Blake and Kaidan watched us as we passed, looking solemn. Kaidan handed me another bracelet.
Downstairs looked like a compact apartment. The space was cramped but somehow plush in its pristine cleanliness and miniature appliances. Kopano laid Zania on the full bed in the corner. She rolled, facing away from him.
“She needs to eat,” he said to me in a low voice. I was guessing food had been another battle they’d fought with her. I nodded at Kope and he left us. Before I could say a word, Zania spoke.
“Please, Anna. I cannot stomach food.” She reached up and I went forward, sitting next to her and taking her outstretched hand. I slipped the bracelet on her.
“Okay, Z, but you need to eat soon. When we get off this boat, I want you to try. Will you do that?”
She gave the tiniest nod. “Just do not leave me.”
Zania needed to be touching me at all times. I was grateful to have her at my side, even in her raw condition.
“Try to rest,” I whispered. “You’re safe now.”
I had no idea how long the boat ride took—an hour, maybe two. I stayed at Zania’s side while she dozed until the boat came to a stop. Blake poked his head down to give me a thumbs-up. Zania made no attempt to move.
“Do you want to come see the island?” I asked.
“No.” Her voice was hoarse. “You go. I will rest.”
It felt like an accomplishment that she was willing to let me leave her, but I worried about her lack of energy. She still had moments of trembling, or even full body shaking. I fished out a pack of crackers and a bottle of water and set them next to her.
“Promise me you’ll try to eat these,” I said.
She groaned and I squeezed her shoulder. “Promise me. You have to eat something.”
“I will try,” she grumbled into the pillow.
I stood to go, checking the cupboards on my way out to be sure there was no liquor hiding anywhere.
Kaidan was waiting for me on the deck when I came up. He leaned against the side of the boat, hair flapping in the gusting wind. I stepped into his arms, letting him shield me against the rough breeze.
The boat was tethered to the end of a long, weatherworn dock. In the middle of the dock was a boathouse, which Blake unlocked and went in.
When an engine purred to life Kai and I let go of each other to look over the ledge. Blake sped up on a Jet Ski, slicing the water as he skidded to a stop next to us. He wore only a pair of black boxer briefs.
“I forgot these were out here,” Blake said. “Go get one, man!”
“Are you in your pants there, mate?” Kaidan asked, shaking his head at Blake’s undies.
“Yup. You better cover your girlfriend’s eyes.” He winked at me, and then I was the one shaking my head as Blake stared up with a mischievous glint. “Nah, she’s cool with it—aren’t you, Anna? Did you tell Kai yet about how you got drunk and I had to spank you to keep you in line?”
I gasped, my face suddenly on fire. That story sounded really bad out of context.
“Not funny, Blake,” Kaidan said. “Don’t make me kick your arse.”
Blake laughed and spun the Jet Ski around, spitting up water. “Gotta catch me first!”
My heart was beating too fast when Kaidan turned to me, half grinning. He frowned when he saw my face. “He was only taking the mick out of you, luv.”
Huh?
“Joking,” he clarified.
“Oh.” I dropped my gaze. “But, I mean, I did drink when you were gone. I haven’t had a chance to talk to you about it yet.”
“Anna.” He lifted my chin. “I trust you. And Blake may run his gob, but I trust him as well.”
I bit my lip and nodded. After the way Kaidan reacted to the kiss with Kopano, I didn’t know if maybe it was because he was jealous by nature. Guess not. Only Kope made him feel genuinely threatened.
“Are you all right, then?” he asked.
“I don’t know. I feel weird.” I wrapped my arms around myself and looked out at the island for the first time. Beside the dock was an untouched beach, wild and uninhabited. I wanted to explore and appreciate this experience, but a sense of dread had settled into me after the call from Dad.
“Is it—” He stopped himself, nodding at the cabin where Zania lay.
“Partly,” I admitted. Seeing her so sick, mentally and physically, was upsetting. I didn’t want her to feel abandoned when I returned to Georgia. I wished she could come live with Patti and me, but that would be far too dangerous for all of us. “It’s probably just knowing the Dukes are in California, even though I know we’re far from them.”
“Leave off the worries and enjoy the island.”
I sighed, going up on my toes to kiss his lips. I loved how a lingering peck could cause him to close his eyes and get that dreamy look of desire on his face.
“You boys go play,” I told him. “I need to take a walk and clear my head. Go on.” I poked his muscled abs, and he grabbed my hand, kissing my fingertip.