“Get back,” I yelled, hopeful the crowd dispersing would provide a cover until I could get us away. Explaining to the cops what was going on would be a tall order. There was no time to waste. I had to get her on the damn plane.

  She giggled again, pressing her face against my neck. Blood had trickled down the side of her face, sticking to my skin. The damn stench of copper was enough to keep my rage and testosterone at their highest levels. Did anyone actually believe they could fuck with me and win?

  My yell provided enough of a distraction that I was able to half carry her across the street, heading down another sidewalk. The sirens were closer, now screaming all around us.

  She continued clinging to me, holding on for dear life, yet she continued shaking like a leaf. When I noticed a string of cop cars and at least one fire engine headed directly for us, I was forced to pin her against the exterior of one of the shops. Shit. If we were in California, I wouldn’t have needed the cloak and dagger shit.

  I held her face in both hands, rubbing hair from her eyes. Her breathing was still labored but I could tell she wasn’t nearly as rattled.

  “How… How did they find me?” Her question seemed so small, full of fear.

  After yanking her phone from my jacket, I held it up in front of her face. “My guess is the person responsible has a sophisticated tracking system. We’re not risking that possibility.” As the emergency vehicles were rushing by us, I threw the phone onto the sidewalk, stomping down with my foot. I wanted to bend down and see if it had been bugged with a physical attachment but there was no time.

  “Now, we’re getting out of here.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked as I wrapped one arm around her waist. I could sense she was getting stronger, fighting to return to her normal self.

  “Straight to paradise.”

  I made it to my vehicle without further incident, gently easing her into the passenger seat. I took a few seconds scanning the street before climbing in. The traffic was snarled likely from the accident.

  She was fidgeting, keeping her head down.

  “Strap yourself in, little koala. We have a ride ahead of us.”

  The way she turned her head, staring at me was unreadable but at least she did what I asked. Once secure, I drove more recklessly, determined to get us as far away from the area as possible quickly.

  The tension was ridiculous, my anger off the charts.

  “Why?” she asked the moment I finally managed to make it to the freeway.

  “Why?” I repeated. “Why did I save you?”

  “Yes.”

  “I already told you. You’re not getting away from me that easily.”

  She exhaled, the sound entirely different. “Ashton. Oh, God. They could hurt her. I have to get back. I need to call her.”

  “Relax. How do you think I found you? She’s safe. Told not to come.” I could feel the heat of her intense gaze on me, likely shocked I’d gone to such great lengths. What she’d yet to accept was that I knew almost everything about her. At least as much as had been documented.

  Her lovely eyes penetrated mine with questions, uncertain about trust and wondering whether she was living a nightmare. The beautiful woman was easy to read.

  Or maybe I was just in tune with her.

  The fact she remained quiet didn’t bother me in the least, other than if she was planning another escape. We’d already wasted valuable time. I darted glances in her direction as she touched her face, wincing as she did so. There was now a slight bump on her forehead. I’d need to worry about a concussion. Damn it.

  We’d gone another ten miles when she managed to surprise me. “Thank you for saving me.”

  “You’re worth saving.”

  “Ashton has no clue all that’s happened,” she said far too quietly. “I was terrified to tell her. You’re right. I was lured to the island by someone I shouldn’t have trusted. I swear to God I wasn’t paid or instructed to seduce you. I had no clue who you were.”

  Her tone held utter sincerity. Whoever had lured her had taken a huge risk that we’d meet, let alone hit it off. Unless the person knew both that she was going there to feed her gambling addiction and the kind of woman that could dare entice me out of hibernation. That took skill. And years of knowledge.

  “Who was it?” I asked.

  “A girl who used to work for my father. We weren’t close but we used to chat. We even had lunch a couple times so she could garner my support about my asshole dad and his strict regime. It was enough of a relationship I felt I could trust her.”

  “Interesting. I’ll need details about her, including if you know where she lives and her full name, but you should rest. It’s a possibility you have a concussion. We have plenty of time for you to explain what you thought you were doing.” I’d done my best to keep the terseness out of my tone but Jesus Christ. The girl’s number of lives would eventually run out.

  “Paradise,” she said only seconds later. “Is there such a thing?”

  “Maybe not but we’ll find out.”

  I was about ten miles out when my phone rang, Valerio on the other end. “What’s going on?”

  “Another attack, the men once again professionals.”

  “Jesus Christ. This is getting out of hand. Any idea who they were?”

  “They weren’t carrying identification and I couldn’t stop long enough to check their dead bodies.”

  He whistled through his teeth. “Wow. I noticed the Feds hanging around outside the corporate offices.”

  “What?” I hissed, trying to keep my eyes on the road.

  “Yeah. They didn’t come in and when one of our security men tried to approach, they left. I have a feeling they simply wanted their presence known.”

  “Then the clock is ticking down.”

  “That’s what I’m guessing,” he said. “I’ve asked Gage to be in charge of working with our computer experts and our accountants to ensure there isn’t some smoking gun we’re not aware of.”

  “Good. Whoever this son of a bitch is, my gut tells me he has equipment capable of detecting people anywhere and crashing systems.” I continuously glanced into the rearview mirror, unable to get the feeling we were being watched out of my system.

  Even Jasmine noticed what I was doing and looked over her shoulder, another look of terror on her face. No, I wouldn’t buy that she was responsible. She was a victim as well.

  “If that’s the case, I’ll beef up security and have our folks check for bugs. You should do the same at the resort.”

  I wanted to laugh. “A tall order given the size.”

  “Yeah, but doing so might buy you advance notice. Where are you?”

  “I’m enroute to the airport.”

  “I hate to tell you this but you need to know photographs have surfaced.”

  “What photographs?”

  “Pictures of you with Jasmine. They’re all over the internet.”

  I slammed my hand against the steering wheel, instantly regretting it given her slight moan. “Ah, fuck. That meant we were being watched at the hotel.”

  “Likely,” he said. “You sure you want to go through with this?”

  “I don’t have a choice. They almost killed her this time.”

  He exhaled. “I don’t like this. Somone is playing a very dark game and you and I both know this is just the beginning.”

  “You’re right. But I’m finished with playing the victim. Under any circumstances. Incidentally, I’ve hired some additional security to come to the island with us.”

  “Your buddy, Jack?”

  “Yeah. He and his men are at least trustworthy.”

  “Just watch your back,” he said. “I have a bad feeling things are about to go from bad to worse. It’s clear the FBI is also sniffing around.”

  “Don’t worry. I plan on it. You secure the company.” He didn’t need to tell me that. I felt the crush of danger as well as the rush of adrenaline. I had two things going for me. The island was highly secure, my brothers and I the only ones who could lock down or allow planes or boats to come in. I also had weapons located in strategic places, all three of us capable of shooting various weapons. It was just something else our father had insisted on and a task I was now grateful for.

  I only wished I had one with me right now. Fortunately, the company jet was also stocked. That would provide some level of comfort. I felt her heated stare and smile. “Relax.”

  “Relax? You are insane. Who are you?” she asked as I noticed the sign for the small airport.

  I lifted my eyebrows as I tipped my head. “You know who I am.”

  “I’m not so certain. The way you talk on the phone is as if you’re a hired assassin yourself. You know things about security systems, have a keen understanding of bad guys, and rushed into a highly dangerous situation without second guessing yourself. That makes me wonder who you are.”

  Reaching over, I placed my hand on hers. At first, she was tense but within seconds I felt her relax. “Yes, my father taught me well about guns and security, highlighting how men and women could try and slither into my world. He forced my brothers and me to be militarily trained by a buddy of his, learning skills I had no clue we’d need.”

  The answer was frank and honest and I sensed she was processing.

  “I believe you. You aren’t trying to hurt me. But I feel like I don’t know who I am any longer.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  The way she took a little time to think about her answer meant she’d been contemplating her choices made. “I wanted to be just like my father. I was determined to follow in his footsteps about changing the world. At least when I was a kid, still in my worship phase. Then I realized somewhere along the way, he had become too mesmerized by his early wild success and sold his soul. To whom is the question. I’d always guessed the devil but right now, I’m not convinced.”

  “What are you getting at?”

  “That I think my father was groomed by an organization early in his career. I overheard too many odd conversations, read too many emails that he hadn’t wanted anyone to see. Maybe I should use the term puppet. You have to remember we were poor for a long time. Suddenly, money flowed into the house.”

  “That is very interesting.” At least with Jack coming with us, I could have him run some background checks. The man had more connections than God on the internet and in security. Something caught my eyes again and I realized I was gripping the steering wheel with white knuckles.

  From what I could tell, we hadn’t been followed but I still wasn’t interested in taking any chances. Jack and his crew were waiting outside the jet, their weapons visible.

  Jasmine stiffened beside me before removing her seatbelt, staring from mirror to mirror with wide eyes. “Oh, God. It’s happening again.”

  “No, it’s not. Relax. It’s all a precaution.”

  “You mean a premonition,” she countered.

  I had to laugh. “In this world, you can never be too cautious. When we’re in the air, no one will be able to track us.”

  “Even I know you need a flight plan.”

  She did make me smile more than anyone I knew. “Yes, but there are ways of acting as if the flight is being redirected.” Which was true, something else Jack had taught me over the years.

  “Are you going to lock me inside a gilded cage?”

  “Whoever is after you is determined to succeed. I’m not going to allow that to happen. However, that doesn’t mean we’re going to hole up in a prison, which I think you expect. We will be safe, somewhere I can control the small world.”

  “The island.” At least as she made the comment while opening the door, a slight glimmer of happiness crossed her face.

  “My family’s second island. Just as luxurious. Just as beautiful. But a distance away from where you were.” We both climbed out and I immediately headed to the trunk to retrieve her belongings. As soon as I did, she glared at me, taking in the reality of why I had her personal belongings in my possession.

  “You went to see my father.”

  “I did.”

  “Why would you not tell me?”

  I grabbed both bags, trying to guide her toward the plane. “In case you haven’t learned yet, I don’t like anyone pulling the wool over my eyes.”

  “You think that’s what my father was doing?

  “I think your father has no clue how deep into the quicksand he’s dropped or how detrimental selling his soul would be to his entire family. He’s in way over his head and has no clue how to get himself out. And I do think it started a long time ago as you suggested. But he’s not a stupid man.” As Jack approached, I allowed him to take the suitcases from me. In turn, I grabbed her arm, still concerned we’d been compromised. I trusted the pilot completely, but the man still needed to file a flight plan.

  Yes, I could control who came and went on the island just as my two brothers could, but that didn’t mean a group of assailants wouldn’t charter a boat, disguising themselves as tourists, and land on the island on the remote side. Even though I had a sophisticated automatic identification system using VHF radio waves to track all incoming boats, there were people out there able to cloak their arrival.

  It happened in the military all the time.

  However, we were still most vulnerable right here. The longer we hung around, the more likely it was another attempt would be made. Getting to the island would buy time if nothing else. I had to wonder whether her most recent comments were truly the reason for the attacks. Was there a hell of a lot more about Justin underneath the posh façade? I believed there was. Maybe he was even facing regrets, pulling back from the Honoured Society or some other organization, which would definitely place a target on his entire family.

  The price people paid for obtaining power.

  I’d learned early on it wasn’t just greed that controlled certain men and women. It was also nothing more than the promise of power. Who wasn’t hiding something, especially those who were extremely successful?

  “My father is a player, Braxton. He no longer cares about anyone but himself. He’s made it clear time and time again. I already told you what I found over the years. I couldn’t make sense of it then but it’s easy to tell he was and still is willing to sacrifice his family for his cause. Or money.”

  At some point, I’d tell her how her father had reacted to my impromptu visit, his emotions not easy for a man to fake. But at this point, there was little I could say she’d listen to. She was a woman of determination, with a lack of trust.

  Now I better understood why.

  “Don’t underestimate your father either. He is a very smart man, calculating how he’s going to win the election. Unfortunately, it would seem he’s lost sight of what’s important in life. Then again, I think I did as well.”

  The epiphany wasn’t something I’d usually admit but with all the money coming into my account on silver platters, and the toys that only money could buy, I’d managed to lose sight of what I’d determined was important in life.

  “There’s one major difference in the two of you, Braxton,” she said with such sadness.

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re a good man. My father isn’t.”

  At some point, I’d disappoint her.

  CHAPTER 21

  Jasmine

  “You scared me, little koala bear. You ran. I don’t know why but what I do know is that we’re not finished talking about this yet. You will get one stern spanking.”

  “I didn’t mean to,” I whispered. As I stared into the small mirror, I sensed I was still in some kind of horror. I was covered in dried blood.

  He was behind me, reaching around to wet down a soft cloth. When he turned me around, the look in his eyes came close to tearing me apart. He gently wiped my face, every so often rinsing the red substance under the faucet. I slanted my eyes so I could watch the ruddy color swirl in water, slowly trickling its way into the drain.

  “Look at me,” he commanded.

  I couldn’t react, couldn’t breathe. How could anyone who’d been through such a horrible ordeal possibly be able to just shove visions and memories aside?

  Exhaling, Braxton lifted my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes. “Everything is going to be okay. Do you hear me?”

  “How?”

  “Because I never back down from anything.” He continued wiping my face and neck, his gentleness no longer surprising.

  I had no defiance left inside of me, none of my typical rebellious nature that I’d shown him countless times before. I was drained and still scared, trying to make heads or tails of what had occurred. But the overwhelming need for him remained. I rose onto my tiptoes, lightly brushing my lips across his.

  I’d expected him to push me away. When he gathered me into his arms, his breathing as labored as mine, I clung to him as I’d done so many times before, but for an entirely different reason.

  The chivalrous man had become my lifeline.

  He crushed my mouth as he’d done before but the rush of sensations and emotions wasn’t about sexual tension needing to be fed. The electricity shared between us was more about worry and need, the feeling that one or both of us could have died.

  For a few precious seconds, as he swept his tongue inside, tossing the cloth and cupping my face, I allowed myself to feel like a princess who’d just been rescued from the castle.

  It would be so easy to fall in love with him, but I wasn’t that kind of girl.

  No, I wasn’t that kind of girl at all, or so I’d told myself my entire adult life. Maybe that’s why my relationships had consistently failed over the years.

  The realization made me laugh even as the memory of the heated kiss sent a trickle of desire down my spine. I pressed two fingers against my lips, wanting them to be sore instead of every muscle and bone in my body. I’d been told by the resort’s doctor that the aches and pains would get worse before they got better because of the crash.

  That was the single reason Braxton hadn’t carried through with his promise of punishment. I was certain of it.