Page 57 of Wild Idol

The amber glow cascaded across the water. We were all alone, and the dull rumble of the party drifted through the trees. The symphony of crickets and other creatures of the night filled the air. The full moon glowed overhead, casting a pale light over the water. The stars flickered above. It didn’t get more romantic than this.

“This is pretty,” I said.

Ivy smiled. “You should see it in the daytime. The water is so blue and clear. The locals call it the well of life.”

“Why is that?”

“It has healing properties. I know that for a fact. I’ve seen it work its magic. It is said that whoever bathes in this water shall live forever.”

It was a bold claim.

Ivy pulled off her sarong and tossed it onto the stone. Then, with a delicate hand, she pulled the strap of her bikini top and let it unfurl. The fabric went slack, and she slid it from her svelte body. The flickering flames accentuated her toned form. She slid off her bikini bottoms and let them glide down her glorious thighs. She kicked them to the rest of the pile.

Ivy displayed her naked body, the soft amber glow kissing her sumptuous skin. The pale moonlight back-lit her curves.

Ivy was a mouthwatering sight, to be sure.

“You should join me for a swim. You won’t regret it.”

She dove into the water and made hardly a splash as she plunged below the surface. A moment later, she broke through the water and flung the excess from her hair. “Are you coming in?”

“What would Solomon think?”

She smiled. “He doesn’t own me.”

“He put you up to this. He figures if you can get close to me, maybe I’ll be less inclined to do your father‘s bidding.”

“Are you still planning on doing my father’s bidding?” she asked, treading water. “After all I’ve told you about him?”

I sat on the stone beside the water.

Ivy swam close.

“I think you’re a grown woman who can make her own decisions. It doesn’t appear that you’re under duress. I’minclined to go back to your father and tell him we spoke, and you declined his invitation to return.”

Ivy smiled. “And what of the idol?”

“You told me you didn’t steal it, and you don’t have it. I guess I’ll have to take that at face value.”

“Does he know where I am?”

“Yes.”

“He’ll send someone else. It’s only a matter of time. My father is relentless. He doesn’t like to lose.” She paused. “Can you lie? Just tell him I’m dead.”

I chuckled. “I can’t do that.”

“Honorable, I suppose.” After another pause, she asked, “How long do you plan on staying?”

“Solomon wanted us to stay long enough to get a sense of the island. I think I’ve seen enough.”

“You’ve hardly had time to enjoy the full experience,” she said with a hint of seduction. “There’s so much this place has to offer. Perhaps you may grow to love it as much as I do.”

“I’m not gonna lie. This place has alluring qualities. I believe a man could be quite happy here. But you don’t need to compromise yourself to convince me of that.”

“Who said I’m making a compromise?”

“When we first met, I saw the hatred in your eyes.”