Sweet Peril (The Sweet Trilogy #2)(82)

“I don’t know. I feel weird.” I wrapped my arms around myself and looked out at the island for the first time. Beside the dock was an untouched beach, wild and uninhabited. I wanted to explore and appreciate this experience, but a sense of dread had settled into me after the call from Dad.

“Is it—” He stopped himself, nodding at the cabin where Zania lay.

“Partly,” I admitted. Seeing her so sick, mentally and physically, was upsetting. I didn’t want her to feel abandoned when I returned to Georgia. I wished she could come live with Patti and me, but that would be far too dangerous for all of us. “It’s probably just knowing the Dukes are in California, even though I know we’re far from them.”

“Leave off the worries and enjoy the island.”

I sighed, going up on my toes to kiss his lips. I loved how a lingering peck could cause him to close his eyes and get that dreamy look of desire on his face.

“You boys go play,” I told him. “I need to take a walk and clear my head. Go on.” I poked his muscled abs, and he grabbed my hand, kissing my fingertip.

“I’ll be listening for you, so call out if you need anything.”

We kissed again and he ran off. I checked Zania one last time. My hopes lifted when I saw she’d eaten a cracker and drunk a little water. She was in a deep sleep now. I tiptoed out, feeling better about exploring the mountainous terrain.

The island held a prehistoric beauty virtually untouched by man. The “beach” was a thin strip of murky sand and rocks, crowded by a jumble of plant life. Different types of seabirds were everywhere, ruling the fragile ecosystem. At the end of the dock was a trail leading into the trees, which I assumed led to the house I could see built above on the cliffside.

I didn’t want to take the chance of getting lost in the forest, so I decided to walk along the water instead.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been walking, but it came as no surprise to me when I happened upon Kopano, sitting on a rock. His jeans were rolled up and small waves splashed his bare feet. My heart beat a little faster when our eyes met and he patted the rock next to him. I climbed up and sat cross-legged, not certain what to say. I didn’t want to upset Kaidan by having a moment with Kope, but he was my friend. I considered talking to Kope in sign, but I didn’t want any secrets between Kaidan and me. He said he trusted me, and I had nothing to hide.

“How are you?” I asked Kope.

“I am well. As are you, I see. I am . . . glad for your happiness. For too long you were sad.”

We sat quietly looking out at the ocean, rough from constant blasts of sea wind.

“Kaidan said you were awesome in Syria.”

Kope looked down at his feet.

“Those men spoke the language of money, and they were glad to be rid of her. But I was angry when I saw the prison’s conditions. She was beaten and unclothed. She—”

He stopped abruptly and shook his head, breathing out through his nose to calm himself. I tried to imagine how frightening Kope must have looked at that moment in Syria as he attempted to contain his wrath over Zania’s treatment. Those men couldn’t have known why Kope seemed so fierce, but they would have known not to cross him.

“Thank you,” I told him. “For everything.”

He looked at me and I hoped he could see how much I valued him—that I couldn’t have made those trips without him. And that I wanted so much for him to be happy.

He nodded. “You are welcome, Anna. For everything.”

“Do you think Z’s going to be okay?” I whispered.

He paused, looking back out at the water. “I believe if she fights for her life half as hard as she fought Kaidan and me, she will thrive.” He grinned to himself.

Then he tilted his head, listening. “She is stirring,” he whispered.

“I’ll go to her.” I hopped down from the rock and squeezed his arm before beginning the journey back to the boat. I peeked over my shoulder to wave at Kope, but he was already staring at the sea again.

Zania stood out on the boat with her arms wrapped around herself. I was happy to see her up and about, even if she did look pale and stooped.

“How’re you feeling?” I asked.

“Hungry.”

My face lit up with excitement and I clapped my hands. “Let’s raid the kitchen!”

She followed me down to the tiny galley. There wasn’t much of a selection, so I made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, piling a plate high for all of us.

Zania ate quickly, then downed a bottle of soda. I could see on her face the moment she felt ill.

“Lie down,” I told her, leading her to the bed. She curled up and moaned. After days with an upset, empty stomach, the food and drink had been too much, too fast. I hoped she could keep it down.

The three others returned, so I brought the plate of sandwiches and drinks up to them. Kaidan and Blake were both shirtless with wet hair, wearing shorts. I stole glances at Kaidan’s bare skin while the others were busy talking. That’s my boyfriend right there, I silently announced. He caught me once and waggled an eyebrow. I looked away with a smile.

Everyone quieted and nodded respectfully at Zania when she came up. She dropped her gaze, but stood tall, moving to my side and taking my hand. Glimpses of her regal nature were returning. When the guys finished eating, all three of them got off the boat together. They came out of the boathouse with three kayaks and went straight into the water. For some reason I was surprised to see that Kope had his shirt off, too. He was the broadest of the three. I was glad to see him hanging out with them. He wasn’t as vocal as the other two, but he laughed when Blake splashed him with a paddle. When they were farther out, Zania raised her hands and signed to me, He is different from other men. Kopano.