Page 24 of Forsaking All Others

Rather than tempt fate and assume he’s really walked some distance away, I stay where I am for as long as I can stand the cold water before leaving the lake and making for the closest cottonwood. At this rate I have no chance of reaching the mountain-top any time soon and solving that damned puzzle, but that’s the least of my worries.

Climbing quickly, I make for branches as high as I can reach that will support my weight.

Finally, resting my head against the trunk, my teeth chattering and fingers pruned from the time spent in the water, I catch my breath before scanning the forest, beach, and lake for any sign of my pursuer. I don’t see any sign of the man, but I do see Regina, the Mexican. She’s clearly lost and stands out like dog’s balls wearing all white.

And a new plan comes to me.

20

Sitting in the limo while I await the results of the first competition, I frown as I rewind the video footage I’d requested of the attack on the contestants’ vehicle on the first night and watch the same scene again.

There’s no doubt about it. All the women are shocked and frightened as their vehicle is rammed.

All except one.

‘She definitely isn’t overly alarmed by the attack.’

I shake my head as I hear her shout to the driver to ‘speed up’ and to the other competitors to ‘get down’ and watch her grin as the SUVs containing our guards flank the car and force it over the railing and into the ravine.

Rewinding the tape again and again, I study her expression. She’s smiling, but her eyes look haunted. They remind me of someone else’s dark, sad eyes. Someone I knew a long, long time ago. Someone I try not to think about, but can never forget.

‘This woman... Did she expect it? Is that why she looks that way? Or is she just used to taking command in these situations?’

I switch off the recording and lean back into the seat as the make-up woman, on her knees before me, continues her attentions to my cock. One thing is certain: there’s more to the Italian with the gorgeous body and strategic game plan than meets the eye.

21

Dropping down from the tree as quietly as I can, I head in the direction Regina was walking and come across her far sooner than I’d anticipated, because she’s walking in circles.

“You can have it!” She says, wide-eyed, as I approach, holding out her puzzle piece with trembling fingers. “I don’t understand it anyway.”

“I don’t want your clue,” I shake my head. “I’m no good at puzzles either.”

“I’m not worth killing!” She squeaks. “Honestly, I’m not.”

“Shut up. I’m not planning on killing you,” I snort. “Not tonight anyway.”

I don’t bother adding that I probably won’t need to if my plan executes as I anticipate.

“So we’ll work together?” She asks breathlessly.

“No,” I shake my head, “I’m going my own route, but I’ll help you a little. I’ll make you a deal.”

She frowns but nods as I continue to scan our surroundings. Stepping closer I draw her towards the broad trunk of a nearby tree where there’s less chance of us being seen by either another competitor, or the man with the gun.

“Listen,” I whisper, “I’m going to win this in another way, if you get my drift?”

She nods for me to go on, although I don’t think she has any idea what I’m talking about.

“You can have my puzzle piece and I’ll tell you something else I’ve discovered. But the deal is that you and I need to swap clothes.”

“Clothes?” She frowns. “You want my swimwear?”

I shake my head and try to think of a reason I can give her as to why I might want her clothes.

“I don’t want your swimwear, but it’s got way more coverage than mine, and I’ll find it easier to fight in. Also, mine’s wet and chafing me when I run. You put on my red swimsuit, and I’ll put on your white. And I want your shirt too.”

“I don’t know….” She chews her lip as she considers my suggestion.