The ride was bumpy, the humidity high and by the time Snake drove into town, he was on edge. Lying to Katherine wasn’t in his best interest, but given the photographs and the discussion with Pepe, he knew he had no other choice. He managed to find a secluded spot and parked the jeep. After exiting, he studied the area, watching the locals as they came and went. He had no reason to believe he’d been followed or that they’d be in town but being cautious was necessary.

He’d brought enough cash to get him what he needed, no questions asked. As long as there were no complications, he’d be back at the villa before Katherine believed she should ask questions. What little he knew about the boat would allow him to pick up a few things. He’d scoured the deck and the area below, including the engine, looking for any signs of tampering. He could see nothing that seemed amiss.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and headed for the Island Café. There were only a few customers inside and no one paid any attention as he sat down, grabbing one of the small menus. The table he’d selected had a direct view of both sides of the street. At this point, he was secure. Whether or not the owner was behind the counter, he’d soon find out. As the older man approached, his eyes darting down Snake’s body, no doubt looking for weapons.

“Coffee?” the man asked.

“Are you Julio?”

“Yeah. Do I know you?”

“No, but I was told you were the man to see.” Sliding a piece of paper across the table, he waited to see what the man’s reaction would be.

Unfolding the note, the older man eyed the writing, looked at Snake again then eased the paper back across the stained wood. “I think you’ve made a mistake.”

“Have I? I was given the recommendation by Jerry.”

Julio lifted his eyebrows, hesitating before giving a single nod. “I don’t get much traffic here, but Jerry is a good friend. If he sent you, I guess you’re okay. Come with me. Don’t talk. Don’t say a word.”

“Understood.” Snake grabbed the request, shoving the paper into his back pocket before following Julio through a long back hall and down a set of stairs into a basement. The area was damp, reeking of moisture and mold.

Giving him another hard glare, Julio pulled out a set of keys. “Ten thousand American cash.”

“I came prepared.”

“Good. I like doing business with smart Americans.” Unlocking a door, he pushed it open.

The musty smell was replaced with something else, the scent of gunpowder and metal. Snake exhaled as he was led inside, the single swinging bulb turned on. The room was set up like a store room, only the contents had nothing to do with food or wine. Boxes of guns, various types of ammunition aligned the walls.

“Smith and Wesson 9mm, good choice. Don’t get a lot of requests for those from tourists.” Julio pulled out a handgun from a locker, handing the pistol to Snake.

“Not a tourist.”

“And you know your guns.”

Snake moved the gun back and forth into the light, checking the chamber and the weight. Holding it in both hands, he liked the feel, remembering one he’d owned many years before. “I know what I need for what I’m shooting. Ammunition?”

“How many boxes?”

“Four.”

Julio raised his eyebrows, a slight curl on his face. “All right. I can even throw in a fifth if you want.” He reached into the cabinet, stacking the boxes.

“Four will do.” As he was handed the rounds, he was able to fit them in his jacket, along with the gun. He pulled the envelope from his back pocket, pulling out the cash. “And not a soul finds out about this or I will know, and I will come back. Are we clear?”

The look on his face changed, shifting into a slight hint of fear. “I got it. I don’t know shit in this town any longer anyway. Just keep this between us. I don’t need any shit.”

Nodding, he turned to walk out of the room.

“You the man they talk about?”

Tipping his head over his shoulder, Snake tried to remember if he’d ever seen Julio before. Too many years had gone by, too many faces. “I’m nobody. Just a dead man.”

“I hear you. Good luck.”

“Yeah.” He climbed the stairs two at a time and headed down the street. Yanking out his phone, he debated the call, one that would cause alarm. Logan had no idea what he’d been involved in, had never learned of his secret life. But to place his and Tyler’s life into harm’s way he refused to do. Dialing the number, he held his breath.

“I thought you’d be basking on a beach somewhere,” Logan said then laughed.

Snake breathed out and glanced up and down the street before answering. “Not that kind of trip. I need you to do something for me.”

“Sure. Okay. Are you all right?”

“Fine. Listen carefully and don’t ask any questions. I’ll explain later. Take Tyler on a trip.”

“Excuse me? Why? There is an entire ranch here to tend to.”

“Just do it!” Snake fisted his hand, anger swelling from deep within. “The crew can take care of the ranch. Tell them you have to get away for a few days, but don’t tell anyone, and I do mean anyone, where you’re going. Don’t leave me a message with an address. Nothing. Got it?”

Logan exhaled, the sound exaggerated. “What the hell is going on, Snake? Did something happen?”

“Nothing…” He tried to control his tone of voice. “There’s nothing wrong. Just precautionary. I can’t say anymore right now. Trust me and for once, do as I say.”

“I don’t like this.”

Yeah, well neither did he. “You’re due for some time away. Take Tyler somewhere fun. I’ll pay the expenses.”

“Fine. But you damn well better tell me what’s going on.”

“I will when I can. Just trust me.” With your life. The words and the thought were haunting. He patted the gun, his thoughts drifting, and he had the distinct impression he was being watched.

Logan hesitated. “All right. Call me when you can. I’ll leave tomorrow.”

“Tonight! It has to be tonight.”

“Jesus Christ. Fine. Tonight. Damn it, Snake. I thought we were finally going to live a normal life. I guess I was wrong.”

He knew the call had ended, could hear the terse sound of his brother’s voice. Logan had every right to be concerned. Nothing had been normal for years. If only his brother knew the real reason why. That, would kill him.

After shoving his phone back into his pocket, he set out to purchase a few items for the boat. At this point, he couldn’t trust Katherine, not completely. His entire life could come crashing down and one thing he knew for certain. If his instincts were right, this time, he was a dead man.

* * *

Katherine sat on the deck, her mind wandering. Nothing had been taken from the house, but she knew someone had been inside. The way the items were moved on the kitchen island, positioned as if strategically placed for a message. She held her phone in her hands, wondering if what little security she had encrypted on the cellphone had been breached. What would they find exactly? Emails. The only aspect that would be of any concern were emails, but even then, what would the perpetrator find useful?

Closing her eyes, she rubbed her forehead and tried to remain rational. Nothing seemed to make sense, but her gut told her a game was being played. Was Snake behind the concept of a ruse? Well, he’d appeared out of nowhere. He wasn’t a regular player on the scene and from what little information she’d been able to garner, had a colorful past.

Then she’d had sex with him.

“Christ.” A laugh bubbled up from her throat. Not just sex. Damn hot sex. He could be a true enemy for all she knew. Checking her watch, she grimaced. If they didn’t get out on the water soon, they’d have to stay close to shore. She heard a noise and bristled, jerking up from the chair.

Snake stood behind the floor to ceiling glass, his eyes pinned on her. He didn’t blink, nor did he move.

A single quiver trickled down her spine. She’d never seen such raw desire, burning need. Holding her breath, she walked to the door, every nerve standing on end. Hesitating, she wasn’t entirely certain whether going out alone in the middle of the ocean was in her best interest. Trust. The word no longer seemed to be in her vocabulary. “I wasn’t certain how long you’d be.”

He gave her a hard once over. “I’ll change and grab the scuba gear. When you’re ready, head down to the boat.”

Nodding, she moved to walk past him. Even the scent of the man, a woodsy cologne, a hint of testosterone was enough to make her pussy wet, her nipples hard. “Did you get what you needed?”

Snake tilted his head, his eyes resting on her neck. “At this point. I also grabbed a few groceries as well. Should keep us here for a few days.” Shifting, he pulled back his jacket.

“Good.” She slid her hand to her neck, aimlessly rubbing the tips of her fingers across her jugular. And she could swear she noticed the outline of a gun. A cold chill remained. “I’ll be down there in a few minutes.”

When she started to walk away, he grabbed her arm, jerking her against his chest, his fingers digging into her skin. Breathing out, he narrowed his eyes before lowering his head. “One day you will belong to me. Body and soul.” Crushing her mouth, he thrust his tongue inside as he wrapped his hand around her neck.

She fisted her hands and pushed them against his arms, fear and uncertainly crawling into every vein, every bone. Yet no matter how she tried, she couldn’t resist his touch, the ravaging kiss. Relaxing, she entwined her tongue with his, tasting, the kiss becoming carnal and one she never wanted to end. She felt weak in his arms, longing to submit to any command.

Grunting, he pulled back her head, breaking the moment of heated passion and bit down on her neck.

“Oh!” The way he ground his hips into her stomach, the feel of his throbbing cock drove her wild. When he let her go, moving away completely, she fought to remain standing.

Without saying another word, he walked away, his muscular legs pumping.

She brushed the back of her hand across her lips as she tried to control her breathing. Swallowing hard, she headed for the bedroom. Body and soul. The concept was as terrifying as it was enthralling.

But she knew without a doubt, that’s exactly what she wanted.

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Katherine held her hand over her eyes, studying the waves. She’d mapped out a perfect location, a pristine reef that she knew had damage from an earlier oil spill. The ecosystem would take twenty plus years to fully recover. As Snake adjusted the spilling, slowly moving them out into open water, she had to admit, she wasn’t surprised at his level of skill. There was little the man couldn’t do.

The waves rocked the boat, forcing her to sit. Wind whipped through her hair, the salt spray a welcome relief to the sweltering day. She studied him as he stood behind the controls, maneuvering the boat with ease. He was in absolute control, as he was in no doubt every other area of his life. He’d said maybe three words since he’d helped her get on, merely going about his work as if nothing more than a hired hand.

She’d checked the gear more than once, fearful it had been tampered with. She’d been on enough dives to know what to look for. Everything checked out. Still, she remained on edge and there was no particular reason. After a few minutes, she moved closer, grabbing two bottles of water from the cooler. “How long?”

“Forty-five minutes,” Snake said before casually looking over. “With the wind, maybe less. We need to be mindful of the approaching storm.”

Nodding, she moved closer to the edge, staring off the bow. The water was choppy, but their dive wasn’t deep, at least not today.

“You’re afraid of me.”

The statement catching her off guard, she could feel her muscles tensing. “I don’t know you.”

“You know everything you need to at this point.”

She looked over her shoulder. He was so damn calm, as if nothing mattered to him. “And what if I want to know more?”

Very slowly, he removed his sunglasses. “Be careful what you ask for.”

Even his words were different today, his mannerisms. As if a light had been flipped. “Who is Pepe to you?”

“I told you, just an old acquaintance.”

“Which implies time spent with the man and I’m betting we’re not talking about for his excellent taste in food and beverage.” Katherine caught a glimmer of anger. Then the raw emotion was gone.

“As I said. Be careful what you ask for. There is no turning back.”

She folded her arms and walked closer. “You gave me a choice last night. I asked so I want everything including your trust.”

“Trust is earned much like respect, but if you’re asking if I trust you, I do. At this point.”

Chuckling, she shook her head. “We were so close last night.”

“What we do during our private time is entirely different. You do as I say without question or your punishment will be severe. However, business is something else entirely. At this moment, we are here for business and nothing else. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal.” There were so many things she wanted to say, nasty retorts on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t say them. Dear God, she wanted to obey. Walking around him, she dropped the bottle of water by his feet.

“Make no mistake. I will protect you with my life.”

She stopped cold, goosebumps popping along her naked arms and the back of her neck. What in the hell had this man been through? “I know.”

“Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.”

There were no additional conversations, no attempts at making small talk as the ride continued. She checked the maps and when she knew they were close, she moved by his side. “There.” The entire body of water had changed, a deep turquoise surrounding the boat. They’d passed no other vessels on the way and were at least ten miles from shore. One side of the reef was shallow, coral coming to within twenty feet of the surface. Only a few hundred yards away, the shelf dropped off, going several hundred feet into the abyss.

A perfect dumping ground.

“Beautiful here,” Snake managed.

“One of the most amazing coral reefs in the world and almost forty percent was destroyed by careless workers, oil riggers who had no business being employed.” She could sense his hard stare. Did he even know what in the hell she was talking about? “And you have no understanding of what I’m saying.”

“August fifteenth, two thousand and nine. The offshore rig dumped four thousand gallons of oil directly into the ocean. Given the wind speed and water flow, the oil moved over one hundred miles, killed thousands of fish, destroying hundreds of acres of coral. While various finger pointing occurred, the only man brought to justice was the CEO of the firm responsible and not only did he receive a lucrative severance package, but he was never charged with a crime. However, four of the workers were sent to prison given their criminal records and the activities that were discovered on the rig. The stock plummeted and to this day, they’ve never been able to recover.” Snake walked closer until he stood only a few inches away. “In fact, the rig was shut down almost four years ago in its entirety. So yes, Katherine, I know exactly what you are saying. I understand your concern if and when Rush decides to install another offshore rig.”

She licked her dry lips and pulled her hair out of her face.

“I was up close and personal given I was one of the first oceanographers on the scene.” When he walked around her, he chuckled. He stopped but didn’t turn around. “Get ready. I’ll anchor the boat”

“Yes, sir.” The words floated out of her mouth before she realized it. Cringing, she was wet and hot all over. And it had nothing to do with the extreme humidity.

She struggled into the wetsuit as well as the gear, cognizant that he watched her every move. The equipment provided was state of the art, the BDC and dive computer top of the line, but the tanks were filled with compressed air, the system used well over fifteen years before. This would prevent longer and deeper dives, but was safe, as long as they followed the regulations. After adjusting the weights and grabbing her mask and snorkel, she trudged toward the stern and the dive platform. The wind had died down, the reef and ocean life glistening in the bright sun. The colors were magnificent, yellows, purples and oranges highlighted. The fish were teeming, unaffected by the boat. They were used to divers foraging their realm. Everything was tranquil, the perfect day for a dive.

Snake moved by her side. “I’ll follow your lead.”

She noticed the underwater camera and had to admit, she was surprised as well as impressed. He was taking this seriously. “Forty minutes then we surface.”

“Understood. Stay right by my side. Do not venture off.” Snake clipped the last buckle on his vest then slid a knife into a strap on his leg.

For some reason, the act gave her pause, as if he was anticipating danger. Although she’d been taught to carry knives and had one strapped to her waist, the knife he was carrying had nothing to do with diving. The blade serrated, at least six inches long and no doubt had been used as a deadly weapon.

He noticed her look, his eyes narrowing, his expression smug. Another secret. Perhaps another lie. “I didn’t hear your answer.”

“Yes, sir.” But her words held a tone of disgust.

Snake exhaled but said nothing else.

Easing the regulator into her mouth, she checked the gauges one last time before placing and holding the mask over her eyes. The jump into the water was solid and she immediately dove down, heading for the largest reef. She hadn’t been under the water for several years, her career and her married life forcing her first love to take a back seat. While normally claustrophobic, she was relaxed, even at peace as she kicked out, swimming through a school of damsel fish, their electric blue coloration dazzling.

She could tell he remained behind her, his skills and training obvious by how he handled the gear. As she swam toward the various juggernauts of bleached out coral, she pointed out several areas, indications of the effects of man. The signs of the oil spill were easy to see the further down she swam.

Snake took several pictures, nodding to indicate his understanding. Soon, he was swimming by her side, his powerful legs gliding through the water with ease.

For several minutes, they remained side by side, his actions showing excitement as he seemed to realize what he was seeing.

Katherine almost felt vindication, as if her teaching here today would mean something, could possibly change the outcome of his report back to Rush. Everything around them was exquisite and to the untrained eye, only the beauty of the quiet and breathtaking undersea world could be seen. Hundreds of fish were everywhere, carefully avoiding their advance. She noticed a stingray, his massive size mesmerizing. She knew they were going deeper, but the free-floating feeling was surreal, giving her such joy.

Snake swam close to a grouper, taking picture after picture of the one hundred plus pound fish. For a few seconds, she simply floated, allowing the gentle waves to carry her. When he turned in her direction, she could tell he was smiling. This was a damn good day.

When he took the lead, she followed behind him as he seemed to discover malformations and areas where nothing seemed to be able to grow. She was more disturbed than ever, her anger bridging the surface.

He grabbed her wrist, pointing to another area then heading in the direction.

A quick glance at her computer gave her pause. They were already at sixty feet. When she looked up, she was surprised he was nowhere to be seen. Swimming in a full circle, she was unable to locate him or a trail of his bubbles. She kicked out, moving through the water in the direction she thought he’d gone. Within seconds, a crushing feeling of being unable to breathe settled into her chest.

Don’t panic. Breathe slowly. She hadn’t experienced a panic attack in years, working diligently through her teenage years to learn to avoid the terror. Now? She held her regulator in her mouth, counting her breaths before checking the amount of air left. Twenty-two hundred pounds. Everything is all right. Breathe normally. After a few seconds, she was okay and took off again.

Where in the fuck had he gone? She was incensed he’d leave her. To make matters worse, other than the anchor, there was no hang line dangling from the boat. What a stupid and novice mistake. As she swam around a larger reef, she was startled. The grey reef shark was alone, swimming back and forth, no doubt hunting. Fish were everywhere, swimming in a desperate attempt to get away. The frenzy was sudden, catching her off guard. And from where she floated, she could just make out what appeared to be a second shark, maybe a third.

Panic settled in, a mind-numbing understanding that she was in significant danger.

Then the first shark turned and within seconds was only a foot away. She heard the sound she made and kicked out, the movement and her heavy breathing causing a series of bubbles, drawing more attention.

Twisting her body, she kicked out and the powerful fins allowed her to accelerate through the water. She headed in the direction of the boat, using the various reefs to guide her.

Wham!

The shove from the shark’s snout was powerful enough her regulator was booted out of her mouth.

Fighting the increasing terror, she snagged the line, able to shove it into her mouth and swirled around, searching the entire area. The sharks were nowhere to be seen. Her entire body was shaking as she checked her air. What the hell? She had only eight hundred pounds left. Dear God, where in the hell was he? Why did he leave her? Wait a minute… Her mind was filled with wretched thoughts. He’d taken her out here to kill her.

Kicking out, she took off again and her panic caused disorientation. She was an experienced diver. Think. Breathe. Think.

Bam!

The solid hit was followed by the shark swimming under her then around, circling. Entrapping. Just as she was about to bolt for the surface, a flash caught her eye. The shark was headed in her direction. In a stage of shock, she was unable to move.

The shark’s massive pectoral fin moved back and forth, the powerful muscle creating waves.

And it was headed straight for her.

There was no way she was going to get out of this. Fumbling to get to her knife, she wrapped her hand around the sheath, yanking.

Whoosh!

The dark flash was instantaneous. Then there was another color.

Blood.

Snake wrestled with the creature, rolling and spinning.

No. No! She was frozen for a second, she could see the silhouette of the two others. Snake, please be all right.

Blood was seeping, calling to the others. There was nothing to do but head to the surface. Once she broke free, she turned in a complete circle. The boat was only thirty feet away. Ripping the regulator from her mouth, she gulped for air as the claustrophobia took over. Unable to focus, she swam in the direction of the boat.

Until something grabbed at her fin, yanking, trying to pull her under. Twisting and kicking out, a dorsal fin remained in view. A single scream pushed up from her throat and she kicked out again, making headway. Almost. Almost to the boat. Snake. Where was he? She needed to see him.

The shark was close. Too close.

Katherine struggled, swimming as fast as possible given the weights. As her hand grabbed the ladder, there was another pull. She was losing strength. As she tried to kick out, she felt hands wrapping around her and seconds later, she was tossed onto the platform. Scrambling, she shoved her body away from the edge.

Whoosh!

Snake’s body appeared, waves splashing over him as he flew onto the decking.

Moaning, she yanked off the mask, throwing it across the stern, her chest heaving as she blinked several times. “What the fuck…” She rolled onto her back, trying to comprehend what just happened.

“Are you hurt?” Snake crawled in her direction, hovering over. “Let me take a look.” He straightened her leg and pushed the hair from her face.

“Let me go. I’m fine.” She scooted away as the rage increased. Sitting up, she glanced over the side of the boat. While there was no sign of any of the sharks, the blood had reached the surface. “You fucking left me. You never do that!”

“I didn’t leave you. I was right there and could see you the entire time.” Snake yanked off his fins and rose to his feet.

His knife glistened in the sun, catching her eye. Shrinking back even further, she had no idea what to think. She ripped at her vest, tearing the BCD off. When she was free of the equipment, she stood and paced the boat, a cold chill slithering down her back, her legs and creating cramps in her leg muscles. “I don’t understand you! You’re not some vigilante. You can’t just go and kill wildlife!”

Snake gave her a heated look before removing his gear. “You panicked. What was I supposed to do?”

“I didn’t panic.” But she knew she had. All the years of training, the hundreds of dives she’d experienced over the years and she’d allowed her emotions as well as her crippling condition to steal away her resolve. “Why did you leave me? Why? You’re dangerous.”

Taking long strides, he closed the distance, yanking her into his arms. Capturing her mouth, he held her head with both hands, refusing to let her go.

She struggled, pushing hard against his chest, every last ounce of strength fighting to get away. She didn’t need this. She didn’t want him. Not him. Not ever. As the kiss continued, his tongue exploring the dark recesses of her mouth, she could hear nothing but the sound of her heart.

His actions barbaric, he grunted as the kiss continued, his fingers digging into her skin.

She’d never felt so alive, electrified by the crazed intensity. Gripping his arms, she jutted her hips forward, longing for his body against hers. She was tingling all over, her skin prickled by the wind and by the heat of his kiss.

When Snake pulled back, his eyes darting back and forth, he issued a single growl before speaking. “I didn’t leave you. I would never put you in harm’s way. You need to learn that about me, sweetheart. I would absolutely die for you.”

The words stunning, she opened her eyes wide and for all the wrong reasons, she wanted this man. He was wild and free, angry and vicious, but he was exactly what she wanted. In fact, she was falling in love with him.