Page 36 of The Lieutenant

“Weren’t you, Kara? Aren’t you more interested in the biopic that three networks are interested in making? Aren’t you more than ready to become rich and famous as you suggested?”

“That’s not fair.”

“Life isn’t fair. I never told you I was a decent man, but I am a brother, a son, and a friend to many. I’m also an employer of some pretty incredible people who rely on my honesty and tenacity to make a living and feed their families. I take pride in that. Now, business discussions are over.”

I’d crossed a line. I’d gotten too comfortable with the subject of my interview. That was a huge no-no and part of the rules laid down by various ethics committees. Since I was freelance, I could form some of my own rules, but digging into his criminal activities was digging deep and low. “I’m very sorry. I think it’s time I go back to my hotel. I’ll understand if you don’t want to continue the interview after today.”

It took a few seconds before he exhaled. “I brought you here to show you something special to me and I intend on showing it to you. Grab your gear and follow me.”

He didn’t give me any time to respond before finishing the glass of wine and jerking to a standing position. I scrambled to keep up with him as he strapped the dive knife to his thigh and donned his mask and snorkel.

I did the same, although I was back to feeling uncomfortable around him. When he handed me a flashlight, I immediately turned it on, swinging it from one side of the dock to the other.

“Sharks won’t come this close. Don’t worry, kitten. Nothing you said changes anything between us. I will protect you against all threats, human or otherwise. Come on.”

He had his hand held out and the moment we touched, he tugged me close. There was something far too intimate about standing in bare feet and a bathing suit looking up at him.

The moment was deliriously invigorating. It was also terrifying. I didn’t need to feel anything for the man. Not one thing. Yet as he stared down at me with a soulful look on his face, my instincts told me the lines I’d crossed had only managed to arouse him.

“I don’t think I need to worry about the sharks. They’re tame in comparison.”

“No, you don’t.” He eased the mask onto my face before doing the same with his. As he pulled us toward the set of metal stairs leading directly into the water, I had another round of doubts. “Maybe you do need to worry about me after all.”

“Why is that?”

“Because the fish aren’t the only creatures interested in consuming their prey.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” He tugged me forward with enough force that we were pitched into the air by several feet.

Whoosh!

The rush of chilly water awakened all my senses. We’d dropped several feet while I struggled to hold the mask in place, fighting to keep from sucking saltwater into my lungs. It took me several seconds of being pitched into blackness before I remembered the underwater flashlight. I was scrambling to keep the snorkel in my hand.

Just as I’d experienced before, being submerged in the ocean blue was peaceful even as a hint of panic tore through me. He was already swinging the light back and forth, peering at me while pointing at a school of fish. I’d forgotten how incredible marine life looked with effervescent light. The colors were even more vibrant, the bright illumination revealing their true colors and intricate details.

Those were often lost even with the stream of sunlight beaming down. I was holding my breath, refusing to give up the magical moment as we swam away from the dock. Havros pointed to another group of sea life, the bioluminescent glow a transcendent sight. I was struck by the beauty of every creature, and the various seagrasses attached to the coral nestled on the shallow ocean floor waving from the motion of the water.

The beauty was mesmerizing, the memory of why I’d stopped diving slipping away.

I flashed the light in his face, trying hard not to laugh from the expression he wore. With his hair floating toward the surface, he certainly didn’t look nearly as formidable as before. I’d soon need to surface for air, yet I kicked out, moving further intothe shadows. When he wasn’t right beside me, I spun around, almost panicking from being unable to find him even with the light.

As soon as I broke the surface, I yanked out the mouthpiece, taking several gulps of air as I twisted in the water. “Havros!”

“Did you miss me, kitten?” He scooped me into his arms, swinging me around as if we’d just been playing a game of hide and seek.

“Don’t do that!” I pummeled his chest before fighting to get free of his hold.

“What? I was right there.”

“No, you weren’t.”

“And you were worried about me.”

“Damn you.” I jammed the mouthpiece past my lips and dove again, swimming further away. He caught me within seconds, swirling both of us in circle after circle before bringing us to the surface.

He was grinning, obviously thrilled with the fact he’d made me nervous. “What’s wrong? Can’t take a little teasing?”

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