Read Online Her Wild Protector (Paranormal Romance) by Naomi Bellina - Free Book Online

beautiful and there were so many things to see and do. It was ridiculous to live like she had been, dragging her butt out of bed to go to work and staying home most of the rest of the time. She knew she had no one to blame but herself for her hermitlike existence. If she broadened her horizons a bit more there were plenty of opportunities to enjoy Florida, even without getting in a boat.
    Marshall climbed aboard and held out a hand for her. She grasped it reluctantly and clambered onto the deck.
    “Have a seat here. We won’t be on the water long. Try to relax and enjoy the scenery,” Marshall said, then headed to the front to talk to the captain.
    The view really was gorgeous, Tara had to admit. Crystal-clear blue water surrounded them and a warm breeze blew, carrying the salty tang of the ocean. There were only a few puffy clouds drifting in a clear sky. It was a lovely day for a boat ride.
    Until they actually got going. The craft bounced up and down a few times and Tara remembered why she never got on the water.
    “Give me that bag!” She gestured frantically.
    Marshall handed it to her and she bent over, retching into the opening. Thankful she’d only eaten the apple she’d snagged from her house, Tara gratefully took the bottle of water he pressed into her hand.
    “Spit over the side of the boat. Don’t worry, I’ve seen girls spit and even vomit before.”
    Utterly humiliated but too miserable to care, Tara rinsed and spewed, then took a long drink of the water.
    “Here, put these on. I got them from the captain.” Marshall handed her a pair of colorful bracelets.
    “You want me to wear jewelry? You think fashion accessories are going to make me feel better?”
    “They’re acupressure wristbands. They help control nausea. Hang with me, we’re almost there.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze.
    Tara dutifully put them on, and her stomach calmed a bit.
    “Where exactly is this island you’re dragging me to and why didn’t we just take the airplane there?”
    “It’s a private island—there is no landing strip.”
    A ripple of unease that had nothing to do with her queasy stomach rolled over Tara.
    “Private? How private? Who else is on this island?”
    “A caretaker couple lives there most of the year. Our physician will be along later today to examine you.”
    “That’s all? No other people?” The boat lurched again and Tara turned to lean over the side but the wave of seasickness passed.
    “Better?” Marshall asked.
    “I think so.”
    He moved back up front to talk to the captain. Tara watched Eleuthera recede in the distance, fear and nausea competing for spots in her stomach.
    * * *
    The trip was mercifully short. Tara watched as they approached the small island, almost ready to leap from the boat and swim the rest of the way in. The captain reduced the speed as they got nearer.
    “Why is he slowing down?” she asked Marshall.
    “I always have them do that when we come in near land. There are a lot of marine animals that stay close to the shore. I don’t want to hurt them,” he said, almost too quietly for her to hear. He kept his gaze forward and didn’t look at Tara, almost as though he were embarrassed by his admission. Queasy though she was, Tara’s curiosity was piqued. “Is that what kind of animal you become? Are you a manatee? A stingray? That would be cool.”
    “No,” Marshall said, in a tone she was beginning to recognize as one that ended a topic of conversation.
    Men who cared about critters ranked high in her book. She gave a feeble smile in his direction to let him know she appreciated the gesture.
    The boat finally pulled up to a scruffy-looking dock and Tara scrambled out of the craft, never so happy to see dry land in her life. She was so delighted to be standing on firm ground she paid little notice as Marshall hauled their luggage out of the boat and the vessel departed.
    When the sound of the motor totally receded, the sudden stillness snapped her to