The Red-Hot Stakes

Chapter Twenty-Three

I woke up the next morning with Liam’s familiar scent in my nose. And his face lay between my naked breasts, his mouth inches from my nipple. Shit. I froze.

His eyes fluttered open, fixating on my bare chest. “Why is your boob in my face?”

“I think the better question is, why is your face on my boob?”

He pushed himself upright, giving me a delicious glimpse of his wonderfully naked self. “Did we…?”

I was naked, too. The events of last night rushed back in bits and pieces. I nodded. “Yeah. We did.”

“Are you on the pill? I hope.” His face paled.

“No.” I hurried to continue as he paled even more, “I have an IUD.”

His face was the definition of relief as he quickly moved off the bed, pulling on his boxers. His defeated expression hit me low and hard, churning my already slightly nauseous stomach.

“Are you all right?”

He shook his head. “I can’t do this, Gina. I’m not in it for the short haul. I can’t keep at whatever fucked-up game we’re playing.” He rubbed a hand over his face as his words hit me with enough force to knock the wind out of me. “It’s like I’m a block of Liam cheese, and you’re a cheese grater, not content until I’m a pile of shreds at your feet.”

“Liam.” His name held all the pain I felt, but I quickly dialed it back in, dropping my chin when he looked at me.

He yanked on a T-shirt then a pair of shorts and stalked out of the patio door, leaving me naked and emotionally bleeding in the bed. Our bed.

I couldn’t keep doing this to him. It wasn’t fair. Today was the dress rehearsal, tomorrow the wedding, and no matter what romantic plans Avery had for us, this charade had to end. Not only was every moment an actual risk of setting the blackmailer’s dominoes in motion, we were gambling with our biggest stakes yet. Our hearts.

I’d book my own flight back after I saw her married. No one could fault me staying for that. I just hoped the group learned their way around by then.

I poked my head out to let Liam know the group was going for breakfast. He came in to get ready, but ignored me the entire time. Not easy in a space that small.

As we’d finished eating, Avery laid down the law. “We have rehearsal dinner tonight, so no one can get shit-faced today. Not like last night. Afterwards is fine, but everyone needs to be in good shape for the wedding tomorrow.”

Once she had our solemn promises, she broke into a smile. “Good. Now that that’s out of the way, we have a surprise.” She glanced at Derek, a conspiratorial look passing between them. “No pool today, we’re having a beach party!”

They’d made arrangements to have a bash on the beach with a couple of other resort groups here for special occasions. There was a private bar set up, beachside chairs, music, and possibly a limbo contest. We all chattered excitedly on the way back to our rooms. Except Liam, his pensive scowl firmly in place.

Avery frowned at him in concern, then looked at me, as if knowing I was the cause. I ducked my head, essentially admitting my guilt before I followed Liam to our room to change.

* * * *

I waded into the ocean, needing a break from the noise of the festive island band. The beach party was in full swing, and I adored the steel drums, but I wanted some quiet to think. I hiked up the wrap that matched my turquoise bikini.

I loved this suit—the halter top gave me great cleavage, the bottoms covered everything while accentuating my hips, and the color contrasted so well with my tan skin. The waves lapped at my calves, dampening some of the fringe that hung down. Swimming didn’t interest me. I preferred my Great Lakes, with no sharks and no salt.

I stared at the horizon, where ominous storm clouds gathered. Several people had commented that we were in for a storm, but I hoped it’d blow over.

Two other groups from the resort mingled with us, another wedding party and a group celebrating a thirtieth birthday. We all chatted while we stood in line for drinks or on the dance floor, but mostly stuck to ourselves. Especially Liam, who sprawled in the shade of a palm tree, his feet hanging off the edge of the lounge chair.

Despite his relaxed pose, I knew he was brooding by the pout on those full lips and the slight hunch to his shoulders. One of the cute drinks they were serving today was pi?a coladas in actual pineapples, reminding me of the first time I’d heard Liam sing.

He’d surprised the crap out of me that day. We’d even talked about coming here. I’d told him he didn’t look like the kind of guy who drank pi?a coladas. He’d said I didn’t know everything about him.

And how right he’d been.

We’d made a truce for the wedding, and we needed one now more than ever, so I stepped into line, ordering two of the fruity drinks. Then I walked over to kneel next to Liam’s chair, holding out my peace offering.

“It’s a pi?a colada. Remember?” I managed a smile. “We promised a truce, promised to drink one together on the beach and set aside our differences.”

He didn’t take the drink. His lips pressed together before he let out an exasperated breath. “Gina, that was before.”

“Yeah, well, Avery needs us to get along, especially now. Her wedding is tomorrow. I’m the maid of honor, and you’re the best man. I don’t want to fuck this up more than I already have.” I rested my hand on the arm of his chair, deciding to lay out my plans out. “I’ll leave after the ceremony.”

He froze, frowning.

“It’s for the best. I’m just making things worse.” I sighed, fighting the wave of hurt that came with admitting those words out loud. “So if you can bunk with me for one more night, if we can have a truce until tomorrow afternoon, then I’ll be gone. And you’ll never have to see me again.”

The thought nearly choked me, but I carefully kept my face in the neutral expression I’d perfected.

“Gina…” He was going to argue.

I said softly, “Don’t, Liam. Don’t try to lie to me and say everything is fine, or make me feel better by saying everyone wants me here. I’m smarter than that. I know the only reason I’m here is because of Avery.”

His gaze dropped to the sand, all the confirmation I needed.

“You deserve this vacation,” I continued. “I have work and school and Sally to get back to.” He looked away, a muscle twitching in his jaw, and I knew he was annoyed she’d taken me in. “Please don’t be mad. She needed the extra money, and I needed a room.” I watched him pull his feelings tight inside again as he snatched the drink from me.

He tapped it against mine. “Till tomorrow.”

We both woodenly took a sip, but I didn’t taste any of the sweet drink. It felt like nothing on my tongue. I stood, brushing away the sand that clung to everything. Then I studied him for a long moment, wishing desperately that things could be different. I didn’t know if I’d ever get another like this, so I took it.

“I know you’re probably not ready to hear this. I don’t know if you’ll ever be ready, so I’m going to say it now.” He didn’t move, and my throat was tight as I said quietly, “I didn’t want to hurt you, Liam. And I’m so sorry I did.”

I didn’t wait for a response as all my emotions clawed their way to the surface. I slipped on my sandals and managed to walk away, fighting a losing battle to keep my composure. I barely made it to the main sidewalk, using a clump of palm trees to shield me from my friends.

I threw my pineapple drink at the nearest trunk, watching in satisfaction as it splintered apart. Juice splattered everywhere. Then I collapsed on a nearby bench and covered my face with my hands.

Tears leaked between my fingers, though I tried to keep them in. But it was no use. Anger and hurt and loss welled up in me, spiraling out of control as my barriers crumbled. A deep voice startled me, freezing me mid-sob.

“Hello, Gina. I see you didn’t heed my warning.”

Cold metal pressed against my bare back, and I straightened. “I’m not with Liam, if that’s what you mean.”

“Oh, I know that.” The blackmailer’s voice wasn’t nearly as deep without the synthesizer, but it was just as cold, making the hairs rise on the back of my neck. “But I did tell you the stakes would keep increasing, yet you still came on this trip.” He tsked and dug the barrel of the gun harder into my skin. “See where it got you. A broken heart, and a face full of tears.”

I swallowed, hardly daring to move. My brain raced to remember what I’d learned in all my classes. I glanced at my friends, hoping someone would see me, but the trees stood between us. “What do you want?”

“Stand up, please. We’re going for a walk.”

Hope welled up in me. The resort had security posted at every entrance, and I could make a scene. But he led me to the perimeter, peeling back a bush to reveal a hole in the fence. The metal glistened as if freshly cut.

I should’ve known a guy who managed to get on this island with a gun would find a way around security.

Once we were out of sight of the resort, he stopped to tie my hands in front of me. I was thankful for my athletic sandals as we trekked into the nearby jungle. He guided me up a rocky slope. The steady crash of the surf sounded to my right, so I knew the ocean wasn’t far. After half an hour, he allowed me to sit, shoving a water bottle into my tied hands.

It was the first time I’d gotten a look at him. His eyes were dark, half his face hidden by a bushy black beard, and his mouth pulled down to the left. He was vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t place him.

“What are you going to do with me?” I was more annoyed than afraid at this point.

And tired. So tired of being shoved around by this guy I didn’t know, pushed into impossible situations. I just wanted it to be over with. Whatever the outcome.

“You’ll see. We’re halfway there, let’s move.” He took the water bottle back, prodding me to my feet again.

The climb steepened. I stumbled once, smashing one of my toes into a rock. It felt as if my toe was on fire, but the guy shushed my yelp. My feet ached, and my toe throbbed horribly by the time the trail flattened out.

The path opened into a clearing, framed on one side by a sheer rock face with an opening carved into it. Across the clearing, the cliff cut away in a jagged edge to the ocean below. Out in the open, the wind whipped fiercely, making me squint. It blew the low gray clouds across the sky, and in the distance, thunder rumbled.

A low flat rock rested in the middle of the clearing and the man shoved me toward it, tossing the water bottle at my feet.

I greedily took a drink. As my thirst was quenched, my anger grew. “Tell me what’s going on.”

He chuckled. “Always so impatient.”

Jutting my chin, I stood once more, not even flinching when he aimed the gun at me. “I did everything you asked of me. Liam’s heart is broken, just like you wanted. He’s suffering, just like you wanted. What else could you possibly need from me?”

His nearly black eyes pierced me to the core, lacking any warmth. This madman was dead inside, and I shivered under his frigid perusal.

“What Liam has suffered is nothing compared to what I’ve been through.” The gun lowered slightly as his other hand clenched into a fist. “You think having his name dragged through the mud for food poisoning is suffering? You think having his new business burned out from under him was painful? That a new employee dead on his watch hurt?”

He stepped closer, his voice growing louder. “You dare to compare the way you broke his heart with your pitiful display to the way he ripped my family from me?”

I wanted to shrink away from the despair and anguish in his voice, but I held my ground. I’d cowered enough before this man. And look where it’d brought me.

“He’s experienced a mere taste of what I felt. I went to him for help, and he refused. When I went home that night, those men attacked me, beating me to a pulp. I lost the hearing in this ear, the feeling in this half of my face.” He gestured to his left side.

“And when I woke up, was anyone at my bedside?” He waited for me to answer, but I had none. “No! Liam took them all from me.”

The pieces came together. His brother-in-law in the bar, begging for money. Liam rushing off to help relocate his sister after his brother-in-law was admitted to the hospital. How his brother-in-law had gambled away everything they’d owned.

I flatly said his name as my mind raced with questions. “Brad.”

“That’s right! Give the lady a prize.” His crooked grin was menacing as he crossed the clearing to stand in front of me. “You surprised me, you know. Giving in so quickly to my demands. I really thought it would take more. I’d really been looking forward to taking down Eat at Joe’s next, maybe that waitress he’s so fond of.”

Horror filled me at the idea of Sally being in danger.

“But then I had the opportunity of a lifetime. One of my former creditors knew of my skills and needed them desperately. Desperately enough to pay.” He ran his fingers along the barrel of the gun in a creepy caress. “It’s amazing what you can do with a made man in your pocket.” His grin turned feral. “Eat at Joe’s was small potatoes when I could simply come after you and Liam myself.”

He flung his arms wide. “The Caymans are grand, aren’t they?” A maniacal edge tinged his laughter, then he pointed the gun once more at me. “My friend has quite a few connections here. You’ll have to thank Avery for choosing this place.” He snickered. “But that will be difficult to do once you’re dead.”

Fear shot through me, but I shoved it aside, knowing I needed to keep my head. His gaze raked down me, and I fought the urge to cover my chest as he stepped closer.

“You are a pretty thing, aren’t you? I can see why Liam wants you.” He reached out to touch my cheek, but I jerked away, and he laughed. “That red-hot temper, always simmering. As to what I’m going to—”

“Get away from her!” Liam’s voice rang out across the clearing, and my head snapped up to meet his rage-filled gaze.

Brad’s arm went around my chest as he stepped behind me. My body was his shield as he pointed the gun at Liam. “Ah, just in time. I see you got my note.”

“Let her go, she has nothing to do with this.”

Brad walked us slowly backward, closer to the cliff. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I’ve spent the last week spreading chum off this ledge. I’m sure there are some very hungry sharks who desperately want their afternoon snack.”

A bucket sat near the ledge, full of dark and disgusting liquid. “Would you like a demonstration?”

Without waiting for the answer, he kicked the bucket over to land in the ocean thirty feet below. Seconds later, the water churned, fins appearing and disappearing in a frenzy. My heart pounded in my chest, and I felt the color drain from my face at the thought of being ripped apart by frantic sharks.

“You took everything from me,” Brad said, tightening his grip on my arm.

No way was I going to wait around to become some shark’s next meal. I planted my feet, biding my time for the right opportunity. I set my jaw, trying to tell Liam I was ready. Time slowed for me, and I saw everything in half-speed. I felt Brad tense and knew he was going to make a move.

“Now I’m going to take everything from you.” He aimed the gun right at Liam.

A deadly calm came over me. I pushed my tied hands into his shooting arm while lurching my weight forward to throw him off balance. The shot fired into the air as he cursed behind me.

I snapped my head back, the crack of his breaking nose music to my ears. He cried out, and satisfaction coursed through me. I ducked, spinning out of his grasp. I didn’t give him time to recover, shoving him backward with both hands while he was still blinded by the pain.

The gun flew from his hand, tumbling over the cliff, then his foot slipped on the loose gravel. He teetered on the edge for a moment, panic in his eyes. I hadn’t realized we were that close to the cliff.

I’d only meant to disarm him, to take him down, and I gasped when he went over. I leapt for him. My tied hands closed on Brad’s wrist as he dangled from the edge of the cliff. He was more than twice my weight though, and I started sliding, too.

His gaze darted down to the still-churning water. “Help me.”

“I’m trying.” My sweaty palms had no purchase. Part of the cliff gave way beneath me, and two strong arms circled my waist. I lost my grip on the madman, crying out as he slipped through my fingers.

Then Brad was gone, his scream lost in the wind.

Liam pulled me close as I stared at the space Brad had just occupied. “Gina! Gina, are you all right?”

A purple streak of lightning split the sky followed by a boom of thunder. The clouds broke loose, sheets of rain pouring down. We were instantly soaked.

Liam picked me up, carrying me to the cave. His comforting scent grounded me as I slid down every slick inch of him. We stared at each other for a long moment, safe from the rain. I tried to move, but my hands were still tied together. He made quick work of the knots.

“I…” I had just killed a man. He’d been there one second, and the next, gone. My breathing became ragged as the weight of what I’d done hit me. I stared at Liam, silently begging him for help.

“It’s okay, Gina. You’re safe.” He grabbed my free hands with his. “He wasn’t in his right mind. You not only saved me, but you saved yourself. Again. No damsels in distress here.”

But I hadn’t saved Brad. His face flashed through my mind once more, and I shuddered, panic hovering on the fringes of my mind. “The curse,” I muttered.

“You did what you had to do. You’re not cursed, Gina. He made his choices, he ruined his life, he kidnapped you to get to me. You saved us.”

The words washed over me like the cleansing rain outside, easing some of my guilt. A choice. I’d had a choice to make, now I needed to live with it. I chose Liam, just like I always would, just like I had before.

Resolve flowed into me, and I straightened, raising my chin to meet Liam’s gaze.

“Thatta girl.” His large hand cradled my damp cheek, and he shook his head. “I heard everything. I know what you did, that you saved me. That Brad was behind all of it.” Amazement coated his words and he brushed his lips to mine.

Hope flared as the realization that Liam could be mine again crashed into me. I gasped, clinging to him, laying my head on his bare chest. But then I remembered how all my friends had hated me, had turned on me so easily, and anger simmered. All those lonely days tumbled over in my mind.

“Gina.” Liam tried to pull me closer, but I shoved him away. He blinked, shocked. “Hey, it’s okay. Didn’t you hear what I said? I know why you did it.”

Fury made me tremble, all the pent-up emotions needing an outlet. And I could finally speak without consequence. “Great, good for you. Now that someone’s spelled it out for you, now you see it.”

The furrow in his forehead made an appearance.

“Do you know what it was like, being forced into a choice like that?” I jabbed his big bare chest with my finger, forcing myself not to wince when it hurt me more than him. “You just believed me, that I was capable of being that heartless and walking away. After everything we’d been through, all our plans, everything I’d said and shared with you.”

Tears of hurt and frustration coursed down my cheeks as I moved away. He took a step toward me, but I held up my hand. “And everyone sided with you, including my best friend.”

All the loneliness and betrayal I’d pushed down day after day crashed over me in a tidal wave, bringing me to my knees as I broke. Sobs tore through me, my chest heaving with all the buried hurt I’d stuffed aside.

Liam knelt by my side, pulling me tight to him. “I couldn’t see past my own pain to even consider that something wasn’t right with you. Even after Sally called, I couldn’t see.”

He sucked in a ragged breath, his pain mirroring what I felt. “It was like someone took out my heart and ran it through a meat grinder, then stuffed it back inside me. I could hardly function.” He shifted me onto his lap.

“But I ran after you to tell you I love you.” I let out a loud sniff. “I don’t do shit like that.”

“I know, Red. I know.” He hesitated. “I guess…I always thought you were too good to be true. And part of me was just waiting for the day you’d leave. So when that day came…” He paused, lifting a shoulder. “I just accepted it.”

“Dumb-ass.”

But he just smirked and touched his forehead to mine. We sat like that for a long moment before he pulled back. “You’re not off the hook either, you know.” His jaw worked side to side as he studied me. “You said you trusted me, but you kept this massive secret, making this huge decision all on your own. Why?”

Brad’s words replayed in my head, and I shivered, burrowing against Liam’s chest. “He played his game well. Brad called the first time, at The High Five, a few nights after the food poisoning, asking if I’d like to make a bet.”

I went through what had happened with each of his calls, telling how he’d raised the stakes every time. And his threats against Avery if I told. “I’d seen what he was capable of, how many people he’d hurt already, and I had no reason not to believe him. He even killed Wendy.”

Liam’s jaw clenched and fury burned in his eyes. “I can’t believe he did that.”

Brad had caused so much pain, so much chaos, and I shivered in Liam’s embrace.

“Hey,” he said gently, stroking my hair. “I’m sorry you went through all that. I can’t imagine how terrifying that was, how much pressure you were under.”

Lightning streaked the sky and lit up the entire cave followed by a loud boom of thunder rumbled as I waited, feeling like he wasn’t finished.

“But,” he said, touching my cheek and staring into my eyes, “I have money and influence, not to mention I know people. If you’d just told me, we could have figured it out. We could have worked together and avoided all this.”

I studied the cave floor. “I couldn’t risk it, Liam. I couldn’t risk you going to jail just because I wanted to be with you. I couldn’t risk one of my friends getting hurt or dying.” I raised my chin and said firmly, “It wasn’t your choice, it was mine. And I’d do it all over again if it meant keeping you safe.”

“Dammit, Gina.” His thumb glided over my cheekbone as his expression softened. “Maybe we can come up with some catchphrase, so it’s not really telling, but any future blackmailer won’t know what’s going on?” Laughter danced in his eyes as a smile broke over my face.

“I’m sure we can think of something.”