Even if sitting so close created a wave of heat, a tickle of pure, raw electricity.

  I didn’t know Saba Island. I’d only been to St. Martin many years before, but what I did know about the island was that one side had been nearly decimated by a hurricane, locals struggling just to get by. Still, whatever his interest was in the island shouldn’t concern me in the least. It wasn’t my business to inquire or care.

  But I had to admit a man who’d pay as much as he had for someone to fly him to an island destination either had a criminal background or was simply too awash in wealth for his own good. Maybe I’d stay in my tiny room for the two days, venturing out in the dark.

  I almost laughed at the image of slinking around at whatever hotel I’d be staying at.

  He pulled into a parking lot surrounded by lush, tropical trees and vivid foliage. From where I sat, the building in front was colorful like so many were in the Caribbean. Hues of pink and turquoise created a vibrant, easygoing atmosphere. Yet the location certainly couldn’t be a five-star establishment, which was what I would expect someone like Mr. Dmitriyev would demand.

  I had an intense desire to learn more about him.

  From the internet in the privacy behind a closed and locked door.

  He pulled into a space, immediately cutting off the engine.

  “This where I’ll be staying?” I asked, guessing the answer while being surprised.

  “Of course. Did you think I’d require you to be housed in some cheap motel for the trip?” His laugh was deep and husky. “You don’t know anything about me or my family. Do you?”

  “Not a thing, but I don’t need to.” I opened the door, climbing out and studying the surrounding area. I could hear the roar of the ocean, the scent of salt spray already relaxing.

  He chuckled almost in a knowing manner.

  After getting out and scanning the area, he grabbed our bags, refusing to allow me to carry my own as we headed into the hotel and toward the reception desk.

  Vissarian immediately moved to the polished high standing reception desk, pulling out his wallet. “Vissarian Dmitriyev checking in.”

  “Oh, Mr. Dmitriyev. Yes. We were expecting you. I see you have a companion today.” The young girl smiled, although I could almost detect a hint of jealousy in her eyes. Was Vissarian some big catch? Evidently so. Everyone he came into contact with seemed to bow to him. I found that fascinating since everyone Luis and Antonio had encountered had slunk away in fear.

  “We’re not together,” I interjected immediately.

  He laughed. “This is my pilot, Fallon Zimmerman. There was a change at the last moment. She will be staying in the cottage held for Jeffrey Collins.”

  “Of course. Not a problem. I’ll just need to see some identification.”

  Cottage? “Um, just a room is fine. Somewhere away from the crowd.” I hunkered down, fumbling as I tried to unfasten my suitcase. I’d had fifteen minutes to fly to my apartment, dump the clothes I’d brought, and try to find anything decent for the trip. Being away for two weeks had left me feeling disjointed.

  “Nonsense, Fallon. You will be staying in a cottage,” he said as if his words were sent from God.

  His attitude shouldn’t annoy me, but it did. A part of him reminded me of the life I’d ignored, even though I’d warned my mother about getting involved with the man she’d fallen head over heels in love with. Luis Esposito had certainly been charming, literally sweeping my mother off her feet after returning to the same diner where she’d worked three times in less than a week.

  The whirlwind romance had turned into a spur of the moment wedding and suddenly, we’d become a family. I hadn’t gotten to meet either Luis or Antonio until the wedding. I’d been so young, but an old soul by then, seeing right through the gifts and the big house we’d been moved into.

  My mother hadn’t been required to work. Correction, she hadn’t been allowed, all her creature comforts taken care of, but the honeymoon phase hadn’t lasted long before things had gotten weird.

  Strange people in the house.

  Blood appearing on his clothes in the wash.

  Years passed and I’d entered the military soon after high school graduation, determined to see the world.

  After that, her stories had gotten more bizarre, which had prompted me to take early retirement from the Air Force.

  When I’d questioned her, she’d gone from being doe-eyed to annoyed, finally forbidding me from asking blasphemous questions.

  Why was I rethinking about the play by play now? Maybe I was hopeful I could find evidence that would help put Antonio behind bars for good.

  I still couldn’t get the latch to the suitcase undone. I was anxious and flushed from embarrassment.

  “We have two perfect cabins for you, Mr. Dmitriyev. Both with spectacular ocean views. And of course, we have a tropical bar open every day from eleven a.m. They serve light food. There’s a lovely market just down the street where you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables, wines and meats and everything your heart desires.”

  Why did the girl’s voice suddenly become a seductive purr? I took a few seconds to glance at her face. My God, the woman was fucking him with her eyes. Did that make me jealous? Oh, hell, no.

  Now I was pissed at my suitcase. I just wanted to get to my room and relax. Very much alone. Why had I picked the suitcase I’d had since I left for boot camp? Because I hadn’t been thinking clearly, a regularity for the last two weeks.

  “Damn it!” My hiss immediately drew both their attention.

  “Can I help you with that?” Vissarian asked, the amusement in his voice as irritating as the situation. And my freaking life.

  “No!” I said a little too forcefully as I jerked at the flanges. Suddenly, they sprang free and the force I’d used somehow managed to pummel half the contents from the case.

  Immediately, he dropped down to help me, his gorgeous hands grabbing my belongings.

  The gesture was nice, but far too personal.

  And embarrassing as hell.

  When his fingers wrapped around my long, thick, and very purple vibrator, I wanted nothing more than to slink underneath the mosaic tile floor.

  While I remained mortified, frozen on the spot with my face no doubt turning beet red, he was smiling from ear to ear, his stunning eyes sparkling in the LED lighting as he held the object of sin into the air.

  “Mmm… I can tell what’s on your mind, Fallon, and what you hunger for.” His tone was even more commanding than before, also alluring in a way that created a vacuum surrounding me.

  I licked my lips in response, the involuntary gesture capturing his attention.

  “While a decent choice, I assure you there is nothing quite like the real thing.” He twisted the sex toy in his fingers, nodding a few times as if approving of my choice. When he dared turn it on, I glared at him, trying to keep my anger level in check. He was paying me after all.

  “Do you mind? That’s mine.”

  Taking his sweet time, he flicked the switch, quieting the toy. I could tell the girl behind the counter was trying to suppress her laughter. Why in God’s name had I tossed it into my suitcase? I honestly couldn’t remember doing so. Maybe it had been under a handful of thongs I’d also brought. Seconds later, he carefully placed the vibrator into my suitcase.

  If that wasn’t enough to keep the suffering intact, next he grabbed one of two books I’d brought with me. The smile returned, perhaps even more devilish than before.

  “Captured by the Mafia Don.” When he read the title out loud, he made it seem like what I was reading was indeed a mortal sin. “A fascinating choice. Maybe during the trip you’ll share his techniques.”

  My reactions weren’t quick enough. He just had to turn to the page I’d dog-eared. Of course he would. As soon as his eyebrows arched, I tried to jerk the book from his hand. He was having none of it, grinning as if he’d unearthed some tremendous secret. And I’d be damned if he wasn’t reading the page.

  This would definitely go down in the books as the worst day ever.

  “Alessandro’s cock was huge, the veins on the sides pulsing. As he walked toward me, I shuddered, thrilled from the anticipation of a single touch of his hand. On your knees, he told me in a husky tone. Open that sweet mouth of yours, baby girl. You’re going to deep throat my dick.”

  I thought for certain the poor girl who was checking us in was going to have a heart attack. She fanned her face, which was now the color of the crimson potted plant beside her desk.

  “Such a fantastic read.” Vissarian was enjoying himself, adding insult to injury.

  The way he slowly lowered his gaze to my chest dragged me from my hypnotic spell. “I’m a voracious reader. I appreciate all forms of literature.” I jammed the rest of the items into the suitcase, yanking the book from his hand.

  He chuckled again, rising to his full height while I hissed under my breath and yanked my wallet into my hand.

  With a brutal snap, I closed the case and stood, raking hair from my face as I pulled out my driver’s license, also handing her my passport. “This should do it.”

  The girl was trying very hard not to laugh.

  At my expense.

  What the hell was wrong with me? I was never flustered around a man. Never.

  Keeping my distance was a necessity and one I was happy to enforce.

  There was no chance in hell I would indulge in anything carnal.

  Not with him.

  Not with anyone.

  CHAPTER 7

  Fallon

  “Here you are, Ms. Zimmerman.” The girl from reception had personally guided us through the lavish gardens and thick greenery, and the twitter of birds along with the swell of waves hitting the rocky shoreline was perhaps the sweetest music I’d heard in a very long time.

  The cottages were also of various sizes, most built of white siding, yet every one of them with gingerbread adornments and colorful accents.

  While the fresh air had helped, I remained mortified.

  The front door of the one I’d been assigned was a bright turquoise, flowers in pots in various shades of rose and fuchsia while hibiscus in yellow and orange flanked the short walkway.

  “You’ll find a welcome basket with a few goodies. If you need additional coffee or water, please contact the front desk. There is limited room service and of course we have a small restaurant and outdoor bar for your convenience.”

  “Thank you so much,” I said as I grasped the keycard.

  “All charges will be placed on my account,” he told her, daring me to challenge him.

  “Yes, sir,” she said with a chipper voice as he handed her a folded bill that I happened to notice was one hundred dollars. Big tipper.

  Vissarian hadn’t given me the choice of bringing my own suitcase, eyeing me with continued amusement as he placed the case onto the stoop directly in front of the door. Where he remained after shoving his free hand into the pocket of his trousers.

  He was entirely too close.

  Was he expecting me to say something? I’d check the itinerary Jeffrey had provided, but I didn’t think I would officially be on duty again for two full days.

  “Day after tomorrow, sir. I’ll be waiting for you at the airport when you’re ready to leave. If anything changes, I’ll be ready to leave within ten minutes.” My words were clipped, as professional as I could muster given my earlier embarrassment.

  “Hopefully I’ll be seeing you much sooner than that, Fallon. In fact, I’d like you to have dinner with me tonight.”

  I could tell instinctively that his question was just a typical command for him.

  Command and conquer.

  No, thank you.

  “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll grab something from room service. I’ve had a difficult few days and would enjoy a long night of rest.” Whether or not he believed me just didn’t matter. If there was one thing I would adhere to, it was the rules I’d set for myself.

  That had been the only way I’d kept my sanity.

  He studied me in a way that felt as if he was dissecting me. Likely trying to determine if I was telling him another lie.

  As he’d said, it was something he couldn’t tolerate. The bad girl inside of me almost wanted to tell him a series of lies to see how he’d handle it.

  Remember, you’ve yet to be paid. You need the money.

  My inner voice was correct.

  “Alright, Fallon. So you are aware, I anticipate the schedule will remain the same. I have a very important business meeting tomorrow, which I suspect will run long. Please enjoy yourself while you’re here.” While his eyes remained locked on mine, he addressed the receptionist once again. “As I said before, make certain anything Ms. Zimmerman orders is on my tab.”

  “You can’t do that. That’s not how this works.” My defiance was stronger than before. I even added punctuation by placing my hand on my hip.

  He was even more amused.

  “Oh, really? Then please tell me how this is supposed to work.” The wafting of his aftershave created a high that I wasn’t prepared to fight.

  “I have money, Mr. Dmitriyev, and quite frankly, I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t treat me as if I wasn’t capable of taking care of or entertaining myself.”

  I could tell by the flash in his eyes I’d fallen into a slight trap.

  “Oh, I can tell you’re perfectly capable of entertaining yourself. However, should you become bored, I’d like to show you around the island. If that wouldn’t be objectionable to you.”

  “As you’d already noticed, I have a couple good books I’d like to finish while I’m here. I’m certain you’ll find an attractive woman who wouldn’t mind being your… escort for the few days you’re here. In the meantime, I’ll purchase whatever I need.”

  “You have no choice in the matter. For two days, you belong to me. At least with regard to the purchases you make.” He lifted his arm and for no reason other than I didn’t know anything about him, I stiffened. He noticed, hesitating before curling three of four fingers, raking the tip of the other through a strand of hair that had become plastered to my remaining lip gloss. “And remember, my name is Vissarian.”

  Holy crap. Had he just said what I thought he’d said?

  Belong.

  Yes, he’d allowed his arrogance to fly high and proud. He was very lucky that I didn’t tell him exactly what to do with his money and clout.

  But I didn’t.

  Money.

  I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

  The word ‘belong’ stuck in the back of my mind and sadly, for a few horrific seconds I replaced his handsome face with the scarred one of my stepbrother. A cold chill swept through me.

  “Yes, sir. Vissarian.” I would never belong to anyone. The words slipped from my mouth. Maybe they’d stop him from making any further overtures. I wouldn’t be able to hold my tongue if he did.

  With his hands in the air as if surrendering, he grinned and backed away, cocking his head as he finally turned and headed toward his cottage.

  As soon as he disappeared into the thick foliage encasing the cobblestone path, I took a deep breath. Talk about being formidable. The man was a powerhouse.

  And far too attractive.

  My skin continued tingling even after he’d disappeared. I’d make a point of staying out of his way.

  As soon as I walked inside, a tiny squeal flew from my mouth.

  “Wow.” I wasn’t easily impressed, maybe because my tastes were simple. But this was… amazing.

  I dropped my bag on the tile floor, shocked at the accommodations. Calling the tiny home a cottage didn’t have an adequate ring to it.

  The living room had the most incredible furniture, soft and inviting with pillows on both the loveseat and matching chair. The kitchen was small, but was fully operational with a breakfast bar, the sleek granite counter in a shade matching Vissarian’s eyes. I noticed a Keurig machine and did a little happy dance.

  Coffee was a lifeline, wine a soothing concoction.

  From where I stood, I could already see sweeping views of the ocean given the elevation. After the tense two weeks, this was exactly what I needed.

  I headed to the deck, gasping as I took in the spectacular view. The corner spot allowed for a perfect one-hundred-eighty degrees. On one side was a tropical jungle shadowing the craggy mountains and on the other was an incredible sun-kissed shimmer of the ocean.

  There were two wicker chairs with cushions and a table the perfect size to hold a glass of wine, a book, and a snack.

  I leaned against the railing and for some crazy reason, images of Vissarian popped into my mind.

  I could not believe he’d not only seen but had turned on my vibrator. My God. How could I ever look him in the eyes again?

  Grabbing my bag, I headed into the bedroom, immediately flopping down on the bed. The handle slipped from my hand and I threw myself down on the thick oh-so-soft white comforter. What a dream. It would be like sleeping on a cloud. I remained where I was, listening to the ocean sounds from the open door, the breeze just enough to cut through the thick humidity.

  I stared at the fan, my thoughts drifting to the horror my life had become and the good fortune of being allowed a couple of days completely away.

  I’d been followed from the day I’d set foot back in Chicago. Everywhere I went, outside my mother’s house. They were watching me. I couldn’t wait to free myself of the city once and for all.

  Antonio’s final words before departing would forever haunt me.

  “Tick tock, sister. Your time is almost up.”

  Time. What the fuck had he been talking about?

  The phone call had prompted me to call Jeffrey. After our quick discussion, I’d hopped a flight, something that as a captain I was privileged to be able to do with little notice. I’d disappeared before the sun had come up, taking the earliest flight to Miami. I’d known Jeffrey would help make sense of the nightmare I’d been living.

  He’d encouraged me to return to Miami, leaving behind the memories and connections I’d once cherished.