My gut told me we couldn’t keep her, but my mind was playing tricks on me, taking me back to another place and time when I’d been at the happiest point in my life. Then as with anything good that had ever occurred in my life, it had all come crashing down, the ravaging flames leaving internal scars that would never leave.
And they shouldn’t be allowed to.
“Who is she?” Daniel asked, more to himself than to me.
“I don’t know. Garrison wasn’t close to anyone. He hated his father and there was no one else in his family that I can remember.” While my answer was correct, the gnawing at my gut remained. There was something familiar about the girl I couldn’t place.
“No. His father is still alive but had nothing to do with him after his arrest, given it would taint his illustrious career. From what I remember, his mother died before he came to the university.”
“Maybe a pen pal in prison,” I suggested.
“Possibly. Garrison didn’t talk about women. Hell, the kid didn’t talk much at all. I don’t know what that brutal father of his did to him, but it altered his personality. He always seemed timid, caring, but extremely quiet.”
“You forget he turned into a killer.”
Daniel turned and looked at me. “Maybe Alexander is right, and everyone has the capability.”
“You should know that better than any of us.”
He laughed. “Because I’m a glorified cop?”
“Because you were always the good kid. Straight A’s and good reports from teachers. We were the fuck-ups.”
“You obviously weren’t paying that close of attention or choose not to remember what I’d proven myself capable of.” He shot another look through the trees. “I don’t know about you, but I could use a drink.”
“I’ll stay here like I said. I’m not waiting until nightfall. She has to be pretty scared.”
“Maybe that will help loosen her lips. Did she really help you earn a lot of money?”
“Over two hundred K. Of course, I never turned in the voucher.” I shook my head. “Biggest score of my damn life and I forgot to cash it in. Maybe when we return. All she had to do was blow on the dice. I couldn’t believe it. You know, I thought we had a real connection.”
“So I understand from Alexander. Maybe she is nothing more than an excellent con artist.”
Exhaling, I finally nodded. “Maybe so.”
He started to turn away then stopped. “I’m sorry you spent so many years behind bars. I should have intervened.”
“You couldn’t have done anything, buddy. I did it to myself.”
“But a barroom brawl?”
“This asshole was trying to rape a girl in the bathroom. I stopped it. Beat the guy a little too hard.” I couldn’t tell him the entire truth. What good would it do other than further his hatred of Alexander?
“Whew. You’re a free man now. Just remember that.”
I turned my head, watching him walk away. I’d already thought about that. I’d made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t get involved in any shady shit or care about anyone for the rest of my damn life. Yet here I was, attracted to a woman who wanted me dead. I sure knew how to pick ‘em.
I moved to the edge of the trees, easing down onto the rocky sand. She could see me if she tried, but at this point, the only movement was the swaying of the trap because of the heavy breeze. The light wafting also allowed me to catch a whiff of her perfume, the exotic spices adding to my arousal. Damn it. I had to shift my cock in my jeans, the pinch becoming agonizing.
I forced myself to look away but couldn’t seem to take my eyes off her. I’d never been much for patience of any kind, and Alexander had taught all of us to take what we wanted. That had been my mantra my entire life.
At least until now.
Another five minutes passed, and she didn’t move at all. I couldn’t take it any longer. Jerking to my feet, I headed toward the ocean, purposely shifting against the rope. While I refused to look at her at first, I was rewarded with the sound of slight movement. When I was only a few inches from the water, I took a deep breath. The secluded island was too surreal, something straight out of a damn fantasy. It wasn’t real life for anyone else, yet Alexander had purchased the island and had the elaborate main house and twenty guest houses built. The place would make a fabulous vacation spot, only the plans he had for the location had nothing to do with rest and relaxation.
Those partaking in the long weekend or week getaway would be subject to the same kind of hunt. The boobytraps were just Alexander’s test of how his more primitive ones would work. Iwasn’t certain it was something I wanted to invest in, although the idea was sexy as hell.
After a few minutes of basking in the sun, I turned toward her. She was staring at me intently. I didn’t need to be close in order to realize what she was doing or that there was hatred in her eyes. I took a deep breath, heading in her direction. When I was only two feet away, she smiled.
