AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Now I stood in the surf with a gun in my hand, waiting for the inevitable, or at least that’s what it seemed like.
I felt Santiago’s presence behind me, his fingers wrapping around mine, taking the Glock from my hand.
“You had a nightmare last night,” I said, bringing up the subject I knew he’d never talk about.
“I did, huh? I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
I turned around to face him, lifting my hand over my eyes as my gaze fell on his scar. “Why would you think you’d hurt me?”
Sighing, he squinted as he looked out at the ocean. “Because I’ve been told I’ve been violent before in my sleep.”
“Memories of the past?”
He hesitated before nodding. “Unwanted ones. It’s been a long time since I had them.”
“It’s this mission you’re on.”
“I guess.”
“Will you ever tell me what happened during the war?”
“It’s not a story I’m proud of or one I want to relive.”
“I understand. Just know if you ever want to talk, I’m a pretty good listener.”
As he brushed his fingers across my cheek, I shuddered from his touch. He could be so gentle at times, although I sensed the violence hiding just below the surface. He was angry at the world, more so with himself. If only I could break through the barrier he refused to allow to fall, even around me. But I wouldn’t push. We still didn’t know each other very well and this wasn’t a conventional relationship.
“I appreciate that, sweetheart. I really do.”
“My mother is hiding something that will destroy my family. Isn’t that correct?” I knew the larger-than-life man well enough by now to know he didn’t want to add to my stress.
“I won’t lie to you, Willow. What little I was told regarding your capture was barely scratching the surface. Do I know what’s underneath the platitudes and lies? No. That’s what I’m trying to find out.”
“You’re the only person in this world I feel like I can trust.” It felt good to say it to him.
“I’m glad you feel that way. Come. Grab your things. I want to show you my favorite spot on the island.” He backed toward the towels, grinning like a kid. He always found a way to steer away from the conversation.
I nodded, scampering toward my towel, struggling into my shorts and tennis shoes. He was already at the tree line by the time I grabbed the towel. Then he took purposeful steps into the foliage, moving down the broken path toward the house. When he headed toward the Jeep, I was more than curious as to what he was planning on showing me.
He jumped in, starting the engine in a flash, barely waiting to shove the gear into drive until I crawled inside. As he took off, he seemed lighter than he had before, although I’d easily been able to tell both the nightmare and the fact I’d brought it up bothered him.
He’d mumbled several words that I hadn’t been able to understand, but it was the agonizing scream he’d issued that had nearly broken me. When he’d woken up in a cold sweat, I’d rolled beside him, rubbing his forehead. While his eyes had remained open for at least two minutes, I’d been able to tell he hadn’t recognized me.
I’d stayed awake the rest of the night, finally getting up before dawn. Where I’d managed to find some inner peace while being here, he’d been forced to relive an entirely different nightmare.
What in God’s name had he endured?
He drove like a crazed man, rolling over the rocky terrain as if it was nothing. Along the way, he pointed out several distinct palm trees and other native plants, providing an education as to their benefits and why several only existed on the Hawaiian Islands. The man was a wealth of information, enjoying the fact he had someone to educate. I found his love of the area fascinating, heartwarming.
I suspected very few people knew he had such an intense love of the land and nature, including the animals that roamed freely. Only three days in and I’d gotten used to coming out on the deck, finding a sheep or two in the backyard. He’d taught me how to spear fish, something I would never forget since I sucked at it, but at least my antics had given him several good laughs.
Every night he’d turned either a steak or the fresh tuna he’d caught into a gourmet meal. I wasn’t certain I could ever have another piece of frozen fish.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” he said as he threw me a coy look. “We’re not in the rainy season but what I’m about to show you is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking views in the world.”
“I can’t wait.”
