Chapter 6

Mia

My hands are shaking so much, I push one inside the pocket of my robe as I open the door.

A grizzled looking man, taller than me, and stocky, with grey flecks in his hair is staring at the smashed door.

He straightens and locks eyes with me. His gaze is piercing as he gestures to the door. “What happened here then?”

I force a feeble smile. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude, but who are you?”

Irritation flickers across his weathered face. “That’s imported glass, and it’ll cost a grand to replace it. And I’m the owner. Who the hell are you?”

My heart starts to crash against my ribs as I frantically try to think my way out of the hole I’ve dug myself. But all that comes out is a stuttered explanation. “I know Mark.”

His lip rises. “I agreed to let my stepson film here on the condition that no one touched anything. I did not agree to have his floozie stay here.”

Floozie!

Sweat starts to trickle down my spine as I try to think. Everything depends on how I present myself. I get this wrong and he walks inside.

I hang my head and don’t look him in the eye as I mumble. “I have food poisoning, really bad. I washed my clothes…because…well. And Mark isn’t exactly happy about me staying here.”

I go for a remorseful expression and half of the truth. “He agreed to pay the bill when he gets here though.”

His eyebrows bunch together, weathered face twisted into a disapproving frown. “Well, he better. I’m not running a charity.”

His expression softens somewhat. “Look. I came to check the doors were locked and nothing was missing. There’s a manhunt underway. Whatever arrangement you made with Mark, staying here alone waiting for him to come back isn’t the safest thing to do.”

My heart rate increases along with the trembling in my hands. I force my voice to sound nonplussed. “Oh? Who are they looking for?”

His eyes flick over my shoulder as if he’s trying to see inside. There is nothing to stop him from pushing his way inside, it’s his house, he has every right to.

His eyes snap back to my face. “I didn’t catch all the details.”

As cold sweat starts to pool at the base of my spine he looks at the broken glass making me realize I have an opportunity to lay some groundwork. “I thought it was odd the door was broken. And there did seem to be a bit of a mess inside…”

I chew my lip and frown at him. “And I thought I saw a man coming out of here with a backpack, but I assumed he had permission from Mark.”

It’s a slight deviation from what Zander and I practiced, but hopefully it’ll make things easier rather than harder.

But he only looks more perturbed. “Hmm. Well, I’ll take a look around make sure nothing else is damaged, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving you here. Get dressed and I can take you into town.”

I swallow thickly, mouth running dry as I scramble to come up with a good enough reason to stay put.

A day ago, his arrival would have been exactly what I needed. But now, even though I should be worried about my safety, I’m thinking about how to help Zander.

I shake my head and try to look sheepish. “Um, this is…embarrassing, but my clothes are soaking wet, and I can’t leave, I wish I could, but I need to stay near the um, bathroom.”

My hand goes to my stomach as I manage to summon a few tears. “He’s coming to pick me up tomorrow. My clothes will be dry and I should be well enough by then to make the drive.”

I slump against the doorframe as he takes the slightest step back from me. “Oh, well. Of course, I see, that is a problem.”

I know I’ve done enough to convince him when he pulls a face. “There’s a gun behind the wine rack. Leave the outside lights on. Sounds like he’s taken what he needed and left the area, I’ll let the Rangers know.”

He jerks a thumb in the direction of the Golden Labrador sniffing around the jetty. “If you like, I can leave Buster here? He’s a good watchdog. I’d stay myself, but…”

He lets his voice trail off as I try to think of a plausible reason to not have the dog stay. It’s a nice gesture and unlike Mark, his stepfather seems to be a genuinely nice person.

Lying to him is making my stomach knot. “That’s so kind of you. But I’m deathly allergic.”

His face relaxes as he takes another step back down the stairs. “Well, fair enough. But keep the door double bolted. And like I said, leave the outside lights on. If he’s moved on you should be okay if it’s just one night.”

He glances upwards at the light on the porch. “You switched the electricity on?”

I nod and suddenly realize I have an opportunity. “Um, sorry, I don’t suppose you have any spare clothes? Anything will do…”

His eyes widen but he nods slowly. “I might have some wet weather gear. Sweater. Nothing fancy but let me go check.”

Every moment I stand out here is another moment, he could demand to come inside.

If he does, he’ll see the remains of lunch, not to mention the wine and beer we’ve drunk.

I screw my face up and fake retch, holding my hand over my mouth. “I can’t…sorry I have to use the…”

I close the door in his face, lock it and just in case he’s watching, I moan loudly and stagger towards the bathroom at the back.

As I reach the hallway, Zander sticks his head out, a deep frown on his face as he steps back to allow me entry.

It’s obvious he’s heard every word, so I don’t need to explain anything. Since the car is close to the bathroom, I fill a glass of water, and make gagging noises just before I tip the water down the toilet.

Zander watches me, body tense as I fake throwing up for my audience of one.

Minutes tick by as I alternate between groaning, retching and listening to the man opening the car door right outside the window.

I’m genuinely feeling nauseated, anxiety growing until I hear him whistle for his dog, then the sound of a car door closing.

I freeze, eyes locked with Zander as the car starts and slowly pulls away from the house.

With shaking hands, I place the glass back on the vanity and release a long breath.

I manage a weak smile in Zander’s direction. “I’ll go see if he left clothes you can use.”

I shift to move past him, but he grabs my wrist. His fingers curl into my skin, as he pulls me closer. “That was…you are…why did you do that?”

His fingers slide under my robe, causing goosebumps to travel over my skin as he gently caresses the skin of my arm.

I hold still, my breathing speeding along with my heart. “I said I wanted to help you, and I meant it,” I murmur.

His eyes are heavy with lust when his hand wraps around the back of my neck and he brings his mouth to mine.

I lean into him, kissing him deeply, my tongue twisting with his sending explosive tremors down to my center.

His fingers creep inside my robe and he rubs my nipple with his thumb until I’m groaning into his mouth.

Zander’s hands shift until they’re on my ass. He keeps kissing me as I run my hands over the hard muscle of his chest.

He walks me backward, kissing me with such intensity I can’t breathe properly.

My hands are in his hair, on his arms, tugging at his wetsuit as we collide with the doorframe.

His kisses become more insistent more passionate, stealing all logical thought as lust makes me shake with anticipation.

We reach my unmade bed, and my knees give way as I fall backward.

His eyes stay on me as he reaches around and unzips the wetsuit and slowly tugs it past his hips.

I grab his shoulders and pull him on top of me. His mouth finds mine again, and he kisses me skilfully, making every inch of my body respond.

I grab his hair, twisting it in my fingers as his body presses into mine. He shifts his weight and breaks the kiss.

His lips brush against my neck, my collar bone until he’s kissing my breasts and flicking his tongue over my nipples.

He kisses my stomach, then shifts down again so he can push my legs apart. When his tongue proves as expert as I’d hoped I’m almost delirious with pleasure.

He grips my thighs as I spread them wider, hips raising as he incites primal noises to escape.

When I’m writhing on the bed, and close, I grab his head and hold him steady as incredible surges of bliss ripple through me.

I lay back, breathing heavy, nipples hard as rocks and ready to return the favor when he starts licking me again.

I’m not about to protest. He’s exceptionally talented, and he seems to be enjoying it almost as much as I am. Which has never happened to me before.

I’ve heard about men who really know how to please a woman, but I’ve never experienced anything like the intensity and the carnal delight Zander is bringing me.

When another orgasm ripples through me, I’m pretty sure I’d do anything he asked me to right now.

I lie panting as he climbs on top of me. His hard cock slips inside me and he starts to thrust slowly, purposely, and I’m beginning to suspect with the intention of making me come again.

I wrap my legs around his waist and kiss him as he slowly rocks his hips. I groan into his mouth as pleasure starts to build again.

I lose myself in him. His smell, the feel of him inside me, the way his tongue connects so perfectly with mine.

His movements are smooth, fluid and it doesn’t take long before I’m gripping his ass cheeks and pulling him in deeper as another orgasm starts to shudder through me.

He waits for me to still before he pulls out. “On all fours. My turn.”

I’m on my hands and knees so quick, my head spins. I’m so wet he near glides into me.

His hands rest on my hips as he starts to pump me. I sound almost inhuman as he pounds deeper and faster until another monumental orgasm makes me gasp with the intensity.

When he starts to say my name with such passion, like I’m the air he needs to live, my body responds and when he starts to come, I join him until we sound like a couple of wild animals rutting in the woods.

I’m sweaty and thoroughly satisfied when we break apart and I collapse on the bed.

He crashes into the mattress beside me, breathing hard and a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead.

I turn my head to look at him, a smile on my lips as he shifts closer. “You’re good at that.”

He chuckles and turns on his side. “Oh yeah? Which part?”

I roll onto my side so I’m facing him. “All of it. Five stars.”

He runs his hand over my hip as he leans closer to kiss me softly. “Didn’t know I was being reviewed. I’ll have to try harder next time.”

I inhale, eyes popping open as he kisses me hard enough to make me see he’s dead serious.

When he gets up and winks as he starts pulling his wetsuit on, all the air leaves my lungs.

He wants another time? What else does he want? To finally tell me the truth? To let me help him figure it out?

Everything about this scenario is pointless and completely and utterly ridiculous.

Which, of course, only makes me want him even more.

***

Zander

Saturday 3.26pm

I’m feeling way too happy, way too relaxed when I check out the front door. I smile as I spy the bag that the owner must have left for Mia.

I still can’t believe she pulled that off. Considering how much was at stake, she held it together and pretty much saved me from being discovered.

She hasn’t said anything, but she knows I’m in trouble. It’s only a matter of time before she starts asking me for answers I can’t give.

I grab the bag and bring it inside to take a look.

I dump the bag on the countertop and start to check through. He’s loaded the bag with a few things he must have thought Mia might need. Tissues, a flare gun, a flashlight, a couple candy bars, and a hastily scrawled note that he hopes she feels better soon.

Thankfully he’s also included clothing like she asked. He must have been scraping the barrel because all he’s given her is a heavy fisherman style sweater and a cap.

It would have too much to hope he’d given her pants and shoes. And she couldn’t exactly ask him for those sorts of things anyway.

He’d been surprisingly generous. Not something I’m used to. Maybe it’s Mia? Maybe she brings out the best in people?

I should leave. I have no reason to stay. There’s a chance he’ll come back to check on her.

My stomach twists into painful knots when I think of walking away from her. But after what she did, I don’t think I can. Not yet.

I hear her soft footfalls as she joins me in the kitchen. Her hair is tousled, her cheeks still flushed.

She slides her arms around my waist and my arms instinctively go around her.

Her body melts into mine, and we stay locked together, my cheek pressed against her hair as I relish the feel of her in my arms.

She sighs deeply breaking the spell. “I wish you’d let me help you.”

I pull back and kiss her gently. “You already did.”

And she had, more than she realizes. When she steps out of my arms, she asks the question I knew she would eventually. “Are you dangerous?”

I don’t want to wreck what little time we have together, so I shrug. “Not to you I’m not.”

Mia stares in my eyes for so long I think she’s damn near peering inside my soul. “So, what do we do now? Stay inside?”

I nod, glad she understands why we just lost what little freedom we had. “It’s too risky going outside now.”

A pensive expression crosses her face as she starts tidying away the dirty dishes. “What if we left? Started walking back into town?”

Tightness builds in my chest. “That isn’t a good idea.”

She leans against the counter, eyes on me as we just stare at each other.

Her brow knits before she shakes her head as if she’s shaking off a thought. “Okay. Well, I’ll leave you to it.”

Mia’s voice trails off as she walks past me. I listen to her moving around, to the birds chirping outside, and release a heavy sigh at how things have played out.

She’s spent more time worrying about me in two days than I ever remember my mother or my stepmother doing my entire childhood.

I glance around the kitchen, check the pantry and plan out what I can make for us to eat tonight.

With nothing else to do but contemplate everything I’m about to lose, I scrub out the pan I used, rinse the plates then start to load the dishwasher.

I wipe down the stove, and countertop until nothing remains. For Mia’s sake, I can’t afford for even one fingerprint of mine to be found here.

I keep my hands away from the counter, toss the dishcloth in the sink and stare out the window into the woods.

Out past the treeline, I see the tips of the mountains, the sun high in the blue sky.

I let my gaze wander until I’m staring unseeing and unwelcome images start to surface.

I blink and stare down at my shaking hands. I close my eyes and try to wash away the memory with a more pleasant one.

When nothing springs to mind apart from Mia, and I hear the bath being filled, I head back into the living room.

I run my hand along the back of the wine rack, and true to his word, find a handgun.

I tug it out, check it’s loaded, and feel the familiar weight in the palm of my hand.

I swallow hard as a raft of unwanted thoughts crash over me. I can’t let them back in. I won’t. Not now. I can’t afford to lose perspective.

I need to finish this. I need to do the right thing and walk away.

Even if it kills me. I can’t tell her why I ended up here. Or why I’m being hunted. Nothing good can ever come from sharing those details.

She’s sweet, sexy, smart, kind and no matter how much I wish things were different, they aren’t.

Mia is and can only be a pleasant distraction.

***

Mia

The bubbles are dissolving, and my skin is pruning when I smell what must be dinner cooking.

I have no idea how much time has passed, but when I finally pull the plug out of the luxurious tub, I’m alarmed to see the daylight has started to fade.

Which means I only have a few hours left to convince Zander to trust me.

I’m beginning to suspect he knows more about Hollywood than I ever will. And he seems to genuinely want to protect me.

Maybe if I can get him to explain why I might get to the heart of his hatred?

I climb out of the tub and eye the expensive lotion on the vanity. Now I have a face to the owner, it’s difficult to continue to take without thought of how he chose to be nice.

I sigh and leave the lotion where it is and make a mental note to come back and clean the bathroom thoroughly.

I’ll have to find a way to thank him. Since I won’t be able to send him back the clothing he left, it’ll be the least I can do.

I pull my robe back on and check to see if my jeans have dried any more. They’re still damp enough to make me think the ride back is going to be uncomfortable.

What I need is a heat source to make sure they are dry by tomorrow morning. I hang them over my arm and make my way back into the living room.

Zander is in the kitchen banging around with pots. So, I leave him and take a look at the fire to see if I can get it started.

It’s been a few years since I used one, but the owner has left the fire ready to go.

It’s not exactly fire weather, but without a dryer I’m not sure what else I can do. I’m leaning over the hearth when I hear Zander behind me.

He shifts and takes the matches from my hand. “You can’t light that.”

I start to protest when he shakes his head. “The smoke will be seen for miles.”

My eyes narrow as I take a step back. “That makes no sense. The owner knows I’m here. It’s not a stretch I’d light the fire. And he’s going to tell the Rangers you aren’t here. So what’s the problem?”

His jaw works furiously. But he says nothing, just places the matches on the mantelpiece.

Without a word of explanation, he turns to leave. I growl in exasperation and grab hold of his arm. “Damn it! Talk to me.”

He shakes off my hand and gives me a glare that would have warned me off if his words hadn’t. “The problem isn’t with the Rangers seeing the smoke.”

He backs away, a dark look on his face as the wheels start to spin in my mind. I suck in a breath as I frown at him. “But you’re worried someone else will see it?”

He nods, and this time he does walk away leaving me scowling at his broad back.

With a head shake, I follow in his footsteps, increasingly irritated he won’t share anything about himself.

I find him pulling food out of the pantry. A pack is open on the countertop and it’s plain he’s been preparing to leave while simultaneously making us pasta for dinner.

I stand and watch him as he lines up cans of food, and starts counting as if he’s figuring out how many days supply he has.

I’m done being polite. Done waiting on him to trust me.

I fold my arms across my chest. “Do I need to guess?”

He ignores me and keeps pulling things out of the pantry. I huff a breathe out and shift so I’m blocking him. “The mob?”

He glares hard. “Just leave it.”

I don’t budge. “Did you steal something?”

His eyes flash dangerously, posture growing more rigid.

My breathing starts to speed as I think of all the possible reasons he could be running. “Did you kill someone?”

Zander doesn’t react so I push a little harder, hoping I’m not making a terrible mistake in doing so. “You saw something?”

He stares unblinking at me for so long ripples of worry start traveling over my skin.

Finally, he sighs. “I’m not going to tell you. So stop asking.”

Disappointment curls like smoke through my body. I shouldn’t be so invested in him. But I can’t shake the feeling I can help him somehow.

“Why? What difference does it make? I’m here with you, I helped you, I’d be in trouble if I tell anyone what really happened. Isn’t that enough?”

His lip curls as he looks so angry with me I flinch and take a step back. “This isn’t a game. This isn’t some messed up Bonnie and Clyde. I’m not bringing you into this any more than I have to.”

I throw my hands up and yell at him. “I’m already in this. Whatever this is!”

He near growls at me. “No. You aren’t. You’re an innocent bystander. And if you listen to me and do what I tell you to, you’ll stay that way.”

His expression softens as he grips my upper arms and searches my face. “Mia. If I could tell you I would. You need to trust me.”

I frown hard at him, tears starting to brew in my eyes at the pain etched on his face. “That’s the problem. I do trust you. But I don’t understand why you don’t trust me?”

He releases me. “Trust doesn’t come easy for me.”

He steps back and returns his attention to the pot boiling on the stove. His movements are robotic as he drains the water away and leaves it on the stove.

“Let me walk away knowing you’re safe.”

He doesn’t say please or ask again, just throws the cooked pasta into a pan, and tosses it so expertly, I know he’s at least not hiding that part of himself from me.

Even though it’s making my heart hurt, I know I can’t ask him to give more than he is able to.

So, with a smile I really don’t feel, I nod my head. “Okay. If that’s how it needs to be. I won’t make it harder for you.”

He uses tongs to swirl the pasta on the waiting plates, sprinkles over some seasoning then holds one out to me.

His expression holds such regret I have to bite the inside of my lip to keep from crying as I accept the plate of pasta.

No longer hungry, no longer angry, a deep sense of loss is filling me as I take the seat at the counter.

A gnawing ache has started to build. My stomach is twisted into painful knots, and with sudden clarity, know that Zander is going to disappear from my life forever.

And drawing it out is only going to make it hurt even more when I say goodbye to him.

I slide off my stool and scoop up the plate of pasta. “Um. I think it’s easier if we just, well. I’ll eat in my room.”

My throat starts to close over as he takes a step closer, then retreats as if not sure whether to touch me.

My voice comes out little more than a choked sob. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you.”

***

Zander

Her entire body is starting to tremble. Her face is tight, and I can hear the pain in her voice.

I’m edging toward her. My heart racing, veins heating with the desire to comfort her.

I did this. Me. I’m the reason she’s trying to hold it together. There’s nothing I can do to make this any easier. No words that can soothe away what she’s going through. She’s too nice. Too kind. Too sweet. Too good for me. Too good for Hollywood.

And instead of being angry, she wants to do more to help me.

“There are things about acting, and the industry…what it takes to work in Hollywood, what it does to people.”

Urgency fills me as I take a step closer. “You don’t understand. You haven’t seen…the things I have. The things they do in private…I don’t want you to find out about those things.”

She’s nodding, but I know she can’t possibly understand. “Mia...”

But what can I say to convince her? What if I tell her what I’ve been through and she doesn’t believe me?

Or worse. She goes to the police.

Her chin is quivering as she pulls her shoulders back as if trying to show she’s not upset. “Let’s not end things like this…please.”

My chest starts to grow tight as the desire to kiss her outweighs the desire to convince her.

She doesn’t want to be convinced. She thinks she knows. But she won’t. Not until it’s too late.

I have to find a way to find her again. With renewed conviction, I act without thinking.

I pull her into my arms and when my lips find hers, I forget everything else.

She’s all that matters. Her. This woman who risked herself. Who lied for me. Who cares for me.

I try to fight it, but my body is refusing to obey the commands my brain wants to send.

I’m losing control, losing all rational sense. All I feel is a primal urge to make her mine, one final time.

I strip off her robe, kissing her lips, the hollow of her neck, feeling my desire swell as she purrs in response to my touch.

I pull her to the floor, licking, kissing, claiming every inch of her body as mine. I plunge my tongue into her, knowing this will be the last time I get the privilege of making her writhe in ecstasy.

I spread her wider, tasting her, licking until she’s gasping, and grabbing my hair.

I can’t stop, I need to please her. Need to give her something to remember me by, so every time she rides the wave of an orgasm, I give her another, then another, until I’ve lost count and I can barely move my jaw.

When I’m sure I’m given her what she needs, and she’s begging me to get in her, I slide in, relishing how wet she is, how she feels underneath me, how soft her skin is, her hot breath on my neck.

I brace myself on the cold tiles, eyes on her face as I try to cement this memory into my mind.

Her mouth parts, eyes shut as she starts to make guttural noises that make my own pleasure intensify.

She’s coming again, only this time her eyes are locked on mine, legs wrapped around me as I kiss her until we’ve both gasping for breath.

I come, exploding inside her, every sensation highlighted and heightened by the knowledge I can’t have her again.

I roll off her and lie on the cold floor, shoulder to shoulder with the only woman I’ve ever wanted. I want her so bad it hurts more than I could have ever anticipated.

Leaving her tomorrow is going to damn near rip me apart.

I turn and look at her and try to make myself sound calmer than I am. “I need to start cleaning everything I touched. There can’t be anything to tie me to being here with you.”

She doesn’t argue or ask me why. Just slowly sits and pulls her robe back around her. “Do whatever you have to.”

I help her to her feet and watch as she grabs her food, and with a wry smile heads back into the bedroom. “I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me.”

I do need her. More than anything I ever needed in my life.

And that’s why I need to go face what I was running from.