Page 7 of Riptide

“I think I’m starting to enjoy this kidnapping,” he joked. “It’s more of a staycation. On a boat.”

“You’re not kidnapped. You’re alive is what you are.” Kaimana released his hand and backed away.

“Answers, Queen.” He grinned and waggled a finger at her.

Kaimana took a deep breath, forcing her face to remain emotionless. This man infuriated her but, worse, attracted her at the same time. She swore she’d begun to lose her mind.

“Everything okay in here?” Keanu asked as he entered the salon.

“All’s good.” Seth gave a quick wave. “Just a bit unsteady is all. But have no fear. My piano skills are right as rain.”

“Please make sure Mr. Tremaine gets to his room.” Kaimana turned to Seth, her piercing eyes locked on his. “And stays there until dinner.”

“You got it, sis.” Keanu rested his palm on the wall and leaned onto it. He cracked a smile and looked to Seth. “You causin’ my sister problems, yo?”

“Who, me?” Seth winked at Kaimana then made his way toward Keanu. “I don’t think she liked my piano playing.”

Her jaw dropped open, but she quickly recovered and snapped it shut, refusing to give him a reaction. Though his flirtatious manner had caused a flutter inside her, she’d squash any budding attachment.

“See you at dinner,” Seth said as he walked away.

* * *

The hot water sluiced down Kaimana’s back along with her tears. She questioned bringing Seth onto the boat. She could have sold the yacht, gone on the run, started a new life on a tropical island somewhere and never looked back.

But that wasn’t who she was. She was a fighter and a friend. And Evan needed her to get her shit together.

In a few more days, they’d reach the big island and hopefully Seth would agree to help her. But although she’d shot the men who’d attacked her cabin, she suspected more would be hot on her heels.

“You’ll never get away,” they’d told her….until she did. And now, if necessary, she’d die trying to find the man who’d rescued her. Evan.

She shoved all doubt to the back of her mind and turned off the water. Guilt and worry were useless emotions, as were any fleeting attractions toward the sexy surfer on her yacht. She swallowed the twisting thoughts and refocused her mind on the task at hand. Rescue Evan. Survive.

Chapter Three

Seth laughed and considered his predicament. He was lucky with waves and business. Women? Not so much.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror and tunneled his fingers through his unruly curls. His mind raced. Kaimana. All he had was a first name. While grateful she’d saved his life, he suspected he was in for more than a pleasure cruise. Behind her deep brown eyes swirled a cyclone of trouble.

Determined to find out the truth, he steeled his nerves for dinner. Though his body ached, his mind strengthened, grew sharper, and he suspected he’d be healed within a few days.

He glanced to the door, contemplating her bodyguard brother, Keanu, and looked down to his own emaciated body. Fucking hell. It didn’t take but a week on his back to knock him on his ass. There was no way he’d have a chance in hell of winning a fist fight. In a few more days he’d be stronger, though. Then he’d fight if needed.

Seth shrugged with a chuckle and settled on relying on his uncanny wit and cunning. He looked to the armoire, where a white linen shirt hung in its closet. Seth slid it on and casually buttoned four buttons. He made short work of finding a matching pair of pants that by some miracle fit him like a glove.

Barefoot, he moved toward the door. As he reached for the handle, it swung open and Keanu stepped into the entrance, towering above him.

Wearing a bright pink flowered shirt, he grinned at Seth and waggled his eyebrows. “Ready for dinner, bro?”

“You know it. I think the meds are wearing off. My appetite is back, that’s for sure.” Seth patted his abdomen and paused. “This sure is a nice boat, huh?”

“Only the best for my sister.” Keanu laughed.

“I’ve always been a fan of boats. Loved them since I was a kid.”

“Me too. My dad had a cool fishing boat but this, dude….this is next level.”

“I bet it’s got a sick helm.” Seth strode casually past Keanu, hoping to get a quick look at the navigation equipment and find out exactly where he was in the Pacific.