High Stakes Seduction - Book 2 by Ami LeCoeur Read Free Book Online Page B

lately,” I ventured cautiously. “Are you actually getting any benefit from associating with these people?”
    “They have their uses,” he said with a finality that told me our pleasant evening was definitely over.
     
     

Chapter Sixteen
     
    Antonio escaped to the veranda when we returned to our suite. In his absence, I changed and slipped into bed. He still hadn't made any advances towards me, and I was beginning to wonder if I had seriously misunderstood his intentions toward me on this trip.
    None of these people I'd met so far had anything in common with me. But Antonio was obviously at ease with them and they accepted him into their circle.
    I thought about Clarice, the embittered woman I'd met earlier that evening. She seemed to have everything that money, power and position could buy, but she also had that hard edge of unhappiness. I fell asleep wondering what it would be like to always be in the limelight, your every action scrutinized by the same public that always seemed to want a piece of you.
    In my dream, I was being held by the police, a bright light shining in my eyes as they drilled me with questions about my husband’s involvement in some crime that I couldn’t quite understand. I was frightened and confused, unable to even recall who my husband was. I just knew he was someone rich and dangerous.
    I felt totally vulnerable and kept telling the police officers that I never should have gotten involved with this man who had some mysterious hold over me. But they insisted I answer them, ignoring my protests. "Listen to me!" I yelled at them, tears in my eyes.
    Suddenly my eyes flew open, my heart racing. It was dark and silent, and took a moment for me to recognize where I was. As I lay there in a semi-panic, having gone from bright lights into deep darkness, I heard the soft rhythm of Antonio’s breathing from the other room. I listened to the steady, soothing sound, feeling my heart rate slow, and letting it lull me back into slumber, a sense of protection washing over me.
    Hours later, sunbeams streaming through the porthole of the cabin washed across my face, insisting I open my eyes to greet the day.
    I yawned and stretched. Despite my disturbing dreams, I had still managed to get a reasonable amount of sleep. Pulling on my robe, I stepped out into the sitting room, glancing through the door at Antonio’s bed. It was empty. My heart sank. Then I heard a click and saw him stepping out of his bathroom, fully dressed in casual pants and a shirt.
    “I won’t be able to join you on shore until later,” he said, reaching for his cell phone. “Duty calls.” His smile and his pleasant tone seemed a bit forced.
    I pulled the robe tighter over my nightgown, trying not to let my disappointment show. “Where should I meet you?” I asked, concerned that I’d be left alone on a strange island.
    “Keep your phone with you,” he said. “I’ll find you. And don't forget your camera. There's a lot to see.” Then, with a quick nod, he walked through the door, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my disappointment.
    I know I shouldn’t have expected him to play tour guide, but was it too much to expect his company on our first excursion off the ship? The cruise brochure caught my eye. I grabbed it and started flipping through the itinerary, pausing at today’s first stop: St. Croix. I looked over the description and read about the island’s history and customs. Then I glanced over at the dresser.
    What should I wear to best appreciate the island’s ‘old world charm'? I wondered, mentally assessing my wardrobe.
    After an invigorating shower, I decided on a short summer dress, with my bathing suit underneath in case I wanted to take advantage of the beaches. Grabbing my purse and camera, I headed out the door, in search of an early breakfast before disembarking.
     

Chapter Seventeen
     
    Antonio was so right! The description in the brochure didn't even come close to doing justice to the beautiful