The humid air teases the hair on the back of my neck as I gaze down at the clear blue waters of the South Pacific. I walk along the docks until I find the rental boat.
"Excuse me, I'm Dr. (YF/LN). I'm the ecologist who booked you for passage to Moku Island"
"Yeah, the boss man said to expect you... Sorry you came all this way. There's a big storm about to hit...I-I can't take you." the boat guide tells me.
"You can and will. I need to get there ASAP."
"It's called Shipwrecked Island for a reason. I'm not taking you there when a huge storm's coming in. You're crazy!"
"I know this island's dangerous, but this could be my last chance to study the ecosystem before the volcano erupts. Plus I already paid you to take me there. I've been traveling for days from LA. Now you're telling me I can't take the boat I booked? I paid extra upfront!"
"I can get you a refund, but I'm not risking my life taking me to Moku in a storm. That place is a death wish."
The tour guide scampers away, and I'm forced to find another ship.
"Can you help me? I'll pay you double your fee for passage to Moku Island—"
"God, no. You're insane."
"But you'll be part of a discovery of a lifetime! I'll even credit you in Ecology Monthly..."
I try my luck again and again, but each caption tells me the same thing. I approach the final boat in sight, but the captain shakes her head as soon as you get the words out.
"Sorry. But try the Kona Winds on the other side of the harbor. The captain's the only person crazy enough to sail in these conditions... Not to mention, pretty easy on the eyes too." A local stops and suggests.
She winks at me before returning to her work. I follow her directions until I find a boat with the name Kona Winds printed on the hull. I can barely make out a figure shuffling around below deck as I call out.
"Hey there, uh, Captain? I've been looking for someone to take me to—"
I stop short as the stranger turns around. I take in the sight of the sexy captain...
That local wasn't kidding about him being easy on the eyes.
"If you're looking for a tour of the island, the fancy schmancy boats are further down."
"I already tried there with no luck. No one's brave enough to take me to Moku Island."
"What'd you expect? Few make it there without getting smashed to bits. And that's without the storm."
"But this is the chance to be at the forefront of real scientific change...I was told you might be up to the challenge."
"No. I run cargo, not passengers."
"But what if I offered you double your rate? I'm not looking for a handout. I'll make it well worth your while for the risk."
"Oh, well when you put it that way... No. If I were you, I'd try down there again. They cater to tourists like yourself."
"That's it. First off, I'm not a tourist. I'm an ecologist from LA, here to make the discovery of a lifetime on Moku. Second, I've traveled too far for too long to let cowards like you ruin my research."
I'm not face to face with him, only inches separating us. All the pent-up frustration from my day finally reaching its boiling point.
"So if you won't take me, fine. I'll pilot my own boat—"
"Steer. It's not a plane, Doc."
I throw my hands up in the air and storm away, happy to put distance between me and the captain.
"He'll see. I will get to Moku. I just need a boat..."
I stare out at the pristine blue of the ocean from the dock's edge, wracking my brain for ideas. My thoughts are interrupted by approaching footsteps, and I turn around to face the stranger.
"So you've come to your sen—"
But I stop short upon realizing it's not the same stranger from before. The imposing man stares me down, his eyes as piercing as daggers.
"Overheard you're trying to get to Moku. Don't. Fly home before you get yourself killed...or worse."
"I'm getting to that island, not that it's any of your damn business. Read my lips... Back... Off. I've had it up to here trying to find an ounce of kindness and a boat today."
"Fine. But know you brought this on yourself."
I release a sigh of relief as he storms off, but I've only taken my eyes off him for a second when I hear a swishing sound behind me. I turn just in time to see a large wooden boom swing down from one of the boats...and knock straight into me!
"Whoa!"
The force throws me off the dock, and I plunge down beneath the waves. I struggle to swim toward the surface, but quicky realize my body is tangled in ropes!
It's around my neck! Cant...breathe!
I claw at the ropes cutting into my skin, my movements growing more frantic. Everything blurs as a figure crashes into the water beside me, holding something large and shiny.
"Help! "
I reach toward him, my plea coming out as little more than a strangled gurgle. He makes quick work with the diving knife, slicing through the ropes like butter. As soon as the last rope is removed, he secures his toned arm around my waist and helps me swim for the surface. Coughs rack my body as the stranger boosts me onto the docks. He presses a gentle hand against my back while I expel water from my lungs.
"Take it easy, Doc. You've swallowed a lot of water."
"Where is he? Did you see the man who knocked me in?"
I look around, but there's no one else left on the dock.
"I was a bit preoccupied with the drowning tourist. Though I could've sworn he looked like... Never mind. Whoever he is, he's long gone by now."
After finally catching my breath, I look up and gaze upon the man who jumped in the water to help a complete stranger. His brow furrows in concern. I'm sharply aware of the heat radiating from his hand, which remains pressed against my back.
"You...saved me."
"I couldn't let you drown. Dead tourists are bad for business."
I wrap my arms around my rescuer, closing the little remaining distance between us.
"I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you."
He tenses for a moment, then gives me a gentle pat before shifting to sit further away.
"You're welcome. But I'm gonna need my arms back."
"I'm (Y/N), by the way. Dr. (YF/LN). I figure you should know the name of the person you rescued."
"I'm Huening Kai. Just Huening Kai. No fancy letters or titles here."
"Well, just Huening Kai, I'm lucky you came by when you did."
"It's not every day when a hotheaded, stubborn tourist thinks they can make it on Moku... But who knows. With your amount of fire, you might just have what it takes. If you don't drown."
"You truly have a way with words. I can't imagine why else I would waste my time talking to such a crazy, jackass captain."
"You're the one who needed a ride, not me, Doc."
"Do you really have to call me that?"
"I could always call you 'Tourist'. "
Kai offers his hand to me. I feel the rough calluses on his fingers as he pulls me to my feet.
"Anyway, good luck with your work trip. If you can find a boat, that is..."
But he doesn't let go, almost like he doesn't want to, and an idea forms in my head...
"Maybe we can come to some arrangement. I'm desperate here. And as you've noticed, very stubborn."
"I told you before, I'm not a water taxi."
"But you do run a cargo business. Think of me and my stuff as cargo."
"Cargo doesn't talk so much."
"It doesn't pay either."
"It'd have to be a lot to be worth my time."
"Triple your rate."
"I wouldn't go for less than four."
"Three and a half times your rate."
"Anyone else tell your you're difficult, or am I the first?"
I catch his eyes fixed upon my lips, and I feel his resolve begin to crumble before me.
"Come on, Kai. You're not really afraid of an island are you? Maybe I need to find someone braver, stronger, and more familiar with these waters..."
"You won't find anyone more equipped to take you there than me."
I realize that Kai is only inches away from me. So close I can feel his warm breath against my lips.
"Haven't you had something you cared about? That you would do anything for?"
At my words, he gets a far-off look in his eyes. He takes a long pause, then slowly nods.
"Fine. You've got yourself a captain."
"Seriously? You'll be my guide to Moku?"
"Don't make me regret this."
I gather my belongings and meet Kai at his boat. His eyes widen at the amount of luggage I haul aboard.
"Ever heard of packing light?"
"Not when it comes to my research. You never know what a few days in the field will require."
"Sure... You'll want to store any valuables in one of these waterproof containers."
Kai unlocks one of the bins strapped to the side of the boat.
"Seems a bit excessive, but okay."
I place my equipment and whatever belongings I can fit inside the container. Kai reattaches it to the side, then goes back to preparing the boat.
"So...when should we expect to reach Moku?"
"Whenever we get there... Though things would go faster if you helped."
He suddenly tosses a rope into my lap, causing me to jump in surprise.
"What am I supposed to do with this?"
"Help me cast off, Doc. Prove that you can handle what you're signing up for."
"I can handle anything you throw at me. Especially ropes."
"We'll see about that."
Kai gestures for me to follow him down the dock. He kneels down, then reaches for the rope in my hands as I crouch down beside him. The heat of his hand lingers against my skin as he pulls away.
"You still haven't told me what you expect me to do."
"I expect you to follow orders. I'm the captain. What I say goes."
"You have my undivided attention. I'll do whatever you say."
My breath hitches as he watches me carefully. His lips curl into a small smirk.
"No questions asked?"
"I'm a scientist. Questions are in my blood."
"Even if we're in danger?"
"What kind of danger are we talking about?"
He rises to meet my challenging gaze.
"Danger beyond your wildest imagination."
"So what do you need me to do, sir? "
He gestures to the double-sided hook affixed to the dock.
"I want you to adjust these ropes so they loop around the cleat. That's the hook here. Then tie the line back onto the boat."
He demonstrates, wrapping he rope around the base of the metal fixture before leading me onto the deck. Just across from the dock, he kneels in front of a similar cleat on the boat.
"Tie the line off with a knot called a cleat hitch. Watch."
Kai's nimble fingers weave the rope around the metal. He works slowly so I can follow along.
"So...it's like a figure eight around the cleat?"
"Basically. Just make sure the rope is nice and tight."
He takes my hands in his, and shows me how to tie it off. I feel his muscles ripple against my skin as he pulls with all his might.
"Got it?"
"I could use some more personal instruction. After all, I want to make sure I know what I'm doing."
I slowly ease back against him, letting his arms encircle mine. I feel his body tense for a moment as my bare skin remains pressed against his.
"If that's what you'd prefer..."
His breath is hot against my neck as his hands guide mine, showing me how to loop the rope snugly around the cleat. Our bodies move as one, gliding the long rope around, over, and on the cool metal horn protruding from the boat.
"I think I'm getting the hang of it..."
He eases his fingers from mine as I fasten the knot, lingering on the smooth surface of my wrists.
"Then I'm sure you can finish on your own."
"But I'd go faster with you."
His deep laugh reverberates through my entire body, and he shakes his head.
"You're not getting out of helping that easily."
I sigh, then make quick work of the remaining ropes around the ship as Kai adjust the sails.
"All done. You can call me the Master of Ropes now."
"Is that so?"
"Go ahead. Test me."
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Kai grabs a rope from a nearby basket.
"Want me to make another knot? I can dazzle you with more of my rope-tying skills."
He chuckles, then in a flash, he wraps the rope tightly around my wrists. With a tug of the long end, he hoists my arms above my body, pinning them in place.
"Hey!"
"Who's the Master of Ropes now?"
"I can't wait until I tie you up."
I rock forward on my toes, getting as close to Kai as possible. The coarse rope tickles my wrists.
"When I get out of here, which I will, you'll see how well I can tie a cleat hitch. Just wait when I have my way with you."
He takes a step toward me, closing the distance to just a hair's breath away.
"Is that a promise?"
"Untie me and find out."
I watch his eyes flicker to my lips for a second before he shakes his head and takes a step back. He twirls the end of the rope in his hand.
"You'll learn out here, rope is your life. Its strength helps you move."
He tugs the rope for good measure. I watch his muscles tense as he makes his point.
"Its reliability keeps you safe..."
"And its length?"
My eyes sweep down his body, noting the taut front of his pants.
"That'd be for my eyes only."
He shifts his weight, giving me a glimpse of what's beneath...before suddenly letting go of the rope! My arms fall to my sides, and I'm easily able to slip out of my bindings.
"Aw, is the fun over already?"
"Oh, it's only just beginning."
Kai starts the engine, casts off a few lines, and soon, we're sailing through the harbor. A voice calls out from the docks.
"Good luck! If the rocks don't get you, something else will. Wouldn't be the first time you've lost a boat, right, Kai?"
Kai's jaw tenses and his grip on the steering wheel tightens.
"You've lost a boat before?"
"Not my fault. A former partner screwed me over."
"I guess that explains the lone wolf vibe."
"I'm no in the mood for my passenger to get in my head right now."
"Maybe if you just told me what happened—"
"No. It's the one subject I avoid. That's all."
"Fine, fine. I'll ask no more... For now."
I watch Kai's muscles flex as he cranks the wheel hard as the docks grow tiny behind us.
"Get over here, Doc. You should know how to steer."
I join him at the wheel and grip it tightly. Kai stands behind me, chuckling as he places his hands over mine.
"Ease up. You're steering, not playing tug of war. The trick is to have a firm yet flexible grip...like this."
His chest presses into my back as he adjusts my hold.
"That already feels better on my knuckles."
"Remember, a boat's not a car. Turning the wheel a little goes a long way, so no cranking it unless you're about to crash."
I line up the ship, and carefully turn it toward the open sea. Kai's hands hover over mine, giving me complete control.
"This isn't as bad as I thought..."
"So you can drive us to Moku, right? I'll be below taking a nap."
The warmth against my body suddenly disappears. I grab Kai's arm and pull him back to me.
"Not so fast. I'm liable to crash without your guidance."
"Careful. Boat damage isn't covered under my fee."
"Whoops!"
I pretend to veer the ship toward the rocks. Kai jumps to his feet, returning to my side once more.
"You're back. Long time no see."
"You know, you're pretty persuasive when you wanna be."
"It comes in handy when I try to wrangle certain captains into taking me to deserted islands."
He shakes his head as his hands return to help me steer.
"I guess it could be worse."
I relax against him, our bodies pressing close enough together for me to smell a hint of coconut on him.
"Say what you will, I think we make a good team."
"I wouldn't go that far. But you can hold your own well enough."
I turn back toward him as his hold remains tight around me. I catch him glancing down at my lips for the briefest of seconds before his gaze returns to the sea.
"Moku Island, here we come."
As the boat glides across the waves, a breeze cuts through my still-damp clothes. I shiver from the cold running down my spine.
"I didn't realize how strong the wind chill would be out here. I'm freezing in these wet clothes."
"There's a bathroom below deck if you want to freshen up."
"Oh my God, why didn't you say so earlier?"
I grab my bag and trot down to the small, but clean bathroom below. I wash the salt and grime from my hair and body, then eye the floral shirt peeking out from inside my bag.
"Maybe I should change it up and surprise Kai before we reach Moku."
Feeling refreshed and clean, I tighten the knot in my floral tank top, then look at myself in the mirror, admiring how the outfit hugs my curves.
"This is exactly what I needed."
I emerge back onto the deck to find Kai manning the wheel, guiding the boat further into the vast, blue ocean.
"Welcome to my office."
I move closer to the bow to get a better view of the horizon. The sunlight dances off the surface of the water for miles in every direction.
"It's definitely not a lab, that's for sure."
Kai looks up from the horizon. His eyes find me, twinkling as he takes me in.
"You clean up nice."
"You mean the wet ecologist look wasn't doing it for you?"
"Your words, not mine. So why Moku? There's gotta be dozens of islands with remote beaches for you to visit."
"Someone has to catalog its unique ecosystem before Mount Moku erupts in a year and wipes out all life on the island."
"Studying some plants can't be worth all the risks."
"It's not every day you can study an active volcano. There are some fascinating ecosystems that can only be seen near an active volcano. Did you know there are some plants that exclusively grow on volcanos because of their fertile and water-retaining soil?"
"Pretty sure soil isn't what most people have in mind when they hear the word 'volcano'. "
"I never claimed I was most people."
After sailing for a few hours, I spot an island appearing on the horizon. As we draw nearer, I see massive clouds surround the distant greenery.
"That's Moku. We'll be there in no time."
"Excellent. There's a series of caves I noticed on the satellite images that we can visit first. They might contain some new species of island flora."
"Is this necessary if you're already figure it out with your fancy satellite?"
"Absolutely. We spotted mutated species of heliconia, red torch ginger, and ohia lehua that are affecting the wildlife's behavioral patterns... It could be due to something unique in Mount Moku's soil. But without physical samples, we can't know for certain."
"If you insist. Where did you say this cave was?"
"I noted it on my phone...which has zero bars now."
"Get used to it. Nobody gets service out here. Good thing I've got this."
He opens a thick atlas on the wheel and finds Moku Island. I take a moment to study the outline of the coast before pointing to a series of jagged shapes. Kai's knuckles brush mine as he presses his fingertip to the map. His body is inches from mine as he leans around to study the wheel with his free hand.
"Hm... We might have a problem. That area's inaccessible from the water. You'll have to rappel down from the cliffs here."
He drags my finger from the cave system to an outline of the island. I gulp as his body presses against me, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Just remember, this vacation was your idea, Doc."
"It's not a vacation...and stop calling me Doc!"
Kai winks at me, chuckling to himself. I grit my teeth and return to my seat near the bow as dark clouds loom overhead. The waters grow choppy as I approach Moku Island, and the boat bucks beneath me! A heavy mist surrounds the island...hiding sharp, jagged rocks!
"I knew storms could come out of nowhere out here, but this is something else!"
The boat veers away from a series of gray spikes, the sails whipping savagely as Kai masterfully guides it around the obstacles. Seconds later, a gust of wind with enough force to capsize the ship rams into us, but somehow Kai uses its power to move steadily forward instead.
"You're making this look easy."
"Years of experience."
I look toward the horizon just as the thick fog shifts...revealing a massive rock directly in my path!
"Look out! We're going to crash!"