to himself. Revenge was his motive on this day; he fully intended to pay Mitch back for the humiliation he'd suffered the night before.

  Taking great care to conceal his resentment, he waited for the opportunity that he knew would come. It would take a while for the blood of their catch to attract the sharks, but invariably the gray, sleek monsters of the deep would come. In the distance, they would circle menacingly, awaiting the chance for an easy meal. And today Konga hoped that easy meal would consist of the two white men.

  His plans made, Konga busied himself with fishing. It was difficult for him to maneuver his nets and spear because of his injured hand, and the pain served as a vivid, angry reminder of his purpose. Mitch had taken his woman. He had embarrassed him before the entire village. The white man would pay with his life!

  As the hours passed and the sun dipped low on the western horizon, the sharks appeared. At the sight of them, Konga knew it was time to make his move so he maneuvered himself within striking range of Mitch and Tommy's canoe. When they were both standing to pull in their nets and could not see what he was doing, Konga reached out with his paddle and tipped their canoe, sending them both splashing headlong into the sea.

  The sharks, ever aware of vibrations in the water, homed in on their thrashing. With lightning speed, they darted toward the floundering men. Though the canoes were spread out over a goodly distance, Kohea saw their plight and sent out the warning cry. Immediately, the islanders abandoned their nets and set out to aid the men in the water.

  Gasping for breath, Mitch surfaced first. Unaware of the danger, he treaded water for a moment, waiting for Tommy, and when his friend came up, they struck out for their canoe together.

  "What happened?" Tommy was obviously disturbed by the unexpected upset.

  "I'm not sure," Mitch ground out as he latched onto the side of their outrigger. "But I've got a feeling it was no accident."

  Tommy's expression grew pensive. "Konga. But why would—"

  He didn't finish his statement for the cries of the islanders interrupted him.

  "Konga! Help Tommy while I get Mitch!" Kohea was shouting as he paddled full speed in their direction.

  "What the—" Mitch grasped the older man's hand and was hauled unceremoniously into his canoe just as the attacking sharks darted past.

  Konga was thoroughly disgusted. His plan had failed and yet . . . He decided that he could still turn the situation to his benefit. By rescuing Tommy, he could save face, so he grudgingly paddled nearer and extended a saving hand to the panicked young white man.

  What happened next was so unexpected that for years to come the natives would speak of it in terror.

  Tommy had just grasped Konga's hand and had levered himself halfway over the side of the outrigger when a shark struck at Konga's vessel. Konga had been standing
in order to pull Tommy into the boat, and the blow of the lethal creature catapulted him into the water and made him a hapless prey for the already frenzied sharks.

  His horror-filled scream echoed across the open waters as the sharks attacked. Tommy managed to throw himself the rest of the way into the canoe, and he watched in terror-filled frustration as Konga's blood stained the turquoise sea. It was over almost as soon as it had begun.

  Dazed, the men left the scene to return to the safety of land. Though Konga had died a hero's death and there would be a celebration in honor of his bravery, none of them would soon forget the grisly spectacle they'd just witnessed.

  It was late afternoon and Tikiru was pacing her hut like a caged tigress. Though she was nude and had just returned from the bathing pool, she felt hot and restless. Memories of the previous night with Tommy burned within her, and she craved him. Consumed by her need, she strode out onto the veranda, hoping that a cooling breeze would end her torment, but the air was still and she grew more and more distraught with every passing moment. She had to have him. She had to be with him.

  "Tikiru!" Manti's imperative call sliced through the haze of her desire, and she looked up questioningly.

  Affecting a look of regal disdain, she faced the high priest. "Manti, I had not expected you."

  The old man stared at her, his eyes narrowing. There was something different about her, but he wasn't quite sure what it was. "There has been a death," he stated baldly. "Your people will need you tonight."

  "A death? Who?" She suddenly feared that it might have been Tommy.

  Manti saw the flicker of emotion in her eyes and wondered at it. "Konga, son of Autiki."

  "How?" Tikiru breathed an inward sigh of relief.

  "An accident while fishing . . . a shark attack."

  A shiver ran through her. "I will celebrate the ceremony of death at the midnight hour."

  Mitch and Tommy walked slowly toward the village. Their mood was grim for they realized just how close they had come to death.

  "He tried to murder us, Mitch!" Tommy finally voiced his thoughts.

  "I know," Mitch answered. "I should have watched him more carefully. I should have realized that he was out to kill me, but the whole afternoon had gone so well that I let my guard down."

  "I'm glad he's dead!" Tommy declared vehemently. "He deserved it, but the others think he died trying to save me!"

  "At that moment, he was trying to save you. I guess he thought by helping in the rescue he could regain stature with the villagers."

  "Shouldn't we tell them what really happened?" Tommy demanded.

  Mitch was thoughtful. "There is no point, now. He's dead."

  Tommy was still outraged at the islander's cowardly trick, but he had to agree that no real purpose would be served by revealing Konga's treachery. It was over.

  Mitch thought of Konga and his obsession for Espri. The Malikan had wanted her and had been willing to go to any lengths to have her, and for that he'd paid with his life.

  "I'd better find Espri and tell her all that happened," he said. "Are you going to the temple tonight?"

  "Yes." Tommy responded quickly, for he hoped that Tikiru would be present at the ceremony.

  "I'll see you there," Mitch called back as he headed off to locate Espri.

  When Espri had returned to the village after her conversation with Tana, her resolve had been firm—she would have no more to do with Mitch, no matter how badly she might want him. Jacques had sensed a change in her and had questioned her about it, but her feelings had been too raw at the time to discuss it. She had told him only that she was going home.

  Jacques and Laiti had been confused by Espri's decision to leave, but had not tried to press her for an explanation. And when Jacques had considered going with her, Laiti had discouraged him, her womanly instincts telling her that Espri needed some time alone.

  Now, as they watched Mitch approaching, they wondered what to say to him.

  "Laiti, Jacques." He greeted them easily as he glanced around in search of Espri. "Do you know where Espri is?"

  "Yes," Jacques said curtly. "She's gone home."

  Mitch was startled. "Home? Why?"

  "She did not say," Laiti put in. "She left some hours ago."

  "She did?" He frowned. "I guess I'd better go after her. Have you heard the news about Konga yet?"

  "Konga? No."

  "He was killed during the catch. A shark."

  "How could that be?"

  "One of the sharks upset his canoe and he fell in." Mitch paused as he remembered the gory scene. "I'll talk with you about it later. I want to find Espri right now."

  And before Jacques or Laiti could mention her strange mood, he hurried off.

  Espri had hoped that a vigorous swim would tire her so she could sleep that night, but after only half an hour in the water, she was exhausted physically while her mind still refused to rest. Turning back toward shore, she allowed the surging waters to do the work for her. Floating easily, paddling only occasionally, she drifted toward the beach on the crest of the low-rising waves.

  In the shallows, she walked from the water. In the moonlight, the surf swirling about her hips, she seemed a mermaid or a naiad of the sea. Her slender, naked body glistened in the subdued light as she strode forth un-self-consciously, believing herself to be alone.

  Mitch reached the glade just as darkness claimed the island. He had been surprised not to find her at the clearing, and he then began to suspect that something was not right. Taking the path to the beach, he stopped, mesmerized, at the edge of the forest when he caught sight of her emerging from the sea. Her beauty was undeniable. With unaffected grace she moved to pick up her things, and his body came alive with need for her.

  "Espri . . ." His voice was low and hoarse as he started forward, eager to hold her once more.

  Startled by the unexpected interruption of her solitude, she clasped her sarong to her breast and whirled about to face him.

  "Mitch, I had not thought that you would come," she said quickly as she tied her sarong about her. She didn't care that she was still wet, or that the cloth clung to her revealingly; she only knew that she could not face him, nude, and maintain any semblance of composure.

  "You didn't think I would come after you?" He was puzzled by her statement. "Why?"

  "I thought you would understand why I left the village."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "I'm talking about not being together any longer."

  "What?" Mitch was shocked.

  "I have decided to end this thing between us before it becomes any more complicated."

  "It isn't complicated. You want me and I want you. What we share is special."

  Espri flinched inwardly at his callous summation of their relationship. It was that simple for him because he didn't really care. Though it was the most difficult thing she'd ever done in her life, she met his questioning gaze levelly.

  "We have shared only the joining of our bodies. Many others on the island do the same every day." She managed a convincing shrug.

  "Didn't our coming together mean anything to you?" he demanded in stunned disbelief.

  "I enjoyed the experience, it was pleasurable, but it meant no more to me than that," she lied. "Did you feel differently?" Espri gave him one last chance to declare his love.

  "No, of course not." His reply was out before he thought about it, and it strengthened her determination to break off with him.

  "You see, there was no more to it."

  Mitch felt for a moment that she sounded almost wistful, but he quickly discarded that possibility as ridiculous when she continued.

  "I know that you intend to leave the island as soon as you can, so I think it's best that we stop this thing between us now."

  "Espri, why throw away something that pleases us both?" he challenged, pulling her into his arms and kissing her before she had a chance to protest.

  She did not fight his embrace, but remained rigid in his a
rms until he ended the kiss. "I am sure that I can find the same pleasure with an island man," she answered with a calmness she did not feel.

  Her casually spoken words staggered Mitch. He clenched his hands into fists, angry at the thought of her in another man's arms. "I'm afraid you'll find yourself sorely disappointed if you think the joy we found is shared in every lover's embrace."

  "I am sure you will be able to find another woman to satisfy you," Espri remarked offhandedly.

  "Espri," he protested, moving to hold her once more, but she put up a hand, stopping him from coming any nearer.

  "There is no future for me with you, Mitch. You plan to leave Malika as soon as you can, so there is no reason for us to continue. Please, go."

  "I see," he said slowly when she'd finished speaking. He felt as if someone had struck him a physical blow, but he maintained a calm façade. "If that's the way you want it . . ."

  Espri looked at him steadily, trying to read some emotion in his expression, but his features were inscrutable. Realizing that her dream of being loved by him was not going to come true, she answered, "It is."

  "If you ever change your mind . . . you know where you can find me," he told her, and then without another glance in her direction, he turned and walked away.

  Chapter 13

  Mitch was filled with frustration as he left Espri standing on the beach. He had thought that everything was perfect between them. Why, the love they'd shared at the pool the previous evening had been unmatched by any he'd experienced, and he'd been anxious to see her again after spending the day apart. But now it was over, almost before it had begun.

  Mitch reviewed their conversation over and over again as he made the long trek back to the village, and a burning fury grew within him as he imagined her seeking sensual pleasure with another man. Suddenly aware of the intensity of his reaction, he wondered at it. Hadn't he vowed never to let any woman become that important in his life? Surely he was reacting this way only because she was the first woman to end an association with him. In all his previous encounters, he had been the one to end the involvement when it had grown too tedious. This was the first time it had been done to him, and he was finding it extremely irritating.