Stormy Vows/Tempest at Sea (43 page)

“But won't you…” Jane was suddenly silenced by Jake's lips on hers.

“God save me from an argumentative woman,” Jake said thickly. “The only sounds I want to hear from you in the next
hour are the delicious little moans you made last night.” His hands deliberately pulled the sheet down to her waist and began their magical play on her body. “You also may say ‘yes, Jake,’ he decreed with a chuckle.

Jane's breath caught in her throat, and she felt the familiar melting in her loins. Her arms slid lovingly around his neck.

“Yes, Jake,” she whispered.

It was almost two hours later when Jake phoned and ordered breakfast. At the same time he gave instructions that Jane's belongings be packed and brought to his cabin. Jane did not comment on this embarrassing and arbitrary ordering of her life. However, she disappeared discreetly into the shower shortly before the steward was due to put in his appearance. When she returned to the bedroom draped inelegantly in Jake's wine velour robe, her clothes had been delivered and a portable table had been wheeled in with breakfast.

Jake was seated at the table as she walked into the room. He looked up, his dark eyes knowing. “You can't run away from it indefinitely, you know.”

Jane did not pretend to misunderstand him. “I know,” she replied, not looking at him as she seated herself opposite him at the table. “I just thought it would be easier to face after the first novelty had worn off. The fact that I've officially moved in with you will be old news by tomorrow.”

His lips thinned with anger. “I won't have you made uncomfortable. I'll fire the first man who raises so much as an eyebrow.”

Jane smiled wryly as she lifted the silver covers off the various dishes and helped herself to eggs, sausage, and toast. She was surprised that Jake didn't realize that speculation and rumors couldn't be stopped by merely ordering them to. Even though no overt mention or acknowledgment would be made of
her new position, she would still be conscious that every man on the
Sea Breeze
knew that she was now Jake Dominic's latest toy. She could not deny even to herself that the thought chafed unbearably at her pride.

When they joined Kahlid and Lola for lunch in the lounge, it was even more awkward for her. Both Kahlid and Lola accepted her presence as a guest instead of an employee with casual aplomb. Jane wished she could rival their composure instead of feeling this agony of shyness and discomfort. She was almost silent through the long lunch, though some of her nervousness was abated by the fact that the attending steward was almost a stranger. She had been worried that Simon would be chosen as her replacement, and she didn't feel she could quite cope with that at the moment.

Jake seemed to feel no awkwardness, and he treated her with a curious blend of mocking indulgence and possessiveness. He ignored her shyness and saw to it that she was included in the conversation by simply changing the subject immediately whenever Lola or Kahlid made reference to something outside her experience.

Jane was touched by the arrogant protectiveness of his attitude, but it only added to her embarassment when she met Lola's amused eyes across the table. The older woman said nothing until Jake and Ahmet Kahlid excused themselves to wander over to the bar. Lola then quietly invited Jane to go for a walk on deck with her.

They were no sooner beyond the door than Lola started to chuckle. “I haven't enjoyed anything so much in years,” she drawled, her dark eyes dancing. “The sight of Jake Dominic in the role of shepherd to his lamb was absolutely priceless. That alone was worth the trip from Los Angeles.”

Jane gave her a sheepish grin and said wryly, “He did rather overdo it, didn't he? He wasn't exactly tactful to you and Kahlid in his support of me.”

“Jake can be the soul of diplomacy if it's called for,” Lola said shrewdly. “In this case it wasn't necessary. He knew that Ahmet and I would get the picture.”

“Lola, you've been very kind to me,” Jane said hesitantly. “I just wanted—”

Lola waved her imperiously to silence. “For God's sake, don't apologize,” she said cheerfully. “I would have had to be blind not to realize there was something in the air last night at dinner. Jake has never been known for his kindness to women, but he was completely unreasonable with you. Then, when he discovered Ahmet had gone to your cabin, he was like a madman.”

“How did he know that?” Jane asked curiously. It had not occurred to her to question Jake's sudden appearance in her cabin in the tumultuous events that had followed.

“I imagine he'd given orders that he be told if Ahmet was seen going anywhere near your cabin,” Lola replied with a shrug. “A steward came with a message for Jake shortly after Ahmet left the lounge. The ungrateful wretch didn't so much as say good night to me before he was off to the rescue.”

“I'm sure he didn't
mean
to be rude, Lola.”

Lola's lips twisted. “He didn't give a damn what I felt, my dear innocent. The only thing he could think about was you.” Her eyes were thoughtful as she studied Jane objectively. “I believe that's all he's been able to think of for quite some time, from his reaction last night. I've never seen Jake with his emotions as well as his hormones involved. Perhaps I should be warning
him
about getting involved, and not you.”

Jane knew a surge of hope that lightened the burden of anxiety and doubt she'd been feeling this morning. Was it possible that Jake was beginning to feel something for her besides desire and the urge for possession?

“Is that what you're doing? Warning me? If so, I'm afraid that you're a little late.”

“I rather suspected I might be, but I thought I'd give it a try,” Lola said, smiling gently. “Now we'd better return you to your lord and master before he comes looking for you.”

They turned and retraced their steps to the lounge.

The rest of the day was spent in swimming, lounging, and desultory conversation. Jane found herself restless and dissatisfied despite the happiness she felt in Jake's presence. She was too used to hard work and constant activity to embrace the leisurely life with any degree of contentment. She was conscious of Jake's watchful eyes on her throughout the afternoon though he engaged her in only casual conversation in the presence of the others.

Thus she was only mildly surprised when he strolled casually over to the deck chair where she was lying watching the scarlet-and-pink glory of a sunset at sea. Kahlid and Lola had gone into the water for a last dip before going to their cabins to change for dinner, and she and Jake were alone for the first time since they had left their cabin that morning.

“Poor Saturday's child,” Jake said mockingly as he dropped into the chair next to her. “Are you finding it hard to adjust to the lazy life?”

Jane was startled by his perceptiveness. Had her restlessness been so obvious? “I suppose I'll get used to it,” Jane said doubtfully. She looked at him, noting the vibrant energy and impatience that seemed to charge his body even in repose. “How do you tolerate it?” she asked ruefully. “I would think the inactivity would drive you crazy.”

“I admit that my boredom threshold is very low these days,” Jake said. “I probably would have scrapped the cruise after two weeks if I hadn't had a certain troublesome redhead to divert me.” He took her hand from the arm of the lounge and, bringing it to his lips, kissed the palm lingeringly.

Jane shivered as his tongue mischievously stroked the sensitive hollow, and he looked up swiftly in concern. He reached
over her head to the white beach coat draped on the back of her chair and tossed it on her lap. “Put it on. It's starting to cool.”

“That isn't my problem,” Jane said demurely, her golden eyes dancing. “I'm beginning to feel definitely hot.”

Dominic's dark eyes were amused. “Have you no inhibitions, woman?”

She shook her head. “Where you're concerned, they seem to have been left out of my makeup,” she admitted serenely.

“Thank God,” Jake said emphatically. His hand held hers tightly as his eyes slowly kindled with desire. “Damn it, why did I let you talk me into letting Lola stay? If she was gone, I could persuade Ahmet that he'd be better off roaming in greener pastures.” His thumb sensually rubbed the pulse point at her wrist. “I warn you, redhead, you'd better enjoy the fresh air now,” he said thickly. “Once I find a way of getting ridding of them, you may not get out of that cabin for a week.”

Jane wondered if he could feel her pulse wildly accelerate beneath his thumb at these words. She rather imagined he could, by the teasing gleam of triumph that glittered in his eyes before she looked away.

“I think I'll go down to the cabin and change now,” she said quickly, a flush turning her cheeks carnation pink. She stood up hurriedly and slipped on her beach coat.

Jake arched an eyebrow mockingly at her embarrassed flight. “Inhibitions, no. Shyness, definitely yes.” He also got to his feet. “I think I'll join you. I feel the sudden urge for a long nap,” he said, his lips twitching. “Do you suppose our guests would understand if we were a little late for dinner?”

“Jake!” she exclaimed, shocked, her eyes widening. He broke into irrepressible laughter, his face suddenly as young and mischievous as a boy's.

Jane was about to take him to task when she suddenly became aware of the jerky throb of a distant engine. She forgot
what she was about to say when she saw a gold and white helicopter approaching from the east and progressing unmistakably in their direction.

Jake's laughing eyes followed her startled gaze, and he muttered an impatient imprecation as he caught sight of the helicopter. “What abominably bad timing,” he said grimly. The deck was suddenly filled with scurrying, bustling seamen.

“What is happening?” Jane asked blankly, as the helicopter hovered directly overhead, the rotors causing a small tornado of wind and noise.

“A little gift for you,” he replied casually. The side doors of the helicopter slid open, and Jane caught a brief glimpse of an olive-uniformed Mexican and then an enormous box and several smaller ones were lowered by net to the surface of the deck below.

“What on earth is it, a refrigerator?” she asked faintly, while the seaman briskly closed in on the net to remove the packages.

Lola Torres joined them, towel-drying her sleek wet head, before slipping on her scarlet beach coat. Jane had been vaguely aware of Lola's return to the deck at the approach of the helicopter. The other woman's face was frankly curious as she eyed the bundles that had now been freed from the net.

In answer to Lola's inquiring look, Jane said with a grin, “Jake's bought me a present. I haven't yet decided whether it's a refrigerator or a washing machine.”

Lola examined one of the smaller packages lying on the deck. “I imagine Dior would be most outraged by your flippancy,” she said dryly. She picked up another box. “Ditto Balenciaga.”

“Jane's luggage was unfortunately left ashore in Miami,” Jake put in smoothly “I took the liberty of ordering a replacement wardrobe for her.”

Lola gave a little gurgle of laughter. “How simply divine!” Turning to Jane, she said gaily, “A ‘present’ like this deserves a
party. We'll have to arrange something really splendid to celebrate, and I know just the nightclub in Cozumel to do it in!” She turned to Jake and ordered imperiously, “Tell them to hold dinner at least an hour. Jane will need that long just to open the packages.”

An hour later, Jane sat dazed on the edge of the bed, staring in amazement at the boxes surrounding her. When she'd opened the huge crate, she had found that it contained two enormous steamer trunks filled with designer clothes of every description along with a shoe wardrobe to match every outfit. The loose packages were principally accessories and lingerie, with the exception of two of the larger boxes. One of these contained a full-length sable coat, and the other an ermine wrap. It was impossible not to be a trifle overwhelmed by the extravagance of Jake's gift. It was every woman's dream to receive a wardrobe of such classic elegance.

Yet how could she accept it and still maintain her self-respect and independence while living with Jake?

“Well, redhead, have you discovered anything that I've missed?” Jake Dominic stood in the open doorway, dressed for dinner in a white tropical jacket and black tie.

Jane didn't answer, and Jake sauntered forward. “You'll notice that I omitted any little baubles from Tiffany's. I prefer Van Cleef and Arpels,” he said lazily. “I'll let you choose your own jewelry on our first trip over.”

“I won't accept any jewelry, Jake,” Jane said slowly, her cheeks pale. “I'll take the clothes because I realize that it might cause you some embarrassment if I didn't maintain a certain appearance, but I won't accept anything else from you.”

“I suppose I should have expected something like this from you,” Jake answered, his expression darkening ominously. “For your information, I didn't arrange for this wardrobe because I was ashamed of you. I did it because I want to give you a present,
and women generally like this sort of thing.” His voice was hard: “If you don't want them, throw them into the sea! Throw everything you own into the sea, I prefer you without a stitch anyway!”

Jane stared into his hard, ruthless face and saw something in the dark flickering eyes that she'd never seen before. Why, she had hurt him! She had grown used to thinking of Jake as the hard, cynical sophisticate, but now he had the defiant air of a young boy who had surrendered a treasure to a comrade only to have it scorned. Suddenly she wanted to take him in her arms and soothe away all of the hurts he had ever known. Because she knew that she must never show that she had seen that vulnerability, she dropped her eyes to the amber scarf in her lap.

When she raised them a moment later, her golden eyes were dancing with fun. “I like you better without a stitch, too,” she told him, grinning. “I love the clothes, Jake. I'll be very happy to accept them.” What was a little pride when it was balanced against the hurt she'd inflicted on the man she loved?

Dominic relaxed, his face regaining its cool insouciance. “Brat,” he drawled. “You can't even accept a present without causing a ballyhoo.” He strolled over to where she was sitting on the bed and dropped a light kiss on her forehead. “And the jewels?” he probed.