Stay

By Audrey Kelley

Leah didn’t get the house, the husband, or the fulfilled promise of life-long security. Instead, she was left with despair, doubt, indecision, and a two week paid-vacation, alone, in paradise, like some sort of consolation prize. Life wasn’t turning out how she planned. Leah hoped the tranquility of the beautiful Hawaiian Islands would divert her nagging, disparaging thoughts. Liam was not the distraction she was expecting. Though his relentless arrogance, heavenly good-looks, and endearing charms were all equally impossible to ignore, that wouldn't stop Leah from trying. Could the persistence of one determined native be enough to sway her doubtful mind? Was it fate, was it love, or was it the near-death experiences? Could Liam be exactly what Leah never knew she wanted? Could he be everything she always needed? Would he be able to keep his promises? Was life actually capable of ever being so kind?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Audrey Kelley
• Release date: Jan 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301445424

Book preview

Stay

By Audrey Kelley

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Audrey Kelley

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locations is entirely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

I was exhausted, but I couldn't sleep. The cabin was dimly lit, and all of the passengers were peaceful and resting. Thankfully, we didn't have any screaming babies aboard the flight. Despite the quiet surroundings and utter exhaustion from a long day of grueling travel, I just didn't feel comfortable enough to fall asleep. If I wasn't traveling alone, I glanced at the unoccupied seat beside me, if Brad were here...

I sighed, quickly pushing the upsetting thought from my mind. Maybe I shouldn't have come alone? Maybe I should've let Lisa come with me? I knew she wanted to, her not-so-subtle hints were abundantly clear. But, I just couldn't see myself relaxing with my overbearing sister around.

This trip was supposed to be uplifting, like a refreshing start to a new beginning. I needed the time away from everybody, especially my overly-sympathetic sister. I needed to recuperate from the past few, life-altering months I'd recently endured. I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. And, I needed to get away from everyone else who was feeling sorry for me too.

I took a deep breath and stared out the oval-shaped, molded-plastic window into the darkness, hoping I'd made the right decision. The last thing I wanted to do was shut myself inside for two weeks wallowing in depression and self-pity. I was confident that the surrounding natural-beauty and abundant sunshine would be beckoning companions on my recuperative retreat.

A faint glow appeared in the distance. As we approached the illuminated chain of islands, surrounded by the contrasting blackness of the Pacific Ocean, they became increasingly more distinct. It was an amazing sight to witness; watching an entire civilization emerge from the vast darkness. Pure excitement was reinvigorating me, giving me an extra dose of adrenaline, making the task of hauling luggage through an unfamiliar airport seem only slightly taxing. Although it was late evening, local time, I was still on east-coast time, and to me, it was the middle of the night. After four flights, and nearly sixteen hours of un-restful travel, I should be ready to collapse.

It was the most beautiful and welcoming airport I'd seen all day. I'll admit I didn't have much to compare it to, but I'd bet money that this was the most beautiful airport in the country, if not the entire world. Gorgeous, tan women with welcoming smiles actually placed leis around each of our necks as we exited the gate (I thought that only happened in the movies). Smiling, friendly staff stood ready to help with baggage and directions, eager to accommodate confused, weary travelers, like myself. It was as if I'd already arrived at the resort, everyone was so hospitable and seemingly genuine; it was like landing on a different planet, a tropical one, for sure.

An abundance of vegetation thrived throughout the airport, decorating the building with brightly colored, natural foliage. I could spend hours appreciating the (to me) exotic splendor, and this was just the airport. I couldn't wait to see the resort. Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day, I smiled, the first of fourteen magnificent days.

I wasn't disappointed. From what I could see of the resort, it looked like paradise. A lighted path led me to my private villa, nestled directly on the white-sand beach. I could hear and smell the ocean just beyond the sand, but my sight was obscured by the darkness of the night sky. My stomach was growling, I wanted to get something to eat, but I wanted to unpack first. I didn't even open a suitcase. The bed looked so inviting; I just wanted to test it out.

I woke up to the comforting sound of rolling ocean-waves. It took me a minute to realize where I was. It was still dark, and I was still wearing the same clothes I'd arrived in. According to the clock next to the bed it was almost three-thirty in the morning, local time, of course. I started counting; trying to figure out what time it was in New York. I quickly decided I was too tired to care, and besides, for the next two weeks, it didn't matter. As I nestled back into the luxurious bedding my stomach growled, sending me out of the comfortably-soft bed in search of sustenance. A cup of coffee, a banana, and a granola bar did the trick.

The villa was tastefully decorated with slate floors, oversized, rattan furniture, and granite countertops. Even the bathtub was encased in a full granite-surround. It was exquisite, and I didn't feel the least-bit vulnerable being alone in such lavish accommodations. The opulent surroundings made me feel like a celebrity, and everybody I'd encountered so far had been tremendously gracious.

After taking a shower and unpacking my clothes I was ready to go, but there was nowhere to go, at least not yet, it was still dark outside. I glanced at the flat-screen hanging on the wall, but I couldn't bring myself to watch television, not while I was in paradise. I fixed a second cup of coffee and brought it outside. At least I could enjoy the ocean-breeze even if I couldn't actually see the water.

I inspected the lanai for signs of life (scary bugs) before I sat down on one of the two chairs at the small, round table-for-two. Peering into the darkness, toward the sound of the crashing waves and away from the unoccupied seat beside me, I ignored the empty chair and the thoughts it attempted to provoke.

I sipped my coffee, and lit a cigarette; something I knew I shouldn't do. It was the first I'd smoked in more than twenty-four hours. I told myself I was going to quit. I hoped I'd be so distracted by the landscape that I wouldn't even think about it, but at the moment, drinking coffee, waiting for the sun to rise, it was exactly what I wanted to do.

It made me dizzy, and I didn't even smoke the entire thing. Why did I even bring them? It gave me a sense of security, I guess. I brought them so I wouldn't spend my vacation looking for a store to buy them, that's why. God, I'm so weak.

Attempting to divert my guilty thoughts, I tried to imagine what everything looked like in the daylight; the graceful palms, the white sand, and the blue ocean.

A rustling sound in the bushes across the lanai sent me bolting back inside the villa. I watched from the safety of the couch until the sky began to fill with warm, early-morning light. The anticipation was killing me. I was actually considering smoking another cigarette. I felt terrible that I'd already smoked one, or a half of one, anyway. I'm so weak; I really need to quit. I'd smoked so much over the past few months that I could feel a constant heaviness in my chest, like I couldn't inhale a full deep-breath, and still, I wanted another one. I went to the beach instead, trying to forget about it.

It was barely light. The ocean was black, and the deserted beach (as far as I could see) was immersed in an eerie, faint mist. Stars still dotted the dark western-sky, but to the east, beyond the mountains, the sky was definitely lighter. Birds were beginning to chirp; a sure sign of the approaching morning. The hazy air smelled sweet as the warm ocean-breeze washed over me, blowing my hair away from my face, cleansing my body and refreshing my soul. I stood on the shoreline for a moment breathing in the fresh, sweet-smelling air, taking long breaths as deeply as my sore lungs would allow.

A single tear rolled down my cheek. I guess I had one left after all.

I wiped it away, kicked off my shoes, and stepped directly into the cool salt-water; testing it. It was warmer than I expected. I picked up my shoes and walked along the edge of the ocean, letting the waves tumble over my bare feet as I followed the shoreline. I found several shells as I strolled; a perfect white one about two-inches long, a yellow half-shell with brown stripes, a long white-shell with brown markings, and a few other interesting pieces. I only kept the best ones, dropping the others on the beach behind me as I continued combing the sand.

The sky was getting lighter, and so was the ocean; slowly turning the same turquoise blue I'd imagined. As the waves pulled back, away from the shore, I could see something (maybe a large shell) partially buried in the wet sand. I walked toward the object, gauging the waves, debating if I should go in after it. Since I could see more clearly now, the ocean didn't seem quite so threatening. It was beautiful, actually, turning bluer by the minute. I took a cautious step into the receding water. The waves rolled back and covered my calves in blue. I took another step and the next wave made it to the middle of my thighs. I waited for the tide to pull away, revealing the mystery item once again, before I took a third step toward it. I grabbed for it just as the ocean pushed forward again. Jumping backwards from the impending wave, I missed. After a third try I was successful, but the mystery item was just a rock, so I threw it back into the sea.

While I was going after the rock I noticed shells washing up with the waves and being sucked back out with the tide. I stood in the shallow water hoping to catch a good find. It was harder than I thought. It was like the ocean was teasing me, dangling offerings in front of me and pulling them away at the last second before I could grasp them. A lot of the shells I managed to catch weren't as pretty out of the water, most of them were broken, but I did find a couple of keepers.

An early-morning jogger ran past me on the beach, catching my attention. I stopped to look around at the now illuminated, surrounding scenery. It was absolute paradise. Several people were combing the beach for shells, just like me. I noticed a couple, or so it appeared, walking closely together along the shoreline. Thankfully, they were heading away from me. A number of people were already in the water, mostly kids, enjoying the waves and splashing about.

A large outcropping of black lava-rock, trailing across the beach and disappearing into the ocean, impeded my path along the shore. I looked back down the beach to see how far I'd walked. I wasn't exactly sure where my villa was. I hadn't seen it in the daylight. I hadn't really seen it in the dark either. Hopefully, I can find it. Maybe I should turn back? I walked farther up the beach instead, around the black rock, just to see what was beyond it first. It was another white-sand beach with beautiful, blue water and people beginning to roam the shore.

With people in both directions, I stepped up onto the smooth, stable-looking rock; interested in the view from the elevated height on top of the solidified lava. It was all so magnificent; the lush, green mountains, the glowing white-sand with contrasting black outcroppings of rock, and, of course, the ocean in a mixed-palate of tranquil blue and green combinations. It was an amazing experience; the breeze, the smells, the feeling of the warm sun and tropical morning-climate. I never wanted to leave.

I pushed that thought from my mind and walked cautiously toward the water. The uneven surface made me leery of going too close to the edge. I made it just past the shoreline, where the waves weren't big enough or high enough to reach me. I sat down and watched the ocean splash up over the rock several yards in front of me. It was so peaceful.

The sun was beginning to bake, as I sat, surrounded by black rock. I pulled my SPF-90, waterproof sun-block out of my bag and applied it liberally (as directed). My skin was already feeling a little pink. Maybe I should retreat to the shade soon? As I slathered lotion over my legs, looking down at the water, I saw what looked like a cluster of shells. They were caught against the rock, different colors and shapes, grouping up in the crevasses along the edge of the formation. After I finished slathering every bit of my exposed flesh with coconut-scented lotion, I walked back down to the beach, along the edge of the rock, hunting for worthy specimens.

There were shells running all along the edge of the black stone, mostly broken and unremarkable. I left my shoes and dropped my bag beside them in the dry sand before I ventured into the ocean. Of course, the shells looked more brilliant in the water, they always did. It was difficult to focus with the constant churning waves splashing and foaming-white along the edge of the hardened lava. I reached blindly toward the rock face, grabbing a handful of sand, debris, and a couple of decent shells.

Moving a little farther into the surf was worth it; I found a beautiful, white, pink, and purple, palm-sized shell. I brought my cache back to shore, dropped them next to my bag, and went back into the water for more.

A bright, reddish-pink color caught my eye. It was farther out than I'd gone before. I got closer, standing up to my chest in water. As the wave receded back and lowered down past my waist I moved toward the shell, reaching for it, but the ocean was pulling it away from me.

In that split second I knew I'd gone too far. The waves crashed over my head before I could take a breath. I was thrown, tumbling through the water, being pulled in multiple directions. I felt a sharp pain against my ankle as I was hurled breathlessly through the violent surf, swirling through the turbulent sea. I desperately needed to breathe, fighting frantically against the current to find the surface, struggling against the weight of the stronger tide. I was so turned around, I couldn't determine which way was up. I was afraid to open my eyes.

Suddenly something grabbed a hold of me, and it wasn't the sea.

I pulled away, exhaling the last bit of air in my lungs. Oh my God, please let me drown before I'm eaten alive. My ankle was burning, and I was so tired I couldn't fight anymore. Any second I would gasp for air, breathe in water, and die; all while the fish tear me to pieces. Just when I thought that very thing was going to happen I felt my head surface. I gasped for air, choking on the first essential-breath, trying to hold my mouth above water.

Something was pulling me. I didn't want to become fish-food, not now, not while my head was above water, not while I could breathe.

I fought against it, trying to pull myself away from the clinging serpent, digging my nails into flesh. I tried, but I couldn't get it to release me. I was afraid to look, but, defeated as I was, I peered into the water. It wasn't a fish. It was an arm, a man's arm, with tattoos, attached to a man's body.

Instinctively, I pulled away from him, startled by the intimate contact.

He wouldn't let go, Stop fighting me, the man's voice commanded over the sound of the churning ocean.

I fought him until we reached waist-high water; when he finally stopped dragging me, helped me gain my footing, and released his grip.

He was beautiful. I was stunned at the sight of him. Shining beads of water glistened all over his perfect, bronze body. His chocolate-brown eyes looked sincere as he stared back at me with concern.

You shouldn't swim alone, he waited for a response.

I was completely frozen. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak.

You can let go of me now, he smiled gently.

Wow, he had beautiful, brilliant-white teeth. What a gorgeous smile. I was still trying to comprehend what he'd just said when he sighed, and started walking toward shore with me still clinging to him.

Is that your stuff? he pointed to one of my shoes, my soaking-wet bag and a number of it's contents strewn across the wet sand; having been doused and dragged by the waves, just like me.

Shit! I finally found my voice.

I ran toward my belongings, watching helplessly as the tide rolled in again, consuming them. I charged directly into the surf, attempting to regain whatever I could. Two steps into the waves I felt a pair of warm, muscular arms wrap around me, lifting me from the water, dragging me back toward the beach.

Are you trying to kill yourself?

I fought against him, but he wouldn't let me budge. He held me against his masculine frame until I finally gave in and relaxed against him.

You speak English, he stated it as fact.

Son of a bitch, I noticed my phone, partially buried in the wet sand, reflecting the sun's rays. I pushed myself away from him and ran to retrieve it.

You certainly curse in English, he added, following behind me. You should stay out of the ocean, he warned. Stick to the resort pool.

I wiped sand from my dripping-wet phone, noticed my purse at the edge of the water and went after it. It was completely saturated and half filled-up with sand.

Shit!

I started pulling out the contents, one by one, dropping them in the sand at my feet. Mostly everything was intact, I think. My cigarettes were ruined, and, I thought, just when I could've used one.

I watched my sandals drop in the sand beside me. A moment later my bag was dropped on top of them along with my saturated towel.

Okay then, he sighed.

I couldn't bring myself to look up at him. I was searching for something to say. I couldn't think of anything.

Tourists, I heard his faint voice, they don't even know when to be grateful.

I turned to find him walking away from me. His long, dark hair trailed down his golden, muscular, V-shaped back.

I should've said thank you, at the very least; he was right. He saved my life. I would've died if he hadn't pulled me to the surface. I should go after him.

God he's gorgeous, I thought as I watched him disappear behind the black, obtrusive rock-formation.

No longer distracted by his retreating form, I collected my sand-covered belongings as quickly as I could, and chased after the Adonis.

He was nowhere in sight. He was gone. He'd vanished.

The beach was getting more populated, and I gave up looking for him after several minutes. I dragged myself back down the beach in search of my private villa; wherever that was? My ankle throbbed with each step. I'd walked farther down the beach than I thought I had. Luckily, my villa wasn't difficult to locate, I recognized the furniture on the lanai. Thank God my key-card was still in my purse, and it worked too.

I dropped everything into a sandy, wet pile on the floor in the entryway, and went straight to the shower. As soon as I was dressed, I found some ice for my ankle, collapsed on the couch, and ordered room service. I was starving. I closed my eyes and relived the morning's events in my mind while I waited for my meal.

You don't happen to have a cigarette, do you? I asked the waiter after he insisted he could get me anything else that I might want.

What kind of cigarette? Joe raised his brow, smirking playfully at his own question.

Oh, I realized what he meant. Uh, that'd be nice too, I admitted.

Joe reached into his shirt pocket, handed me a joint along with his card, and informed me, They sell cigarettes in the gift shop. I can get you a pack, he offered.

No, I answered. Thanks, this is perfect, I smiled, handing him a generous tip.

Call me if you need anything at all, he said before leaving.

I devoured my meal, finishing every last bite of food on my plate. It was delicious, or maybe I was just starving; either way, I enjoyed it thoroughly. My ankle even felt better by the time I'd finished eating.

I refreshed my ice-pack, lit the joint, and retreated to the softness of my comfortable bed. Maybe I should get more weed, instead of cigarettes? I took another hit of the skunked-smelling joint. I'm on vacation, it's not like I have to be functional. It wasn't like I was going back in the ocean or anything. I planned on taking the handsome stranger's advice by sticking to the resort pool. The joint relaxed me, and I fell into a peaceful sleep after I smoked half of it.

When I woke up I didn't know what to do with myself. My ankle looked okay, I noticed, when I removed the leaking bag of water from it. There was a small abrasion directly on the bone, it was pink and slightly raw, but it didn't look swollen. It was only twelve-thirty in the afternoon, and I felt like it should be midnight. I went outside and settled in the shade on the lanai. I put my feet up on the opposite chair, and stared out at the scary, open ocean.

Crowds of people consumed the beach, covering most of the available sun-drenched sand. They were running, and playing, swimming, and enjoying life while I just sat back and watched for a while.

I figured I should let my sister know what happened to my phone and why I wouldn't be answering it. After I left her a brief, un-detailed message letting her know my phone was dead, I went back to the bedroom to smoke the rest of that joint. I slipped Joe's card in my back pocket and went for a walk around the grounds.

The resort was glorious, filled with lush tropical-plants, tying in with the surrounding, majestic scenery. There were several pools, hot-tubs, cascading fountains, and lava-rock gardens situated on the property. It didn't take long for me to find the gift shop. I argued with myself, and decided to make a phone call instead of buying a pack of cigarettes. I still had thirteen and a half days to get through. I picked up a service phone and dialed Joe's number.

He answered on the first ring. After I explained who I was, Joe seemed confident that he knew what I wanted. He said he'd see me tomorrow morning around ten o'clock. When I expressed my impatience, he accommodatingly offered to meet me at my villa in two hours, after his shift.

I passed the time browsing through several stores, perusing the local wears. Everyone was very friendly and courteous, and I found several items that I decided to buy. I lugged my purchases back to my villa just in time to meet Joe.

Because I was so anxious, he explained, we'd need to use my rental car. The villa came with one, but I'd forgotten all about it because I had no intention on driving anywhere. Joe's car was in the shop, and we needed to get to the other side of the island. He wouldn't be able to get back here until morning unless we used my car.

I was apprehensive, but Joe worked at the hotel and he seemed so genuinely nice that I agreed, against my better judgment. I think this place it getting to me.

You're from New York, aren't you? Joe asked as he climbed in the driver seat.

Yeah, it's not like I have a Brooklyn accent or anything, How'd you know?

Just a guess, he laughed at my impatience and general mistrusting-attitude, presumably.

The drive was beautiful and my native companion pointed out interesting sights, providing me with details about the Islands along the way, easing my apprehensions with his relaxed demeanor. I was so completely captivated by the breathtaking views I'd hardly noticed how much time had passed. When we finally stopped, I realized we'd been gone for more than an hour. The neighborhood didn't look very welcoming either, I also noticed that. And, I realized, I probably stuck out like a sore thumb. My glowing, pinkish-white skin seemed to attract the neighbors' attention like a house fire.

Wait here, Joe instructed, I'll be right back.

I warily scanned the sketchy neighborhood, trying not to make eye contact with the natives, silently complying with his request. The seconds passed like minutes while I waited. The locals were multiplying, it seemed, increasing my fear. What was I doing here? This is how women get abducted and sold into the international sex-slave trade. I should've just accepted my weakness and bought that pack of cigarettes. At the moment, it seemed less detrimental to my health.

I relaxed when I spotted Joe exiting the shack his friend called home.

Carl wants you to come in, Joe motioned toward the house.

Why? I asked, shaking my head.

Come on, Miss New York, Joe opened the door for me. He wants to meet you.

I reluctantly exited the car, Why?

He's waiting for his friend to show up, Joe explained, it should be any minute now, but he didn't want me to leave you out here. Joe eyed the neighbors as he led me toward the disheveled abode.

Maybe we should just go, I suggested.

Joe smiled wide and pushed me forward, inside the house.

It was dark, all of the shades were drawn, blocking out the baking-hot sun. When my eyes adjusted, I could see that the small dwelling was cluttered with stuff; magazines, car parts, dinner plates, and a range of other miscellaneous objects littered every surface and most corners of the modest space.

Carl was a friendly character, older, with strands of grey streaking through his long, dark, pin-straight hair. It was held back in a ponytail; a common trend on the island, I'd noticed. He was polite, and I didn't feel at all uncomfortable in his presence. He was a likable guy, laid-back and kind.

We followed Carl outside, into the backyard, where he graciously offered me a cigarette.

I accepted it without even thinking.

The yard was overgrown with native plants. A table with six mismatched chairs sat in the center of the small space. A three-foot high, decrepit fence encased the perimeter of the backyard, separating it from a parking lot to the rear and the neighbors' overgrown yards to each side. Most of the plants were taller than the broken-down fence, engulfing it some spots, returning it to the earth.

Carl excused himself while he took a phone call. It reminded me that I was without, which sparked another fear. Maybe I should buy one tomorrow, my thoughts shifted. Joe could tell me where to find a store. Maybe, if it wasn't too far, I could take a ride tonight and buy a pre-paid phone or something?

I need a ride, brah, Carl's voice brought me back to reality.

Joe pointed at me, slightly shaking his head.

Would you mind? Carl turned his attention to me.

I looked back and forth between the two virtual-strangers without answering.

It'll take ten minutes, Carl urged. My buddy's stranded a couple miles down the road. He's the one we're waiting for, he concluded with a smirk.

I turned back to Joe.

I'll drive, he offered, trying to be helpful.

I nodded, but I felt totally unsure.

Do you want to wait here? Carl offered when I didn't get up to follow them.

I couldn't believe he'd trust a complete stranger alone in his home. I was afraid to stay and I was afraid to go. I didn't know what to say.

Carl took my lack of response as a yes and closed the door behind him, leaving me sitting outside, in the middle of who-knows-where, frozen with apprehension. Carl must be trustworthy; he left me alone at his house. I don't know why I trusted Joe anymore than him. Maybe I should've let Carl take the car by himself? It's just a rental anyway. It's not like it was my car, and I know Brad paid for extra insurance on it, of course. Great, I'm alone for five minutes and I start thinking about him again.

I distracted myself with another cigarette. I figured Carl wouldn't mind, and since the open pack was sitting directly in front of me I couldn't refuse. I was sure ten minutes had passed. That last cigarette made me ill. I thought about walking around the yard, maybe it would make me feel better, but I was afraid I'd disturb some resting creature's home.

More time passed and when I considered lighting another cigarette I realized they'd been gone for way longer than ten minutes. Finally, I went inside to check the time. They'd been gone for almost an hour. I started to worry. I looked around for a phone, incase I needed to call a taxi, but I didn't find one. I ended up back outside at the table, nervously smoking another cigarette, telling myself they'd be back before I smoked the entire thing. They weren't.

A rustling noise along the side of the house caught my attention. Maybe they're back, I thought to myself, sitting silently still, waiting for confirmation before I reacted. I heard a loud noise, from the opposite direction, and turned to look for the cause.

What are you doing here?

I turned back around, toward the familiar voice, shocked by his proximity and by his sheer presence.

What was he doing here? Did he jump the fence? I didn't see or hear him; that was sort of unsettling. He was wearing sunglasses, a flack jacket, and several weapons strapped to his waist and thighs, but it was definitely him.

I shook my head in disbelief, stunned.

The Adonis raised his sunglasses, peering at me with those familiar chocolate-brown eyes. He didn't wait for an intelligent answer. He reached down, hoisted me over his shoulder, and scaled the three-foot fence all in one fluid motion.

It happened so quickly I didn't know what to do. Should I be screaming?

Aren't you at least going to swear at me? he laughed softly, carrying me out toward the front of the house. He opened the door to a black truck, dropped me in the passenger seat, and instructed me not to go anywhere.

I immediately noticed the older gentleman sitting in the seat beside me. He didn't seem at all surprised by my presence.

I timidly smiled at him.

He smiled back, John, he introduced himself.

Leah, I shook his offered hand.

Nice to meet you, Leah, he greeted me with genuine warmth.

I nodded and smiled wider, pretending this wasn't one of the most awkward introductions I'd ever encountered.

Just visiting? he guessed.

I nodded. What the hell is going on exactly? Where are Joe and Carl?

Oh my God, I noticed the badge hanging from John's neck. You're taking me to jail, aren't you?

Now, why would I want to do that? he asked laughingly.

I don't know. Why do I have to stay in the truck? I eyed the door handle.

It's safer, John warned, locking the mechanism from his side with a broad smile, showing off his slightly crooked teeth. Don't worry, they're almost done, he pointed beyond the tinted glass.

The Adonis and three other similarly-attired men were heading in our direction, leading a handcuffed man directly toward us. The three men continued past, along with their captive, but the Adonis made his way around the front of the truck.

Well, this is where we part ways, John opened the door and jumped out. It's been a pleasure, Leah, he bowed his head. Stay out of trouble, he advised me before turning to speak briefly with the Adonis who climbed into the driver seat, taking John's place beside me.

My heart started racing. I tried to think of something to say before he turned his attention to me. And, I did think of something, but when he turned to face me I completely forgot what it was.

He removed his sunglasses, leaned back against the door, and smiled, What are the odds?

I wasn't sure if I was actually smiling or not, I thought I probably should be. I was certain I was staring, that was a fact. There was something about him. He was appealing for sure, but that wasn't it. There was something else, like an energy; a calm, soothing aura that surrounded him. It terrified me.

Leah, he breathed my name, sending a shiver down my spine.

How does he know my name?

Leaning forward, he asked with a tender, concerned expression, What are you doing here?

Waiting, I answered in a whisper.

A wide smile came over his face.

What?

You answered me, he smirked.

Can I go now? I reached for the door.

What exactly are you over here waiting for? he ignored my question.

Joe and Carl, I answered him.

Who are Joe and Carl?

Acquaintances, I mustered an answer.

When are you expecting them?

An hour ago, I figured.

Why are you waiting for Joe and Carl?

They have my car.

The Adonis, obviously amused, stifled a laugh as he started up the truck.

What are you doing? I pulled on the door handle, but it was locked.

Rescuing you, he caught my eyes, again. He smiled and put his sunglasses back on before pulling away from the curb. Don't worry, I don't expect a thank you, he added, reminding me why I was feeling so guilty.

I'm so sorry about this morning, I apologized. I should've thanked you. I...thank you, I stammered.

You're welcome, he nodded.

I really am sorry.

I believe you, he assured me. How did you meet Joe and Carl?

Joe works at the resort, and Carl's his friend, he just introduced us.

How long have you known Joe?

I met him today.

He laughed. Where are your friends?

What's that supposed to mean?

Who are you here with?

Are you going to bring me back to Carl's house?

Not likely, he replied, completely serious.

They're probably back by now-

When did you get here, in the Islands I mean?

Last night.

Where are you staying?

I named the specific resort.

How long are you here for?

Two weeks.

Who did you come with?

Nobody, I answered exhaustively. Who the hell does this guy think he is? Badge or no badge, I was none of his business.

You don't expect me to believe that, do you? He peered at me through his sunglasses.

Believe what you want, like I cared.

They're not your friends, Leah, he warned me, pulling into a mall parking-lot. Driving to the far end of the lot, in a seldom used area, he parked the truck and killed the engine.

No more than you, I pointed out.

I saved your life, he removed his dark glasses, revealing his intense gaze.

I didn't ask you to.

We stared at each other, defiantly, looking deeply into each other's eyes, searching for answers.

The back door opened and a pretty, young blonde climbed in the backseat, Aloha, she called out a greeting. Who's your friend? she smiled at me.

Leah, this is my sister, Layla. Layla, this is Leah.

Good to meet you, she extended her hand.

Likewise, I answered, shaking her hand as her brother started the truck and headed back out toward the main road.

Layla was tremendously friendly. She