Four of Hearts by Roz Lee Page B

island on Friday, along with the catering supplies needed to feed a couple thousand passengers for the shore day. She could have asked one of the parasailing boats to take her around the island to Candace and Ryan’s house, but the walk was short, if you knew where you were going. She’d made the trek many times, and welcomed the few minutes of solitude. She and Richard maintained a similar home on their own island, but with construction on the resort on the other side of their slice of paradise, peace and quiet were a thing of the past. A week alone with Candace was just what she needed, especially with Richard behaving like a cave man.
    Candace greeted her with a cup of tea and homemade scones served on the lanai. “Where’s Ryan?”
    “He went for his morning run. He got a late start today, but he should be back soon.”
    “I can’t imagine what would detain Ryan so early in the morning,” Fallon teased.
    Candace blushed. God, she was cute when she was flustered. “Well, I’m not telling.”
    “Richard was refereeing another Drew vs. Bree fight when I left. He would have been stuck to me like glue otherwise.” Fallon closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. “It feels so good to be here. Richard has been a barnacle on my backside the last two weeks. I love him, but there might be such a thing as too much togetherness.”
    “Richard, too?” Candace asked. “Ryan has been the same way. We had a good talk about it, and he’s better, I think. At least he went for a run today. He hasn’t done that since the last time we were on the ship.”
    “Any idea what’s up with them?”
    “I think our partner exchange freaked Ryan out. He was afraid he was going to lose me, or something. I’m not entirely sure, but I made it clear I wasn’t going anywhere. It seems to have helped.”
    “That could be what’s bugging Richard, but I don’t think so. I wear his collar for heaven’s sake. Where does he think I’d go?” She fingered the gold band around her neck. Every time she touched it she remembered her bond with Richard. The collar, more than her wedding band, symbolized what he meant to her.
    “Beats me. Men are unfathomable creatures.”
    “No we’re not,” Ryan said from the door. He placed a long, slow kiss on Candace’s lips. “Did you miss me?”
    “Only a little,” Candace teased.
    Ryan turned to Fallon. “Good morning, Fallon.” He placed a kiss on her cheek. A tingle of awareness ran through her at his touch. Was it her imagination, or did his lips linger a fraction longer than was customary? Before she could decide, he moved to Candace’s side and pulled a chair close, winding his fingers with hers. “Where’s your unfathomable creature?”
    The women shared an understanding look as Fallon explained about Drew and Bree’s latest altercation. “I’m sure Richard will be here as soon as he figures out I left the ship.”
    “His loss is our gain.”
    “She’s not lost, she’s mine.” Richard loomed large in the doorway. His voice gave way his displeasure at her leaving the ship without him. “I told you to wait for me.”
    What was there to say to that? She knew he’d expected her to wait, and she’d chosen not to. “As you can see, I made it just fine, all on my own. I’m not six. I don’t need a babysitter.”
    Richard’s eyes met hers. There was something primal in the way his gaze raked over her. A shimmer of awareness shot through her.
    “You need a spanking. Stand up, Fallon.”
    An invisible current charged the air around them. Time slowed. Her fingers found the collar around her neck and she knew she would obey, even before she pushed her chair back and stood.
    “Over here.” Richard pointed to a spot in front of him. Fallon’s heart raced. “Drop your shorts and bend over.”
    Oh God. Her ass would be displayed for Ryan and Candace. Her pussy flooded at the thought of what was about to happen. Would Ryan and Candace join them? She stifled a groan as her