The Rock Star's Wedding

Part 7

SEVEN

Xan didn't have long to wait before, once again, she stood by the helipad, watching Shou guide his aircraft unerringly to the X marking his spot. The hatch cracked open and Xan met the eyes of...a man who jumped out of the helicopter like someone accustomed to it. Between his buzz-cut and a bulked-up body that would put Jay Felix to shame, she marked him as military – or ex-military, perhaps.

He surveyed his surroundings, pausing briefly to offer Xan a nod of acknowledgement before he completed his circuit. Only then did he step forward to take Xan's extended hand. "Trevor Sullivan, security consultant," he said with a strong American accent. Northern, not Southern, but that's all she knew about American accents.

Xan tried not to wince at his firm handshake. "Xan Lane, manager of Romance Island Resort," she said, extracting her pulverised fingers from his grip.

Fortunately, he didn't seem to notice, as he exchanged nods with Jay, who stood silently beside Xan. "Felix," Trevor said.

Behind Trevor, a child hopped out of the helicopter, and Xan's jaw dropped. The dark-haired girl looked perhaps twelve years old, moving with a dancer's grace as she landed on the pavement and crossed to stand behind Trevor.

Was it school holidays? Xan wondered. Bring your daughter to work day? Because she'd expected to meet the enigmatic Angel, not some security consultant and his daughter.

"And this is..." Trevor began, waving in the direction of the girl.

Xan turned on a child-friendly smile and extended her hand.

"Don't," Jay hissed.

The girl shook her hair out of her eyes, before directing a glare at the helicopter blades responsible for mussing her hair. "Doctor Alanna Miller. We spoke on the phone." Huge, dark eyes sucked at Xan's soul as the girl – no child, that was certain – made no move to shake hands. The eyes flicked mercifully to Jay for a moment, before returning to Xan. "Is there anything you don't know about this island?"

Xan wet her lips. "I'd like to think there isn't, but some of my staff might have more detailed knowledge than me about their specialty. That's why I pay them, after all."

Alanna nodded. "Fair enough." She jerked her head at Jay. "Does he count as staff?"

Xan tried and failed to hide her smile. "I don't pay him, so probably not."

Alanna made shooing motions with her hands. "You're still not my favourite person, Jason. Go back to safely sunning yourself on your private beach. I'll send for you if I need you."

Without a word, Jay left.

The dark eyes settled on Xan again. "Shall we start, Xan? I've seen the helipad, so let's begin with transport. Jo mentioned ferry services and a dock. I'd like to know the frequency and travel times before you show me your function facilities."

Xan nodded and led the way toward the main jetty, hoping to catch sight of Jay's retreating back as he headed back to his villa, but he'd evidently fled in such a hurry that he was nowhere to be seen. After less than five minutes with the woman, Xan began to understand why Jay was so afraid of her.