Illusion (Swept Away 1)

“It’s not always boring. Sometimes I buy some cool companies. Last year I bought a vineyard and a chocolate factory.”

“I love wine and chocolates.”

“I love the money both companies are now making me. I keep companies based on the value they add to my portfolio.”

“That sounds like a lot of hard work.”

“I like hard work. My mom taught me that the only thing that matters in life is hard work.”

“What about love?”

“Love is for fools.” His tone was derisive. “All love does is make people weak.”

“So you don’t believe in true love?”

“There is no true love. One person always loves the other one more. One person always gives up something. Human beings will do more for money than for love.”

I thought about his words and felt sad. “My parents were really in love, but it was cut short.”

“Death is a sad part of life.”

“Yes, it is.” I sighed. “I still believe in love though.”

“You’re the sort of girl who could make me believe in love as well,” he whispered into my ear. “But don’t start getting any ideas.”

“Are you becoming a softy, Jakob?” I smiled at him, and my insides felt warm.

“I don’t think anyone could ever accuse me of being soft.” His hand rubbed my back. “Not inside the office and definitely not in the bedroom.”

“You’re a regular lothario, huh.”

“I don’t sleep around, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“You don’t sleep around?”

“I don’t do relationships, but I’m not a man whore. I’m not in and out of bedrooms. I don’t have a revolving door or a little black book.”

“That’s hard to believe.”

“Why?”

“You seem like you’d have a lot of ladies,” I mumbled, feeling slightly taken aback by the intense expression he had on his face as he stared at me.

“Why would you think that?”

“You’re so handsome.” I shrugged. “And you’re rich.”

“Those are the two least important qualities in a man.”

“I never said they were important. They’re not what I look for in a man.”

“Good.” He leaned down and kissed me. “I don’t look for those qualities in a man either,” he joked, his eyes glinting with amusement.

“Are you mad that I didn’t tell you I knew Bridgette better than I let on earlier?”

“No, I understand why you didn’t tell me.” I bit my lower lip and stared at him for a few seconds.

“But . . . ?” His eyes narrowed as he surveyed my face.

“You’re making it hard for me to trust you, Jakob. First, our accidental meeting at the coffee shop might not have been so accidental, then we both get kidnapped, then I find out you’re in the process of trying to buy Bradley Inc., then I find out that your ex-assistant is my ex-boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend who hates me. And then to make it all worse, I find out that you actually kind of know David. To top it off, there’s another guy on the island with us that has just disappeared into thin air. And we’re getting more threatening notes.”

“What do you mean, more?”

“Nothing.”

“Bianca?”

“I got notes before I was kidnapped as well.”

“What sort of notes?”

“Threatening notes.”

“Like death threats?”

“Not exactly.” I shook my head. “And I guess, I shouldn’t say notes, it was one note.”

“What did it say?”

“Something about two people, one surviving and one being destroyed.”

“I see.” I watched as his shoulders stiffened and his hands squared into fists.

“It’s fine. It didn’t scare me.”

“We need to get off of this island. I promise, I’ll help you find out whatever you need to know.”

“What do you get though?”

“I get the truth.”

“I’m worried about Steve.” I looked at the dark green mysterious jungle behind us. “What if he’s lost?”

“I doubt he’s lost.”

“What do you think happened to Steve?” I whispered again, and touched the healing cut on his cheek.

“I don’t know, but I promise I won’t let him harm you.”

“He didn’t seem dangerous.” I shivered and moved forward to kiss his cheek.

“Looks can be deceiving. We can’t be too careful.”

“I know.” I yawned. “I just wish I . . .” I stopped talking as his hand reached out behind my head and pulled me toward him. His eyes sought mine and I stared at his lashes and eyebrows. They were perfectly groomed. His stubble had grown in even more, and he was close to having a beard. He looked even sexier with his rough look. All of a sudden I wasn’t so tired anymore. I reached up and brushed some sand off of his shoulders. His skin was hot beneath my fingertips, and I enjoyed the slight shock that vibrated through my body each time I touched him. I looked down at his chest and held my breath; his body showed off a perfect bronze tan, and I was envious of how smooth and silky his skin felt and looked.

“Are you tired?” His fingers ran down my cheek and to my lips.