Page 34 of Isla by Any Other Name

“This must be costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

“It’s not cheap. But it’s not about money,” Mitch said, brushing his knuckles along Isla’s cheek.

Eight hours later, they passed through a wrought iron gate and drove down a long gravel driveway. The house that came into view was lovely. It was a typical southern home with a sweeping staircase and storm shutters on all the windows. The sun shone across the water behind the house. In less than three hours, the sun would set on a long day. Two men stood at the top of the stairs.

“Agent Larkin,” said one of the men. “I’m Leigh Walters and this is Lucas Butler.”

“Agents, this is Molly Stewart and Agents Dirk Wentworth, Max Carson, Colt Garvey, and Lara Kendrick.”

“Nice to meet you all,” said Leigh warmly, but professionally. “Come on in and I’ll show you around.”

They entered the foyer. The staircase to the second floor swept up both sides of the hallway. Elegant yet simple décor filled the living room. They walked through the hallway and entered the kitchen. It wasn’t as big as the one at the compound, but it was definitely a chef’s kitchen. A large family room flanked the back of the house with a wall of glass giving a clear view of the ocean beyond.

“People actually live like this?” Isla shook her head. “To wake up to this view every day is definitely no hardship.”

“Agent Larkin, the command center is located in the garage as well as a state-of-the-art gym. You’ll contact us whenever you need anything. The refrigerator and pantry have been stocked. If you need anything at all, just call. The keys for the gate on the beach are right here by the door and the front gate is operated from the pad near the front door. The walls around the house are all wired to detect anything heavier than a raccoon. Cameras are mounted throughout the property—there are no blind spots. Agent Butler and I are the only two people who know you are here besides the boss. You shouldn’t have any problems. Don’t hesitate to call if anything seems off.”

“Thanks, Leigh,” said Mitch. “We really appreciate it. We should be out of your hair as soon as we can.”

“Not a problem. Molly, try to enjoy your stay. Take advantage of what this property has to offer. Enjoy the beach.”

“Thank you, Agent Butler and Agent Walters, for everything,” Isla said, wishing she had some way to pay them back.

Mitch closed the door behind the agents and watched from the monitor at the door as they got into their SUV and drove away.

“I’ll start dinner,” said Isla. “Mitch, I see a grill on the deck. Can we grill the steaks or should I cook them inside?”

“Let’s cook indoors for today,” said Mitch. “I want to check out the perimeter and the beach entrance before we get too comfortable.”

Mitch and Lara headed into the garage, and Max and Colt went up the stairs to unpack. Isla looked through the cabinets and found what she needed to marinate the steaks. She made a salad and washed up some potatoes, then went upstairs.

The master suite was just as beautifully decorated as the rest of the house. A king-size, four-poster bed stood in the middle of one long wall. A huge walk-in closet was at one end of the room and the bathroom was at the other.

Isla unpacked and decided a nice soak was exactly what she needed. She filled the tub and added a bath bomb she found on the vanity. She undressed and stepped in, sighing with pleasure as she immersed herself in the hot fragrant water. She closed her eyes and absorbed the comfort of the water.

Just a vacation, she thought. Just a vacation.

“Hey, Molly, wake up sweetheart,” Mitch said as he touched her cheek.

Isla’s eyes opened slowly. She was so confused—and cold. “Mitch?”

“You fell asleep in the tub,” Mitch said, concerned. “I knocked and called out twice, but you didn’t hear me.”

“I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“Come on, let’s get you dry,” he said. “The water’s cold.”

Isla stood up. The cool water ran down her body as she turned her back to him. He opened the towel and wrapped her in it. She could feel his energy—it felt like electricity between them. She turned in his arms and pulled his face down to hers.

“Hi,” she purred.

“Hi, yourself,” Mitch said with his lazy smile. “We shouldn’t.”

“I know, but I want to,” said Isla. She knew that he wanted this too. “I need you like I’ve never needed anyone before.”

“Me too,” he said. “But Colt knows I came up here to see you. I’ve been in here too long as it is.”

“Can we take a walk on the beach, then?”