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Sam tried to get his bearings, knowing the ship traveled north. Something had been hurled over the rail and hit the water with a loud splash. A lifeboat?

“Pearly.” He winced, pain finally kicking in with lethal force. “Someone in that bunch has a heart. They just threw us a lifeboat.”

She turned to look and laughed hysterically. “No good, Sam. It’s too far away.”

“No, it isn’t, baby.” Clearly, terror had her in its grip, and he fought the ugly emotion himself. He brushed her hair from her forehead. “I have to go after it. Trust me. It’s our only way out of this.”

“No!” She sank her fingers into his hair. “Don’t go. You’ll get lost.”

“I have to, Pearly. It’s not that far away.” He pried her fingers away. “Keep treading. Don’t try to follow me. Okay?”

She nodded and started bawling. Damn it. He couldn’t haul her and get to the crappy little boat. Leaving her tore him apart, but he swam toward the small craft. The muscles in his arms screamed their protests.

God, it was farther than he’d thought, taking every ounce of his strength and will to reach it. He looked back at Lana, and his determination spiked catching sight of her looking like a tiny blip on the waves. Grab it, you fool. The slippery rubber was in his reach, and he flung his arm over the side, gripping a rope to hold.

His face pressed to the side of the craft, and he gulped several deep breaths and choked on a mouthful of briny water. Clearing his mind, he concentrated on two goals that would keep him alive.

Get Pearly to safety.

Slowly and painfully.

* * * *

What was that?

Lana screamed and drew her legs up tight and flailed her arms in terror. “Sam!” She had lost sight of him and panic set in, dark, deep and hideous, and she didn’t want to drown. “Sam!”

The ship had sailed out of sight, and the bleak moonlight only added to the frightening scene around her. Her thoughts raced with all the horrible things that could happen. Where was he? He said he’d be back.

Stop it, Lana. He can’t take care of you and himself.

Sam. What if he’d lost his way?

You’re out here alone…with the sharks and nowhere to go.

She clenched her teeth when the sound of splashing water reached her ears.

She wanted to scream again when something brushed her foot.

No, you won’t scream again. Be still.

She closed her eyes and slowly went into an eerie darkness, breathing slowly, leaning her head back to concentrate on the silence. It was useless trying to forget where she was. She slapped the water, giving into the fear that gripped her completely.

There was something out there, moving toward her, quiet and steady. Treading slowly, she stared waiting for whatever fate had sent her way. Ways to fight back bounced through her brain, sending a bolt of adrenaline spiraling through her as she prepared for battle.

No, it wasn’t under water but floating toward her. She couldn’t breathe, sheer dread pushed aside by pure joy.

He swam toward her with one arm, his other hooked on to a small boat. He didn’t say anything for several seconds and held his arm out to her. “How you holding up, Pearly?” He coughed and spat out a mouthful of water. “Come on, baby. Papa brought you a present.”

He would never know how much she loved him at that moment. She lunged for him, trying to hug his neck, but he held her back.

“Sam, I thought you were gone.” The tears rushed forward, and she sobbed. “I was so scared. I’m ashamed of being a coward when you were out there alone.”

He took her arms, holding on to the lifeboat at the same time. “I was scared, too, honey, but we’re going to be okay.” He gave her a quick kiss and pulled her against the boat. “I’ll lift you up and you get in. Hurry.”

She didn’t argue and let him boost her into the small life raft. He climbed in behind her and lay back in apparent exhaustion. He closed his eyes and groaned. Lana lay down beside him, wanting to cry like a bay, but she forced the self-pity away. She was cold, hugging him as close as possible. His wrapped his arms around her and held her tight until her heartbeat leveled off to normal.

“Sam, I thought you couldn’t swim.”

His laugh was the most wonderful sound in the world. “I didn’t say I couldn’t swim.” He squeezed her and held her tighter. “I just don’t like swimming in the ocean.”

“Thank you, Sam.”

“For what?” He patted her back, shifting onto his side.

“For coming back for me.”

“What?” He sounded amazed by her comment. “I’d swim all the way to Miami for you, and don’t you doubt it.”

She felt a rush of such love and adoration for him, her heart threatened to explode. “I’d do the same for you, Sam.”

He sat up and leaned over to kiss her lips. “Okay, partner. Let’s make a date for that week in the sun right now.” He closed her sodden shirt over her breasts. “You sleep. I’ll row.”

“Row with what?” To her amazement and gratitude, he pointed to the oars in the bottom of the boat. “I can sleep later. Let’s row. That son-of-a-bitch is going down.”

Chapter Nineteen

Lana’s eyes popped open and closed instantly against the glare of sunlight. How long had she been asleep, leaving Sam to row by himself? God, what a poor excuse for a partner.

He bent forward and his head lowered. He was worn out.

“Sam, I’m awake.” She touched his hand and he jerked upright. “I’ll do my share from now on.”

He grinned, his face bruised and still beautiful in her eyes. He scanned the area before speaking. “Maybe after while.” He stretched and stuck his hand in his back pocket. “At least they let me keep my wallet. When we reach land, we can call the freaking bureau.”

She’d never heard such bitterness in his voice before. “We’re not sure which way to go, are we?”

He didn’t answer, busy taking off his shirt. “Here, put this over your face and arms. The sun will cook a pretty woman like you.”

He draped the shirt over her head and tied the arms around her shoulders. He had been right. Her skin was already burned. She forgot the intense heat when the waves broke and fins slashed through the water. She scrambled closer to Sam.

He paid no attention to the shadowy things circling the boat. Her imagination went on a rampage. Sharks. The things of nightmares and horror stories. She clung to Sam when he pulled her close and shielded her eyes with his hand.

“Will they turn the boat over?” Her question didn’t make him laugh as she expected.

“I think they’re dolphins, Pearly.” He watched the water as if he weren’t sure. “They’ll keep the sharks at bay. We have that much in our favor.”

Praying he was right, Lana licked her lips, thirst beginning to plague her thoughts. She kept her need to herself, not wanting to add more burden on him. She had to stop whining.

He eased her away and sat up to grab an oar. She followed suit, using muscles she didn’t know existed. Her sore back and shoulders reminded her of how soft she was.

An hour later, he tapped her arm. “Take a break. We can get back to this later.”

Lana lay down, reaching up to tug Sam’s hand. “There’s room down here.” She removed the shirt he’d fastened around her and draped it over both their faces and upper arms when he settled in beside her.

She wanted to talk, but hesitated at his unusual silence.

“I really made a mess of this mission.” Her quiet admission startled even herself. He lifted the shirt from his face and stared at her. She inhaled, regretting her hasty acknowledgment of guilt and defeat. “If I’d kept my panties on, our minds would have been on the job.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “I think you’re the best thing that has ever come into my life, Pearly.” His eyes twinkled as if they were on a joy ride, not a mission to stay alive. “We’re not the first agents to get caught with our pants down.”

She nodded, realizing he was right, but this was them, right now, and she had never been so sure she would die, not even with Antigua’s henchmen pointing weapons at her. He pushed her back down when she tried to follow him to do oaring duty. He grinned and covered her with the shirt, bending to the oars.

The constant slap of waves against the boat soon got on her nerves. Time crawled, and she wanted a drink.

Face up to reality, Lana. No water, and Sam is as thirsty as you.

She tried to not swallow having learned that hurt like hell with no moisture in her mouth. The sound of splashing caught her attention, and she sat up, peering into the water. She clenched her teeth to keep a scream from reaching her lips. Those were fins cutting through the waves, and dolphins were not the owners.

“How do they know we don’t have any water?” She knew that must sound crazy, but to her the threat they presented was real. “Can we hit them with the oars?”

Sam dropped the oars and sat down with her, holding her in his arms with a fierce protectiveness. “Hold steady, Pearly.” He covered their heads against the merciless sun and groaned softly. “I’ve been thinking, gorgeous.”

“Me, too.” She touched his cheek, wanting to keep him close. “You first.”

“What do you think about getting out of this business and opening that law office you want?” He tugged on a strand of her matted hair. “I’m going into something a lot less dangerous.”

She thought over his suggestion, sensing the depth of his sincerity. “What do you call less dangerous?” The other part worried her with its vague meaning. “You’re going back into the military, leaving the FBI. And me.”

He covered her arm that had been exposed to the sun. “I’m telling you, I am going to help out where I’m needed. I know I’d be a lot more useful there. And no way am I leaving you.”

“Sam, you’re confusing me.” Her heart pounded at the idea he’d really made plans for the future. “I told you I couldn’t fund my business for another five years. It’s so easy for you to leave and go your merry way. Why did you bring this up? It’s a crazy idea anyway.”

She turned on her side to let the disappointment ebb away.

“I don’t want to talk right now, Sam.”

“Okay.” He rubbed her back, waiting a few seconds before dropping another bombshell. “I know you’re a proud woman, don’t want anything from anyone, but I figure I’m your partner in everything. Right?”

She nodded, wishing he’d just be quiet. “I said I didn’t want to talk right now, Horn.”

“All I want you to do is listen to what I have to say.” He moved and she knew he was looking at the horizon for passing crafts. “I have enough money for what you want. More than enough.” He waited several seconds, probably gauging her reaction. “My great, great grandfather was one of the original cattle barons in Texas, made millions in oil and land deals. He never spent a dime and left everything to his grandchildren. My father was one of them.”

He rubbed his lower back, and she remembered all the kicks he’d taken. “Are you in a lot of pain?” Her love for him bubbled up, blotting out the desire for her own comfort. “I can make more room for you to lie down.”

“You are a tease.” His hand closed around hers. “I inherited more money than I’ll ever need. Unless you marry me and we have a houseful of kids.” He squeezed her fingers. “They will all have to go to college and make you proud.”

She turned to face him, no longer able to hide the tears. “You have a strange way of proposing, Sam.” His words about going back in the military hit her. “Why do you do things like this? I don’t need coddling or to hear your warm and fuzzy fables.”

He grabbed her shoulders, shaking her a little. “Damn it, Pearly. I may not be the most romantic talking guy, but I am in love with you. I’d never lie to you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life.” He kissed her dry lips and gazed into her eyes. “I want those kids and to see you be the best damn attorney in the world. What did I say wrong?”

She felt foolish. “You didn’t say anything wrong, Sam. It was beautiful.”

Long moments passed before he let her go and went back to rowing. “I’ll get a yes out of you sooner or later.”

* * * *

They’d made it through the day, thirsty and hungry but alive. Sam rowed while Lana slept, fighting self-doubt. He was turned around, unsure of direction now that the sun had gone down.

Looking at her while she slept on the floor of the boat, he called himself a lot of dirty names. She meant everything to him. And here she was, sleeping in a dirty lifeboat, longing for water and food and safety. The blisters on her palms reminded him of his low rung on the ladder of humanity. He clenched his teeth against the surge of self disgust. No man worth his salt let his woman go through this kind of hell.

He put the oars down and lay down beside her. She shivered, and he pulled her close, giving her the only thing he had left. His warmth.

Splashing nearby reminded him that they were not alone. Pearly stirred, and he rocked her gently. He wanted her to sleep. That way she wouldn’t be thinking about things he couldn’t give her.

Pearly, my God, how I love you. We’re going to make it out of this mess just so I can show you.

Chapter Twenty

Lana swallowed, and the pain was almost enough to make her sob. She closed her aching eyes and wished for a drop of water. It would have been heaven on her dry throat. Her palms burned where the blisters had opened and were now raw sores. She had to keep them hidden from Sam.

Darkest before the dawn, she thought morosely. Even the waves had quieted in the pre-dawn murkiness. Sam sat at the end of the boat, and to her horror, he appeared beaten by their situation. His shoulders were slouched and his arms hung at his sides.

“Sam?” She was ecstatic when he reacted with his old macho attitude, sitting up straight and grinning at her. She wanted to hold him close and whisper how her heart beat only for him. “Tell me some more about your plans when we get back home.”

He touched her hair and helped her up to sit beside him. “I may have lost my mind, baby, but I thought I heard a ship’s engine.” He gestured out toward the water. “Probably all in my head, but I heard something.”

Lana scanned the misty gloom, her head swiveling left to right, her ears straining for the sound Sam had heard. Nothing. Not until the clanging sound of a bell rushed through the silence.