This was where Cass felt at ease. The beach had always been her sanctuary, her place away from all the hustle and bustle of the city where she called home. Camping trips to Fraser were always greatly anticipated when she was growing up. It seemed natural to get a job on the island when she left school. At least it kept her busy while she waited for word on Hawk and his return from tours of duty.
Now she waited again. Waiting to hear what he had to say burned her gut. At least he was here with her now. If he was serious about a commitment between the two of them, she would bide her time. In the meantime, she’d make the most of having him to herself for the next two weeks, even if things didn’t work out the way she wanted them to.
Hawk reached out and gripped her hand in his, holding it on the gear knob. They were almost at the end of the island and still no sign of him turning up into a house. Soon they would be around the mainland side where the ferry came in.
“Nearly there.” He looked in the rear vision mirror and dropped her hand, spinning the wheel to the right. A barely discernible track led through a break in the sand dunes and Cass held her breath. She’d never thought this was the house Hawk was talking about.
“But, this is private property. No one is allowed in here.”
He smiled and raised his eyebrows at her, wiggling them as he did when he teased her. They followed the track in until a set of electric gates came into view. Thick plantings of palms and paper-bark trees afforded the home a certain amount of protection from prying eyes. The high black mesh fence surrounded the property as far as she could see. Hawk pressed a button on the sun visor and the electric gate opened to let the four-wheel-drive through before closing behind them.
“Hawk, what aren’t you telling me? I thought you were staying in one of the holiday rentals, not this place.” Cass looked out the window as they drove up the cobblestone driveway. Heavy foliage gave way, and she got her first look at the imposing house overlooking the ocean path they’d driven along. The two storey building was made from timber and stone with wrap around verandas on both levels and what she imagined would be never-ending views.
Hawk drove under the house, parked next to another four-wheel-drive and jumped out, walking around to her side. Cass looked at the motorbikes, boats and surf ski’s lined up.
“Who lives here?” She took his hand as he helped her out before taking her bag from the back.
“I do for the next two weeks. Come on, let me show you around.”
He took her hand and together they walked outside and up the staircase to the front door. Hawk punched in a code and pushed the large cedar and glass door open to show her the inside of the house. Timber polished floors stretched ahead for what seemed like forever. Cass stepped inside and looked around the open plan room. To the right, stood a lounge with cosy couches set around a large coffee table. A bright kitchen took up most of the centre of the room, sparkling white appliances mixed with glossy timber counter tops. The view from the cook’s station was of uninterrupted sea views that drew her closer.
“This is incredible. I wanted to see what this place was like but it’s always been off limits to the staff at the resort.” She smiled at him and ran a finger across the smooth polished surface in the kitchen. Hawk followed and opened the sliding glass doors to the veranda, pushing them open wide so the sea breeze filled the house.
“I love this place.” He leaned over the timber railing, a shadow crossing his face.
“Hawk.” Cass slid her arm around his waist. “What’s going on? It’s like you keep disappearing on me. One minute you’re the Hawk I know, and then sadness or uncertainty crosses your face and you’re someone different.”
“I’m sorry. I’ve just come back from a difficult mission and I probably should have taken some down time before I came looking for you, but to be honest, I wasn’t thinking clearly. I just had to see you.” He wrapped his arms around her body and pulled her close, resting his chin on her head.
“Want to talk about it?” His arms stiffened, and she groaned. “Sorry, forgot. How about we go for a walk and you show me this place. We can talk about what you’re allowed to tell me.”
Chapter 4
“I keep the country safe and some days that means taking lives.” His boss had been clear on the amount of information he could pass on to a civilian.
“You do what?” She stepped back, confusion on her face and her hand on her throat. Cass had always been the squeamish type, even in school. He’d had to save her many a time in science class when dissecting frogs and insects had been on the agenda. As she’d grown older, her fear of blood—anyone’s not just her own—had gotten worse.
“Exactly how do you achieve that?” Cass crossed her arms, and looked out to sea the breeze blowing her hair back.
“By whatever force I decide necessary at the time to protect my men and get the job done.” He stood behind Cass, chin resting on her head and his arms wrapped around her. The problem was he wanted too much, and refused to choose between the two most important things
