Page 32 of Stone (Claimed and Protected #3)

D aniella

“Aloha, my man.” Kekoa was a big bear of a man.

As he approached, he had his arm out to the side and Stone immediately clasped it in a buddy greeting.

They moved closer, clapping each other on the back.

“I didn’t think you’d show.” He nodded in my direction, his grin wider than when he’d been at the house.

“I thought Dani would enjoy seeing how locals party.” Stone’s prior bad mood had shifted, but I was no fool in that he’d glanced into his rearview mirror several times while driving and remained on edge. Whatever my father had told him indicated a higher level of danger.

“You mean allowing the prisoner a reprieve,” I added in jest.

Kekoa slapped his hand on his chest. “Ouch. She has your number. He likes to cage them by the way.”

“I could kick your fucking ass.” Stone moved to slide his arm around my waist.

“Grab a couple drinks,” Kekoa suggested. “There’s plenty of food. Akoni went all out this year including a limbo contest.”

“Akoni is Kekoa’s brother, an even more colorful human being,” Stone said casually as we headed to the bar.

“Colorful?” Kekoa asked. “My brother is a full-blown nutcase, but he does throw the best parties on the island.”

Stone chuckled, nodding a few times. “That he does.”

Why did I have a feeling by the way the two men were looking at each other they’d developed a wordless method of communication? And that they weren’t very good actors at hiding something shared between them?

We saddled up to a true tiki bar, the appearance of the oversized structure straight out of a Hawaiian movie.

With vivid string lights everywhere, including on several trees and flowering foliage, island music and dozens of torches lit, only the backdrop of the rolling ocean waters and pristine moon could outdo the presentation.

A bartender wearing a tropical shirt greeted us. “What would you like to drink?”

“Oh, I need a Mai Tai to start,” I answered immediately.

“Whiskey, Jonas. You know what I prefer,” Stone added.

“That I do,” Jonas said, tapping the bar as he laughed. “Hard nose all the way. I’ll be right back.”

“I see all the islanders know you well,” I told him. “There is a story that you’re not sharing with me.”

He gave me one of his stern looks, his eyes flickering from amusement. “We all have secrets.”

“Hmmm…”

“I’ll let Akoni know you’re here,” Kekoa said before turning his attention toward me. “I’m glad you got him out of the house. He was becoming a pain in the ass. I mean a hermit. Other than surfing, the boy doesn’t do shit.” He backed away before Stone could physically react.

Grumbling, Stone pulled out his phone, checking his messages and texts. “Some employee you are.”

“Tonight, I’m your friend, bubba. Not that you know how to treat friends.” Kekoa winked and backed away as the drinks were placed in front of us.

“He’s awesome. You’re lucky to have him.”

Stone laughed. “He was the first man I met when I arrived on the island. He ended up being my taxi driver for the day. Showed me all the highlights of the small town, including a few bars. We closed the last one down somewhere after three in the morning. That’s about all I remember, but we’ve been fast friends ever since. ”

“You did have a few wild days. It’s good to have friends like that.” I immediately sensed he was antsy. “I thought we were at a party. Who are you expecting to call?”

“Just checking on things.”

“What things, Stone? You’ve been shadowy about what’s going on, constantly checking the security cameras. Did something else happen?”

He put his phone on the bar, turning toward me. “I’m attempting to discover why Matis Garnier is personally targeting you.”

“You’re certain it’s personal.”

“Oh, I’m positive, since detailed notes about kidnapping you were found in his personal belongings at a house Interpol managed to find. He was watching you for weeks.”

“What?” I shrank back.

“Because I’m not privy to the information that was found, the man who orchestrated hiring me isn’t authorized to provide but so many details. What I was told was that Matis was spotted leaving France two days ago.”

I took a deep breath. “On his way here?”

“That remains to be seen. He shouldn’t know where I live.”

“Shouldn’t. You’re worried.”

“That’s why I get paid the big bucks, but make no mistake, I will protect you no matter what it takes.” The vehemence of his words scared me, yet the determination in his eyes was comforting.

As another man approached with Kekoa in tow, he grasped my hand, taking one last look at the screen on his phone before standing.

“I’m not trying to keep things from you, Dani, but I’m also not going frighten you if not necessary.

Akoni is a pilot and head of security at the airport.

If any incoming flights have international passengers, he’ll know.

Just give me a few minutes and no more business discussions tonight. ”

Business.

I’d noticed he was carrying a handgun before, but seeing it again made me shiver. He was always on guard, never able to relax.

Seeing the weapon was an easy reminder that we were living in dangerous times. Every time Stone mentioned Matis’ full name, something sparked in the back of my mind. Why? There was no reason since he was some crazy revolutionist, but I couldn’t let it go.

As soon as Stone slipped off the barstool, Kekoa took his place. “How do you like Lanai so far?”

“From what little I’ve seen, it’s incredible.”

“That’s right. He is keeping you prisoner.” Kekoa laughed.

I studied Stone, noticing how animated he was. And studying the bulge under his shirt. Kekoa followed my gaze, his exhale letting me know he knew exactly what I was paying attention to. “Why is he carrying a gun?” I asked.

“You need to understand Stone. Once a soldier, always a soldier.”

“He’s retired. Remember?”

“There’s something you should know about anyone who’s served in the military. It never leaves them. Being a soldier will forever be in their blood. With Stone’s specialized training, even more so.”

“You act like you know that personally,” I told him.

He nodded. “United States Marines.”

“Thank you for serving. Now, I’m curious. Why is his specialized training any different?”

“Has he mentioned very much about his time serving?”

I thought about the question. “No, almost nothing. I know he encountered several tragedies.”

“We all have and keeping details private is typical. SEALs are like ghosts. Their missions are top secret, their identities confidential. They go to the worst locations performing the most dangerous duties. They are true heroes but never want to be thought of that way.”

“That’s Stone. He doesn’t think saving my life was heroic.”

“That’s because to him it wasn’t.”

“He wouldn’t take any money from my father for rescuing me. Well, he did, but he gave almost every penny away.” That continued to floor me.

“You should know saving your life wasn’t about the money.”

“No, but money helps. He owns a beautiful house and plane. A boat. He needs money for his mortgage and food. Electricity. My father seems oh-so happy to give it away.”

Kekoa nodded. “Stone’s financial situation is something you should talk to him about, but between what his parents made in the stock market and what he’s made off several investments, he could own a private island and then some.

That’s not him. He’s given most away to charities.

He invested in the art studio for their expansion as one aspect of the man he’s become.

When he realized how poor so many people were on the island, he did everything he could to fund programs including the food bank. ”

“Including purchasing medical equipment for the local doc-in-a-box?”

He grinned. “That’s Stone.”

“Then why Island Time Tours if he doesn’t need the money?”

He laughed. “Because he loves the water so much. Truly, that’s the only peace he’s had since retiring from the military. He doesn’t talk about what he experienced, but he doesn’t need to. There isn’t a soldier unaffected by their time serving our country.”

“I can only imagine.” I studied Stone’s muscular back and had the same intense throbbing between my legs.

“I’m sorry about what you’re going through by being forced away from your home. It’s tough being famous.”

“Ha! I’m not famous. I’m just a girl pretending to be an award-winning, brilliant and beautiful painter.” I exaggerated my words, holding my head high as if I was something special.

His happy grin covered his entire face. “That’s not what I’ve heard. I heard you have serious talent. You have the beauty and the brains down. Don’t tell Stone I said that or he’ll kick my ass.”

“Promise. No telling. Sadly, I haven’t been able to paint after everything that’s happened.

I just… can’t think straight and I hate myself for it.

He bought me everything I need and my mind is locked down tight.

Even worse, I was offered a huge gallery tour in several countries and I don’t know what to do. ”

“That’s fantastic, Dani. I’m sure Stone is so proud of you.”

“He doesn’t know.”

Kekoa took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds. “You’re unsure you want to leave.”

“No. Yes. Maybe. We’re different people and I guess I’m just confused.”

“You went through a serious ordeal and healing takes time. Talk with Stone. I know how strong his feelings are for you.”

“Even if I decided to go through with the tour, I’ll need fresh material. That’s how it works and so far, nada.”

“Your lack of creativity is totally understandable. Maybe being on the island will provide you with an entirely different spirit. Perhaps you should pay homage to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, fire, and creativity. Many artists have found their inspiration through her.”

“Pele, huh? I’ll need to keep that in mind. I could use all the help I can get.” Even being at the private cove a couple of days before had done nothing for my typical visionary process. Although… Hmmm…

“I can see the lady’s wheels turning.”

I glanced at Stone’s phone and snaked my fingers around it, thankful the iPhone was still unlocked. “Maybe just mentioning the goddess gave me a very inspirational idea, but don’t you dare tell Stone I was on his phone.”

“Mum’s the word.” Kekoa laughed. “You’re good for him, Daniella. That’s easy to see. And I might sound presumptuous, but I think he’s also good for you.”

“Yeah? How am I good for him?” I navigated to Stone’s pictures on his phone, quickly emailing the photograph I’d taken just before leaving Paris to my Gmail account.

At least I hadn’t been subject to a complete loss.

I was beginning to wonder if I’d find anything of value left when I returned to Paris.

“He’s happier or maybe I should say finally happy, period. There’s light in his eyes. I’ve almost never seen him with anything but a scowl on his face. Except when he’s surfing or guiding a tour.”

I lifted my gaze, noticing Stone off to the side. While he couldn’t see what I was doing since I had the phone under the lip of the bar, he was studying me intently. All while talking to Kekoa’s brother. “I don’t know if we’re good for each other. It’s very complicated.”

“The one story he told me during a drunken fest was that he’d loved and lost the only woman who would ever be in his life. I knew the minute I heard about you that you were that woman.”

“What made you so certain?” A sweep of heat rushed through me hearing Kekoa’s heartfelt words.

“My father was a very wise man, God rest his soul. He once told me that you could always tell when a man was head over heels in love with a woman by the way he stuttered when talking about her after being asked a question.”

“Stutter? Stone? Not a chance. He’s rock solid.” Like his massive, gorgeous body.

He leaned forward. “Trust me. He stuttered when he told me about you. You are the love of his life. I think you need to rethink your future plans.”

“Are you playing matchmaker now?”

“If I need to. Stone is my best friend but seeing him so miserable makes me want to punch him every day.” He laughed so boisterously I couldn’t hold back a smile. They had an amazing friendship.

As Stone approached, I lifted and kept my gaze on his face. When he caught my look, he smiled. “You weren’t telling all my trade secrets. Right?”

“Watch this,” Kekoa said under his breath. “Hey, boss. I was thinking of asking Daniella on a date. You wouldn’t mind. Would you?”

“If you dare ta-try to-to take her out, I will k-kill you.”

With the wide grin from before turning positively evil, Kekoa leaned over and whispered, “See what I mean? Love is in the air.”