“I’m glad these sensors finally arrived.” Ben tossed another device to Tyler through the tight gap in the jungle’s trees. It had been a week since they’d dropped anchor at the cove, and the first order for the alarms Gilchrist had sent had gotten lost somewhere along the way. This batch though, he’d collected personally from the resort after they’d been choppered in.
“It’ll make protecting the girls go a lot easier knowing every route is covered.” Kneeling, Tyler wiped his sweaty brow as he secured the sensor low on the trunk’s base. He checked the camera attached to it before flipping the switch. “This one’s set.”
Ben mounted his last sensor in the bow of a tree, made sure he’d aimed it in the right direction so even at that height it’d catch any movement and an image. Carefully, he backed out of the scrub and returned to the trail. The dozen alarmed devices they’d set within their small corner of the island were evenly spaced out and each would send a warning to their cell phones if triggered.
“Let’s head back. Lydia doesn’t like it when I’m late.” Tyler tracked toward the cove and Ben followed. As they made the curved white sand beach with its jagged cliffs either side, the sun dipped along the horizon and sent a final flare of red across the sky. Tyler strode to the beached inflatable and heaved it into the water.
Ben splashed through the surf, bounded into the craft and sat at the stern. He pulled the motor’s cord and the engine roared to life. They were off, cruising back to the ship moored in the deep.
Once on board, Tyler walked toward Brigs as he leaned against the front glass doorway watching them, his corded binoculars swinging around his neck. Tyler clapped Brigs on the back and disappeared inside.
Ben stopped next to Brigs. “How are the girls?”
“They had an enjoyable day. Saria went diving with Dylan and Luke this afternoon, and Lydia kicked back by the pool with Liam and Nico. They’re below-stairs now, getting ready for dinner.”
For the past week, Ben had kept his word in his and Saria’s bargain. Nights only. He’d steered clear of her during the day, allowing Brigs or Tyler to watch her. Which had been damn hard and only just doable.
“I’ve got some news.” Brigs cleared his throat.
“Good or bad?”
“Good. Agent Gilchrist called. Mia Taita is still holed up in her gated seaside Wellington home, but he’s managed to get a team in when she wasn’t looking and her place is now bugged.”
“About time we got in there. The woman has to slip up sooner or later, and Gilchrist needs to catch her.”
“She’s a sly one, always getting others to do her dirty work for her. Gilchrist is now more prepared. He’s tackling every angle he can.”
“So are we. Check your cell phone. Make sure it’s picking up the activated sensors.”
Brigs lugged it out of his pocket. “They’re showing.” He eyed him. “Does this mean you’re happy for the girls to roam the beach if they’d like to?”
“Absolutely. They’ve been looking forward to stretching their legs on land.”
“So have Tyler’s brothers. Even on board, they hover over them, never letting them out of their sight.”
No surprises there. The urge to keep them safe buzzed through all of them. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
“You’re actually going to make it tonight?” Brigs cocked a disbelieving brow.
“Yeah, good point. I might see you at dinner.” He couldn’t trot downstairs fast enough. Once inside their room, he flicked the lock.
The bathroom door opened and steam billowed out. Saria stood there with a delectable smile on her lips and not one inch of her gloriously creamy skin covered. Well, apart from her wet hair clinging to her breasts and hiding those luscious nipples.
“You’re right on time. I’ve just got back from diving and turned the shower on.” She sashayed toward him, gripped his hem and lifted his shirt over his head. “Did you have a good day?”
“Yes, I’m one very happy bodyguard with alarmed sensors in place.” After shucking his cargo shorts, he walked her backward into the bathroom. He swung her into the shower, pinned her against the glass side and kissed her as he’d longed to all day. Hot water pummeled his shoulders, and his woman slid her arms around his neck and held on. He relaxed, every tense muscle easing as peace invaded his soul.
“I love the way you hold me. It makes me feel so secure, cherished, and wanted. Even when you’re inside me, I can feel your strength and determination, along with such sweet tenderness.” She hooked one leg behind his knee, rubbed up and down his calf. “Sorry, I don’t mean to get all sentimental.”