To Trap A Temptress (Southern Sanctuary - Book 2) (12 page)

“Maat
Doc, I was there wasn’t I?”

“Okay
well you got trapped underwater for a while, stopped breathing.  You’re
back with me now and we’re floating down stream.  I guess we’re headed out
to sea.  No sign of my attacker, I don’t think they came over the
waterfall with us.”

“We
should get out of the water, head back to the resort.” 

Once
again she held him in place, too easily, it was starting to worry her. 
“No, just let the water do all the work.  Once we get out to sea we can
work our way around to the resort and head ashore then.”

He
turned his head to gaze into her big blue eyes, full of worry and panic that
she was barely keeping at bay. 

“I’m
bleeding Doc.”

“I
know.”  She whispered back.  “But it would be harder and slower for
you if we went over land.  Can you move your legs?”

“Yeah
but my back doesn’t appreciate it when I do.”

“Okay
that’s good.  Maybe you could flip over onto your stomach, let me take a
look.”

With
an almost inaudible grunt of pain Drum managed to turn in her arms.  Nell
let out a hissed breath between clenched teeth.  Anyone else would have
been screaming in pain but not her He-man.  Three large jagged gashes
split his back, one across his left shoulder blade, one low and to the right of
his spinal column and the last one lower again at the top of his left
buttock.  His back must have hit the rocks lining the bottom of the pool
at the base of the waterfall.

“Tell
me Doc... is my career as a swimsuit model at an end?”

Nell
huffed a laugh.  “I’ve seen worse, no bone visible, the spine looks okay
but to be on the safe side you might want to invest in some gloves and think
about switching to hand modelling.”

“I’ll
take that under advisement.”  He noted the mouth of the river beginning to
widen as the ocean came into view.  “We need to start heading over to the
right, the resort is over that way.  Plus we don’t want to travel too far
out to sea.”

“Okay.” 
Nell continued to grip his shoulders tightly, doing her best to manoeuvre them
over towards the right bank.

Drum
groaned again, softer than before but it was indicative of the amount of pain
he must be experiencing. 

“You
steer us, I’ll kick.”  Nell urged as Drum issued a tight harsh curse
between clenched teeth as the salty ocean water splashed across his open wounds. 

The
waters around the opening were a little rough as the river current met and
mixed with the incoming ocean tide.  Small waves splashed over them both,
sea water hitting Nell in the eyes as she fought to get them into the calmer
waters off to the side of the mouth opening. 

Finally
the pull of the currents let up and Nell was able to dial down her
efforts.  Breathing hard she rested for a moment, pleased to find her feet
were able to touch the sandy ocean floor. 

“I
can stand… no you keep floating.  The more rest we can give your back the
better.”  It seemed to take hours before the resort came into sight but
realistically Nell knew that barely fifteen minutes had passed.  “Should I
signal for help from those on the beach?”  She asked trusting Drum to know
how injured he was and gauge how much help he would require.

“No. 
Take us past them until you see the path leading up to the cottage.  I’ll
be able to walk up with your help.  If we get the locals involved we’ll
have a hard time explaining when I’m up and around in a few hours.”

“You’ll
really be able to heal that fast?”  Nell asked.

“Between
your medical skills and my natural healing powers… yeah I’m sure.”

They
made it up the beach unseen. Drum only stumbling twice, doing his best not to
lean too heavily on Nell’s slight shoulders.  Once they reached their
cottage Nell led him over to the outdoor shower next the swimming pool. 

“Wait
here.” 

“Seriously
Doc… I really just need to crash.”

“And
I want to clean up those wounds.  Just stay right here I’ll grab my kit
and some anti-bacterial wash.”

“Okay.” 
Drum was too tired to fight. 

In
fact he was almost too tried to stand, the concrete at his feet was even
beginning to look comfortable.  Damn, his adrenalin levels were crashing
and his body was going into healing mode.  Swaying on his feet he managed
to shuffle forward and grab hold of the shower pole for support.  Perhaps
he’d even fallen asleep on his feet for just a minute because suddenly Nell was
back.  Turning on the shower she gently manoeuvred him so he was standing
directly under the spray.  Breath hissing out in low curses as the water
hit his back. 

“I’m
going to cut your clothes off now okay?”  Nell held up a scalpel that
glinted in the sunlight. 

The
cool water had revived him a little, enough to try and help her by unbuttoning
his shorts whilst she sliced off the ragged remains of his t-shirt. 

“The
jockey shorts need to go too.”  Nell commented behind him, eyeing the low
gash at the top of his buttocks.  He dealt with those whilst she began
applying the medical wash to his shoulders and back.  “We need to get all
the sand and salt water off you.”  Nell pushed his head further under the
spray. 

“She
cuts my clothes off me… we shower together… she gets a little rough…”

“What
are you mumbling about?”  She ran quick fingers through his hair to help
dislodge any stubborn grains of sand.

“I
was just saying that this has all the hallmarks of a great fantasy.”

Nell
huffed out an exasperated sigh, turning the shower off before handing Drum a
towel.  “Don’t let it near your wounds.  Here follow me.  You
can lay down on one of the loungers while I take a look.” 

Gathering
up her kit she turned to find him already collapsed face down on the nearest
lounger.

“Here’s
good.”  He managed to mumble through a face full of cushion and towel.

“The
shade would have been better.”  Nell started cleaning her hands with
sanitary wipes.

“Born
of sun… always makes things better.”

“Glad
to hear that since I don’t think I could move you without a little help. 
You okay there He-man?” 

He
managed to turn his head to the side to meet her concerned blue eyes. 
“Just need to rest.”

“Okay
well to help with the healing I’m going to use my favourite all-purpose blue
ointment and maybe…”  She cast an assessing eye down his back. 
“Something to close the wounds... okay?”

“No
more blue ointment, I used it all the other day on your ankle.”  Points to
him for still being coherent.

She
gave him a small slightly evil smile as one of her soft cool hands came up to
rest on his forehead.  “It’s algae based, it should have regenerated by
now.  Just relax… I’ve got you.”

Drum
didn’t particularly like the idea of algae being applied to any part of his
body let alone open wounds but the Doc sounded so sure of herself and she was
just so darn pretty.  That was his last thought as a deep healing sleep
rolled him under to oblivion.

Chapter
Twelve

Drum
woke instantly to the knowledge that he was lying face down bare ass naked, the
sun beginning to wane on the horizon, hinting at a coming glorious
sunset.  He waggled his bare feet which hung over the edge of the
lounger.  Somewhere along the line the Doc must have taken off his hiking
boots.  Muscles flexed throughout his lower back, only giving him the most
negligent twinges of pain to suggest that he’d ever been injured.  
Maat he loved being an almost immortal warrior for truth and balance. 

Lifting
himself up onto his elbows he quickly surveyed the lay of the land.  Maat
who was he kidding, his first and only thought was of Nell and if she was
okay.  Instinctively his eyes sought and found her immediately, curled up
on a sun lounger of her own a few feet away.  She was asleep, turned on
her side facing him, wearing a pale pink sundress, her honey golden hair down, curling
around her face and arms.  He ran his gaze over her intently, gritting his
teeth as he noted the long red healing scratches on her bare arms and
legs.  Fuck they must have happened during the attack earlier today as
she’d been dragged down the river bed before it mysteriously turned into a
raging torrent.  He’d been so caught up in his own pain he hadn’t thought
to ask if she’d sustained any injuries.   Swinging his legs over the
side of the lounger he eased himself up into a sitting position, draping the
towel he’d been lying on over his lap. 

Beside
the lounger was a waiting bottle of water, grabbing it he drained the contents
dry, hoping to ease the harsh taste of sea water that lingered at the back of
his nose and throat.
 
He must have
made a sound or Nell was a light sleeper because when he glanced her way her
eyes were open, studying him intently.  Hauling herself into a sitting
position she patted her sun flushed cheeks before grabbing her wayward hair and
throwing it back over one shoulder.

“Sorry
I must have fallen asleep, how long have you been awake?  How do you
feel?”

“Settle
down Doc, I’ve only just opened my eyes myself and as for my state of health, I
feel good.”  He raised an eyebrow and sent her a wicked half smile. 
“Want to see?”

Nell
had spent several hours contemplating the sheer perfection of Drum’s naked back
and buttocks whilst he healed, she didn’t need any reminders.  “No I’m
more than happy to take your word on it.”

“Spoilsport.”

She
didn’t rise to his teasing instead she got to her feet to head inside. 
“I’m going to get a wine from the bar.  You want anything?”

“I’d
kill for a beer.”

Whilst
the Doc went in search of beverages Drum stood up to wrap the towel completely
around his waist, tucking in the edge to hold it more securely.  Then he
picked up his lounger and moved it over next to the one Nell was
using.   

“I
could find you some clothes.”  Nell offered as she returned handing him
his drink.

“Later
I don’t want to miss the sunset.”  He reached over and patted her
lounger.  “Come on.”

Looking
slightly dubious she sank down onto the cushions.  Heaving a small sigh
she crossed her legs at the ankles, relaxed back and took a big sip of chilled
white wine.  For the first time since the incident at the stream she was
able to relax.  Drum was officially okay and they were both safe. 
Looking out past the tropical garden she noted the sky was beginning to streak
deep oranges and reds across the sky. 

“Tough
day at the office Doc?”

She
couldn’t help but laugh.  “You know just the usual.”

“Which
is a worry when you think about it because technically you’re on holiday.”

“True.” 
She took another sip of wine.  “Did you get a look at it?  Whatever
attacked me?”

“Not
really, something... someone liquid based.  What did you see?”

“My
life flashing before my eyes and lots and lots of water mostly.”

“Yeah. 
Not only is it made of water it can call more water.  Any idea what it
wanted with you?”

“Either
it wants to kill me or it never wants me to go near water again.”  Nell
glanced towards the small private pool, a shudder of dread running through her.

“It’s
kind of impressive how it could utilise that stream of water, there was barely
a trickle there but that’s all it needed to stage the attack.”

“Are
you trying to say I need to be wary of killer puddles now too?”

“I
think you need to be suspicious of any and all water from now until we get out
of here Doc.  I don’t want you more than five feet away from me when we’re
outside this cottage, got it?”

“Got
it.”  Nell took another sip, noting the sky had added an array of purples
and blues to the sunset since she’d last looked.  “So do you think who
ever tried to kill me today will try again?”

“It
seems inevitable.  Have you thought anymore about anyone here who might be
holding a grudge against you?”

“All
I did at school was study, sleep and study some more.  Who could I have
possibly upset?  And if they’re so darn resentful why have they waited ten
years to exact their revenge?”

Drum
mulled over the problem. “Because something has to have changed between then
and now.  Who do you keep in contact with besides Julie?”

“Hardly
anyone, we all just drifted apart once med school was over, focusing on our
careers. The alumni newsletter is how I stay current with what everyone is up
to.”

“No
jealous rivalries?”

“I
gave up a surgical career to become a jack of all trades doctor covering three
country towns.  Who would be jealous of that?”

The
fairy lights and garden night lights all switched on as the last ray of sunlight
beamed across the purple twilight sky and vanished. 

“It’s
a conundrum.”  Drum got to his feet.

“Where
are you going?”

“To
put some clothes on, grab us some more drinks and order up room service, we’re
eating in tonight, okay?”

“Sounds
good.”  And it did, after the day they had she couldn’t contemplate trying
to dredge up the energy to mix and mingle.  And quite frankly the thought
of spending some alone time with Drum was way more appealing than any silly
quiz night.

“Okay
then, stay out of the pool until I get back.”

“Ha
ha, very funny.”  She turned her head to watch him saunter inside, her
eyes glued to the play of muscles of his back as he moved.  Already the
scars were only an angry series of dark red lines, by morning there would
probably be no sign of them.  She was torn between wanting to ask Drum for
a blood sample and requesting he drop the towel.  Goddess darn it, she
drained the last of her wine, perhaps staying in just the two of them wasn’t
such a good idea after all.

*         
           
*         
            *

“Dinner’s
ready.”

Nell
jumped in surprise. 

Drum
was standing beside her lounger dressed in his bathers and that ridiculous
sarong, his feet still bare.  He called that getting dressed?  It
left acres of his gorgeous golden coffee coloured skin on display.  And
what it didn’t show the almost see-through material of the sarong teased and
hinted at. 

“Coming?” 

She
gave herself a small pep talk as she followed him inside.  She was a
Doctor for Goddess sake.
 
She’d seen more
nudity in her short life time than a porn director.  She needed to stop
ogling and daydreaming over Drum’s body and start acting like a
professional.  She should be thinking about who wanted to hurt her instead
of mooning over Drum’s abs… chest... shoulders… legs… okay, okay the entire
stupendous package that was Drum. 

She
came to an abrupt halt at the patio doors.  As usual once the sun had set
the resort staff had turned up to light all the hurricane lanterns but it
wasn’t the mood lighting that caught her attention.  That was reserved for
the table set for two now smack dab in the middle of the room covered with a
crisp white linen tablecloth topped with a small vase of hibiscus, a heavy
silver ice bucket and more flickering candles.

“Wine?” 
Drum was holding out a fresh glass.

“Remind
me to write a glowing recommendation for the staff on the survey when it’s time
to check out.”  She muttered taking the glass and a seat.  “So what’s
on the menu for tonight?”

“Well
if I’d known the set up was going to be so high class I probably would have
ordered differently.”  Drum actually looked kind of sheepish as he moved
to the nearby waiting cart, shuffled some lids and came up with two
plates.  “Steak sandwiches and French fries.”

“Oh
thank the Goddess, I’m starving and that sounds perfect.”  She smiled in
delight as he placed the plate in front of her.  The sandwich was as big
as her head and the pile of fries looked daunting but after the day she had she
needed the energy and the indulgence. 

Drum
took the seat across from her, pouring himself a glass of wine.  “You sure
Doc?  I can call up for something else if you’d rather.”

“Nope,
this is exactly what I need.”  To prove her point she picked up half the
sandwich and took a big bite. 

Drum
laughed softly before following suit.  They ate in silence for the first
five minutes before the initial pangs of hunger were satisfied, then they began
to slow down and actually enjoy the meal. 

Nell
wiped her hands on her napkin before picking up her glass.
 
“Is there any chance if we return to the scene of
the crime that you might pick up a scent we could use to track?”

Drum
finished chewing, wiped his mouth and shook his head.  “The sight would be
washed clean.”

“It
was lucky you were carrying your knife.”

Drum
winced, fuck he’d forgotten about his knife.  “Yeah.”

“We
could go back and look for it.”

“It
could be half way to the ocean by now.  I have others from the same set,
it’s fine.”

“But
it was probably your favourite.  I’m the same with my Deek’s
scalpel.  I don’t even like when the nurses touch it.”

“No
it’s good, I had six made originally, I still have five.”

“You
sure?”

“It’s
what we call in my business an acceptable loss.”  Drum picked up the
remaining half of his sandwich whilst Nell picked at a few fries.  “You
appear remarkably calm for someone whose been attacked twice in as many
days.”  Drum commented between bites. 

Nell
shrugged and picked up her wine.  “I’m a Doctor and a Surgeon, you learn
pretty quickly to compartmentalise or you don’t survive in the medical
world.”  A sudden gust of wind caused the table candles to flicker, the
smell of coming rain sweetening the humid air.  “Smells like it’s going to
rain.”  She noted, turning her head to look outside. 

Drum
glimpsed a flicker of lightning in the far distant sky as dark grey
thunderclouds ate away swiftly at the black starry night.   “More
like storm.”  He finished the last of his sandwich and eyed what was left
on her plate with hopeful eyes. 

Nell
laughed and shook her head.  “Take it, just leave me some fries.”

“Thanks.”

“Please,
I’m the one who should be thanking you.  You’ve saved me twice now, half a
steak sandwich is the least I can do.”

“I
believed you saved me right back today Doc.”

“You
wouldn’t have been in that position in the first place if it wasn’t for me.”

“How
about we both graciously accept the thanks due and move on?”

“Just
one last question.  Would Maat have let you die out there today?  Can
you die?”

“Yes
and yes.  Maat has always been about choices… freewill.  But she tends
to play a long-con so sometimes it’s hard to tell where her interference begins
and ends.  Vaughn’s been the closest to death out of all of us and even
then he said he stood at the gates of Valhalla and it was still his choice as
to whether he stepped through or came back.”

“He
was willing to go where ever Hadleigh chose to go.”

“And
Maat would have let him go from this plane if he’d decided to move on.  We
don’t know what would happen to us if we sustained a mortal wound or were say
blown up, we suspect the choice would be taken out of our hands at that point.”

“But
you’ve served Maat for over a hundred years.  Surely she’d step in and
save you?”

“What
if it were a good death?”

“I’ve
seen a lot of death, there’s no such thing.”  Nell scoffed, pushing away her
plate.

“I’m
talking about dying to protect someone you love, innocent bystanders…
children.”

“So
we’re back to acceptable losses.”

Drum
shook his head.  “A good death.”

“And
I say there’s no such thing.  Take today for example, if you’d died saving
me then I would never be able to forgive myself, how is that a good
death?  What am I supposed to do next?  Meet a man, marry him, have
kids, grandkids, all the time knowing the price that was paid so I could have
my life?”