Spank me. Whip me.”

My God. The words he’d longed to hear from someone he cared about for far too long. He was shaking, his body pumped by adrenaline. Katherine had provided the key for Pandora’s Box and there was no stopping what they’d begun. Still, he knew he had to be careful. No matter the welts covering her back, the concept that she’d always craved a firm hand, she was breakable.

For several reasons, in Snake’s mind, he needed to be very protective of her. Not only the conversations at dinner had been revealing in a manner he hadn’t anticipated, but he’d allowed her to get close, perhaps too close. Opening up had been cathartic, freeing. Coupled with the envelope from the mysterious person who’d just happened on Pepe’s doorstep, his perception of reality had altered.

The threat was real. Both of their lives were in danger. He’d gone soft, something that would never happen again. Think rationally. Think clearly. As if the mantra was going to help. Right now, there was nothing he could do and this woman, this amazing woman was here. With him. Breaking the mold. Breaking down his walls.

There was no way anyone could have known where they were going. Then again, when he’d made the demand and Katherine had offered the counter, her office door had been open. The contents would no doubt be interesting, interfering with what had been initially a business proposition. Then all hell had broken lose.

She was so vulnerable but trusting in him, in a man who could destroy her.

Seeing her here, completely naked, her face pinched as she accepted what she’d long since wanted had changed him. This was not what he’d expected but he couldn’t do without her. This was the only woman who could alter his current path, giving him the reason to find his very soul.

And perhaps to remain alive.

The faded but apparent whip marks had shocked him, forcing him to question what he was doing. He would ask her about them but not until later. Yet the marks had been created by someone who knew exactly what they were doing. His training, something no one knew about, had allowed him to see and understand the required adoration of the implement used. A single strike could provide damage, even death. He had a feeling this was her contact, and his payment method sadistic. No wonder she was fearful of his digging.

As she continued to stroke his belt, her fingers rubbing across the weathered grain, his heart raced, his mind moving to distant memories. They were ones from long enough ago, he wasn’t entirely certain he was capable of being the same man. However, there was no going back. “Remove my belt.”

“Yes, sir.” She obeyed instantly, her fingers struggling to pull the strap from the buckle, her concentration evident by her furrowed brow. As she managed to tug the belt from the first loop, she exhaled, a slight smile curling on her face.

He didn’t press her, didn’t push as she rolled the belt around her hand with each tug until the strap was completely free.

Lowering her head, she held out the thick leather as if offering him a piece that held respect.

There was no way of telling if her father had been the single reason for her desire to succumb, but he knew this was an awakening. Taking the strap, he folded it into then eased it under her nose, allowing her to breathe in the strong scent, like a well-oiled machine.

“Mmm…”

“A method of discipline that you’ll come to understand.” Adrenaline rushing through every cell in his body, he guided the folded strap up and over her shoulder, easing the edge down her spine then tapping her buttocks. He allowed his fingers to drag down the current marks, the welts that had left indentations in her skin.

She shivered visibly as he trailed his fingers down first one then another, darting her head to the side, her eyes blinking back visible tears. “I can explain, sir.”

“Not now. But hear me. No other man will ever strike you again. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir.” A slight smile on her face, a single tear slipped past her lashes.

Reaching around her he brushed away the tear, bringing his finger to his mouth and allowing her to see as he licked the tip.

Her body sagged as if a weight had been lifted.

He wanted the woman like no other and his mind was enraptured with the possibilities. But he had to be careful. He had to take this slowly. He had to remind himself that he was a monster. No! Fuck the beast inside. The bullshit wasn’t going to happen. Not tonight. Swallowing, he shoved away the bitterness from his past. She deserved nothing less than his absolute attention, his care.

And she would have all of him.

“Place your hands behind your head and spread your legs.”

“Yes, sir.” A single moan escaped her lips as she obeyed, planting her feet as wide apart as she could and placing her hands behind her head. Clasping her fingers together, she looked straight ahead.

Snake dragged the belt down the back of one leg and up the other before rubbing it across her pussy. She was exquisite, from her porcelain skin and beautiful curves to her mannerisms. So very controlling by day, submissive by night. And she would learn. Training her, guiding and nurturing her was joyful, delicious. If only they had longer. The thought gave him a series of chills. This was only a blip in their normal lives and nothing more.

He rubbed his hand down her spine, caressing each ass cheek. “Keep in position. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Pain enables you to understand, to free your mind. This will hurt but I’ll never try and harm you.” The words seemed garbled, but in his mind, necessary.

Crack!

The single snap of his wrist created a whooshing sound and the moment the belt slapped hard against her skin, she jerked up onto her tiptoes.

“Oh!”

Snake waited, allowing the pain to course through her body.

Snap! Crack!

The strikes were perfectly positioned on her sit spots.

Her lower lip quivered, and her fingers were white knuckled, but she remained in position.

Smack! Crack!

Snake moved the belt from one side to the other, keeping the strikes short and exactly in position.

Pop! Crack!

“Ah…” Dropping her head, she panted, her body swaying forward and backward

Whack! Slap!

With every hard strike, every time the belt smacked against her ass, his cock pushed hard against his pants. He’d turned into a sadist.

Whap! Crack!

“Oh… God!” Katherine remained wide eyed. There were no additional tears, no breaking down. Her nipples remained hard, the smell of her pussy juice floating between them.

Smack! Pop!

“You’re going to learn to obey my every command.” His voice was ragged, filled with lust. He eased his arm around her, pinching her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

Rocking on her toes, her entire body was trembling, her pants turned into whimpers.

He bent his head, moving away her hair before kissing and licking the back of her neck, allowing his hot breath to skate across her skin.

Katherine lolled her head back, the move pushing her off balance, forcing her back against his chest.

Dropping the belt, he used both hands to cup her breasts, kneading and squeezing, twisting as her body undulated. He nipped on her earlobe before pinching and plucking her nipples until they were rock hard. Using the flat of his hand, he rubbed down her stomach, allowing his fingers to crawl down slowly. Cupping her mound, he dug his fingers into her skin and pulled her up until she was almost off the floor.

“What do you want?” she managed to whisper.

“What do I want?” he asked then bit down on her earlobe. “Everything.”

She draped her arms over his shoulders and rested her head on his chest as he fingered her pussy, swirling the tip of a single finger around her clit.

“You’re wet.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You want my cock inside of you.” The smell of her was intoxicating and he wanted to fuck every hole, savor every drop of her sweet cum. Yes, he would own her, train her to do everything he desired, but he also wanted to please her, to help her understand the throes of passion. Rapture. She would have everything her heart desired.

She ground her bruised ass against his groin, grunting from the friction as well as the pain.

Snake allowed her to play, to drive him into a heightened state of longing. She would know her place soon enough. Taking a step back, he wrapped his hand around her hair. His hunger was off the chain. “Undress me.”

Wiggling out of his hold, she turned to face him and tugged his shirt from his pants. She breathed out as she yanked the shirt up and over his shoulders.

He could tell her eyes had fallen to his colorful tats, ink he’d gotten several years before. What she would never know is the scars they hid, not just from physical pain or the torture endured, but from his psychological interweaving scars that continued to rip at his mind.

Katherine rubbed her hand down his chest, pressing kisses along his shoulder and collarbone, his nipple.

Leaning his head back, he allowed her to play, to swirl her tongue around his rock-hard nipple. The way her tongue moved back and forth gave him a series of shivers.

Her deft fingers moved to unzip his jeans, pulling them down past his hips as she slid to her knees. She gave him a respectful nod before removing his boots, then rubbing his feet before pulling his pants all the way to the floor. “Mmm… Commando.” She kissed the inside of his thigh before licking up to his crotch, pressing her face into his scrotum.

Panting, Snake wanted nothing more than to have her suck his cock, but not yet. Not this way. He pulled her to his feet. From where he was standing, he could see the reflection of the pool, the almost mesmerizing glow of lights. “Come with me.” Easing around her, he winked and took her hand, leading her out of the French doors.

She didn’t say a word as she was led down to the pool, toward the dazzling waterfall. When they were standing on the edge of the stairs, he moved behind her, wrapping his fingers around her hair and pulling it aside.

“I think you need to be cooled off.” He brushed his index finger down the side of her neck, gathering a single bead of perspiration onto his finger.

“Mmm… You know me too well already.”

“Walking them into the water, he immediately dove under, savoring the chill sweeping across his body. When he surfaced under the waterfall, shooting up like a bullet, he immediately looked for her. Seeing only the shiver of the water, he paddled in a full circle. For the first time in so damn long, a smile crossed his face. If only every day could be this light hearted, free from the damning worry, the guilt.

Katherine broke free of the water, the force splashing him with spray. Swimming toward him, she kept her eyes locked onto his, her mouth pursed. When she reached him, she stood very still, her arms by her sides.

With all that he had and all that he’d ever been, he wanted nothing more than to own her, dominate and use her in ways that he had only envisioned. But tonight, at this particular moment, he wanted to simply be inside of her, claiming what belonged to him. Sliding his hands under her buttocks he lifted, pulling her legs around his upper thighs, his cock slipping easily inside.

Moaning, she wrapped her arms around his neck as he pumped in and out, the friction creating waves. “I could get used to this.”

“Don’t. I’m not this man.” Even saying the words were haunting but she needed to hear the truth. He captured her mouth, digging his nails into her skin as he pushed his tongue past her lips. The taste of her was sweet, inviting and he closed his eyes as he walked back under the waterfall.

She explored his mouth, her tongue moving back and forth as she ground her hips, rocking forward and backward. Her hands roamed down his shoulders to his back, her fingers dragging on the various scars.

The wetness, the way she felt was exciting, forcing his balls to swell. He was powered by the current shared, the electricity that created tingles, even shivers down the back of his legs. He turned her around and around as he continued to plunge as hard and fast as the water would allow. He stiffened, knowing she’d been able to feel the ugly welts, the marks left by a treacherous man.

Clinging to him, she broke the kiss, dropping her head and shoulders until her back was in a deep arch, her head hitting the water.

Snake rubbed his fingers up the length of her spine, gripping her neck and squeezing. He could tell her eyes were open wide, her mouth slack as he squeezed, cutting off a portion of her air supply. He continued pumping, using the power of his thigh muscles to drive deep inside. This was sheer ecstasy, allowing his mind to release the demons buried just below the surface.

When he was close to coming, he lifted her out of the water, the tip of his cock just inside and engulfed her nipple, sucking and licking as she gripped his shoulders.

“Oh…” The sound floated between them.

He bit down, enjoying the way the pain made her flinch, her body react, tensing with anticipation. He shifted, walking toward the steps, pulling her away and easing her down onto the concrete, her hands on one step, her knees on another. As he placed one hand on her head, the other on her hip then dropped onto one knee, he shoved his shaft inside her cunt.

Katherine grunted, the force pushing her forward.

“Yes!” The moment, the way he was fucking her was nothing more than primal, and he plunged his cock inside hard and fast. In and out he thrust, the slap of skin against skin gyrating the water.

She pushed back, meeting every savage plunge with one of her own, her breath sounds guttural.

This was just the beginning. Harder and faster he plunged until his heart was thumping against his chest. He had to have all of her, every inch. When he was just about to come, he pulled out completely, wiping his mouth and dragging her back by her hair, pulling her into position. “Suck me. Make me come.”

One hand wrapped around the base of his cock, the other sliding between his legs, cupping and squeezing his balls.

He threw his head back, staring at the stars as she licked up from the underside of his shaft, her tongue sliding across the sensitive slit. “Yes. Fuck!”

She wrapped her mouth around just the tip as she rolled his balls between her fingers, squeezing just enough. She took him down another inch, her tongue moving back and forth, her hand moving up and down to meet her mouth.

His hand never left her head as she sucked, going down an inch at a time. He could hear her strangled sounds as she took him deeper, the tip hitting the back of her throat. His vision became clouded, foggy as the pressure built, his balls aching to the point of sheer agony. But he held back, keeping his orgasm at bay as she sucked, moving up and down in an orchestrated manner.

Soft mewing sounds erupted past the thick invasion and she pulled his cock all the way out, her mouth remaining open as she peppered kisses down his shaft until she reached his balls. Taking one testicle into her mouth, she sucked as she squeezed the other.

The combination was almost too much. “Fuck!” His entire body began to shake as he clamped down on the climax, hissing and growling.

She moved her mouth to his other ball, licking around in lazy circles while she twisted her hand around his shaft, moving up and down, the friction increasing.

“Shit.” He dropped his head, beads of sweat trickling down from both sides of his face, cascading down to her forehead. He licked his dry lips and tried to concentrate. “Suck me. Suck me now.”

Obeying instantly, she took the entire length of his cock into her mouth until her bottom lip rested on his balls. Holding the stance, she used her strong jaw muscles to clamp around him, the move like a tight vice.

He could stand no more. Keeping her head in position, he held his breath as his balls filled with cum. The moment he exploded, filling her mouth and throat with heated cum, a rush of energy and electricity coursed through every cell in his body. Spots of light floated in front of his eyes and he clamped them shut.

She squeezed his balls as she took every drop and when he’d stopped shaking, she moved up and down on his dick several times. When she eased back, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

His legs continued to shake as he blinked several times, trying to focus, trying to see her lovely face. Her expression was one of reverence and as relaxed as he was, free of tension, he remained hungry. His need to cause pain remained, hovering just below the surface. Careful. Be careful. The ugly voice would drive him mad. But he would listen. He would tolerate.

Still, after a few seconds, he pulled her up and over the edge of the pool, her naked ass in the air. “You will learn how to suck me.”

Smack! Crack!

The sting of the water as he hit her already bruised ass forced her to jerk up, her mouth going slack. “Oh!”

Pop! Whap!

Snake pressed his hand on the small of her back as he spanked her ass cheeks and upper thighs. This was so personal, so close.

Crack! Slap! Crack!

Back and forth, he peppered her ass with hard spanks, moving into a practiced rhythm.

Smack! Pop!

She moaned but didn’t struggle, yet she pressed her face against the cool concrete, her eyes remaining open.

Crack! Slap! Pop!

Spanking her was cathartic, even bittersweet but he could tell she’d fallen into a state of bliss.

Whap! Pop!

“Oh…” The moan was full of ecstasy.

Crack! Smack!

Harder and faster he peppered her ass with his hand, relishing in his own hint of pain.

Whap! Pop!

He remained shaking, his cock already swelling. And he could smell her intense desire.

Smack! Crack!

Rolling her over, he lifted and opened her legs, burying his face into her pussy.

“Snake!” Her cry was barely audible.

Swirling his tongue around her clit, he pulled her pussy lips wide open before nipping her tender flesh. He teased her cunt, wiggling a single finger just inside.

Whimpering, she pulled her legs up and back, opening herself wide, the invitation blatant.

He licked up and down, sucking her sweet juice. Inserting two fingers, he thrust them inside, flexing them open as he darted his tongue in and out.

“God…”

Adding a third and fourth finger, he watched her reactions as he shoved his mouth and nose into her cunt.

“I’m going to… come.”

“Not yet,” he growled and tapped her on the inside of her thigh. “Not until I tell you.”

“Mmm… Yes, sir.” Her face pinched, she wiggled, her body undulating as he drove his fingers deep inside.

He knew she was close, could tell she was struggling. When her entire body began to shake, he sucked on her clit before whispering. “Come. Now!”

Gulping, she bit down on her lower lip as she jerked up. “Ah!”

Holding her down, he sucked, drinking her sweet honey and continued plunging. Able to see another wave crashing into her, he slid two fingers inside her ass, pumping both hands in an alternating fashion.

“Oh…God. I…” Jerking up, she issued a silent scream. Panting, she slapped her hands over her mouth.

Snake wiped his mouth on the inside of her leg before easing back. A moment of sadness slithered into his heart. He couldn’t care about her. He couldn’t allow himself to give a shit.

If he did, she would die.

* * *

Rubbing her nose, she sniffed and wasn’t certain what was tickling. She opened her eyes but was unable to tell what she was looking at. Her thoughts roamed as she tried to figure out where she was.

Shifting, she finally focused, and the open French doors were allowing the morning air, a light breeze inside. The smell of the ocean mixed with something sweet, the fragrance of various flowers. She was cognizant that she was naked, her skin sensitive as she moved. Her body ached, and her ass was in pain. Pain. Last night.

Shit. She rolled over, jerking the covers up and over her breasts as she darted a glance over her shoulder. There was no sleeping man in her bed. In fact, there was no evidence that he’d joined her at all. What was the last thing she remembered? Oh yeah. She’d fallen asleep on one of the lounge chairs.

Where was Snake? Huffing, she threw back the sheets and moved to a sitting position. She fought the moan threatening to slip from her lips. The two spankings had been… What exactly had happened between them? She rubbed her eyes and remembered their conversations. Then she remembered the envelope.

The way he’d taken her the night before had been unexpected. She’d thought he would have been brutal instead of almost loving. She’d caught a single glimpse of his back, the incredible tattoo that covered almost the entire area. The colorful design, a snake with intense eyes, was meant to cover up the significant scar tissue. His skin was mottled yet beautiful, the markings only giving him more of a sensual aura, but he’d refused to allow her to explore.

His welts were old. Hers were new. They were both no doubt given for much the same reason.

Grabbing a robe, she moved out onto the balcony, searching up and down the shoreline. There was no one visible but she did notice the dock, a beautiful boat moored exactly where she’d hoped. Clapping her hands, she couldn’t help but smile.

She heard nothing coming from the house and as she walked into the kitchen, there was no sign he’d been up or around. The living room was the same as well as the other rooms. His bedroom door was cracked.

Tap. Tap.

There was no offer for her to come inside. Using a single finger, she pushed open the door. His bed had been slept in, but only on the top of the comforter. Everything else was neat and tidy, his suitcase completely stored out of sight.

She checked the garage and when the jeep was parked in the same spot as it had been the night before, she grew panicky. Dashing out onto the back deck, she leaned over the railing, squinting in order to try and see anything in the glistening sun. “Where in the hell are you?”

Then she saw him, coming back from the boat. She studied his actions, the way he stopped every few feet and scanned the horizon as well as the entire shoreline. He was looking for something or someone. When he tipped his head, she shrunk back. Why? Was her gut instinct telling her that this man was dangerous?

A slight hint of fear trickled down her spine when he kept his face turned in her direction. He’d stopped walking, simply staring at her. Even from where she stood, she could tell he was pensive, even stressed. Maybe last night had been a terrible mistake.

Snake took long strides toward the deck, stopping by the edge of the pool.

She dropped her elbows on the railing and plastered a grin on her face. “Hi ya. I thought I’d lost you.”

He didn’t look up at her for a few seconds. When he did, he had a stern look on his face, his chocolate brown eyes laced with coldness. “I didn’t want to wake you. Noticed the boat. Not bad.”

They were going diving, nothing more this morning. Business as usual. “I wasn’t sure it was here. We can take a ride this morning.” Why was he just staring at her? Uncomfortable as hell, she pulled the edges of the robe closer together. “I’ll make some coffee.”

“All right. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

While she hadn’t expected lovey dovey, the coldness, the way his eyes bore into hers pissed her off. Perhaps she was nothing but his submissive, although he hadn’t given her any order, any basic rules to follow. She mumbled as she dragged out the coffee maker and coffee, hunting and tossing things as she tried to find filters. “Damn it!” She bent over, looking in one of the cabinets. Sensing a presence behind her, she froze just as hands tugged at her shoulders, pulling her into a standing position.

“You have no idea how to greet your Master?” The husky vibe was laced with innuendoes.

Shuddering, she leaned against his chest as he slid his hand inside her robe, cupping her breasts, fingering her nipples. “I thought you’d forgotten.”

“Nonsense.” Pinching her hardened buds between his fingers, he bit down on her neck.

“Mmm… What would my Master like this morning?” Just saying the words seemed so right, but she sensed he remained tense.

“I need to go into town.”

“Now?”

“Just some basic supplies.”

“We should make a list,” she offered, knowing damn good and well his list had nothing to do with household items.

Sighing, he removed his hands, stepping away from her completely. “Nothing for you to worry about. Items for the boat.”

“Okay. I thought I asked for everything.” She adjusted the robe before turning to face him.

“You did. Just some things that will help with the dives.”

She knew better than to challenge him. “I’d like to get out this morning. Maybe a later dive, depending on where we go.”

“I won’t be long.”

He left the kitchen without saying anything else.

Katherine shook her head, remaining where she was. When she heard him driving off, she jerked the coffee pot, filling it with water and cursing under her breath. She was in no mood to play games.

After starting the coffee, she headed for her bedroom to shower and change, but the lure of his open door, the possibility of finding the envelope was far too much of a draw. She hesitated before crossing the threshold. Just being inside his room gave her shivers. Walking the entire bedroom yielded nothing, the bathroom neat and tidy. The only sign he’d even been in the room was the damp towel.

She was far too curious. The dresser drawers held nothing, the nightstand the same. Throwing open the closet doors, the two duffle style bags were in the corner. Nothing had been hung, no shoes placed on the floor. He could leave at a moment’s notice. She lifted the smaller bag, pulling it out onto the bed. Swallowing, she stared at it for what had to be five full minutes before finding the courage to unzip it.

The small case held little other than toiletries and underwear, with the exception of his passport. The black leather case was weathered, as if he’d used it for a significant period of time. She darted another look over her shoulder before opening. His picture was older, but he looked much the same, only with longer hair, perhaps a happier smile. Everything appeared to be in order. His name. His social security number. He’d been to several locations, but all traveling had ceased almost eight years before. “Huh.”

She placed everything back the way she remembered and dragged the larger bag onto the floor, struggling to toss it on the bed. While the side flap held a small lock, firmly secured into place, the main zipper opened easily enough. Inside were his clothes and nothing more. There were no hidden mysteries, other than the side compartment, but as she felt the side, there was no indication anything was inside.

Hissing, she made certain everything appeared the same before walking out of his room. There would be no answers gleaned today. The moment she headed into the bedroom, she had a thought and while she hated the concept of favors, any additional information would be helpful. So, she made the call.

It was answered on the third ring and she had no doubt she’d hate herself later for tempting the Gods.

“How’s the trip? The Cayman’s treating you well? A suntan yet?”

“Very funny.” She heard the clipped sound of his voice as if making fun of her. “I need your help.”

“Well, what a day if the formidable Katherine Wallace needs my help. Especially now.”

“Stop! Just fucking stop. Okay?” Fuming, she almost ended the call. She stormed into the kitchen, yanking a cup from the cabinet. Finding half and half, she poured a cup of coffee, sloshing the cream all over the counter. “I ask for nothing you know. This has nothing to do with what you think is owed.” She took a gulp, scalding her tongue.

His laughter was cut short and he sighed. “Okay, fine. You sound terrified. What do you need?”

“I’m not terrified, just cautious. I need you to find out everything you can on Snake Driscoll and I mean everything. I’ve found out all I could, but I know there’s more. There has to be.” Perhaps he could dig through the past, find out what the man was hiding. Maybe her imagination was getting the better of her. Pacing the floor, she blew on the coffee, taking small sips, her mind reeling with possibilities. Maybe he was a plant from Rush. Maybe Snake actually worked for a member of the Republican Party. Fuck. There were too many maybes.

“You don’t trust him. I knew he was more than just an environmental engineer.”

Dear God, the man knew too much. Katherine rubbed her eyes and glared out the kitchen window. She hadn’t noticed the view of the dilapidated street. One good rain and the entire thing would be lost, pitched into the sea. “This isn’t about trust. Not really, but I need to know from your point of view if Rush Enterprises has something on the man or if he is just the latest hired hand. Can you do that for me?”

He laughed again. “You mean, will I?”

She held back her nasty retort, gripping the cup with enough force she could have sworn she would have crushed the damn thing.

“Yes, Katherine. I have no problem making certain you’ve not being made a fool of. Can I call you?”

“No. The reception is only good at the villa and I don’t want Snake around if you call. I’ll give you a call in two days. That should give you enough time.”

“That will be plenty. You forget who you’re dealing with.”

“No, that’s something I’ll never do. Thanks for your help,” she managed. After taking another sip, she’d had enough and slid the cup across the counter.

“Katherine. Just don’t forget you owe me.”

As she ended the call, holding the phone to her head, she groaned. She half tossed the phone on the counter before stalking back into the bedroom. “Take a number, buddy.”

She took a quick shower, tossing half of her clothes onto the bed before finding a suitable set of shorts to go over her bathing suit. She grabbed a pony tail holder and as she walked out on the deck, she grabbed her hair, yanking it through the small circle.

Stopping short, she craned her neck to understand what she was seeing. The only way to get to the villa was across the road. Wait. Had Snake come back? If he’d really purchased things for the boat, he’d go there first.

She moved down the hall toward the living room, the deck outside giving a better view. She raced outside and down the steps. The person was simply standing, staring at the boat. Same type of clothes. Same look. She was about to call out when her gut told her to find out what was going on. Jogging toward the bank of trees, she managed to make it to the tree line before the person turned around. Only she couldn’t see any more of his face. The angle was off.

Crack!

Stepping on a twig, she held her breath and slunk further into the trees. She could tell he’d turned toward the sound. What the hell was she doing? Peeking out, she allowed her breath to escape. There was no backlash, no monster running toward her.

She waited a few seconds before moving down the back of the trees, the foliage getting thicker, denser. When she reached a clearing, she slipped to the side and had a much better vantage point. Except, the man was gone. She thought about the path, what little she’d seen. Was it possible that Snake had simply gone up through a secondary path to the road, doubling back?

The villa was viewable through the line of trees. She took off running toward the house, her feet pelting against the sand, her heart racing as she flew up the stairs. The door was open, just as she’d left it and she bolted inside. “Snake?” There was no sign of him.

She studied the living room, listening for any sounds. She could hear nothing but the sound of the ocean. A sickening feeling remained in the pit of her stomach. Her gut told her that something was off kilter. She rushed to the garage door, huffing before flinging open the door. The jeep was still gone.

As her sixth sense kicked in and she turned toward the counter, a cold shiver raced down her spine.

Someone had been inside the house.