Paradise Found Read Online Free

mystery.” Daemon folded his hands on the tabletop.
    “My mystery? I’d say you’re the mystery … a pilot with a penchant for the finer things in life.”
    “I have connections.”
    “Is that how you ended up in the Seychelles working for Paradise Helicopters?”
    Daemon chuckled. “I own Paradise Helicopters.”
    “I see.” Now it made sense … the Jaguar matching his craft … the money and the connections.
    “I was in the Army Reserves and piloted Black Hawks in Afghanistan,” he added.
    “Sounds dangerous. I remember reading about a helicopter being shot down near Kabul, the crew injured and trapped behind enemy lines. Another pilot risked his life by swooping in, under heavy enemy fire, to rescue the crew and lift them to safety. His craft was hit and he was injured yet still managed to get them to base camp. It was a really big deal. His triumph was all over the media.”
    Daemon grinned. “I was presented the Congressional Medal of Honor for that crazy feat.”
    “You? You were the pilot?” She stared at him, finding it hard to imagine this calm, unaffected man being a national combat hero.
    He nodded. “I was just doing my job and have the scars to prove it.”
    “The Seychelles are far removed from combat.”
    “My sentiments exactly. I came here to recover and never looked back.”
    The waitress brought the beer, uncapped, with two crystal glasses. Foregoing the glass, Daemon eagerly took a swig.
    Victoria poured her brew in a glass and sipped, contemplating Daemon. There was so much she didn’t know about him and his mystery intrigued her. She had the suspicion he possessed more secrets not easily divulged. She had her own secrets locked away deep inside her mind, heart and soul.
    “So, how is the helicopter business?” she asked.
    “It has its up and downs … just kidding. Seriously, it’s a steady business with steady income. I have several Jet Rangers and two pilots in addition to myself.
    Between ferrying tourists, government officials and executives we’re busy enough.”
    He was animated when he spoke, the exuberance of youth in his voice, the wisdom of age in his eyes and expressive movement in his actions. She found him as fascinating to observe as to listen.
    When the waitress returned for food orders, Victoria ignored her, so engrossed was she in Daemon’s stories about being a pilot on the Islands.
    “The usual?” the waitress asked, turning toward Daemon.
    He nodded. “And the same for the lady.”
    After the waitress left, he said, “I hope you don’t object but I thought you might like the specialty of the house as well.”
    “And what might that be?” Victoria asked.
    “We’ll start with the Millionaire’s Salad and dine on the best octopus coconut curry in the Islands, and finish off with fresh island fruit and imported French cheese.”
    “Sounds indulgent for lunch. And I thought I only agreed to a drink.” She smiled. Actually, she was starving, having skipped breakfast this morning. Since arriving home she had been existing on steamed and broiled fish. The island specialty salad of shredded heart of palm with lime and oil and the famous curry would be a welcome change. Was the man a mind reader as well?
    “You’ve traveled the world, haven’t you yet learned to live dangerously?” he asked with a grin.
    “I did get into your helicopter and I dislike heights,” she said, avoiding his potent gaze, a gaze that was dangerous to a single woman who had sworn off relationships.
    The lunch was delectable and Victoria finished off each course, savoring every morsel. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed authentic island fare. In Europe and the States she had eaten far too many beef and chicken dishes and tasteless iceberg lettuce salads.
    When the bill arrived, she reached for her purse. Before she could object, Daemon signed the bill of fare. He apparently frequented the island’s most expensive restaurant in order to have his own account.
    If there