I had no interest in continuing the macho standoff. Standing up, I addressed the three women: "From now on, we focus on survival. There are scattered suitcases along the beach—let's search for supplies."
As we dragged luggage across the sand, I stole glances at Emma. Even stained with blood and dressed in torn designer clothes—a burgundy blouse and teal skirt—her 5'6" frame moved with effortless grace. The way her unbuttoned collar revealed just enough skin reminded me why she'd been voted Sexiest Woman Alive twice.
When she struggled with a heavy case, I approached. "Need help?"
Her smile could've powered a small city. "I've got it, thanks."
My knees nearly buckled. Mother of God.
Later, she pulled me aside near the waterline. "Want to earn some money?" She nodded toward Jack. "Protect me from him, and I'll wire you a million when we get back."
Adrenaline surged. "Deal."
My goddess needs me.
——————
We gathered luggage tagged with airport barcodes, smashing plastic cases open with our heels.
"Look what I found!" Kate waved a family-sized box of Godiva chocolates like a trophy.
Emma lunged. "Give me some! I'm starving!"
Kate tucked it behind her back. "Finders keepers."
"We all searched! That's not fair!"
"Life's not fair, princess." Kate's dimples disappeared. "You keep what you find—same rules for everyone."
Emma's cheeks flushed. "We'll see about that."
I intervened. "Arguing won't fill our stomachs. We're stuck together—possibly for weeks."
"Weeks?" Emma's manicured nails dug into her palms.
"Best guess." I shrugged. "Kate, what do you do for work?"
She smirked. "Classified."
Daisy, when asked, just blinked. "I... don't remember."
Emma examined her broken nails. "I was flying to London for a Marvel audition. You?"
"Last-minute conference substitute." I chuckled darkly. "Lucky me."
Across the beach, Jack's predator stare never left us.
"He's watching," Emma whispered.
I squeezed her shoulder. "He won't touch you."
While sorting through a shattered suitcase, my fingers closed around cold metal—a Victorinox multi-tool. I palmed it instantly.
By dawn, our haul was pathetic: 12 water bottles, Kate's chocolates, 4 Cup Noodles, and some bruised fruit. Emma had only found two waters.
"Back home, my assistant would've had a five-course meal ready," she whined, collapsing onto the sand.
Daisy wordlessly offered her an orange. Emma devoured it in three bites.
I grinned. "Thought actresses starved themselves?"
"I burn calories just breathing." She shot Kate a look. "Unlike some people hoarding chocolate."
Kate's laugh was icy. "Newsflash, A-lister: your tantrums don't work here. And trust me—I know all about your little..." She trailed off meaningfully.
Emma froze. "You—"
"Enough." I stepped between them.
The rising sun revealed something glinting near Jack. A compact black shape—
Gun.
Jack saw it too.
I sprinted, but he was faster. The snick of a slide racking back froze my blood.
Now the barrel pointed at my chest.
And Jack? He was smiling.