Page 81 of Stone
As another man approached with Kekoa in tow, he grasped my hand, taking one last look at the screen on his phone before standing. “I’m not trying to keep things from you, Dani, but I’m also not going frighten you if not necessary. Akoni is a pilot and head of security at the airport. If any incoming flights have international passengers, he’ll know. Just give me a few minutes and no more business discussions tonight.”
Business.
I’d noticed he was carrying a handgun before, but seeing it again made me shiver. He was always on guard, never able to relax.
Seeing the weapon was an easy reminder that we were living in dangerous times. Every time Stone mentioned Matis’ full name, something sparked in the back of my mind. Why? There was no reason since he was some crazy revolutionist, but I couldn’t let it go.
As soon as Stone slipped off the barstool, Kekoa took his place. “How do you like Lanai so far?”
“From what little I’ve seen, it’s incredible.”
“That’s right. He is keeping you prisoner.” Kekoa laughed.
I studied Stone, noticing how animated he was. And studying the bulge under his shirt. Kekoa followed my gaze, his exhale letting me know he knew exactly what I was paying attention to. “Why is he carrying a gun?” I asked.
“You need to understand Stone. Once a soldier, always a soldier.”
“He’s retired. Remember?”
“There’s something you should know about anyone who’s served in the military. It never leaves them. Being a soldier will forever be in their blood. With Stone’s specialized training, even more so.”
“You act like you know that personally,” I told him.
He nodded. “United States Marines.”
“Thank you for serving. Now, I’m curious. Why is his specialized training any different?”
“Has he mentioned very much about his time serving?”
I thought about the question. “No, almost nothing. I know he encountered several tragedies.”
“We all have and keeping details private is typical. SEALs are like ghosts. Their missions are top secret, their identities confidential. They go to the worst locations performing the most dangerous duties. They are true heroes but never want to be thought of that way.”
“That’s Stone. He doesn’t think saving my life was heroic.”
“That’s because to him it wasn’t.”
“He wouldn’t take any money from my father for rescuing me. Well, he did, but he gave almost every penny away.” That continued to floor me.
“You should know saving your life wasn’t about the money.”
“No, but money helps. He owns a beautiful house and plane. A boat. He needs money for his mortgage and food. Electricity. My father seems oh-so happy to give it away.”
Kekoa nodded. “Stone’s financial situation is something you should talk to him about, but between what his parents made in the stock market and what he’s made off several investments, he could own a private island and then some. That’s not him. He’s given most away to charities. He invested in the art studio for their expansion as one aspect of the man he’s become. When he realized how poor so many people were on the island, he did everything he could to fund programs including the food bank.”
“Including purchasing medical equipment for the local doc-in-a-box?”
He grinned. “That’s Stone.”
“Then why Island Time Tours if he doesn’t need the money?”
He laughed. “Because he loves the water so much. Truly, that’s the only peace he’s had since retiring from the military. He doesn’t talk about what he experienced, but he doesn’t need to. There isn’t a soldier unaffected by their time serving our country.”
“I can only imagine.” I studied Stone’s muscular back and had the same intense throbbing between my legs.
“I’m sorry about what you’re going through by being forced away from your home. It’s tough being famous.”
“Ha! I’m not famous. I’m just a girl pretending to be an award-winning, brilliant and beautiful painter.” I exaggerated my words, holding my head high as if I was something special.
