Shattered: A Black Diamond Novel, page 8
Cal wipes his forehead at the same time. “Bloody hell. This was not in the forecast.”
There’s a bright flash of light, and the boom is louder this time, making me jump.
The rain suddenly starts, coming down in thick, relentless sheets.
“Oh, fuck! Shit!” I yell over the surprise torrential downpour. It never rains in L.A., so I’m not used to this!
“What if there’s a flash flood?! Oh, God! I can’t even climb trees! I never learned! I’m screwed, Cal! I won’t be able to make it to higher ground. I’m going to die!” I’m hyperventilating now, choking on the rainwater as I heave giant breaths.
“Mother Nature’s trying to drown me!” I cry between hacking coughs.
Cal calmly slips something around my shoulders and pulls it over my head. The water sluicing down my face stops, and I rub my eyes, sputtering out a pathetic thanks.
Cal grabs my hand, tugging me after him. He has on the same plastic poncho, and thank you, Jesus, this man is always prepared.
“Follow me! Hurry!” I barely hear him as his strong hand grips mine tightly so we don’t slip apart. The jolt of lust that shoots to my cock has unfortunate timing. I stumble slightly, and Cal slows down, grabbing the back of my elbow to steady me.
“Where are we going?!” I shout. I’m not to be trusted with directions, but I’m pretty sure we should have turned back around and raced for the golf cart.
“I know a secret,” his wet lips murmur directly into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “Just trust me.”
He pulls back, peering down at me through the rain. This moment feels substantial as I place my hand in his again, trusting this man to take me wherever he says we need to go.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Callum
I feel like a vivacious teenager again, instead of someone two decades older and five times as jaded, pulling Jett through the pouring rain to a secret hideaway. My smile is easy and relaxed, even though we’re getting absolutely drenched. I haven’t been this carefree in a long while, and I realize it’s because I’m with Jett. I push the slightly overwhelming thoughts aside and continue jogging along the trail to the waterfall.
Except we’re not going there today. I’ll take him another time, but not right now. Our Focus activity is a hidden spot no one, barring a select few, knows about. I planned ahead, and my personal concierge, Tai, stocked it with food and drink.
Tai knows my true identity and has signed an ironclad NDA. He also receives massive bonuses for his continued loyalty. He goes above and beyond, to say the least. Most of the staff have no idea who I am beyond understanding that anything Callum Ryan says, goes, and you don’t ask questions.
The rain’s getting heavier, and we’re still a mile from our destination. My hiking boots are drenched, and I’m taking a risk continuing our journey in this storm. Jett knows nothing about this island or its finicky weather. He looks to me to take the lead and show him the way.
The next moment proves my point as lightning strikes, hitting a tall palm tree not even fifty meters away!
I duck on instinct, the sparks flying high and lighting up the gray sky in brilliant flashes of color.
“Shit! Holy fucking shit!” Jett screams.
“I know a detour! Let’s go!” I shout back, tugging him along. His once-white sneakers are now a dark brown, and the poncho is plastered to his head and body like a second skin.
Before the waterfall, there’s a small cave tucked into the side of the mountain, and we can safely wait out the storm there.
“This way!” I yank Jett urgently, turning by the wonky coconut tree shaped like a—
“Hey! That tree looks just like a dick!” Jett howls with laughter, tipping his head back and choking on the rain again. I wrap my arm around his shoulders and steer him toward the hidden cavern.
“You saw it?” he sputters, pointlessly wiping his face with a wet palm. “Did you see it, Cal?”
“Yes! Now, hurry!” A bright flash of light illuminates the sky, followed by another ear-splitting boom.
“Fuck! Are we almost there? How much farther past the dick tree is it?”
“Not far past!” I shout back like his question is completely normal.
We enter a small clearing two minutes later, and I spy the dark hole in the mountain ahead.
“There it is!” Jett shouts, pointing through the downpour, and we both take off, running along the mountain toward our safe haven. I maneuver him in front of me just in case he takes another tumble. I’m prepared to scoop him up and run the distance if need be.
As soon as we’re in the darkness of the cavern, Jett peels his poncho off, then slips his bag over his head, laughing freely. “I’ve never seen lightning that close up. And I never fucking want to again. Jesus Christ, that was intense.” He shakes his head, water droplets flying everywhere as he continues to laugh with a beautiful, easygoing smile.
I stand here dripping wet, watching him run those nimble fingers along the rough cave wall, completely enthralled by his youth and captivated by his beauty. “And I’ve never been inside a real cave before,” he admits shyly, in complete awe of his surroundings.
“I suppose you’ve never been kissed inside one either?” The question slips out before my brain can process the request to halt. It doesn’t even bloody make any sense. This boy has my mind hazy and my thoughts jumbled. One minute I want to spank and fuck him, then the next, I want to protect and nurture him.
Jett spins around, palms plastered to the rock wall behind him, eyes wide with lust and maybe a little panic. “Oh. Um. No. Nope. Have not.”
He shakes his head rapidly, and my lip quirks at how adorable he is, soaking wet and slightly vulnerable.
I crowd him into the rock, hovering over his smaller frame and peering into his deep brown eyes.
“Would you like to be?” I whisper, brushing the wet strands off his forehead. I follow the curve of his face with my fingers until I get to his jaw and cup it gently.
Jett nods, and I slowly lean forward, giving him plenty of time to object. He doesn’t, so I gently press my lips to his, enjoying the feel of his plush mouth against mine. He’s putty in my hands, so I slip my tongue in, exploring him.
My hand slides down, gripping his throat but never squeezing too hard. Jett whimpers at the possessive touch and hungrily kisses me back. I’ve never felt so untamed around someone before, man or woman.
Intoxicated with power and passion, I let go of his throat and grab his wrists, pinning his arms above his head. I force him to arch for me, trailing hot kisses down his neck until I get to the tender spot where his shoulder connects. I bite and suck, tasting rainwater and salty skin. Tasting Jett. I desperately need more, so I know it’s time to pull away.
We’re both out of breath, panting heavily.
“Callum,” he whispers, eyes clouded with desire and something akin to admiration. His chest heaves, and he leans forward, searching for more, but a muddy cave in the middle of a near-monsoon isn’t the time.
I peer over my shoulder, noticing the rain and thunder have suddenly stopped. Unexpected storms and flash floods aren’t uncommon in French Polynesia.
“We should pick this up later. The sun’s out,” I observe casually, although possibly a little cold for having just devoured his kiss.
Hurt flashes across his features before that same stubborn, determined scowl takes over.
“Fine. Rain check. Sure. I get it. Whatever.” Jett slips under my arm and heads for the exit.
“Doll, wait.” Americans can be so bloody sensitive!
I grab his wrist, halting his movements, although he freezes at the mouth of the cave on his own.
Jett squints hard, and his face scrunches up adorably.
Sharp movement and pale flesh catch my eye as well. I whip my head around, peering into the small clearing outside the cave by the tree line.
We both stand there watching the show, fascinated by the sight before us. Luckily it distracts us from the kiss and Jett’s impending meltdown.
Two extremely fit and nearly naked young men wrestle in the mud by the trail marker that points to the waterfall. They don’t see us, but we have a clear view of them.
“If only I had popcorn. . .” Jett murmurs.
“Hmm.” I’m not sure how long I should allow this wrestling to go on. If they’re just horsing around or possibly even engaging in some sort of primal foreplay.
Black Diamond is a special place. It makes grown men do things they wouldn’t normally do. Like frolic in the rain. . . and mud wrestle in their underwear.
“Just submit, Jordan! Fucking hell, you stubborn twat!” one of them shouts. They both have dark hair and similar athletic physiques.
Jett sticks his head out further, holding a hand over his brow like a visor, and strains to look closer.
“Oh, holy shit! I swear to God, those are soccer players!” Jett whisper-shouts as he scurries out of the cave, nearly slipping on a mossy rock.
I grab his elbow, and he peers up at me, his dark eyes sparkling.
“Steady,” I murmur, and Jett damn near whimpers.
A loud shout diverts my attention, and I glance at the men in the mud.
“Who are they?” I ask, unable to recognize them, which isn’t a surprise. I don’t follow sports or watch TV. I live on an isolated island for the majority of the year. I only know the famous Jett Roman because I enjoy the cinema.
“I’m pretty sure that’s Theo Lewin and Jordan Emery,” he whispers more calmly.
“Theo and Jordan,” I repeat aloud, remembering the names of the boys Rory asked me to keep an eye on. His football players.
“Yeah! They play for one of the top football clubs in the UK. And they’re over there friggin’ mud wrestling! This is nuts and kinda hot. Right?”
My ears perk up at the names of Rory’s clients, and I ignore the fact that Jett is clearly aroused by what he sees.
Two out-of-control football players. This won’t do.
“Stay here,” I tell Jett.
“Okay,” he agrees too easily, clearly lying. He follows me not even thirty seconds later and, once again, slips on the moss.
I grumble under my breath but catch him.
Insufferable.
I’m fairly certain I’m about to have three brats to deal with.
Rory’s clients are in the mental health wing of Black Diamond, specifically for anger management, which they clearly don’t have under control at the moment.
Once we’re close enough, I call out to them. “The storm’s over, boys. Do carry on with today’s Focus activity.”
“Who the fuck are you? The activities police?” He’s got a mouth on him, this one. And a cocky smile.
Jett bursts out laughing at the disrespectful question. “Yeah, Cal. Are you the activity police? Island security, maybe? I wouldn’t be surprised, Jordan. The man wears many hats around here. I’m Jett Roman, by the way, and this grumpy old dude is Callum Ryan. And I already know who you both are! I’m a huge fan.”
I side-eye Jett, unamused. He’ll pay for that later. He has no idea.
“You both need to continue with your Focus,” I say dryly.
Jordan completely ignores me, and I grit my teeth at his insolence. Rory has to deal with this behavior professionally, which must be positively intolerable.
In the business world, if you don’t listen, you get fired. But when talent is involved, it’s an entirely different story.
“This is absolutely insane! I can’t believe it. We just saw your movie—that really sad one where you’re a rockstar and you die at the end? What’s it called?” He snaps his muddy fingers, thinking entirely too hard. “Oh, yeah! Destined for the Stars. Theo cried like a little baby!” Jordan laughs loudly and obnoxiously.
This boy with the big smile, smart mouth, and larger-than-life personality is the one to watch. Although I’m sure Rory already knows this.
“Jordan,” his friend says sternly, a slight warning in his tone.
“Theodore,” Jordan says mockingly, in an overly deep voice. The same sparkle that Jett gets shines brightly in his eyes.
Cheeky little bastard.
“You’ve got a bit of dirt, just there,” Jordan says sarcastically, motioning toward his cheek.
Theo makes no move to wipe his face. It would be pointless. They’re both covered.
“You didn’t get it. Here, let me.” Jordan quickly reaches for the other boy’s face, his hand full of mud.
“Don’t touch me, you wanker.”
Jordan doesn’t listen, smearing a handful of wet, sloppy mud on Theo’s head before he can duck away. It drips down his face and onto his lips.
Jett and Jordan burst out laughing at the exact same time. Theo lunges for his friend, taking him to the ground with a heavy thud. He straddles Jordan, pinning his arms above his head and leaning over him. He shakes his head like a wet dog and lets the mud fly all over his teammate, getting it into his mouth and making him sputter.
“Fine! You win!” Jordan calls out, but Theo ignores his plea. I yank him away, shoving him in the opposite direction.
“Enough, you two!” I shout.
Wait until I tell Rory about this.
“Are you not teammates? What is going on?”
I have to be an adult in this situation; it’s clear there needs to be one.
“Why are you both here? Why are you so angry? Why are you fighting in the jungle during a dangerous storm? I don’t need those answers. I just want you to think about them and maybe ask yourself later. See if you can let the people here help you.”
I turn to Jett. “That goes for you too, Mr. Roman.”
I get a massive eye roll from him. “I don’t need help, Mr. Ryan.”
“Exactly, mate! Neither do we,” Jordan says emphatically.
I ignore their ludicrous statements. Theo keeps his mouth shut, and I can sense the boy has slightly more reason than his teammate.
“Now, as I said earlier, continue on your way, boys. The waterfall is straight down this path. Follow the arrow, and don’t veer off again.”
I earn another eye roll, this time from one of the footballers.
“Fucking activities police, I’m positive,” the smartass mumbles, but they walk away toward the waterfall like I told them to.
“Catch you later, Jett!” he hollers.
I grab Jett’s hand, pulling him in the opposite direction before he can speak another word to them.
To my secret spot. To the cove.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jett
“Why are you such an uptight jerk? You were rude to them!”
“Me?” Cal chuckles. “It’s called being an adult, and I won’t apologize for that. Need I remind you that I am seventeen years your senior? Probably more for those two. They need discipline, and so do you.”
God. Why does he have to put it like that? And why does the thought of him disciplining me turn me on?
“I thought you didn’t work here, Cal? Why the hell would you care whether they’re following the rules or not?”
“You know my buddy from uni, Rory, the one who called the other day?”
“Yeah, I remember,” I say irritably, annoyed that I’m still soaking wet and reminiscing about my past friggin’ jealousy.
“He’s Jordan’s agent and my dear friend. Rory asked me to keep an eye on his boys while they’re here. He genuinely cares about them, and I recommended this place to help. I truly believe in Black Diamond’s special ability to aid people’s healing, and Rory believes in Theo and Jordan. To put it mildly, they don’t get along, and I couldn’t leave them to their own demise. Sometimes all one needs is to be steered back on track by a firm hand. You might do well to learn this, or I can teach you.”
Oh, dear Lord. Teach me with a firm hand and a firm cock, please. I’d get on my knees and beg for it, even.
“Whatever,” I grumble instead, easily masking my desire with attitude. “I’m on vacation. Not at rehab. Why do I have to keep reminding everyone?” I roll my eyes, and it must be an automatic response from my brain stem. A baser instinct. I literally have no control over it. “I hope Lawrence found out I’m not in rehab. Judgy asshole. I should learn Taekwondo, come back next year, and kick his friggin’ ass. I’d wear ninja gear so no one would know who did it.”
“You just told me. So, if that ever happens, Mr. Roman, I’d automatically know it was you.”
Gah!
“Whatever, Cal! You get my point!”
“Not sure I do.”
I step over a fallen branch. “Lawrence sucks, and no one would ever suspect me if I wanted to let him know how much!”
It’s a genius revenge plan. Swear to God.
“Hmm.” Cal is beyond closed off, and it’s so infuriating. I storm off, stomping down the swampy trail, my wet clothes clinging and my shoes completely ruined. It makes me even more grouchy.
After another twenty minutes of walking and bitching, the trees clear and showcase a breathtaking cliff and the open ocean beyond.
“Wow. This is amazing.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
I follow Cal, excited to see where he’s taking me. The sun is shining brightly, and my wet clothes are nearly dry, but I’m dying to get out of them. It’s friggin’ hot and ridiculously muggy after the rain.
Cal leads me to a small staircase built into the mountain, winding down the cliff side to the beach. Below us is the most gorgeous island paradise I have ever laid eyes on. The water is clear and shallow, lapping gently at the shore before turning turquoise and a deep blue further out. The white sand is unblemished save for two palapas and accompanying lounge furniture.
It’s mesmerizing up here looking out. I may actually gasp and clutch my chest, but I’m too distracted by the stunning scenery to notice or care. Add the fact that absolutely no one is here, and my dick is getting pretty excited too.
“This is one of my favorite secret spots on the entire island. The Cove,” Cal whispers into my ear from behind, and he makes it sound so damn sexy.
