“Okay.” I folded my arms as I returned to the seat, fighting the heightened nerves. Seconds later, the change in altitude was apparent. A single tear slipped down my cheek, the only one I would allow. I was stronger than anyone gave me credit for.

  Maybe that’s why I hadn’t been honest about the threat I’d received.

  My eyes were heavy, my pulse still racing. The landing had been solid, but I’d remained terrified until he’d cut the engine. He’d insisted I wear a hoodie until we were safely nestled in his Jeep. The gesture had been a stark reminder that it didn’t matter where we were, my life was in danger.

  I was simply exhausted, unable to sleep on the plane, terrified my father wouldn’t make it. Just seeing Raven sobbing uncontrollably had nearly broken me, my little half-brother confused as to what was happening to his daddy. It was all insane, including the fact I’d almost been abducted.

  Exhaling, I leaned my head against the headrest, staring out the open window of the Jeep. Not only did Maddox have a private plane, one of which he was the pilot, he also had a secure and conditioned storage unit near the tiny airport where he kept the vehicle and a lot of trunks that held weapons and ammunition. It shocked me how much he’d amassed. When he’d loaded an assault rifle and two handguns, along with a case of ammunition into a duffle bag, I’d stared in shock. It was as if the man was anticipating a war.

  The sun was setting, a flurry of vivid colors crisscrossing the insanely perfect sky, the eight-hour flight bumpy as hell given a thunderstorm we’d rolled through. Now my stomach was in knots, my mind foggy as I continued to wonder about why I’d become a target. Other than for money.

  Or revenge.

  “Did the men who tried to take you say anything?” Maddox asked, his voice gruffer than before.

  “Just that I was coming with them. And no, I didn’t recognize their voices. They didn’t have accents either.”

  “That’s what I guessed.”

  “You killed them. Didn’t you?”

  “Not all of them.”

  “That’s why I was sent away. You and my dad think I did something wrong.”

  Maddox shook his head. “Don’t overreact, Zoe. No one thinks you’re to blame for a fucking thing. Whatever is going on, your father refuses to have you as a target.”

  “I’m worried about Raven and little Gabriel. Did you see her face?”

  “Don’t be so concerned. They will be well taken care of, surrounded at all times.”

  “That’s no way to live,” I insisted, to which he said nothing. I continued to glare out the window, thinking about the odd threat that I’d tried to ignore. The man’s voice had been disguised, mechanical, but the words were ones I’d never forget.

  “You belong to me now and always.”

  Then the bastard had hung up the phone. I’d tried to tell myself that the asshole had simply called the wrong number since no one but my family and Maggie knew my number. Now I wasn’t so certain of anything. The older man at the club for several nights. I’d sensed I’d been followed after leaving the club, then the man had disappeared. Nothing made any sense. Why me? Why now?

  Stop doing this to yourself. This has nothing to do with you. It’s all about your father.

  My inner voice was correct. I wasn’t the target, not really. Then why were my hands clammy, my heart racing? I glanced at Maddox. Just seeing the anger on his face kept my pulse spinning out of control. What was happening to my family?

  “I don’t know why I couldn’t have stayed. My father might have needed me. Why did you take me away?”

  “I’m just following orders.”

  “Orders? You’re friends with my dad, Maddox. You were the best man at his wedding to Raven, for God’s sake. You went to high school with him.”

  “He’s also my boss.”

  “Ah, yes. The Kingpin and the Wiseguy. Right?”

  I’d sensed I’d angered him all over again. I hated the mafia aspect, always wishing my father had been a doctor, lawyer, or something else less dangerous. But as my father had reminded me more than once, I didn’t get to choose what family I was born into.

  “We’re really in danger,” I finally said, barely recognizing my voice.

  “Yes, Zoe. We are. Don’t worry. I can and will protect you.”

  “I know.”

  I took a deep breath, the open roof on the Jeep allowing me to inhale various fragrances from the dazzling flowers and salt spray from the close proximity of the ocean. I’d been lucky enough to grab several sightings of the cerulean blue water, but even that hadn’t taken away the heavy anxiety. I was surprised he hadn’t forced me to lie down in the back. A bitter laugh threatened to rise to the surface. I was starting to lose it.

  Maybe the reason I remained in a grumpy mood was the fact I’d been dumped in the middle of paradise with the man of my dreams and he hated me. Or maybe I loathed myself. As he shifted into second, rounding another corner more slowly, I sat up in my seat. Every muscle ached including my heart.

  “Are we getting close?” I asked.

  “Less than a mile away.” I also hated that there was a coldness in his tone, as if he’d shut down with me completely. I’d sensed his annoyance in playing my babysitter, forced to leave the situation. He was a control freak and always had been, a man who took his need to dominate seriously.

  “I didn’t know you owned a property in the islands.”

  “There’s a lot of things you don’t know about me, Zoe. I’m certain I know very little about you.”

  That was a true enough statement. “Is your cottage a place where you come to find peace or maybe salvation?”

  He acted as if he was choking, throwing me a look as he made a turn. “Do I need salvation?”

  “I think you do. You’ve had demons inside of you for all the years I’ve known you. It’s as if you can’t or won’t make peace with who you are. That’s very sad.”

  I was certain his deep exhale was the only answer I’d receive. I was wrong.

  “Your father has enjoyed coming here alone and with Raven. They honeymooned here.”

  “At your cottage?” Granted, from what I’d seen both before and after landing at the French-controlled island, I could tell the place was as magical as it was tropical. However, I never figured my father as a flip-flop wearing beachcomber. Maybe there was a lot I didn’t know about him as well. That’s what being sent away to school had cost me.

  “Technically, it’s called a villa.” His grin was laced with mischief, another attribute I was certain I’d never see again. My curiosity as to why was answered only a few seconds later as he pulled the Jeep close to another breathtaking view of paradise. The moment he slipped the gear into park, I rose to my feet, sticking my head out the open roof, staring at the ‘villa’ with my mouth wide open.

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “I’m not sure what that means,” he said as he cut the engine.

  “This is… spectacular. I had no idea you owned something like this.”

  “As I told you before, little lamb. There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

  There was no adequate way of describing the stunning view of the house or the rolling waves of the ocean slicing against the crystalline pearl sand beach, the backdrop of oranges and various shades of purple and pink highlighting a private, pristine setting. In front of me was a wide set of white stone or concrete steps leading to a narrow curving set of steel steps coated in what had to be white epoxy. They led to a two-story expansive home in a style that could only be described as a posh island retreat. The entire setting was lined with palm trees and huge hibiscus in various colors.

  From where I stood inside the vehicle, I could just make out a second structure, smaller like a bungalow with another set of stairs leading to what appeared to be a private beach. The house itself was nestled in a cove setting, midrise mountains surrounding the property with no other structures in sight. I couldn’t have been more floored, the slight tingling sensations prickling my senses.

  “Gorgeous. How long have you owned it?”

  “About twelve years. Believe it or not, the property was in disrepair, previously owned by a drug lord who hid out here. Renovation took three full years, especially since I had to deal with the French historical society.” He climbed out, immediately grabbing our bags.

  I eased onto the stone driveway, drinking in the setting as I inhaled the sweet fragrance of flowers. The breeze had picked up, blowing my hair everywhere. I grabbed the long strands, turning in a full circle to see the entire place. “How often do you come here?”

  “Not as often as I’d like, but I’ve been busier than ever since being promoted to vice president.”

  “Congratulations. I forgot to tell you that.”

  “It’s an honor to be considered your father’s most trusted friend outside of his family.”

  His statement was another reminder that we could be nothing more than pseudo friends. I cringed inside but had come to terms with the way the situation stood. “I’m sure it is.” Another moment of tension settled between us, one palpable enough I could hear my irregular breathing.

  “Come on. I made certain I had some provisions dropped off, but it’s likely we’ll go out for more tomorrow.”

  “You mean you’re going to allow me outside of the house?”

  He chuckled as he headed for the stairs. “No one knows who I am or who I work for down here. The place is registered in a bogus company name that has nothing to do with Thibodeaux Enterprises. Arman hired an attorney to make the transactions anonymous. The man did an excellent job. The few who see me around know me as Rourke.”

  “Rourke?” I asked as we headed up the stairs. “A fake name too? Isn’t that a little too over the top?”

  “Not when safety is involved, and Rourke isn’t fake. That’s my middle name.”

  “Maddox Rourke Cormier. I like it. Very powerful.”

  He lifted his eyebrows as he threw me another amused look. “Well, I’m glad you do.”

  I shielded my eyes from the last vestiges of glowing rays as I stared at the house. It was modern in design, the flat roof no doubt made of metal as well, the wide eaves covered in what appeared to be molded aluminum. And as one would expect from a tropical setting such as this, there were very few walls that weren’t made of glass, allowing me to catch a slight glimpse of the interior covered in shadows. The front door was located on the second floor, a thick metal railing overlaying the massive outside foyer covered in marbleized stone. I stood gawking at the backyard, even more shocked than before.

  The water was feet away, lapping gently against the beach. I was in awe, barely able to turn away.

  “I still cannot believe you own something so spectacular. It’s as if there aren’t any other houses here.”

  “There are, just over the mountains. The privacy is one reason I fell in love with this place. There are six miles on either side of the beach and tropical forests, only a few houses in other gated locations anywhere close.” When he flanked my side, his body less than an inch from mine, I could feel the building heat and it added to the apprehension.

  I wasn’t entirely certain how I was supposed to spend a few days with the man entirely alone. “You have a pool,” I whispered, trying to keep from reacting to his closeness.

  “Yes, and a hot tub. Other amenities as well.”

  “What are we going to do while we’re here?”

  He chuckled as if I had no understanding of living in a beach environment. “Sail. Snorkel. I’ll teach you to dive. Shelling. Surfing. Walking. I have an exercise room, a state-of-the-art movie theater, and a billiards table under a veranda. I doubt you’ll be bored.”

  “What about a piano?”

  “Come with me, little lamb.” He pulled out a set of keys, backing away toward the front door. As soon as he walked inside, flicking on a series of lights, I was certain I’d walked right into another fantasy.

  All my life I’d wanted to live in a beach setting, something I’d told my father over and over again. He’d take me to the water in New Orleans, the beaches in Galveston, Texas whenever he could, but it wasn’t what I’d dreamt of so much of my life. I was happiest with my hair up in a ponytail, wearing shorts and tank top or a bathing suit, donning fuchsia flip-flops and sunglasses while listening to tropical or reggae music. It was a fact that very few people knew, including Maddox. He’d always been so formal around me.

  Maybe we’d have a chance to get to know each other. Or maybe I was dreaming.

  He dropped the bags just inside the door, shoving his keys back into his pocket, moving through the open floor plan through the incredible living room to the glass windows. Only they weren’t windows but sliding doors. As he unlocked and swung them open, I gathered another incredible whiff of the salty sea and couldn’t stop a slight moan from escaping.

  The front sitting area was incredible, complete with a stone fireplace, gorgeous furniture, and throw rugs that were works of art. As he beckoned with a single finger, a grin crossed his face. This had to be his happy place, somewhere that he allowed his hair down.

  A pilot and maybe a pirate. The thought made me smile.

  I followed him into another set of rooms through a wide-open doorway. The huge living room led into an almost as large kitchen. The walls, cabinets, and high tapered ceilings added to the openness of the layout, the muted furniture and artwork doing the same. Color had been added through accents located almost everywhere: red tropical flowers in a huge low vase on the wood coffee table, red throw pillows and accent rug. There were red towels in the kitchen, and another vase on the island.

  That also allowed a homier feel instead of being stark and cold. My eyes were drawn outside as he also opened the sliding doors, letting in the fresh air. The roofed patio was complete with at least a dozen columns, allowing a view to die for, the ocean so close it felt as if I could reach out and touch it. There was a table near a covered grill, a massive bar that I bet was stocked with everything imaginable, and another seating area that could easily accommodate twelve or more guests.

  “Go on. Go outside,” he encouraged as he shoved his hands in his pockets, taking a few steps back and nodding toward the outdoors.

  I took careful steps, holding my breath as I walked onto the intricate stone, staring at the pool. There were also cabanas, one with a pool table and another with yet a third seating area complete with a stone firepit. Lounge chairs were on two sides of the pool keeping the amazing view unobstructed. And surrounding the area was a long strip of rolling perfectly green grass flanked by palm trees. This was the kind of place where dreams and fantasies were made a reality.

  “Look to your left, Zoe.”

  His command was darker than before and when I did, I threw my hand over my mouth, literally scampering toward the baby grand painted in red. “Oh. My. God. This is incredible.” I ran my hands over the surface, my heart fluttering from seeing such an incredible instrument. “You keep this out here?”

  “Only when me or one of my guests are here. I had the cleaning staff push it outside. I thought you might enjoy the inspiration.”

  “I don’t know what to say or think.”

  “I want you to be comfortable here. My house is now your house.” Why was it his words were so stilted?

  “I have no doubt I will.” I ran my fingers over the keys and sighed. “Do you bring a lot of guests here?”

  “Very few. Almost no one.”

  There was a strange sadness in his tone, the sound forcing me to turn and face him. He’d moved to behind the bar, already pulling glasses from one of the glass shelves behind him. He didn’t look at me, but I could tell he was deep in thought. I’d seen the guilt on his face more than once, especially after talking to my injured father after his surgery. What we’d done was eating Maddox alive.

  “Women?” I immediately regretted asking him that.

  I held my breath when he didn’t answer. “No, Zoe. There’s been no one for a very long time. And there can’t be anyone in my life.”

  “Why is that, Maddox? Why are you forced to live the life of a monk?” I moved closer, curious as to if he’d bother answering.

  I sensed almost immediately he was annoyed since I continued to dig at the reasons he’d shoved me away.

  “If the shit that went down the past day didn’t explain the reason with vivid clarity, then I’m not certain what to tell you.” He poured a glass of wine for me, plopping two ice cubes in a glass and pouring some private label bourbon for himself. Then he shoved the glass toward me in an exaggerated gesture, his glare expressionless.

  “Okay then. Why did the attack happen? Do you have any idea, other enemies in mind?”

  “No, but I think your father might. Either him or your grandfather. While I’m hiding away in paradise, your father is on his own facing some unknown enemy.” He moved out from behind the bar, turning his attention toward the water as if he was attempting to dismiss me.

  “Is that why you’re so angry, because you’re forced to babysit me?” When he didn’t answer, instead walking toward the stairs leading down to the pool, I jumped in front of him. “Answer me.”

  “I’m angry because I allowed my guard to fall. Protecting you is part of my job.”

  “Because of me your guard fell. Because of feeling something for the first time in your life. Right? Just a job. I don’t know what to say.”

  His jaw was so clenched I was certain he was going to crack it. He said nothing yet his silence screamed volumes. When he finally spoke, I was incensed. “Don’t put words in my mouth, Zoe. I’m doing what is required.”

  And for some reason, I lost my cool and my patience. “Required? Fuck you, Maddox. I’m stuck with a man who used me to get a few jollies, someone I looked up to at first before I fell down a rabbit hole of cravings. Did you know I’ve had a crush on you since I was a teenager? Did you know that I did all I could to save myself for you?” His look of horror made me laugh. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t a virgin. I allowed a single boy to touch me and hated every moment of it. That’s where I got the term ice queen. Yeah, and I know. That makes me a stupid little girl, or what you call a little lamb. I get the danger. I understand the distraction I caused by coming into town irked you, forcing you to be on edge. That’s fine, Maddox. I’ll stay out of your way while I’m here. That way I can do everything I can to hate you. In truth, that shouldn’t be too difficult given you’re a grumpy asshole with no zest for life.”