Volcano by Patricia Rice Read Free Book Online Page B

How could she forget that he had kidnapped and blackmailed her and probably set up the whole arrangement for some nefarious purpose of his own? She could only be grateful that he hadn’t made any physical overtures. She would blast him with the pepper spray should he even try. His restraint was the only reason she didn’t shove him over the cliff.
    â€œI sure hope it’s hunger that makes you so damned irritable,” he complained as he hurried down the path after her. “There’s nothing worse than a bitchy woman.”
    â€œYeah, there is, it’s a bossy man. You’re ruining my first trip to the islands, jeopardizing my job, wreaking havoc with my privacy, and you’re complaining about me? Up yours, Mr. Smith.”
    Charlie couldn’t help it. He grinned. She had the elegant lines of an expensive, high-class thoroughbred, and the mouth of a construction worker. Staying one step behind her, he watched the sway of that sassy rear in the short skirt. She might think she was covering up, but she couldn’t see herself from behind. Whistling to himself at that thought, he happily followed in her long-legged footsteps.
    â€œBlack sand!” she exclaimed in wonderment as they reached the foot of the stairs and the crystalline crescent of beach curved before them. “I’ve never seen black sand. Look, it sparkles!”
    The afternoon sun caught all the glistening volcanic facets, paving a diamond path between jungle and turquoise water. Charlie almost regretted not having the time to sprawl in the sand, catch the sun, and listen to the music of the waves. How long had it been since he’d had time to indulge in the simple pleasures with a gorgeous woman by his side? Too damned long. But if he didn’t find Raul soon, he would be calling the beach his home.
    â€œLava flow,” he responded curtly, ignoring the beckoning sand and aiming for the water taxi. “This is a volcanic island.”
    â€œThey’re all volcanic islands,” she said crisply. “I don’t remember hearing they all have black sand.”
    â€œThis one got lucky.” He caught her elbow and hurried her on as she tried to dawdle and admire the tropical setting.
    â€œIs the volcano still active?”
    â€œBet your sweet britches it is. Smells like hell, if you’re inclined to see what the devil has in store for us.”
    â€œRomantic sort, aren’t you?”
    Charlie snorted at the dryness of her comment. To pacify her, he stopped in the gift shop on the beach and purchased the shades she insisted on. The Ray-Bans cost two arms and three legs, and with his bank accounts closed, he should be conserving expenses, but what the heck. Maybe the fancy duds would hide him for a while.
    Pulling on the dark glasses, he had the opportunity to discover the success of his disguise soon enough. He recognized the water taxi driver as the kid brother of an old friend of his. On his best tourist behavior, Charlie handed his “wife” into the boat, not lingering long over her elbow but climbing in after her with the skill of experience. If Miss Penny stiffened any more, she’d break. He maintained his distance as he took the narrow seat beside her. The driver didn’t even look at him. Maybe the sunglasses worked.
    Charlie concentrated on his plans for Soufriere rather than on the woman beside him. St. Lucia wasn’t Miami. He couldn’t disguise his identity for long. He had to accomplish as much as possible in the least amount of time. That didn’t bode well for Lady Jane.
    The boat roared around the sheltering curve of the seashore into the cove beyond. The two towering rock formations ahead framed a stunning view, but Charlie’s concentration centered on the weathered village. The wealth of the northern part of the island hadn’t found its way down here yet. He and Raul had hoped to change that.
    The taxi didn’t bother docking but pulled up