ISLA AMORE - The Newbie Novella

Isla Amore
Mia’s Story

‘Why on earth am I doing here?” Well obviously because Anya asked me and I couldn’t think of a way to say no without hurting her feelings. But then why is SHE here? Fantasy Island for goodness sake. Why should she need to come to an island to fulfil a fantasy? I know she’s been hurt, but still.
Her life should be full of... Well anyway, it’s our holiday, so shut up Mia. And put up.
Difficult! What fantasy have I got anyway? To be 4” taller and 2 Stones lighter? There’s no way that’s going to happen! Not without starvation, liposuction, colonic irrigation and the rack! And I’m not up for any of them!
To be 20 years younger? NO! NO! Definitely not. No way do I want to go back to that age again.
So OK maybe I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I’m older- a lot older than the rest of the party. If I’m honest, I think I feel a bit intimidated by most of them. All young- well younger than me- all successful, and from all over the world. I don’t even speak half their languages, just a bit of tourist French. Well, I can say please and thank you, can I have a beer, where’s the toilet, and may I please have the bill, in a few more, but don’t think that really counts.
So- guess I’m the party pooper. I’ll decline gracefully to participate in a fantasy and spend the week reading and sunbathing! - Hold on a minute. That’s it. Add in a couple of glasses of good champagne every day, chocolate and rich tea biscuits- THAT IS MY FANTASY!’
Mia scrabbled around for the sheet of paper she’d been sent before she’d left home. She taken a quick look at it shoved it in her suitcase, and promptly forgotten about it. There was a heading ‘Fantasy Fulfilment’ and then several paragraphs outlining some of the themes that were catered for.
‘OMG’ she stuttered as she read some of the headings. ‘I have led a sheltered life’”. Then she blushed at the thought of some of the things she had got up to in her younger days. There was that Arabian third son of a sheik, and ‘Well not that sheltered. But really, Maid and Master... please’ She rolled her eyes, looked at the next heading and blushed again. Thank goodness they had all been given their own suites. There was no way on earth she could read this in front of her daughter. It was one thing knowing what you had or hadn’t done in the past, or would like to do in the future, but another thing for your children, or even friends for that matter, to know. Obviously a good reason to guarantee each guest total privacy from anyone whenever wanted.
‘Though that could prove difficult if everyone wanted to use the gothic castle at the same time.’ Mia’s mind wandered off into the logistical nightmares that she imagined could be caused, before returning to the leaflet she held.
Ah this bit looked better. ‘Our wish is your command’ Nice. ‘I command peace and quiet. Champagne and books... and Well I wouldn’t mind a nice hunky waiter to bring me the champagne and ... for goodness sake’. Mia mentally shook her head, looked at her watch and decided it was time to join the rest of the group in the lounge for what they had decided would be the last formal get together during the week.
“Have you checked out the stables?” One of Anya’s friends Jo? Sarah? She’d never remember who was who. “Shades of Jilly Cooper there... the best bits”
Mia smiled. Remembered she was not going to be a party pooper, just not a joiner-inner.
“Not yet” she said cheerfully “I’ve been too busy admiring my suite”
“Ooh yes. And deciding on my fantasy. The props and presents are amazing, don’t you think?”
Not prepared to admit that, as far as she was aware, not having sent in any ideas, she didn’t have any props and presents, Mia murmured her agreement, apologised, and made her way to where the middle-aged man Christophe?, was pouring Champagne into elegant flutes.
He smiled and handed her a glass. “Feeling a bit overwhelmed?”
“Totally. I am just not the right person for somewhere like this.” Mia sipped her champagne. “Though I do appreciate the Champagne.”
He looked closely at her, liking what he saw. “I don’t know. Fantasies come in all manner of guises. I’m sure we can fulfil yours.” Christophe winked briefly, so briefly, Mia wondered if she had really seen it.
She turned and wandered over to the open doors which lead out onto a broad swath of lush grass and the beach beyond. The palm trees swayed gently in the soft breeze, the waves rolled lazily across the white sand.
‘Good grief, I’m in the middle of a romantic novel. So where are the tall, dark, handsome men? Or should that be men? And why can’t it be short, craggy, blond, or middle-aged, rugged, red- headed or oh stop it’ Mia looked to her left where she thought she could see another building in the hills. Or could she? Maybe her fantasy was to see what was up there? If anything.
Oh well.
She finished of her glass of champagne and exchanged it for another one, just as Anya approached.
“Hi, amazing place isn’t it” She thought Anya’s animation sounded forced.
“Yes it is, though I’m surprised the idea is to your taste.”
“It’s not, really, but I got sent details through the post, and it’s an amazing deal. I showed it to a couple of the others, and hey they wanted to come, so.... And I thought the break would do you good. Early birthday present or something. Especially as there’s no forced socialising.”
Mia laughed. How well Anya knew her. “Too true. Lead me to the library”
Anya shook her head. “Oh no, If that’s your fantasy, you go for it, I’m here for rest and relaxation. That’s mine.” With a sympathetic smile, she wandered over to talk to one of the other girls. Mia was surprised to see how few of their group had turned up. Obviously the fantasies had started flowing!
‘So what does she think I’m here for then? They might have an Arabian Stud here and... Oh help, that doesn’t sound right. I’m thinking stallions and- zip those thoughts now, is it the champagne or is the atmosphere getting to me? What are they pushing through the air-con? Pheromones? Time to go back to my suite and decide on dinner. And I suppose a blasted fantasy.’
Christophe watched her walk out of the room. Although he wasn’t the one for her, he had a good idea who would be allocated to cater to her every need for the rest of the week. Maybe both in and out of her fantasy! He picked up the house phone, and relayed a message.
Mia shut her suite door behind her and took a deep breath. Several deep breaths. And had her first proper look around.
If hedonism was your thing then you’d be well suited. ‘Suited in a suite!’ She was definitely loosing it, whatever ‘it’ was. Dark green and gold drapes over sheer white muslin at the windows. To let you see without being seen, and then to retreat behind. Thick cream carpet and upholstery. ‘ware the wine! Tables next to the chairs, an unusual looking footstool in front of an imposing armchair- what that could be used for- well it conjured up all sorts of images!
Mia wandered through the archway into the bedroom area. Luxury again. A super king bed, filmy drapes and heavier curtains, following the previous colour scheme. And -
‘What on earth? Oh my, now that is erm interesting. And I must stop talking to myself’. Mia studied the large ornate bath, almost big enough for a well not quite a football team, but maybe a 5 a side? It wasn’t tucked away in a bathroom, but stood proudly in front of a window. A window that not only stood open but looked across the lawns she had been admiring earlier. So anyone could see!
“No madam, it’s one way glass”
Mia spun round, and let go of her luckily empty glass. It was expertly caught.
By the most spine-tingling man she had ever met.
“Ok so I’m having a fantasy anyway. Too much champagne and stop talking to yourself Mia.”
The fantasy laughed.
“OH GOD. I said that out loud!”
He nodded. “You did”
In spite of her embarrassment Mia laughed with him. And took a good look. If she really was into fantasies, she’d be happy to have him in it! Tall- tick. Long, dark hair, shining and clean, over his collar-tick. Now that did remind her of her misspent youth! And looks- not poster boy handsome- but just right for her- double tick! The only downside as far as she could see was his age. ‘Damn. There are toy boys and then there are toy boys!’
“Erm seeing as I’m embarrassing myself any way, how old are you?”
Dylan looked at her. And liked what he saw. Around 5ft 5 inches tall. Probably about 10 stone in weight, and as far as he was concerned, perfectly proportioned. Long dark hair curling over her shoulders, a good womanly body. Breasts, he thought to die for, round, full lush and perfect for attention. Suddenly he was glad he’d offered to help out in the non fantasy side of the business for the week. Although, maybe the fantasy side COULD have its merits too. So- Lies or truth? He opted for truth.
“40. how old are you?”
Mia considered.
“Too old”
“Too old for?”
‘You. Phew I didn’t say that did I? No, lucky me. If I put my foot in it any further.....’
“Erm I’ll plead whatever you plead when you don’t want to answer. Let’s just say considerably older than you.”
“Why?” he was genuinely interested. “How much is considerable? A year? 2? 20? Age is irrelevant. You’re only as old as you feel. And” he drawled suddenly slowing his speech. “As I’m only 40, when you feel me... that’s what you’ll feel.”
‘Did I hear that properly? Oh god, do I hope I did or do I hope I didn’t? Have they set me up with a fantasy and not told me?’
“Pardon?”
He shook his head, hair moving.
“Not a good enough answer. Pardon, - not a good enough answer. You heard, and” his smile was pure wickedness. “You will enjoy!” Dylan tried very hard to keep a straight face as he watched the myriad of emotions in her expressions. He was beginning to enjoy himself. And if he was honest, to know he was going to make sure he appeared in all her fantasies. Even if he had to direct Mia to them himself!
Mia considered him. What to do next? Well one thing was fairly straightforward. She was hungry. For food.
“How do I order my meal?” she enquired. “And come to think of it why are you here?”
“To hand you this.” Dylan passed her a menu.”To ask you where and how you wanted to eat. And to see if you needed anything put into action for your fantasies? Oh and before you ask, I knocked, you did answer- or so I thought and I came in. I’m Dylan and I’m here to be your helpmate this week. Anything you need- just ask.”
‘Now there’s a thought. ME who thought her only fantasy was not to have a fantasy! I’m getting quite hot and bothered. Think I’ll write a book, on how to enjoy your chocolate!!’
Well I’d quite like something to eat! She took a quick glance at the menu. And winced. “Who on earth thought up these names? For goodness sake.”
Dylan winced with her. He totally agreed that eating something called Passion filled Prawns. Or Hedonistic ham slithers, was enough to put you off food for the week. Unless of course that was the intention! And as for Slithering Sensuous Champagne dip- Words failed him.
“I’ve no idea, Madam” he said cautiously. “But there’s nothing to stop you renaming the dishes yourself”
Mia glanced at him, noticing the twinkle in his eye.
“True. Oh and please no more ‘madam’ eh? Strangely enough, this isn’t a brothel, and I’m no madam. Though I am beginning to feel a bit like a mad- wo-man. My name is Mia. I don’t have any fantasies” ‘liar, liar, pants on fire’. “Except for champagne, chocolate and a good book.”
“Well we can certainly cater for that Mia. And for your food?” he raised an eyebrow in query.”With company?”
’If it’s you oh yes please’
“What sort of company?” Mia asked cautiously.
Dylan looked at her consideringly.
“Well as I’m your assigned helpmate, I could accompany you. Or?”
“Or nothing. Yes please. Your company would be- hold on- what am I letting myself in for here?”
“Nothing at all that you don’t want” He replied soothingly. “This is your holiday, you’re in charge. I’m just along for the ride” oh I hope so- “Mr Destine E and his team are here to do everything you desire. As I said, I’m not a regular member; I’m here to help out. And by the most marvellous luck” and Christophe he added silently, “I’m here for you.” And now I know why I got that really need your help email. At least I hope I do. Because if it was for any other reason, they can go and fly!
“OK then, Company, Champagne and crab patties please. In about an hour? I’d like to go for a swim first if that’s ok.”
“Everything is OK. If you go out of the door to your left, and follow the green and gold lights you’ll come to your own private pool.”
Mia was startled. She hadn’t realised just how much privacy was going to be hers. Skinny dipping for the first time in years perhaps?
Dylan turned to leave the suite. Can I help you in any other way?” The tone was bland, the words innocuous. So why did she feel she’d just had an indecent proposal?
“Oh err n, no thanks, I’ll be fine” ‘Stammering.
‘I’m 47 for goodness sake not 7. If that’s what a few words in a velvet voice do to me heaven help me if he really turns up the heat. And that’s no fantasy, that’s fact.’
Dylan was beaming broadly as he left the suite and took Mia’s meal request through to the chef. Christophe was standing in the dining room, which- no surprise there- was empty.
“You, Papa are a very devious man.”
“True” Christophe nodded complacently. “And?”
“And thank you. I can’t think of a hopefully nicer way to spend my week away from the office. Here’s Mia’s Menu. She’ll be ready in an hour. Oh and make it times two please”
“Fast worker” Christophe murmured, no longer sure if he had done the right thing by sending Dylan to Mia’s room. After all he didn’t want either of them to get hurt- just to loosen up a bit!

Mia stared at her pool in amazement. No plunge pool as she had expected but a good sized proper swimming pool. Edged in green and gold lights that continued her suite’s colour scheme and lit under the water as well, it was pure pleasure.
‘Bliss. Beautiful, and..... totally private’. She considered. ‘Oh what th... quickly took off her bikini and plunged in. There was certainly no one around to see her wobbly bits!
The water was like liquid silk, as warm as a soothing bath and as sensual as a soft sigh wrapped all around her. Suddenly Mia felt all her cares and anxieties fall away.
‘Even the ones I didn’t know I had’ she thought dreamily. ‘So I will relax, enjoy myself and savour my time here. And enjoy the fact I don’t have a fantasy I feel I need to fulfil.’
She floated aimlessly around the pool, enjoying the unfamiliar feeling of the smooth water directly on her skin. So wrapped up in mindless nothing, she didn’t hear Dylan approaching, until he spoke.
“Mia?”
Mia choked went underwater and emerged, cautiously, spluttering at the same time.
“Do I need to come and give you the kiss of life?”
“No you don’t. You startled me. I thought you said this was totally private?” She sank as low as she could. No way did she want to put him off his dinner.
Dylan meanwhile edged closer. He might not be one of the guests, but as far as he was concerned Mia was HIS fantasy. In real life!! And he was getting VERY hard imagining what that body he could only see in wavy contours under the water really looked- and felt like!
‘Is he looking? SH...oot. Here I am with the most interesting male I have met for a long time in close proximity, even if he is too young, and I’m under water, wet hair flapping around my face, because typically I forgot to pin it up, with no clothes on, and all of my unimpressive bits on show. I could never be a femme fatale, that’s for sure. Hmm. How do I get round this?’ “Why did you say you were here?”
He grinned. Pure. Devilish. Wickedness.
“I didn’t. Do you want me to say something deep or meaningful, or do you want the truth?”
“The truth”
“Well, I did bring champagne. And unbreakable glasses. But..... I was hoping for a sneaky peek at that gorgeous body in the buff. A bit poetic, but truthful. I wanted to see you naked!”
Mia considered. ‘What the hell. I’m on holiday, alone, and while not young free and single, two out of three will do.’
“Are you married or otherwise spoken for?”
He shook his head. Mia noticed that now his hair was looped back with a string of leather. VERY nice!
“Nope. Single, well divorced 12 years, no significant- or otherwise other- male or female, unless you count the cat. Clean bill of health, only here for a week as a favour to the management. Oh and definitely financially solvent. So?”
“So? Would you like to join me? Hold on” as he began to unbutton his shirt. What about dinner? And what are you going to wear?”
“For dinner? Up to you. For now? Nothing. And Dinner? On hold ‘til you ask for it.” His hand went to the next button, and he lifted his brow in silent query. In the subtle light, Mia only just noticed, but nodded anyway.
“OK”
Dylan let out the sigh of relief he didn’t realise he was holding back, and swiftly finished unbuttoning his shirt, and tossed it onto the sun bed nearby. Next to it he noticed two scraps of material. Definitely her bikini, he thought, pleased.
‘OMG now his jeans. I wonder if he’s going commando? And then what’. Unable to look away, but feeling a terrible voyeur, Mia watched as he slowly peeled his jeans down his legs.
‘ Yup commando. What a body. OMG what a ....’
Dylan smiled. “Thank you” he said gravely. “Do you want me to stand here a bit longer or shall I get in the pool”?
“WHAT? WHAT? Oh hell I’ve done it again haven’t I?”
“’Fraid so..... So?”
“Oh just get in” and then she laughed, a rich deep sexy laugh that surprised herself as much as it did him. “But do it slowly!”
Dylan let himself slide into the water slowly, as requested; enjoying himself, then swam across to stand in front of Mia, not touching just looking. And admiring.
“You,” he said slowly as he touched her cheek, “Are MY fantasy come to life. I want to touch you explore you. All over. And over and over again.. To feel those wonderful breasts pressed against my chest. To discover the taste of them, the feel of them in my mouth. To have your legs wrapped around me, to feel your body rubbing mine, to make me even harder than I am now. To push myself into you, to feel myself filling you, and exploding in you. To hear you cry as you climax around me. And then to make you feel all those things again and again, with my hands my mouth my body... And oh shit., give me a minute here.” He struggled for composure. “Thank God for the calming effects of water”
Mia let out her breath. Noisily.
“I’ll second that”
‘And for someone who doesn’t work here, you sure know how to turn me on. Thank goodness I didn’t say THAT aloud.’
She waited until she thought Dylan had recovered some of his composure.
“I’ve decided” she said. “I have my fantasy now. Do you think you’ll be able to remember it for me? It’s totally out of character for me, but very simple.”
“Go on”
“You, your fantasy. I want it!”

Astrid's fantasy

Astrid followed Christophe to her suite taking in her surroundings as she went. It was certainly as opulent as the advert had suggested, the air heavy with fragrances she couldn't quite decipher. The gentle sounds of the sea were coming through the open windows they passed and she felt herself relax. This was why she had allowed the others to persuade her to come to this island. She did love the sea. It brought back happy, child hood memories of summerholidays, when she had been carefree and relaxed.
What had happend to that happy, carefree child she had been? Life, of course with all it's twists and turns. She knew better now then to dream, there was no point at all.
Her very sensible black slip ons made no noise on the marble floor as she purposefully strode after Christophe. She had no trouble keeping up with his long stride, thanks to long, slim legs encased in a conservative trouser suit, topped with a no nonsense blouse. All buttons on that drab, grey blouse were done up despite of the heat of the island. Beads of perspiration were clearly visible on her lip. The only concession to the oppressive heat was the jacket she had taken off and was balancing on her left arm.
Christophe stopped in front of a massive oak door and smiled encouragingly at the woman in front of him. Chocolate brown eyes stared back at him from a heart shaped face devoid of make up. Brown hair, the colour of chestnuts was scraped back into a tight bun and she held herself rigidly straight.
"This is your suite Miss Greinding, I am sure you will find everything to your liking. If there is anything at all you need, you only have to ask."
"Thank you, I am sure it will be fine. I do not need much." Astrid replied, inclining her head towards Christophe.
"You were not very specific with your fantasy, so the island had made some choices for you. I hope they will be to your liking. If not you are free to change them of course. You will find your luggage already in your suite. Enjoy your stay Miss Greinding."
He swung the double doors wide open and gave Astrid a gentle shove , before shutting the doors behind her.
*
So this is it then, now what do I do? Astrid pulled a face, as she kicked off her shoes and enjoyed the feel of the luxurious carpet under her feet. You had to give it to them, the whole place had pampered written all over it. She could see spectacular views of the sea through the open french doors, and was that a private beach? Wow! How the other half live and all that. This whole suite was bigger then her apartment back home.
What was up with that bedroom though. The room was dominated by the hugest low bed Astrid had ever seen. Luxury satin sheets were draped all over it and around it. Scarfs of all colours were hanging around and off the ceiling, huge mirrors lined one side and cushions were everywhere of all shapes and sizes.
Kinda looks like a scene straight out of Aladdin, thought Astrid and grinned. That had only been one of her favourite books when she was a child. Talking of books, that bookcase in the main area of the suite was exquisite.
Hell she could loose herself in that bookcase alone! Maybe this won't be so bad after all. Wonder what the other girls are up to. Bet they had no problems getting their fantasy going.
Astrid could just imagine what they might get up to right now and blushed. She was certainly not going to have one of those fantasies. Oh no sirree. Besides, she could still hear her Mutti droning on at her:" Du kannst das kurze Rock nicht tragen!"
Now why the hell was she thinking about her mother and her constant berating of Astrid's clothing choices now! This blasted island that's why. Fantasies my foot, who had time for them and why was it so hot. Did they not have air con in this place? Then again she was still wearing this ridiculous trouser suit, perfect for working in a classroom and keeping male teenage eyes off her impressive bosom ( another bone of contention with her mother), but hardly clothing of choice for a tropical island.
She must look ridiculous and she was going to meet up again with the others in the lounge in a minute.
She spotted her luggage stacked up against that impressive bed and something else. A gold embossed envelope on top of it. What was that supposed to be? No doubt somethign to do with those island choices Christophe had been going on about.
Get some backbone girl and walk in there, what do you think is going to happen to you if you do? Astrid was mentally berating herself. There was just something about that room that made her feel uneasy. It had an otherwordly feel about it. Good lord she really should not have watched that x-files movie on the plane over.
Next thing she would believe in time travel and portholes and other such ridiculous things. It was just a bedroom and she had to go in there and get changed before she completely melted.
Anya would have a right giggle if she could see her now.
Oh for goodness sakes she was a grown woman of 29, not one of her over impressive teenage pupils, yet, her stomach shifted looking at that opulent bedroom and she just couldn't get her feet to move at all.
"Sod this, I am going like this!" Astrid harrumphed and stormed out the suite in search of her friends, unbuttoning her blouse as far as she dared, whilst mentally sticking her tongue out at her Mutti. Only halfway down the marble hall, did she realize that she was barefoot. Ah well, she was on holiday after all.
She charged into the lounge as though wild horses were after her, which earned her an enigmatic chuckle from Christophe, who was filling champagne flutes and neatly sidestepped her, before she ran into him.
"Is everything ok Miss Greinding? You seem a bit .. out of sorts?"
"Me, oh no, everything's fine," lied Astrid, crossing her fingers behind her back quickly and attempting a cheerful wave at Anya, who was looking her attire over with a whimsical expression, before she mouthed to her: "You ok?"
Astrid smiled as brightly as she could, nodding reassurance to her friend, and grabbed the champagne flute Christophe offered her just then and gulped it down in one go.
Christophe chuckled again. "Are you sure everything is ok Miss Greinding? If your accomodation is not to your liking we can change it. This is your fantasy after all!"
"What do you mean, my fantasy? I do not have a fantasy."
"Of course not, don't worry, the island never gives up it's secrets..." And with that Christophe went to circle the room to refill champagne flutes.
Astrid looked around her hyperexited friends, well the ones that were there. Seems most of them had already started their fantasy. Astrid gulped, thinking of that bedroom back in her suite. Surely, it couldn't be, but then again he did say it was her fantasy...

Anya’s Story (Part 2)

For a while the yacht sailed through the gentle waves in silence, the only sound the cries of the seabirds that followed the mast and the creaks of the rigging as Jacen expertly steered around the coast of Isla Amore. Near the bow Anya was settled comfortably on a cushioned area that gave an impression of a silken bed though she had refused to allow herself to consider how many other women had boarded the vessel and what decadent fantasies they had indulged. Her mind was too full of questions that she couldn’t find any rational answers to and she was glad of the oversized sunglasses that covered her eyes and kept Jacen from seeing that she was watching him just as much as any other part of the scenery.
The Jacen Edwards she had known had never given her the slightest inclination that he could be such a skilled boatman and yet there he was, driving the huge vessel with ease and able to almost anticipate the undulation of the waves beneath them. But then again those strong hands had capabilities that many men would be envious of. She closed her eyes as another unbidden image of him massaging her tense shoulders came to her mind’s eye. She could feel the firm thumbs moving outwards from her neck as he lowered his lips and duplicated the path with his kisses, soft and teasing. Her body flushed at the memory of how she could drink in the scent of his aftershave when he would soothe away her aches and almost psychosomatically her muscles began to bunch under her skin yearning to be caressed again. No! She admonished herself,altering the position she was in to try and keep the swelling resurgence of her feelings for him from overwhelming the rest of her senses. He had hurt her. They’d had their chance to make a life together and he’d thrown it and her, away without a second thought. The past was better left in the past.
Allowing himself a moment to look at Anya once more Jacen saw her turn her back to him and the way her dark hair cascaded down her back as she moved. He could almost feel the thick, soft mane that made chinchilla fur feel coarse, between his fingers as the breeze lifted it slightly and following it downward his eyes followed the subtle curve of her spine to her small behind. Oh how he longed to have the right to dance his fingers down and cup her soft buttocks in his mighty hands again. Inside his trousers he felt himself growing hard, damn her, how could she still have such power over him? Hadn’t he sworn that he was over her? Yet, every silent second he was close to her he felt his self control slipping away. Who was he trying to kid? Anya had been the only woman he regretted letting go. In bed they were perfectly matched, they had never had sex, only ever made love and their lovemaking had been of the kind that left him unable to stand for hours afterwards. Her soft skin glowing, hot…her lips sweet, velvet against his coarser flesh..her legs wrapped around his waist strong and supple pulling him deeper into her very core as he sank himself into her whispering words of love and pledges of forever…vows he had carelessly broken.

“JACEN!” Anya’s terrified squeal sent all memories back to the depths where they had been hidden for so long but his reactions were a split second too late. The yacht turned too slowly and the sound of ripping timbers against the unforgiving rocks gave a hideous sound as the vessel’s bowels were ripped open. He could see the panic in Anya’s eyes as she stumbled her way to his side and instinctively he held her for a moment before raising her scared face to look in his eyes.
“I need you to trust me. The yacht will sink quickly we have no option but to swim for it.”
“Swim? To where, I can’t swim all the way to the island Jacen, I’m not that strong.” She replied as she saw the distance between the boat and the shore. Jacen tenderly stroked her hair and cradled her face in his hands,
“There’s a small island over there. We CAN make it there. Anya you’re stronger than you know and I’ll be right there with you.” He searched her eyes, “I won’t leave you behind and I’ll be damned if I’m going to drown.” Anya saw the small deserted island that he obviously meant and as the yacht lurched throwing them into each other’s arms she knew that he was right, stay and die or swim and live. Slowly she nodded and Jacen smiled reassuringly,
“Okay, let’s go for it.”
Taking her by the hand he led her to the side and within a split second he dived from the yacht into the crystal waters. Anya watched him vanish beneath the waves and held her breath for a moment as he didn’t seem to surface but then as his head broke through the waves she gave a sigh of relief before she planned to dive overboard too. Once more the boat listed sending the deck slipping from under her feet and Anya crashed through the water falling down, down, deeper into the cool depths of the ocean. Panicking to try and reach the surface Anya grasped for none existent holds in the waves, her chest aching from her desperate attempts to make the small breath she had managed to take last as long as possible. Suddenly she felt a tight grip on her wrist pulling her upward and as she broke through the waves Jacen’s eyes were filled with shock of his own. He had been too close to losing her and without caring about what was right or wise, he kissed her.


Sitting on the beach of the small island Anya shivered in her wet clothes. Night was starting to fall and she had already figured out that they were there at least until morning. With an island dedicated to making fantasy come alive a missing guest would be hard to notice, it would be assumed that she was merely indulging her sexual urges with some hunky male and not even her mother would realise that she was shipwrecked on a deserted island with her ex boyfriend. This wasn’t a fantasy it was a nightmare and the fact that he had kissed her only made matters worse. Didn’t he know how deeply he had cut her? Didn’t he care? Or did he have other intentions? She looked over to where he had started a fire and gasped as she saw him peeling off his own wet clothes. First his shirt was cast aside, giving her a perfect view of his muscular chest and the familiar tiny crescent shaped scar which he had claimed was where Cupid’s arrow hit him when she had walked into his life. The fading light couldn’t hide the subtle traces of muscle that proved he had kept himself in shape since she had last seen him topless. He wiped his hand over the smooth skin with her eyes unable to stop following but as he reached the waistband of his trousers and started to unfasten the belt she audibly gasped and Jacen looked over at her.
“You should get out of those wet clothes.” He said without pause in what he was doing, “If you catch pneumonia Mia will kill me. Though I imagine she already has a hit out on me.”
“You’re not her favourite person.” Anya replied, knowing she should look away but unable to avert her gaze as he started to slip the trousers off his legs with his underwear joining them, leaving him naked. A deep crimson blush set her cheeks aflame and Jacen raised an eyebrow in amusement
“Why are you blushing? You’ve seen me like this before.” He commented as he lay the clothes over a rock so they would dry and looked over at her, “Give me your things and they’ll dry too.”
“Like Hell I will.” Anya said shaking her head, “You gave up the right to see my body the night you walked out on me.”
“Maybe I did but this isn’t about sexual gratification Anya, its about trying to keep you healthy.” Jacen replied with an edge of frustration in his voice, “If you stay in those wet things you’ll be much colder than if you took them off. Basic survival tip.” He put his hands on his hips and looked around, “Perhaps you could cover your modesty with some of this seaweed if its so important to you. But you’d stink to high Heaven and still be cold and it doesn’t change the fact that I know what you look like under those things anyway…” Anya bristled at his words and a twinge of regret stabbed at Jacen, but he saw her slowly removing her cardigan and then her t-shirt.
It was all too easy to remember the first time he’d seen her undress and the nervousness that had made her hands tremble like the cold was doing this time. It was the first time he’d ever slept with a virgin and he had been nervous too. Anya was giving him a precious gift, one that no man could ever truly be worthy of or repay and he had been so determined to make it the most perfect moment of her life. His eyes had devoured every teasing second as she had unzipped her dress and then moved to unhook her bra letting her pink, ample breasts fall free.
“Beautiful.” He whispered, though he was unsure if he was recalling the past or commenting on the present as he realised that she was now bare to the waist. His loins started to come to life in appreciation of her beauty as he could feel himself swelling and growing. Anya wasn’t looking at him, she couldn’t, he still had the innate power to make her want him and she knew that if she saw that he might want her too she would give in to their mutual desires. Concentrating on what she was doing she struggled out of the rest of her clothes until she was naked too and drawing up her knees she draped her hand over her most intimate place to try and feel less self conscious.
Seeing how uncomfortable Anya seemed deflated Jacen’s ardour, he didn’t like the fact that she seemed embarrassed to be naked with him and in control of himself again he slowly walked over retrieving her clothes and setting them down beside his before he sat down in the sand near the fire.
“So. We’re stuck here and it’s going to be a long night if we sit in silence.” He said after a few moments, “Fancy catching up a bit?”
“Catching up?” Anya repeated in surprise.
“Yeah. I haven’t seen you in three years Anya, I’m curious as to what you’ve been doing and still confused as to why you are here.” Jacen replied, “Like I said this afternoon, Isla Amore doesn’t seem the kind of place that the girl I knew would come.”
“Maybe I’ve changed.” Anya said,
“Is there someone else?” Jacen asked, though his soul was afraid of her answer. She looked over to where he sat and for a moment was tempted to lie and see if it would make him feel part of the pain he’d caused her, but as his emerald eyes captured hers she was rendered defenceless and shook her head.
“No. There’s been no one since you.” She confessed, “Though there were chances.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. That other men would want you, I mean.” Jacen replied, slightly relieved that she hadn’t let another man in her bed. “You have that rare gift to make a man hard with the slightest glance of those bewitching eyes.”
“Don’t…please just don’t say things like that.” Anya said looking away again,
“Why when they’re true?” Jacen asked gently moving her face to look at him again, “Anya you have no idea how special you are.”
Fire suddenly flashed in the dark pools of her eyes taking him by surprise and making him remove his hand from her face.
“And you have no idea how much bullshit that sounds like when you’re saying it.” She replied coldly, “You DARE call me special after what you put me through? You sit there and tell me the effect I have on men when you developed immunity to me easily enough. Save it Jacen. I don’t want to hear it.”
“What do you want to hear? That I was a dick who screwed up?” Jacen replied quickly, “Do you want me to sit here and flagellate myself for what I did? I’ve already done that Anya, but if it’ll make you feel better I’m sure I can find something more to curse myself for.”
“How about sinking the yacht and trapping us here like this?” Anya suggested, Jacen laughed
“Oh wait a minute; are you suggesting that I did this on purpose just so I could get you naked?”
“Well look at us and answer that yourself.” She retorted before she stood up, “No one knows we’re here, God knows what Mum will say after all that crying I did and vowing that I’d never go within twenty feet of you again…” Jacen looked at her,
“You cried over me? Anya…” He said softly, “I never meant to make you cry.”
“Damn it.” She said more to herself than to Jacen before she continued, “You broke my heart Jacen, I thought we were perfect, I was practically picking out my wedding gown I was so happy with you. This place is meant to be Fantasy Island? I was already there when I was in your arms. When you kissed me…The night you walked out I fell apart and its taken me three years to build myself back up again. Don’t you understand that just sitting here is torture for me? The further apart we are the better.”
Moving to take her in his arms Jacen was desperate to hold her, to kiss her and tell her that they could have the world if that was what she wanted but Anya kept the cool air between their bodies and sighed, “We weren’t meant to be, I get that now…you’ve moved your life on here and I have back at home. When we get off this island tomorrow I’m going to pack and leave.”
“Destin E won’t let you go so easily. He won’t have any guest leave unfulfilled.” Jacen said but Anya shook her head,
“There’s not a lot he can do about it. I’ve made my decision and nothing is going to change my mind.” She sighed heavily, “Now I’m tired, I’m turning in. Good night Jacen.” Knowing she was closing the subject Jacen nodded and returned to his place by the fire,
“Night Anya. Sweet dreams.”


Feeling warmth covering her, Anya started to stir and as she rubbed her eyes she was surprised to see the sleeve of her cardigan. Sitting up she looked down and found herself fully dressed, even the sandals she’d worn were back on her feet and at the water’s edge she was confused to see Christophe and Jacen talking by a speedboat.
“She’s stirring.” The older man mentioned as he saw Anya waking and Jacen walked over,
“Come on Anya, Christophe came to our rescue. We might be back before Mia knows you’ve been gone if we hurry.”
“You dressed me?” Anya said, “I don’t understand.”
“All I ever wanted was to take care of you.” Jacen replied. “I’ll always do everything in my power to do just that.” Anya got to her feet and filled with more confusion than ever she followed Jacen to the boat and allowed Christophe to help her aboard.
Within minutes due to power of the engine they had returned to the jetty and as she left the boat and headed to the mansion Jacen looked at Christophe, his heart heavy and just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse he saw Mia being told everything that had happened by her daughter and saw her coming towards them,
“Christophe, please arrange plan B for tonight for me.”
“Certainly Sir.” Christophe replied and discreetly slipped away as Jacen plastered a bright smile on his face,
“Hello Mia.”

Isabo’s Story PART ONE

Isabo stood back and smiled. She watched as the ladies in the room, some she had known for ages some she had only just met, exchanged exciting descriptions of the props and gifts they had received for the fantasies.

Another glance around the room confirmde that Willow has still not arrived. That woman was work mad, Isabo doubted that she would even turn up this week, probably claim some sort of work emergancy. Anya had said that she had confirmed but Isabo would believed it when she saw it. Isabo sighed, Willow really needed to let lighten up a bit, otherwise she would work herself into an early grave!

Just then Anya’s mother left and Christophe picked up the phone. Isabo sipped from her glass. The man was very efficient, he never batted an eyelash at any request and it had to be said her requests had been….unusual.

Hanging up the phone Christophe caught her eye, making his way over to her he gave a slight incline of the head. “My Lady.”

“Now Christophe I gave strict instructions that whilst I am here I am simply Isabo.” She smiled at him.

“Very well….Isabo.”

“Do you have everything I requested” She asked scanning the room. The ladies were starting to head back to their rooms already; it seemed they were more than ready to start their fantasies. Well so was she, Isabo had waiting a long time for this and she wasn’t leaving until a certain someone was crawling on his knees begging her forgiveness!

“Yes Isabo, I have arranged for everything as requested. I hope you found the room to your liking?” She nodded. The room was north facing, with black silk covered walls, a large four poster bed, covered in black satin and the carpet was a deep dark red. Very much to her liking.

“Its perfect thank you. Please extend my gratitude to Mr Destin E and thank him for allowing me to accompany my friends. I know it must be difficult for him considering those he employs.” Isabo nearly hissed the last at the man.

“Mr E simply wants to help your fantasy come true.” Christophe nodded again before making his way across the room.

It would definatly be a fantasy to watch that aggravating, disrespectful, full blooded meat head crawl. Isabo decided as she left the room and made her way out of the room and out of the front door.

Sebastian St James, oldest son of Alfred St James and head of her nation’s home guard had been extremely rude the last time he had seen her. To be fair the situation has been difficult, what with both her father, Marcus Clermont Alpha of the North East American Pack and tiger shifter and his father informing them they were to marry within the week. But to have him turn on her spitting words like half breed at her, before storming out and leaving the pack altogether had been uncalled for.

She might be a half breed, tiger from her father, witch from her mother and she had inherited her fathers temper but from her mother she had got more, much more and Sebastian St James was about to find out that he might be a full tiger shifter one of the most cunning animals know to man but she was twice as mean and just as dangerous!

Sebastian watched as the little half bred walked away from the house. Running his hand over his close cropped auburn hair smiled. Did the little princess really think that she would get on to this island without him knowing?

Destin E had called him after a couple too close calls with intruders on the island. Now Bastian had the place on lock down. No-one came or went without him knowing and the second that Isabo Clermont has put one of her pampered feet on the land his sensors had kicked into over drive.

Following close behind her Bastion watched as she followed the path to the gothic castle. Trust her to head straight for the cliché.

“You know you still smell like wet cat right?” Isabo said looking over her shoulder at him. She might be a spoilt little rich girl but even he had to admit that she was beautiful. She had inherited the tigers auburn hair that touched her shoulders but her mothers blood had turned the dark green cat eyes to the lightest spring green and gave her the smaller height of 5.7 that was not the norm for a tiger shifter who all toped 6 foot even the females.

“And you still smell like frogs legs and bat wings.” He retorted not surprised she had scented him as he followed her.

“Very mature St James.” Isabo turned and leaned back against the rocks that lined the boundary between the main house and the castle.

“What are you doing here? Not enough men falling at your feet at home?” Bastian asked stood with his arms crossed over his chest. What a broad chest it was, Isabo thought. She might want to see him crawling on his stomach but she could admit, if only to herself, that he was a fine looking male. Taller than most tigers, touching 6,5 with close cropped hair almost and large solid arms from hours of training with his father.

“I came to fulfil a fantasy.” She shrugged

“Let me guess, you have always yearned to fly a broom!” Bastian sneered

“You really are making this far easier than I thought you would.” Isabo smiled as snapped her fingers.

“WHAT?!” Bastian hissed as his arms were pinned to his side and his feet came out from under him. Landing hard on his butt Bastian glared up at her “Let me loose witch or so help me!”

“What? What will you do kitty?” Isabo moved over and kneeled down close to him. “You and I both know my magic might not be as strong as others but I have enough to keep you tied down until I want you loose.”

Smiling as she walked away from him. “Things have changed witch.” He breathed. The smile left her face.

“How the hell?!” She stormed.

The beeping at his belt caught his attention. “Hell!” He hissed. One of the Island boats had gone down. Turing away from his prey Bastian headed back to the main house and the transmitting centre. The princess would have to wait.

“Where do you think you are going?” She followed him.

“I am doing my job princess, now be a good girl and toddle back to the main house.” He threw over his shoulder.

“Well I am not letting you out of my sight until I figure out how you got out of my binding!” Isabo followed him “stupid cat! She hissed as they head back to the transmitting centre.

Anya’s Story (Part Three)

Trudging back into the mansion Anya faked smiles as she passed by the other girls who were happily exchanging tales of what they had done in their first day on the island. There were so many different fantasies some of which had already been played out, others just beginning to gather momentum but the girls all seemed to have a new sense of life that she envied. Catching sight of herself in one of the ornate gilded framed mirrors gave her another reason to sigh as she saw her hair was a tangled mess scattered with golden sand. Her face was devoid of any make up but the speedy journey back on the speedboat and the unexpected meeting with her mother at the jetty had given her cheeks a subtle redness.
She sighed as she thought of the older woman’s expression when she had seen her back in the company of Jacen and like a lost child she had needed the warmth of her mother’s arms to give her the strength to fight back the tears that still held their place in her eyes.
“Mum I want to go home…” The confession had been all she could say at first but the confusion at her daughter’s broken spirit had made Mia press the matter further and helplessly Anya had told her everything. Mia’s eyes had flashed with fire, it was no secret where Anya had inherited her own passionate nature from and assured that her mother would deal with him she had been ushered back to her room for some breakfast and rest. Jacen had overstepped the mark and if anyone was going to set him straight Mia would be the one. Anya almost felt pity for what he was going to face. Almost.
Unlocking her suite door she stepped inside and started to remove her salty, sandy clothes as she made her way through to the bathroom and within minutes she was sinking beneath the gentle warm caress of the bubble bath she’d drawn herself. The huge tub set in the floor was just what she needed and in the safety of her suite she could just try and put her tattered mind and heart back together once more, enveloped in the sweet smell of roses and other subtle floral scents.
Daring to close her eyes she already knew which image would be there before the darkness drifted and formed the picture of Jacen. He was standing at the water’s edge naked and proud, she hadn’t meant to study his body as much as she obviously had as every shadow was there along with the glint of rivulets of water that ran from his hair down his neck, over his chest and even in this memory she blushed as she followed the droplet downward. Once, the magnificent manhood that he had never had any reason to be ashamed of in the showers at school or the gyms he frequented, had been at her bidding whenever she wanted it and alone she could admit that she had wanted it then. Had he noticed how the sight of him like that had quickened her pulse? Could he know that no matter what she had said the fires of her own desire had swelled within her own core and if he had merely whispered she could have him again, she would have given herself to him? Did he realise that he was a man that women never got over and that the idea of joining a convent seemed pretty good right now?
Why? Why, of everywhere on the planet, had he come to Isla Amore to work? Was it for the women? Was he there to serve the fantasies of spoilt, rich girls who’d choose a naughty nautical theme? The idea cut through her. She felt physically sick to consider him having sex with a bored millionaire’s wife with saggy boobs and so many facelifts that made you wonder which lips they were actually speaking through, him holding her in those powerful arms that had saved her life and whispering the same words to people who meant nothing as he had said to her. Her brown eyes turned as emerald as his at the thoughts of other girls bringing him pleasure with their hands, their mouths and him telling them they were the best he had ever had. Well if that was the life that he wanted then she was better off without him and she would show him that sex could be meaningless to her too.
Leaving the tub she fastened the Egyptian cotton robe that hung behind the door around herself and her feet softly padded through the thick pink carpet of her bedroom until she reached the bedside table and picked up the phone.

As she was speaking there was a knock on the door and ending the call, she was a little surprised when she answered it and found Christophe standing there with a large white box in his arms.
“Miss Thornton, please accept this with the regards of Mr Destin E.” The man with salt and pepper hair said as he carried the box inside and set it down on the table, before handing her a white envelope, “He has asked you to join him this evening for dinner and would like you to wear this for the occasion.”
“He wants dinner with me?” Anya repeated, “Why? I thought you said that he was a very private man and very busy too.” Christophe nodded
“He is but he has learnt that you are not enjoying your stay with us and is interested to know if there is anything that can be done to rectify it. It is very rare that he asks a guest to dine with him. Can I inform him that you accept his request?” Anya was silent for a moment and then nodded, there were worse men she could give herself to than Jacen’s boss and at least if she carried out her plan on the island then she could condemn it to the back of her mind and forget it when she left.
“Alright, Christophe. I accept.” She replied nodding
“Very good.” The older man turned to leave but reaching out her hand Anya stopped him for a moment.
“Christophe. Thank you for coming to our rescue this morning. Jacen and I could have been stuck on that island even longer without your help.” Christophe smiled kindly,
“It was my pleasure Miss Thornton. Enjoy the rest of your day and I will send someone to escort you to Mr Destin E tonight.”
“Just not Jacen please.” Anya replied, “I’ve seen enough of him.” Christophe nodded again and left, closing the door after him once more.
Alone again Anya lifted the lid off the box and gasped as she saw a beautiful red satin gown. It was obviously an original from one of the world’s best designers. Lifting it out she held it to her, the soft material feeling cool against her skin and looking in the mirror she could see it had been cut to enhance the most feminine parts of a woman. There was no way any girl could feel less than a goddess if she was to step into the dress and she knew when she slipped it on she would have all the confidence she’d need to express her sexuality.
Setting the dress down on her bed she looked back in the box and saw a pair of red stilettos there to complement the gown and a small black velvet pouch lay in the bottom of the box. Carefully removing it her eyes widened as she saw it contained the most delicate, practically nothing there, pair of black panties, a tiny strapless bra, suspender belt and black gossamer like stockings. They were the flimsiest underwear she had ever seen and for a moment she felt alarmed that her enigmatic host would dare send her something so risqué and so clearly indicative of his intentions, but each second they remained in her hand her mind calmed. Wasn’t this what she was planning too? If he wanted her and she’d already decided to give in to him then why not wear something that clearly he wanted to see her in? Perhaps she could suggest he take a photo of her in this skimpy lingerie and then she could leave a copy for Jacen when she left to show him what he was missing?
Putting the lingerie back into the pouch she had to admit that she was feeling a bit better and as she saw a couple on horseback riding through the dunes of the beach she allowed herself to smile. Someone was obviously having their dreams come true and what did it matter if it wasn’t her? She should be happy for her friends and there would be so much for them to talk about when they left the island. It would be the water cooler gossip for months and she would have the best tale of them all, seducing the man behind the fantasy.

Slamming the cupboard door Jacen needed to vent. He couldn’t believe what Mia had said, no accused him of! What did the old bag know anyway? She’d never thought he was good enough for Anya and now she was…with Dylan! It was revolting and he didn’t know how his older brother could even entertain the idea of sharing his bed with a woman practically old enough to have borne him. He’d been shocked to even see his brother on the island after he had made it so clear that he hated it there and disapproved of the whole idea of the place. Black coffee was what he needed, strong and black as Mia’s rotten heart! No one understood what he had been going through, what he still was enduring but how could he tell them when Anya herself wouldn’t even listen to him?
When she’d said they were over it had torn at his insides to the point that he couldn’t sleep. He’d sat there watching her sleep, seeing her shiver as the night became cooler and noiselessly he’d crossed the sand, curled up beside her and tried to warm her with the heat of his body. Her closeness, the way she had fitted so easily against him as if they were pieces of the same jigsaw puzzle had roused the latent passion within him again. His fingers had smoothed her hair from her face as one of his powerful arms had held her safe from the night’s harms and it had taken all his self control to not allow his hands to stroke the gentle curve of her breast. He’d felt himself harden as he lay there and when she had moved backwards, obliviously accepting the small shelter he gave against the cold he’d been all to aware that the tiniest move of his hips would have slipped him inside her. That had been the moment he knew how vulnerable they both were and sense had prevailed.
And what had he gained from his noble actions? Anya barely looking at him, Mia exploding like some Hawaiian volcano and the nauseating knowledge that the things he wanted to share with the woman who unknowingly still held his heart, his own brother was doing to her mother! Everything was spinning out of control. Fantasy? Reality? He had no idea which was which anymore and for the first time in his life he felt truly helpless and caught up in his own vortex. Freeing desires had never been so complicated before.


Nervously Anya followed the girl who had been sent to bring her to the private dining room in the mansion. Her stilettos were clicking to their own strange beat as they kissed the surface of the marble floor. The gown had fitted her as if it had been made to her specific measurements and as she’d thought it had been cut to flatter her bust and slim her waist to the point where she felt that she could be mistaken for some supermodel. The lace of the underwear was soft and again fit where it touched as if it were a second skin though she still couldn’t believe that she was wearing little more than cheese wire. She’d never had any sexy underwear before and had already planned on taking them home in her case when she left, just so she could relive the degree of sexiness that she felt at that moment.
“Ah ,Miss Thornton.” Christophe said as she reached a set of heavy double doors that were white and trimmed in gold leaf. “Mr Destin E has one last request before you enter.”
“Oh, okay.” Anya replied, “But its okay, I’m not going to go to the newspapers or anything about him and blab everything about this meal.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but his request is less crude than that.” Christophe said and from his pocket he produced a soft silk blindfold, “He wishes you to wear this.”
“A blindfold? Christophe is that really necessary?” She asked starting to feel uneasy, “Why would I need to be blindfolded? How am I going to see what I’m eating? And isn’t it rude to not look at your companion when you’re talking?”
“Mr Destin E requested that you do.” Christophe repeated, “I think its therefore safe to assume that he won’t regard your inability to see him as any rudeness, and as for eating, I’m sure he will have made allowances for that too.”
“This is the weirdest meal I’ve ever been invited to,” Anya commented, giving her implicit agreement to her host’s demand. Besides, if he is old or ugly do I want to see him anyway? Her mind whispered silently to her.
“Then if you’ll follow me.” Christophe said as he opened the huge doors and showed her into the lavish dining room beyond them.
The walls were of a rich wine colour with gold and cream accents that accentuated the luxury of the room. A smaller table than she had imagined had been set in the centre of the room, a golden ice bucket next to it that contained what she thought was a magnum at least of one of the most exclusive champagnes the world had known. It was clear that Mr Destin E was a man of fine tastes and had decided that at least for this night she would share them with him. Christophe silently ushered her to her chair and held it out for her as she sat and Anya felt herself sinking slightly into the velvet cushion beneath her. As she whispered a polite word of thanks to him he told her that it was time for her to have her blindfold put on and stilling her rising nerves, she nodded in allowance.
The soft silk was tied tightly over her eyes, leaving her to only concentrate on the image that she had gained of the beautiful room. She heard the click of a door closing and assumed it was Christophe leaving and for a moment there was only the sound of her own breathing but then the air was filled with the gentle serenade of Josh Groban, her favourite vocalist and the steps, manly steps, which she guessed belonged to her host as he joined her at the table.
“Mr Destin E?” she said quizzically, “Is that you?” The air was filled with a definite masculine scent which reminded her old the ocean.
“Welcome Miss Thornton.” The man’s voice replied, rich and deep in the blackness that surrounded her, “Or may I call you Anya? Miss Thornton seems so formal for a dinner engagement don’t you think?”
“Of course and what would you prefer I called you?” She replied, hoping that she didn’t sound as nervous as she felt with the almost palpable air of seduction surrounding them.
“Destin will suffice, for now.” Her companion replied. “Thank you for being so amenable to the requests I’ve made of you, I know how strange they must seem but they are necessary.”
“Thank you for this gown, it’s beautiful.” Anya said, “I’ve never worn anything that fits me better.”
“You are beautiful in it.” He said taking her hand and kissing it softly, “A true vision of beauty and sensuality. I can hardly keep my eyes from roaming over your exquisite physique.” Anya could feel the blush at his compliment fill her cheeks and knew that its spread would be visible on the top of her cleavage. The feel of his lips skimming the top of her hand sent a charge of electricity through her that made her nipples twitch in response before he released her hand again.
“Would you like some champagne?” Destin asked, but she could already hear that he was filling her glass. He was clearly a man who liked to be in control and deep within her she couldn’t deny that she wondered if he was so masterful in bed too.
Carefully pressing the flute into her hand Destin sat back in his own chair and allowed himself a moment to truly admire the woman in front of him. Her dark brunette hair had been neatly pinned up which left her swan like neck bare and exposed, all the better to tease with feather light kisses. He watched her sip from the glass and imagined his tongue taking the taste of the champagne from the devil red lips which seemed so inviting. He’d chosen this particular style of dress with great care, ensuring there were no straps to interrupt his hands moving from her soft cheeks down her delicate shoulders and to the swell of her breasts, the crests of which he could see barely contained within the fabric and he wondered if she was really wearing everything that he had sent to her. The notion instantly making his black dress trousers seem two sizes too small in the crotch. Shifting his weight to try and relieve the pressure he was feeling he saw her set the glass down and tilt her head slightly as she started to speak again.
“I don’t mean to seem ungrateful, but why did you invite me to dinner?” Anya asked, Destin smiled,
“That is very simple to answer. Apart from the fact I knew you would be a very attractive dinner companion, it has come to my attention that you don’t believe that you have any fantasy to live out here. That intrigues me. Isla Amore has never failed to delight and fulfil any guest in its history so you are quite an anomaly.” He paused, “There has to be something that you want to feel? Some experience to savour? A deep held dream to make come true?” Anya shook her head
“Maybe once there was, but not now.” She confessed with an honesty she hadn’t intended. Damn it why was Jacen filling her mind again?
“Ah!” Destin said, “Now I understand…who was he?”
“Does it matter?” She retorted, “He left me. That’s all I want to say about him.”
“You loved him very deeply.” Destin pressed on, “What was it about him that earned such loyalty that his betrayal destroyed the very soul of you? Was he a good lover?” Anya flushed again, images of herself writhing beneath Jacen over and over flooding her mind.
“He was the only lover I ever had.” She replied, though she was unsure of why she felt so unable to hold anything back, “He taught me everything about love and sex…and yes, he was incredible.”
“Then he was a fool to let you go.” Destin said, “But his loss doesn’t entirely come without benefit to me…”
Before Anya could protest Destin was at her side, his mouth was claiming hers in a hot passionate kiss that sent her knees weak in an instant. His tongue forced its way through her lips and almost defied her to resist. Unable to see her other senses seemed infinitely heightened and the sound of his desperate breathing thrilled her in ways that she had never known before. Her whole body was melting under the power of his kiss and she could feel the hotness growing between her legs.
“Destin…” she breathed as he permitted her a split second to take more air into her lungs,
“Ssh. Don’t say anything.” He told her, “Just feel…Feel what true passion is my beautiful goddess.” She felt his arms wrap around her and suddenly raise her from the chair. Once again she heard the sound of his steps across the floor and the click of the door.
“Where are you taking me?” She asked,
“To my room and from there I will take you beyond your wildest fantasies.” Destin whispered, before he kissed her again as he carried her through the secret passageway from the dining room down beneath the mansion and to the villa.

Glancing at Anya, Destin Jacen Edwards couldn’t wait to make love to her once more. Three years he had waited for it and now he was going to make it the night that she deserved. She had admitted there had never been another man in her life and he knew that she still loved him as he loved her. This would be their moment, the reunion of their bodies and the re-ignition of the passion they had shared.
Reaching his room he had insisted that she keep the blindfold on and then had proceeded with his carefully calculated seduction. He lay her on the bed and removing her shoes first he kissed his way up her feet to her knees, then her thighs tracing his tongue over the tops of her stockings where they met her flesh and his reward was the first soft moans of pleasure that he had once known so well. He reached his hands up and for a moment teased her through the lacy barrier between his fingers and her sweet centre.
“Yes…” she whispered, wanting everything he was willing to give her as she came to life under his skilful touch and he willingly slipped his finger beneath the lace and found her bud. Light strokes made with the tenderness of a raindrop sent her body into ecstatic spasms and her sweet nectar started to seep from her in the ageless sign of her readiness for him to claim her.
“Anya, my beauty, I want you so much.” He whispered as he moved over her and breathed the words in her ear as he stole a kiss on her earlobe, “Stay with me, be my love forever and I will give you every fantasy at my disposal. Say yes…say you’ll never leave.” Awaiting her answer he reached up for the zip of her dress and slipped it down, before allowing himself to start and caress her breasts, the bra being easily cast aside onto the floor.
“I…” Anya started to say but the feel of his mouth suckling at her nipples, making them hard and teasing them mercilessly with his tongue silenced the rest of her words. Now wasn’t a time for talking. Instead she reached down and felt the unmistakable solid bulge in his trousers, his sensual assault on her was relentless and moans escaped her as she was swept along on the waves of seduction. His fingers were slipping inside her, making her slicker and she fought with the buttons on his fly to free him so she could touch him too. He was as solid as granite and huge, she could tell that from the way her hand felt so small around him and she heard him groan in pleasure as she started to stroke his shaft.
Her touch was almost too much for him to bear and Jacen arched to try and make it easier for her to do what she wanted with him. He was enslaved by the electricity between them and when he could stand being outside her no longer he grabbed the panties and with an almost animalistic need ripped them off her leaving her exposed to his eyes once more, but it wasn’t his eye he intended to feast. His mouth covered her, lapped at her most intimate places drinking in the wetness he found there and bringing her to her first and second release.
The feel of his hair on her silken thighs was almost as incredible as the undulations of his tongue within her core. No one had done this, no one had made her feel as wanton, as wild or wanted though she had once mentioned it to Jacen. His dark kiss was sending pleasure all through her that negated the pain of his fingers squeezing and nipping her nipples that were aching to be so aroused.
“Please…” she heard herself beg, “Please I need you in me. Fill me Destin and I’ll be yours forever.”
Her words were all Jacen needed to hear gathering all his strength he drew himself over her and with one thrust buried his length deep inside her. A nagging thought in the back of his mind damned him for not using protection but the idea of her conceiving his child wasn’t that abhorrent, in fact it was almost perfect and the notion of finally giving Anya her dearest, most secret wish drove him on as much as the absolute lust that made his emerald eyes deepen to the shade of forest leaves. She gasped as they writhed on the cool cotton sheets of the bed, her legs hooking around him, her pelvis grinding against his each wanting to satisfy the mutual need that wouldn’t be sated and when eventually her orgasm overwhelmed her she screamed out his name, before she felt him explode within her and collapse spent at her side.
For a moment they lay there neither with the strength to move but slowly as the tingling that spread throughout her body started to dissipate, Anya reached up and removed the blindfold. What Destin looked like didn’t matter. He had reawakened the fervour she had thought had died with Jacen’s love for her and she was more than happy to see what could happen between them. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the light once more but as they did they widened and chills ran down her spine.
“What the Hell?” It was Jacen lying there, the post coital glow so clear on his skin and shocked she grabbed a nearby shirt and pulled it on before she bolted from the villa.
“ANYA WAIT!” Jacen called into the night after her as she disappeared up the path to the mansion and knowing where she would be headed he hurriedly pulled on a pair of shorts and a vest top and started after her. Mia would definitely kill him this time.

Chapter 4
Mia’s Story
“Not mutual” she said shortly
‘What on earth was HE doing here?’ Asshole males of the world unite? That’s all we need. A tribe of them! Heaven help us.’
She saw her hand mark on his cheek, and momentarily felt ashamed of herself. But only momentarily. He deserved it for upsetting her daughter. In fact she only wished she’d managed to get her second blow in. Then that would have been one are she wouldn’t have to worry about. No hanky panky! The thought of hanky panky, brought Dylan to her mind.
‘Oh shit, balls, boll... language Mia. Is this not a case of pot, kettle and black’? Probably but...’
“Why are you staring?” She asked Jacen belligerently.
“No reason. Except you look magnificent when you’re on the boil Mia”
“You, you jerk” she pointed her finger at him, and poked him in the chest. Hard. “Have never ever seen me ‘on the boil’. And believe me you don’t want to. What I want is for you to leave my daughter alone. Understand A L O N E. She deserves better than you. I cannot see her humiliated by the likes of you again. You broke her Jacen, utterly and totally destroyed her. No sane rational and good person would EVER behave like that to someone. Especially someone they had professed to love. Ha! Love, you couldn’t even spell it let along act on it.” Needing to get away before she broke down and totally disgraced herself, she glared and glanced back to where she had last seen Dylan. Of course he had taken Anya back to the house.
“Looking for someone?” Jacen enquired. “Who were you with? He looked familiar.”
“A fellow gigolo of yours. Dylan, your fellow all round asshole, and non good guy.”
“Dylan!” no wonder he looked familiar. Who was up to what? Why was his big brother here on the island? He might be their lawyer, but had never any bones about the fact he disapproved of the island and what it stood for. Jacen had always put that down to the fact that he was a good dozen years older. But really, that didn’t wash, Christophe was 20 years older than that, and he approved!
Hmmmmm!
*******
‘OK I can cope with this. This is my room, NOT my fantasy- who would want assholes in their fantasy. Well. Grief that is... well oh shut UP’ Mia chastised herself as she muttered her way back to the house.
Slamming the door brought great satisfaction, but the apologising to the various heads, bodies, people that appeared didn’t. There was no way she wanted the rest of the group to know just how ridiculous and naive she- and for that matter Anya had been.
She entered her room and turned the lock with great satisfaction. And bumped into Dylan.
“You”, she almost spat with loathing. “Why are YOU here? GO AWAY!”
Dylan pondered. OK, she hadn’t cooled down.
“Now Mia” he tried to reason.
“Now Mia nothing. Nada. Nein. Zilch. G O ! A W A Y. Far, Far, away. Compendia?”
Well discretion was the best part of valour, or so they said. He went!
********************
Mia sulked! Well she didn’t call it that. Strategic retreat. Ignoring assholes! NOT sulking!
And stayed that way. For the rest of the night! And the following day!
And Dylan stayed away!
‘Well I’d have thought he would have at least had the decency to come and check I was OK. No, thinking about it, I wouldn’t have, because he’s a man. And men only think with their gonads not their brains. How’s Anya? She’s keeping low as well, and the rest? Hope they are enjoying their fantasies! I’m as sure as hell not. But then- come ON Mia, be honest – you didn’t want a fantasy. Well not at first, but then.’
“Stop this”. Mia spoke to herself out loud. “Put up or shut up.”
There was a discrete knock on her suite door. Mia walked to the peephole and looked through it. Christophe was outside. Slowly she opened the door, and stood back to let him in.
Christophe returned the look and inwardly sighed. Jacen, Dylan, himself, they had all messed up good and proper this time. Jacen in arranging this week just to get back with- or at this moment in time seemed like to get back at- Anya, Himself, for persuading Dylan he was needed on the Island, and for trying to set him up with Mia, although he still contended that was a good idea, and Dylan for just being an idiot!
Poor Dylan was getting blasted from all sides. Rashid had blasted him ‘good and proper’ over the way his fantasy was panning out, Jacen was upset because Dylan hadn’t told him he was on the island, and Christophe himself had been justifiably annoyed with both his sons when he had to unarrange Astrid’s fantasy.
Things were just too complicated. Even for a man with his many talents!
“Mia, “ he said gently. “ May I call you by your name?” She nodded. “Thank you. Mia, you must eat. I can only apologise for my sons but..”
“Your sons? Both Jacen and Dylan are your sons? You poor thing. You have my deepest sympathy.”
In spite of himself, Christophe laughed. “I can assure you there are times when I need it. But seriously Mia, they are good men, just a little...”
“I could fill the rest in Christophe, but the words really shouldn’t be spoken by a lady. Not that I’m a lady, but you know what I mean?”
He did.
Mia studied him. He seemed sincere, but then they were his sons.
“So what happens next? Should I stay or should I go?” she said, misquoting a song of her youth.
“The Clash” Christophe said as she looked at him in amazement “You were wondering who sang that song”
“Did I wonder out loud again?”
He laughed, not inclined to tell her how much of her thoughts he knew. “Food?”
Mia sighed. “I guess so. What do you suggest?”

OK, Dylan decided. She’d had a day to get over her snit. Time to move on. He’d sorted out Rashid’s problems, he hoped, had a chat to Bastian, who as far as he could see had more problems than the rest of them put together. Even tiger shifters could have women problems! Jacen was still immersed in his ‘how to win Anya over scenarios’. And whatever he was going to do, Dylan didn’t want to know. Then he could tell Mia in all honesty, that he didn’t have a clue. If Mia ever gave him the chance that was.
Christophe advised waiting a while.” If you’re really serious about her, then woo her. If not?” he shrugged.
“Oh I’m serious Papa. And that’s a good idea. Can I have the cottage for a few days?”
“Of course. It is yours.”
Dylan nodded his thanks. The cottage had been his since they had bought the island. But disapproving of what went on there, he had never used it. For all he knew Jacen could have commandeered it to use for his guests’ fantasies.
“No,” Christophe rebuked him. “The cottage is yours. Not to be used by the business”
“Oh Hell Papa I forgot about that blasted gift of yours. Glad you weren’t around the other night.”
Christophe laughed. ”I didn’t need to be. Now do you need any help?”
“Nope I’ll have it all under control.”

Anya’s Story – Part Four

Running up the pathway with tears blurring her eyes Anya couldn’t believe that she had been deceived so badly. Now, with the fog clearing in her mind it all made perfect sense. Somehow Jacen had found out her plan to have dinner with Destin and he’d entered taken his employer’s place. She cursed herself that she hadn’t recognised his voice sooner. Something about it had seemed so familiar and yet there was something else that had stopped her knowing…This island was crazy and the desire she’d felt to leave before was now a blazing desperation. She had to get out! She had to get away from Jacen! She needed to get back home to the one thing that could make everything better again…
Tripping she landed hard on the ground and as she looked up she suddenly felt fear wash over her. This wasn’t the way to the mansion. Oh great! Now she was lost too. The night couldn’t get any worse. Getting back to her feet she pulled the shirt tighter around her and wished that she had picked up some pants too, she felt so exposed as it barely reached the top of her thighs and her underwear was now on Jacen’s floor and as much use as a chocolate fireguard.

“Where the Hell is she?” Jacen hissed as he stood in Anya’s suite and found it empty. There wasn’t a sign of her anywhere and yet he knew it was a straight path from his villa to the mansion, he’d designed the bloody thing, she was too upset to have chosen to go anywhere else and a sick feeling welled up inside him. What if she’d done something stupid? Pressing the transmitter in his ear he hoped that Bastian was close. It was rare for Jacen to actually call on his head of security, but with Anya’s welfare at stake he wasn’t taking any chances. What if she wandered into someone else’s fantasy? Any man would want her and especially when he’d made her so vulnerable and yet so downright sexy as she only had his old shirt to cover her modesty…
“Bastian. I need you to find Anya.” He said coolly, “She’s gone off somewhere and I don’t care how but you get her back to the mansion right now.” He listened to the tiger-shifter’s reply that he’d take care of it and felt slightly relieved. Bastian had never let his family down before and Jacen knew that no matter what Anya might try to resist being brought back, she would be as helpless as a mouse caught in the tiger’s paws.

In the darkness and with her fears increasing as she realised that she was lost Anya’s heart pounded in her chest. Was everything going to go wrong for her forever? She sat down on a stump and feeling totally sorry for herself began to sob quietly.
“Miss Thornton?” A low purring like voice said breaking the silence and making her jump. Looking up she saw the tall auburn haired man in front of her and couldn’t get over the cat like shape of his intense eyes. “I’m here to help.” He continued as if trying to reassure her. “You have Mr Destin out of his mind with worry for your safety. I’m here to show you back to your room.”
“The real one or the fake?” Anya snapped back, “Wait, you’re Bastian right? The head of security? I saw you in the brochure in my room. Well I think you have a bigger problem than me being lost to sort out, one of the employees here is pretending to be your boss and if he’s done to others what he did to me then that is a very serious matter.”
“Really?” Bastian said, his interest piqued, “And who would that be?”
“Jacen Edwards.” Anya replied. Part of her felt guilty to be turning him in, once he had been her world and she would have done anything to protect him, but now after he’d shown his true colours once again by manipulating her into his bed, all loyalty was gone. She would explain everything to Dominic one day… Her thoughts were disturbed by the growling laughter that she heard from Bastian’s throat and she looked at him quizzically. “This isn’t a laughing matter…or is it common practice for you all to pretend to be the boss to get your end away?” she challenged.
“I think you seriously need to talk to my boss.” Bastian replied, “Come on. I’ll take you back and maybe you’ll start to get some answers…” As he started to stride away Anya followed. Now what was happening?

Astrid's fantasy part 4


The evening shadows were drawing in and falling across the tangled bedsheets and the two forms in the middle of that huge bed. Man and woman, legs and arms entwined, the man's strong brown arms wrapped around the woman's pale torso, his head buried in the masses of her chestnut hair. A noise, carried in with the breeze and scent of the sea through the open windows made the man's head come up and he was immediately wide awake and alert. Something was up, he could feel it in the air and he drew the woman in closer, taking a deep breath of her scent. Trouble had come to the island and he had the oddest feeling it was going to find him, unless he found her first.

Astrid stirred in Rashid's arms and smiled to herself. It felt so good to be here. Whatever or whoever Rashid was, at least here, on the most basic level of human connection, they were completely in tune with each other. She had never felt such a connection to anyone and that should probably frighten her, but she pushed that thought resolutely away. Rashid pulled her closer still and nuzzled her neck.
"Hey sleepy head."
"Hey yourself," Astrid turned in his arms and smiled up at him almost shyly. Quite ridiculous really, considering all they had shared with their bodies. A slow blush spread across Astrid's cheeks, and Rashid's smile grew wider.
"Glad I convinced you then?" Rashid whispered, as he bowed his head to claim her lips in a long kiss.
Astrid sighed into that kiss and gave a playful shove against that solid wall of a chest.
"Enough of that, we cannot stay in bed all day long."
"Why not?"
"Because!"
"Because?"
Astrid rolled her eyes and pulled a face at him.
"Just because, I am hungry for starters."
"So am I," Rashid's smile turned devilish and Astrid's toes curled under, as her heart did a little flip. What was she doing with this gorgeous man. What could he possibly see in her.
"But not for food!" Rashid reached for her again, but Astrid scooted to the far side of the huge bed, holding one hand up against a rapidly following Rashid.
"Oh no, you don't. There are some things a woman needs to do by herself," and she made a dash for the the relative safety of the bathroom.
Rashid flopped back on the bed, chuckling and then grabbed the phone to order room service.
*
Rashid was restless and his secret weighed heavily on him tonight as he stared broodily out of the window into the clear, warm night. He had to go and investigate what was going on and whether the danger he sensed was to him or the ones he cared about. He was surprised Bastian had let her on the island. The were tiger would know, surely. And why was she here? For him, or reasons of her own, completely unconnected. He had to find out...
Astrid pulled a face at the reflection in her mirror. Here she was hiding in the bathroom again, how ridiculous was she. If only she could get him to talk. Seemed every time she tried, he managed to distract her very succesfully. Not that she minded that much...
Stop that girl, you need to find out what is going on here. There was someting else about Rashid, she could sense it in the tight control he had over his emotions, out of the bedroom anyway. Astrid broke into a very female smile, she did rather like the way he reacted to her. He seemed as helpless about this, whatever this was, as she was. Made her feel slightly better about her uncharacteristic behaviour up till now.
She heard the main door to her suite shut, as she stepped out of the bathroom. Her gaze fell to a note on the bed. What the hell?
She grabbed the note.

Sorry baby, something I have to do. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Oh no sirree, he was not going to walk out on her so easily, not after he tracked her down in the first place. She wanted answers and she wanted them now!
Astrid dashed out of the huge oak door and ran down the hall. She could just about make out Rashid's rapidly departing form and dashed after him.

Where in the world was he going? And why did he stop and look as though as he was sniffing the air all the time. Seriously, if she didn't know better... No those things only happened on American cable shows...
Get a grip, girl, confront him, you are going to loose him at this rate. They seemed to be heading to the far side of the island. She hadn't been down this way before, as it just seemed deserted, so what could he possibly be doing here.
Astrid gave herself a mental shake and with her best teacher's voice, the one that made pupils stop three class rooms away, shouted: "Rashid, where DO you think you are going?!"
Rashid froze and slowly turned towards Astrid. Damn, he didn't need her here. The witch was near, he could sense her closing in. Every fibre of his being was screaming at him, he needed to get Astrid out of here and fast!
"I told you, I have something to do! Go Back NOW"
Astrid took a step back at the fierce expression on Rashid's face. He looked tense, ready to jump someone and if looks could kill... Who the hell did he think he was, talking to her like this. She was not some little bimbo, he could just brush off.
Rashid had turned back towards the path.
“Don’t you walk away from me Mr!” Astrid shouted.
Rashid ran his fingers threw his hair in exasperation, turned towards Astrid again and tried to smile. Maybe charm would work. She had to go back, she just had to.
"“Baby, go back I won’t be long.”
“Don’t baby me. You came looking for me and then just walk out! That is not on.”

Rashid winced. She looked furious, her beautiful hair was falling round her face in luscious waves and her anger had put a pink hue on her cheeks. He couldn't help but notice how her breasts were straining against the tight t-shirt she was wearing over cut off jeans shorts, that showed all her best assets off to perfection. Damn he had to keep her safe.
“Astrid, I just have some business to take care of, go back to the room and I will be right there I promise.”

Please baby just go. You don't need to be here Rashid thought to himself as he watched the emotions play over her face, hurt, confusion, anger. Damn, he hated lying to her.
"What business? I thought you were on holiday?” Astrid stood, hands on hips glaring at him.
“It just something I need to do. Please just go back.” He sighed.

“Fine! But don’t expect me to be waiting for you when you are back!” Astrid turned to walk away, hiding the tears that threatened from Rashid. No way was she going to cry in front of him, all men were the same, she should have known!
"Stop" A woman's voice rung out of nowhere.
"NO" Rashid shouted and before Astrid knew what was happening, he had grabbed her and thrown her back wards. The action made Rashid stumble and he winced. Astrid found herself caught by female arms and the woman, who had come out of nowhere slowly turned her around.
What?!” Astrid looked at Anya's friend Isabo “Where did you come from?”
“Get away from her witch!” Rashid all but growled at Isabo.
Witch? What the hell? Astrid turned to look at Rashid, who was getting back on his feet, holding his arm.
“Calm down freak,” Isabo huffed as she stepped away from Astrid.

“Isabo? I don’t understand? What’s going on?” Astrid turned back to a still glowering Rashid. “Rashid why did you do that?” Confusion was clear on her face.

“Astrid? Oh hey!” Isabo smiled. “Didn’t recognise you.”
“Its nothing, it’s just dangerous that’s all” Rashid shrugged, trying to play the whole incident down.
Shaking her head Isabo, rolled her eyes at him.

“There is a security field around that part of the island. If you had walked into it, it would have killed you.” Isabo told Astrid matter of factly.

“What? But I can’t see anything?” Astrid frowned looking at the empty clearing.

“That’s because its one of those new fangled security field. Sebastian St James, the head security told me about it. That’s why I am here, you know us geeks we love new technology.”

“But Rashid hit the field, he is fine.” Astrid was so confused. What on earth was going on and why was Rashid putting himself between her and Isabo. What had he called her, witch? Surely not!
“Er I wouldn’t say that.” Isabo nodded to Rashid's arm. His shirt sleeve was soaked in blood. Astrid's heart stopped for a second and then started galloping.
“Oh my God, you’re hurt! Why didn’t you tell me?” Astrid grabbed his arm, but he wouldn't let her look at it.
“It’s nothing really.” He tried to untangle his arm from her grip.

“I don’t know it could be really serious. I would get him back to the house and some medical attention.” Isabo threw in with a strange grin on her face.
Rashid snarled at her, but Astrid was too concerned about his arm to notice.
“She’s right; we need to get you some help.”

She pushed and pulled at Rashid's immovable form, but he was still glaring at Isabo and Astrid's worry turned to anger. What was he hissing at Isabo now? Damn the man, she had to at least get him back to her suite, so she could inspect his arm in light. It was so dark out here.
“Seriously, baby I am fine, it’s just a little graze.”
Rashid was furious, with himself for putting Astrid in danger and that blasted little witch for interfering. How was he going to explain this one? Something told him Astrid was not going to be easily fobbed off. Damn he should have stayed away from her, he knew he was going to be in trouble. And as for that witch, what had Astrid called her, Isabo?
He was going to have to teach her a lesson, but not now, right now he had more pressing concerns. Astrid may just kill him when she found out the truth..




*
Astrid was glaring at Rashid in earnest now. She finally had managed to cajole him back to her suite, but he still would not let her look at his arm.
"Rashid, that's more then a scratch, you have lost a lot of blood. I need to put a bandage on it at least, or something... RASHID! Are you even listening to me?"
Rashid just stood looking at her with an unreadable expression on his face. His arms were crossed and he looked ready to kill someone.
"This is all that witch's fault," he ground out under his breath.
Astrid rolled her eyes.
"Witch? Do you honestly expect me to believe that Isabo is a witch. That is just ridiculous."
Rashid just kept on looking at Astrid and raised his eyebrows.
"Ridiculous is it? If she is not a witch, then how did she know about the security field. What was she doing there?"
"I could ask you the same question! What were you doing there? You gonna tell me you're a wizard now too?" Astrid laughed rather nervously and then took a step back at his expression.
Rashid looked furious.
"Don't you ever, EVER compare me to a witch! Do you hear me woman! I have killed men for less."
"What did you just say?" Astrid gulped and moved away from him further.
" You...have you killed people?
Rashid had the good sense to look uncomfortable.
"When it was necessary..."
Astrid's eyes were as huge as saucers.
"Necessary? How could it ever be necessary to kill another human being?"
Rashid smiled grimly and regarded her warily.
"Who said they were humans... Sit down Astrid, you have gone rather pale."
Astrid did just that with a thump, right there on the floor. Rashid crouched down to make sure she was ok, and she reared up and away from him, putting the opulent couch between them.
"Dont' touch me! Don't you ever touch me again! You, you freak!" Astrid spluttered, repeating what Isabo had called him without noticing.
Rashid flinched visibly and stepped away from Astrid reluctantly.
He was not handling this well, damn it. This was Jane all over again. He could not help what he was. It was not something he had chosen, hell would anyone choose to live forever and see everyone that he cared about grow old and die. He had to make her see, she had to understand. Surely, once she calmed down .. and he hadn't even told her what exactly he was yet.
"Do you not want to know what I am, before you accuse me of being a freak." Rashid's voice was weary and right now he felt every last one of his 350 years. No wonder the island had placed him in an Arabian fantasy. He had beem mortal back then, ruler of his little empire and life had been so much simpler...
Astrid had gone even paler, if that was even possible. Her eyes looked huge and frightend. Damn it all, he hated her looking at him like that.
"Wh...what are you?" She stammered, grabbing the edge of the couch for support so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Rashid looked at her and slowly took his shirt off.
Astrid gasped, there wasn't a mark on him at all. Just pure male perfection.
"I am Immortal Astrid. I can't die, well not in the usual way anyway. I have lived for 350 years and when I was mortal I was the Sultan of Hami."
"That...That's impossible," Rashid frowned again. He was wrong, she could get even paler. Hell!
"I am sorry I had to tell you like this, circumstances forced my hand somewhat...
"In other words..." Astrid's voice rose and some colour came back into her cheeks, " .. the only reason you are telling me this now, is because you had to! How dare you! Don't you think a woman ought to know these things before you sleep with her!"
She let go of the couch and started pacing in her rapidly increasing anger.
"Did you have any intention of ever telling me? Or is this what you do. Sleep with women and then just move on, them never any the wiser.. You, you, arrogant bastard, you!"
Astrid had moved towards him whilst she was yelling at him and now hit him as hard as she could round the face, not once, not twice, but as many times as she was able, before bursting into tears.
Rashid did not move whilst she was pummeling him, waiting for the storm to pass and then he just wrapped her in his arms and held her close, whilst she sobbed into his chest. He murmured soothing words in Arabic in her ear and his expression was both grim and tender as he held her.
Eventually Astrid's tears stopped and she disentangled herself from Rashid's warm embrace. He made no move to stop her, just sighed deeply and redarded her warily.
"Why does Isabo hate you so much?" whispered Astrid at last, not trusting herself to look at him yet.
"That is a very old and very long story. Suffice to say witches and Immortals do not get on." Rashid sighed again.
"Ha... Have you killed witches?"
Rashid had to strain to hear the barely whispered words.
"Yes I have, in the past..."
Astrid did look at him then.
"Are you going to kill Isabo?"
Rashid grimaced and flinched, his hands balling into fists at his side.
"RASHID?" Astrid was glaring at him now.
" No, baby I am not."
Astrid slumped her shoulders in relief.
"But I sure would like to," he growled. "She needs to be taken down a peg, but I reckon Bastian can do that just fine!"
"Bastian? Is he .. different too?"
Rashid smiled grimly.
"You could say that, baby. He's a were tiger."
"A what? Like in a werewolf? Seriously?"
Astrid couldn't help it, she had to laugh. Only problem was, it was a rather hysterical laugh. Rashid shot her a worried glance.
"Don't let him hear you say that. Wouldn't like to have to take on an angry cat.."
Astrid started laughing harder. This just had to be a very, very bad dream. Any minute now she was going to wake up, back in her little flat. She really shouldn't eat cheese late at night!And before she knew what hit her, the floor came up to meet her and she was caught by a strong pair of male arms.

Willow - Part One

“Willow? That’s a beautiful name,” the handsome young man at the desk said, glancing up to direct a blinding smile at her before returning to his keyboard and continued to check her in.
Willow glanced at him in some irritation as she waved her Blackberry around in the air hoping to see the signal bars appear in the corner of the tiny screen. “It’s a ridiculous name,” she said, flatly. “People either assume I’m some Buffy-type witch wannabe, a supermodel or a hippy. Do you know how hard it is to be taken seriously with a name like Willow?” and she continued to move her Blackberry from side to side, frowning at the still blank screen. “Oh for goodness sake!” she exclaimed finally, “Where on earth can I get a signal?”
“Oh, I am sorry, miss,” the young man said, although the look on his face looked far from sorry, more amused she thought. “There is no mobile signal on the island.”
Willow stared at him in disbelief. “No signal? That’s ridiculous, I mean, how?” she stopped, aware that her voice was getting slightly squeaky, took a deep breath and started again. Handsome he might be, in fact, definitely gorgeous but the man was clearly incompetent. “This is the 21st century, of course you have a mobile signal – people can phone for help from dinghies in the middle of the ocean, so I am pretty sure that a five star establishment like this has got a signal, somewhere. Where is it?”
“This is a fantasy island, Miss Bartlett,” he replied. “Our guests come here to get away from the pressures of their lives. So no mobiles and no wifi in the guest quarters” with a pointed look at the laptop bag she had clutched under her arm. “It does say so in the brochure.”
Great. “I didn’t read the brochure,” Willow hissed furiously, “I don’t have time to waste on brochures. I cannot spend a week here cut off from the outside world. I demand that you tell me where I can get a signal.”
“Is there a problem here?”
Willow turned round and found herself looking at a smiling, middle aged man who exuded an air of deferential authority. “I am Christophe,” he continued. “General Manager, are you ready for me to escort you to your suite or would you like to join your friends for champagne? They all arrived a few hours ago, I am sorry your arrival was delayed.”
“I had a meeting,” Willow answered, “And as a result I really need to send some emails today but your assistant here,” and she threw a look of dislike at the desk clerk, “informs me that there is no contact with the outside world which is obviously absurd.”
Christophe smiled at the irate young woman. “Please follow me Miss Bartlett,” he said, still smiling. “You can get settled into your suite, maybe explore a little and see your friends. I will look into the email problem for you,” and picking up Willow’s suitcase, vanity case and briefcase he walked away towards the lift leaving Willow little option but to follow him.
‘I am getting too old and too busy to keep coming on these girlie holidays,” Willow thought resentfully as she trailed behind him still tightly clutching her useless phone and laptop. “I rarely see Anya and the others these days and if they think some tacky fantasy island with no business facilities is a suitable holiday destination then we have very little left in common any more.’
Behind her the handsome young man drew a deep breath. ‘Hmmnn, uptight, prickly and bad tempered,” he mused. ‘This is going to be a long, long week.’


“Wow!” Willow breathed in amazement, her bad mood temporarily forgotten. “This room is, I mean, wow.”
She looked about in delight. This room was the complete opposite of her sleek, minimalist Islington flat. The wall was hung covered with a subtly patterned silver silk, the colour repeated in thick velvet hangings on the fourposter bed and floor to ceiling drapes hooked back on either side of the three sets of French doors which showcased a stunning view of green lawns with the sea just beyond. A door at one end of the room led into a dainty sitting room, again filled with light from dramatic picture windows, a door at the other into an opulent tiled bathroom. She cast a longing look at the massive sunken bath. Christophe followed her gaze.
“If I might make a suggestion,” he said smoothly. “Why don’t you take a bath and I will have your cases unpacked and some champagne delivered to your room. Yes,” as Willow opened her mouth to argue, “I will look into the email question for you.”
The wind somewhat taken out of her sails Willow could do little but agree. “That would be nice. I have been in these clothes all day,” she said looking down at her expensive, smart, if bland black suit and shoes. “Thank you. The room is beautiful, like a dream. How did you know?”
“Know what?” Christophe asked enquiringly,
“That I used to dream of a room like this?”
“Miss Bartlett, you told us. In your form.”
“My form? Oh…” She had forgotten. Anya had emailed her through a form to fill in asking her to list her favourite fantasies. She had ignored it for several days, she had no time for fantasies. Hard work and determination made you a success not day dreaming! But one night, the last in the office as usual, her head spinning with spreadsheets and figures she idly opened the email and found herself typing in just two words: Georgette Heyer. Not that she read romantic novels now, of course, she was far too busy reading business books, doing courses and working, but once, when she was younger, less focussed she had loved to escape between the pages of a romance. Funny though, she didn’t remember sending the form back…


Half an hour later Willow was luxuriating in the deepest, hottest and most sensuously fragrant bath she had ever had. Ever. Although nowadays she didn’t seem to have much time for baths, it was quicker and easier to shower at the gym after her early morning work out. ‘I must make time for more baths’ she thought lazily, amazed at how relaxed her body felt. She opened her eyes and squeaked. On the side of the tub, right by her shoulder there was a filled glass of champagne, garnished with one, perfect raspberry. There was nobody in the room and Willow could have sworn no-one had come in, even when she had been submerged in the steamy depths. She looked about warily but the room was still empty, she shrugged, picked up the glass and sipped.
It took less than five minutes for Willow to finish the glass. She wasn’t a big drinker and the unaccustomed alcohol added to the heat of the tub was making her woozy. With an effort she forced her reluctant body to rise out of the tub and swathed herself in a large, velvety soft towel hanging by the side of the bath. Pausing only to wrap another towel around her wet hair Willow left the bathroom, wandering back into the bedroom.
“Right,” she said aloud (talking to herself helped he concentrate), “Get dressed, find the others then see if I can track down a computer.”
There was no sign of her cases, but the hotel manger had mentioned having them unpacked, maybe the mysterious bringer of champagne had also hung up her clothes? The black suit which she had left on the bed had disappeared, so, to her embarrassment, had the black lace bra and knicker set she had discarded. Willow wasn’t used to anybody seeing her underwear, you couldn’t be successful and hold down a relationship, experience had taught her that lesson all too well. A large, polished oak wardrobe stood in the corner and she went over and opened it, mentally reviewing the evening clothes she had brought with her – black silk trousers and a vest top maybe?
“These aren’t mine!” She took a step back. Instead of her own, sensible capsule wardrobe she was looking at an array of beautiful, long dresses. Silks, soft fine cottons and velvets hung on the rack in a rainbow of bright colours. Willow’s first instinct was to phone Reception and demand her own clothes straight away then her eye was caught by one of the dresses. It was a delicate sea green silk with silver brocade at the hem and neckline. She reached out a hand and touched it, then, driven by an instinct she couldn’t identify took it out of the wardrobe and lay it on the bed. It was low cut, high waisted and utterly beautiful. ‘Well, I am on a Fantasy Island after all’ Willow thought as she stood gazing at the dress and before she could change her mind she shed the towels and slipped it on over her naked body. Old fashioned in style it used the best in modern tailoring, once she had zipped it up she found she didn’t need underwear, the dress supported and showed off her curves perfectly.
Ten minutes later she took a look in the full length mirror. She looked good, completely unlike herself but good. The sea green dress hugged her body, creamy breasts spilling out of the bodice, her waist looking impossibly small. Long lashed grey eyes dominating her heart shaped face, the spring in her usually ruthlessly straightened hair making her look less controlled, more sensuous. Barefoot she padded over to the middle set of French doors, opened them and stepped out onto the terrace. The air was warm, the sun low in the sky and, as she walked down the steps and onto the lawn, the grass was soft under her feet.
“It’s beautiful here,” she said softly, surveying the deep blue of the sea, the distant mountains and the - gosh, was that a castle on the headland? “Strange but beautiful.”
Willow continued on over the lawn, heading nowhere in particular but reluctant to return to the hotel and join the others. Her eye was caught by a low building in the distance and, with no destination in mind she walked towards it. As she got closer she hear the unmistakeable whinnies of horses and could smell their pungent aroma, a keen rider as a child the smell evoked happy memories and Willow took a deep breath of the unique stableyard mixture of horse, leather and hay.
“Excuse me, Miss?” A voice interrupted her and she started. “Did you want a horse bringing round?”
The voice was familiar and turning towards it Willow saw the man from the desk. No longer in a smart suit he was wearing a billowing white open necked shirt tucked into close fitting breeches – very close fitting. Willow gulped and found herself transfixed by the way the breeched emphasised the length of his legs, the shape of his calves, the powerful muscles in his thighs and up to his… goodness, those breeches were tight! She tore her eyes away, blushing.
“I’m sorry,” she said huskily, her throat tight. “What did you say?”

Anya’s Story – Part Five

Watching Anya and Bastian emerge from the forest Jacen breathed a sigh of relief that she was alright and quickly strode back into her suite to wait out the final moments before she would come face to face with him once more. He had tried to think of what to say to make her understand why he had done what he had and how to tell her that she was the only one that he wanted in his life but every sentence that he thought of just sounded like a cheap line that he knew she wouldn’t believe and why should she? As far as she was concerned he had done nothing but lie and deceive her from the moment they’d seen each other at the jetty. Why did he deserve her to believe him now?
“Jacen,” Christophe said as he watched his son pacing again. “Please find one spot to stand in it or sit down. You’re as bad as Bastian when he’s observing in the security room and prowling from one monitor to the next.”
“Dad, I just don’t know what to do.” Jacen replied as suddenly he felt his legs feel like lead and knew it was his father’s magic to blame. “Anya is the one. She always has been, I have to make her see it and I’m running out of time. Two days are gone and I only have seven.”
“Well here is an idea for you, it’s a bit left field but it might just work…” Christophe said, seeing Jacen’s defeated expression change with the glimmer of hope he was offering,
“What? Dad I’ll do anything…please tell me what it is.”
“Tell her the truth.” Christophe replied simply, Jacen rolled his eyes,
“Oh yeah that’s really going to work…Dad if you’re not serious about helping me then you might as well go and leave me to screw up again alone.”
“Jacen, you know why things are getting screwed up? You’re trying too hard. Anya told me she has no fantasies that can be fulfilled here so forcing her into the scenarios you’ve tried was doomed to fail. I want you to be happy son, you and your brothers, but this time I can’t help any of you anymore than I am.” Jacen nodded. He already knew what his father was saying was right. He was on his own.
“I know and she has to agree willingly to stay…but if I don’t make that happen then what happens to Isla Amore? What happens to you?” Christophe walked over and patted his son’s arm
“Don’t think of that and you promised me you wouldn’t say anything to Dylan or Luca. I hold you to that promise Jacen, till death.”

The low growling cough made both men look towards the doorway and as he saw Anya standing there at Bastian’s side Jacen took a quick breath before he looked at his father and then Bastian who tapped at the intercom in his ear and then looked at his employer, “Dylan wants me. No rest for the wicked. Goodnight Miss Thornton.” Anya merely nodded at her strange rescuer and as he walked away she stepped into her suite and looked at two men who remained.
“Now, is someone going to tell me what’s going here?” She demanded, “Who the Hell are you Jacen?” Christophe went to reply but Jacen silenced the older man with a shake of his head,
“Please have the kitchen send us some tea. Anya why don’t you go and get changed into something less…mine and then I’ll tell you everything you want to know.” Jacen’s eyes met his fathers and he gave a small nod of reassurance that he knew what he was doing before the older man made his discrete departure and headed off to see to Jacen’s request.

Picking out a long, very modest nightgown from her clothes Anya watched Jacen walk out onto the balcony to obviously give her some privacy while she changed and she couldn’t help but sense there was something changing between them again. She slipped out of the shirt and pulled on the nightgown before covering it with the luxurious bathrobe which she tied tightly at her waist. As much as she couldn’t deny that she had enjoyed every second of making love with him, there was not going to be any repeat of it anytime soon. She tied her wildly tussled hair back into a simple ponytail and once she was happy with how she looked she walked out onto the balcony and heard Jacen give a quiet sigh as he looked out over the ocean, his strong arms braced against the concrete barrier of the balcony wall.
“What happened to us Anya?” He whispered, “How did we come to this?” He asked as he took in the breath of her scent on the night breeze and he could feel her joining him.
“I don’t know.” Anya said honestly, “Jacen I stopped knowing anything when you walked away from me the way you did and now that you’re back in my life again, I just keep falling from one disaster to the next. Every time I think I might finally be getting back on track you’re there and something crazy is happening to me… I’m leaving in the morning. I can’t stay here and let what’s left of my life fall apart again so tonight please, just for once, be honest with me. Who are you? What am I caught up in here because I’m scared that I’m losing my mind.” Jacen turned quickly and felt guilty as he saw the resigned look in her eyes. The look that said goodbye forever was just a heartbeat away. He wanted to touch her soft cheek, to kiss away the obviously burdensome feelings that haunted her beautiful eyes, but this time he took a step aside from her not towards her. He had to allow her to have the power now, the choice to dictate the future for not only them but for so many other things she had no idea she was about to effect.
“Anya, I AM Destin E.” Jacen confessed openly, “My full name is Destin Jacen Edwards and I am the host of Isla Amore. I do work here; or rather I kind of manage things and allow the staff to deal with the day to day things.”
“But when we met you said you were just a businessman.” Anya replied as the implication of what he was starting to tell her began to seep through to her mind, “You didn’t have the money to own your own island.”
“I had to make you think that was the case.” Jacen replied, “You know you weren’t the first woman in my life Anya. Others had found out I was rich and just wanted me for my money, I wanted you to be different and you were. I knew that the day we met and you freely paid for that cup of coffee…”
Anya allowed her mind to drift back to the moment in the coffee shop when she had first noticed the handsome man at her side in the queue of people all waiting for their drinks. His eyes, in their brilliant jade colour had been the first thing about him she’d noticed. She’d given a shy smile when she noticed him looking at her and he had returned it with a smile of his own…then he’d looked so helpless, searching for money to pay for his coffee and discovering that his wallet had gone. Anya had been sorry for him and heard his words to the barista that he’d have to cancel his order and she’d interrupted handing over money for both their drinks without a second thought and that was when the spark had ignited between them.
The coffee shop led to talking on a park bench, then to lunch in McDonalds. Hours passed into days, then weeks and months. Lunches and dates became a full relationship and after they had started to indulge in their physical love too it had been just a step further to him living under her roof. They’d been so happy together, they complimented each other perfectly and though Mia had always been wary of a man who allowed Anya to pay for so much and not seem to give her anything tangible in return, she had been more than ready to spend the future with him.
He could see the happier times hazily drifting across Anya’s eyes as she stood there listening and Jacen then saw the clouds overtake them.
“So you lied to me from the start?” Anya said, “Why should I be surprised that everything went wrong then? Houses built on sand can’t stand forever and the same goes for relationships built on lies. I should have known you’d leave me after you’d had your fun, that’s what rich men do after all isn’t it? You play with innocent girls, get them to give you that innocence then you move onto the next or go back to the women you’re meant to be with all along…Was she better than me?”
“I didn’t leave you for another woman Anya!” Jacen snapped at her, “No other girl could ever have taken your place, no one ever will can’t you understand that? Can’t you see that’s why everything is so wrong now?” He shook his head. “I am still in love with you! I can’t stop it and I’ve tried…”
“Then why did you go?” Anya replied, “Why come here where you can sleep with any girl you want?” Jacen could see her pain etched on her heart, the truth was beginning to break free in both of them.
“Because I was scared” Jacen confessed for the first time, “I didn’t want to lose you and I knew that if I told you the truth about myself then you’d never understand.”
“What wouldn’t I understand? That you’re really a billionaire or something?” Anya replied, the confusion coming back again, “Jacen, trust me your bank balance has never been of any consequence to how I felt about you. Rich or poor I was yours…”
“No! Not that…” Jacen shook his head and then looked in her eyes, “I was scared you’d turn against me because of what I could become…what I am becoming now…”
“A pain in the ass?” Anya said, “Jacen you’re talking in riddles, just tell me what you’re trying to say.”
“Anya I’m a dream-weaver…” He searched for another word that she might understand better and only one came to mind, “A genie… I make wishes come true for people.” Anya looked at him for a moment and then burst into laughter.
“Oh Jacen, I’ve heard some lines in the past, but that was classic…and I’m a mermaid.” She shook her head, “Look I thought we were having a serious conversation here, if you can’t handle that then please, just leave…” Jacen took a step closer to her and taking her hands in his he squeezed them tight
“Wish for something…anything,” he instructed her, “the first thing that pops into your head.”
“Jacen I…”She tried to protest but the thought was in her mind before she could stop it…
“Mummy!” The little voice squealed excitedly as the toddler ran over into his mother’s arms and as he stood there Jacen felt his world shift out of orbit. She had a son!

PENNY'S STORY pt 1

As Anya, Astrid, Isabo and the other friends were shown to their rooms, one woman stood near a bookcase waiting her turn. Penny had no idea what the heck she was doing here, but in her long friendship with Anya she had always gone along with what others had wanted. It wasnt as if she didnt like Anya, they had been friends far too long for there to be any secrets between them. Just lately though, she felt that Anya was holding something back, and there was a discord in her own life, a feeling of uncertainty and it was a feeling she couldn't quite shake off. Her clothes were understated just like her, hiding her generous curves, sensible sandals, and of course her wedding and engagement rings sparkling in the sunlight. This was the first time she had been away from her husband and children, she had made countless excuses not to go with Anya on her annual vacations before, but this time it seemed right that she came. Of course her husband and children had protested until a letter telling them that they had won an all inclusive trip to Disneyland with spending money and a nanny for the children, which strangely enough coincided with her trip to Isla Amore. So here she was, a frumpy woman who had as much sex appeal as Margaret Thatcher wearing a thong, in a beautiful place where Ricardo Montalban should be. She sighed and leant back against the wall closing her eyes.

Christophe studied the woman who was trying hard to blend into his furniture. He could see she felt uncomfortable and sensed the conflict within her. With her, he needed to go slow and careful, ease her into being herself and become the woman she had been hiding for so long........

Anya's Story - Part Six

In all his fears about how the past three years might have changed Anya, Jacen had never considered the possibility that she would have a child, yet now as he stood there he couldn't take his eyes off the little boy who was hugging her tightly and internally he cursed himself for being so reckless in granting her wish...the only morsel of comfort he could take was that it hadn't been another man who'd appeared.

"You have a son..." Jacen said eventually. Anya nodded and went to reply but he stopped her with a wave of his hand. He didn't want to hear about other relationships she'd had and lied to him about. This changed everything and his heart fell as he realised that all his hopes were for nothing.
"I'll see to it that you're given a new suite, one more condusive to the needs of your child." He said with a dispassionate tone that cut right through Anya. He was hurting and she could feel the temperature in the room dropping by degrees. "That is if you are intending to stay for the rest of the week as you'd planned."
"His name is Dominic." She replied quickly, "and yes, I would like him to stay. Jacen I..."
"It's late. I should go." he replied cutting her off before she could say anymore. "I'll tell Bastian about him being here. He needs to know everyone on the island for security purposes." His eyes regarded the child once more and then looked back at Anya, "He is a handsome boy Anya and you needn't worry, I won't disturb your holiday again."
"Jacen please...we still need to talk..." Anya pleaded as she saw him moving to the door and reached for his arm. Jacen sighed as she touched him and shook his head,
"There's nothing left to say. Goodnight."

For a moment Anya stood at the doorway watching Jacen walk away and a tear rolled down her cheek, before she quickly wiped it away and looked at her son,
"Now what do I do?"


Walking back from the mansion alone Jacen felt like he had lost everything. Anya had never hinted at the fact she had a child in any of their conversations and the fact that she did galled him in a way he'd never expected. Oh the little boy looked adorable and clearly adored his mother. A blind man could have seen that. But the child had to have a father somewhere too and if he believed his basic biology lessons from school that in turn meant that there had been another man in her life...she'd lied to him.
"Anya..." he whispered desoltately into the night, and as the whole island felt the pain that was growing in his heart the sky spilt with bright forked lightning. The air trembled with the sound of thunder so loud it made the very foundations of the mansion shake and rain started to fall in sheets, instantly soaking Jacen and providing a mask of water to hide his tears...

From his room Christophe looked into the night and the sudden change of weather, with a sigh. He could see Jacen walking defeatedly away and the older man knew that the weather was a reflection of his emotions. Anger, sadness, regret and still the flame of desire that wouldn't be quelled, were all like a torrent raging in his second born. Using his mind he tried to reach out and console Jacen, but his pleas for him to come inside were ignored and in that second Christophe saw the reflection of how he had felt himself for the past three years. Losing a woman's love was hard for a man, but for a dreamweaver it had the capacity to be dangerous. Jacen would need to be handled carefully if the island and the man were going to survive....

Isabo Part 5

“Sort your bitch out!” Rashid yelled as he stormed away with Astrid over his shoulder.
“Oh no he didn’t.” Isabo hissed started to go after him. Bastion caught her arm and pulled her back.
“Where do you think you are going?” He growled into her ear.
“To do damage to an immortal!” She tried to pull away from him, but he held her in an iron grip. She turned her glowing green eyes on him. How dare he touch her, the man clearly had a death wish “And then I am coming back here and I am going make myself a widow!”
Bastian pulled her tight against his body. He had to get her to stay away from Rashid; he could see the man was close to the edge, his woman pushing all his button without knowing it. Once wrong word from Isabo and she would be dead leaving Bastion to do something he never thought he would, hunt down a friend. “I am going to say this once and once only hag. Leave Rashid alone he has enough problems with that human he doesn’t need to add you to the mix.” Reaching up, he pulled aside the collar of her t-shirt, revealing his mark .He kept her close when she tried to pull away again “And this right here means that you are stuck with me princess.”
Isabo pulled again and this time he let her go.
“I wouldn’t count on that.” She told him. Glaring back at him as the wind started to whip and the rain started to pour.
Frowning they both looked at the sudden change of the weather. “Destin.” Bastian breathed. Knowing his boss and friend was hurting somewhere.
“Great, just what I needed.” Isabo huffed as her white t-shirt got soaked through.
In seconds the worried look left Bastions’ eyes and was replaced with a searing heat.
“Do not even think about it kitty,” Isabo warned him as he took as step towards her
“What?” Bastion asked as he took another step towards her, a slow smile spreading across his face as the rain lashed against them.
“Don’t what me. I am not your little play thing and the last time I let you near you branded me. Do you really think I will be that stupid again?” she raised a hand to ward him off, “Stay!” Isabo stomped her foot hen he kept coming at her.
“Princess, you are my mate, my one and only, you can’t seriously expect me to live the rest of my life as a monk, pinning away for my woman can you?” Bastian gave her a hang dog looked and Isabo frowned.
The man was an idiot if he though for a second she was ever going to let him come near her again. Even if his body was beautifully outlined in his wet t-shirt, leaving nothing to the imagination and at the same time far too much unseen.
“Sweetheart I don’t care what you do with the rest of your life as long as you do it away from me.” Isabo back away from him, Bastian matched her step for step.
“See that’s where we will have to agree to disagree, doesn’t matter where you go, that,” He pointed to her shoulder “means I won’t be far away. You will just have to get used to the idea that you belong to me, “ she took anther step bring her right up again a giant oak, Bastian wasted no time, stepping up to her and pinning her there with his body, hands either side of her head on the might oak. “And I belong to you.” He leaned forward brushed her lips in a soft kiss.
Frowning up at him Isabo sniffed “Why do you smell like Mia?” She watched as Bastian sighed.
“Because I may have kidnapped her for Dylan and left her in his private cottage surrounded by one of my protection shields and now I think she might be beating him to within an inch of his life and I will have to be there to clean up the mess.” He rushed out the explanation.
“Oookkkaaayyy then.” Isabo looked at him with wide eyes. Really this man was a completely unstable, he really was.
Bending down, Bastian captured her mouth again, “Please.” He asked against her lips, seeking permission from her.
Reaching up Isabo took hold of the back of his head pulling him closer, her body throbbed with the need for him. It had to be the bite working its magic on her, she reasoned, because she would never what this ass any other way. Yes that’s what it was, a power far out side her control.
“Kiss me.” She told him. Bastion didn’t need any further encouragement. He had wanted this woman, his woman so badly.
Pushing her hair out of her face, Bastian smiled down at her. “My princess.”
“I don’t think so boy.” A female voice rang out from the darkness. Both turned and watched as a tall elegant woman, with long flowing back hair stepped into the clearing.
“Oh hell.” Bastion breathed.
The woman was bone dry, a protective bubble surrounding her protecting her from the rain.
“Now is that any way to great your new mother in law?” Harmony Claremont stood looking at her daughter and the man who had marked her.
Seems Christophe had called her just in time, things on the island were in worse shape than she thought. But she was here now and things were going to change, whether they wanted to or not!