1 3 7 – ZOË (32 page)

“You don’t work closely with the CIA for years and not take necessary pr
ecautions to cover your ass,” he said softly, taking my hands in his.  “I learned how to shoot a long time ago when Michael used to take me hunting, but I became an
excellent
shot within the last few years thanks to training.  I visit the gun range regularly, and I’ve even taught a class or two in the past.  I know my weapons.”

“Oh.”
 

He put his face close to mine.  “
I can protect you,” he assured.

It was my turn to
make an attempt at humor.  “Can you street fight, too?”

“Street fighting, no,” he replied with a smile.  “Taekwondo and judo, yes.”

I slid my arms around his neck.  “Okay, tough guy, I feel safer now.”

Lance exhaled deeply and ran his ha
nds down the sides of my body.  “I would kill for you, Zoë…
without hesitation
.”

His words evoked a strong, primal attraction and I kissed him hungrily.  Our passion mounte
d as we stripped.  When I was free of all clothing he pushed me towards the kitchen counter and sat me down upon it.  Our lovemaking was hot, lustful. 

As we panted heavily in each other’s arms afterward, he said, “I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

My legs were still wrapped around his hips as I stared into the infinite blue of his eyes.  I began to kiss his face, his eyelids and finally, his mouth.  He growled when I rubbed up against him.  This time he lifted me and carried me into the bedroom.

***

We departed for Tahiti the next morning.  It would be the peak of summer in the southern hemisphere, so we packed mostly swimsuits and light clothing.  With one small suitcase each, we were escorted to the airport by the two guards. 

Lance tucked his loaded gun inside a shoulder holster and the rifle was packe
d in the suitcase along with ammunition.  “Let’s do this,” he said, removing his passport and weapons permit.

We cleared security without a problem and settled into our first class seats.  The plane took off and I traced the pattern of icy frost on the window with my eyes.  It was snowing and the clouds were dark grey.  Lance reached for my hand and it felt good when he closed his fingers over mine.  I had not lied when I told him that I felt safer knowing he could defend us.  Something suddenly occurred to me.
 

I gave Lance a sidelong glance. 
“Michael doesn’t know?”

Lance raised an eyebrow.  “Know what?”

“That you can fight and use a gun.”

He chuckled.  “Not to brag
, but I know more than just how to use a gun…”

“What I mean is- when he
sent you to spy on me in Italy he had no idea you were as highly trained as my bodyguards.”

He shook his head.  “No.”

“Are you sure?”

He frowned.  “
What?”

“Why would he ask you to go to Italy if he didn’t think you’d be useful?”

“Because he trusts me.”

I crossed my arms.  “Really?”

“Spit it out.  What are you trying to say?”

“What if Michael knew all along that you were consorting with the CIA?  What if asking you to go to Italy was his way of letting you know he’
s onto you?”

“Why would he do that?  Why not just come out and accuse me?”

I crossed my arms.  “You know as well as I do that isn’t his style.  What if he’s had this whole thing planned a long time ago?”

He gave my hand a squeeze.  “You’re being paranoid
, sweetheart.”

“Think about it: he never tried to contact me af
ter the night I was abducted even though he knew we were seeing each other behind his back.  This is Michael Adams we’re talking about here.  You’re telling me that being made a cuckold by his younger brother didn’t rile him?  Not even a little bit?  I find it hard to believe.”

“
So what?  You think he planned this whole thing?  A bit too elaborate, no?”

I smiled without humor.  “Not for Michael.”

The flight attendant offered drinks and we each requested sparkling water.

“Do you think Michael knows we’re flying to Tahiti right now?” Lance asked
with a grin.

“It wouldn’
t surprise me,” I replied seriously.

“He’s st
uck inside a federal prison.  How the hell is he going to know?”

I shrugged.  “One thing I learned about your brother: never underestimate him.  Come to think of it, he didn’t put up mu
ch of a fight in court, did he?  Accepted the prison sentence without so much as blinking; didn’t shed a tear or even feel the need to take a seat.”

“He’s a business man who knows how to hide his emotions.”

I shook my head.  “It’s more than that, Lance.  Your brother has got something up his sleeve.”

Lance sat back and regarded me for a long moment.

“What?” I finally demanded.

“I had no idea you were so paranoid,” he said.

“I’m not paranoid, I’m just…”

“Scared,” he said, finishing my sentence.

“Yes,” I admitted.

“
You need to do something for me- actually three things.”

“What
are they?”

“
Promise me there will be no more talk of Michael or evil plots.  Promise me that you’ll trust me to look after you and protect you.  Promise me that you’ll have a good time in Tahiti.”

“Okay
, I promise.”

We were served a wonderf
ul lunch and then napped afterward.  The mid-afternoon sun shone brilliantly in Tahiti when we landed.  The hotel Lance had booked sent a driver to fetch us at the airport.  He opened the doors of the classic Mercedes Benz and bade us ‘good day’ in French.

“
Bonjour
,” I replied.

“
J'espère que vous avez eu un vol agréable
,” the driver said.

“O
ui, merci.”

I practiced my French with the driver by asking questions and making small talk. 
The landscape was breathtaking.  Lush tropical plants, palm trees, waterfalls and lagoons; no wonder the artist Paul Gauguin came to this amazing island to paint his masterpieces.  Anyone would be inspired in a place like this! 

The driver turned the car onto a private lane that was lined on both sides with thick vegetation.  After a few minutes the
road ended and the car stopped in front of a sprawling white stucco building.  We got out of the car and went inside.  Elegant, biomorphic furniture with natural fabric accessories and potted orchids graced the lobby.  The receptionist behind the desk welcomed us with a dazzling smile and gave us the key to our private bungalow.  She also pointed out the many amenities available on the luxurious property: full service spa (with hammam), gym, five-star restaurant, two swanky bars, and water sports rental facilities.  The private bungalows where the guests stayed were set far enough away from the main building to afford total privacy. 

The
receptionist led us through the lobby and onto a private beach.  I gasped when I saw the crystalline water and powdery white sand.  There was no one to be seen in either direction.  The bungalows were constructed over the lagoon and connected by walkways, which branched from the lobby’s main dock.

“Do you like it?” Lance asked.

“I love it.  This is paradise.”

The
receptionist smiled.  “
Oui
,
Madame
, this is indeed paradise.”

The bellhop was already transporting our suitcases to the
farthest and most private of the charming bungalows.  It was spacious and equipped with every comfort imaginable.  The décor was understated elegance with potted orchids and ferns scattered throughout the room.  There was even a private terrace and boat dock.  No need for a pool with perfect water right outside the door.  Our accommodations were lovely, but the view was priceless.

“Can we live here forever?”
I asked, standing on the terrace and looking at the infinity of aqua water and blue sky.

Lance came to stand behind me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders.  “If that’s what you
want, I can make it happen.”

“We can buy a small bungalow somewhere and live simply.  We’ll eat fish and fresh fruit and become beach bums,” I said, turning around to face him. 

“We can leave our problems in D.C. and just start over.”

I stared at his mouth. 
“Exactement.”

He kissed the tip of my nose.  “Your French isn’t as bad as you said it was, you know.”

“Merci.”

He bent his head and claimed my mouth in a sensuous kiss.  When he pulled away, he asked, “How about a swim?”

I nodded in response.  I went into the bathroom to change into my bikini and when I came out I saw Lance holding the automatic rifle.

“What are you doing?” I asked, surprised.

“Looking for a hiding place,” he replied, looking around the room.

The gun was too big for the safe.  The ceiling consisted of wooden beams, so Lance hopped onto the bed and placed the rifle on top of one of the beams.  I gave him a thumbs-up sign to let him know it was perfectly concealed. 

He changed into his swimming trunks and we entered the water, which was deliciously cool and crystal clear.  Since the bungalows were far apart and strategically positioned to offer total privacy, we could see no one else in the water.  Being the last bungalow meant no one would be walking or swimming near us.  Feeling daring, I took off my bikini and tossed it onto the deck.

Lance’s eyes widened in surprise.  “
Aren’t we sassy?  This is a side of you I haven’t seen yet.”

“Me either,” I confessed.
 

He chuckled and took me in his arms.  “I like it,” he said huskily before kissing my throat.

We made love in the water amidst curious tropical fish.  It was pure bliss.  As I took him into me I felt a pang of fear.  What if I were to lose him?  What if this newfound joy and happiness was suddenly taken away from me?  I closed my eyes and forced the negative thoughts from my head.  I savored the feel of his skin against mine.  Our kisses were salty and wet. 

“
I want you to be my wife,” he whispered in my ear.  “And I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve always wanted that, even when you were married to my brother.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t pick you,” I said.

“Don’t be sorry…people should never have regrets.  Live for today and don’t look back.  Marry me, Zoë.”

“Yes,” I said, wrapping my arms around his
neck.

He pulled away
to look into my eyes.  “Marry me…here, in this paradise.”

I nodded and we held each other close in the water.  I
never wanted the moment to end and could have easily stayed in his arms forever.  We eventually disentangled ourselves, however, and went inside to take showers.  Lance announced that a nap before dinner was in order and I agreed.  We left the terrace doors open to allow the breeze to kiss our naked bodies as we slept on downy white cotton sheets. 

The sun was setting by the time we went out for dinn
er.  I said nothing when Lance placed his gun in the shoulder holster beneath his lightweight dinner jacket.  The evening was balmy and the sky was the color of mango flesh with cerise clouds billowing on the horizon.  I wore a long sapphire dress of lightweight silk that softly caressed my legs as I walked.  There was magic in the twilight; my senses were heightened.

Lance took my hand in his.  “I was serious about wanting to marry you here in Tahiti.”

“I was serious when I said yes.”

He
led me to the restaurant attached to the far side of the main lobby.  Tables were set on the grand terrace overlooking the water.  The many palm trees around the establishment gave it privacy and beauty.  Tanned guests spoke and laughed softly while dining under the stars.  We were shown to our table and ordered the special of the day, which was fresh fish.

For the first time in months I felt totally relaxed.  The restaurant was lit with candles and tiny white lights, creating a soothing and romantic atmosphere.  We were seated far enough from the other guests to allow us to hear the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore and the whispering breeze through the palm trees.  I sighed from pure pleasure.

Lance’s wrist-phone went off.  He looked down and frowned.  “What’s up, Brady?”

My stomach clenched immediately.
  Brady was speaking softly so as not to be overheard, which meant that I could barely make out what he was saying from across the table. Lance’s troubled expression made me sit up in my seat.  When his eyes turned to mine my blood went cold. 

He ended the call and
stood up.  “We need to go.”