Behind the Mask Read online

  “What kind of group is New—I mean—NWM?”

  “Make no mistake, Savannah, NWM is an abolitionist group. You seem ready to step up your game, but I need to know for sure.”

  “I am . . . I definitely am.”

  Savannah’s phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and ignored the call.

  “Who was that?”

  “Nora.” Savannah sighed. “I’m still pissed off that she didn’t have the decency to tell me she was fucking my brother. Plus, she’s so derogatory about my choices. We’ve been best friends for so many years; I thought she would be more understanding.”

  Haley shook her head. “People outside our movement never are.”

  “I’m finding that out. My parents haven’t been understanding either. My father told me that humans have killed and eaten animals since the beginning of time. They all act like I have two heads simply because I’m vegan.”

  “You haven’t told Nora or anyone else about the NWM meeting, have you?”

  “Oh hell no.”

  “Good. There are a few things we need to discuss before we go to the meeting. First of all, are you sure you want to get involved at this level?”

  “Yes. Of course. I’m one hundred percent in, Haley.”

  “Let’s walk out on the beach so no one can overhear us. And turn off that damn cell phone. I don’t trust those things.”

  Savannah shut down her phone and tossed it in her purse.

  Haley continued, “NWM meets at Jeannette and Phillip’s house, which is just a few blocks from here. You’re going to love them. They’re an older couple who supports our cause both spiritually and monetarily, if you know what I mean.”

  “I do.”

  “The two of them love animals, and they’ve been involved in activism for years. Activists even stay at their house and pay whatever rent they can afford. But there are some security rules you need to know before you attend the meeting.”

  Savannah nodded.

  “The first rule of Fight Club is you do not talk about Fight Club. We never talk about past illegal acts. Blabbing is the quickest way to have the FBI on your doorstep asking a bunch of questions. When an activist is arrested at a demonstration or on some trumped-up, bullshit charge, our motto is, ‘No one talks, everyone walks.’ As Phillip says, no one can physically force words to come out of your mouth.”

  “I understand. Keep my mouth shut and don’t ask a bunch of questions.”

  Haley continued, “Phillip is kind of a hero in the animal rights community. He was arrested one time while trying to stop the seal clubbing in Canada. Phillip was held in custody and interrogated for ten hours. The Canadian authorities actually brought in foreign linguists to try to interview him because when they questioned him, he just sat and looked at them. He was so nonresponsive that they thought he didn’t understand English.”

  “So, he didn’t say anything?” Savannah asked.

  “Not a word. Just sat and stared.”

  “I can’t wait to meet Phillip.”

  “This group is really serious about security. Keep your cell phone off during the meeting. If you have any questions, ask me later when we’re alone.”

  “What’s the big deal about the phones?”

  “If your phone is on, then the FBI can track you. They might be able to listen in, so it’s better to keep it turned off. Or better yet, don’t bring it.”

  “Good to know. I’ll keep it turned off and in my purse.”

  “You’re lucky I’m your roommate. Who else would teach you this stuff? Hey, let’s go back over to the Boardwalk and get a medical marijuana card for you.”

  “Now?” Savannah asked.

  “Sure. Why not?”

  “I’ve never smoked marijuana.”

  Haley abruptly stopped and stared at Savannah. “Never?”

  “No, never.”

  “It’s no big deal.” Haley grabbed Savannah by the arm and pulled her to a nearby marijuana collective. “Look, they even post symptoms on the sign, so you know what to say to the doctor. Tell the doctor you have severe menstrual cramps.”

  “A doctor will prescribe marijuana for cramps?”

  “Sure. Once you see the doctor and get your prescription card, you can go to any collective and get your prescription filled. If you prefer not to smoke, you can get baked goods instead.”

  “Let me think about it.”

  “Okay. We can come back tomorrow. Let’s get to the meeting before we’re late.”

  Savannah and Haley walked into Phillip and Jeannette’s house for the meeting. A small wirehaired terrier mix greeted guests as they arrived. The house reeked of stale beer and marijuana. The hardwood floors were scratched, and dog hair collected in the corners.

  While the others were enjoying snacks, Savannah followed the sound of a sad, haunting melody coming from the corner. She gasped when she saw who was playing the guitar. Could it really be him? She looked around for the rest of the band, but he was alone with an old, beat-up, acoustic guitar. Both handsome and intimidating, he radiated confidence. Guitar guy’s coal-black, tousled hair hung partly over one eye. He was thin, but not too thin, and covered with tattoos. He had ear gauges the size of quarters. Savannah thought having earlobe holes would be gross, but she found the edgy look surprisingly sexy. She knew, of course, her father would hate him, her brother would want to kill him, and Nora would want to have him arrested, which made him all the more appealing. This dark, dangerous man would not fit into her old Southern life, but then again, he didn’t need to. She had a new life, and this guy would fit in nicely.

  Haley smiled at Savannah. “Maybe before you two walk down the aisle in your imagination, I should introduce you.”

  Savannah had forgotten there were other people in the room. Haley grabbed Savannah’s hand and dragged her to the attractive, mysterious guitar player. “Nick, Savannah. Savannah, Nick. There, I introduced you. If you get married one day, you can blame me.”

  Haley strolled off, leaving Savannah standing awkwardly in front of Nick.

  After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Nick finally asked, “Didn’t I see you at that row house party the other night?”

  Savannah managed a nod.

  There was an uncomfortable silence, and then Nick spoke.

  “Do you play guitar?”

  Savannah stared into his chocolate-brown eyes and simply whispered, “No.”

  That was it, just no. Her brain was Jell-O, and she couldn’t speak.

  After several more uncomfortable seconds passed, he asked, “Do you want to learn?”

  Savannah’s skin tingled, and her heart beat uncontrollably. She uttered one word. “Yes.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Savannah

  December 2010 - Pawley’s Island, South Carolina

  It had been three weeks since she met Nick at Phillip and Jeannette’s house, and she had spent nearly every day with him since. Now that she was back in South Carolina for the holidays, Savannah knew she should be more excited to be back home with her family, but she missed Nick so much that her chest ached. Most of her newly acquired friends in the animal rights movement were atheists, so celebrating Christmas was not a priority for them. Savannah made a mental note to ask Nick about his spiritual beliefs. Other than the fact that Nick played lead guitar in a rock band, Savannah knew hardly anything about him or his past—he was always more interested in hearing about her life than talking about his own. What she did know was that when she was with him, her world was complete. Savannah was ecstatic and terrified at the same time. In a mere three weeks, she had given her heart, soul, and body to a man who was virtually a stranger. When it came to Nick, she threw caution to the wind. She hoped her grades hadn’t suffered because she put studying on the back burner after she met Nick.

  Savannah was stretched out in the demonstration h
ammock at the Pawley’s Island Hammock Shop. She was meeting Nora for lunch and some much-needed girl time, but she felt a little nervous about seeing her best friend. Their relationship had become strained since Savannah left for college. Nora was jealous of her relationship with Haley and never had anything positive to say about Nick.

  As she swayed in the hammock, waiting for Nora to arrive, Savannah’s thoughts drifted back to a special day on the beach in Malibu. A few days before Savannah was to fly home for Christmas, Nick asked her to spend the day with him. He instructed Savannah to wear comfortable clothes and hiking boots. Nick picked her up in his old, beat-up Honda. When she climbed into his car, she noticed the cooler and blanket in the back seat. The two talked and listened to music as Nick drove Savannah to Point Dume State Park in Malibu. They arrived at the hiking area, and Nick parked the car near the trailhead. The picturesque, dome-shape cliff jutted into the Pacific Ocean. The point was surrounded by white sand beaches and sparkling blue water.

  Nick retrieved his backpack, blanket, and cooler from the back seat. “Ready to see a beautiful beach?” Nick asked.

  “More beautiful than the one we’re standing on?” Savannah inquired.

  “You haven’t seen anything yet. Follow me!”

  Savannah followed Nick to the trailhead, and they hiked up the cliffside. She was impressed with Nick’s gracefulness as he effortlessly hiked up the cliff. She, on the other hand, was a little on the clumsy side. Good thing Nick was carrying the pack and the cooler.

  At the top of the cliff, they stopped to admire the view. From the top, Savannah could see the entire Santa Monica Bay, north Malibu Coast, inland Santa Monica Mountains, and even a very distant Catalina Island.

  “This is a great location to spot gray whales,” Nick said.

  “Nick, this view is breath-taking.”

  “I thought you might enjoy it.”

  Savannah, an amateur photographer, paused to take a few photos. The pair made their way down the other side of the cliff, which led to a secluded beach. The golden rays from the sun reflected off the intense white sand. The only noises were the gentle sounds of the waves breaking on the shore and an occasional caw from a seagull.

  “So nice of you to reserve the beach for us,” Savannah said.

  “Only the best for you.”

  They strolled to the end of the deserted beach, and Nick unpacked his backpack. He set up a small, one-person tent and unrolled a blanket for them.

  “What’s the tent for?” Savannah grinned.

  “Well, I thought you might need a little protection from the sun.”

  Savannah laughed. “It’s December; I don’t think I have to worry about a sunburn.” She breathed in the salty air. Having grown up at the beach, she loved the ocean. “I’m amazed how different the beaches are out here.”

  “I’ve never been to the East Coast. How are the beaches different?”

  “The water temperature for one thing. It’s way too cold for me to swim out here. The ocean gets as warm as bath water in the summer in South Carolina.”

  Nick spread out the blanket and unpacked the cooler, which contained a six-pack of chilled Corona and salsa for the tortilla chips. He laid out the spread on the blanket and opened a beer for each of them. Nick handed one to Savannah. “To saving the animals,” Nick said as he touched his bottle to Savannah’s.

  “To us,” Savannah added. “Thank you for bringing me here. It’s lovely.”

  As they drank their beer, Savannah told Nick about growing up on Pawley’s Island. She told him all about her family and her best friend, Nora. After a while she realized she was monopolizing the conversation. She asked Nick about his family.

  Instead of answering, he reached over and took Savannah’s hand. With his other hand, he lightly touched her cheek. Savannah shivered. “I have something in mind that’s much better than talking,” Nick said. He leaned over Savannah and lightly kissed her lips. He pulled her close to him, pressing his body against hers. Savannah’s heart raced. She wondered if Nick could feel how fast her heart was beating. Savannah wanted this man more than she had ever wanted anything in her life.

  “Should we move inside the tent?” Nick asked.

  Savannah smiled and nodded.

  Nick spread out the blanket inside the small tent and pulled Savannah down on top of him. Their soft kissing became more aggressive. Savannah’s skin tingled.

  “Nick, there’s something I need to tell you.”

  “What is it?” Nick asked as he continued with the kissing.

  “I’m a virgin.”

  Nick hesitated and tipped his head to the side.

  “Do you think I’m weird?”

  “Of course not. I’m just surprised.”

  “It’s not that I don’t want to, because I do. I wanted you to know before we went any further.”

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

  “Yes. I’m ready, and I want my first time to be with you.”

  Nick removed Savannah’s shirt, and, while softly kissing her shoulder, he released her bra using one hand.

  “Tell me if you want me to stop.”

  “I will.”

  Nick sat up and stripped off his shirt to reveal his flawless skin and perfect six-pack abs. He laid Savannah down flat and pressed himself against her. She could feel him growing inside his tight jeans. She reached down and unbuttoned his jeans. Nick peered into Savannah’s blue eyes as he pushed down his jeans and boxer briefs, freeing himself from the confines of the denim. He unbuttoned Savannah’s jeans and slid them off to reveal her matching black bra and panty set.

  While softly kissing Savannah’s flat stomach, Nick removed her panties. He reached over and pulled out a foil pack from the front pocket of his backpack and placed it beside them. Savannah’s eyes roamed up and down Nick’s body. His broad shoulders and muscular chest made Savannah shudder. Nick was perfect.

  “Are you sure you want this to happen?” Nick asked softly.

  “More than I have ever wanted anything in my life,” Savannah replied, her voice cracking.

  Nick kissed Savannah’s neck. She had never felt such ecstasy or anticipation. He grabbed the packet, quickly opened the foil pack, and slid on the condom. He looked at her, asking permission with his eyes. He gently rolled on top of her—

  “Savannah!” Nora yelled as she jogged over.

  Savannah was ripped out of the memory, which she’d been replaying in her head every spare moment she was alone. In her attempt to quickly roll out of the hammock, Savannah fell and tumbled out onto the ground. Giggling ensued, and Savannah suddenly felt very foolish about her irrational fear of seeing Nora. After dusting off the dirt from her clothes, the two strolled over to Roz’s Rice Mill Café for soup and sandwiches. Savannah had missed the homemade soups and the key lime pie from Roz’s. Savannah and Nora sipped their sweet teas and perused the menu. Nearly everything included some kind of meat, seafood, or dairy product. It was easy to be vegan in Los Angeles, but not so much in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina.

  The waitress, order pad in hand, approached the table. “Afternoon, ladies. Do you know what you’d like to order?”

  “I’ll have a cup of clam chowder and the grilled grouper sandwich,” Nora said.

  The waitress jotted down the order and turned to Savannah. “What about you, sweetie?”

  “I’ll have the grilled portobello mushroom salad, but please hold the goat cheese.”

  “Why that’s the best part, honey,” the waitress told her.

  “I know, but I’m vegan, so I don’t eat any animal products.”

  Nora just looked at the waitress and shrugged as a way to show she agreed with her.

  “Sure thing, hon. I’ll have ‘em hold the good stuff.” The waitress scurried away with a dumbfounded expression.

  Savannah could feel Nora st
aring at her.

  “Why on earth did you order a portobello salad?” Nora asked.

  Savannah rolled her eyes. “I told you I gave up meat.”

  “Well, giving up meat is one thing, but how can you give up seafood?” Nora demanded.

  “I don’t eat anything that has a face.”

  “You were raised on seafood, and now, after living in the land of fruits and nuts for a mere four months, you’re telling me you can survive on bean sprouts?”

  Savannah’s expression hardened.

  Nora quickly added, “I bet you cave when you see the key lime pie come out. Besides, shrimp and crabs are ugly enough to eat.” She gave Savannah at tentative smile.

  Savannah relaxed when she saw Nora was trying to lighten the mood. “Tell me about your classes,” Savannah said.

  Nora lived at home and was attending Coastal Carolina.

  “They’re good. I’m knocking out all my prerequisite courses.”

  “How are you and Hunter?” Savannah asked.

  Nora blushed. “I wanted to talk to you about that. I hate that you found out about us the way you did. I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you, but it was never the right time.”

  “I thought we could tell each other anything.”

  “We could . . . we can,” Nora said. “I just didn’t know how to tell you that I was in love with your brother.”

  “Are you and Hunter really in love?”

  Nora shifted awkwardly in her chair. “I don’t know. I think so. He treats me really well. Are you okay with me dating your brother?”

  “Hunter and I have never seen eye to eye on anything, so it’s hard for me to see you two together.”

  “He’s different with me, Savannah. He’s loving and protective.”