Touched by a Phoenix (38 page)

He sighed with relief. Only a few more days, and he and Alexis would begin a new journey. His little angel was doing the happy dance.

“Sweetheart, I’m home,” Alexis called as she walked through the door.

Brad met her in the kitchen. He dipped his head for a sweet kiss. “So…how was your visit with Mr. Martin?”

“It started out a little rough but turned out okay.”

“Did you tell him?” Brad ventured, puzzled by her comment.

“Yes,” she sighed.

“Everything?” He raised a quizzical eyebrow.

“Everything, except her power source and the plans for phase four…just as promised.”

She wrapped both arms around his waist. She needed to be wrapped in his love, it had been a long day, and she still wasn’t sure she had made the right decision.

He kissed her on the forehead. “Darling, if Mr. Martin is going to find whoever is behind this, he needed to have the information. Now he knows what the stakes are and perhaps he can devise a plan to catch whoever is behind this before they can try again. Think about who else could have been in the elevator and how badly it could have turned out. We are fortunate to be alive.”

“You’re right.”

“How is Nan…did you have a nice chat?”

She squeezed him just a little firmer. “Brad, she is wonderful. I understand why you love her the way you do. We should try to spend a little more time with her when we get back.”

“I’m happy the two of you have taken to each other so well. She is more of a mother than my mother ever was and a big part of my life. I can’t wait for you to meet Monica either. I’m hoping that my three favorite women will be close,” he said warmly.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Monica and learning all your childhood secrets,” she teased playfully.

“Oh believe you me, Monica will be more than happy to fill you in on all my dirty little secrets,” his boyish smile was infectious.

“Now, for the most important part. Did you have time to go shopping?”

“Oh yes…wait till I show you,” she beamed radiantly.

“
Mmm,
that sounds interesting. I can hardly wait,” as a wolfish grin spread across his face.

“After Mom leaves,” she murmured shyly.

“Catherine left about an hour ago,” he whispered in her ear as he began to place a trail of sweet kisses down her neck.

“What?” she exclaimed.

“Darling, calm down. We had a lovely day. I enjoyed getting to know your Mom better. I told her it would be all right to leave. I wanted to shower and shave before you got home.”

The sweet nibbles down her neck in between words did her in. “Can dinner wait a little while?” he asked, fire blazing in her eyes.

“I thought you would never ask,” as the storm clouds brewed.

Chapter Sixteen

T
he doctor had
removed the last of the stitches.

While the nurse cleaned Brads arm, Doctor Anderson remarked, “Brad, you are good to go. Take it easy for another week or so before going back to work and then I want you to start physical therapy to regain the strength in your arm.”

“You got it doc, thanks for your help.”

“Doctor, is there anything else I should be aware of before we leave?” Alexis asked.

“Physically, Brad is in better shape than I expected. The next few weeks may be a little difficult for him. He has lost some strength in his arm, but for the most part, he is good to do whatever he feels like. I would like to see him in a month just to check him out and if you need me, give me a call.”

“Thank you doctor, we really appreciate everything you’ve done.”

Alexis pulled into the marina. “Just peachy,” she grumbled as she rolled her eyes.

“What?”

She sighed…, “Martin.”

“Good, I finally get to meet him.”

“I guess Dad sent him to make sure everything was secure before we leave.”

“Darling, it’s for the best. Now we can truly enjoy the trip,” Brad suggested, flashing her an award-winning smile—one that made everything else disappear.

“You have a point,” she smiled back sweetly.

As they approached the yacht, John met them. “Mr. Martin, I’d like for you to meet Brad Scott…Brad, this is John Martin.”

The two men shook hands. “Any new information?” Brad asked, cutting straight to the chase.

“No, sir. We’re starting the investigation from scratch based on the enlightening information Alexis provided, but no new information has surfaced.”

“Keep me posted, John. I want to know the minute you find something,” Brad requested in his commanding tone.

“Yes, sir.”

“Have your men checked the ship thoroughly?”

“Yes sir. I am sending a man with you all just in case.”

“Do you think that’s necessary?” This was going to cramp his style.

“Sir, until we figure out who is after you, I’d rather err on the side of caution.” Judging by the scowl on Brad’s face, he was not happy about this change. John then went on to say, “Don’t worry sir, he will not interfere or get in your way, it’s simply a precautionary measure.”

“Fine, see to it that he keeps his distance,” Brad replied gruffly.

“This is heavenly,” Alexis beamed as she lay back against Brad while the Lady Dariea got underway.

“I’m happy that you agreed to spend a few days away,” Brad said as he nuzzled her hair.

“The flowers are beautiful Brad, thank you,” as she gazed at the vases centered on each of the tables.

“You are welcome, my sweet angel,” he murmured as he continued to plague her with warm, loving kisses.

“So where are we going?” she asked curiously.

“I have no idea, darling. You’d have to ask Pete.”

“I don’t believe it…Mr. ‘I need to control everything’ actually allowed someone else to choose the destination,” she giggled.

“Alexis, the only thing on my mind was making up for lost time…with you,” his voice was so low and sexy—raw with emotion, that it sent chills down her spine as he continued to kiss her neck.

She shivered as he gently nibbled the curve of her neck. “Brad.…”

“Alexis…I need you.”

Without a word, she took him by the hand and led him up the flight of stairs into the master suite, where she made sweet love to him all afternoon and well into the evening.

They had spent two glorious days on the yacht. Each night Brad covered the bed with flower petals and they had indeed made up for the nights he had worked late. Alexis was in heaven as she smiled to herself.

Brad explained that his mother’s family was from Greece and that she had named the yacht Dariea because it meant ‘possessing great wealth’. Her intuition lead her to believe that perhaps his parents possessed more money than they did sense, but she would never tell him so.

Alexis was still amazed at the sheer size of the Dariea. The bottom deck contained a storage area with a smaller boat, two jet skis, and the engine room, which had more chrome than she had ever seen. The living quarters contained four bedrooms with private baths and the crew compartments. The Lady Dariea was indeed a beautiful boat, but Alexis preferred her practical life to all of these frills. She liked her down-to-earth world and enjoyed doing things for herself. This trip consisted of fourteen crewmembers including security, but unless they went looking for someone, no one invaded their privacy.

The sea level deck contained a VIP suite with an incredible view. The deck housed the galley, a dining room with a formal living room, and a bar. Huge doors led to a covered seating area outdoors.

The private master deck, as they called it, sat above sea level. A raised floor held an elegant king-size bed with a chaise lounge at the foot. She grinned as she thought of the mirrors on the ceiling. She didn’t know if the mirrors created the added heat or if she had simply missed him that much, but whatever the reason, she had needed him desperately Friday evening. He thoroughly enjoyed his ability to watch her as well. Something in the air had made for the most exquisitely long night.

Dark wood accented the bottom third of the walls—the middle third button padded upholstery and the upper third—all windows, allowing the light from the stars to bask the room in an iridescent glow at night. Columns separated each window. Gold trim accented the wood panels and mirrored ceiling.

A stunning master bath in marble and glass housed a large oval tub sitting independently in the center of the floor. The shower had intricate etched carvings with marble columns for an added touch. His and her vanities sat opposite of each other surrounded by mirrors.

Outside the master bedroom was a private living room. A huge room with a curved sofa and matching armchairs in a plush ivory fabric on one side of the room with seating for six, all intimacy was lost in the massive space. Between the living room and bar area, she guessed sixteen people could comfortably sit and enjoy the evening. Dark wood, glass, and marble accented the spaces as well.

On the other side of the living space was a private dining area. This was her favorite room. The exterior side of the room opened to the fresh sea air. The lights from below the boat created a blue luminescent glow under the water’s surface. Dinner had been quite romantic with the doors open, the breeze blowing, and the love of her life sitting beside her. Double lounge chairs with side tables scattered the deck beckoning them to sit and watch the stars until the wee hours of the morning.

The upper deck contained the bridge, captain’s quarters, a large deck with Jacuzzi, and dining area covered with sails. Brad’s father had converted the helicopter pad into a large putting green and driving range. As much as Brad loved golf, he had not hit one ball into the vast ocean since they had been onboard.

A spiral staircase descended downward and encased an elaborate glass elevator. Chills ran down her spine. Neither she nor Brad had used the elevator since boarding, electing to take the stairs instead.

Alexis stretched in the lounge chair, enjoying the view. Brad was magnificent standing at the railing, even if he had been pensive today. She sensed something was on his mind, but when she had asked earlier, he insisted it was nothing. Still, she was confident he would tell her when he was ready.

With his back to her, every muscle glistened in the sun. Dressed in only board shorts, his calves delighted her senses. A wicked little smile crossed her face as she gazed upon his well-defined features. She knew the power behind those legs…he had scooped her up effortlessly a few too many times for her not to realize just how vigorous this man was.

Brad was lost in thought, staring off into the horizon. He rubbed his arm gently. She knew it still pained him and that she was the cause of his aches and pains today. She would have to remember to be more gentle with him this evening. His scar was still a raw…an angry looking red, with deep purple hues close to the wound. She was sure it would leave a fine line across his bicep. A grimace turned to a fond smile; she would love his scars as much as she loved him, they would always be a reminder of just how much he loved her.

He had been so sweet—fresh flowers adorned every room. The boat…
or yacht
, she should say—was magnificent, but did not hold a candle to the man standing at the railing in front of her. He was absolutely gorgeous and she would be perfectly content to sit here forever, drinking in the sight of him. Well, maybe not sit here. The simple act of watching him from afar stirred deep emotions within her. In order to squash her devious thoughts, she opted for a long hot shower.

Suddenly, Demi appeared. “Perhaps you should surprise him. After all, you did pack some sexy little pieces and it would be such a shame to let them go to waste!” Her demigoddess was egging her on with somersaults in the pit of her stomach.

Alexis rose from the comfy lounge chair and walked up behind Brad.

“Sweetheart…,” as she kissed him on his shoulder blade.

“
Hmm….
”

Wow, he really was lost in thought. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, darling,” as he turned and wrapped his arms around her.

“I thought I would hop in the shower before we relaxed for the rest of the evening,” she said with such warmth in her voice that it still shook him to the core.

“May I join you?” His mouth finding hers for the most tender kiss.

“Of course…,” she murmured against his lips.

His kiss turned from tender to deep and passionate in less than a heartbeat. She could feel his arousal against the base of her stomach.
Ooh,
she had not meant to disturb him, but good heaven’s she was not about to deny him his heart’s desires either…not now—not ever. He took her hand, leading the way.