Dragon

Bad Luck 

Katherine stepped out of the airport into the warm breeze, it was about 25 degrees celsius on the small remote island. She smiled to herself with her small carry on bag, as she walked to the empty pickup lane. It was so small, so remote.

As she took in the palm trees that lined the exiting roads. Katherine’s eyes wandered to the three cars at the end of the pickup lane with several men standing around them. They eyed her intensely and she was reminded as to why she was here. This was no vacation, she was a witness to a murder. She was under protective custody, she wasn’t Katherine Chanterie anymore, she was Lily Welling.

Katherine sighed adjusting the dark sunglasses on her face. She was given her identity and story. Her new life was that she had left New York after the sudden death of her parents. The insurance barely covered their funerals and after selling everything she and they had, she had just enough to run away to this small island to start a new and hopefully better life. Katherine had to give up everything she worked hard for, she had just opened a studio in an abandoned small shoe factory right on the edge of downtown. She had scrimped, hustled, and saved to get that place… Katherine cringed trying to keep that memory locked. That place, although she had watched it for years with longing, had brought her nothing but grief. She was here to meet her distant ‘cousin’, in other words, her assigned bodyguard that would live with her for as long as she was under protection.

“Lily? Lily Welling?” A man’s voice said behind her, Katherine jumped and then turned to see a tall dark man standing before her. He scrutinized her his cold hazel green eyes, he had shoulder-length dark brown hair with wavy curls, his golden chestnut skin shining in the afternoon sun from beneath his unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt. Katherine took a moment to respond, if this was her security detail, damn.

“Er, yes, sorry. I-” she stammered and he smiled tightly, the gesture not reaching his eyes. “Glad you made it in one piece, let's get you home. I’m sure you’re tired” he said his rich voice monotone as if regurgitating a script.

“Oh, uh of course” Katherine followed the man to a small grey sedan. He put her bag in the back and held the door for her. However, Katherine had already sat herself in the front. Mathias Demarco glared at the back of her head shutting the door. He had drawn the short straw on this case, what had begun as a small break and entry investigation had spiraled into a mafia undercover operation and he was stuck with the witness. She was what stood between him and his next crucial career move. He didn’t care if she was easy on the eyes with her toasted Honey-colored skin, dark brown hair, and ebony eyes. She was going to be trouble, he could tell, from what he had read up on her she worked for a living and she worked for fun. People like her grew restless fast and were careless. Once Mathias got in the car and closed the door, he could see the questions forming on those full rose lips.

“Any questions you have, save them for the cottage. We will discuss everything there” He said, not even giving her so much as a sideways glance. Katherine let out a breath. She was a little disheartened by him, this man had her life in his hands and he acted as he could care less. She fiddled with the small bag in her lap, she couldn’t even check her phone. She didn’t have a phone anymore or social media. What would her parents think? Her friends? She ghosted everyone she ever knew, including her new employees for her new building. She would never get those payments back. Katherine let out a shaky breath willing herself not to cry as she stared out the window and the beautiful scenery. The ocean waved at the window as they drove along the shore, this island was so remote there were perhaps only a handful of cottages here. From what she knew, you had to take a ferry to town, which she was sure she would not be allowed to do. Mathias glanced at her woeful expression and felt a pang of guilt, he was being a little hard on her. He had definitely made a tasteless first impression, it wasn’t her fault she got mixed up in all this. It certainly wasn’t her fault that he had been stationed in this desolate place for the past year to maintain his cover. He should be grateful that he would have company, for the time being, something to do other than obsess over the case and miss the city. Although he had hoped to be pulled from the island and called to help actually investigate.

As he thought of something to say she turned to him. “Can I at least know your name?” she snapped, her ebony eyes narrowed. Mathias let out a breath, he had done this to himself.

“Yes, Mathias Demarco, however here you will call me Luca Smithson. And Katherine-”

“Call me Kat, only my mother calls me Katherine-”

“Yes, well you’re Lily now.” he sighed, pursing his lips as the apology died on his tongue. She would survive, a little tension between them was more than likely for the best. She needed to be on guard.

They drove for about forty minutes and pulled up to a small beachside cottage. Katherine marveled at it, it was beautiful against the surrounding greenery. She could see a garden and wooden pathway behind it that disappeared into a small wooded area. As soon as Mathias stopped, she opened the door stepping out. She wanted to explore it.

Mathias watched her almost jump out of the car and he let out an irritated sigh, as she walked into the cabin out of sight. He would have to lay down ground rules. Many ground rules.

He got out and grabbed her bag taking it inside. 

Katherine marveled at the place, it was so small and so quaint. Definitely required a lot of work. Had Mathias been living here this entire time? The place definitely lacked any homey features but it had a solid foundation. She explored the small living room, then walked through to the tiny kitchen and noted there was no dishwasher, near the back of the kitchen was a small pantry, with stone steps that looked like they led to a fruit cellar. Past the kitchen was a closed-off porch or sunroom that lay relatively bare, with a single chair in it. In the back was an overgrown garden and the wooden walkway that she could now see led to a private beach. Katherine sighed, well she would most certainly be able to keep herself busy here. Walking back into the living area she saw there was no bathroom on the main floor, which concerned her. She walked up the rickety steps to the second floor and noted that there was one bathroom, one bedroom, and a large closet. Kathrine stood in the fairly bare bedroom with a single queen-sized bed.

Mathias had followed her up and watched her stand in the room perplexed.

“There’s one bedroom” she murmured and he couldn’t help but chuckle at her face, was it shock, bewilderment, or insult? He didn’t really care.

“Why would I move out to a single bedroom cottage with my cousin?” she said, her eyes narrowing.  Mathias leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed. 

“Because you needed a place to stay. You had just lost everything, and your parents were not wealthy people.” he trailed off going over her backstory then added, “Beggars can’t be choosers”.

Katherine stood with her hands on her hips. Who was a beggar? Her? Like hell she was. 

“What will people think, me moving in like this” She murmured going back to the window and looking out. Mathias held back an exasperated sigh.

“People will think nothing because they will be busy minding their own business. Katherine-”

“Kat-”

He clenched his jaw and she turned to him, barely hiding a smirk as she crossed her arms. He hesitated, then continued.

“The backstory is for emergencies only. You are in protective custody. You are not to be seen, or noticed. People should think nothing about you. I don’t think you’re aware of the immense-”

“Uhg, no I’ve heard all of it from your captain. Yes, yes - Ju Long or Shang and his eastern gang buddies want to make sure I can’t testify. I’m well aware.”

She cut him off, turning back to the window. Mathias considered himself a patient man, he had dealt with all kinds of people from all walks of life. However, never had he ever come so close to wanting to hit a woman. Something about her instantly pierced his thick hide and went right for the gut. Mathias took a slow breath and unclenched his fist.

“Then you understand that they are looking for you, that they have resources you couldn’t even wrap your pretty little head around. You understand that it isn’t just your life in danger but countless others if we don’t see that mother fu-erm-man...behind bars”

Katherine still stood with her back to him, she didn’t want Mathias to see her nails dug into her arm, she didn’t want him to see the fear plain on her face. She knew this, Ju Long was as deadly as he was handsome. A handsome face had gotten her into this whole mess in the first place. Katherin cleared her throat and let out a breath she had been holding.

“Yes, okay I get it,” she said quietly and Mathias relented. He stood in the doorway a moment then wandered off to the living area. Or as he knew it now, his bedroom.

He would give her a couple of days to come to terms with her situation, familiarize herself with her surroundings, and then he would get her to work.

Katherine heard Mathias go, the house creaked and groaned something awful. It was definitely different from her condo in midtown. Although small and exceptionally cozy, she was glad it was at least somewhere warm and she wasn’t alone. Even though Mathias was as rigid as they come. Katherine would find a way to loosen him up. Perhaps that could be her project for the next, however long she would be here. That and making the cottage homier. She sat on the bed and immediately sank in, it was pretty comfy and she was pretty tired. It had been a long 48 hours. She hadn’t even really had time to sleep let alone process what happened to her.

Katherine stared at the ceiling a moment as she sunk into that cozy cool bed, she listened to the waves and watched the shadows from the tall palms dance on the ceiling. Tears began streaming from her eyes and the next thing she knew she had her face in the fresh-smelling pillow to mute her wracking sobs.

48 hrs earlier

Katherine had recently experienced a string of bad luck. She lived in a city where if you weren’t eaten alive you were close to it every day. She, however, had just concluded the most intense bidding war, and land battle of her life. This one actually became known throughout the city as it piqued the interest of everyone. Because, How could someone have such bad luck? Katherine months ago acquired the deed to an old children’s shoe factory where she would be setting up her offices. Her publishing offices.  Katherine had dreamt about that building since she moved to the city ten years ago and for ten years it sat empty as if waiting for her. Katherine scrimped and saved, she worked until she collapsed, she marketed until everyone in the city knew her name, and then there it was, the building, the deed -in her hands. At first, she walked on air, Katherine and her close friend -also assistant- Anna pulled everything together in record time to get that office rolling. Then the clouds came, at first, it was a strange unknown company trying to buy the building from them, they were rejected by Katherine rather harshly. Then came the threats, like anyone sane person Katherine put in a police report and ignored them. Following the threats came the vandalism, on several occasions Katherine and Anna walked into their budding office to find it trashed. Katherine spared no expense with security, she knew this was just a shakedown. Then came the pests. Roaches, mice, even bed bugs. Katherine had the best exterminators on speed dial. Just when things seemed to be reaching a fever pitch, it all stopped. Katherine owned the children’s shoe factory for 8 months and for 8 months it was hell. But she took it one day at a time and through many tears and bottles of wine she pulled through. It had been several weeks of peace, Katherine had just confirmed a gaggle of new employees to carry the business forward. In all the chaos her company managed to publish a bestseller, writers were blowing up her inbox.

This is why she was here now, at a bar at the demand of her friends. To celebrate, also to do something she had been avoiding since the entire business venture started, dating.

“Girl listen. It’s going to be fine. We will be across the bar and we’ll look out for your signal. Promise!” Anna smirked, winking at Katherine. Katherine had met this guy online “Reggie” and from his online profile, he was super hot. She had been out of the dating game a while, not for any reason other than she was just too busy. It was hard for her to maintain a relationship and build a business from the ground up. When given the choice, her business always won. Now that she had finally bought her building, and hired some staff she could relax. Granted they had to still renovate and furnish the offices but that was out of her wheelhouse, she let Anna take care of that. Anna was not only her best friend but her partner in crime, she kept Katherine and her company on the straight and narrow. She was her assistant, her coach, and her savior. Tonight she also played the part of cupid with Katherine’s other friend Elise. Elise was a small Filipino woman with beautiful long dark hair and dark skin, a stark contrast to Anna who was tall, waspy thin, and as blonde, as blonde gets. Katherine was something else altogether, considered light-skinned, mixed-race, also some derogatory term that referenced a mule. Average height, average build, and prided herself on her curly long dark brown hair that got almost as much care as her business. Tonight she wore a rose bodycon dress and gold choker with matching small hoop earrings. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders as she stood at the bar in her beige Prada heels. 

“Yes, okay...oh! I think I see him.” She said catching the eye of a tall and very good-looking man. Katherine swallowed as he slowly made his way over to her. Her friends giggled, scurrying to their table to watch from afar. He stood at 6’1 in his dark blue suit, his white shirt unbuttoned revealing what looked like tattoos underneath. Katherine had not been prepared for his smoldering gaze, his hair was longer than in the photos, black and tied back into a ponytail. She had never really considered a man with long hair, but here she was all but drooling over one. He smiled faintly as he was now a couple of steps away from her. They had been chatting each other up for a couple weeks and she never seriously considered taking it any further than that. However, he had been rather insistent on meeting and Anna made it impossible for Katherine to say no. Removing every obstacle from her path.

“Kat, wow your pictures don’t do you justice” he smiled fully as he casually put an arm around her waist bringing her closer. Katherine smiled as she looked into those exotic eyes, lined with exceptional lashes. He leaned down and kissed her softly and Katherine felt her face grow hot as she cleared her throat.

“You clean up good Reg” she managed and he laughed ordering them some drinks. Her anxiety for the date had been replaced with a simmering heat. They grabbed drinks and sat in a booth not too far from her girls.

“I’m honestly surprised you actually came to see me, with the number of times I asked you out. I was starting to think I had been catfished” Reggie smirked leaning back in the booth across from her. Katherine laughed, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Well as a businessman yourself you would know that sometimes there really just isn’t time. Not enough hours in a day” she shrugged and he leaned forward smirking, giving her that smoldering look again. Katherine could swear she felt sweat bead on the back of her neck.

“Tell me, Kat, about your business. I would love to know more” he said and she took a long drink from her icy Gin and tonic.

“Well, I’ve told you this all before-”

“Yes, but it’s different hearing you say it” he smiled casually taking her hand in his. Katherine let out a shaky breath. Damn this man was smooth, too smooth.

“Well, I just recently bought that old shoe factory building on King Street, I’m converting it into an office. It’s almost like a Publishing house only we don’t just put out novels, we house and support artists that create all types of products, games, books, comic books you name it. At least that’s the dream, it's books for now. However, I’ve got a couple on my roster for when we actually broaden our horizons. It’s a lot of managing but I really do love it. I’ve always had a knack for it…” Katherine rambled as Reggie simply stared at her chewing his lip. They were nice lips, she noted, full and soft looking. Katherine almost shook her head realizing that she was starring.

“So If I had an idea for a series, I could come to you? You would fund me?” he asked, running his thumb over her knuckles. The gesture making goosebumps rise on her skin. “S-something like- I mean no. We wouldn’t necessarily fund you. I’m not there -yet-anyway, We would support you. So I guess until we get a steady flow of income from projects we would be more like managers. Doing marketing and PR, really pushing your product, and making sure you hit those deadlines and numbers, handling legal stuff. All for a percentage in sales...it’s high risk and hopefully high reward. Although, at the moment, I’ve been pretty lucky in terms of clients...all things considered” she continued. Katherine was always comfortable talking about her work, it was easy. She lived and breathed it, also she hoped he didn’t ask too much because now that she thought about it, she really didn’t have all that much going for her outside of work.

“Interesting, you built your company all yourself? Sexy and capable. I’m a lucky guy” he smiled leaning closer. 

“So tell me, Kat, I must know, why did you finally decide to meet me?” Reggie asked, taking Katherines’ hand and bringing it to his lips. Katherine let out a shaky breath.

“Honestly, my associate and best friend insisted. She was sick of seeing me work 24/7 and between you and me. I think she’s sick of me a little bit. We spend practically every moment together since things have been picking up” Kat smiled faintly at the thought. Reggie laughed coming over to her side and putting his arm around her. He was very forward, Katherin didn’t mind at all though. Yet, a nagging part of her thought that this was all a little too good to be true.  She couldn’t remember the last time a man had paid this much attention to her. Not to mention, a smoking hot one. She caught a glimpse of his chest down his shirt and saw he was fully covered in tattoos. Reggie caught her staring and squeezed her waist.

“I find anyone getting sick of you impossible” he chuckled, “Give it time and you’ll see, I can be very demanding, maybe even annoying” Katherine chuckled glancing away to Anna across the bar who happened to also catch her eye, giving Katherine a thumbs up. Reggie pretended not to see it and pulled Katherine’s attention back to him by tilting her chin up to his face gently.

“Does that mean I get to spend more time with you from now on?” he smirked and Katherine swallowed her gaze flicking from his lips to his eyes.

“Well so far so good” she sighed as he kissed her. This time with more heat than the first. Katherine’s head spun at the kiss. Reggie laughed at the sight of her, he didn’t think he would enjoy her company as much as this. She was beautiful and interesting, far more interesting than he had initially thought. The pair continued to make small talk for a couple of hours Katherine continued to drink her gin and tonics, Reggie just kept ordering them. They ended up staying until the last call.

“My God, is it that late already?” Katherin slurred slightly then cleared her throat. “Why, you in a hurry to go somewhere?” Reggie chuckled downing his rye. He stood from the booth and held out a hand to her.

“I- well no, are you?” She said taking his hand and stumbling out of the booth against him. He was so firm and warm. Katherine chuckled. “Whoops, got a little carried away” she murmured and Reggie put an arm around her.

“No such thing...Anyway, I was hoping you would come home with me. If I’m being quite frank” he said and Katherine hesitated. Go home with him? Should she? She wanted to, but she was drunk. “Ah to hell with it,” she thought out loud. Reggie’s brow furrowed “Is that a yes?” he asked and Katherine smiled still leaning against him.

“Absolutely”

Reggie paid their tab, Katherine didn’t argue and they walked outside. It was a cool fall evening, the city was bustling. Reggie kept an arm around Katherine as they stood by the sidewalk, he pulled out his phone and made a quick call to someone. Within minutes a black Escalade pulled up and a man stepped out opening the back door for them. “You have a driver?” Katherine slurred in shock. Reggie chuckled “ You don’t?” he said helping her in. Katherine raised her brows as she caught sight of the champagne on ice in the back, as well as the privacy shield up between them and the driver. She also noted that the driver didn’t really look like a typical driver, he was kind of rough looking. He looked like he had come from a nightclub himself, in a black suit and white shirt unbuttoned, like Reggie he also had tattoos on his chest and an eastern look to him. Katherine didn’t think much of it as she was distracted by Reggies hand on her bare thigh, very distracted. “My father is a bit protective when it comes to me, he doesn't like me driving myself…” Reggie trailed, and when Katherine realized he wasn’t going to say more she shrugged.

“My parents are somewhere in Europe right now, I think they’ve forgotten they have a daughter” Katherine slurred and Reggie chuckled, bringing his face closer to hers.

“I find it impossible to think anyone could forget about you” he said before kissing her. Katherine wrapped her arms around his neck and he pulled her onto his lap grabbing her behind as she did. She could feel his arousal through his pants as she tore open his shirt revealing his chest, her lips moving to his neck.

“Hey, watch it '' Reggie growled as Katherine giggled. He pulled down the front of her dress just enough to bare her breasts, kissing her chest then pulling a nipple into his mouth. Katherine gasped, grinding her hips against him. A knock on the glass had him stop. Katherine froze when she saw the murderous look in his eye. He shouted something in Mandarin or Cantonese. She wasn’t sure, at first, but he pulled up the front of her dress letting out a sigh.

“Shall we continue this somewhere more private?” he smirked and Katherine simply nodded clambering off him. He helped her out of the car and led her through a secured building, and straight to the elevator after snapping at the door guard in his language.

“Is that Mandarin?” she asked as they stood by the elevator. Reggie pulled her close as the door opened. “Sexy and preceptive. Yes, I just want to be sure no one disturbs us” he said nonchalantly as they stood in the elevator with what looked like a guard.

“Do you often have visitors this late?” Katherine pried and Reggie smiled holding her face in his one hand.

“If you’re asking whether I bring women here often, the answer is no. You are actually the first since moving to this city. Like you, I have also been exceptionally busy” he smirked giving her backside a squeeze as the doors opened. Reggie led her out into the hallway, barking another order at the guard who made a sour face remaining in the elevator. There was only one door on this floor, Katherine knew they were going to the penthouse suite. She was actually eager to see it, she had never been in one.

Reggie opened the door and she held back a gasp as they walked in. The massive windows illuminated the room with high ceilings, it was all very modern and open concept.

“My god, this is beautiful” she sighed letting go of his hand and walking to the window.

“It was a difficult unit to secure, very high in demand. But I managed to snag it regardless of the popularity. As I have a habit of getting what I want” Reggie said, his voice distant. Katherine turned to see him pouring them both what looked like champagne. Did he just have champagne at every corner?

“That would explain a lot, you were very insistent on meeting me” Katherine smiled as he sauntered towards her holding two flutes of champagne. His shirt was still tucked into his pants, which hung low on his hips. She saw he had a large and colorful tattoo that painted his entire chest, he had his jacket still on, his ponytail was loose and ebony tendrils hung around his face. She let out a shaky breath taking the flute as he handed it to her.

“Not that I am complaining” she added and he smirked, clinking his glass against hers. “You will find me hard to shake now that I’ve had a taste of you Katherine,” he said bringing his glass to his lips. Katherine mindlessly mimicked him watching from under her lashes.

“Is that a threat?” she smirked and Reggie chuckled downing the glass and tossing it aside. Katherine jumped as she heard it shatter.

“Not a threat, at least not yet” he chuckled. Katherine felt her face flush as he regarded her hungrily. He was very interesting, to say the least, she downed her own champagne and he took the glass from her when she was done, tossing it aside. Reggie took Katherine up into his arms and kissed her fiercely, his lips crushing hers, bringing a wave of heat she had not been anticipating. She gasped as he lifted her in his arms and he smirked, carrying her up a spiral staircase and down a hall to a massive bedroom. When he put her down, she wasted no time in returning his kiss pulling his jacket from his shoulders, untucking his shirt. She hadn’t even realized that Reggie backed her up against the edge of the bed. Katherine fell back and admired the now shirtless Reggie as he undid his belt, his eyes not leaving hers. He had a dangerous look in his eye, as he watched her chest heave and Katherine chew her lip. He threw his belt aside and smirked.

“Take off your dress” he ordered and Katherine got to her knees on the bed and obeyed pulling the dress off over her head. Reggie let out a hissing breath as she knelt before him in nothing but a lacy black thong.

He tilted her face up to his with a crooked finger, the look of danger on his face sending chills down her spine.

“I can’t wait for those pretty lips to scream my name,” he said grinning mischievously as he brought his lips back down to hers. Katherine felt heat meet the chills running down her spine as Reggie pushed her gently onto her back running his lips down her body, and up suckling, at her breasts, as his hand went ever downwards. Katherine bucked as he caressed her over the lace of her thong. She gasped as he literally tore the fabric from her body, leaving angry red marks on her hips.

“Hey- what”

“You won’t need those anymore” he smirked, his eyes momentarily locking with hers. Katherine let out a shaky breath as he slid his tongue down her body. Reggie eased off her to undo his pants, Katherine motioned to help him and he held out a hand.

“Don’t move, I’m enjoying the view,” he said chewing his lip as his eyes devoured her. Katherine felt herself grow shy but was distracted by Reggies’ resounding manhood. She almost let out a low whistle and he chuckled, crawling over her.

“Like what you see Kat?” he sniggered as she carefully slid her hands down his taut body, taking him into her hands.

“The view is pretty nice from here, but I’m more about sensation than I am about looks” she murmured as he let out a shaky breath. He batted away her hand, smirking and tilting his head to the side as he slid his lips down her body again.

“All in good time” he chuckled at her eagerness. He would take his time with her, he was a patient man, he would draw her out for as long as he could. Although he was glad he had been patient with her, allowing her to make the move when she was ready, asking him out. He had been mildly irritated, he had never allowed a woman to decide anything for him. Therefore, she would suffer tonight but he was certain she would enjoy it. He hoped, however, for her sake, she was worth the wait.

Reggie kissed her inner thigh, running his fingers over her wet divide with a featherlight touch. Katherine gripped the sheets holding her breath as he parted her legs further his tongue sliding slowly into her. She gasped letting out a small moan as Reggie licked and sucked her mind empty. Katherine arched her back waves of ecstasy washed over her, Reggie gripped her legs firmly keeping her body in place. He glanced up at her face, her lips parted and rosy, face flushed. He smirked to himself as he brought her to the precipice. Then stopped.

Katherine almost groaned and Reggie chuckled “You thought I would let you off that easy after you made me wait for how long?” he said kneeling in front of her once more, his hands on his hips.

“No Kat, You will come when I say you come” His voice was low as he brought his face to hers, his hand sliding up her body and resting firmly around her throat. “Now, I want those pretty lips around my cock” he smirked and Katherine shivered. This was going in a direction she had not at all prepared for, however, she was here for it. Reggie smirked and eased onto the bed next to her. Katherine simply obeyed putting herself between his legs and running her lips down the length of him. He shivered watching her work as her tongue, wetting him from base to tip, she was teasing him. At first, he felt his temper flare, but she suddenly took him in her mouth and he forgot it. Katherine hadn’t given anyone head in a very long time, she was going slow mostly to become acquainted with the size of him. When she was ready she wanted to make him suffer like he made her suffer.

“Don’t even think of touching yourself M-missy” he stammered, as she slid a hand between her legs. “You’ll get what's coming to you, don’t worry” he chuckled as she sighed. Fine, she thought as she took him deep in her throat. Reggie let out a strangled moan as Katherine lost every ounce of shyness and replaced it with determination to make him come. He cursed, his hand tangling itself in her hair as he fought the urge to fuck her face. Reggie chuckled as he locked eyes with her. She looked determined, dangerous, and hot. He pulled her off his dick by the hair, panting.

“This is a dangerous game you’re playing Kat.” he chuckled as she wiped the spit from her chin, she was so wet, she didn’t care.

“Just how dangerous,” she asked, panting. Reggie sized her up, he might be in love with this woman. After finding her profile online she had become the only thing he could think about. Something about her drove him crazy, he had never wanted something so badly in his life. He had fantasized about their meeting for a time and now meeting her he was glad she lived up to his expectation. Not only was she strong and smart, but she also gives good fucking head and can hold her own. He would fuck her silly. Reggie lunged at Katherine pinning her to the bed and entering her roughly, she cried out but smiled. As he moved in her slowly, achingly slow. Reggie slid his hands up her body, his one hand to her face as he put his thumb in her mouth. “Suck it like you sucked my dick” he commanded. Katherine’s eyes flashed with what he could’ve sworn was defiance, he smirked, pressing himself deeper and her eyes fluttered as she sucked his thumb. It didn’t really do anything for him, he just wanted to know if she would. But that defiance turned him on way more than her obedience. Which was certainly a first for him. Sweat dripped down his back as he continued his slow strokes, Kathrine’s’ chest heaved as she was coming close to climaxing again. Reggie struggled himself but he didn’t want to let her come just yet. He stopped and held her in place.

“Reggie what the hell” she growled and he laughed. She really was beautiful, he would not let her go, not ever, not after this.

“I told you, you’re not gonna-” he began but she threw him off and straddled him. “No, no more” she hissed pinning him to the bed, Reggie almost shoved her back but she grabbed his cock putting it inside her and it winded him. She rode him viciously and slid her hands around his neck as he gripped her hips. She came multiple times with fury, nearly choking Reggie as she did and he filled her.

They both lay panting on the bed, aftershocks caused spasms in Katherine’s body. Reggie chuckled, pulling her to his chest. “Well aren’t you a little firecracker” he smirked, running his fingers down her spine, Katherine shivered at his touch but chuckled. “I, like you, also fight to get what I want” she sighed looking up at him and he laughed. “Yes, I can see that you do. You are an impressive woman Katherine” Reggie gave her ass a smack and she yelped, her cheeks flushing again. He raised his brows as she looked away, his hand remaining on her backside. They lay in silence a moment, Reggie felt himself drifting off to sleep. “You never told me what it is you do for a living. This place, your car, your father...Who are you Reggie?” she asked suddenly serious. Reggie sighed looking into her ebony eyes.

“I work in finance, like my father and his father before him. We work with just about any major corporation you could think of. My family spent generations collecting companies and people...I guess I just fall in with them” he sighed and Katherine’s brow furrowed.

“Finance? What the hell kind of finance you do to accumulate this level of wealth...you know what, never mind. I’m being nosy. You don’t have to tell me...now” she yawned while sitting up and stretching. Reggie watched her breasts rise and fall and felt himself get hard again.

“Oh so I show you a good time and now you want to know all my family secrets. You falling for me Kat?” Reggie chuckled and she glared at him. “Oh come on, there’s no shame in it. I’m a catch” he laughed pulling her on top of him again. She could feel his arousal and he could feel hers. Katherine laughed as he kissed her again. She did feel something, a connection. Reggie was something different, to be sure.

“I’m curious, some people think it’s a bad habit but it comes with the territory.” She shrugged and Reggie raised his brows as he slid himself back into her, he watched her face soften and smirked.

“Comes with the territory? Are you saying you’re mine, Kat? Because that’s a dangerous thing to be” he said and Katherine didn’t really listen as she moved her hips against his.

“I can’t talk about my family business, not yet, but I will tell you my name. My real name” he breathed sitting up to kiss her.

“You lied about your name?” she snapped and he chuckled, shaking his head. “No Reginald is my English name, my Dad likes the way the British sound, he is kind of obsessed with their culture in a way…” he trailed off, wrapping Katherine’s legs around his body.

“No my Chinese name, my birth name. Ju Long” he breathed along her neck rocking his hips in rhythm with hers. “Ju Long” Katherine sighed, making him shiver. “What does it mean?” she asked arching her back as his lips traveled down to her breasts once more. “Dragon” Reggie murmured, pinning her to the bed once more, and bringing her knees to her chest plunging deeper.

“Oh” Katherine cried out as he picked up his pace. “I want you to say my name while I fuck you, when you come I want you to scream it” he whispered in her ear sending delightful shivers down her body.

“Well you’ll have to make me-” she began and he smirked grabbing her hips and flipping her onto her stomach and fucking her. “Oh fuck, Ju Long” she screamed as he slapped her ass ripping an orgasm from her. She saw stars, she hadn’t expected it. He laughed as she writhed and cried out his name.

The Sun was on the horizon by the time they had well and truly finished. Both too tuckered to move. Katherine couldn’t even be bothered to pull the blanket over her naked body. Reggie-rather-Ju Long held her in his arms, a smile painted on his face as he let out a satisfied sigh. She had been worth the wait. He was officially determined to keep her at his side, show her just how generous his family can be. How Generous he could be.

A crash from the other room halted his thoughts. He could hear men arguing in his native tongue, demanding to see him. “Shit!” Ju Long cursed sliding out of bed.

“Hmm? What is it?” Kat asked, too dazed to be alarmed. “Just, stay here” Ju Long whispered, pulling on his boxers and walking out the room, closing the door behind him.

I loud bang jostled Katherine awake, so much so she fell out of the bed. She hadn’t even realized she had fallen asleep. What was that? It sounded like-Then she heard it again. A loud bang, it sounded like a firecracker going off. Katherine was awake, she had probably been asleep for a couple minutes at most? Where was Ju Long? She couldn’t find her dress or any of her things. The door to the bedroom flew open and she screamed as she saw a man she did not know come barging in. He was large and shirtless, with the same tattoos as Ju long only this man was broader, older, and far angrier. He shouted at her in mandarin and when she gaped at him he grabbed her by her hair dragging her out. Katherine screamed and beat at his hand, but the grip was ironclad. She saw a gun in his other hand just before he threw her down the steps. With The wind knocked out of her someone grabbed her arm and tossed her further into the living room. Her vision blurred as she looked at the dead man on the floor in front of her blood pooling around his body. Katherine swallowed a scream as a wave of nausea hit, her body buckling as she gagged. She could smell it now, the blood in the air, men were shouting behind her. She turned to see Ju Long shouting at the older man. Ju Long had blood on his hands, a cut lip and brow.  He looked like he had been in a fight, the older shirtless man looked about the same as he handed the gun off to a man next to him. Men in suits surrounded them, there were three more bodies at the far end of the apartment. Her breath came in short gasps as her heart rate quickened. Katherine squinted as she struggled to remain conscious. Had he done this, Ju long? Why had he done this, why would anyone do this. She must have blacked out because Ju long was by her side covering her in a shirt.

“Stay with me Kat” he whispered in her ear, but she could barely keep her eyes open.

“That woman is inauspicious, I told you to cut ties with her weeks ago. Now you are in danger” the older man growled his voice heavily accented as he spits out a string of words in mandarin.

“It is not her doing, enough with your superstition! This was Dongmei!-” Ju long shouted and then they fell back into another argument. Katherine let the darkness consume her.

She woke gasping, her head spinning.  All she remembered was blood, Ju long, the lifeless eyes of the person who had driven her. She thrashed in the bed and saw she wasn’t at home. It wasn’t a dream, where was she? 

“Whoa there sweetheart!” said a woman's soothing voice. “Take a breath for me honey you’re at Mt.Michael's hospital,” the woman said and Katherine looked her in the eye and let out a breath. Katherine took a couple more rattling breaths and properly surveyed her surroundings, she really was in a hospital. Had Ju Long brought her here? Where was he? A feeling of intense foreboding overtook her. She had just witnessed a murder and they had just left her here? No way in hell.

“How, how did I get here? Who brought me?” Katherine croaked her throat incredibly dry. The nurse relaxed slightly, she had wispy grey hair and watery brown eyes that peered at her from behind thick-rimmed glasses.

“Reginald brought you. He said you were attacked in your home...poor dear, he was so worried” the woman said and Katherine swallowed. “Where is he now?” she whispered and the woman regarded Katherine with concern.

“He got patched up and went to collect some things for you, Honey what’s wrong?” she took Katherine’s hand as tears streamed down Katherine’s face. “I need you to call the police, please.”

Katherine croaked. The woman let out a sigh and smiled “Now why on earth would I do that? Reginald will be by shortly, sweety, and you two can have a nice long chat. I won't tell him about this...Police business, as it would only upset him.” the nurse smiled, patting Katherine’s hand. Kathrine looked down and saw she was handcuffed to the bed. An Icy pit formed in her stomach.

The Nurse walked out of the room and closed the door, Katherine stared at it in disbelief. What the hell had she gotten herself into? Who was Ju Long? Who were those people he had killed? Had he killed them? Why was she inauspicious?

The door opened and he walked in with, what she assumed, were armed guards behind him. He barked an order at them and they closed the door behind him.

“Kat, baby, I am so sorry. How are you feeling” he said sitting on the edge of her bed. Katherine flinched at his touch and she watched his face harden.

“No why do you have to be like that?” Ju long snapped. “Y-you killed those men” she croaked and Ju Long threw his hands in the air stepping away from her bed.

“No it’s not like that, I’m not some cold-blooded killer...” he trailed off taking her hand in his and kissing her fingers. “They wanted to hurt you…” He murmured, Ju long rested his face in her hand and Katherine froze. So he had killed them? 

“Why am I here Ju Long?” She whispered as tears rolled down her face. “Because my father is an asshole, superstitious bastard tried to have me ‘set straight’. Now he just looks weak...” Ju Long let out a sigh as he pulled out a key to the cuffs and unlocked them. “Come here, I know you’re freaked out but I promise I will never let anything happen to you,” he said pulling her up in the bed and wrapping his arms around her.

“You’re my girl.”

Ju Long had checked Katherine out of the hospital and taken her back home, he walked through her apartment with her as she packed a small bag. He told her they had to lay low for a while. He wasn’t about to leave her alone in the city, so she would come with him to Barbados. Katherine was forced to make calls to her friends and family saying she hit it off with Ju Long (Reggie) and that she would be gone for a month or two. She was still in shock and she had a nasty welt on her head from when Ju long’s father -Shang- had thrown her down the stairs. She felt like she was in some badly written action movie.

Ju long came from behind her and put his arms around her kissing her neck. The weirdest thing about it all was that Katherine wasn’t afraid of Ju Long. He had probably just killed a bunch of people and clearly was tied up in some crazy shit, but she still...wanted him.

“This is a cute place you got here, You should sell it and live with me” he smirked turning her in his arms.

“No way, I worked hard to get this place. I’m keeping it for when you’re being an asshole and I need a break from you” she smirked and he shook his head kissing her. “If you think shaking me is that easy you’re dead wrong,” he said in an almost threatening tone as he nipped her lip. Despite her fear and her mental numbness, Katherine’s body still reacted to the man. He patted her backside and kissed her once more.

“Hurry and get packed, I want to see you naked on the beach in a couple of hours” he smirked letting her go and walking out of the room. Katherine packed her bag mindlessly. It was as if her brain had shut off, she saw Ju Long in her living room of her loft from her door, with his armed guards. She didn’t even realize she was closing her door while she did it, she also didn’t take note of herself climbing out her window and down the fire escape. She felt numb until she was on the ground in the alleyway.

“Kat!” She heard him call from her window, she turned hesitantly and saw the pain plain on his face. But as one of his guards aimed a gun at her she ran for it.

“No you fucking idiot don’t shoot!” she heard him shout, but shots rang out anyway. She didn’t look back, he ran as fast as she could to the nearest police station. She didn’t stop for traffic, she didn’t yield to pedestrians. She didn’t stop until she ran up the precinct's stone steps and threw herself through the door collapsing into the lobby a sweaty mess. Katherine looked back and swore she saw a furious Ju Long across the street, but as she blinked he was gone.

“Mam are you alright?” said an older officer from the front desk. Katherine looked at him wide-eyed, her bag clutched under her arm. She could barely stand as her legs shook.

“I-yes, I mean no...I’m here to report a murder. No. Several murders” she panted and he stood slowly. 

The next 24 hours were absolute hell. They kept her at the precinct and questioned her over and over on what happened. Asked her for every intimate detail. She met agents from the FBI then from the CIA, next she was being told that the life she knew was over and that she would be placed under protective custody. Katherine was packed up on a plane and told she was going south and was expected to start a life there while keeping herself under the radar. She didn’t even have a chance to breathe or sleep or blink.

Bad Luck Con't

Now she was here sobbing into a pillow in a bed that wasn’t hers, in a house that wasn’t hers. Would she ever go back to anything she ever knew?

Kathrine felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped swatting it away, Mathias raised his hands in defense.

“Hey, hey I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. I just, I just wanted to see if you’re okay” he said softly and Katherine glared. 

“If I’m okay?! Is that a joke? Look at me, I went on one fucking date and now I’m in protective custody! No, I am not ok” She snapped wiping tears viciously from her eyes. Mathias sat on the bed next to her as she brought her knees to his chest.

“I can’t pretend to know what you’re going through fully. But I’ve seen my fair share of shit and I know it’s not easy…” he began. “All I’m saying is that if you want to talk I’m here…I know it’s not an ideal situation-” Katherine scoffed “But I’m here to protect you and keep you sane.” he finished and Katherine nodded. They sat in silence a while and she yawned, Mathias took this as his queue to stand.

“Wait, can you just stay here, at least until I fall asleep?” she asked and Mathias hesitated then nodded. Kathrine crawled beneath the covers and pulled them up to her chin, and Mathias lay next to her watching her eyes flutter shut. She fell asleep almost instantly being completely drained from the past 48, who could blame her. Mathias watched her a moment longer, she wasn’t too bad when she slept. He smirked to himself, he hoped with time they could trust each other. Mathias let out a sigh and got out of bed, he needed to get things in order, check in with his superiors and make sure they could go dark tomorrow. No contact to the outside world for either of them unless it was an absolute emergency. As of tomorrow morning, they would be residents of hidden springs. 

Beach

Katherine woke to the sun streaming on her face, she had strange dreams. Ju Long and dragons. It had left this strange ache in her stomach, pain, and lust. As her stomach growled she chalked it up to hunger. She still wore the clothes from the day before, Katherine looked over to see Mathias in the bed next to her fast asleep. She covered her mouth to muffle a yelp. He grumbled something then turned over to her throwing an arm over her legs. She watched his brow furrow as he woke confused. He looked at her shocked face.

“Oh fuck, sorry” he grumbled as he rolled over. “What happened to the couch?” she snapped and Mathias shrugged. “I tried, but couldn't do it. Go see for yourself” he yawned not moving. Katherine shook her head and got out of bed. Her bag was empty and when she opened the dresser she saw there were more clothes in there than she had packed. Kathrine pulled a pale blue sundress from the dresser, it wasn’t hers but she would wear it.

Katherine was grateful for the shower, it was large with sturdy water pressure. She felt disgusting, two days she had been deprived of a shower and that was after- Flashes of Ju Long assaulted her memory. Her knees buckled at the thought of him, what had he done to her? Kathrine let the water wash away any trace of him, when she got out she walked to the kitchen. Coffee was the first thing on her agenda.

The Cottage was exceptionally stocked, looked like Mathias knew his way around a kitchen at least. She had everything she could possibly need for a proper breakfast, although Katherine settled on eggs and toast. She ate and immediately washed her dishes and decided to sit in the sunroom with her coffee.

It was still early, she had slept for a solid 16 hours, from yesterday right through until morning. Her body had needed it. It was about 7 now and it was already hot. Finishing her coffee Katherine decided to walk around the cottage. If she was going to live here there were some things she would have to fix. She found a paper pad and a pen and was about to go out when Mathias came down the steps.

“Do I smell coffee? Hey, where are you going?” he murmured as she stood at the door. “I was just going to do a quick walk around for the cottage, there are some things that caught my eye that require fixing and if I’m going to be stuck here for an uncertain amount of time. These things will be fixed. Yes, I made coffee” she smiled taking a mug from the cupboard for him. Mathias grimaced, she sure had made herself comfortable, he also knew she was deflecting.

“Listen Kat- I get that you need to keep busy…” he sighed but she held up a hand “Don’t worry I won’t bother you, I’ll be able to do it myself,” she said walking out the door. Mathias cursed running a hand through his disheveled hair. He slept like shit on that tiny couch and then had barely fallen asleep when he was woken by her. Seeing her in the bed, with that curly mop of bed head had done something to him. He just couldn’t go back to sleep.

Mathias shook his head, god forbid he just have it easy for once.

Mathias walked out to Katherine as she scribbled notes on the pad of paper, he glanced over her shoulder and saw her notes on the cottage paint job and garden. Although he knew that he had let this cottage go, Mathias felt his chest inflate at the criticism.

“What’s wrong with the garden? It’s growing?” he huffed as she walked around to the back of the cottage.

“Are we seeing the same thing? Yeah, it’s growing, overgrowing! it's full of weeds! You sound like such a man!” she chided and Mathias crossed his arms.

“Well that’s what I am and last I checked this was my place-”

“No. Uh, uh” Katherine cut him off turning to Mathias and pointing her finger at him. “You don’t get to take this away from me. I need this distraction, I need it. You will cater to it, if I want the house repainted I'm going to repaint the damn house. If I want to spend a week landscaping. By fucking god I will do it!” She snapped and let out a breath. “Sorry, I’m a little edgy. But I stand by what I said” she added straightening herself. Mathias let out a long breath, it has been a long time since anyone had spoken to him like that. He wasn’t quite sure what it was doing to him but he didn’t necessarily like it.

“And how do you expect to get all these things? You’re a ghost, your accounts are frozen. If you think I’m going to pay for it, you've got another thing coming.” he snapped and Katherine considered it war. She was a hard woman to get past, stubborn as they come and she knew it. That’s why she thrived in her industry, she never took no for an answer. Especially if it was something regarding her desires.

“I’ll get a job, I know I have to. I’ll pay for the damn reno you lazy ass” she snapped back and Mathias felt his temper rise to her whip.

“L-Lazy!? You’ve barely known me for 24 hours, how could you possibly come to that conclusion!?” he raised his voice now and Katherine laughed, it was a harsh barb in his side. “ Have you seen the place? Sure it’s clean but with one good storm, it’s going to fall apart. Come here” she snapped and took his hand pulling him to the sunroom.

“Look at the gaping holes in the screen, the door to the garden is so warped it doesn’t even close unless you body it!” she took his hand again pulling him into the house and jumping on the creaking floor in the kitchen. “Listen to this, they can probably hear it from the next island! Never mind that, it needs to be repolished-I mean do you care about this place at all!” She threw up her hands in exasperation.

“No, I fucking don’t!” Mathias finally snapped “I don’t want to be here any more than you do-” He began then lowered his voice to a dangerously even tone. “But we are here because your boyfriend and his dad want you dead or worse. So get that through your thick head. This isn’t a pleasure cruise and we aren’t on some interior decorating show! You’re in my world honey and will follow my rules!” he snapped and Katherine let out a long sigh. She put her pad of paper down on the counter and ran up to the bedroom.  Mathias stood in the kitchen feeling ashamed, how was it that years of training in grief counseling and victim psychology were undone in a mere two minutes? He had to hand it to Ju Long, he sure knew how to pick them. Mathias ran a hand over his face and took a step towards the steps and the floor creaked. She was right, he had let this place fall apart, in his own little way he was throwing a year-long tantrum. Only before he had the house to take his woes out on, now that Katherine was here...She was right and he hated it. Mathias planted his hands on his hips, he didn’t know what he would do. He took up her notepad and decided he would finish the list. She was right if they were to stay here. Might as well get comfortable. He was going to wait to show her the town on her first day of work, but he supposed that he could take her there tomorrow. Shit...She was good.

Katherine Lay in the bed pouting crushing a pillow in her arms. How dare that man speak to her in that way. She was just trying to make the best of her situation and that was hard enough. But to be yelled at like a misbehaving child, she really should slap him for that one. 

“Hey”

“Oh shit!” she jumped almost falling out of the bed. Mathias stood there looking sullen “Sorry...Hey, listen, I was out of line. I shouldn’t have lost it back there and really, you’re right.”

Katherine sat up on the bed and narrowed her eyes. “Right about what?”

“The Cottage damnit!” Mathias snapped and Katherine crossed her arms as he let out an exasperated sigh. “Listen we can’t go to town today, and I was going to give you a couple of days to, I don’t know, unwind before we go into town. But I guess we can go tomorrow. You can see where you’ll work... Get your bearings.” he trailed off, he held the pad of paper that she had been writing on, Kathrine saw he had added things to it. She narrowed her eyes and held out a hand.

He didn’t say anything, he simply gave it to her.

Kathrine read it over, his writing was awful, barely legible. But he basically covered everything she would have, except for -

“You’ll need another bed,” she said mindlessly then added, “Your writing is terrible.” Mathias felt his temper flare again.

“No I’m not getting another fucking bed, this is a temporary situation. We will get what we need for everything else. I’ll pay for it and you do it. Maybe if you’re good I’ll help out” he sneered and Katherine gaped.

“If I’m good? What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she stood now walking over to him. He might be a full head higher than her but she could match him in macho.

“So you’re just going to sleep next to me every night? Just like that?” she said carefully as she slapped the notepad into his chest. Mathias took it and scowled. “My house, my case, my rules,” he said finally, and Katherine’s gaze darkened as she leaned closer.

“Have it your way, now get out” she murmured her face dangerously close to his. “My house” he added with a defiant smirk, Katherine shrugged. She would not be bullied and would get what she wanted in the end. All this argument had done was cement the fact that she had not lost her touch. Katherine had wanted to go to the beach from the moment she arrived since she couldn’t do anything else on her list today she would do that. She walked over to the dresser and took off her dress. She heard Mathias curse and storm out.

She couldn’t stop the barreling laughter after that.

Mathias followed Katherine to the beach, as was his duty. She wore a tiny pink bikini from her bag, he knew she did it to get to him. Or was he being narcissistic? She had another one that covered more, he knew she did, as he had put her things away. Why was she doing this? All because she wanted to get her way, anyway she could? Two could play at that game, He huffed looking at the water. The horizon vivid blue, the sun sparkled against the calm ocean. After surveying the cottage he realized she had been right, it was one good storm away from being swept to OZ. 

“This is beautiful!” Katherine sighed standing on the white sand. “The water is so blue, it’s so incredibly blue!” she turned to him smiling which caught him off guard. His heart stuttered at the look and she paid him no mind as she continued laying out her towel and kicking off her shoes. Kathrine walked to the shore and let the waves wash over her feet. The water was so warm and fairly still. She would definitely be going for a swim, but first, she would get some tanning in. Mathias was already laying on his towel as she turned back. She stumbled slightly at the sight of him. If Ju Long was hot this guy was fiery hot. He had his curly dark hair tied up in a bun on his head, his shirt was off, revealing rippling muscles. He had no tattoos as far as she saw, just some pretty angry looking scars. One on his right pec and the other, a jagged line on the left side of his abdomen.

“Enjoying the view?” he smirked, she snorted and she flipped him off going to her towel and laying there. “There’s no need to be ashamed, I know I look pretty good” he taunted and Kathrine looked at him from over her black ray bans. 

“Don’t flatter yourself, Mathias, your ego is not impressive” was all she said as she lay down. They lay in silence for a moment, Mathias was restless. He could be napping, he should be napping but he couldn’t. “Tell me, Katherine, what’s your background. Where are your parents from?” he asked suddenly. Kathrine was stunned a moment, shouldn’t he know this? “I thought you knew everything there was to know about me?” she admitted and Mathias chuckled. “What? Do you think the CIA has a file labeled Katherine Chanterie that they handed to me? No, it’s never that simple. Unless you’ve done something to warrant having a CIA file” he said keeping his eyes closed. Katherine put her hands behind her head imitating Mathias’ posture.

“I’m really not that interesting. My mother is French and my father, well, he’s Trinidadian...Last I heard from them they were in Portugal. Enjoying their retirement” she said her voice trailing off. She was glad her parents were miles away from her when it happened, she was also glad that Ju Long knew next to nothing about them. 

“That’s an interesting mix, how did they meet?” Mathias asked and Katherine smiled brushing the worry aside as he distracted her. “At an art gallery, my mother is a painter and my father was a banker. The story goes he had ducked into a small gallery during a sudden rainstorm and was enchanted by the paintings there, then further enchanted by the painter.” she trailed off sighing. It was a terribly romantic story, she loved her parents to death. The love they had between one another could make the world spin tens times faster, and she was a product of it.

“That’s nice, man, they must have really fallen for each other then...How long ago was that?” Mathias asked with a small smile on his face as he imagined running into a gallery and seeing Kathrine there. The fantasy creased his brow and he cleared his throat as if trying to clear the thought.

“Oh, 36 years I believe. Wow, yeah 36.” she smiled to herself. They were silent for a while and Katherine glanced over to Mathias. His profile was so very distinct, she noted. He had a very pronounced nose and chin, his lips were fuller than the average man.

“What about you?” she asked, clearing her throat as she felt herself blush. Since when was she some horny teenager, her libido had gotten her into this mess.

“Hmm? Oh, I’m Armenian. My Parents, well, I don’t know how they met because I never met them. I’m sure it wasn’t as interesting as your story though” he murmured mindlessly. “What? You never met them?” Katherine propped herself up on her one elbow, looking down at him. Mathias opened his one eye and then closed it chuckling at the look on her face. “I was in the system, I had foster parents but never really had a traditional family. I definitely never asked them how they met. They were more like landlords than parents” he admitted and Katherine lay back down. She couldn’t imagine having anything else, she had so many questions now.

“Wait so you were in an orphanage? Then sent to a foster home?” she asked and Mathias grunted barely nodding. He regretted starting this conversation. “So how old were you when they took you in? What made you want to become a man of law? Did you ever try looking for your biological-”

“Ok, that's enough of that. I regret telling you anything” he murmured turning on his side away from her. “I didn’t get much sleep last night and would love to take a nap if you don’t mind,” he said quieting her. Katherine opened her mouth to speak, then shut it. She would ask him again later.

Within minutes Katherine could hear Mathias’ heavy breathing signaling his sleep. Katherine sighed, relaxing. Although it was short-lived, as her mind wandered to Ju Long, his face when she was in that alleyway. It made her chest ache and she couldn’t figure out why, she barely knew him. Granted they had been corresponding for weeks before the date but, it still wasn’t enough to justify her feelings. Was it? She felt like she had betrayed him in some way, Katherine let out another hefty sigh.  He wanted her dead, surely he did. He alluded to it, didn’t he? He said if she ever left- then why would he protect her? Katherine sat up suddenly, she couldn’t just lay here alone with her thoughts. She would go insane if she thought about Ju Long any more. She cast aside her sunglasses and walked to the water's edge. 

“Look on the bright side Kat, you’re alive and you’re gonna stay that way until this whole mess gets sorted” she whispered to herself. “If it gets sorted” she added as she waded into the water. Katherine swam some laps, luxuriating in the ocean water, enjoying the spray of it. She even saw some nifty looking fish as she swam. There was no ocean back in her North American city, just a big lake she actively avoided as it was cold even on the hottest of days. Katherine wasn’t sure how long she swam but as she made her way back to shore she was tuckered, a good lay down in the sun would set her straight. She had managed to keep the darker thoughts at bay for now. She crawled next to the sleeping Mathias and closed her eyes. 

A nearby seagull woke her, and she was too hot. Katherine blinked slowly taking in her surroundings. The sun was well on its way to setting and it had cooled. Yet why was she so warm? As she went to sit up she felt another sticky human body against hers. Mathias had mindlessly wrapped himself around her, it was becoming a bad habit of his. Although she had slept peacefully, no strange dreams. She sat up slowly and looked down at his peaceful but flushed face. This man was strange, too strange to be a typical agent or officer. Then again, what did she know? How many times had she been in protective custody or met a detective let alone CIA personnel? Katherine chuckled to herself, she had watched too many movies, all of them were human after all. Stretching she nudged Mathias awake, her stomach was gnawing at her insides. The last she ate was breakfast. 

Mathias groaned, swatting at her hand. “Hey Asshole, the sun is setting. Let’s get back” she chuckled and he simply turned away from her. “Five more minutes” he groaned and she rolled her eyes standing and shaking out her towel. Mathias spluttered as sand hit him everywhere. “Fine sleep outside and I’ll have the bed to myself” she taunted. Mathias groaned opening his eyes. 

“You’re really annoying, I just want to make that clear” he growled and Katherine shrugged. “And you’re lazy, we all have our flaws,” she said sniffing and walking back towards the cottage. Mathias watched her go, she had gotten a decent amount of color. He had also enjoyed having someone lay with him, he couldn’t remember the last time he had even touched a woman. Mathias shook his head, he wouldn’t go there. Nothing makes work more complicated than sleeping with your client. He scoffed at himself as he stood, Katherine had stopped and was waiting for him now. He collected his things and followed her back. Something had changed in her, perhaps she was finally coming to terms with what had happened, he thought. Either way, he would watch her closely, getting comfortable was not an option for him.

When they reached the cottage Mathias beelined for the shower and Katherine changed into booty shorts and a tank top. She was starving. Her plan had been to get him to cook for her but she couldn’t wait. She collected everything she needed to make grilled cheese and got started. When Mathias came down the stairs shirtless in track pants Katherine tried hard not to take notice as she crammed the last chunk of her sandwich into her mouth. 

“What’d you cook for me?” He smirked, she rolled her eyes looking back at the book she had found on the shelf. Some mystery she had grabbed off the bookshelf in the living room. Honestly did this guy never get sick of his job, he even read about it for fun? Mathias looked at the two grilled cheese sandwiches she had left him and chuckled. “Beggars can’t be choosers” she quipped with a full mouth, washing down the last of her meal with the beer she had taken from the fridge. Mathias scoffed, taking a bite of the still warm sandwich. “True enough” he murmured. She sat cross-legged on the sofa, beer in one hand and book in the other. He stood silently eating what she had left him watching her read. It was a pleasant change to have someone there with him, for now at least.

“Can I help you, Mathias?” She said after a moment, not looking up from her book. “Doubtful” he grumbled, turning away. 

When Katherine woke the next morning the bed was empty and she could smell coffee. She stretched, her body cracking as she did. Today Mathias would take her into town and she looked forward to it. Anything to get her mind off of the real reason she is here. She was eager to get started on those projects, to see her new job. Katherine got dressed in simple jean shorts and a t-shirt. Mathias was there on the couch reading a book as she got down.

“Morning” she murmured as she walked into the kitchen and helped herself to the coffee. Mathias barely glanced up and simply grunted. Although he had slept in the bed it had been difficult. Firstly, Katherine had chosen to wear barely anything and he had woken on several occasions to her grinding on him in her sleep. Mathias wanted to be angry with her however he had done this to himself. 

Katherine shrugged turning to the stove and seeing what looked like a Spanish omelet in the skillet. 

“Oh this looks amazing” she murmured, grabbing a fork and taking a bite. It was pretty damn good, as she had noted earlier, Mathias knew his way around a Kitchen. Katherine helped herself, eating straight out of the skillet. 

“Not bad for a lazy guy eh?” Mathias said over her shoulder making her choke. He laughed patting her back but she swatted him away. “Making omelet does not clear you from being lazy,” she said once air filled her lungs again.

“Ever the critic, well that aside you wanted to go to town and I will take you. Are you ready to go?” He asked and Katherine nodded, she needed it. A semblance of normalcy if she was going to survive being in hiding. Mathias smiled but it was tight, he didn’t want to go, he still thought it was too soon. He had a feeling in his gut that this would only cause disaster. Katherine smiled faintly up at him, Mathias took a step back from her realizing their proximity, and nodded himself. 

Mathias has a decent sized motorboat to take them to the larger island. Katherine loved boat rides, she luxuriated at the front of the motorboat enjoying the salt spray and the sun as the island came into view. She could see it, a small port town. It looked absolutely adorable.

Once they docked Katherine fought not to jump out of the boat like an excited child. She needed to be in character now, there were people here. Actual people.

“Luca!” a man's voice called and Katherine saw an older gentleman shirtless and stout walking over to Mathias. At first, she was confused, but then she remembered that not even Mathias used his actual name here.

“Paulo, It’s already ten o’clock. I’m surprised you’re not out fishing!” Mathias chuckled embracing the elderly man. “I would, but my wife, she demanded I stay today as she told me you are bringing company” The man smiled looking over to Katherine who stood sheepishly behind Mathias. She wasn’t really sure how to handle herself, for once in her life she would let someone else do the talking. She looked at Mathias who raised a brow.

“Er, yes Paulo this is Lily. My friend from College. She’s thinking about running away with me” Mathias joked and Katherine glared nudging him. A friend from college? Since when, why did he change their cover story?

Paulo chuckled, clapping his leathery hands together, the man looked like he had gotten more sun than the average human should. “Well I tell you now, Luca is a Lazy boy. Don’t let him work you too hard” Paulo laughed and Katherine raised her brows, she was going to enjoy Paulo.

“That’s what I keep saying, but it seems Luca here is in denial” she smirked and Mathias pursed his lips. “Watch it, where is Rosa anyways. I want to show Lily where she’ll be working before we do some shopping” Mathias changed the subject and Paulo smiled. “She is in her beloved shop as always, come, I take you beautiful girl,” Paulo said to Kathrine taking her arm in his. Kathrine smiled at the gentleness of his touch and followed.

“It’s good you have come to keep Luca company, he was going crazy in that tiny house. Becoming a miserable man” Paulo began under his breath glancing at Mathias who simply crossed his arms pursing his lips, a couple of steps behind them. 

“I think he needs or, pardon, his house needs a woman's touch,” Paulo said winking and Katherine blushed furiously. “Alright Paulo, drop it” Mathias snapped and Katherine burst into a fit of laughter, while Paulo patted her arm.

They walked into a small gift shop where a short woman with curling long grey hair greeted them. She was beautiful and slim, she wore an eccentrically colored dress and so many bangles on her wrists she jangled with even the smallest movement. Her eyes went straight for Mathias “Como estas mi querido!” she exclaimed holding out her hands to him and Katherine watched Mathias’s eyes light up as he smiled, she had never seen that look on his face before. It made her smile in turn. “It has been too long my dear! I told you to come at least once a week!” the Woman-whom Katherine assumed was Rosa- kissed both of Mathias’ cheeks. “I know I’m sorry, I’ve been busy dealing with this one” he grumbled and her head snapped in Katherine’s direction. “My god look at this beauty” Rosa said walking over smiling, she took Katherine’s face in her hands and studied her. Kathrine blushed and smiled faintly “Her name is Lily and she is Luca’s College friend,” Paulo said wiggling his brows, he let go of Katherine and walked over to his wife's side kissing her cheek. Rosa let go of Katherine’s face with a smile.

“That so? I didn’t think Luca could make friends. The boy is about as friendly as a cactus” Rosa laughed. “Hey, I’m friendly” Mathias interjected as he pouted. “Yes to me, because I feed you!” she snapped and Katherine laughed at the interaction between them. They seemed like a family, Mathias probably didn’t even see it. “Rosa-” he began “Ey!” She snapped “Te lo dije, llámame mamá!” she spat and Mathias looked over to Katherine for help, Katherine laughed unrepentantly but decided to intervene. “Rosa, Mathias says you would be able to help me find work?” she said and Rosa smiled, throwing up her hands. “Yes, yes of course! I almost forgot I need your help here in my shop. Paulo and I are going to start taking dancing lessons and golfing and things like that. I want us to do things together, now that we are both retired” she smiled at Katherine taking her hands and pulling her deeper into the shop. “So it won’t be all the time just some days here and there. But I am hoping that Paulo will remember that there are things other than fishing” she added, tossing a sideways glance towards her husband who took Mathias out of the shop. Rosa watched them go then turned to Katherine. “Tell me honestly, is Luca being good to you? Has he been rude? I know that boy can be stubborn as a mule, '' she said, holding both Katherine’s hands. Katherine smiled, shaking her head “Oh I know he’s stubborn but he’s been good to me. I recently lost...well...and he’s let me come here to get my mind off things'' Katherine said with difficulty, she couldn’t bring herself to fully lie to Rosa, the woman was too kind. “Oh my dear, you don’t have to tell me about it now. I can see it’s difficult.”  Rosa began, stroking Katherine’s arm. “I’m just glad mi Hijo is being good, sometimes... that boy’s temper. I don’t know-” Rosa continued. She showed Katherine the shop and the register and talked about the island and how it gets pretty busy during tourist season. The shop at first glance looked like a knickknack shop, but it was filled with odds and ends, crystals, talismans, and antiques. Really almost anything you could think of would be in here. Katherine found herself falling in love with it. There was even a bookshelf in the back that she could help herself to. Rosa brought Katherine back out to the men and Mathias gave her a meaningful look, Katherine simply smiled. They said a long goodbye to the couple, Rosa threatened them with dinner for the next time they came by. Mathias pulled Katherine away and they continued down the boardwalk. “That woman loves you” Katherine smiled and Mathias shrugged “Rosa loves everyone, and everyone loves Rosa. Sometimes I think she keeps this island going” Mathias sighed and Katherine stopped grabbing his arm and looking at him. “You love her too! Oh my gosh does Paulo know!?” Katherine laughed and Mathias shook her off. “Let’s get your shit” he grumbled and Katherine chuckled, was it really that hard for Mathias to admit he had a soft spot?

The first place they went to was to the hardware shop, Katherine took her sweet time picking out paint colors for the Cottage. Mathias complained the entire time. The cottage had been white, at some point, and had grey roofing. Katherine settled on a light seafoam blue for the outside, the interior would remain simple white, with colored accents. She liked the idea of gold and green. Tropical plants in the house and gold accents, maybe a splash of blue and red here and there, depending on the rooms. The ideas all made her dizzy. Katherine also got Mathias to buy Gardening supplies, including bulbs and plants, then some repair supplies. It blew her mind that this man did now own a toolbox. By the time she had finished, it was evening, they loaded up the boat and got back to the cottage. It took them a while to unload everything and by the time they did, they were both starving and exhausted.

“What do you want for dinner?” Mathias asked mindlessly as Katherine lay on the tiny couch, it was pretty awful to lay on, she couldn’t blame Mathias for wanting a bed instead. Katherine shrugged and grumbled something non-intelligible and Mathias simply went ahead and did what he wanted. He decided we would make them seafood pasta, it was his specialty and his favorite. Katherine lounged on the sofa staring at the ceiling. In two days’ time she would have her first day at work, part of her looked forward to it and part of her felt a massive pang of loss. Everything she had worked hard for in her life was gone, just like that. As if he knew, Mathias glanced over to her on the sofa, he saw her staring at the ceiling with a morbid look on her face. He let out a sigh, “Hey Kat, why don’t you come help me”. He offered and she sat up slowly not saying anything and walked over. He dropped an unpeeled jumbo shrimp in her hand and she screamed, tossing it into the sink. Mathias blinked, taking in what happened, and then burst into a fit of laughter. “What the hell Mat! Are you trying to kill me? Jesus what was that!?” Katherine shouted at him, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she rested her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath.

“That was a jumbo shrimp you just whipped into the sink. I guess I could’ve warned you but I’m glad I didn’t” Mathias said breathlessly as he buckled with laughter, Katherine chuckled then joined in the laughter. They worked together to make the meal and cleaned up together when it was done. Katherine spent most of the meal talking about her plans for the cottage as Mathias thought of ways he could get out of it. One of them being just handing her over to Ju Long.

As they both sat in the bed reading their own books, Katherine put her down and turned to Mathias. “Hey Mat, I wanted to thank you for today. For humoring me with the cottage...I know I can be pushy” she began and Mathias’ mouth quirked at the sound of her calling him Mat, he supposed he could get used to it. “You? Pushy? No” he smirked, not looking up from his book. “Mat, seriously” Katherine sighed, nudging him with her leg. Mathias put down his book and glanced over at her. “Kat it’s fine, really. Part of the job, so don’t worry about it” he said patting her thigh. She nodded and they sat in silence just looking at each other for a moment. 

“Okay good, goodnight,” Katherine said suddenly as color crept up to her face, she tucked herself under the blanket and turned away before Mathias could read what was on her face.

However, he didn’t need to. Letting out a shaky sigh he forced himself to focus back on his book.

Routine

Painting and doing busywork around the entire cottage took weeks, It kept Mathias and Katherine incredibly busy. Between that and her new job working for Rosa, the time flew by. Katherine felt like she and Mathias got along fairly well, they still argued often but it usually resolved itself. The next big project she was undertaking was the garden. She had hoped Mathias would help her with this, however, today Mathias was in an especially foul mood. Katherine woke to find him brooding on the single chair in the sunroom. 

“Hey, what’s with the face?” she asked, coming out with her coffee. It was a beautiful day, and she planned on making the most of it. She didn’t have to work today, so she would be in the garden for a couple of hours, then hit up the beach. Mathias simply bristled and she furrowed her brow, what had she done now? 

“Mat, what’s wrong?” she asked earnestly and he glanced at her then away standing. “I have to go into town today, can I trust you to stay here while I do?” he said, his voice curt. “I wanted to go to the beach at some point but I-'' she began “No, not until I get back. Can you do that Kat? That simple thing?” he snapped and she was taken aback. Where was this coming from? She simply stared, she thought in the past two months or so they had developed a rapport with each other. Had that all been in her head?

“Yeah Mathias, sure,” she said walking away. She went into the kitchen and busied herself with making a meal and she heard him come in and then go again. From the cottage, she could hear the engine of the boat. Was he supposed to leave her like this? Katherine felt uneasy, however, she would not let her fears stop her from keeping busy. She had been on this island for over a month now and she had been mostly obedient and quiet. She had accepted the things she lost and done nothing to endanger herself or Mathias. So what the hell? As Katherine busied herself with hacking and tearing the weeds around the house she seethed. How dare Mathias talk to her that way, she had done nothing to deserve it. The more she worked the angrier she got. She didn’t even realize how long she had been in the garden when she heard the boat engine once more. She checked the analog watch on her wrist and saw it was 4:30 in the afternoon. She had been angrily pulling weeds all day, she was sweaty and dirty, and after all that time to mull over Mathias, she was furious.

He came down the path carrying a brown paper bag and she watched him avoid her gaze. He walked straight into the cottage not saying a word and she followed throwing aside her gardening gloves.

“You pull that porcupine out of your ass?” she snapped when he said nothing, she watched his shoulders tense as he gripped the counter. By the gesture, she would assume the trip did nothing to soothe his mood. “I really don’t need your shit right now Katherine,” he said slowly. She bristled “I’m not trying to give you shit Mat, you snapped at me! Tell me what the hell is wrong” She said some of the anger deflating, leaving her genuinely concerned. Mathias turned to her and took in the sight of her. She glistened with sweat, wearing tiny shorts and a bikini top. Dirt dusted her from head to toe and he could see small scrapes on her forearms, her thick dark hair piled on her head in what was probably at some point a bun. She had been in the garden the entire time, surely ripping through it after his little outburst. Just looking at her calmed him, he wanted to laugh, she looked absolutely disheveled. 

“What! Why are you looking at me like that?” she snapped and then he did chuckle, shaking his head. Mathias ran a hand over his face, everything that had happened up to now wasn’t her fault so why was he punishing her.

“Let’s go to the beach Kat, I’ll tell you everything there. You probably haven’t even eaten yet” he said resigned, she narrowed her eyes at him, her arms crossed. “I, well, okay. Yeah fine. I’ll get changed and you pack something...I- I am starving...now that you mention it” she sighed deflating herself and walking to the bedroom.

Mathias took his job seriously, he packed them a proper picnic, Katherine came down to nibble on the vegetables he chopped up. She looked in the paper bag he had brought and her eyes widened, “Did you buy out the Liquor store? Did you plan on drinking all this?” she said, pulling out two of the four bottles of rum. Mathias didn’t say anything and Katherine sighed, what had gotten him so riled up? She was really getting worried now.

She wouldn’t press him, he seemed a little volatile today. She had dealt with people like this before, who hasn't? She’s pushy but she also knows when to step back, sometimes.

They walked to the beach in silence and Katherine helped Mathias set up the picnic. While she helped herself he poured himself a drink, or more like a cup of rum.

“Uh, are you going to eat anything? Have you eaten at all today?” she asked as she watched him fill the cup. Mathias didn’t say anything and simply took a swig from the very full cup of rum. Katherine watched him grimacing at the sight, when he went in for a second swig she gracefully nabbed the cup from his hands and downed the rest of it groaning at the taste. “Jesus fuck that’s ...” she hissed as Mathias scowled at her. “Enough Mathias! Out with whatever is bothering you or you are going to have a very unpleasant evening with me. That’s a promise” Katherine spat. She felt her stomach warm as rum made its way down. Mathias glared at her and took the plastic cup back, filling it again.

Kathrine waited as he took a sip keeping eye contact with her. “I was contacted by my superiors,” he began and trailed off as Katherine waited on literal bated breath. Had something happened to Ju Long, had he found her? Was he coming now, had his father found her? Fear washed over her freezing her in place.

“Ju Long escaped capture in Barbados and he’s in the wind. Which means, we are going to be here for a while...None of this would’ve happened if I had been there! But instead, I’m here playing babysitter” Mathias snapped and Kathrine felt her heart sink. Ju Long, that’s right she had told them where to find him. The CIA just probably signed her death warrant, if she didn’t have one before. Katherine felt her throat close, Mathias was still talking, ranting probably about his workplace. She had stopped listening, now she would really be looking over her shoulder, Ju Long would certainly now know the extent of her betrayal, she was the only one who knew he had gone to Barbados. Mathias was pouring himself another drink and before he could put the bottle back down Katherine took it from his hand and stood walking to the water's edge chugging straight from the bottle. It burned on the way down and it was awful but she could not, would not feel this fear. She refused to accept her mixed feelings for Ju Long or her entire predicament. How could they fuck this up for her, how long did they think it would take a man like that to find her. Barbados is a small island and they lost him on it? She could envision him now, looking determined and dangerous, out for blood, her blood.

“God fucking Damnit” she cursed under her breath, Mathias had been calling after her but she was gone into her head. He followed her to shore and yanked the bottle from her hand before she started chugging again.

“Are you out of your mind!?” he snapped and she simply shook her head. “I must be because none of this can be real. This can’t be real” she whispered as tears fell. Mathias instantly felt guilty, sure he was stuck here in this god damned island for longer than he wanted, sure his career was on literally hold. But there wasn’t some crazy gangster after him, he didn’t really uproot his life either, this simply was his life. Mathias shook his head realizing he had been selfish.

“Kat, I...I’m sorry. I didn’t think” he murmured and she shook her head. “He said he would never let me go, that I was his...Fuck” she slumped down into the sand, the waves washing over her legs. Mathias lowered himself next to her and watched her fight back tears. “Being mine is a Dangerous thing, that’s what he told me. I thought he was just egotistical. Well, he was, but...my god” she felt her head swim, Mathias hesitated but put an arm around her.

“Nothing will happen to you Kat. He might be a snake but we’ll find him. I promise” Mathias sighed. Katherine rested her head on his shoulder, he took a sip from the bottle offering it to her but she refused. She was already pretty drunk, she needed to eat something or she would pass out.

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep” she said looking up at him. Mathias sighed his body warm from the rum, his head clouding over.

“I will not let anything happen to you Kat.” he reiterated, and she sighed, her eyes flitting to his lips. Katherine eased off him but he pulled her back against his chest with a swift tug.

“I’m serious,” he added and Katherine smiled faintly. “Okay, I believe you,” she murmured and Mathias nodded, letting her go before he did something he regretted. They wandered back to the blanket and resumed eating and drinking. Talking about plans for the cottage, mundane things. Katherine was properly drunk by the time the sunset and Mathias was there alongside her.

“You know what I don’t get?” Katherine began after there was a moment of silence, Mathias grunted watching the stars shimmer in the sky. Say what he would about being on this island, the night sky was incomparable.

“Why was he so obsessed with me? I mean, it’s me. I'm so boring. I actively avoided relationships for the last...Man,8 years to build my business. I didn’t even have a social life. I am a super boring person. So why-”

“My god shut up. Are you fishing for compliments right now?” Mathias slurred, cutting her off. “Fishing for what?” Katherine growled rolling onto her side glaring at Mathias who propped himself up on one arm to get a better look at her.

“You have to know Katherine unless you’re just that dumb” he chuckled and she pouted. “I’m not dumb! What the hell Mat” she snapped and he shook his head “Oh my god. You are crazy hot, smart, and mind-blowingly stubborn. And that’s coming from me” Mathias slurred and then laughed as Katherine’s jaw dropped. “How many average people make it as far as you did?... You can’t even see how amazing you are” he trailed off completely unaware of Katherine moving closer. No one had ever said any of things about her, she had barely considered herself pretty, let alone hot.

Now Mathias saw her moving closer and he sat up holding out his hands. “Hey Kat take it easy, I know what you’re thinking and I know it seems like a good idea but it’s not” he stammered as she crawled over to him and straddled him.

“You know what I’m thinking? What am I thinking?” she murmured pushing him onto his back. Mathias let out an uncomfortable laugh. How could he delicately answer that, his thoughts were interrupted when she moved her hips against his.

“Hey whoa! Alright-” he said pushing her off and jumping up. Katherine laughed laying on the blanket looking at his alarmed face. 

“Calm down boy scout, I won’t ravage you unless you ask me. No, unless you beg me” she slurred as Mathias put his hands on his hips, his tongue in his cheek. Was that so? He knew a challenge when he heard one. Not saying that he would rise to it, but not turning it down either.

“Alright miss Kat. We’ll see who’s begging who by the end of it” he chuckled and Katherine’s eyes flashed. 

They packed up shortly after that, stumbling back to the cottage. Katherine wasn’t going to enjoy work tomorrow, however, she was grateful it was only for a couple of hours. Katherine sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair then quickly tying it up onto her head. As she crawled beneath the blankets Mathias stood in the doorway.

“Come to bed” she yawned, tucking herself in. Mathias smiled faintly sauntering over to the bed stripping down to his boxers. Katherine watched him silently, if he was trying to unhinge her he would have to try better than that. They lay staring at each other a moment, Katherine yawned. “You have to work tomorrow” Mathias murmured and Katherine blinked slowly. “Yeah I do, Rosa said she would make me lunch so I have to go a little earlier” she sighed, mindlessly moving a strand of hair from Mathias’ face. He closed his eyes and she let her fingers linger. Running over his eyelids, to the notch on the bridge of his nose, to his full lips. He took her hand and opened his eyes.

“Go to sleep Kat” he whispered pulling her close, she didn’t argue, she was tired, she closed her eyes and let herself feel safe in his arms.

The next few weeks passed by uneventfully, Katherine and Mathias fell back into their routine. Although, the challenge still remained. Kathrine had just finished a shift with Rosa, Paulo had dropped her at the dock. Mathias was giving her more space now that she was determined to break his will. Katherine felt like she was winning. Mathias was too easy to wind up, sometimes all she had to do was be in the same room as him. As she walked to the Cottage she could hear someone chopping wood. Katherine had some leftovers from Rosa, who had been cooking for her all week. Today she had given them Enchiladas, which Katherine was very excited to dig into. Sure enough, as the Cottage was in sight, there was Mathias chopping wood for some reason, Katherine was sure he would come up with one. Katherine smiled faintly glancing at Mathias’s glistening form as she walked past it into the cottage. Katherine put the food in the fridge and let her hair down with a sigh. As she contemplated how she would spend her evening, Mathias walked silently into the cottage simply watching her as she let her hair down with a sigh, his abdomen tensed and he clenched his jaw. He had done this to himself, he had set this wheel in motion with an idle threat on the beach. She was driving him insane, he was chopping wood for god sakes, they didn’t even have a fire pit. Perhaps he would build one, and they would have another place to sit and drink, and perhaps...

“Oh Jesus! Why are you just standing there” Katherine shouted as she turned to suddenly see him there. Mathias chuckled looking down at her flustered face. “Sorry...I fixed the creaks” he said and Katherine gaped. “Wait, today?” she asked and started bouncing on the spot and Mathias looked away. “What else did you do today, aside from chop wood?” she smirked and Mathias peered down his nose at her. Mathias walked over to the kitchen table and sat at it letting out a breath. “Well aside from fixing some of the creaks in the house, I replaced the screen to the sunroom,” he said and Kathrine smiled walking out to survey his handy work. “Yes! That reminds me I ordered some furniture for it, so that’s actually perfect-” she began and turned back to see him standing there once more, Katherine yelped. “God damnit Mat! Stop sneaking up on me” she snapped smacking his sticky firm chest. He chuckled stepping back into the kitchen. “You need to get used to the quiet floors,” he said as she put a hand over her beating heart. Katherine shook her head walking back inside, she motioned to the fridge. “Rosa made some enchiladas for us, help yourself, I’m going to shower” 

Kathrine walked up the stairs and noted that the third step near the top creaked rather loudly still, she smiled to herself faintly. She was fine with that one, it would be their security system. As she went into the bedroom she heard the step creak again. Sure enough, Mathias followed her upstairs, he stood in the doorway to the bedroom with a strange look on his face.

“Mat, what has gotten into you!” she snapped and he sighed running a hand through his hair. “Don’t make me beg Katherine” he said suddenly. Kathrine furrowed her brow and he walked over to her and ran a hand up her arm and she shivered. 

“But those were the stipulations” she smirked running a hand up his shirtless torso. Mathias took away her hand frowning. “Why does everything have to be so difficult with you” he snapped and Katherine smiled shrugging. Mathias pursed his lips “Well I guess we are at an impasse because I refuse to beg” he added and Katherine stepped away and took off her shirt. “Then I’m going to shower and you can go eat,” she said walking to the dresser, tossing her shirt in the hamper next to it. Mathias let out a breath, he was tempted to beg, but his mind told him to hold fast. Katherine unclasped her bra glancing over her shoulder at him and Mathias sighed, walking out of the room and back down the stairs. He would eat all of those damn enchiladas.

Kathrine chuckled to herself as she stepped into the shower, she didn’t actually think she was wearing him down that badly. Granted she could hide her arousal a little better than he could, or so she assumed. She let the hot water run over her as she contemplated her next move. They had been living together for months now, the cottage still had a lot of work to be done. She only managed to weed just under half the garden as she worked four days this week so far. Rosa and Paulo doing more and more together it seemed. She was happy to see them happy and frankly the time away from Mathias was good for the both of them. Katherine stepped out of the shower and considered her options, perhaps she would let him be. She really should stop torturing him, she shook her head, chuckling again. No, she would continue torturing him but focus more on the cottage. That garden was nagging her, she really wanted that done.

Katherine walked down the stairs, a towel still wrapped around her head as she walked to the fridge in her booty shorts and a tank top. Mathias glanced up from his book as Katherine milled in the kitchen grabbing a nectarine from the fridge and biting into it. She paid him no mind as she walked to the kitchen table looking at the furniture catalog on the table while she ate. He stood and walked to the shower himself.

Katherine busied herself with the garden as she promised the next couple of days, Mathias was fixing some shingles today, he mentioned that there was a tropical storm threatening the islands and they might see the end of it. Kathrine looked at the grey sky with some concern, it had been sunny this morning and it only seemed to grow darker throughout the day. The two of them had fallen into a strange routine. They keep to themselves throughout the day and torture each other at night. Mathias sat on the roof and looked over to the horizon, they would see some rain tonight for sure, he was glad he at least got to finish up the roof. There would be no leaks even if it rained for a week. He let out a satisfied sigh and decided he would treat himself to a quick dip in the ocean. Mathias climbed down and by the time he cleaned up the wind had picked up, he wouldn’t be able to go for that swim tonight, he went in to shower instead. Katherine was lost in thought again in the garden. Ju Long occupied her mind today, she had dreamt of him the night before. She dreamt that he had found her and instead of being angry he was happy, and it was fine. The thought bothered her, that he would be happy to see her, that he would be fine. Why did even a subconscious part of her want that? Katherine didn’t even notice the wind pick up, she didn’t notice anything until it began pouring.

“Oh shit!” she exclaimed as the icy cold rain pelted her, she looked up to the dark sky, then glanced out to the horizon. It was gone and she could barely see the sand on the beach. It rained so heavily, the sight was eerie. She grabbed her things and made her way inside, there was no point in running as she was already soaked. Katherine walked into the house through the back, making sure to latch the screen door shut. They had just fixed it, the last thing she needed was it flying away in the potential storm. Mathias stood in the kitchen shirtless as usual, in his track pants, grabbing a beer from the fridge.

“It’s raining outside,” Katherine sighed, running a hand through her wet hair. Mathias looked up and swallowed hard, her yellow t-shirt was soaked clinging to her wet body, he could see she wore nothing underneath. He opened the bottle taking a long drink “Yeah it is” he said, breathing heavily. 

Katherine walked over to Mathias and took the beer from his hands drinking from it. Mathias watched her chug half of it before handing it back to him. “What’s for dinner?” she smirked and Mathias snapped out of his daze.

“What makes you think I’m cooking?” he retorted, closing the fridge. Katherine smiled, tilting her face up to him. “Don’t make me beg” she breathed and he groaned looking away drinking from the bottle again. Katherine chuckled, stepping away and walking to the bedroom, she would need dry clothes. She stood in her underwear when she heard the step creak, a shiver ran down her spine. She held her tank top to her chest as she looked over her shoulder to the doorway and Mathias stood there a determined look on his face. Katherine laughed half-heartedly “What is it?” she said swallowing as her eyes ran down the length of him, his track pants hid nothing. Mathias hesitated in the doorway and Katherine turned to him watching him struggle. Enough was enough, she had toyed with him enough and been toyed with enough. It was simply enough. Katherine let her tank top fall to the floor and Mathias took in a sharp breath. He strode over to her pulling her body against his, his mouth finding hers. Katherine let out a pleased sigh as her arms slid up his body around his neck, Mathias wrapped her legs around his hips, his hands gripping her backside. He carried her over to the bed and threw her down smirking as he did. Katherine giggled nervously as Mathias crawled over her pinning her to the bed with his body as he kissed her fervently. Kathrine pressed herself against him as she tangled her fingers in his hair, she felt his arousal and it only made her want him more. She really thought she could have held out longer, but she had pushed herself to the limit. How had she done this for eight years? Now, she barely survived eight months? Mathias ran his hands down her body tugging at her panties, she didn’t even hesitate to shimmy out of them. Katherine tugged his track pants just low enough to expose him, she felt goosebumps rise on her skin at the sight of him. She didn’t care to get them off fully as she pulled him into her. They both moaned, both impatient. Mathias raked his teeth down her neck along her collarbone as they moved against each other. Katherine made a noise as his mouth found her nipple, Mathias brought his mouth back to hers as he brought her legs to her sides sinking into her deeper. Katherine shivered as she took the length of him “Oh, Mat” she moaned gripping the bedsheets. Mathias nipped her earlobe letting go of her legs sitting her up onto his lap. Katherine held onto him with a hand at the back of his neck as she moved her hips against his, she then forced him onto the bed. She was so close, Mathias watched in wonder as she rode him, mindlessly he caressed her face running his thumb along her swollen parted lips then to her breasts. Katherine couldn’t think of anything but him, feel anything but him. It felt like floodgates had opened, Katherine came with a fury and Mathias chewed his lip watching her. He liked what he saw, he wanted to see it a couple more times if he could. Mathias put Katherine back onto the bed trailing kisses down her body to between her legs. She was breathless as his tongue found her sweet spot. “Jesus fucking christ” she hissed her hands tangling themselves in his hair as he made her come a second time. Mathias smirked running his tongue back up her body as he entered her again, Mathias was throbbing now. He brought her ankles to her head as he pounded her, Katherine was fully out of her mind coming a third time “Fuck yes Mat” she almost screamed as he panted. He kissed her letting go of her legs and filling her.

Mathias slumped onto Katherine’s chest as they both breathed heavily. “I didn’t beg,” he smirked, lifting his head from her chest and Katherine snorted. “You may as well have” she chuckled and he sat up regarding her with a crooked grin. “What is it?” she smiled faintly and he shook his head leaning over and kissing her. “I’m starving” admitted and clambered off the bed, she heard him go down the stairs. She let out a breath and stared at the ceiling, then laughed to herself. 

Mathias went to the fridge and pulled out some Paella, it was in a large container, Rosa had made enough to feed an army. He heard Kathrine come down the steps and Mathias saw she was also still naked. “You gonna heat that up first?” she asked walking over to him, he shook his head putting his free arm around her waist and pulling her against him. “You having some?” he asked and she nodded smiling. He set the container on the table and took her with him to grab two forks then pulled her over to the table and sat her on his lap.

“Really Mat?” She giggled as he opened the container digging in. “Aren’t you hungry?” he asked nonchalantly. Katherine regarded him then shrugged, she was hungry. Katherine helped herself to the food, it was really good even cold. Rosa was a godsend, Katherine made a happy sound bouncing slightly when she was sated. Mathias chuckled pulling her against him tighter “Rosa makes pretty damn good food” Mathias murmured against her back giving her goosebumps. “Mhm” Katherine sighed as his hand slid between her legs, she put down her fork as his fingers explored her triggering a violent spasm. “You’re already so wet” he whispered in her ear, Katherine bit her lip, and Mathias slid his fingers into her gnawing on her shoulder. “You want dessert?” he asked, leaning back and pulling her flush against him as he worked her over. Katherine moaned something that sembled a yes and he chuckled adjusting himself and entering her once more. Katherine was already on the verge of coming. Perhaps it had been the weeks of foreplay or Mathias just turned her on. Katherine desperately moved against him, gripping the table as Mathias relaxed resting his hands on her hips. He watched the muscles work in her back, it made him sweat. Mathias pulled Katherine back against him by her neck, he turned her, putting her on the table. He wanted to watch her come, Mathias buried his hand in her hair, gripping it firmly. Katherine’s eyes flashed as the table creaked with their movement, she felt the overwhelming heat take over her. The orgasm had Katherine gasping, Mathias smirked as she spasmed. He pulled her off the table then bent her over it, a hand still in her long thick dark locks as he ravaged her. Katherine writhed in ecstasy, that’s all she could do. When Mathias slapped her ass she came again, he didn’t hold back either. Her legs buckled as she slumped onto the table. Mathias fell back into his chair and pulled Kathrine back onto his lap. They both chuckled, breathing heavily as they sat in silence. Rain pounded on the cottage, the storm was right over them. 

Storm

Rain fell for the next few days, Katherine and Mathias spent the majority of their time in bed. Katherine convinced herself that there wasn’t really much else to do, Mathias didn’t need to convince himself with anything. He loved turning her inside out, he enjoyed watching her eyes roll to the back of her head. The thought of it now made him hard, but he had decided that they needed a break. He felt like a teenage boy that had just discovered his dick. They lounged on the shitty sofa in the sunroom, they had moved it just to keep things fresh. The rain still came down in sheets, Mathias was patting himself on the back for fixing the roof.  Mathias struggled to focus on his book as he watched Katherine’s bare chest rise and fall with every breath. He watched her blink lazily, struggling to keep her eyes open, they had little in the ways of rest the past few days, Mathias smirked to himself looking out the screen windows.

“What are you smirking about?” Katherine yawned not looking up from her book. Mathias glanced at her and then back outside.

“Was just remembering how good that paella was. I miss Rosa’s cooking” Mathias said, glancing at Katherine watching her cheeks flush. He chuckled as she let out a shaky breath, closing her book. 

“Now that you mention it, I am hungry” Katherine smiled faintly, she crawled over to Mathias and slid her hand down his boxers. He took in a sharp breath as she kissed the tip of his manhood, glancing up at him with her dark eyes.

“You’re looking like a snack” she giggled and he opened his mouth to say something snarky but was silenced by her swallowing him whole. “Oh shit” was all he managed as he gripped the sofa, Katherine was relentless and he came down her throat in a matter of minutes. Mathias’s heart pounded as she laughed wiping her mouth “but for real, I’m hungry. Do we have stuff for spaghetti?” she said standing, and Mathias made sounds, but couldn’t formulate full words. Kathrine stood in only her thong glancing back at his flushed face, admiring her handy work.

“Never mind I’ll figure it out” she giggled walking into the kitchen. Mathias watched her go then let his head fall back onto the sofa. He hoped the rain never stopped. 

When Kat woke the next day it was to sunshine and birds chirping. No howling wind or pattering of rain, part of her was excited to see the blue sky once more, another part of her was disappointed. Mathias held her in his arms, his face buried in her hair. She wanted to stay like this but she knew they would have to go to town. They had been stranded for the better part of the week and she knew Rosa and Paulo would be worried, not to mention their provisions were scarce. Katherine carefully moved Mathias’ arm and slid out of bed, she slid on her thin housecoat and padded down to the kitchen to start her day. Mathias woke to the creaky step and groaned when the sun shone in his eyes from the bedroom window. He had wanted a couple more days at least of just them, but he knew life had to go on. He lay on his back looking up at the ceiling as he heard Kathrine moving around in the kitchen, humming to herself. He smiled loving the sound, then stopped, did he just say, love? Mathias’ brow furrowed as he assessed the situation, he had known Katherine for just over eight months. However they had spent almost every waking moment together, she certainly wasn’t his first client and he had never felt anything like this with anyone. Mathias let out a shaky sigh, what if she didn’t feel the same? He brushed aside the thought, he wouldn’t think on it further, not until this whole Ju Long mess was resolved. His primary goal was keeping Katherine safe and hidden.  Mathias reluctantly climbed out of bed and joined her downstairs.

“Rosa is going to have a fit when we get there” Katherine laughed to herself as she heard Mathias come down the stairs. She stood at the stove making scrambled eggs, the coffee pot was already working. Mathias nodded smiling as he came behind her, kissing her cheek. “Yeah, I fully expect an earful…but I’ll take it if it means more of her food down the road,” he said as Katherine leaned into him. “Oh yeah, but you know what I’ve been craving? Perogies. No idea why” Katherine smiled and shrugged. 

They ate and left shortly after, Mathias eager to get the day started. He knew that tourist season was on its way, always came in the winter months shortly after the storms had passed. Mathias expected at least two or three more weeks before that happened. 

He smiled at the thought as he pulled his boat up to the docks. Although he had to admit that it was good to get out of the cabin. Sure enough, as they walked into the small town, Rosa sat outside her shop with Paulo. 

“Buenos días mis Amores! I was hoping you would come today, you must have felt my worry from across the sea!” Rosa said standing and walking over to Mathias and embracing him then Katherine. Rosa held Katherine at arm’s length “you are different somehow, softer.” She said under her breath as Paulo greeted Mathias then made his way to Katherine. 

“Softer?” Katherine asked and Rosa laughed shaking her head “ah listen to me spouting nonsense. Have you eaten?” She asked and Katherine smiled “yeah, but I could still eat. What are we having” Katherine said glancing over to Mathias and wiggling her brows, he seemed to blush. Paulo watched the exchange and nudged Mathias with giving him a knowing smile. “So you and your lady friend made the best of the weather eh?” He chuckled and Mathias sent Paulo a withering stare, Paulo only laughed.

Rosa had a feast waiting for them at their home. Katherine was glad she only had a small portion of eggs back at their cabin. She and Mathias exchanged glances of excitement as Rosa glowed. 

“Sometimes I wonder if you’re not secretly full of magic Rosa” Katherine smiled as she sat at the wicker table on their balcony, grabbing an empanada from the plate and taking a bite.

“Oh that’s hot” Katherine laughed as Mathias handed her a napkin, smiling himself. “It’s no secret that I am full of magic” Rosa smiled watching the two keenly. 

They all ate together, then the men went off to work. Before Katherine and Rosa left, she helps Rosa clean.

“I knew something would happen between you two. I knew I could see from the first day he brought you, by the way, he looked at you” Rosa said suddenly as Katherine helped dry dishes.

“That so? Well, I guess you could say there was something between us” Katherine responded mindlessly as her thoughts went back to the Cabin.

“There’s that look, oh my girl. I expect a wedding in less than a year” Rosa chuckled and now Katherine snapped out of it.

“I don’t think so” she chuckled and Rosa shook her head. “That’s fine because I know so” she snapped.

The Day went by rather quickly, in the afternoon Rosa left Katherine in the shop by herself, there were few people that came in. Most people coming to pick up orders they had placed before the storm of books and things of that variety. Katherine learned that they usually experience a mini rainy spell before the tourists start piling in as the weather cools in the North Americas.

Katherine spent most of the day reading a book on the local sea life, as she had finished the murder mystery she had Rosa ordered for her. Katherine had already put together a bag of things for the cabin, books, puzzles, little decorative things. She considered herself lucky that she was able to at least somewhat enjoy her exile. She could barely call her city streets to mind. It would be cool now, right in the midst of winter. She wondered what her parents had thought, spending the holidays without her for the first time, the new year. She hadn’t even celebrated, all the days here blurred into one.

“Excuse me, are you Katherine?” Someone asked and Katherine looked up without thinking. Then froze. A woman stood there holding an envelope, how did she know her name. Her real name?

“I’m sorry, no, my name is Lily” Katherine smiled sweetly as her heart pounded. “Ok well, can you give this to her, the man out front wanted her to have this,” The woman said leaving the envelope on the counter and walking out before Katherine could say anything. Katherine didn’t touch the envelope, instead, she ran to the door and locked it, flipping the open sign to close.

With shaking hands, she walked back to the cashier desk and opened the small square envelope. There was a folded piece of paper inside with a location and time and below that a stamp with a Dragon. Katherine cried out dropping the paper and envelope on the ground, tears instinctively falling down her face.

Katherine wasn’t sure how long she stood there but a knock at the glass door had her jumping out of her skin. She looked up to see Mathias standing there trying to look through the glass door. Katherine ran to the door throwing it open and pulling him inside. Then quickly closing it behind him.

“Hey, whoa what’s wrong?” he stammered as Katherine threw her arms around him.

“Mat he’s here, he knows,” Katherine whispered, gripping his shirt, her eyes wide and glassy boring into his. Mathias hesitated, at first he had no idea what she was talking about. “What are-?” he began but her frantic look brought him back to his senses.

“Ju Long” he stated and Katherine let out a shaky sigh, Mathis held her tightly as she shivered against him.

“What happened? How do you know?” he asked and Katherine told him about the woman and then showed him the note. They both stood in the shop in silence, Mathias ran a hand over his face.

“Ok, ok. First off, you will be fine Katherine. Everything is going to be fine. We’ll go back to the cabin as nothing happened and I’ll contact home base and we will go from there” Mathias said kissing Katherine’s forehead, she let out a breath and simply nodded. They made their way to the boat and back home. Katherine helped Mathias unload everything in it and they went inside. Mathias went back to his boat one more time then came in with a SAT phone. Katherine let him talk on it as she busied herself in the kitchen making tea. She needed to do something to calm her nerves, her hands were freezing and clammy despite the heat outside.

When she heard Mathias raise his voice she almost dropped the kettle. Mathias angrily hung up the phone and stood, she watched him walk over to her and he simply stood there looking at her. The anger having not left his face, and she had a good feeling as to why.

“They want me to meet him don’t they?” Katherine asked putting the kettle on the stove. Mathias let out a sigh and his shoulders relaxed slightly as he nodded looking away. Katherine shook her head running a hand through her hair.

“Well, if he wanted to kill me he could have. So I don’t think he will hurt me…” She sighed thinking out loud. Mathias smiled half-heartedly “Funny, my boss said the same thing” Mathias murmured. He took Katherine’s hand in his and she let out another breath closing her eyes as he pulled her against him.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” He said, wrapping his arms around her. “I know” she replied and looked up at his face, caressing it.

“But it’s not me I’m worried about,” she said quietly and Mathias chuckled, kissing her curtly. They stood in each other’s arms a moment longer and Katherine sighed.

“Let’s just...get this over with,” Katherine said and Mathias nodded, he made another call to let his superiors know to have backup ready.

Ju Long told her to meet on a small remote island not far from theirs, but just barely over the edge of international waters. As Mathias explained the plan to Katherine a second time on the boat, she watched the small shore appear.

“You stall, you stall him as long as possible for us to get in position. Once he realizes he’s cornered he will lash out and I need you to be ready when that happens. I need you to be on high alert Kat” Mathias said turning off the engines and dropping the anchor. The island was mainly a mountain in the middle of the sea, she could see a glasshouse at the top.

“Yes...Oh, man.” Katherine felt ill. She was nervous, nauseous, and scared. She didn’t know what Ju Long wanted from her, aside from vengeance for selling him out. Mathias watched her eyes glaze over as she clenched her hands staring at the glasshouse.

“Kat,” he said quietly, drawing her attention. “You’ll be fine” he murmured and she nodded. Mathias loaded her into a small boat and she rowed herself to shore. She walked along the beach looking for a way up to the house, the sun had begun to set making it difficult to see as she stood in the shadow of the mountain. Katherine saw a light coming from a cave up ahead and when she looked down she saw armed men standing by a door. Katherine took a deep breath and fixed her blue sundress and her hair as she walked down the pathway to the door. One of the armed men stopped her and patted her down without a word, rather roughly. They were dressed in suits and she could see their earpieces. One of them said something into his earpiece in mandarin and the door opened.

“Straight up the stairs,” he said before pushing her inside. Katherine stumbled in through the door. Everything in there was white, white floor, white walls. The furniture was dark and modern, abstract paintings on the walls offered splashes of color here and there. All the walls were glass she could see into almost every room.

She saw him, he stood out on the balcony, overlooking the ocean. She could see Mathias’s boat speeding off in the distance. Classical music placed quietly in the distance, Claire du lune, she recognized it.

Katherine walked into the room but couldn’t bring herself to go any further. Her heart pounded in her chest at Ju Long’s silhouette. Her breath came heavy and quick as she gripped the fabric of her dress.

Ju Long turned slowly his hair loose around his shoulders, blowing in the evening breeze. He was barefoot and wore white pants and a loose-fitting white cotton shirt that was unbuttoned revealing his chest tattoo that Katherine saw was a dragon, she recalled it had been incomplete the last time she saw it. A detail she had forgotten, a detail she wished she never knew.

He looked as anxious as she had felt, Katherine was then struck with confusion. Why did Ju Long look like he’d seen a ghost? He walked up to her briskly and threw his arms around her.

“I thought you were dead” he breathed crushing her. This was not what Katherine was expecting, her arms hung at her sides as she stood, stunned in his arms.

“I thought he killed you, he said he killed you, then he sold me out. That old fuck. After I gave him my life.” Ju Long went on, now Katherine’s brow furrowed and she pulled away.

“What...what are you talking about? Why would I be…? I’m in witness protection, I-I’m” she stammered as he watched her try to speak with equal confusion. “I’m hiding from you, they said you were trying to kill me” she admitted and Ju long stepped away and cursed.

“Why would I want to kill you!? After all the trouble I went through to keep you alive. You know I watched you for months, I caught at least two mercenaries before they got to you!” Ju Long shouted.

“M-months? I don’t understand” Katherine stammered staying planted in place. Ju Long sighed running a hand through his hair.

“Back in the city, the Shoe factory. My father wanted it but you got it. So he tried to buy it from you and you told him to stuff it.” He began

“Yeah, I said that to a lot of people, I’ve had my eye on that building for years. Why didn’t he buy it when it became available then? Why did he wait until I bought it!” Katherine snapped distracted, it was like her mind was grabbing onto anything that would take her from the current situation. Ju Long smiled. “There she is, anyways- I don’t know what goes through his head. When he realized that conventional ways weren’t going to get him the building he resorted to....alternative methods” Julong took Katherine’s arm bringing her to a table on the balcony and sat her at it.

“His first instinct was to have me killed?” she snapped in disbelief. Ju Long shook his head “No he tried having it condemned he tried less drastic actions first but you fought him at every turn” Ju Long smiled then added, “I helped, although he didn’t know that”.

Katherine had recalled the hell she had gone through to keep that building. Aside from the price of it skyrocketing almost emptying her pockets then suddenly dropping, from the threat of condemnation to a lawsuit. Everything that could go wrong almost did.

“That was him? Jesus” She sighed leaning back into the white wooden chair as Ju Long poured a glass of red wine.

“I admired you and so I kept a close eye on you and then, sure enough, I found you online and then asked you out...one of my men let it slip that I had been helping you, my Dad lost it and here we are...when you disappeared I had thought the worst.” Ju Long admitted reaching across the table and taking Katherine’s hand. 

“I’m sorry Kat, I never wanted you to get pulled into his shit. I don’t even want to be part of his shit. I managed to start a legitimate business but my father is traditional. Expects me to ‘take over the family business’” Julong scowled, then let his face relax. Katherine sat there perplexed. “Okay, so you didn’t kill that man that day?” she asked suddenly. Ju Long shook his head and she let out a sigh “Not in cold blood, he was trying to kill us. I got a pretty nasty scar from him actually. 20 stitches” Ju Long said and lifted his shirt to show a long jagged and angry-looking scar on his lower abdomen.  Katherine remained perplexed, so he wasn’t a thug and killer, he didn’t want her dead and she wasn’t even the reason they went after him in Barbados. Something wasn’t right, this was all just too easy, he was too calm.

“I told the police about you, I told them everything. They know I’m here” Katherine said suddenly and Ju Long sighed nodding his head.

“I know Kat...I know” and Ju Long stood walking in front of Katherine and pulling her to him.

“Aren’t you curious as to how I found you so easily?” he smiled faintly, kissing her softly. She nodded afraid to speak.

“I’ve been trying to bring my father down for the past three years. But he’s like mildew, once it seeps into something you can’t quite seem to get it out” he whispered. Stroking her face, Katherine heard other people entered and turned to see his men dragging in a bloodied Mathias.

“Mathias!” Katherine gasped and tried to go to him but Ju Long stopped her.

“Katherine Chanterie, meet Mathias Demarco, my father's man. He was ordered to find me then kill us both. He left me the most perfect little trail of breadcrumbs to make sure I found you. I have to say, Mathias, you’re a professional” Ju Long spat and Katherine froze. Mathias avoided their gaze, his eyes remained facing the floor.

“No, Ju Long you’re wrong. You have to be” Katherine murmured and Ju long let out a sigh letting her go and staring at her.

“I’m never wrong. You’re lucky I’m not an idiot. You really think a gang wouldn’t have people in the police. I told you to trust me Kat” Ju Long snapped and Katherine simply stared at Mathias. He was going to kill her? Mathias was? The same Mathias that loved Rosa’s cooking and helped Paulo. The same Mathias that had shown her nothing but love the past couple of weeks.

Katherine sank to her knees and Ju Long watched her just sit there and cry. He had a sneaking suspicion that something had happened between them and now he knew for certain. This cretin Mathias had touched his woman, now he was going to die. 

Ju Long shouted something to one of his men in mandarine stepping in front of Mathias. The man took the gun from his belt and handed it to Ju long who pointed it at Mathias.

“Ju Long!” Katherine exclaimed, she scrambled in front of the gun. “No please don’t” she sobbed. Even with everything that had happened and everything he had told her she couldn’t just watch Mathias die, she couldn’t be the reason he died.

“He wouldn’t have spared you, Katherine, he would have killed you as soon as he got to me. You must know that” Ju Long snapped and Katherine held onto the gun. “But he didn’t kill me, he didn’t. You told me you would never kill in cold blood. So what are you doing now huh? He can’t touch us now. He can’t touch us” she said tears streaming down her face. Ju Long studied her then took a breath, he lowered the gun and handed it back to his security guard. Ju long pulled Katherine to her feet and put his arms around her as she cried into his chest.

“Get that fucking ass hole out of here. Throw him into the ocean, let him swim back to his cabin” Ju Long spat and Katherine turned to see Mathias being dragged out, he caught her eye once more. What she saw there made her soul weep. It was guilt, intense and honest guilt. But she knew it wasn’t because of the accusations them down his way. Mat had failed, he had failed at the singular task assigned to him. Ju Long carried her over to the sofa and sat down with her on his lap letting her cry silently on him.

“I can’t believe the lengths my father would go to. Enough is enough, I’m done playing his games” Ju Long murmured after a long terse moment of silence. Katherine said nothing but lay against him, numb.

“No more running” Ju long whispered, then buried his face in Katherine’s neck, closing his eyes. She gripped the fabric of his shirt, staring out the glasshouse to the darkening skyline. There was a storm coming.

TBC....?