Winters Rising Read online

  “Why did you open the door?” Jax grumbled, and the woman’s smirk rose. He rolled his eyes, not enjoying their journey nor this woman checking out the goods.

  “She’s not finished with me.” Jax slammed the door shut.

  “Did you hear that? I’m the captain. Not you. Me. I sort of love Gabrielle right now.”

  “That makes one of us.” He pulled his arm from her shoulder to grasp her hand. “Ready?”

  No!

  Could she make someone walk the plank first? Could she walk the plank just for fun?

  But then she looked at Jax’s green complexion and relented.

  “Yes.” She heard the pout in her answer.

  They landed back in the Winters library. Brea barely registered the room as an excruciating pain tore through her body. Her bones felt like they were being crushed and her skin was being torn apart. Unable to hold herself upright, she fell to her knees, her nails digging into the hardwood floor.

  A scuffling ensued behind her, and she felt Jax’s arms go around her and another person’s hand touch her shoulder. All the pain left her body, leaving her gasping for air. She dropped to her elbows, her hot head coming to rest on the cold floor. Before she could steady her breaths, Jax lifted her, searching her eyes.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “I’m fine.” It was hardly a whisper, and then she began to lighten at the thrill of the rip. “That was so worth it.” She pushed out a soft laugh.

  Jax kissed her forehead and pulled her onto his lap.

  “That was fast,” Gabrielle said.

  Jax looked up at her. “You made me a pirate bitch,” he said.

  Gabrielle smiled proudly. “I did my homework. I love history,” she whispered the end to Brea, but loud enough so Jax could hear. “You were Brea’s pirate bitch. There was some good history there.”

  “On a boat.”

  “You have to get past your sea sickness. You were married to Anne Bonny, in the mid sixteenth century. What are you complaining about?”

  “The boat.”

  “I loved it.” Brea pulled away from Jax, but remained seated on his lap. “It was incredible. The boat, the clothes, the history, and I saw a real pirate lady.”

  “See. Brea gets it,” Gabrielle said.

  “I was disappointed I didn’t get to see anyone walk the plank,” Brea said.

  “They actually didn’t walk the plank,” Gabrielle said. “That was created by−”

  “Can I interrupt and ask what the hell you three are doing?” Declan’s voice came from behind Brea. She hadn’t sensed his presence, but then remembered the healing touch on her shoulder.

  Jax stood and helped Brea to her feet, giving her a look that made her think Declan was going to be as difficult as Victor.

  “I got rushed down here.”

  “Because I knew Captain Jax was going to have a sea sickness fit, but it was so worth it.”

  Jax glared.

  Gabrielle rolled her eyes.

  “So worth it,” Brea mouthed to Gabrielle and was rewarded with a grin, before growing serious for her brothers.

  “They’re going on an early honeymoon, Declan. It’s romantic. Don’t even start your stuffy, too good, follow the rules, attitude. It’s too early for that.” Gabrielle looked at Jax and said, “You would have eventually ended up on an island.”

  “Are you sure about that?” Jax asked.

  “No. Not really, but maybe.” Gabrielle gave him a smile that Brea knew she’d used to get herself out of hot water on more than one occasion.

  “Just send us to the island,” Jax said.

  “An island?” Brea couldn’t hide her excitement. “What kind of island?” Brea gasped. “Can you vision the Bermuda triangle and go there?”

  “Do not send us to the Bermuda triangle,” Jax said.

  “How about we go have breakfast like normal people?” Declan suggested.

  “We’re not normal,” Gabrielle snapped. “You stop interrupting. We both know our soulmates, while Jax and Brea haven’t gotten to know each other. So hush-hush and zip the lip.” She turned back to Brea and Jax. “Okay, I got one. Ready?”

  “No boats,” Jax growled.

  “Isn’t big bad sea sick Jax adorable?” Gabrielle nudged Brea.

  Chapter Twelve

  GABRIELLE’S SECOND CHOICE proved perfect. They landed on the beach of a deserted island...unfortunately dressed this time and without Brea straddling Jax. Although obviously disappointed, Brea couldn’t possibly find any negatives in their spot.

  “This is gorgeous!” She let go of his hand, her mouth gaping open at the sandy shores spanning for endless miles in both directions. Exotic trees blew in the wind behind them with moss and brush spilling over bedrock.

  “Where are we?” Brea asked in amazement.

  Jax barely opened his mouth before Brea pulled off her shirt, revealing a black lace bra underneath. He swallowed hard as she tossed the shirt at him. It landed at his feet and his eyes stared down at it, confused.

  “Let’s go swimming,” she shouted, drawing his attention back to her. “I’ve never been to the ocean before.” Her shorts came off next, falling to the soft, golden sand. She discarded her sandals along the way.

  Jax didn’t move. He stood mesmerized, watching Brea dip her bare toes in the clear bluish and greenish shades of the water, the black of her bra and panties a bold statement against her fair skin, proof she wasn’t a regular beach goer.

  She glanced over her shoulder at him, pushing away stray blonde locks blowing across her energized face. “Are you coming?” she asked. “I promise not to flog you.” Her laughter chased her as she dove waist-deep into the ocean.

  This was exactly what they needed. Time spent alone together.

  Jax stripped down to his briefs and dove into the warm, transparent water after her.

  Had he known earlier that time alone with Brea would solidify their relationship, he would have taken her away the evening after their vows. He hoped today she would let him into her life, into her soul and would help her look forward to a future together.

  AFTER THEY FINISHED their swim, they walked hand-in-hand along the shoreline, savoring the blue sea whooshing up the soft sandy beach. They decided to venture into the tropical woods.

  Jax would have led the way, scoping out the surroundings first, if he hadn’t spent family holidays on this exact island, and knew there was no danger in the woods, or lurking around corners. He and his siblings had spent long, scorching hot days exploring everything here from the coral reefs to the coconut trees. They’d even mastered climbing them.

  There were certain places and eras documented for Gatekeepers to visit without the worry of changing the future. This one was his favorite.

  The intense floral smells welcomed them into the humidity of the jungle. As they made their own path through the lush tropical greenery, Jax knew they would soon land upon the tropical waterfall huddled in an amazing verdure of extraordinary merging colors. Hidden beyond the waterfalls lay a little hut. A straw construction that held a few spare towels and their gateway home.

  Brea stopped at a boulder and climbed on top. Crossing her legs, she sat down and lifted her head to look out over the tops of the blossoming trees. “You came here when you were little?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Jax said, climbing onto a rock across from Brea and resting each foot on her rock.

  “I bet Declan and Gabrielle got into some serious trouble here.” Her mischievous, know-it-all grin made him wonder what she’d heard about him and who she’d heard it from.

  “Maybe...”

  She laughed. “Eve told me everything.”

  Jax chuckled, not surprised it had been his grandmother to be the first to welcome Brea. He kicked himself now for not making the time himself. Giving Brea space had been the worst decision for her adjustment.

  Jax shifted. “I sure hope not everything.”

  A sweet sigh left her lips as she stretched back on the rock, using
her hands to prop herself up. “Tell me something about you.”

  “I’m sure my grandmother told you plenty.”

  “Tell me something she doesn’t know.”

  Jax furrowed his brows together. “Like what? What color my briefs are?”

  “No. I already know the answer to that. Dark gray. Every pair of briefs you own are the same color. It’s odd. Why that color? Why not black or white? What makes you want dark gray?”

  Jax let a rumble of laughter escape him. “It might scare you away,” he teased.

  “I don’t scare easily.”

  He had learned that about her.

  He leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “Are you ready?”

  Brea scooted closer to him, resting her feet on his rock, between his legs. “Yes.”

  “You might regret finding out the answer.”

  Her face lit up with anticipation.

  “I walked into the men’s department...”

  “Yes?”

  “And there were these big red and white signs indicating a sale on...dark gray briefs. So, I stocked up.”

  Brea’s nose crinkled together as she considered his answer. “So...” She smiled. “My rich, billionaire husband is stingy? Is that what you’re saying? The next time I need new undies, we’ll have to buy the ones on the ninety-nine cent rack?”

  Jax laughed at the sense of humor he didn’t know she had. “I’m thrifty.”

  “Who would have thought?”

  “I’m still curious how you know all my briefs are dark gray?”

  “I’ve been in your bedroom for three days. I know every last inch of it and your wing, likely better than I know you.” Her teeth caught her lower lip, taking her spirit away. “Except your office. You always lock the door before you leave.”

  Jax rubbed her knees, hoping his answer wouldn’t hurt or anger her. “I didn’t know you,” he said, softly.

  Brea forced a smile, but looked away, tearing his heart in half.

  “Brea...”

  She waved a hand at him. “It’s okay. It’s not a big deal. I mean, surely the things you keep in your office, I wouldn’t understand anyway.” He could sense her hurt, but he had no more to offer.

  “I want to show you something.” He held his hand out to her. “It’s one of my favorite places on the island. Don’t you hear it?”

  She listened, her eyes staring off in the distance. Suddenly, her gorgeous gems lit and flew back to him. “What is it?”

  He glanced at his hand. When she laced her fingers in his, he kissed the top of her head. “No more secrets or hiding things between us. I promise. We’re a team and what’s mine is yours. Okay?”

  Her smile faltered, but she caught it. “It’s not that easy for me...”

  “Can we agree to try?”

  Her nod prompted him to tug her hand and pull her onto his rock and onto his lap. Jax softly kissed her salty lips. “Ready to see something amazing?”

  Brea nodded. She had no idea how amazing he thought she was.

  THE WATERFALL TOOK her breath away. Amazing didn’t begin to define the beauty of the silky water gushing down the path, breaking into an incredible mist at the rocky base which washed into a clear pool of water.

  “It’s magnificent.” She looked at Jax, and found him stripped down to his gray briefs, preparing to jump in. “Is it safe?” she asked.

  “Can you swim?” he asked, sounding more teasing than serious, but still they were only beginning to get to know each other.

  She dropped her shorts. She would never tire of being almost naked with him. She had the feeling she would never tire of him.

  Jax waited for her at the edge of the water, promising her more than she’d ever let herself imagine a future with him could be. She hesitated for a moment, still aware of his blindness regarding the difficulties of being a Second. Guilt swamped her for reveling in the benefits of marrying a Gatekeeper.

  Jax had a sweet spot for her, something she hadn’t believed until now. She should count her blessings on finding such a good man. She’d known some Seconds who had not been so lucky.

  She couldn’t forget the children being raised to believe their lack of worth. If Brea accepted her new life and didn’t confront council, she would be allowing Jax’s lifestyle to alter her beliefs...and her beliefs were all that was hers. She couldn’t stand down when no one else stood up for Seconds.

  But there was nothing Brea could do about council today. Not right now anyway. Right now, the two of them were on a deserted tropical island and she would leave the worries of home at home.

  Jax’s green eyes grew a shade darker as they combed over every exposed area of her skin. His eyes did something inside her to make her forget about her struggles and she found herself thankful Jax hadn’t awakened this morning the barbaric Gatekeeper she’d been expecting. The horrific Gatekeeper stories she’d heard would make most people ill. Jax didn’t seem to be that kind of Gatekeeper. But he had pinned his own father against a wall when his wife had been threatened.

  Today, it’s just us.

  Brea slowly pushed her panties down her thighs and stepped out of them. Then she slipped slowly out of her bra. Jax’s eyes watched every movement. She stood confident in front of him. How could she feel embarrassed or awkward when he stared at her with such desire?

  “How deep is this?” she asked, stopping beside him and looking into the green-clouded water. It wasn’t the same crystal clear sea water where they’d watched fish swimming. “Can I dive?”

  He swallowed hard and his adam’s apple bobbed as he nodded.

  “Good.” Brea traced her fingers down his chest, over his abs, and slipped them under his briefs, loving the feel of him, and wanting more. “I think you might get lucky if you lose the briefs.” Her husky voice surprised her. She could have just as easily reclined on the bedrock encasing the pool of water and made love to him, but she was hot...and not just for him.

  Brea dove into the refreshing water, washing away the remnants of their blistering hot morning hike. Surfacing, she found Jax not far from her. His fingers ran through his wet hair, droplets of water rolling down his face, over his lips and down his throat. Gorgeous.

  “Have you ever brought another woman here?” Brea asked, treading closer to him.

  “Never. I’ve never time traveled with another woman. Except Gabrielle, but I’m sure that’s not what you mean.” He swam closer to her, stopping when there was less than a foot between them.

  “This is beautiful. Thank you for bringing me here.”

  “You’re beautiful,” he said.

  Brea couldn’t keep her smile at bay. “You’re not what I expected,” she said, truthfully.

  “I don’t think you gave me very high standards to compare to.”

  “What did you think I was going to be like?” she asked.

  His smirk made it difficult to keep her distance and wait for his answer. “You already know my family are the only Gatekeepers in our division, and there are several Seconds that live in the community and the outskirts. My parents are known for throwing massively elegant parties for all statuses. In doing so, I’ve grown up with Seconds, and to be honest, and hopefully not insulting to you, but comparing you to the women I have come across, I figured you would be a gate-worshipper.”

  Her jaw dropped.

  He winced.

  “You wanted me to worship you?”

  “You asked me what I thought you were going to be like, not what I wanted you to be like.”

  If she’d been on land, she would have crossed her arms over her chest in an infuriating stance. Instead, she relied on her glare to convey to him how unimpressed she was.

  “It’s refreshing that you don’t worship me. Everything about you has been a breath of fresh air. As much as my family dislikes it, I admire your independence and strength. I will always be there for you, but at least I know, even if I wasn’t, that you can take care of yourself...” He let the end drag out, re-surfacing the wo
rries Eve had brought forward.

  “You’re just trying to get laid,” Brea tried to tease, but unease stole the playfulness away. “Eve warned me about the dangers of your job. She warned me about our children’s destiny and even about our first born grandchildren. Like Gabrielle. How did she survive if she was stabbed?”

  “Because she didn’t die in that rip. Had the wound killed her, she wouldn’t have made it home.”

  “There is danger in every generation you and I produce.”

  Jax closed in the distance between them and found her hand under the water. “And goodness,” he said. “If we didn’t fix the greed of others, our world would be run by insatiable people who hadn’t earned their spot, simply taking what wasn’t theirs. We might not bring world peace, but we keep the balance of time precise.”

  Brea looped her arms around Jax’s shoulder, keeping a suitable distance from the side of his neck. Her breasts pushed against his chest, making her want to kiss him. Instead she said, “You should tell that to the Seconds that worship you. To all Seconds. With your perspective, sincerity, and faith, you would change so many soured views...”

  “Did I change yours?”

  “You’ve changed my outlook on why you do what you do.”

  “That sounds like a play of words to keep yourself from telling me something.”

  He knew her better than she thought.

  Brea wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling his lower body reacting to their closeness. “Do you want to keep talking?”

  His sharp intake of air was all Brea needed to hear. She kissed him. He shifted her and she felt them moving, but her mouth was too occupied ravaging his. He tasted like her own personal flavored salt water taffy and she didn’t want to share.

  Brea felt his feet touch the floor of the pond, slowly lifting her body out of the water. The crashing waterfall grew louder. Then she felt her rear-end touch rock.

  As she sat, Brea pulled away from Jax, and his lips moved down her throat. Her body curved for him. Water crashed down her back, and over her shoulders, splashing against Jax who was making his way to her breasts, simply unaware of the cascading water. A moan escaped her as he cupped her breasts and her head fell back feeling the waterfall directly behind them.