Warm water steams the room, and I marvel in the heaven of it. There are no hot water pipes on our island, just cold. Showers are used only when you’re brave enough to face the harshness.
Once I’m thoroughly clean, I search the panel for an off switch. “Erm, how do you…?”
“Shower, off.” Colt’s voice cuts through the steam.
I try to cover my body with my arms, shocked at the intrusion.
“I realized you’d need towels.” He smirks as he enters the space, which now feels much smaller than before. He places them on the basin, then takes one from the top and holds it out for me. I snatch it from his hands and wrap my body.
“I forget what prudes you people are.” He snorts, his eyes lingering on my skin.
“I bet you’ve never had a man’s touch on your flesh before,” he drawls, his finger running a path from my wrist to my shoulder. A sprinkling of goosebumps rise in his wake.
“Not an uninvited touch,” I snap, pushing his hand from me and walking back through to the bedroom. I’m not a prude but I am self aware that this man is a stranger.
I feel his gaze on me before I see him enter behind me.
“Are you going to stand there and watch me change, or do you have better manners?” I ask with confidence I summon from my discomfort, not turning to look at him.
“My manners are questionable, little islander. But I’m well acquainted with your moral code.” Before I can say anything, he leaves the room, a soft click latching.
Hurrying to the door, I pull, but it doesn’t give way. I slam my palm down on the wood. “Hey, let me out.” Nothing. Oh God, he’s locked me inside. How could I be so naïve and trusting? Have I given up one prison for another?
Exhaustion washes over me, and my eyes drift to the giant bed. Maybe just five minutes to rest, then I can see if the windows are a possibility for escape.
Ten
Colt
Damn, seeing the girl all wet and helpless nearly knocked the air from my lungs, then her mouth opened, unleashing a backbone made of fire I’ve never seen so vibrant in another. She’s from Cult Island—that makes her the enemy.
The last girl who came looking for sin destroyed everything.
I have the urge to send her back across the water, but something about her and her need to discover things about her sister stopped me. If she didn’t think this place was a danger to her, she hadn’t heard the rumors or didn’t believe them. For a moment, I wanted to be in that place with her—to not think the worst of a man whose blood ran in my veins.
Pulling my cellphone from my pocket, I dial the number I dread. After five rings, he finally answers.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the demi God himself.” He snorts. He’s always hated the status bestowed upon me first in high school, then via media.
“I have something you should see.”
“Color me intrigued, brother. What is it?”
“Just come to the mansion, Cash,” I growl.
“Mmmm…I’m kinda busy.” The sound of bass vibrating down the line sends a prickle of annoyance up my spine.
“Bring whatever shiny new toy you’re playing with if you must.”
“Fine. But I’m not sharing.”
“Your toys lack appeal these days, brother.”
I pour myself another drink. The path down my gullet is a welcome burn.
It’s over an hour before Cash, my older brother by thirty-four minutes, makes his appearance with a blonde whore draped in diamonds from his collection.
“You can’t dress trash in shiny jewels and turn them pretty.” I smirk. Instead of defending herself, the blonde winds her body around him like the snake she is and flicks her tongue out to kiss his neck.
“Why did you call me here?” he asks, grabbing a handful of the blonde’s ass. “I haven’t eaten, and you remember how I get grumpy when I’m hungry.” He smirks, cutting his eyes to me.
“A girl washed ashore.” Standing from the couch, I pour him a drink and hold it out toward him. He pushes the blonde away, and she lands in the chair with a squawk.
“You have my attention.”
“She claims to be Clara’s sister.” I watch the storm brew in his gray eyes. Where I’m dark hair and dark eyes, my brother is all light, but his soul is tainted by darkness.
“Where is she now?”
“Upstairs locked in a guest room.”
“I want to see her.”
“What about me?” The blonde gets to her feet and sashays across the room in a poor attempt at being seductive.
“You can leave now,” Cash barks, holding up his hand to halt her advance.
“Fine.” She turns on her heel and heads toward the exit.
Cash tuts. “Leave the necklace.”
“But you said it makes me look glamorous.” She sulks.
“He lied.” I hold out my hand, motioning for her to come forward.