Becoming Rain Read online

  I guess I should add CNN to my lineup of reality TV and sports. Too bad I hate watching the news. I can’t talk about business with Aref around these guys. So when I saw Rain leaning against the rail, her sexy, sleek curves calling to me, I had my excuse to detach.

  “You two enjoy yourselves. Take a tour, if you’d like. There will be another course of appetizers circulating soon,” Elmira says, shooting a hard look at Rain before drifting away.

  Rain’s body is rigid beneath my fingers. “What was that about?”

  “I just don’t know how to read her.” With a deep sigh, she shakes her head. “It was nothing. How’s your night?”

  Standing behind Rain, holding her like this, gives me easy access to her slender neck. I dip my nose into it, inhaling the scent of her—rose petals—my eyes stealing a glance at the swell of her breasts.

  Remembering the night she gave me a millisecond’s worth glance at them at the window last week. It seems she’s more comfortable getting undressed for me from thirty feet and two glass panels away. If that’s what she needs to do for now, I’ll grin and bear it. From what I’ve already seen, it will be well worth the wait.

  “Much better now.”

  Her body finally relaxes into mine as my arms tighten around her waist, her ass pressing into my hips, about the exact time that my dick begins to harden. Perfect. Well, at least she knows she has my full attention.

  When I asked Aref for two cabins, he laughed at me. Part of me wanted to take advantage of this situation, even if just to lie next to her. But, after last Saturday, I know that the likelihood of me controlling myself is near zero, so I figured I’d heed Jesse’s advice. “Follow her lead.” She has an out. If she decides she wants to climb into my bed, it’ll be 100 percent her choice.

  And I’m 1,000 percent ready.

  Sure enough, another waiter circulates with a tray of shrimp in minutes.

  Rain groans. “I think I’m going to explode if I keep eating.” Her hand moves to her lower belly. Without hesitation, I cover it with mine, the width expanse of my fingers splaying over hers, feeling the seam of her panties through her dress with the tip of my pinky. She tenses for just a moment but, after taking a deep breath, she falls farther into me.

  “How are the wives?”

  She rolls her head until her cheek leans against my chest, and in a low voice, she admits, “Arrogant and boring. Listening to them makes me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.”

  “So . . . good?” I chuckle.

  She flashes a grimace at me. “Sorry. They’re just not my type. You know, the kind you can never fully trust.”

  I smile. I want her to enjoy this night, but I’m happy she’s not that type. More and more, these women aren’t my type either. My type is quickly becoming Rain, and only Rain.

  I can’t keep my mouth from grazing that soft curve at the base of her neck.

  She stiffens momentarily before her head falls back, giving me easier access. “You were up there for a while. Anything interesting?”

  “No. They were talking politics, mainly. I could have used that spoon on my own eyes after you did, actually.” I let my words drag over her silky skin with my lips. “Hopefully I can get Aref by himself later.”

  Her chest heaves with a quick breath and my arm automatically tightens, fighting the urge to curl my hand up and around one of those perfect tits. “You have business to talk about tonight?”

  “Yeah, but only a bit, I promise.”

  “That’s okay, I understand.” She turns into me just slightly. “How well do you know him, anyway? You said you just met?”

  “Aref wants a partnership with us and I need to test the waters to find out exactly what his terms are.” I’m probably saying more than I should but, I swear, her body is yanking the words out of me.

  “Do whatever you have to do. We’re here all night.” There’s a pause, and then, “What kind of partnership? With the garage?” Her hips grind back into me and my mind goes blank, momentarily.

  “Uh . . . no. But it has something to do with cars.”

  Her free hand rises to slide over my cheek, her trim nails scraping against my light stubble. “We should spend some time with Aref and Elmira tonight. Get to know them better.”

  “Sure. We can do that.” Or we can spend the rest of the night in your cabin; to hell with Aref and Elmira, and Rust, too.

  Taking her hand in mine, I lead her around the corner, out of prime view. I spin her around in my arms and press her up against the railing, my hand behind her to soften the impact of the metal bar against her back.

  The burn in her eyes, the sharp peaks at the front of her dress where her nipples have pebbled, the way her hand settles on my chest, sliding over the contours, makes me think she feels the same way that I do.

  But I wait. Something I don’t ever remember doing. I wait for her to make the first move. I begin to think it’s not going to happen, and then I see the decision flicker across her face. She nods at me, like she can read my mind. That’s all I need before my hand’s weaving through her long hair at the base of her neck and I’m crashing into her mouth, tasting the sweet Champagne she just finished on her tongue.

  If this were any other girl that I’ve ever been with, we’d be halfway down the stairs to my cabin by now. As it is, I don’t know how I’m going to actually get any sleep with her across the way. “Stay with me tonight?” slips out before I can help myself. I quickly follow it up with, “Just to sleep, that’s all. I promise.”

  She doesn’t answer, closing her mouth over mine again, her palms sliding flush up the length of my stomach and chest, one chilly tip finding its way between the buttons of my shirt to slip under, grazing my skin.

  I can’t help myself anymore, my hand groping her ass through the smooth silk, ready to lift her onto the ledge and press myself in between her thighs.

  A horn blasts nearby.

  “Coast Guard!” someone hollers in the background. It takes Rain’s palms pushing against my chest to catch my attention.

  “Hey.” She giggles, her cheeks red.

  I lost control with her again. It’s too easy. “I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Her nervous fumbles with that dragonfly necklace make me wonder if it really is okay, but then she gives me a quick pat on the chest and a kiss on the lips before slinking away and rounding the corner.

  At some point while we were distracted, a few guests decided it would be a good idea to break out the coke. Rain and I watch as they scramble to snort every last line already laid out on the table before the Coast Guard boards.

  Aref marches over to us, his strides much quicker than normal. “If you have anything that you don’t want them to find, I suggest you deal with it quickly. We won’t be allowed in our rooms while they search.”

  “Does this happen a lot?” I ask.

  “It’s happened once or twice to me since I bought this yacht,” he admits. “What can I say? It attracts a lot of attention.”

  “But how can they just do that? Don’t they need a warrant or something?” Luke asks.

  “Not on a boat. They have full jurisdiction on U.S.-sanctioned open waters,” Rain says and then presses her lips together.

  “She’s right. They can jump onboard and tear this place apart.” He winks at Rain. “But, please, continue enjoying yourself. We’ll be rid of them soon.” As he’s turning, I catch the easygoing smile slide off his face, replaced with a frown.

  He marches away, shifting over to another couple, I assume to warn them of the same. “I hope this night doesn’t end up in handcuffs,” I mutter quietly, as the lit-up Coast Guard boat—dwarfed by the size of Aref’s yacht but looking threatening all the same—speeds toward us.

  “Why would it? Do you have something to hide?” Rain asks.

  I smile down at her, roping my arms around her waist. “No
pe. Not a thing.”

  Chapter 30

  ■ ■ ■

  CLARA

  Bill looks good in a Coast Guard’s vest, I’ll give him that.

  But what the hell is he doing here and how on earth did he finagle a spot on the Coast Guard ship? This has Warner written all over it. He’s worried about me; I get it. Fine. But at the risk of blowing my cover? Jesus.

  “What’s wrong?” Luke asks, worried eyes on me.

  I take a deep breath as I watch the small army of men and two women climb onboard, armed with assault rifles and emotionless faces, and I expel my frustration and anger—because there’s no reason for Rain Martines to be experiencing either—and give him the broadest smile. “I hate interruptions.”

  And, deep down, I do hate that we were interrupted. Because in that hazy moment, I was fully Rain and there was no taint of right or wrong, no little Sinclair and Warner sitting on my shoulder whispering orders and warnings.

  Luke’s blue eyes sparkle, dropping down to my mouth at the same time that his hand grips my side, squeezing gently. An edge of guilt washes over me. Not because I didn’t enjoy every touch, every kiss, every feel of him against me.

  Because I did.

  “Sir, Ma’am . . . any contraband onboard that you would like us to be made aware of? Telling us now will lessen repercussions when we find something in your belongings.”

  Oh hell. He said “when.” Now I know what’s going on. I bet a million bucks that Bill’s got an eight-ball of cocaine or something else that gives him the excuse to pull me off this yacht. To “rescue” me out of a situation he doesn’t want me to be in.

  He can’t do this to me. Not now.

  Not after I just told Aref that I’m clean. That’ll give him—and Luke—a reason to cut me off completely.

  “No, we’re just here to enjoy a night with our friends, and we’d like to get back to that as quickly as possible,” I say slowly, clearly, shooting a very brief but cutting glare of warning.

  Bill turns on his heels and heads toward the stairs that lead into the cabins. Please don’t do this.

  Luke rubs my back. “Don’t worry, it’ll be over soon. Can I get you a drink?”

  “Yes!” I answer, a tad too eager. “Another glass of Cristal.”

  He smiles and strolls toward a waiter. Quickly glancing around to make sure everyone’s distracted, I spin to face the sea, my hiss low but enunciated. “Don’t do it, guys. If I get busted on here, I’ll never get invited back. I’ll be the idiot who didn’t ditch her stash and lied to Aref. You can kiss this cover goodbye.” That’s all I can manage before Luke returns, handing me a drink. I suck it back quickly.

  And I watch.

  For almost an hour, the guards tear around the yacht in search of some reason to end this party. I grit my teeth, preparing myself for the inevitability that I will be that reason.

  One . . . two . . . three . . . one after another, the guards appear from decks below, unsuccessful in their treasure hunt.

  Bill is the last to come out.

  His hands empty.

  “Thank you for your cooperation,” one guy offers to Aref, and then hops off.

  I fall into Luke’s shoulder with relief while the other guests rush down to their rooms to check the upheaval. The wait staff sweep in to collect empty glasses and plates, and I get the impression that the party is coming to a close.

  “See?” Aref’s hands spread out, visibly more relaxed himself. “No worries.”

  “I’d be pissed if I were you,” Luke mutters.

  Aref waves a hand, acting like he doesn’t care. “Fuck them. It’s over. Come on.” He nods his head toward the stairs. “We should talk.”

  I don’t get more than two steps in before Elmira appears. “Rain. Let me show you to your room.” Her lithe arm stretches out, beckoning.

  “I’m sure I can find my way.” I glance over at Luke, hoping he’ll ask me to stay.

  He leans in and kisses me quickly. “I’ll come find you when we’re done.”

  With a forced smile, I follow Elmira down the winding staircase to the first floor where the cabins are. “You are worried about him, aren’t you?” she says softly, stopping in front of a door.

  “What makes you say that?”

  She peers up at me with knowing eyes. Her diminutive, childlike appearance is a good cover for a very smart, very manipulative woman. “Because of what I said. Because you like him and . . .” She leans casually against the lacquered wall. “ . . . because you are smart enough to understand what kind of business our men are involved in.”

  I mimic her stance, though inside warning flares are going off. What does she know? “He doesn’t talk to me about that stuff.”

  “Aref was like that with me for a long time. It’s normal.” She sighs, glancing between the cabin doors. I’m assuming the one across from me is Luke’s. “But eventually his walls started coming down. Don’t underestimate the power of sharing a bed, if you really want him to trust you. To treat you like a partner.” Her dark red lips curl into a sly smile. “Have a good night.”

  I wander into my room—a small but elegant cabin with just enough space for a bed and nightstand on either side—and find my overnight bag ransacked by the Coast Guard. At least, I assume it was by the Coast Guard. I don’t really care. There was nothing of value in there, and nothing that could identify me for what I am. I focus on folding my clothes up and pulling out my night things, while replaying all of Elmira’s words.

  Her warning about Luke. Is she working with Aref by telling me this, or against him? Is it a test? Are they seeing if he has the guts to stick around? If I do? A glance down at the four-inch scar along the inside of my elbow reminds me of the last time I dealt with a husband and wife. I was still in uniform and answering a domestic abuse call. While my partner was handcuffing the drunk husband for punching out his wife, she had a change of heart and took a swipe at me with a paring knife.

  Aref and Elmira don’t seem like the drunken knife-wielding type. They’re more calculating than that. Perhaps they’re the type to pay a late-night visit to my room. Or pay Luke a visit to his room. Is that what Elmira was warning me about?

  I can’t even call Warner to see what he thinks because, for all I know, this room is bugged.

  I know I can’t just sit here and wait. So I venture out of my room, more intent on keeping Luke out of trouble than catching him as he gets himself deeper into it.

  Chapter 31

  ■ ■ ■

  LUKE

  “You deal with Vlad. You know what he’s like.”

  Aref puffs on his Cohiba, a model of sophistication as he leans back on the couch in a plum-colored pinstripe suit. If he spends four hundred grand on a bottle of scotch, I’m afraid to guess what his clothes cost. “Yes, I do. Difficult at the best of times. Someone I’d like to feed to a pit of crocodiles most other times. With Viktor gone, it’s increasingly been the latter.” He shrugs in an “I don’t really give a fuck” way. “But I’m fortunate. If he tries to dick me around, then he gets to find another reputable source for shipping.” His smirk suggests that would be pretty damn hard. “I imagine they’re going to take issue with you making deals directly with me.”

  “Or anyone else, besides them.” I lick the spicy taste of my own cigar from my lips as I let my head fall back and take in the million stars above. I could definitely get used to this life.

  Aref seems to ponder this while ashing his cigar in a tall planter next to us. The others have vanished into their cabins; otherwise we wouldn’t be able to talk so openly. My own eyes keep drifting to the set of stairs that will lead down into my cabin and, more importantly, Rain’s.

  “There’s no reason that you and I can’t establish a business for different parts of the world,” he finally says.

  “That’s exactly what I told Rust.” I have
no fucking clue where Vlad’s delivering all the chopped cars, other than the few countries Rust mentioned earlier. Thailand, China, I assume Russia. “Where are you proposing?”

  Aref doesn’t miss a beat. “Africa. There’s a big demand for SUVs by government and military. I’ve had someone reach out to me, to see if I could help.”

  “And they don’t believe in paying the manufacturers?”

  Aref chuckles. “Not these people. They don’t believe in paying, period, if they can get something for free. This would not be free, but it would be discounted by their standards.”

  I weigh my words carefully before I speak again. “Vlad and Andrei have been making business less profitable for us. If you were to present us with a fair arrangement, I’d say Rust would have a hard time saying no to you. But it’s got to be a long-term plan, not something to pull us in before you start adding upcharges at every delivery.”

  Aref holds his hands up. “That is not how I do business.”

  I’d like to believe that. He seems like a stand-up guy. “Let me ask you something, though . . . you have all this.” I wave a hand around. “So why get involved? You could lose everything. I don’t get it.”

  He draws another puff of his cigar. “ ‘Why, customs officer, I had no idea what was in those crates. Prove that I did before you can charge me with anything.’ ” His smile is foxlike, his eyes darting behind me, as Elmira sweeps past me with an ashtray for our table. “My wife doesn’t like that I smoke cigars.”

  “That’s not true. I simply don’t enjoy finding filth polluting the soil for my cannas,” she murmurs, her eyebrow raised toward the evidence beside him.

  He laughs and reaches up to grip the back of her slender thigh through her dress. “To answer your question, Luke, I’m in a risky business but I don’t take stupid risks. I’m careful about who I do business with and who I trust. And I always go with the winning horse. This woman here?” He peers up at her, his dark eyes glassy with booze and lust and adoration. “She’s the only one I trust completely. We have no secrets between us, and she has an uncanny radar for bad business propositions. Spots them within five minutes.” His hand shifts up to her ass, giving it a good squeeze, showing me a hint of an aggressive side that I wasn’t quite sure existed.