The Isle Of Sin And Shadows - Keri Lake Page 0,145

stumble backward, just catching a glimpse of Thierry lurching for me. The edge of the boat scrapes against my calves, right before I crash into the warm, stagnant water.

The small bit of breath I have punches at my lungs, at the same time as a paralyzing fear claims my limbs. I will myself to swim upward, but my limbs feel heavy, like lead. A tickling of my calf sends me into a kicking frenzy, tangling my legs in something that leaves me inwardly screaming.

Something takes hold of my arm, and I expel the last bit of air, thinking it’s a gator. I fly up through the water and emerge on a gasp of breath.

With a tight grip, Thierry pulls me out of the water and onto the boat, where I collapse onto its floor.

Wheezing and coughing for breath, I turn to my side, until the first, long inhalation fills my lungs. In and out, I breathe through my nose, ignoring the godawful sulfur stench that clings to my skin. “Snake?”

“Cottonmouth. Tossed it into the water. Was probably a good thing you fell in when you did.”

“I lost my shoes.” Pushing upright, I glare at him from across the boat. “But I guess you got your information. Yay. I’m surprised it wasn’t obvious, given how snoopy the woman is.”

“I expected you to tell me it was Luc. He would’ve been the most obvious, even if he swore never to say a word about her.” Eyes lost to contemplation, the frown on his face deepens. “Jo’s never met Frannie. I’ve never brought her back to the boat. Boudreauxs have been on this island a long time, though, so it’s possible she knew my mom.”

“So, what does this mean? You threaten to dump the old woman into the swamp now?”

“Means I watch her more carefully.” He fires up the engine of the boat. “And don’t let you out of my sight.”

The warm water trickles down my face, as I tip my head back, rinsing my hair for the third time. With every long blink, I can damn near feel the jaws of an alligator clamped to my leg, or the bite of a venomous snake, and I shiver. I love nature, but this place is the home of things that slither and crawl, and I’m having a hell of a time shaking it off.

A warm hand slides across my stomach, and I flinch, snapping my eyes open as Thierry steps inside the stall, closing the door behind him. In the cramped space, his body crowds me, but he’s a distraction to the creepy-crawlies I’ve been imagining over the last twenty minutes.

Wet lips hunt my throat, and the erection pressing against my stomach is a good indication of what he’s come looking for.

“You missed the opportunity to tear my dress off.”

Bending into me, he sucks the water from the crook of my neck, his fingers pressed firmly into my hips. “I’m devastated.”

“You should be. Cold, shriveled nipples are the new sexy.”

“I can handle cold nipples. I couldn’t stand the sulfur smell on you.”

“Well, no worries. I managed just fine. Perhaps next time, though, we can change it up a little, and you can buy me a nursing uniform to strip off.” I feel him smile against my skin, and once again, the jealousy bug bites me in the ass. “I’m assuming you fucked her.”

Trailing kisses over my skin, he presses me against his hard cock. “Do you want the truth, or lies?”

“Truth, I guess.”

“Yes. We’ve f--”

“Lies! I changed my mind. I want the lies. All the lies.”

“Jealousy isn’t fitting for you.” Pushing my wet hair aside, he finds that spot on my neck that weakens my knees and has my eyes rolling back.

I blow out a shaky breath, gripping his arms for support. “Who said I’m jealous? I think she’s pretty.”

“She is.” His lips trace the edge of my jaw, and he runs his teeth over the bone. “But she’s not standing in my shower right now.” Fingers curl into my hair, and with a light tug, he tips my head back. Warm water dances over my bottom lip, dribbling down my chin, and he sucks it into his mouth. “She doesn’t sleep in my bed every night.” Teeth tug at my bottom lip at the same time that his big palms press me hard against his cock. “And I don’t dream of fucking her.”

This man makes me weak.

Completely and utterly useless.

Taking both of my nipples between his fingers, he gives a light tug,