Stealing the Bride

Previous Works Santa’s Helper Speed Dating The Marriage Clause Holiday Affair Take This Man Golden Treasure Ho, Ho, Ho a...

Author: Hines Yvette

15 downloads 720 Views 611KB Size Report

This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. If you own the copyright to this book and it is wrongfully on our website, we offer a simple DMCA procedure to remove your content from our site. Start by pressing the button below!
Report copyright / DMCA form

DOWNLOAD PDF

Previous Works Santa’s Helper Speed Dating The Marriage Clause Holiday Affair Take This Man Golden Treasure Ho, Ho, Ho and a Dom Bet on a Mistletoe Making the Man Lady Justice Trusting St. Nick Shot at Love Internet Rebound Secured Heart On the Prowl Rescued Mate Heated Restraints Arrested Heart Prisoner of Desire Designed for Love We Go Together A Piece of Me The Club By Invitation Only Cinnamon Buns To Have and To Hold

`Yvette Hines

Stealing The Bride

Yvette Hines

A Whispers Publishing Publication www.whispershome.com 2

Stealing the Bride

3

`Yvette Hines

Stealing the Bride A Whispers Publishing Publication March 9th, 2012 Copyright © 2012 Yvette Hines Cover illustration copyright © (Maggie Hall ) ISBN Not Assigned All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Webwithout permission in writing from the publisher. All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.

4

Stealing the Bride

Published by: Whispers Publishing, P.O. Box 1165, Ladson, SC 29456-1165. Dedication To my partners in crime, Aliyah and Bridget, thanks for hopping on another ride with me. To Dawn at Whispers, I appreciate your faith in us. To my readers, you all are out of this world and your support amazes me. My husband, the man who accepted and loved me from the beginning, thank you. Finally, to true friendship, let’s raise our glasses.

5

`Yvette Hines

Chapter One “We are officially the last of the Mohicans.” Leya Greenwood raised her martini up, toasting her two best friends sitting at the bar with her. “Are you kidding me? Everyone from college is hitched now but us?” Summer Carter circled the edge of her wine glass staring through the large window that separated them from the other wedding reception attendees. Most of who were dressed in bathing suits, splashing in and out of the pool with the bride and groom or lounging in the hot tub. Some people were dancing to eighties and nineties music on a large stone area that extended the length of the pool. “That’s right.” Leya glanced at Martha Sanchez now Danner, sitting on her new husband’s shoulders in a white two-piece that had “bride” written on her ass, playing chicken against two other couples locked together in the same manner. Two hours ago, Martha, a college friend, appeared beautiful and happy at her wedding in the downstairs ballroom. Last night at the bachelorette party she told them all Patrick had swept her off her feet after meeting her at a costume party last fall. Now here they were married six months later. “Best of luck to them,” Kathryn Maynard mumbled as she sipped from her sunset martini. 6

Stealing the Bride

Turning away from the revelers, Leya stared at Kathryn, dressed similar to her, in a one-piece red and gold bathing suit and sarong tied around her hips. The only difference was that Leya was wearing a white tankini and sarong. “Come on, Kat. Doesn’t the idea of the right man and a fabulous wedding just make your heart race with excitement?” Leya couldn’t help the joy in her own voice. Since she was a child she’d been collecting an album of her perfect wedding and man. She frequently watched bridal show marathons when she had time on the weekend. “Absolutely not.” Kathryn pulled her cherry from her drink and popped it in her mouth, and waving the stem around, she said, “What it does make me think of is how long until I get a call to represent one of the parties.” Leya could understand her friend’s perspective. Kathryn was a divorce attorney and had to deal with the worst of marriages every day. As much as Leya loved the thought of “happily ever after,” she knew she would’ve never been able to do her friend’s job. “This,” Summer looked away from the people dressed in swimming attire and frowned at the decorations of palm trees, coconuts, leis, and various plastic floating devices turning the Virginia Beach Country Club into a beach setting in March, “would never be my idea of a wedding. Who invites people to celebrate their new life and asks them to come naked?” 7

`Yvette Hines

Shaking her head, Leya hid her smile behind her martini glass as she watched the disgusted look on her friend’s face as Summer took a healthy gulp of her wine. Summer was a brilliant dental hygienist, but she was more than a little bit prudish. Not a pious kind of prude who was holier than though, not by a long shot. She just didn’t believe there was a reason to go naked unless a person was about to bathe or have sex, in private. The perfect example was the black knit jersey poncho over her one-piece bathing suit that came to her knees was two sizes away from being a muumuu on her. Summer, just like she and Kathryn, kept herself in tip-top shape and definitely wasn’t hiding out of shame. “Not my first choice either, Summer. If Martha likes it, I love it. Patrick is not even telling her where they are going for their honeymoon. Ah, a man that plans.” “I can do my own planning.” Kathryn downed the last of her first drink and signaled the bartender for a refill. “You don’t want a man, Kat?” Leya joked. “In my bed, yes. At the altar…uh, no thank you.” Kathryn winked at the bartender as he set her martini on a coaster in front of her. The three of them had been eyeing the scrumptious bartender who looked just like Bradley Cooper. He was a yummy specimen of man. However, Leya was not the bartender dating type. Not that she took issue with any employed man; for 8

Stealing the Bride

her it was a matter of not struggling financially. Money had been hard to come by when she was growing up. That was one of the driving reasons she had become a financial analyst. She wanted the benefits of making money and knowing how to keep it. To her, being a bartender just said someone was still trying to find a career while pulling in free-flowing money. A lot of them had ex or current drinking/partying issues and were still trying to live the single life. She shook her head, Mr. Bradley Cooper lookalike was probably a good lay, but not future material. Leya refocused on her friends. “Definitely not with a tropical beach partythemed reception.” Summer was saying as she rolled her eyes. “Well, Ms. Planner, when’s the last time you planned somewhere to go?” Leya sipped her drink. “Hell, when is the last time any of us went anywhere?” “With my client load, there just isn’t time. If people stop getting divorced then maybe I can have some time for myself.” Kathryn crossed her legs. “That’s not going to happen.” Leya sipped her drink. “I wouldn’t even know where to go.” Summer leaned back holding her glass in her lap. “I think about taking a vacation sometimes. Especially after the winter we had this year. I thought the icy temperatures would never leave.” She sighed. 9

`Yvette Hines

“Then time just gets away from me and I find myself fifty patients later still not having even researched anything.” “Well, the only thing I’ve had tropical was this coco cabanatini,” Leya declared, finishing off the drink consisting of Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, and other flavors and signaled for another. Summer and Kathryn laughed and agreed. Leya smiled; she really did love her two best friends. If she was going to be single and miserable, it was great to have the company of her girls. “You know what, Kat and Summer, there’s no telling when Mr. Honeymoon-Planning Man is going to show up in any of our lives.” “Forty would be nice.” Kathryn winked and picked up her second drink, balancing her elbow on the back of her other hand in her lap, still not drinking it. “Lord, no.” Summer’s eyes stretched wide. “I’m with you, Summer, I don’t want to have to blow the dust off my eggs to get started.” Leya picked out the cherry floating in her drink and dropped it in her palm pretending to blow and brush off the dust. Summer tossed her head back and laughed, Kathryn snickered behind a small cocktail napkin, tears of mirth welled up in her eyes. “Okay, maybe not that long.” Kathryn used the napkin to fan herself. “Surely. I’m only thirty-two. I don’t know if I want to sit on the shelf for another eight years. 10

Stealing the Bride

God forbid.” Exhaling a breath, Leya leaned back in her chair and stared at the guests. In a few weeks it would be hot enough in Virginia Beach to dip in the Atlantic. The humidity had already begun to reach record highs. However, even living on the coast Leya could not recall the last time she’d been to the oceanfront. At that moment she’d never felt as if she needed a vacation as much as she did right then. Leya dropped the cherry on a napkin and lifted her fresh martini. She took a moment to drink from it then lowering it, she turned to her friends and said, “We can agree we are successful in our perspective careers and that we’ve neglected ourselves. Chained ourselves to our jobs.” “Riiight,” Kathryn said, eyeing her suspiciously. Summer nodded. “I think we also can agree that a man and a honeymoon are not in our near future.” “And?” Summer asked. “I’m going to take a page out of Kat’s book—” “We’re going to get the bartender drunk and take advantage of him?” Kathryn wiggled her eyebrows. Laughing, Leya said, “Uh, not that book. The one where we can plan our own trips.” “We tried that a couple of years ago and it never worked out,” Summer declared. “Our schedules kept conflicting.”

11

`Yvette Hines

“I believe that was the year of the divorce case from hell,” Kathryn proclaimed lifting her glass as if she was toasting the memory. “We don’t have to do it together.” Leya set her glass down and leaned her elbow against the bar turning fully to her friends. “Alone?” Summer’s brows pinched inward. “Yeah.” “When?” Kathryn tilted her head and stared at Leya. “By the end of the year and all the holidays and family time start creeping in on us again. We all pick a place and take a trip. A nonworking vacation.” Grabbing up her glass, Leya held her glass out to her two best friends. “I don’t know. This is just not a good time for me with my caseload—” “Come on, Kat.” Leya stopped her friend, knowing that if she let Kathryn head down the road of thinking about her job, she would never agree. “I’m not saying you have to do it next week.” “Fine.” Kathryn raised her glass. “I’m in.” They both looked at Summer, who was still looking a little unsure. “If you pick a place with a beach, Summer, Kat and I will even buy you a shroud for the trip.” Laughing, Summer said, “I’m not that bad.” Leya and Kathryn eyed Summer’s current outfit. “Okay. Okay.” Lifting her glass she tapped it against the other two glasses. 12

Stealing the Bride

The high clinking sound resounded around them as they all lowered their beverages and took a drink sealing the deal. **** “I’m not sure this is a good time, Leya. It’s such short notice.” Zelda leaned back in her oversize leather captain’s chair and stared across her smoked glass top desk. Leya sat in the chair across from her boss, her legs crossed and her shoulders back, Zelda didn’t respect a lack of confidence. Even though Zelda was giving her the look of disappointment that Leya had fallen for repeatedly over the years, Leya held her ground. “I understand that, Ms. Hunter. However, this is time I need to take.” At Managing You financial firm or MY as everyone called it, when you were in management, you had to get any leave or time off approved by the head analyst, Zelda Hunter. “Now?” Zelda tilted her head. “Yes.” “Did a family member die or something? Are you giving a kidney to a sibling?” Zelda’s hands came up in the air as if she were awaiting an offering from the gods. Her boss was a workaholic and never took time off. Full dedication to the job was what Zelda believed in. If you wanted to move up in Managing You, then you gave the same commitment to the job. Over the eight years with the company Leya had lived by those same rules, putting her life on 13

`Yvette Hines

the back burner with promises of one day. Well now was her one day and she wasn’t going to push it aside for anything. “No, ma’am. I am just taking some personal time. I have enough time on the books to take about four months off.” Leya allowed that news to remind her boss she never took her two weeks of vacation time she earned every year. “Four months!” Zelda slapped her hands on the desk and looked as if she was ready to pop up out her chair. Leya bit down on the inside of her jaw. She had to keep herself from laughing or smiling at her boss’s reaction. Zelda could be over the top at times, but the woman was a badass financial analyst and Leya admired her greatly. “I will only be taking two weeks.” Zelda relaxed back in her chair, sitting quietly. Leya could almost hear the hamster running in Zelda’s brain. Sure enough, Zelda came out with her lastditch effort. “There’s the Dumont conference coming up next week. I was hoping you would lead the seminars.” This time Leya allowed the smile to pull up the corners of her mouth. “Stacy has been in training with me for the last six months, and I have faith she is ready to take on the job. Ryan can accompany her to the Hilton for the week. It may do him some good to get more hands on with oneon-one prep and planning.” 14

Stealing the Bride

Tapping her lip with her index finger, Zelda eyed her. “So, not only do you want me to send an analyst to conduct the financial seminar without a manager overseeing her, but you want me to allow an inexperienced rep under her?” Damn it. When Zelda put it like that it did sound ridiculous, but Leya had to keep confidence in her own intuitiveness. “Yes, ma’am.” Leya lifted her chin and leveled her gaze with her boss. “Even though Stacy has only been in training with me for this portion of our MY’s services, she has been with us for two years and is excellent at her job. The reason the management team voted to move her to the training division.” Nodding at her words, Zelda asked, “And Ryan?” “I go back to Stacy. She not only will be able to handle the mass training but also provide guidance to Ryan during the individual scheduled sessions. Besides, I’ve monitored Ryan during the last two months and have been getting him grounded in indie management,” Leya finished with. She may have needed this vacation, but she wasn’t fool enough to put Managing You’s reputation on the line. That would put her out of a job and she was not having that. Hell no. “Permission granted.” Zelda leaned forward and picked up her pen, signing the leave form on her desk. 15

`Yvette Hines

When Zelda passed the sheet of paper to her to fax down to HR, Leya let a small sigh flow out her parted lips. Not enough to be heard, but just enough to let her relief out. If Zelda had held her ground, refusing her leave at this time, Leya would have been forced to cancel her vacation arrangements. In the last two months the thought of going somewhere tropical and escaping her work-filled world for two weeks consumed her. She worked hard all day, but researched on the Internet at night. “Enjoy your time.” Rising, Leya turned to head out of her boss’s office. “What are you planning to do? Take a trip?” Leya turned back around and saw her boss standing behind the desk now. “I don’t really have firm plans. Tomorrow I’ll meet with Monica and ensure she has temporary access to my case files and in the loop of anything that may come up with the team members in my division.” “Good. See you in two weeks.” Zelda looked suspicious. Zelda was right to thinking she was holding back; Leya was. Walking out of the head analyst’s door, Leya didn’t have any regrets about the lie she had told her boss. She would have everything handed over and covered by the other division manager, but she knew exactly where she was going. She’d be damn if Zelda would track her 16

Stealing the Bride

down to ask a work-related question while she was on her trip. Her boss would do it too; she’d found out which hospital Tom’s, the third division manager, wife was giving birth and called him. Zelda had sent a clerk to the hospital with papers for him to handle. Zelda could be too much. Just because she had no life but the company, she thought everyone else should live and breathe in the walls of MY too. Those days were going to come to a halt for Leya at five p.m. on Friday, at least for the next two weeks. She’d have to settle for that for now. During the next two weeks she was going to live life by the moment and not plan, strategize, or analyze every move as she normally did. It was time for her to Carpe her own diem.

17

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Two Leya pulled into the long-term parking spot at Norfolk International Airport at eight p.m. Friday night. Turning the car off, she sat there for a moment taking a deep breath. It wasn’t that she was having second thoughts; she wasn’t. However, she was nervous as hell. This was the most spontaneous thing she had ever done. After meeting with her team and Monica, she drove home. Three hours later, she was showered and dressed in her most comfortable outfit, a classic red finely ribbed tunic top and her knit black pants. If she was going to be stuck on planes for the next two days, she wanted to be comfy and wrinkle-free. Staring at herself in the rearview mirror, she saw a woman staring back at her who was ready for an adventure. Her blood almost vibrated with her need to do something outrageous and different. She was tired of every day of her life being the same like she was Bill Murray. “Time to shake it up,” she told her reflection as she grabbed her purse, slid out of her economy car, and locked the doors. She was happy to see the shuttle lights coming into the gated area. The last thing she wanted was 18

Stealing the Bride

to be standing outside in the cool May air waiting for a ride to the main terminal. “Good evening, ma’am.” The driver, an older Hispanic man smiled and greeted her as he opened the door. “Hello.” Leya returned his expression and got on and politely nodded to the other five passengers already in the shuttle. “Do you have bags, miss?” The driver was now frowning, his withered faces showed his perplexed thoughts. “No, sir.” She crossed her legs and settled her large purse next to her. The shuttle pulled away from the stop as she stared out the side window. Seven minutes later, Leya walked into the terminal and headed toward the Continental Airlines counter a few feet away. She still had a few minutes before she had to check in. Since she was traveling internationally, she had to check in two hours before her flight. With her back to the counter she checked her watch as she looked around, across the faces of the other passengers. “Leya!” Hearing her name, she turned and saw her two best friends strutting toward her. Two gorgeous, self-assured black women with smiles on their faces ate up the distance in the airport with long strides that brought them closer to her. Their posture let all around them know they were on a mission to get answers. She could understand why they would be confused. At four that day, she’d called them both 19

`Yvette Hines

and asked them to meet her at the airport, not giving them any hint what was going on. She was glad that they both were free. Normally, she would have seen them at about four a.m. at Pappa’s Pancake for their monthly breakfast together. They met religiously, due to all of their busy schedules it was too much to attempt to call daily or weekly. Meeting them halfway, she accepted the hug from Summer first and then Kathryn. “What are we doing at the airport, Leya?” Kathryn stepped back. “I’m taking a trip.” Summer arched an eyebrow. “For work?” “Something last minute?” Kathryn added. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled and allowed the words to tumble out, “I’m going on vacation.” “Vacation!” Kathryn said. Summer’s eyes opened wide as she stared at Leya as if her head had just started spinning vertically. “Why are we just now hearing about this?” Summer waved her hands around then landed them on her hips. “Is this your idea of a joke?” Kathryn folded her hands over her breast. “If so, you are about a month late on April fools.” “I didn’t tell you all, because I didn’t want to be talked out of it.” Leya fiddled with the strap of her large purse on her shoulder. 20

Stealing the Bride

“Why would we talk you out of it,” Summer said. “You’re a grown woman. If you want to get away, we wouldn’t try and stop you.” “Where are you going?” Kathryn looked her slowly up and down with her discerning lawyer gaze. “Bali.” “Indonesia?” Summer’s voice seemed to echo around the passenger vestibule. “Shh. The whole airport doesn’t need to know my destination.” Leya grabbed both of her friends and pulled them to the side away from other passengers getting into the automatic teller lines. “You who calculates the distance and cost of going to the grocery store,” Kathryn declared. “The same person that recalculates every receipt she gets before spending a dime,” Summer threw in. “Okay, okay.” Leya waved both her friends dramatic statements away. “I know I can be a bit…” “Tight assed,” Summer offered. “Penny-pincher,” Kathryn supplied. “It’s a recession and people should be prudent with their money,” Leya defended. Summer and Kathryn laughed. “Ha! You were like that before recession was a word.” Leya smiled. Summer was right. She’d learned the hard way the value of tracking her money. The two women before her knew that she’d grown up in 21

`Yvette Hines

hard times, they just didn’t realize the extent of her life before they met in college. “True. But, we all agreed we’d take a vacation two months ago and I’m taking mine.” Both her friends looked at each other and shrugged, then glanced back at her. “Fine, but if you’re going all the way around the world, you better let us know you’ve gotten there safe.” Summer grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “I will. I already upgraded my phone to the international plan.” Leya squeezed her hand back. “Trust me I have no desire to become a missing person.” “You better not.” Kathryn took her other hand. “Wow. Bali. Take plenty of pictures.” “Will do.” Standing there with her two friends made her nerves come back in full force. It would’ve been easier if they all could have planned a trip together. “You have time to grab something to eat?” Kathryn asked. “No, I still have to check in and we all know how crazy getting through TSA is going to be.” Looking around, Summer asked, “Where are your bags?” Releasing their hands she patted her large purse. “Right here. My favorite bathing suit is packed and I have my credit card and passport. I’m all set.” “What?” 22

Stealing the Bride

“I know it can be a pain to pay for luggage, but be serious,” Kathryn rolled her eyes. “I don’t plan to do anything but swim, sleep, and tour. Once I get there I can pick up a few more items at the hotel gift shop.” “I see it now. You’ve lost your mind.” Summer chuckled. “When you get back Kat and I will escort you to Eastern State.” “Whatever.” Leaning in, she hugged both her friends. “I’ll call you at each of my three layovers and when I get in.” They both waved her off with well wishes and safety advice. Getting a place in line with all the other travelers, Leya allowed the excitement of the coming weeks to bubble forth. She had planned to use this time to get a better perspective of her life. When she arrived back in Virginia she expected to be a different person than when she left. **** Kolby rose out of the water, situated his surfboard under his arm and jogged through the low surf toward his friend Jonathan who stood on the beach waiting for him. Jonathan was the owner of Divine Bali hotel, one of the top five tourist resorts in Sanur. It didn’t sit in the center of Kuta or other highly populated tourist cities, but most people who came here were rich. They smoothly paid for the high quality of staff that catered to their every need. It wasn’t one of the most popular surfing areas and that was perfect 23

`Yvette Hines

for Kolby. He wasn’t a competition surfer, just wanted the relaxation of the water. He was almost on shore when a woman caught his gaze. During the dawn there weren’t many tourists out, mostly surfers and runners. Perhaps that’s why the woman performing yoga on the bare beach grabbed his attention. In body-hugging pants and a sports bra she stretched her body on a blanket. His feet slowed as he watched the woman gracefully glide from one position into another. She went from arching her back, to bending and flexing in different ways then expanding her limbs out in various directions. Being in the salt water for hours always made him thirsty. Seeing the beautiful woman made his mouth dry and hot like never before. When she went into a pose where her hands and feet were flat on the ground, her head tucked low, and her ass was pushed high in the air the heat spread throughout his body and his cock began to harden. Never before had he become enthralled by a woman just by watching her do something as arbitrary as keep her mind and spirit fit. However, that’s exactly how he felt at that moment. Wanting nothing more than to find out who she was, Kolby tightened his hand on his board and began to move toward her. “What’s up, Kolby, we still on for lunch?” The sound of his friend’s voice shook him, alerting him to what he was about to do. Damn. Women were never part of his plans in Bali. He 24

Stealing the Bride

couldn’t believe that this woman had completely made him forget his purpose. Quickly shifting back toward Jonathan, he shoved the wet strands of his hair out of his face. “Yeah, yeah. We’re good. I need to talk to you about things.” “Great. I’m sorry I was out of town last week and we couldn’t meet up.” Unlike him, Jonathan stood in a white linen suit with tan pinstripes, minus a tie. The Bali businessman. “No worries. I still got some things accomplished.” Kolby didn’t want to look at the woman again, but he found his gaze straying back to her, even as her slim form lay still on her back. He didn’t know if she was trying to sleep or meditating. The sun was radiating off her light maple skin making it appear bronze in the morning light. Her ebony-colored hair was pulled up into a messy topknot at the crown of her head, most likely to keep it out of her way. He would have loved to see it down around her face. He noticed Jonathan followed his line of sight. Before his friend could question him, Kolby kept the conversation on the hotel. “Ardhi and I worked out the snorkeling schedule.” Lifting an eyebrow Jonathan gave him a look that let Kolby know his long time friend was not fooled by the shift in conversation. Kolby knew after the seven years he had been coming to the island for a month in the summer that Jonathan 25

`Yvette Hines

could care less about the activities he took on with the tourist. They had bigger responsibilities. “That’s good to know.” Jonathan nodded. “Well, I need to get things set up for my morning group.” Kolby purposely turned away from the direction the woman was occupying, even though it would take him all the way around the hotel to get to the cabana. “See you later, Jon.” “Let me know if you’d like an introduction,” his friend called after him. Stopping, Kolby turned back, seeing his friend’s cocky smile. Son of a bitch. Chuckling, he said, “Not interested. Besides I can’t remember the last time I needed a hook up.” “Junior year, the Kappa trio.” Jonathan smiled and slipped his hands deep in his pants pockets. “Ah yes. Fond memories. I may still owe you for that one.” Kolby pointed a finger at his friend and flexed his thumb pretending to shoot his friend and then headed back up the path. He could’ve used another few laps on his board at the moment, but the warm Indonesian ocean would do nothing for the heat still coursing through his body. He’d have to use the employee’s locker room at the hotel to cool his raging hormones. An icy shower was exactly what he needed, because what he didn’t need was to be sporting a raging hard-on for a vacationing socialite. **** Leya exited the dining room after enjoying an early dinner of a gulai, a meat and vegetable curry26

Stealing the Bride

style dish. The chef had made it a little spicy for her, and she’d loved every bite. It was her second day on the island, and she was having a wonderful time. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d felt so relaxed and energized at the same time. Ready to finally start doing some activities and tours she headed toward the concierge desk. At the desk she approached an Indonesian man who looked to be in his early twenties; his jet black hair was short and slicked back away from his face. When he greeted her with a smile, she began, “Hi, I’m Ms. Gre—” “Greenwood in suite 1492.” “Yes.” She eyed him cautiously. Even though she’d planned her trip in haste, she had taken the time to research about the local environment and safety. Just because he was working at the hotel didn’t mean he wasn’t one of the men that attempted to con and “date” single American women. “How did you know that?” Bowing his head in understanding, he said, “It is my job to know our guests. Besides when you walked by earlier, Utama pointed you out.” He gestured toward a female attendant who was assisting another person at the end of the counter. Finally, he held up a clipboard. “Also, your picture from your identification is on our roster, for safety reasons.” “Oh.” She felt a little ridiculous. She probably showed her ignorance of staying at such a highdollar hotel. There had been other establishments 27

`Yvette Hines

just as fine to stay in, but she decided to splurge on her hotel when she took the trip. She’d noticed the clientele the hotel catered to moving through the resort and in the dining room; most of them probably made more in a week than she earned in two months. “How can I be of assistance to you, Ms. Greenwood,” he asked in excellent diction even though his voice carried a heavy accent. “I wanted to sign up for some of the hotel’s complementary activities.” She reached inside her bag and pulled out her flyer and placed it on the countertop. “What were you interested in?” “Tomorrow I’d like to either learn how to snorkel or scuba dive. Possibly take a tour through the cities the next day.” “These are no problem. Whatever day you would like to tour, just call down to the desk that morning before eight and we will get a guide or add you to a group. For the water classes or rentals you will need to speak with the employees that handle that service.” “Okay. Where can I find them?” She folded her flyer and stuffed it back into her tote. He gave her directions to an area located on the far end of the resort on the beach. She thanked the clerk and followed his instructions to the water sports cabana. Once outside the hotel the warm breeze of the island caressed the back of her neck and blew the hem of her sundress around her legs. 28

Stealing the Bride

She would never get tired of the view of the Gunung Agung in the distance; it was a massively breathtaking mountain. Glancing out over the ocean she could see that the sun was beginning to set, it would be nightfall soon. She continued around the outer bungalows, and she hoped to make it to the cabana and back before it got dark. She wasn’t afraid of being out after the sunset; the hotel’s paths were well-lit and security patrolled even though it wasn’t a congested area like other tourist spots in Bali; her reason for picking it. She didn’t want to be harassed with each step she took by tourist mongers for every coin in her pocket. Finally, she reached the hut with panduan untuk laut on a sign above it, which translated to “guides for the ocean” or “ocean guides”. She was disappointed to see it was already closed for the day. She had thought maybe someone would still be manning it. All the Jet Ski’s were chained together, and there were boards of various types and sizes inside a locked case around the outside. As she went to turn around to head back to her room she heard a sound coming from the other side of the cabana. She moved around the side and saw a light coming from an open door, the light shined over a pool where scuba tanks sat beside it. “Halo…halo,” she called out in Indonesian as she moved closer to the door. There was no answer, but as she stood in the doorway she could see all the colorful snorkeling 29

`Yvette Hines

masks, wet suits hanging on hooks, still dripping water on the floor, and other aquatic paraphernalia. Evidently, they had recently returned from the last class for the day. She heard another noise of something scraping and said, “Saya membutuhkan bantuan.” Asking for assistance about capped her out in the things she could say without pulling out her translation dictionary. The only things left were “how much does that cost” and “no thank you, I wish you the best”. The last one she was told was very important to decline local peoples encroachment or offers of help. There was a loud bang and someone growling, “Shit!” Rushing in, thinking someone might be hurt, she saw a man coming from a closet rubbing his head. She could see other oxygen tanks inside. He must have been putting them away. Above the tanks was a beautiful surfboard hanging horizontally from the ceiling; it was swinging a little and she understood what the man had cracked his head on. As he moved toward her, he lifted his head and everything inside Leya froze; her heart, her breathing, and her mind. Her chest felt tight as if her body had forgotten how to function and she couldn’t think of an intelligent thing to say. The man standing before her was either an American man or a fair-skinned Indonesian man with European features; the latter was doubtful. He was 30

Stealing the Bride

a sight to behold. Leya could not recall the last time she’d seen a man as handsome as the specimen who stood before her. Dressed in a wet pair of Bermuda shorts with a dry T-shirt pulling against the broad width of his shoulders, his shoulder-length brown hair had highlights that she was sure came from the sun’s kiss. His calves and arms were thick, muscular with a deep tan, the evidence of a man accustomed to physical labor. The most striking part of him was the steelly gray-blue eyes that captured her and seemed to stare into her soul. The way they darkened, and the corners crinkled she would’ve sworn he recognized her. However, that was ridiculous; she’d never met this man before; she would remember. She’d seen gorgeous men before, but none of them pulsed with hypnotic energy like this man. Leya slipped her tongue out and licked her lips; she felt thirsty. The only thought that came to her mind was how she’d enjoy drinking the water from his body. She’d never liked men with beards before, but something about his rugged good looks called to her in a primal way. Her chest loosened enough for her to drag in a strangled breath into her lungs. The air of the cabana was permeated by his scent. He smelled of the sea with the robust undertones of male sweat. Visions of them, limbs 31

`Yvette Hines

tangled, on the beach made her body sweat in the evening breeze. His lips were moving, and she was pretty sure he was speaking to her, but her hearing seemed to be a sense that still had not returned. “I’m sorry; I didn’t understand you.” She lifted her hand and stroked the back of her neck; her skin felt foreign to her, itchy and tight. “Is my English that bad?” he asked with perfect enunciation. “You’re American,” she said more out of relief than a question of his origin. “Last time I checked.” He smiled, just a slight cocking of the left side of his lip, but enough to make her head spin. Damn, how could this man become any more attractive? A giggle slipped from her lips. Embarrassed, she wanted to reel it back in. She wasn’t a fourteen-year-old schoolgirl. She was a grown woman who was independent and strong enough to take a vacation by herself. “Can I help you with something?” “Um, yes, I wanted to sign up for the scuba diving class for tomorrow.” Arching an eyebrow, he said, “It’s awfully late to be trying to get into the morning session.” Her face felt warm; she was uncomfortable under his intense gaze. “I know. I guess I’m not really following a clock while I’m here, which is unusual for me because I’m exceptionally punctual when I’m in the States.” 32

Stealing the Bride

“I’m sorry but tomorrow’s already booked. You really need to sign up early in the morning for the next day. Most tourists get their names on the list quickly.” He folded his arms over his chest. “It’s just me.” She gave him a small smile, hoping to flirt a little and get herself a spot. “I promise not to be a hassle.” “The problem is not if there is a spot to put you in. Everyone who is going out tomorrow had their scuba basics today.” He stepped passed her and grabbed one of the tanks by the pool. She admired his muscle’s movement beneath his shirt as he lifted the object with ease. Well, it looked as if tomorrow would be another day of relaxation around the hotel, not that she minded, but she knew her vacation would not last forever and she wanted to have a full experience. “Thanks anyway, I’ll come back tomorrow.” She turned and walked out of the hut.

33

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Three Kolby told himself not to do it. He repeatedly tried to convince himself that letting the woman walk away was for the best. Standing in the tank storage room he knew if he just waited a few minutes she would be back on the path to the resort. He’d told her the truth about the scuba excursion; now he should just let it go. Let her go. Maybe when she came back Ardhi would be there and could sign her up for his class. Keep your distance. It was too dangerous to be in the woman’s presence. He recalled her from yesterday morning, the beautiful beach nymph who was stretching in the early morning light. She had affected him from a distance, but it was nothing compared to the impact of seeing her up close. At first he’d believed she was a mirage. He’d been thinking and fantasizing about her at every moment his mind was not occupied. He frequently caught himself looking along the beach trying to catch a glimpse of her. As she’d stood before him, the only thing he had wanted to do was pull her in his arms and see if her full lips were as soft as they looked. How they would move beneath his. His body demanded to have her svelte form against him and feel the strength of her toned muscles moving around him. 34

Stealing the Bride

What made it worse was that he had not missed the hint of interest in her gaze. Most likely she was just another pampered princess on the make for a vacation fling. Shit, he should let her go. Even as he warned himself, his feet still took the steps needed to get him out of the shelter and around the corner; he just caught up with her. “Wait, Miss!” Hearing him, she stopped and turned. “Yes?” “Look, what are you doing right now?” Kolby heard himself ask. “Nothing.” She took a step toward him. He could see the hope on her face, her eyes wide and bright. “I can give you the basics now if you have the time.” He shoved his hair back away from his face. It always took him a while to get used to the extra length and facial hair. “My time is your time.” Her smile was bright and wide, showing off even white teeth a contrast to her maple skin tone. “First question. Can you swim?” Occasionally, he came across someone who thought that because the tank supplied oxygen while underwater, swimming was not truly necessary. The furthest thing from the truth. “Since I was seven.” Letting out air, he said, “Okay, I’ll get everything ready. Do you have a bathing suit on under your dress?” He took in her long olive green dress that conformed to her body and flowed down 35

`Yvette Hines

her legs leaving only her toes peeking out in her sandals. The thin straps left her arms bare and gave a hint at the cleft between her breasts. A part of him wished she would say no, and he wanted to imagine her lithe body nude beneath the material. His cock twitched and began expanding at the thought. Shit, the training will require me to be near her, touch her. I need to keep myself under control. “I sure do.” “Follow me.” He quickly turned away and moved back to the pool area. “Let me put the other tanks away and then I will help you get into one.” He grabbed two tanks by their straps, one in each hand to take inside. “Will I need a wet suit?” she asked, sitting on the bench removing her sandals. A suit would be safer. Less of her skin would be revealed. “Not here. Tomorrow when we venture into the ocean a suit will protect you from things,” he called behind him. Once everything was inside, he brought his tank out with two masks that he tossed to the edge of the pool, and checked the remaining tank. Knowing the oxygen would be low, he took it to the air tube and filled it, checking the gauges and the hose as he did it. Ensuring there was no hissing, signifying there was a leak and he ensured the low-pressure inflator hose was connected to the buoyancy 36

Stealing the Bride

control device. Next he thoroughly sanitized the mouthpiece, dipping and scrubbing it for her use. Holding the tank he moved back to her. “Have you ever gone diving before, Miss…” “Leya. Here I am begging for you to make exception to your rules and I didn’t even tell you my name.” She gave him a small smile and lowered her lids. One of her legs was crossed over the other while she removed her second shoe, dropping it to the cement. “No problem, Leya. I’m Kolby.” He squatted by the tank, situating the straps for her body size. “Nice to meet you, Kolby.” Her voice was as light as the wind and as sweet as dodol, an Indonesian toffee. Looking up, he noticed she held her hand out. It would be rude for him not to accept her gesture. Biting down on the inside of his jaw he tried to fortify himself against her touch. Slipping his palm along hers, he felt the warmth of her soft skin. He wondered if the calluses on his own hands offended her. It didn’t appear so, because her smile broadened. Removing his hand, he started to explain the various gauges and levers “When you’re ready, I’ll get this on your back.” She rose and bent over, grabbed the hem of her dress, and then lifted it up along her body. Kolby could not pull his gaze away from the tantalizing flesh being revealed inch by inch. Shapely calves became toned thighs, which turned into rounded 37

`Yvette Hines

hips, and then a narrow waist, and finally small, but pert, breasts. It took every ounce of his strength not to groan at the sexy display of her form in a gray and black striped strapless one piece. It clung to every curve of her body. Not wanting to be a complete voyeur he kept himself from staring between her thighs and making out the plump folds of her sex. She stepped toward him. “What now? Do I just put this on?” “In a minute let me explain about all the items on it first and how to do your BWARF checks.” “BWARF?” She laughed. “That’s a really bad acronym.” Chuckling, with her, he said, “I agree. But, it will help you remember about buoyancy, weights, air, releases, and final.” Pointing to the various instruments on and around the tank, he then made her repeat the words and the acronym a few times to ensure she understood. He instructed her to turn her back to him. “Scuba diving can be a wonderful experience, but it needs to be done with your mind always on safety of you and your buddy.” “Will I get assigned a buddy in the morning?” She wiggled around situating her body in the straps and with the pack. “You will.” Moving around the front of her, he talked to her again about each item and its importance and how it operated. Snapping the 38

Stealing the Bride

harness at her waist, he then slipped his fingers against her skin to adjust the straps. He didn’t miss the warmth of her body beneath the suit or the quick clenching of her stomach muscles as if she’d sucked in a breath. “I need you to make sure your body is relaxed so that it fits snug and secure.” “I’m relaxed,” she whispered, her voice slightly shaky. Glancing up, he looked into her face. Now that he was standing this close to her, he found himself captivated by her mysterious eyes. In the bright light from the interior of the hut, they were so dark brown they appeared one with her pupils, an opening to her soul or her heart. Locating the opening of her heart was not his issue, nor the purpose they were together. Shaking himself, he unsnapped the belt and stepped away from her. “Now, take it off and put it back on yourself doing the checks like I showed you.” She tilted her head at the roughness of his words. Kolby knew that his tone had come out demanding and harsh, not how he normally would guide his students, but being around this woman was making him feel off-balance, outside of himself. Following his instructions, she maneuvered the heavy tank off her shoulders and placed it on the ground, then went through her checks out loud, 39

`Yvette Hines

efficiently. Once that was done, she squatted before it grabbed the straps, and rose quickly, hoisting it up onto her back. The rapid movement caused her to stumble forward. Moving out of reflex he caught her against him. Her body flushed against his, they stood there for long moments, neither of them moving or breathing. He flexed his hands at her waist, feeling the curve of her hips below his pinky and ribs with the soft underside of her breasts touching the tip of his thumbs. They were so close that if her bathing suit didn’t have the twisted fabric at the top he would be able to feel her nipples against his chest. Having her against him caused an ample amount of blood to run south, filling his cock. Her tall frame allowed his hardening shaft to rest at the juncture of her thighs. When she squeezed the muscles of his biceps and her lids lowered so that she was focused on his mouth, he took a deep breath and pulled himself together the best he could. “Be careful, it’s pretty heavy on land.” “Yeah, it is.” She seemed to regain her own sense of awareness; she bowed her head, dropped her hands, and stepped back. “Don’t forget to secure your belt.” He gestured toward the clasp hanging open. “Oh, thanks.” He moved to his tank, snatched his shirt off, and then ran through his checks. He got his pack on 40

Stealing the Bride

his back and secured. Even though he was the only one that used his tank, he still adjusted and readjusted the straps. “Never take anything for granted when it comes to scuba diving. You overlook doing one step, that could be the one that caused yourself or your buddy harm.” “Got it.” She looked at the pool. “How am I going to see what I’m doing in the dark?” Smiling, he stepped to the metal box to the side of the pool and reached inside and flicked the switch, turning on the underwater lights. Moving back to her, he said, “Let’s get in. I’ll go first and help you down.” When she saw him go down the four steps at the very small shallow end, she asked, “Aren’t we supposed to fall backward into the water?” “The back roll is one method. Since that’s the hardest thing for people to become comfortable doing, we show the technique out in the ocean. However, we don’t make everyone use it.” He held his hand out to help her down into the pool. She squealed and clasped his hand tightly as the water moved up her body. “You could have warned me how cold it was in here.” “Sorry. I get in and out of this pool so often I don’t pay the temp much attention.” “Not sure how you can get used to this.” When she let out a slow breath, he asked, “You good now?” Opening her eyes, she nodded and gave him thumbs up. 41

`Yvette Hines

“First things first, let’s talk hand signals for underwater communication.” He pointed at her thumb. “That means I’m going up.” Executing the okay sign with a finger and thumb making a circle and his other fingers straight up, he said, “This means okay.” “Got it.” She executed the same gestures. He ran through the other signals: stay there, come here, going down, go that way, which way, watch me, level off, ears won’t clear, something’s wrong, get with your buddy, hold hands, low air, and danger. Purposely he showed her the gesture for cold last. They both laughed when she accomplished the sign and added chattering of her teeth. “You know what they say?” he asked in a sly manner. She frowned. “What?” “The best way to warm up is to get fully wet, quickly.” He didn’t give her a chance to comprehend his words before he put both his hands at the surface of the water and splashed her with two large waves. “Ahh!” she screamed and danced around in place as the water dripped from her hair, down her face soaking the top of her suit. “Oh my god! You’re going to pay.” Chuckling, he took the moment to dunk underneath the water. When he came up he had to duck back in for cover, Leya was shoving one hand 42

Stealing the Bride

after another across the water in rapid succession in his direction. He swam toward her, frantically-moving his legs and came up in front of her and grabbed her hands. He pulled her body into his stilling her assault. “Truce.” With the water making her lashes appear darker, it gave her eyes a seductive appearance. If he didn’t watch himself around this woman he would find himself under her spell. Or her under him. Either way it would be risky. The last thing he wanted to do was let her go, but he did. He moved away, grabbed two face masks, and then gave her one. They donned their mask and floated toward the deep end then he instructed her to recheck her equipment. After she did, she gave him the sign for okay. “Good. We will descend. Remember this time isn’t for swimming, just for acclimating you to the equipment.” “All right.” “Once down there, keep your eyes on me as you orientate yourself. Tomorrow you will locate the boat underwater to the direction we will travel. Now, I just want you to breathe and relax. The object is to feel ‘weightless’.” He instructed her to put her regulator in her mouth and how to let out small amounts of air and finished with showing her how to check the pressure on her inflator so she could adjust her buoyancy to 43

`Yvette Hines

ascend. Once they were underwater he would be limited in what he could communicate to her. “Ready?” he asked. She nodded. His regulator in, he guided her underwater. Once they were in the deep end he watched her for any signs of struggling. They practiced the different signals and directions. She took to diving like a pro as loose strands of her hair floated around her in the water. He loved being in the water because everything in the world seemed to vanish. Being below surface with Leya wasn’t any different. However, he wasn’t prepared for the intensity of his attraction to her amplifying. As her gaze held his, trusting, waiting for instruction and bright with her excitement, his blood pumped fast and hot through his veins. At one point, her hair floated in front of her mask and he couldn’t see her eyes. He’d have to remind her to restrain it tighter for the morning dive. On instinct he reached out and caught the strands in his fingers. Like silken threads, they wrapped around his fingers, as if holding him. He rubbed them between his finger and thumb, feeling the wet tresses. Brushing them back away from her face, the water inadvertently brought him closer to her. Now they were face to face, floating weightlessly and locked in a moment that belonged to them. In the brightness of the underwater lights, 44

Stealing the Bride

he could see her eyes darken even as his hand still cupped the back of her head holding the hair in place. Judging her desire he nudged her forward gently. Responding instantly, she placed her hands on his shoulder. Her touch was like a gun going off for a runner. Snatching his regulator out, he quickly removed hers and sealed their lips before either of them could exhale as he slowly brought them to the surface. Their masks clashed, hindering him from deepening the kiss. Frustrated, he yanked his away then slipped hers up and over her head, his movements urgent but gentle. Once he was no longer constrained to a small kiss, he slipped inside her mouth and groaned at the first taste of her. Sweet and warm. It made him imagine how she would taste in other places. Her tongue caressed his, flirting with his tip, circling it. Blind, he kicked his legs, moving them until he felt the flooring of the shallow end brush his toes. Standing, the surface of the water hovering above their waist he took hold of her hips and brought her body against him. He captured her tongue and again marveled at how they fit together so well. Pressing into her, he grounded his cock against her sex. She gasped and he pulled away and kissed the side of her mouth, nibbled along her jaw drinking the water from her skin, quenching his thirst with her. 45

`Yvette Hines

Her hands held his head against her as he lowered along her neck. Without removing the tanks they were limited; it was impossible for him to cup her ass and lay her beneath him as he buried his cock deep inside her. Returning to her mouth, he kissed her fiercely, letting her know how much he wanted her. He didn’t care about any of his rules he set for himself about not getting involved with the socialites. All he wanted was her. Palming her breast, he was thrilled to feel her arch into his hand. Their need was on the same level. “Touch me,” she whispered when their kiss broke. “Oh yeah.” Not wanting to give up the small taste of her, he continued kissing her as he pulled down the top of her one piece and he cupped her. Large nipples. Those words shot through his mind and caused more blood to fill his cock. Leya might have small breasts but her nipples were large and distended. Caressing them with his thumb, he enjoyed the little shivers that coursed through her body. They were sensitive. That knowledge undid him. He didn’t realize he moved them again until he heard and felt the bumping of her tank against the edge of the pool. The night breeze caressed their skin as he pinched her tip and rolled it between his fingers. She began to whimper and tremble in his arms. Before he could process how responsive she was to 46

Stealing the Bride

his touch, she cried out in his mouth as her body began to buck and shake. Holy shit! She came. He’d never known a woman to orgasm from a kiss and having her breast fondled. Their lips parted, and she dropped her head to his shoulder as her body let loose small quakes. He wanted to shove her suit aside and slip inside her pussy, feel her tight and wet around him. Instead, he said, “You’re amazing, Leya.”

47

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Four Leya felt disoriented, as if someone had pulled her too quickly into the depths of the ocean. Her breasts had always been sensitive but she’d never come that quickly and definitely not only from a callused touch and a kiss. She did have to admit that kissing Kolby was not a simple kiss. The man was an oral master. He did things to her through her mouth that made her body ignite in flames, better than most of her exes could do to her during sex. This is what she got for focusing on work over the last two years that she was in such a dry spell of need, the first spark in her direction caused her to go up in flames. Like a valley in California she found herself consumed by a fire. Blaze Kolby had ravaged her body. She didn’t know what to say. “Sorry I came,” “I’ve never done that before,” or “Did you feel that earthquake, too?” He probably thought she was a helpless loser that needed a man. She wasn’t a loser, but she needed and wanted this man. Taking her chin, he guided her face up. It was weird having their faces in shadows as the lower part of their bodies were lit up from the pool lights. 48

Stealing the Bride

His gaze, more smoky gray than blue, assessed her. “Are you all right?” Trying a weak smile, she felt her lips tremble, still effected from her climax. “I’m good.” She tried to push away from him. He held her. Not speaking for a moment, his hand flexed at her hip and then he said, “Leya, I want you. Even if I wanted to pretend that the kiss was a moment of insanity brought on by having too much water between my ears, it would be a lie. The only thing my mind can think of is slipping inside of you and fucking you into the dawn.” Damn. She didn’t expect him to be that blunt. However, hearing those words, so raw and bold, made her nipples, still bare to the night, tighten even more. The ball was in her court. Did she take him up on his offer or just say thanks for the orgasm and walk away. She hadn’t come to Bali for a fling and had made sure to keep her gaze away from the rich men in the resort who tried to approach her. But, Kolby was another matter. He was irresistible. Not just because he was attractive, but there was something else about him that drew her. Like a moth to a flame. “Leya—” “Yes.” No more debating. She wanted this man. She could analyze it all later. “Your place or mine?” “Mine.” If she was going to do this, she would keep home-court advantage. 49

`Yvette Hines

A sexy smile started at the corners of his lips and tilted up high on one side. “I have a few things to take care of here. What room are you in? I’ll meet you there.” As she told him, he stepped back. But not before he reached out and tweaked her nipple. “You may want to put those away before I’m forced to take them in my mouth right now.” “Yikes.” She grabbed the top of her suit, rolled brazenly to her waist, and tugged it up. The job had been easier when it was dry. It took some wiggling and maneuvering to get it to move up her wet skin and a tank on her back didn’t help. “Good Lord, woman, you’re killing me.” His gaze was riveted to her bouncing breast. “Not my intention.” She laughed as she finally got it in place. His gaze traveled along her body above and below the water. She was surprised that the water around her didn’t start boiling. When he looked up at her face, he winked at her. The look in his eyes was predatory to say the least. They took the stairs out of the pool. The pack on her back and her water-logged legs made her wobbly on her feet. Kolby helped her steady herself by holding her elbow as she removed her tank. Once they both had their equipment off, he said, “Give me twenty minutes.” “See you soon.” She swiped up her dress and sandals, deciding she didn’t want to put them on. 50

Stealing the Bride

Quickly she walked away, before she launched herself at his delicious body and begged him not to make her wait. It was insane. She was never this spontaneous when it came to men. Most of the guys she’d slept with had been during her long-term relationships. A time or two after college she may have had a one-night stand trying to prove she was a modern woman, but those two experiences left her with regrets the following mornings so she never did that again. Then what are you doing now? she asked herself as she punched in the pass code to her suite. Inside her room she stripped out of her suit and hung it on the bathroom rack as all the doubts she should have been feeling before came flooding in on her. The luxurious room that normally took her breath away every time she entered it, fell flat on bolstering her emotions. In the mirror she caught a reflection of herself. Her hair was pulled back in her makeshift knot at the base of her head, but the flyaway strands had dried and were now wildly arrayed around her face. She groaned. This was not her best look. Why was Kolby even interested in sleeping with her? Most likely it was the lure of bedding a tourist. It was probably something he did on a nightly basis; find himself in a different woman’s bed. An American beach bum who taught aquatic lessons to the rich, no responsibility, just taking each day as it came. 51

`Yvette Hines

Stepping away from the mirror she turned on the multijet shower and got in. There wasn’t much time before he arrived. As she bathed more worries flowed around her like steam from the shower. She was glad she’d had the foresight of getting waxed before she left the States, otherwise she would have been risking life and limb shaving from ankle to navel. With a quick pass of her razor under her pits, she washed her hair and got out. Toweling off, she added moisturizer to the wet strands and allowed the natural waves to hang loose around her shoulders. The hair balm would keep it from drying out overnight and/or during sex. “Ugh, what am I doing?” She went to the dresser and didn’t know whether to put on a nightgown, top and shorts, or a sundress. She had never been a booty call girl and didn’t know what to wear when a man was coming over for sex. In the past, she and her exes usually had sex after a date and they promptly went home when it was over. She’d put on a granny-style gown after they left and that was that. “Maybe I shouldn’t do this?” She clutched the towel still around her body and rushed over to the phone beside the bed and picked it up. Perhaps there was time for her to call the clerk and have him page Kolby with a message. Damn it. What kind of message would I leave? “Sorry sex is not on the menu tonight,” or maybe “The guest in room 1492 no longer needs 52

Stealing the Bride

servicing.” She slammed the phone back down. No good. Before she could figure out how to call the night off a knock sounded on her door. She doubted it was room service. As she crossed the floor, she took a deep breath and pulled the door open with the thought of telling him she’d changed her mind. But then there he was in all his fine glory with his hands casually held behind his back. She never thought that flip-flops, shorts, and a T-shirt were sexy, but on him he looked just as good as a model stepping off the cover of GQ—rugged and untamed. “You didn’t have to dress on my account.” He gave her another one of his clit-throbbing smiles. “No.” She twirled around. “It’s all the rage this year in bathroom apparel. You like?” When had she learned to flirt? “I do. Very much so. May I come in?” Duh. She still had the man standing in the hallway, where anyone could come by and see him. They would quickly know she was not getting diving instructions here. She was thankful that her room was at the end of a long hall and her closest neighbor was a good distance away. She stepped back, and she let him in then closed the door. He didn’t feast his eyes on the opulence of the room; instead he kept his gaze on her. His intense look made her nipples ache and she recalled his sensuous touch. 53

`Yvette Hines

“For you.” He pulled a single white flower from behind his back. She hadn’t expected him to bring her a gift. After she reached out, she took the short-stemmed blossom from him. “It’s lovely.” “I got it from a friend who works at the resort florist.” Flowers had always been a love of hers. She bought them fresh every day on the way into work. She held the bud under her nose and inhaled enjoying the robust floral scent with its musky undertone, more male than female in its notes. It reminded her of how Kolby smelled. “It’s one of the three national flowers called the jasminum sambac.” He brushed the back of his fingers along the side of her cheek. “It is said to describe the beauty of a woman. A night blooming flower that’s considered an aphrodisiac.” The husky, low tones of his voice lulled her senses and calmed her doubts. He was seducing her with words and a light touch. Lifting her gaze to meet his, she saw the depth of his desire for her clouding the blue of his eyes. She couldn’t ever recall a man’s desire for her being so ardent. The sexual energy in the room was so volatile it was causing sparks of electricity to kiss her skin. It made her yearn to touch herself all over or better yet, rub her body over Kolby’s. “This is your chance to call it off, Leya,” he said, as if reading her earlier thoughts. “Do you still want this?” 54

Stealing the Bride

“Yes, I want you.” Like lightning striking, quick and powerful, Kolby closed the gap between them and snatched her towel from her body then wrapped his arms around her and claimed her mouth. She pressed herself to him and returned the kiss and buried her hands in his long strands. His hair, cool as the sea and soft as satin, caressed her skin. His rough hands moved from her waist to her ass, cupping her behind and dragging her sex against his erection. It felt hard and glorious as she ground her clit into him. But she wanted him inside of her. Blunt, strong fingers moved down the crease of her ass, reached between her thighs and stroked her sex. He pulled his mouth away. “You’re practically dripping wet.” Heat flooded her cheeks. He was right, from the moment she’d seen him at the door her sex had begun to dampen, painting the inside of her thighs with her own juices. “I like.” The cold press of the door to her back shocked her. She hadn’t even realized they moved. That’s what he did to her, made her lose track of everything but him. “This first ride is going to be hard. Can you take it?” He fished around in the pocket of his shorts. 55

`Yvette Hines

“Anything you give me, I can handle.” She tossed back. In seconds he had the condom torn open with his teeth, the wrapper flying one way as he donned the moist sheath over his shaft. Before she could get a good look, he had her legs spread wide at his waist and was pressing the broad tip inside. He worked his length inside of her, deep. Soon, she found herself stretched wide around thick, long steel. “Shit, your pussy is hot, wet, and snug. I could stay like this if the need to come wasn’t so fierce.” Never before had a man spoken in such naughty language to her. She realized it turned her on. He bent his knees and slipped out halfway, then pressed himself back in at a deep angle that caressed her sweet spot just right. Her toes curled against the floor. “Wrap your legs around me and show me those delicious breasts.” Doing as she was told, she lifted her legs and linked her ankles at the small of his back then arched toward him. He began to pump his hips as he claimed a breast in his mouth, drawing on her nipple. She thrust her hips, riding her sex along his cock as he circled his tongue around her taunt tip. Switching from one breast to the other he concentrated just as hard on stimulating her 56

Stealing the Bride

nipples as he did in fucking her. He was thoroughly loving her. Making everything inside her spin and spiral down to her core as the pressure built. When he bit down on a sensitive tip, her second orgasm of the night hit her. She came, screaming and bucking against the door. “Yeah, baby, that’s it. Keep coming for me.” In and out he thrust inside of her, hard and fast. His hands gripped her ass, holding her in place as he ground his hips into her and drew her orgasm out long. Needing to touch him, she wrestled with the hem of his shirt and reached beneath it to run her fingers along his skin. Warm, powerful muscles played under her hands as he continued to pleasure them both. He reached one of his hands around her waist and then used his thumb to brush her clit as he moved his fingers inside of her causing her sex to clench as her body began to tremble anew. “Oh, that feels good.” She didn’t know if she was referring to his fondling or his cock slamming into her. And she didn’t care because both were leading to another glorious orgasm. “This time I want you to come with me.” His voice was harsh and strained. His thumb continued to press against her sensitive nub as he pounded them both to ecstasy. As her body shuddered and spasmed she gripped him, needing something that would give her 57

`Yvette Hines

purchase on sanity. Being with Kolby would surely cause her to go insane. With his lips against her neck he came with an animalistic grunt, releasing hot bursts of air along her skin, the force of his climax just as powerful as her own. They both stood there panting and sucking in much-needed oxygen. Leya slowly became aware of the world around her. The sound of the night birds calling to their mates, the hard press of the door along her back and the warmth of Kolby’s skin against hers, reminded her where she was. No telling that everyone on her floor heard her screams of pleasure. She had never had a man cause her to lose complete awareness, but that’s what this man did. He slipped his hands to her waist, allowing her the support she needed as she brought her feet back to the floor. Leaning back, he stared at her as he stepped back, separating their bodies. She gasped at the feel of her tender muscles losing his hardness. He adjusted his shorts, covering his condom covered cock from her sight then caressed her cheek. “How you doin’?” “I’m good.” Real good. “Give me a sec to clean up.” “The bathroom is that way.” She pointed to the other side of the room away from the bed. “I know.” 58

Stealing the Bride

Those two words reminded her that this probably wasn’t Kolby’s first time in these rooms with a woman. Biting down on the inside of her bottom lip, she shoved away her thoughts. “You may want to find a more comfortable spot for the next round.” He winked at her. She nodded. “Got it.” As he strolled to the bathroom, Leya couldn’t help admire the swagger in his walk. The sway of his hips accompanied by the masculine roll of his back, he exuded confidence. After he was out of sight, she collected the towel from the floor and went to the bed. Pulling the blanket back, she crawled along the large bed and enjoyed the feel of the cotton sheets so expensive and impressive they felt like silk along her skin. She was going to miss this bed when she left. In her real life she could never convince herself to splurge on such a luxury as Egyptian cotton. However, Bali was a different world. “Now that’s a beautiful sight.” Hearing Kolby’s voice reminded her of just how different it was. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled seeing him where he leaned on the doorjamb. She couldn’t stop herself from wiggling her ass at him, before she turned and rested on the fluffy pillows. Lying against the cool sheets, she turned her head and watched as Kolby emerged fully from the bathroom carrying his shirt and trunks. Her breath was lodged in her throat as she stared at every muscle and bulge of his tanned skin. His semierect 59

`Yvette Hines

cock, bounced against the top of his thick thighs. She shivered at the memory of his solid shaft inside her, stretching her. The man was fit, lean and chiseled, evidence that he worked out with nature, not in a gym. “You have no tan lines.” Next to the bed, he reached into the pocket of his shorts then dropped condoms on the nightstand and tossed his things to the cushioned bench at the foot of the bed. “What can I say, I like to swim bare some mornings.” “I bet your ass looks very appealing gleaming in the sunlight.” She couldn’t believe how audacious she was acting; this was not her. “Well, you’ll have to come see for yourself one day.” Placing his hands on the mattress he leaned over her. “I and the other tourist will get an eyeful I’m sure.” His steel gaze held hers for a moment, the look intense. “Sorry, but I only swim like that around my place, special invites only.” She wasn’t sure what he was offering, but she knew she couldn’t allow herself to take it. One night of hot sex and that was it. She wasn’t going to be one of those foolish women that got themselves entangled in a vacation romance and fell for the sexual prowess and lines of an island gigolo. “What shall we do now that we’re both naked?” Lifting her hand, she ran it through the cool length of his hair. 60

Stealing the Bride

“Eat?” Heat built between her legs at the single word. She thought about grabbing onto handfuls of his lustrous hair as he buried his face against her sex. He must of picked up on something in her features, because he said, “Not you, pretty lady. That will come later. But right now I’m starving.” “Oh.” She laughed. “Sorry.” “Have you eaten?” He stood up to his full six plus height. “Not too long before I came looking for the sports cabana.” “Do you mind if I order something?” Was this part of his ploy? Everything she read before coming cautioned her about men making the single women cover their tabs for food, drinks, and rides around town. She reminded herself it was only one night and she could afford a meal for good sex. No, outstanding sex. But tomorrow she’d make it clear that this money ticket was over. “Sure.” She sat up and pulled her knees against her breasts then wrapped her arms around them. Her thoughts had made her feel uncomfortable. “A light snack would be good.” As if reading her mind, Kolby sat beside her on the bed. “At any time you want me to leave, you say the word, got it?” He slipped his hand into her hair, stroking his callused fingers along her scalp and pressed her forward until there was barely an inch of space between their faces. “We’re either 61

`Yvette Hines

both in this fully, or we’re not and we can end it. I won’t force you into anything.” She didn’t know if it was the strength of his touch or the low timbre of his voice that drew her and made her want to keep this adventure going. She took a page from his book and repeated his words from earlier, “I want you.” He leaned in and kissed her until her toes were curling into the expensive sheets. When he finished, they were both more than a little breathless. “Now, how about that food?” “Okay.” He shifted away and picked up the phone then selected the button for the meal line. “Yes, we’d like an order of the sate with rice and peeled rambutan fruit.” He paused for a moment then said, “No, don’t charge it to the room.” “What is sate or rambutan?” she asked when he hung up the phone. “Wait and see. Trust me, you’ll love it.” “So, what do you want to do while we wait for the food?” She rested her chin on one knee. “Well, since ravishing you will take a lot longer than the twenty or so minutes we have, I’ll have to settle on something else.” “Like what?” “Stay there.” He rose and went into the bathroom, then came out with her bottle of lotion. Not sure of what he planned she watched his progression to the bed. “Lie back.” 62

Stealing the Bride

When she complied, he sat down at the end of the bed and pulled her feet in his lap. “You’re not one of those giggly women that can’t stand her feet to be touched are you?” “Nope.” But she snatched her feet away and asked, “You’re not planning to suck my toes?” She couldn’t help but laugh at his disgusted look. “Hell no.” He frowned. “Good.” She lowered her feet down again. “I don’t know why men choose to put their mouth on a woman’s feet when there are other delectable places to taste.” A wolfish smile stretch across his face revealing his teeth as he danced his fingers up the inside of her thighs making her squeal and squirm. Picking up the lotion, he poured some into his palm and then lifting one foot he coated it with the cold substance and used it to massage her feet. “I’m assuming if you have not tried sate before that this is your first trip to Bali.” “That’s right.” She hoped he wasn’t going to use this time to dig into her life. “Where else have you been?” His thumb worked into her instep. “Nowhere.” “Nowhere?” he repeated as his gaze assessed her. “That’s no way to live.” “My job keeps me pretty busy.” Damn, she hadn’t meant to bring up work. But, she felt a little perturbed that a man who spent his time playing in 63

`Yvette Hines

the water and with eligible tourist would find fault with her life. Instead of drilling her on her work, like she thought he would, instead he asked, “What do you like to do for fun?” Thankful, she smiled at him. “Well, when I’m not hanging out with my two best friends I’m working and occasional go to other states for work.” “There are a lot of great places in the States to visit. Where’s your favorite place you’ve been?” Taping a finger to her lips she thought about it. “Iowa.” His eyelids stretched wide. “That you don’t hear every day. Most people say places like California, Florida, or New York.” He poured more lotion in his hand and began on her other foot. “Those places are okay, but not many things can beat Okoboji in the spring.” She couldn’t help thinking back to the week a year ago she’d spent there for a finance conference. The seminar left time for one down day and she spent it at the lake. Not a true vacation, but she enjoyed it. They talked for a few moments about other cities and places in the states. Leya was amazed at how many scenic places Kolby had been to over the years. She’d been to a lot of similar cities but had only seen the inside of the hotels. She made a deal with herself that the next time she had to travel that she would start flying in a day earlier just to take in the culture of different states. 64

Stealing the Bride

“You’ve seen a lot. How is it that you’ve managed to travel so many places?” With so little money, she wanted to add, but didn’t. It was rude to delve into someone’s finances without them opening that door themselves. As an analyst it was hard for her not to want to counsel him on saving versus spending, but she held her tongue. “What can I say? Every chance I get to experience something new and get away from four walls, I take it.” He slid his hands up her calves. “Not as much as I’d like to, but as often as I can.” There was a brisk knock on the door and a call out of room service that ended the conversation. She pushed herself up then she turned to get out of bed for a robe and money, when Kolby halted her movements with a hand on her leg. “Sit still. I’ll get it.” Getting up, he went to his shorts and pulled the Velcro pocket open and removed a few rupiah, Indonesian bills, and then went to the door. The door opened away from the bed and she was glad for both their sakes when he only parted it a little, using the door to shield his lower body as he handed the money to the person she could not see and took the covered dish. “Terima kasih.” He thanked them and closed the door. As he drew closer, she could smell the spices and her stomach growled. “I thought you already ate.” He chuckled and sat down on the bed. 65

`Yvette Hines

“I guess no one informed my belly.” “Good. I love a woman that has a healthy appetite…for food.” His voice dropped low and her insides turned to jelly. “There is a wonderful table on the terrace where we can eat.” “I have a better idea.” Instead of telling her, he reclined on the bed, set the platter on his chest and then patted his thighs. “Come sit.” The thought of being in such blatantly intimate contact with him gave her excited chills. She didn’t hesitate to climb on top. She also noticed that his cock, which had been in repose moments before, had thickened. Removing the lid he handed it to her and she leaned over and placed it on the nightstand. Once she was settled again she noticed skewers filled with heavily seasoned chunks of chicken. There was rice with a variety of leafy herbs and beside that was a bowl of small round pale meat fruit. “Sate.” He pointed to the meat and then the fruit. “Rambutan.” His finger shifted and he said, “Rice.” Swatting his hand, she laughed, “I know that one.” Humor lit up his eyes making them bluer than the passion-filled gray she was used to seeing. Picking up a stick, he slid a piece of meat off and held it before her mouth. “Open.” 66

Stealing the Bride

Men didn’t feed Leya Greenwood was the thought that entered her mind as she parted her lips for him. Men wanted to date her and even have sex with her, but none of them wanted to sit around naked and slip food in her mouth with such sensual leisure. “Hmm, that’s good.” She couldn’t hold back the moan as the flavors bathed her tongue. “And tender.” “Yes, it is.” Smiling, he bit into a piece of meat on the stick. “One of my favorites, next to this.” He fed her a piece of fruit next. Leya couldn’t believe how the savory spices and the sweet tartness of the fruit complemented each other in her mouth. “That is really good.” Happy, she did a little bounce against his lap, forgetting herself for a moment. Groaning, he said, “If you keep that up the food will have to wait.” “No-no-no, it’s too good, I must have more.” “You got it.” As he scooped the rice and let her try it, she plucked off some more chicken and gave it to him. They continued to feed each other and discussed topics such as favorite foods, music and movies. They both discovered they loved jazz with vocals and classic movies. As the platter between them slowly emptied, Leya found herself amazed how much she enjoyed just talking to him. He was knowledgeable about so many interesting things that she found herself 67

`Yvette Hines

transfixed by the sound of his voice and the light caresses he gave to her on the cheek, her shoulder or thigh. The touches weren’t overtly sexual, but they still had her blood singing. “Now, my dinner is done…” His voice trailed away as he moved the platter, settling it under the lid on the nightstand then turned and seized her with his steel gray gaze. “I’m ready for my dessert.” It didn’t take her all her years of education for her to understand clearly that she was on the menu. Her body was on fire with desire for him too. Leaning over him, she said, “I want mine as well.” “Hmm. We have quite the quandary.” His hands moved up and down her thighs, staying away from the area she wanted to feel him most. “How do you suggest we fix it?” “Well, I could just slid up a few inches and make us both really happy.” She ground her ass against his thighs where she sat just below his thick cock. “That wouldn’t give me the dessert I seek, most.” Arching an eyebrow, she asked, “Which is?” “A full-mouthed taste of you.” Oh damn. She couldn’t breathe. Her clit was throbbing incessantly and she found herself shifting to angle it against one of his hard thighs trying to give herself release. “So, what should we do?” she whispered. 68

Stealing the Bride

He winked at her. “Come here.” With his strong hands he urged her hips to follow his lead until he had maneuvered both of them in position, her in reverse on her knees with his face between her spread thighs below her sex. In their current physical arrangement it gave her the advantage of planting her hands on his torso for balance and his impressive shaft was within reach for her to play. The first swipe of Kolby’s tongue had an electric current shooting up her spine, she gasped and bucked away. Not sure if she could handle the intensity of the contact. But, Kolby wasn’t having any of it. Gripping her hips, he held her in place as he glided along her slit and circled her clit. Digging her nails deep into his chest, she ground her hips closer to him, needing more of his wicked tongue. As her desire built, she didn’t want to leave him out. She crept her fingers down his torso and took his cock into her hands. Loving the feel of his hot, hard flesh she wrapped her fingers around him. His shaft thick and broad, she was enraptured by him. Leaning over him, as best she could with Kolby’s fierce hold on her ass keeping her available to him, she licked the crown and collected the small pearl of moisture. The taste of him was intense and robust, just like the man. She took him into her mouth and suckled the plump head. He growled below her and caused vibrations to ignite her sex as he drew on her clit. She was going 69

`Yvette Hines

out of her mind with sensations. Giving as good as she got, she licked and stroked working him further along her tongue as he dipped inside of her caressing her walls. The two of them worked in tandem pleasing each other orally. When she began to come, he pressed a hand along the center of her back keeping her body flushed to his. Not willing to give up the hard cock in her mouth, she swallowed him deep, still leaving a fistful in her hands as she climaxed, moaning around him. His tongue laved the expansion of her sex until there were just a few tremors raking her body as she lay panting with her forehead pressed to his hip. Using efficient skill, he swung her hips around until she was straddling him, his bulbous head pressing against her opening. She stretched to the side and grabbed a condom then removed it from the package with shaky fingers. Fumbling, she finally got it securely in place. Yearning to have him fill her throbbing walls, she pressed down and received his cock inside of her from tip to base. He reached up and brushed her hair way, caressing her breast. “I must say, sitting there you make quite the sight, a memory for lonely nights.” “Oh, sir, I doubt you have many nights alone.” She meant it teasingly, but for a moment the fingers that were playing with her nipple stopped and there was a shifting that happened behind his eyes. When she rotated her hips, seating him at the 70

Stealing the Bride

perfect angle inside, his gaze became smoky with lust again and the obscure emotion had left. A part of her wanted to question him about what was going on in his mind, but those kinds of questions would make more of this night. Or possibly cause emotions for this man, something she couldn’t allow to happen. “Ride me hard, princess.” Leya did just that. She too was glad to use sex to push her thoughts away. Leaning forward she set her hands against his chest for better balance and began to arch her hips so that only her ass lifted and popped it back down causing Kolby to growl and release a stream of expletives. As she rode him, over and over again, pumping her ass against his thighs pushing him toward completion, he made good use of his hands. Squeezing and plucking her nipples, making her sex gush with wetness around his cock. Her body began to quiver and she worked faster against him, trying to push him over the edge with her. She’d never been with a man who had such stamina. Even as their bodies were both covered in sweat and the breathing was harsh in the room that was filled with the scent of their mingled desire, he still showed no signs of finishing soon. He called out words of encouragement as he lowered his hands to her hips and pressed her tight against him, grinding is shaft hard into her. Her eyes rolled back, as she bit down on her bottom lip 71

`Yvette Hines

attempting to stave off the orgasm that she knew was only breaths away. “Please, Kolby, come with me…” she pleaded. She didn’t know why it was important for her to have him join her in ecstasy, but everything inside of her at that moment yearned to bond with him on some level. Heeding her request, he sat up. “Wrap your legs around my hips,” he said as he encircled her waist and pressed her to his chest. Obliging, she moved and locked her ankles at his back. The intimacy of the position didn’t escape her. “Hold on, princess.” As she gripped his shoulders, he thrust upward as he forced her body down hard, impaling her and stretching her wide. He claimed a nipple, circled the sensitive tip with his tongue then took it into his mouth and suckled it. The firm pull of his mouth as well as the fierce rhythm he kept them at removed all definitive lines between pleasure and pain. The final thought that went through her mind as their completion came in tandem was that the wall between them was beginning thin as well.

72

Stealing the Bride

Chapter Five “Shhh, you’re all right.” Kolby’s husky voice was low as he remained still, but continued to stroke his hand gently along her spine. Her orgasm had come and gone, but she couldn’t stop shaking. Her body was shuddering as if she was cold except she felt hot all over and tiny eruptions seemed to be going off in her sex with every movement and breath. “What’s wrong with me?” “I think your G-spot is over stimulated.” Leaning back slowly, she frowned at him. However, even that small amount of movement made another wave of tremors begin. She pressed her lips together and moaned. The feeling wasn’t painful, just the opposite, but she couldn’t get them to stop. When she was a little more settled, she asked, “How can that be?” He glanced down, to their joined sex, then back to her. His steel blue gray eyes dark. “I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it’s been a while since you’ve been with a man.” “What makes you think that?” At any other time, she may have folded her arms over her chest in a brisk gesture, but she was afraid that even a 73

`Yvette Hines

movement such as that would stir up another round of miniorgasms. He lifted an eyebrow high. In that one expression and the feel of his cock snug inside of her, she couldn’t deny it. “Fine. It’s been a minute…” She threw her hands up, her body quivered and she moaned. “Or two years.” Exhaling a breath slowly, she said, “But, it’s not as if I don’t orgasm on a regular basis.” She couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with a man that was practically a stranger to her. “With an insertable toy?” “No.” Damn, could my face feel any hotter? Leave it to me to be the only woman addicted to the quick release of a bullet instead of the long minutes spent with a dildo or cock vibrator and cause her G-spot to be “out of practice.” “Well, there you have it.” He smiled and flexed his cock inside of her, causing a maelstrom of waves to course through her body. “Shh-it,” she whimpered. “Okay, I think I know what will help.” He lifted her hips and slipped from her body making her spasm. After he got up from the bed, he jogged to the bathroom. Laying still on the bed, apprehensive about any movement, she heard the toilet flush and running water. Next there was a more forceful sound of rushing water that she assumed was from the 74

Stealing the Bride

bathtub. He came into the room, sporting a towel around his waist and picked her up from the bed and gingerly carried her into the bathroom. “I think I’m a little old to be getting carried around.” “I didn’t think you would make it if I let you walk.” He winked at her. Rolling her lips inward, she kept herself from laughing and disturbing her lower abdominal muscles. The large round tub was already halfway filled with the water flowing from the two stainless steel spigots on opposite ends. He lowered her into the warm water, slightly more on the hotter side, but not to the point she couldn’t enjoy it. Once the tub was filled, he turned the center knob and shut off the faucets. “Do you mind if I join you?” He dropped his towel. She couldn’t help devouring every inch of his sexy, nude body with her gaze. “Not at all.” He climbed in behind her, and he pulled her back against his chest. For a moment, they both remained quiet in the water. Her body began to relax as the warm water soothed her internal muscles and the tender areas of her sex. Kolby reached out and picked up a small cloth and dipped it in the water, squeezing the excess liquid along her shoulders and breasts.

75

`Yvette Hines

With her head against his shoulder, the atmosphere around them that had normally been sexually charged became serene. “How do you feel now?” “Better. The bath is helping a lot.” She rolled her head to the side and glanced up at him. “Thank you.” Lowering his mouth, he kissed her lightly, his beard tickling her face. “You’re welcome.” “Tell me something that will take my mind off my body.” “Hmm.” He drizzled more water on her. “Have you always liked being in the ocean?” she prompted, wanting to know something about him without getting too personal. “As far back as I can recall. I almost reconsidered when I was eight going into it anymore.” “For real? Why?” She pushed her hands at the surface of the water and watched the small ripples. “You have to promise not to laugh.” He tilted her chin up and stared at her. She wasn’t sure how a story about him never wanting to go into the sea again could be funny, but she agreed. For a long moment, he just stroked the wet cloth over her shoulders and arms, then he finally began, “When I was eight years old my family went to the beach and I was playing on an inner tube. Lying on my back, I stared at the sky while I was 76

Stealing the Bride

taking handfuls of water and throwing it up on myself.” She could picture him as a little boy with wild hair and excitement on his face to be in the ocean. Listening, she remained silent. “Well, somehow I must have floated by a jellyfish and scooped it up into my lap. It slid up the leg of my shorts attempting to escape, I guess. Let me just say a certain portion of my anatomy was on fire. I don’t remember a lot between me screaming, leaping out of the tube and almost swallowing most of the ocean trying to get to shore.” He lifted one of her hands and began rubbing the cloth down each of her fingers. “My dad dragged me out of the water. Once there my mother reacted as any mom, I’m sure, when their child is crying and holding themselves. But, right in front of all God’s children, she yanked my shorts down to my ankles and inspected my ‘boo-boo.’ To top it off, she put some cream on it from her beach bag and added a Scooby-Doo BandAid.” Leya tried not to laugh, she truly did, but she couldn’t get the image of Kolby with a Band-Aid on his penis. It started as a giggle and turned into a full on roaring laugh to the point tears where rolling down her face. He didn’t help, because he kept saying things like, “I could’ve lost my wee-wee that day” or “A 77

`Yvette Hines

doctor could’ve been needed for full reconstructive surgery.” At first he pretended to be offended at her joviality, but soon smiled and even chuckled himself. “Forgive me.” She exhaled a long, slow breath and wiped the tears from her face. Wrapping his arms around her, he said, “I’ll have to think about it. I’m not sure how sincere you are.” Snuggling against him, she said seductively, “Would it help if I kissed it to show how sorry I am for laughing at it?” “Absolutely.” Just when she began to lower herself in the water toward his cock, which was semi erect below the surface, he took hold of her shoulders and halted her descent. “On second thought, that will just make me want to bury myself in your sex again and I doubt if you could handle another round.” As much as she would’ve liked to contradict his words, she knew they were right. The tremors were gone, but she still needed a little more time before she would be ready to get back up on the horse, literally. Pulling her to him, he kissed her deeply then set her away from him as he added some exclusive labeled soap from the dispenser in the wall and began bathing her. 78

Stealing the Bride

She had to admit that she was enjoying being around him as much as his touch and couldn’t help but wish for more time with him. **** In the early morning light coming in through her balcony window, Kolby stared down at the profile of the woman sleeping beside him. Leya slept on her stomach with her hands buried beneath the pillow. It had only been a few hours since he had sex with her after awaking with a hard-on as she snuggled her bare ass against his dick. He’d awaken her with light kisses to her shoulder then slipped his condom-covered shaft inside of pussy from behind. As they spooned their loving had been slow and tender easing her gently into her final orgasm of the night. Used to rising before sunrise without an alarm clock, he inhaled deeply to clear his mind of the Sandman’s fog. His finger itched to reach out and brush the thick, wavy strands away from her face so that he could see her better, but he didn’t want to awaken her. She would have to be up in a little over an hour to get to the diving session and he knew she needed the rest. He hadn’t anticipated staying the night, but he couldn’t pull himself away from her. Not just because of the sex, as he would like to convince himself, but there was something about his princess. My princess? Those words gave him the push he needed to get out of the bed and locate his 79

`Yvette Hines

clothes. The last thing he needed to do was become attached to her. This was lust. Scratching a mutual itch, nothing more. Shoving his legs into his shorts, he snatched them up his body. He needed to keep this brief affair with her in perspective. They had agreed on last night and that was it. Case closed. Besides there was no room in his life for a pampered princess. He didn’t live his life in the society pages; far from it. He yanked his shirt over his head and allowed his gaze to travel to her in repose under the expensive duvet and canopy. A woman with hands as soft as hers, who stayed at five-star luxury hotels for vacation didn’t believe in getting dirt under their nails. Having been down that road more than once he knew that course and refused to take it again, thanks to his ex-girlfriend. The next woman he allowed into his life would be comfortable with the simple things of life. After writing a note for her instructing her to order nasi goreng at breakfast, because she’d need the high protein and carbs for the dive. He signed it with a K for his name. He felt like he wanted to say more. Tell her how much he enjoyed last night or how sexy her body was or how soft her features became after she climaxed or how much having sex with her had been a soul stirring experience, but deciding against any of those he set down the pencil. Slipping on his shoes, he quietly left the room. 80

Stealing the Bride

Two hours later, Kolby spotted her the moment she arrived and got in line with the other guests to receive her tank. Today her hair was pulled back in a tight French braid down between her shoulder blades. She was wearing a wine-colored, two-piece bathing suit. The top was strapless and the bottom was a miniskirt style. He felt the throbbing of his body as he watched her hand Mita, his diving assistant, her tote bag to be placed in the locker while they were out. He wanted to rush over to her, embrace her and ask her how she was feeling this morning, but he kept his feet firmly planted on the fiberglass boat at the edge of shore. Last night he had added her name to the roster for the dive so she wouldn’t have any problems this morning. As she got her tank and diving suit from Mita, Kolby watched as Leya introduced herself to the other guest as they all slipped on the suits. He wondered if she had done her yoga exercises in her room since he hadn’t seen her on the beach earlier. However, he’d forgone his usually dawn surfing so that he could go to his place, change and eat a quick breakfast. As he watched her follow the other six people headed to the water in order to climb into the boat, he wondered if she had missed seeing him this morning, saying good-bye, possible with a kiss. That thought caused his gaze to locate her mouth and remember the feel of her full lips against his. 81

`Yvette Hines

Hearing an older man groaning a little as he attempted to get a firm hold on the handle above the two stairs, Kolby returned to his job. Reaching down, he helped the gentleman maneuver into the small passenger vessel and dragged his tank up next. Standing at the end of the boat, he helped one passenger after another from the hip-deep water into the boat. By the time, Leya, who was last in line, stood at the stairs he just wanted to jump into the water and wrap his arms around her and swim away, to be alone with her again. The haze shadowing her brown eyes told him that she might be feeling the same way. Instead, he held his hand down to her and waited. When her slim, elegant fingers slipped into his, he felt a current move up his arm and his whole body began to heat up. It shocked him how much he wanted her after a night of being inside of her. Normally, with other women, one night was good enough. Hell, sometimes one hour was more than sufficient. Not with Leya, his gut shouted. “Good morning,” he said, not wanting to let her hand go just yet even after she was on board. A wave came by and rocked the boat causing her to bump into him. “Morning to you, too.” She smiled and tilted her head down for a moment, as if she were shy at been so close to him with people around after what they had shared the night before. 82

Stealing the Bride

“Okay, Kolby, everything’s locked up. We’re ready,” Mita shouted to him as she waded through the surf to the boat. Not needing help, after years of practice, Mita placed her hand on the side of the boat and hoisted herself out of the water. Leya took her seat and he went to the front of the boat to beginning the excursion at Manta Point. There wouldn’t be any more time to fantasize about a woman he needed to stay far away from. He had a job to do for the next few hours and it was damn time he remember that fact. **** “Oh my God, that was the most amazing of experiences.” An older man was saying as all the scuba divers stood in line handing in their tanks to Mita at the water sports cabana. Leya smiled at the older man as she unzipped her neoprene suit. “It truly was. I do believe swimming beside those manta rays was a memory I’ll never forget.” She was glad she’d taken her water camera. She couldn’t wait to get back home and show the pictures to Kathryn and Summer. “For me it was all the schools of fish. So many fish moving in sync around the reef and nibbling on the underbelly of the big fish,” a young woman with short blond hair standing behind Leya, next to a middle age man, added. Leya remembered the woman announcing during the adventure that she and the middle-aged man, who looked old enough to be her uncle, were on their honeymoon. Leya couldn’t help but think 83

`Yvette Hines

that the woman had caught herself a rich sugar daddy. Mentally, Leya shook her head. Finding some wealthy guy and living off him was not her thing. She much preferred having her own career and making her own money. Even if she didn’t use what she earned very often. Finally up to the front, she handed in her tank and told Mita which tote bag was hers. While she waited for the Indonesian woman to return with her things, Leya wiggled out of her suit. When Mita came back to the counter, Leya exchanged her wetsuit for her bag. She pulled out a short sundress from her bag, another item she had purchased on her first day here. Stepping away, she called out a good-bye to the few remaining from her group as another group stood in line awaiting their snorkeling gear from a middle-aged Indonesian man. She hadn’t seen Kolby since he helped everyone off the boat. She’d forced herself not watch where he went or to look out on the ocean and see if he was still on the vessel. Most likely he had other groups to manage. Besides, they’d had their one night now it was time for her to focus on what to do the remaining part of her vacation. She rounded the hut and headed toward the path back to the main portion of the resort when she heard her name. “Leya!” Her stomach tightened and heat radiated along her spine. Those signs alone let her know before 84

Stealing the Bride

she turned around who called her. Pivoting she saw Kolby a few feet away from her moving closer, his shoulder length hair blowing in the breeze. Now out of his short wetsuit, he was dressed in black trunks and a white T-shirt with beri bantuan on it. She didn’t even attempt to calm her rapidbeating heart, which had kicked up speed seeing that he sought her out. “I just wanted to tell you that I didn’t sneak away this morning.” He wasn’t even a little out of breath from his run to her. “No?” “Not at all. You looked really tired, so I didn’t want to wake you. I had to take care of a few things before the excursion.” She was happy to hear that. When she had awaken and found him gone, she figured that he was just trying to make things easy on them both by not having to make awkward good-byes. “That’s good to know.” “I’m sure you’re hungry after all that swimming, I know I am.” Hungry wasn’t the word for it. She felt as if she could eat a ten-course meal. “I could eat.” A few people passed them on the path and thanked Kolby for the scuba lessons and trip. He replied graciously. Once the last person moved further along the walkway, he asked, “What are your plans today?” The sun made his eyes appear more blue than gray. 85

`Yvette Hines

“I wanted to tour the city and find a local spot to eat.” Her hand fiddled with the straps of her bag. “Well, I know of a great place where the people are friendly and the food is really good. If you don’t mind spending more time with me, I’d love for you to join me.” “I’d like that.” The words tumbled out before her mind could decide if it was a good idea or not. His mouth stretched wide in a smile and surprise lit up his eyes, as if he hadn’t expected her to agree. Hell, she was shocked herself. He led the way up the path around the side of the resort to the employee parking lot to a dark green moped. “Hop on.” Kolby patted the back of the seat behind him. “One second.” She opened her bag and removed a sky blue cotton scarf that matched her dress. She was sure the salt water had done a number on her hair and riding on the back of a scooter would really make it unruly. Tying it under her braid, she removed a pair of hoop earrings, slipping them in her earlobes and added lip gloss to her lips. Last she took out a small travel bottle of lotion and quickly slapped a thin coat on her face, arms and legs. Hooking the bag on her shoulder, she moved to the bike. “You sure you’re ready now?” 86

Stealing the Bride

Climbing on, she said, “Trust me. You didn’t want some ashy, wild-looking black woman going places with you in public.” Glancing over his shoulder, his gaze traveled up and down her body, heat flared in his eyes as if he were recalling what she looked like beneath her clothing. She shivered in response. “I think I like you wild.” Heat rose from her belly to her face. He winked. “Hold on.” She slipped her arms around his waist, feeling the taunt muscles of his abs against her palms. Leaning in she could smell his scent of sea water and a unique musk that was all Kolby. She pressed her chest against his back then held on tight as he pulled out of the lot and onto the main road. As long minutes passed them by, the touristy part of Sanur began to fade away. Soon the hotels and fancy stores and businesses became dirt roads and vibrant green foliage that gave way to small rundown homes and children playing alongside of the road. She wondered where they were headed and what kind of restaurant would be located so far from the city. Soon, he guided the moped up a dirt path between large bushes, they past a bright yellow and white sign with words on it that she couldn’t understand. A quarter mile in the trees broke and there was a large area before them displaying three buildings in a U-shape, one long in the middle and two shorter buildings. Two were painted sky 87

`Yvette Hines

blue with mint green trim, but one of the buildings had a roof held up by columns with no walls. Stopping the moped and shutting off the engine Kolby patted her leg. “We’re here.” Before she could ask where a light brownskinned older woman came rushing out from the smaller painted building wearing a button down tan shirt, long flowing skirt and a large smile. “Ah, Mr. Kolby, so good you can make it, today.” “I would not miss it, Citra.” He got off the bike then took Leya’s hand. “This is Leya, a friend.” Stepping closer to her, Citra clasped her hands and gave a small bow of her head. “It is nice to meet a friend to Mr. Kolby. His heart is very big.” Leya didn’t know what to respond to the woman’s words about Kolby. She had only known him a couple of days and this situation was unexpected. She smiled and said, “It’s nice meet you as well.” “Are we in time for makan siang?” Kolby asked rubbing his stomach and giving the woman a big grin. Releasing Leya’s hand, the older woman patted Kolby’s arm. “Oh, Mr. Kolby we always have extra for you for the midday meal.” She looked at Leya and then him again and said, “And your…friend as well.” Leya noticed the sly look the woman gave Kolby as if she believed there was something more 88

Stealing the Bride

between him and Leya then what was being said. Citra led the way back to the building. Glancing around, Leya frowned. “What kind of restaurant is this? It doesn’t seem as if they get many customers.” “It’s not a restaurant. Besides, most people in this area walk where they need to travel and some have bicycles or mopeds.” He pressed his hand to her back and urged her to follow the lady. “She seems to know you very well. How often do you come here to eat?” He shrugged. “I don’t keep track. I’ve known Citra for about seven years.” They went up two steps to a long porch that expanded the length of the building. Removing their shoes, Leya and Kolby entered the front door behind Citra into one area almost the entire space of the building. As soon as they entered, children began to wave and jump up and down beside their chairs, chanting, “Saya teman Mr. Kolby!” Over forty children and six adults clapped and grinned with excitement around the room filled with long tables and chairs. Leaning closer to him, she asked, “What does saya teman mean?” The hand on her back flexed as he glanced at her for a moment. “My friend.” “Oh.” This was no occasional food stop; these people recognized and knew Kolby. Knowing that he spent his time away from the tourist locations 89

`Yvette Hines

and mingled with the real locals made her heart beat hard against her chest and her stomach tighten. Who was this man? She wondered to herself. Kolby announced to everyone that her name was Leya and she was a friend here for a short visit. A few children rushed over to her and took her hands, pulling her down the aisle of tables to a seat. She glanced over her shoulder a little nervous, but when she saw Kolby’s eyes, a warm ocean blue, on her, her nerves settled. Moving around the room, Kolby greeted the children and adults, calling them all by name and commenting on haircuts or new school uniforms the children were wearing. Soon, he was seated across from her. She realized soon that most of the children spoke enough English for her to communicate. It didn’t take much for her to realize it was a school and the children were having lunch with their teachers. The meal in the bowls sitting in the middle of the tables wasn’t lavish like at the hotel, but instead a simple fair of steamed vegetables, fish kebabs, rice, and a soup accompanied by glasses of a sweet, creamy tea. Soon the meal was over and a man Kolby introduced to her as Entji came to get him to help out back. All the kids helped to clean the dishes off the table than hustled out to their next session. 90

Stealing the Bride

Kolby turned to her. “If you don’t mind, Entji needs a hand with a water pump. I shouldn’t take that long.” “Go. I will be fine. I’ll help Citra with things until you’re done.” He leaned toward her as if he was going to kiss her; instead he took her hand and squeezed it. “Thank you.” Then turned and walked away. In that brief touch and the light in his eyes, she could tell how much her acquiescence meant to him. Moving to the older woman, she said, “Citra I’ve come to help with the dishes.” “No, no. The girls will care for it.” Sure enough as she said it, three girls looking to be around fifteen came into the door. They greeted Citra and immediately collected the tubs filled with the dirty dishes as the older woman waved Leya out the door. “The rice kitchen will open soon. Can you help me with this?” Leya agreed and followed the shorter woman across the field to the wall less building. “What is this building used for?” Leya asked. “It is used to distribute rice bags and other donated goods to the families of our students. The shipment comes once a month and a lot of the locals depended on it to get by and care for their families,” Citra explained.

91

`Yvette Hines

“Does the rice really help?” Leya could not imagine that something so simple could really make a difference. Looking her way, as they moved until the covering, Citra said, “Oh, yes. It is very much needed. Without the local rice grown by most of the family farms, it is too expensive for them to purchase and they have to use different grains and beans to feed their household. Most of the time this is not enough.” Hearing Citra’s words made Leya think of her mother, Vaughn Greenwood, bringing home cheese, rice, and peanut butter she’d gotten from the welfare line. Not much but enough that she didn’t go to bed hungry. Shaking off the melancholy thoughts, Leya assisted Citra in putting up the tables as a truck drove up the dirt road. As if drawn in with the vehicle, soon multiple women carrying babies formed a long line to receive the offerings. Leya discovered that an American company supplied the items and other building supplies to help construct toilets in homes and running fresh water pumps in some of the smaller villages where people would have to walk for miles to get fresh water for their families. She also learned that the people loved Kolby and spoke fondly of his visits and help. Sweating in the heat with her arms and legs aching as she distributed goods and socialized with the mothers and children, Leya felt content just being around kind people. She couldn’t help but 92

Stealing the Bride

admire them. Their lives may have been humble, but they gave so much more in respect and appreciation to each other. At one point as she had helped the girls from the kitchen take fresh water jugs to the back for the men who were working, she’d gotten a glimpse of Kolby with a shovel, digging and hoisting pipes. His T-shirt was plastered to his chest with sweat and dirt and his head was covered by a hat made of woven banana leaves just like the other seven men. He had his back to her, but as she set her jug down on the wooden slat, he turned his head in her direction. She couldn’t see his eyes, from the distance and the shading from the hat covering them, but she felt the intensity of his gaze. She released the jug and told her feet to move, but her body felt as if it was on fire and her feet refused to move. Everything inside of her was quivering from the sight of him. Memories of his kiss, his touch and the feel of him inside of her overwhelmed her. It was what she had been fighting against all day; her desire for Kolby. Now seeing his generosity toward these people, strangers, there was something else about him that called to her, pulled at her heartstrings. She told herself repeatedly that he was just a guy and this was just a vacation. Entji called a break to the men. As they put down their tools and came over to have water poured first in their hands to remove the dirt, then 93

`Yvette Hines

into small cups for them to drink they thanked the girls and Leya. All but Kolby. Kolby held his hands out for Leya to wash them, but never took his eyes from her. Now she could see those steel blue gray eyes and the force of his appraisal was even stronger. Exhaling a breath she redipped her ladle and filled a cup for him. “Have you had something to drink since the meal?” he asked not taking the cup. “Not yet.” “You drink. The weather is beautiful, but it can also be tricky and you must stay hydrated especially after being in the ocean for long hours.” “Okay.” She drank liberally, but only took half of it. As she lowered her hand, he removed the cup and turned it so that his lips drank from the same place hers had been. It confounded her how something so simple could be so erotic. It was as if he was kissing her and the fervent darkening of his eyes showed he was thinking the same thing. He tipped his head back and finished the water then handed the cup to her; fingers grazing caused electric currents to race up her arm. “Are you ready to go?” “Whenever you are.” He reached out as if he was going to stroke her cheek but he looked at his hand, as if recalling it still had some dirt on it and pulled away. Not that it mattered to her, she was just as sweaty as he was and in major need of a shower. “I’ll be ready 94

Stealing the Bride

as soon as I help them set the last pipe then test it for water flow.” “All right. I’ll be out front helping Citra straighten up.” Glancing down, she admired the broadness of his chest and remembered how he looked without the shirt. Clearing her throat, she tried to distract herself from her naughty thoughts. “What do the words on your shirt say?” Frowning he looked down as if he didn’t recall what shirt he was wearing. “Lend a hand.” Nodding, she said, “Figures.” Smiling at her, he turned and went back to the men and she went back around the big building to her own task.

95

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Six Forty minutes later, the Bali sky had turned to a magnificent orange, blue, and purple as the sunset. The breeze was soft around him and Leya as they pulled away from the school. At the end of the drive he slowed the moped to a stop. Shifting in his seat, Kolby glanced over his shoulder to the woman pressed along his back. There was still enough light in the sky for him to see the radiance of her lovely brown eyes and her light maple brown complexion. “I know I should take you back to the resort, but I want to take you home with me, tonight.” Pausing he felt her hands tighten around his waist. She was still, her eyes moving as if searching his face or her mind for something. When she still didn’t speak, his heart began to pound. He had allowed her into a part of his life that he kept away from other people. The secret of his true passion and soul he had let her see and now in a way he felt closer to her. However, his body yearned to close the gap between them, even if everything on the island concerning them was a facade. He would take it. She licked her lips as if parched and he followed the movement of her tongue until it disappeared inside again. 96

Stealing the Bride

Lifting his gaze to hers, he said, “Be with me tonight.” “Yes,” she whispered. Unable to resist, he leaned back and placed his mouth on hers. The kiss was brief, but enough to hold him for the moment. Turning back to the road he began to guide them back toward the coast. On the road before the hotel, he turned and traveled a few miles away. After he’d parked his moped in a covered port where his few neighbors had theirs locked up for the night, he took Leya’s hand and led her down the narrow dirt lane with thick vegetation on both sides until they reached a small bungalow. There were six others with his that sat in a quaint, private inlet right off the beach. They were all constructed from natural materials, however built in a traditional style with thatch roofs and all. Up the few wooden steps, across the small porch they removed their sandals, he turned the knob and they entered his Bali residence. He flicked on the over headlight adjacent to the ceiling fan in the center of the room and illuminated the area. “So this is where you lay your head at night, when you’re not in the water with tourist or working with the locals.” Leya was turning around in the middle of the large one-room dwelling. “Pretty much. Sorry it’s not as lavish as the resort.” He watched her take in the double bed and dresser on one side of the room then across the 97

`Yvette Hines

space to the small round table with two chairs in front of a refrigerator and stove. “That view makes up for it.” She stepped to the long window in front of the bed that revealed a massive ocean just yards from where she stood, only a sandy walk away. “Yes, it does.” He moved up behind her and pushed her thick braid to the side then kissed the base of her neck. The fact that her body was trembling didn’t escape his notice. He wasn’t sure if she was nervous about being away from her normal luxury environment, or if it was a response to his touch. He hoped the latter. “How about I show you the bathroom and we take a shower together.” She turned away from the ocean view then laid her hand on his chest and smiled. “That would be wonderful. I think I must have about ten pounds of dirt on me.” He covered her hand and squeezed it. Still holding on to her, he lowered his hand and pulled her behind him as he went in the direction of the bathroom. The bathing area might have been the only other room in the small domicile but Kolby still loved it. “Oh my god, is that a waterfall shower?” she squealed as he turned the handle to release the water flow from a wide stainless steel slot in the tile wall. “It is. Sorry, there’s no tub.” 98

Stealing the Bride

“This makes up for it.” In her excitement, she didn’t hesitate but a second to take her hand from his, before she pulled the short sundress over her head and removed her two-piece bathing suit next. Standing back, he leaned against the pedestal sink and admired every inch of her maple brown skin she revealed to him. His cock agreed with the site before him, as it thickened and began to rise behind his shorts. All day, he’d worked to keep his mind away from thoughts of her. First during the dive and then while they were around the children at the school. Besides, having an erection, with all the blood in his body pooling in his lap, didn’t make it safe to be digging a ditch in the hot sun. Now, he had her all to himself, and he planned to enjoy every minute of it to the fullest. She pulled her scarf from her head then unbraided her hair and stepped into the stall. The movement of her round ass as she crossed the few feet made his mouth dry. He wanted to touch and kiss the length of her body, which he planned to do tonight. Dipping her head beneath the full stream, she stood there for a few moments with her eyes closed. Because of the build of the tub there wasn’t a need for a curtain and he had never been more grateful for that fact than now. Seeing the water cascaded along her lush curves, flowing over her breasts and across her belly until it disappeared between her thighs then reappeared again down 99

`Yvette Hines

her legs was like sensual poetry. Rhythmic words flooded his mind, describing the feel and taste of her skin in every area the water touched. Smooth as silk and sweet as honey she is woman. Small and pert, tight and wet, she is woman. Firm, lean, and sinuous you captivate me. Pulling her face from the flow, she opened her eyes and held him in her dark gaze. “A water god and a poet. Who would have thought?” Shocked, he hadn’t realized he’d spoken his thoughts out loud. “You can’t fight inspiration.” “Are you going to stand there all night or join me?” “A tsunami couldn’t keep me away.” Yanking the shirt over his head, he dropped his shorts next allowing her to see how affected he was by her. Going into the drawer of the small cabinet next to the sink he pulled out a condom from inside. He only had two remaining from the ones he had purchased from the resort store when he went to her room last night. Moving into the stall, he tossed it onto the shelf beside the soap. “You lookin’ to get luck, Kolby?” she asked as she stepped to the side and allowed him to stand beneath the stream for a moment. “I’m a man. I’m always hopeful when a beautiful woman is within reach.” Shifting, he grasped her waist and pulled her body against his and kissed her. When her lips parted on a moan, he 100

Stealing the Bride

slipped his tongue inside her mouth and deepened the kiss. They stood locked in the embrace for long moments, when they finally pulled apart they were both breathless. Kolby could see the haze of lust clouding Leya’s gaze, he was glad to see she desired him as much he wanted her. Grabbing the soap they bathed each other, thoroughly. Dropping to his knees, Kolby enjoyed her giggles as he lifted first one of her feet and washed it, playing with her toes and then did the same with the other foot. He loved to hear her laugh and see the wide smile on her face and the brightness of her eyes reflecting her joy. He started at her foot by kissing her ankle then moved up her calf, licking and suckling her skin. When he caressed the back of her knee with his tongue she squirmed and placed her palm against the wall, balancing herself. Up along her toned thighs, he rejoiced at the warm silk against his lips, loving the texture of her soft skin. Hooking her leg over his shoulder, he then placed one hand on her ass and the other on her hip to help her balance. Staring up at her beautiful face, he didn’t speak. He wanted to memorize her features for every dream and fantasy he knew would fill his nights once she was gone. When she reached down and fingered his hair back behind his ear, he turned his face into her palm and kissed it. Focusing on her body, he watched the rivulets of water pour over her bare 101

`Yvette Hines

sex making an erotic stream along the labia of her pussy. Suddenly thirsty for a drink of her, he leaned in and glided his tongue into the succulent river, partaking of the salacious concoction—air dan Leya. Water and Leya. He drank deep, loving her with his mouth as he enjoyed the refreshing taste of her spicy nectar as the firm bud of her clit pressed against his tongue. He couldn’t get enough of her. Even as she buried her hand in his wet strands, holding fast as her cream coated him, he still feasted on her until she climaxed the second time. After rising, he held her body to his until only a few sporadic quivers rocked her body as he kissed her. Her touch stopped him as he reached for the condom. For a moment he thought she didn’t want to be with him. “Let me,” she said, taking the condom she opened it, tossed the packet to the floor. Standing back, he clenched his fist at his side, afraid to move or breathe, as she protected them both. He was aroused. So, hard and ready, he feared that the slightest of movement may have him shooting his load before he was inside her. After she covered his length, her tantalizing fingers teased him, stroking up and down his dick, even dipped low and cupped his balls in her hand. Groaning, Kolby slapped his hands against the wall, caging Leya trying to keep his sanity and allow her time to amuse herself with him. He had enjoyed 102

Stealing the Bride

playing in her pussy; it was only fair to give her the same privilege. However, after a few pleasantly torturous moments in her grasp he couldn’t take anymore. Pressing his body into hers, he forced her back against the wall and kissed her ravenously. When her tongue slipped into his mouth, his blood boiled with desire and his cock throbbed, he needed to feel her around him. As he lifted her, she quickly spread her thighs and wrapped her legs around him as he set the head of his shaft at her opening, pushing inside. She pulled her lips away and begged, “Don’t hold back.” He didn’t need to hear anything else, thrusting forward, he was glad she was wet and ready. Slamming into her tight pussy, he knew he’d found heaven on earth. **** “I can’t stay.” Leya stood on the warm sand of the beach and stared out at the waves rolling in with the evening tide. The evening view was just as breathtaking and captivating as the first time she had seen it two weeks ago. She would miss the tropical paradise, but not as much as the silent man on the shore with her. She could feel the energy pulsing from Kolby’s body as he stood behind her, not touching her. Time was up for her. The days had become nights and they turned into another day gone. She had never spent as much time with any of her 103

`Yvette Hines

boyfriends as she had with Kolby on the island. The only time she was in her room was when she was collecting clothes or dropping off gifts for her friends and mother. Every morning they walked hand in hand to the beach where he surfed and she meditated and stretched. She attended all of his water excursions, learning the beauty of snorkeling and perfecting her diving skills. He had even convinced her to try surfing, but she quickly learned that she preferred to leave the art to him. They hiked in the afternoons they weren’t at the school or other local sites giving out medicine, dolls, or supplies to the elderly. Even took an elephant ride one day. Kolby was a surfer with a heart that was as generous as the ocean when it came to the people of Bali. She had never asked him why he left the States to live here. The need to walk away unscathed and return home with her soul intact she had to consider some conversations off limits. However, the long hours through the night she had made love to him, experiencing the fierceness of passion and his tenderness had chipped away at her emotional wall. Not one moment did she regret, but it was time for her to go. “Not even another week or a few more days?” The urgency in his voice was almost palpable. “For what? Another day or two in the sheets.” She glanced over her shoulder. 104

Stealing the Bride

He took a step closer to her. “What if I was offering more?” Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around her middle. “No. I have responsibilities on me.” “Is it your job? That why you can’t extend your time here?” She shook her head. How could she get Kolby to understand comment to something other than this. Frustrated she stared at the ocean, the only world that he knew. His life and time were summed up in the swells that crashed onto the sand. He lived a simple life with few luxuries and the rupiah in his pocket. He wasn’t in poverty, but she didn’t see a plan for the future in his small shack. Especially not her future. “It’s so much more than my job. I have to leave. This is not my reality.” Her fears exploded inside of her and her mouth got away from her. “I don’t understand how you can be happy here longer than a few weeks living from one tourist tip to the next.” She found herself swung around and facing a furious man. Kolby’s brows were pinched together and his mouth was drawn tight. His hold on her arms wasn’t painful, but firm. “The tips I collect are for the people who need the money. I don’t keep any of it!” Feeling shame for her words, Leya looked away from the sharp gray of his eyes. She had witnessed herself Kolby giving his tips to Citra at the school 105

`Yvette Hines

for more supplies or Ramelan, the director at the elderly home. “Tell me, Princess Leya, if I was one of the men billeting in one of the suites in the resort would you stay with me then.” Yanking her arms away, she wished in that moment that she was a violent person, because her hand itched to slap him. For some reason Kolby had gotten the impression that she was some selfish, pampered snob looking for a bigger cash cow. How he could think such a thing of her, she didn’t know. It was just proof that this was a fantasy vacation and he didn’t know her at all. Swallowing to release the tension in her throat, she lifted her chin and tried to maintain the small amount of dignity she had left before the dam behind her eyes crumbed. She refused to cry in front of him. Beside she refused to analyze what tears falling at the moment would mean. “Before this evening becomes any uglier, I think its best we end with ‘this has been fun.’” In the light from the back of his bungalow she saw him hang his head and shove his hands deep into the long brown golden strands of his hair. “Leya, I’m sorry.” Raising his head, he pierced her with his steel blue gray eyes. “I don’t want us to end like this.” He cupped her face and stroked her bottom lip with one of his thumbs. His touch caused her heart rate to accelerate and she found it hard to breath. “Please, Kolby…I 106

Stealing the Bride

need to pack. I just want to get back to my r…oo…omm.” She heard and felt the trembling in her voice. Pulling her forward, he captured her mouth in a kiss. It was over almost as quickly as it happened. Turning from her, he called over his shoulder as he strolled to his residence, “I’ll take you back.” She was glad he walked away from her, because she didn’t have to worry about him seeing the twin tears rolling down her cheeks.

107

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Seven “Leya!” Summer was the first person out of her seat at Pappa’s Pancake restaurant in the wee hours of the following Saturday after Leya had returned from her trip. Leya hugged Summer. She was happy to see her friends. It felt like she had finally arrived home after a week of doing nothing but working and sleeping. She believed her body was on the right time zone, now. “It is so good to see you two.” Leya stepped over to Kathryn and received a hug from her as well. “It seemed like you were gone forever. Sit, sit. I want to hear all about your trip.” Summer reclaimed her seat at the table and waved her toward a chair. “Was it as pretty as it is on pictures?” Kathryn asked picking up her mug and drinking from it. “Oh, Kat, it was much more impressive in reality.” Leya allowed her mind to replay the amazing landscape. “You better have brought pictures with you,” Summer said, a warning tone to her voice as she waved the waitress over. “And gifts,” Kathryn added. 108

Stealing the Bride

Pulling her satchel onto her lap, Leya asked, “I have both. Which do you all want first?” “Gifts?” Summer called out. “Pictures,” Kathryn responded at the same time. Laughing, Leya shook her head at her friends as the waitress arrived at the table and took her drink order and all their menu choices. Once the woman walked away, Leya pulled her laptop out and pushed the on button. “How about I give you all your souvenirs while my computer boots up.” Her two best friends nodded in agreement. After removing the two items wrapped in tissue paper, she then handed one to each of them. “Oh, this scarf is lovely, Leya,” Summer exclaimed. Fingering the material in her friend’s hand, she said, “They were handcrafted by the women of one of the small villages outside of Batubulan.” “It is beautiful and the bracelet too.” Kathryn held the wide silver bracelet in her hand rubbing the intricate etchings on it. Summer slipped hers on. “Thank you very much.” Kathryn thanked her too, as she wrapped the scarf loosely around her neck. “Okay, now show us the goods.” Smiling, Leya rolled her eyes at her friends as she pulled up pictures she had downloaded from her digital and water cameras a few days ago. 109

`Yvette Hines

Soon Kathryn and Summer were oohing and ahhing over the pictures and asking questions about the country. As the picture of the school and children scrolled across the screen she told them about the work she did there and how much more was still needed. “You rode an elephant?” Kathryn asked as the picture of her on top of the large animal came onto the screen. Laughing, Leya said, “I did. Once. It was good enough for me.” “I’ll pass.” Kathryn pressed the enter key to move to the next picture. “Please tell me you’re wearing a strapless bathing suit in that water?” Summer pointed at the image of her with her hands crossed over her chest smiling, shyly. Leya’s face felt hot as heat infused her body as she recalled the day she and Kolby had gone hiking and he showed her one of the many falls of Bali. She’d taken pictures and soon found herself conned into skinny-dipping with him. “Um.” She cleared her throat. “No.” Summer’s eyes could have popped out of her head as wide as her lids stretched. Kathryn wasn’t as shocked as she said, “I’m more interested in who was taking the picture.” This was the moment she had dreaded. The part where she had to tell her friends about the man who had affected her life in more ways than she wanted to admit to herself. There had been 110

Stealing the Bride

times during the week where she had wondered if she should have stayed a few more days. However, she knew it would’ve just prolonged the inevitable. “So are you going to tell us who’s behind the camera?” Summer leaned back and stared at her. “His name is Kolby?” Kathryn raised a single eyebrow. “Kolby who?” Leya shrugged. “Never thought about asking for his last name.” That wasn’t completely true she knew. She had considered asking everything about his past, present and future, just didn’t. They paused as the waitress brought her drink and their food. That was one thing that made being at the breakfast place at a god-awful time of morning. No one else was around and the food came quick. “An Indonesian hunk?” Summer questioned once the waitress departed. “No. American,” Leya revealed. “Is he in one of these pics?” Kathryn continued to advance the pictures rapidly as she and Summer stared at the monitor. “That’s him.” Leya confessed when they stopped at a picture of a sleeping man. She had snapped that picture of him one afternoon while they had been napping in his bed after a hike. “He’s sexy.” Summer fanned herself. “In a wild and rugged way. Hot.” Kathryn winked at her. “Where’d you meet him?” Kathryn used her fork to cut off a small piece of her omelet. 111

`Yvette Hines

Lifting her cranberry juice, she mumbled around the rim hoping her friends couldn’t hear her. “He was the diving instructor.” Summers fork clattered as she rolled her lips in and gave her a look that said “no you didn’t”. Oh, yes I did. “Look at Leya getting a little vacation naughtynaughty with the teacher.” Kathryn pretended to fan herself. Pushing her plate toward the middle of the table, Summer placed her elbow down and her chin on her knuckles. “Come on, girl. Give us the details like you gave up your panties.” Leya rolled her eyes up to the ceiling hoping the roof would cave in on top of her. “Don’t try and deny it either,” Kathryn warned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Leya groaned internally. She looked at her friends as she shoved her plate to the middle of the table too, no longer hungry. “There’s nothing really to it. I went on vacation, had a fling and relaxed for the first time in a long time. End of story.” Kathryn looked at Summer and Summer returned the look, Leya saw the exchange they didn’t even attempt to hide. “If he’s American, when is he coming back?” Kathryn questioned. “Do you plan to see him again?” Summer asked. “Look. It’s over. There’s no more to it. Case closed.” Grabbing her plate she then pulled it to her and began forking food into her mouth. It was 112

Stealing the Bride

easier to stare at the plate then the direct gaze of her friends. “He went his way and I went mine.” Another forkful went in. She chewed and swallowed without tasting a single morsel. “Let’s just drop it. I’m fine with how it ended.” “If you’re so fine, then why are you eating my food?” Summer’s voice was smooth and low. Swallowing the bite in her mouth, Leya really looked at the food before her. The plate held pancakes stuffed with fruit and dripping with syrup. It was a far cry from her waffle with a side of grits and turkey patties. “Shit.” It was the only word that came to her mind as she raised her guilty gaze to her friends who were both hiding laughter behind their hands. She set the fork down, folded her arms over her chest, and gave them a look that dared them to even smirk. Not fazed at all by her threatening stare both Summer and Kathryn’s laughter erupted from them. When Leya attempted to make her gaze even more stern, their chuckles became louder. Leya smiled and relaxed her arms as the mirth died down some around the table. “Give it up, Leya girl.” Summer shook her head and switched plates with Leya, but not before she stole a sausage patty as payback. “It’s not our fault you went to Asia and got sprung on some hot as hell hunk,” Kathryn teased. She knew her friends were right. There was no one to blame but herself. She knew the risks when 113

`Yvette Hines

she chose to take the plunge into an affair with Kolby. Now she’d have to deal with the emotions like a big girl. She missed him more than she thought she would and more than she would allow herself to dwell on. No matter how many mornings she woke up with thoughts of what if. “So, what are you going to do about it?” Summer inquired. “Nothing.” Leya poured coffee in her mug from the carafe on the table and added a heavy amount of creamer. “Besides he’s not really in an area of his life to financially handle a relationship.” Her friends exchanged looks again then they both turned to her. “Please tell me you didn’t pay for all those adventures you all had together in your pictures.” Kathryn the lawyer seemed to sit up straighter in her chair. “No.” Leya answered swiftly, but then took a moment to think about it. It was true, Kolby had paid for everything whether they were in town or even the rare occasions he had stayed with her in her suite. Hell, he’d even refused to allow her to pay for the souvenirs she had brought back for her friends and mother. “He took care of everything.” “Seems like he did a pretty good job of financially supporting a relationship for almost two weeks.” Eating her pancakes, Summer lifted a single brow as she assessed Leya. Fingering her straight strands behind her ear, Leya gazed around the restaurant not having the 114

Stealing the Bride

guts to face her friends as she said, “Doesn’t matter. He’s there. I’m here. It’s over.” Leya knew her words may have been the truth, the conversation may have been closed, but she wished her heart would get the message. Next week she had a three hundred plus financial seminar to conduct and as always her work helped her hide in the shadows of her own life. Maybe then she’d be able to fall into bed exhausted enough not to dream or think or wonder about Kolby. “Enough about me. Who’s planning their vacation next?” It was time to put someone else on the hot seat. She smiled as Kat groaned and Summer attempted to hide behind her napkin. **** “Okay, everyone, we need to be at KB Corp by nine.” Leya glanced around the room at her team. It was Monday morning, shortly after seven. They always met at the office before major seminars to get their final game plan together encase of last minute changes. “I’ve already pulled down the spreadsheet with the names of the employees that completed the online survey for the one on ones. The files are boxed up and ready to go,” Ryan told her. “Excellent. Stacey was very impressed with your work on the Dumont assignment.” She assessed the young black man. He nodded thanks to Stacey who sat across the table from him. 115

`Yvette Hines

Looking at her second, a buxom redhead, Leya continued, “Stacey, I’ll keep Ryan with me this week to work with him on the large group briefings if you can take lead on the indies.” “Will do.” Turning to a young blonde who was new to the group, she said, “Daphne I’d like you to shadow Stacey.” Daphne’s smile almost made it from ear to ear. “Really? I won’t let you down, Ms. Greenwood.” “I’m counting on that.” To everyone one, she said, “All right, now let’s gather up everything and go help some people maintain control of their money.” **** Finally back at the office after being away for the last three days surveying an old plant he was looking at revitalizing. His development team had been out there with him with stats and various ideas that would bring in more jobs for the community. His helicopter had just touched down from West Virginia an hour ago and in less than an hour he’d be on a conference call with his acquisitions team. “Hello, Mr. Bragdon, the conference room is already set up for one o’clock.” Jill his assistant greeted him. “Perfect.” He entered his office and dropped his briefcase on his desk.

116

Stealing the Bride

She followed him into the room. “While you were away did you hear about the seminars that have been going on this week?” He faced her. “I sure did. I plan to stick my head into the staff auditorium to see if I can hear a little of it before I’m in imprisoned on calls the rest of the afternoon.” “Good. By the time you come back the food I ordered from Smitty’s should be here.” Crossing the room he winked at the older woman. “Ah, just what I missed when I was out of the country for a month, an all-American hamburger. When the recession is over, you are the first one to get a raise.” “You sure know how to win over a girl.” She placed a hand on her heart and fluttered her lashes at him. Chuckling, Kolby left his office. Exiting the elevator on the floor where the auditorium was located, he crossed the hall to one of the side doors. He wasn’t trying to disturb the seminar, just wanted to see for himself if this Ms. Greenwood was as amazing as his staff had raved. Every time he spoke with one of his managers over the week all he heard was Ms. Greenwood was thoughtful, courteous, and easy to talk to regarding the sensitive matters of his employee’s personal finances. He was happy they all liked the team, but to him it was more important that she was knowledgeable and could help his employees stay 117

`Yvette Hines

afloat during these trying times. That’s why he’d contracted the firm. Over the last two years he’d been forced to make changes and decisions he hadn’t wanted. However, they had been necessary to maintain his company’s forward movement. Raises had ceased along with corporate vacations and kickbacks to upper management. He could be thankful that with everything that had gone away he’d kept over ninety percent of his employees; none in mid-to-lower levels had been lost. He heard her voice before he saw her. No one had to tell him it was Leya because she was the only woman who caused a jolt to his heart and his gut to clench with need. Moving further into the room he searched the front until he located her standing before the large SMART board dressed stylishly in a deep pomegranate and navy pinstripe skirt suit. Gone were the thick willowy strands he had adored in Bali; now her hair was bone straight and cascading around her shoulders. He had erotic dreams of her hair blowing in the breeze as they walked along the beach, spilling around him as she leaned over and kissed him, or fisted in his hands as he watched her take his cock in her mouth. He wished he had asked questions about her life in the States, instead of respecting the silent rule between them—a vacation romance. Hell, even if he’d just had her last name. Then maybe he would have discovered that she lived in the same 118

Stealing the Bride

city. Fate had seen to it that she had walked out of his dreams and back into his life and he’d be damn if he let her get away again. **** “So, are you a pampered princess or a working girl?” Leya froze. She wondered if she could make it back to the elevator that had just let her out on the garage level of KB Corp. But the sound of the doors swishing closed denied her that escape. Like an idiot she’d dismissed her team twenty minutes ago while she cleaned up her things. Now alone with a stranger she was trying to think of all her ways of escape. Braving it, she turned toward the direction of the person. The man stepped from the shadows where he had been leaning against the wall, and the world as she knew it shattered and crumbled at her feet. Even with a smooth jawline and short hair that barely showed any of the sun-kissed highlights that had played in his locks, she recognized Kolby. Her pulse kicked up and heat infused her blood, it was the same reaction her body always had in his presence. Even after over two weeks of not seeing him it was as if it had only been minutes. “What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Leya’s heart was racing so fast, she felt like she’d drunk five espressos. The palm of her hand had already begun to sweat around the handle of her case. She didn’t know if it was the fact that Kolby had tracked her down somehow or because 119

`Yvette Hines

with every ounce of her being she wanted to throw herself into his arms and tell him how much she’d missed him. Her mind told her it was the former. He took a step closer to her, titled his head and captured her with those steel blue gray eyes. “Trust me. No one is more shocked than me, princess.” “Stop calling me that. My life was a far cry from being raised in any palace.” He’d used that endearment on her in Bali, but that had been different. She’d been living in a world that wasn’t hers. A lie. A fantasy of the moment. Then shacking up with him in his bungalow for over a week had been the biggest fantasy of all. Her gaze scanned his imposing form hidden by a tailor-made suit. “You clean up well. Where did you rent the suit?” His chuckle was dry, humorless. “You may be smart at financial management, Leya. However, your research skills aren’t worth shit.” Taking a step toward him, she slapped her free hand on her hip. “Excuse me?” Resting himself against the hood of a luxury sedan, one of the few cars remaining in the garage, he folded his arms over his broad chest. A chest she knew was covered by firm muscles. “What do you think KB Corp stands for?” He had her there. All of the forms in the contract and the financial portfolio information the company had established for its workers that Zelda had given her all said KB Corporation, nothing else. She hadn’t looked any further in who owned it. 120

Stealing the Bride

That had no bearing on what she did to help the employees keep themselves out of financial redzones. “What’s your last name?” “Bragdon.” Damn it. Who in Tidewater didn’t know Kolby Bragdon, the corporate tycoon who owned several local businesses and a healthy share of one of the largest shipyards in the area? “Maybe, princess, if you’d have let me get to know more than your body and your wit we could’ve exchanged names and addresses.” The urge to push him off the hood of the car and wipe the cocky smile off his face had her shaking in her heels. She hated being made a fool of. Closing the distance between them, she poked her finger into his hard chest. “Why did you let me believe you were some damn island pauper?” “Are you shittin’ me?” He captured her hand and held it. “I’m to blame for your damn assumptions.” “Admit it,” she ground out. “You knew what I believed. Hell, anyone would’ve thought the same thing. You were an aquatics instructor and lived in a friggin’ one-room bungalow.” Tugging her hand, he dragged her body against him. “But, you fucked me anyway didn’t you, princess.” She felt his breath on her face and the heat of his body through their clothes. On one side she was thankful for the support because her knees had turned to jelly at his words. On the other hand, she 121

`Yvette Hines

wanted nothing but space between them. An ocean of space preferably. With her hand trapped between them, she couldn’t push herself away unless she dropped her briefcase. “I didn’t hear you complaining,” she threw back. “Oh, trust me I’m not.” His other hand lowered to her waist. Heat danced along her spine in the wake of his touch. “Let me go.” “No.” Frustrated, she asked, “Tell me, Kolby, why all the subterfuge? Why pretend to be someone you’re not.” A single eyebrow lifted and without him saying it, she knew he was tossing the same question to her. However, she ignored the challenge. “It’s simple. Just like everyone else travels there for a vacation so do I. One month out of every year I go there. To check on my project investments.” It all came clear to her now. “The school, retirement center, and the rice kitchen distribution center? All that is you?” “Yes. No one truly pays attention to the people providing them service. I can be incognito and not be hassled by the wealthy businessmen who know I’m there and try to make deals with me.” The wind went out her sail in one direction but shifted in another emotional gust. “It must be nice 122

Stealing the Bride

to play Santa Claus to the needy people of Indonesia.” Her words must have stunned him, because his arms fell slack for a moment and she used the opportunity to push away from him and turned to walk away. “Hell no.” He grabbed her arm and stopped her departure. “You don’t get to make a statement like that and escape, princess.” Yanking her hand away, unable to take the searing heat of his touch, she bite out, “I asked you not to call me that.” “Why? It’s who you were pretending to be.” He threw at her. “My friend owns that place. I know how much it goes for a night, not to mention two weeks. To top it off, I paid for your seminar so I know what your services cost. You don’t make enough to afford it in six months.” She knew he wasn’t talking about the days and nights she had spent in his arms, but his comment still stung. When it came to the zeroes in her bank account she didn’t play. “Well, how about a year. Or the fact that I’m a freakin’ financial analyst and I know how to invest and save. So, I can choose where and how I spend any part of that if I damn well please.” If she wasn’t mistaken, she thought she saw the corners of his lips twitch as if he were about to smile at her. Squinting her eyes at him, she waited. It didn’t come. Instead, he stepped to her with silent steps as his gaze seemed to search her 123

`Yvette Hines

features. That piercing stare made her nervous. She much preferred for him to question her job skills or financial state than attempt to cut through all the walls and facades she put up to see into her heart or her soul. “What?” she yelled, feeling uncomfortable. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “I may be acquainted with your body from the top of your lovely head to tips of your cute toes, but there’s so much more to you.” His tone was low, husky. “Why didn’t you let me get to know you, Leya?” Her hands were not only clamming up, but they were beginning to shake as well. She just wanted to flee and shut herself inside of her house. In an attempt to hammer a nail into the wall around her for more fortification, she lashed out. “Maybe I have a thing against corporate American tycoons and celebrities that gallivant all over the world providing for the poor and adopting the homeless when there’s so many people in need here that they step over to get out their front door.” Folding his arms, he shot her with those eyes again. “Is that what you think I do? Play Daddy Warbucks to outsiders, but not at home?” “I’ve seen it with my own eyes and helped with my hands.” Mocking his stance, she linked her arms over her chest. Dropping his hands, he then reached into his pocket. 124

Stealing the Bride

She heard the beep and saw the lights of the luxury sedan flash behind him. The low purr of the engine could barely be heard. “Get in the car.” “What?” She frowned. “Get in, Leya, or I’ll put you in.” His voice was low and menacing. She didn’t fear that he’d hurt her, but the muscle ticking in his jaw told her not to test him. Swallowing, she moved to the car. Once there she allowed him to open the passenger door for her. When she was settled with her case in her lap, he rounded the car and got in. “Where are we going?” “You’ll see.” He backed out of the space and drove them out of the garage an into the Virginia Beach traffic. The low notes of jazz filled the car, keeping the tension of silence at bay as they cruised down Virginia Beach Boulevard toward Norfolk. In Norfolk he made a few turns, taking her down streets, memories and projects she used to call home. When he pulled off Brambleton and parked in the lot at the beautifully constructed Norfolk Youth Community Activities Center. “This is one of the places that I own. Me. When I heard about dropout rates and lack of funding for sports activities for the kids in this area I had it built. State-of-the-art facility with top-notch retired coaches and teachers from the community. Free tutoring and sports.” 125

`Yvette Hines

Before she could open her mouth and say anything, he shifted into drive and peeled out. Down the street he shot up Monticello until it became Granby and hooked a left down a one-way street. Smoothly he slid his car along the curb and parked at a building she had remembered as a Head Start Center that closed down while she was in middle school, left vacant and abandoned. Now it was remodeled, bigger, and three stories high. “You own this too,” she said gazing out into the night at the structure with lights beaming brightly from the windows. She could see people milling around and smiling. “It’s a homeless shelter. It’s only a year old, but as people started to lose their homes over the last two years I had to do something. My company contributes to various other things around the area and country. I can’t help that my family is wealthy or that I’m rich, but I can help those who aren’t and need it.” She nodded. Her voice unable to make it passed the tightness of her throat. The warmth of his hand covered hers. “Talk to me, Leya. Your body may have drawn me to you on the island, but, it’s not why I couldn’t stay away from you. Or the reason I wanted you to extend your stay with me.” His thumb caressed the back of her fingers. “Let me in, princess, I want to know the woman I feel in love with.” Now not only was her voice gone but the air dissolved in her lungs at his words. She wondered if 126

Stealing the Bride

he’d feel the same once she let him in. Her apprehension about losing him with the truth was overshadowed by her fear of losing him if she didn’t share it. He sat silent as she got herself together. “I was raised all over this area. I know every street like they were carved out of the lines of my palms. I was the daughter of a fifteen year old who found herself kicked out of her parent’s house. My mom dropped out of school and did things to make sure I had food in my stomach every night and a coat in the winter. She moved me around from one place to the next until I was in middle school. She got a steady job and Section 8 housing in the projects that we drove by on the boulevard.” “Just like the children in the villages in Bali, I’ve been in more lines getting handouts than dollars we had in the bank.” She paused as tears spilled down her face. He squeezed her hand, encouraging her to continue. “Don’t get me wrong. My mother did the best she could. She worked hard, kept me safe from dealers and other bad influences, and was home every night helping with homework the best she could. She instilled in me the need to go to college and do better.” Leya loved her mother more than anything for that. “I got scholarships to college and financial aid. While I was at UVA, my mom got her diploma and an associate degree. Soon she got her own 127

`Yvette Hines

place off state assistance. I pay her rent because I want to. I also give academic scholarships yearly to two local Norfolk high school graduates.” “That’s nothing to be ashamed of, princess.” Shaking her head, she wiped her tears. “I try not to be ashamed of my life. I know what I’ve accomplished in spite of it all, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it had shaped every aspect of who I’ve become.” She gazed out the window at the building. “I fear ending up in a place like this so much I can’t breathe at times.” Kolby’s interlocked his fingers with hers as he lifted their hands and kissed the back of hers. “That was a big part of my travel and stay in Bali. I was trying to free myself.” “Did it work?” His lips brushed her skin as he spoke. “If it had, I would’ve called my boss and told her I needed a few more days away from work. Instead I ran away because I knew I was falling for a man I thought was happy living on the low end of the scale.” “Would that have been so bad?” “I don’t know,” she answered honestly. He lowered their hands. “How about we start with what we do know.” “Which is?” “You care for me. I care for you.” Reaching up, she stroked his face in the shadowed interior. “I couldn’t stop my feelings for you.” 128

Stealing the Bride

“Let’s not try. How about we start with dinner and no pretenses and see where it goes?” Smiling, she said, “I’d like that.” For the first time in her life she felt like she was in the presences of a man she wouldn’t mind taking home to meet her mother. “Do you mind if I cook?” “You’re going to have me wrapped around your finger.” Before the night was through they’d eaten, laughed, talked into the wee hours and greeted the sunrise with Kolby moving deep and slow inside of her. As he made love to her, Leya for the first time gave herself mind, body, and soul and began to trust her future in someone else’s hands.

129

`Yvette Hines

Chapter Eight “Where are we going?” Leya sat in the back of a stretch limo with Kathryn and Summer. When she had arrived at Pappa’s Pancake restaurant for their breakfast meet, her friends had been waiting outside and ushered her into the vehicle. “Can’t you be patient?” Summer asked. “You’ll see,” Kathryn added. Not getting any more information from her friends, she had no other choice but to wait as the car traveled along the interstate and highway. Forty minutes later, it pulled into the Executive Airstrip in Suffolk. “What are we doing at the airport?” Leya wasn’t sure what her two friends were up to, but she was hesitant about boarding a plane. In a few hours she had plans with Kolby. After a full month of dating with no secrets, she’d fallen head over heels in love with him. He was a brilliant man with a generous nature and a determination to make her happy. They’d had dinner with her mom, who thought he hung the moon, and socialized with both their friends. Last weekend they’d drove to Northern Virginia and she met his parents, who treated her like family. Most nights he spent at her house, except when he traveled out of town for business, 130

Stealing the Bride

like the last two days. She missed him a lot and couldn’t wait to see him when he walked into her front door. Both of her friends took hold of her hand in the back of the limo as the driver opened the door. “Just trust us,” Kathryn implored. “We promise you won’t regret it,” Summer declared. Exhaling a slow breath, she stared at the two people she loved like sisters, they had all been through a lot and they knew how happy Kolby made her and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize her relationship. “Fine. Let’s go,” she agreed. Smiling, Summer led the way out of the car. Once seated on the small private jet as it accelerated down the runway, Kathryn said, “You know this would have been easier if we tranquilized her coffee. You’re a doctor with drugs at your disposal.” Leya shook her head. “Thanks a lot, Kat.” Summer laughed. “I just didn’t want to have to drag her limp body out the restaurant.” “The limo driver had hands. He could’ve managed.” Aghast, Leya took the glass of wine from the attendant as the woman set a tray of grapes, cheese, and crackers before them. “This trip better be worth all this verbal abuse, Summer and Kat.” “Oh, it is.” Summer popped a grape in her mouth as Kat gave her a conspiratory wink. 131

`Yvette Hines

**** “What’s going on, Kolby?” Kolby watched the woman he loved waltz into the lavish Lakeshore establishment in Las Vegas. Her two best friends followed her in, and he gave his accomplices a nod as an attendant showed them to the dressing room. If it had not been for Kathryn and Summer aiding him in planning a wedding in a week, he might have been lost. When he’d secretly met with them two days ago at a Starbucks in Hampton before he left they had told him not to worry, they would have her on his private plane and on time for the wedding. And they had done just that. With Leya he was like a bee drawn to the right flower. One particular flower, different from all the others, she was the perfect nectar that saturated his soul. He loved her. They stood at the closed doors leading to the chapel. Getting down on one knee, he began, “I guess it’s a little late for me to be asking for your hand in marriage, but we didn’t start with doing things traditionally, no need to change things.” Staring down at him, Leya’s voice came out in hushed tones. “You want to marry me?” Claiming both of her hands, he squeezed them. “Oh, princess, I could think of nothing I’ve desired more than spending the rest of my life with you.” “I can’t believe you did this.” She looked around. “Brought me here, just to propose.” 132

Stealing the Bride

“Oh, no, sweetheart. That’s not it.” He shook his head. “If I was only proposing, I might have to wait for you to plan the wedding and that would mean watching you budget and calculate everything for cost. It could take months.” He winked at her. “I’m not that bad.” His arched a brow at her words. “Okay, maybe a little bit. But, I’ve been planning my wedding for years. I’ve practically got it down tight.” “I know, princess.” He’d gone to see her mother and asked for Leya’s hand, the old-fashion way and explained what he wanted to do. Vaughn Greenwood had supported him wholeheartedly and had given him an album Leya had kept since she was younger depicting her perfect wedding. He just hoped he’d done it justice. “Besides I couldn’t risk you running away on me.” “Never again. I love you, Kolby.” She cupped his cheek and then ran her fingers through his tapered hair, at times missing the longer length. “I love you too, Leya, but a roomful of people are on standby until you answer me.” Light sparkled in her dark brown eyes as they filled with tears. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” After he rose, he then pulled her into his arms and kissed her. When they broke apart, he said, “Now go get dressed and I’ll meet you at the altar.” 133

`Yvette Hines

He watched as his bride-to-be followed a woman down the hall to change. With a full heart, he turned and went to his dressing room to put on his tux. **** “Leya, you make a lovely bride.” Her mother handed her the white rose bouquet as they prepared to exit the room. “Oh, Mom, I feel like I should be pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.” Leya fought the emotions rising from her heart; she didn’t want to start crying and ruin her makeup before she made it down the aisle to Kolby. “This is no fantasy, baby girl.” Her mother’s identical brown eyes met hers. “You’ve been through so much and worked so hard, you deserve only the best now. That’s Kolby. He truly loves you.” She saw the tears welling up in her mother’s gaze. “Yes, he does. Going to do my best to make sure he doesn’t regret a day of it.” “If you make even half a great wife as you have a daughter, he never will.” Her mother leaned in and gently kissed her on the cheek. “I hope you don’t mind I gave him your book.” Looking down at the wedding dress, an exact replica of the one from her album, Leya had no idea how he’d been able to locate one. “Not at all.” 134

Stealing the Bride

“Well, let’s get out of here. There’s a groom waiting on his bride.” Her mother turned to step away, but Leya grabbed her hand and stopped her. “I love you, Mom.” She kissed her. Pressing her lips together, her mother led the way out the room. Minutes later, Leya walked down the aisle with her mother to a traditional wedding march as she’d planned. The chapel on the lake was decorated in sapphire and gold, her choice of wedding colors, with chairs filled with family and close friends of her and Kolby’s. Her two best friends stood in elegant gold dresses like she’d dreamed; both her maids of honor and the only bridesmaids. On the other side of Kolby were his best friend and his cousin. As her gaze met Kolby’s she almost stumbled from the impact of his intense gaze. There was so much adoration, devotion, and passion in his eyes it made her knees weak. She may have orchestrated her perfect wedding on paper, but even her mind could not fathom the extraordinary feeling of having the man she loved at the altar before her. When her mother gave her hand over to him, she could feel the roughness in his hand, evidence that he put his hands to work where his money went. How could she not help but love such an admirable man.

135

`Yvette Hines

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join together this man and this woman…” the minister began. I love you, she mouthed. Always and forever, he responded.

136

Stealing the Bride

About the Author

I’m simply Yvette Hines. I’m an erotica author that loves pleasurable hours between the sheets; whether it is a blended tale of interracial lovers, the clandestine bite and wicked passion of a paranormal lover or the sting of a commanding whip against tender flesh. Even better, make my day and toss in two gorgeously, decadent men who only want to pleasure their woman. I write Short and Sexy, Sensual Erotica (SASSE). Occasionally, you may get a fulllength novel from me. However, life is too busy and most of us have more than one job, family and other activities that don’t allow us long hours to read any more. I’ve been penning erotic tales since 2007, on the hedonistic side of the romance genre. However, I’ve been writing romance under a different pen for a while. I’m eclectic by nature. I’m married to my best friend. A guy that makes me laugh ‘til I can’t breathe. A man who steals my breath every time he walks into a room. I believe in happily ever after like the rising of the sun depended on it. I’m a member of Chesapeake Romance Writers and RWA. You can find out more about me at: http://yvettehines.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@sasseYvetteH)

137

`Yvette Hines

Find your favorite fantasy at… Whispers Publishing (www.whispershome.com) For your convenience, all of Whispers Publishing’s books are available from our website as well as Fictionwise, Mobipocket, All Romance eBooks, and Amazon Kindle. Be sure to join our newsletter for up-to-date news from your favorite authors, contests, giveaways, upcoming releases, and more! To join, send a blank e-mail to: [email protected] We’re also on Facebook and Twitter at: www.facebook.com/whisperspub www.twitter.com/whisperspublish

138

Stealing the Bride

Stealing the Bride

Stealing the Bride