Chapter 9 #2
He was obviously comfortable in his skin, so much so I was surprised I was letting myself go.
After shifting his shoulders as if settling in, he closed his eyes.
I waited, my instinct telling me exactly what he had planned.
With a quick snap of my wrist, I donned my sunglasses, laughing when realizing I was right.
He’d opened one eye.
“I said no peeking.”
“You play hardball.”
“Yes, I do.” I waited, tormenting him as long as I thought I could get away with. “Now, do you hear?”
He took a deep breath and tipped his head toward the other guests for a few seconds, then toward the ocean. “The couple at the far end of the bar. They are arguing about why they came to Saba Island instead of St. Martin because the shopping is better in the French side of St. Martin.”
I peeked over my shoulder. The couple was in an animated conversation, although I certainly couldn’t hear what they were talking about.
“There’s a man on the phone. He’s discussing business and… Wait a minute… Nope. He ended the call.”
This time, I couldn’t see who he was talking about, but what he’d said sounded feasible. “Go on.”
“Mmm… There’s a boat out in the water. They’re playing music. Just off to the right, something is being tossed against the rocks. I can’t tell what it is. I could swear I hear a strange sound.”
This time, I could confirm he was right.
If I listened just enough, I could hear some strains of the music.
Heavy metal from what I could tell. “Very good.” As far as the object, I could see something in the surf, a higher tide coming in.
I concentrated for a few seconds but couldn’t tell what.
Still, I was very impressed. “You’re right about the boat and something is in the water, but I don’t hear another sound. ”
“Perhaps my senses are playing tricks on me. What next?”
I checked to see if his eyes were still closed, surprised that they were. “Tell me about what you smell.”
“Mmm… That’s easy. Gardenias are just off the deck.”
They were.
“And one of my favorites. Arabian jasmine. The flower is used in creating perfumes and is also used in religious ceremonies.”
“You’re a walking encyclopedia.” I was still smiling. Just drawing attention to the incredible fragrances was an intoxicating moment.
He leaned forward until I gathered another dazzling whiff of his aftershave. Why did powerful men always wear the most incredible evocative scents?
“Like you, I am a voracious reader. Although I must admit I don’t remember the last time I read a romance novel.”
“You’re missing out. Doing so might teach you a thing or two.”
“Well, then. I’ll add it to my agenda for the weekend. You wouldn’t happen to have a book you could lend.” His smile was far too beguiling.
“Maybe.”
“Or better yet. Why don’t you read me a few pages of what you’re reading?”
I burst into laughter. “As I said before, I don’t know if you can handle the heat.”
“Oh, you might be surprised, Captain Zimmerman. Go on with your tests.”
“Alright. What color are my eyes?”
His brow furrowed and he blew out of the side of his mouth. “Dark brown.”
“Nope.” I popped the p.
It was his turn to laugh. “I know your eyes aren’t brown, Fallon.
They are without a doubt the most incredible shade of light green I’ve ever seen.
They remind me of young, freshly cut grass just after a spring rain and with the gold flecks encircling your irises, it’s as if the sun splashed a hint of magic in both eyes. Truly unsettling and mesmerizing.”
I shrank back, forced to blink a couple of times. There was no reason to keep the sunglasses on.
When I said nothing, he dared open one eye again. “How did I do?”
“Surprisingly well. I’m never had anyone describe my eyes with such verve.”
“Everything about you should be described that way, Fallon. As I said, you are a beautiful woman.”
As Hendrik approached the table, I narrowed my eyes. “Did you order champagne?”
“No, although that’s not a bad idea.”
“This was sent to your table, Mr. Dmitriyev, as an apology to Ms. Zimmerman,” Hendrik said and immediately placed two flutes in front of us. Almost immediately, a look of annoyance crossed Vissarian’s face.
“Sent by Hoffman?” His tone had turned demanding. Possessive.
Just like I’d heard the moment he’d walked to the table, interrupting Mr. Hoffman’s proposition.
I was no fool. I’d gathered almost instantly he’d been attempting to gain information about Vissarian.
His forcefulness had pissed me off, but I’d been willing to play along for a few minutes in a public place to learn more about the powerful Russian myself.
Then Vissarian had made it clear that for the moment I belonged to him. Maybe that’s the reason I’d allowed myself to indulge in playing a dangerous and very sensual game. He’d acted out of jealousy.
And he didn’t even know me.
“Yes, sir. Mr. Hoffman, the hotel’s owner. He wanted me to convey his apologies.”
Vissarian drummed his fingers on the table while scanning the bar. He was clearly pissed but said nothing as Hendrik opened the bottle. “I know who he is.”
Way more aggressive.
“Is there something else you would prefer? I’m certain Mr. Hoffman wouldn’t mind if I exchanged it for something else,” Hendrik continued as if concerned that Vissarian thought he’d need to pay for the very expensive bubbly.
“Thank you, Hendrik. If the lady accepts, then that’s all that matters.” Vissarian remained unhappy, enough so there was clear venom in his eyes. He allowed me to make the decision and I hesitated, scanning the deck for any sign of the German.
Meanwhile, the electricity between Vissarian and me was becoming explosive. “This is fine, Hendrik. Please tell Mr. Hoffman I accept his apology.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Hendrik backed away quietly, but I could tell he remained unnerved.
“You don’t seem pleased we were presented with a four-hundred-dollar bottle of champagne. Would you prefer Hoffman grovel?” he asked.
“Perhaps. He was very… pushy.”
Vissarian took a deep breath.
“It’s obvious you don’t like the man very much. Why consider doing business with him?”
He finally glanced at me, rubbing his jaw as if buying time to try to determine how to answer. “Expansion into other markets. However, have you ever loathed someone when having just met them?”
I laughed more bitterly than I should have. “You have no idea. You can tell almost everything you need to know by first impressions.”
“Why do I have a feeling I just walked into that one?”
“You’re an easy mark,” I laughed and touched my face.
He noticed. The bruising had mostly disappeared, although there was still some yellowing in certain light.
The horror of what had occurred, the realization I was nothing but a possession to my stepbrother would remain.
Another reason not to allow Vissarian to enter my life in any way but as an employer.
“What’s wrong?” His snarl caught me off guard.
“Nothing. Just memories.” When he cupped my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes, there was a level of concern I hadn’t seen in a very long time.
“If someone hurt you, tell me. I will take care of the situation.”
Wow. He was also a practicing he-man.
As insane as it seemed, at that moment I wanted nothing more than to have a protector. That wasn’t possible. I gently pulled his hand away. “I’m fine. I was only thinking about the number of jerks I’ve met as a pilot. Some men don’t know how to take no for an answer.”
His eyes remained mere slits. “I will not deny some men use power as a weapon. I’ve done so many times myself, but never with a woman. You are precious and to be cared for, not controlled.”
“Don’t worry. I can take care of myself. My father taught me the importance of doing so.” Or that’s what I’d always envisioned he would do. My father had seemed larger than life to me. What was strange as well as disturbing was that Vissarian gave off the same impression.
“Then he is an honorable man. Just remember there is nothing wrong with asking for help. I’m equipped to handle assholes much better than you are.”
His smile returned, but even so, he remained angry.
“Whatever the reason you’re angry with Mr. Hoffman, you can resolve your differences or toss him aside. Life is too short to go through being forced to deal with someone who makes your life miserable.”
“Something I ordinarily live by but thank you. I needed the reminder.”
We fell into a sweet moment, which was a welcome surprise. However, knowing that Vissarian was Bratva combined with the constant concern I had about Antonio and the Bruni Crime Syndicate meant I couldn’t let my guard down.
Maybe that wasn’t possible any longer.
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“I’ll admit I wouldn’t mind eating something terribly bad for me.” I caught him off guard, the sunshine returning to his face.
“Such as? Chocolate. All women love chocolate.”
“Don’t assume. I’m allergic.”
“You’re allergic to chocolate?”
I nodded several times until a noise caught my attention. I glanced toward the ocean, expecting to see the boat had come closer. No. It appeared moored. While I could see some beach, with the rocks and cliffs surrounding, I had no clue what could be making the noise.
“Yes, I am.” I glanced toward the water, suddenly anxious. “Did you hear that?” I shifted in my seat, finally standing so I could get a better look at the direction of the sound.
“Maybe. What are you hearing?”
Suddenly, a cold shiver skated down my spine. “Oh, no. That’s a whine.”
“A whine. Are you talking about someone in distress?”
I threw my hand over my eyes, squinting. “No. Not someone. A fur baby. What you heard. A dog is caught in a net. He’s being tossed against the rocks. We have to help him.” Without thinking, I took off running.
“Wait. Hold on.”
I wasn’t waiting. If it was the last thing I did, I would save the pup’s life.