Chapter Fifteen
Ella
Life on the island fell into a beautiful rhythm. Ella woke with Bernardo’s crowing, stepped out into the sunshine, and breathed in the fresh air. Morning yoga settled her mind and body—and the eye-candy instructor was an extra bonus. Senhor Arenoso commented on her energy shift, Marco Marcos actually started making sense, and she still hadn’t hit herself in the nose with the surfboard.
Opening up to the island meant the island was opening up to her.
Evenings were her favourite, though. Spending one-on-one time with Riley in her cabin felt like being on another planet, an alternate universe where good things happened to her. She worried that one day she’d wake up in her own bed back home, and this would all have been a dream.
She found herself walking lighter, smiling more, carrying a happiness inside her that she hadn’t felt in a long time. Winnie would blame it on all the amazing sex she was having—which definitely helped—but it was more than that. It was the way Riley made her feel.
The only trouble? Ella’s time on the island was passing far too quickly.
And she didn’t want to think about what would happen when it ended.
“Come on, slowpoke,” Riley called, striding ahead and throwing a grin over her shoulder.
“How much further?”
Riley waited underneath the bow of a tree, its leaves shading her from the afternoon sun. She handed Ella a bottle of water, which she gulped hastily.
Though the sun wasn’t at its hottest today, and a cloud of mist hung over the valley, heat flushed Ella’s neck from the hike. Riley had insisted on showing her the neighbouring village, but so far, all they’d seen were endless trees and red and yellow wildflowers as the path cut through the mountains.
She handed Riley the bottle back, and she slotted it into her backpack. Ella adjusted her bikini strap as it was digging into her shoulder, then leaned into Riley. The scent of sea salt and lemongrass made her swoon as she wrapped her arm around her.
How did she always smell so good?
Riley kissed her forehead, then angled Ella’s body to face down the mountain. Her gaze combed the canopy of trees, the fog in the valley obstructing the view.
Unsure what she was supposed to be seeing, Ella asked, “What is it?”
Riley brushed her arms with her fingers, and she squeezed her. “Just wait.”
Frankly, Ella could use the rest. So she leaned into Riley’s shoulder, admiring how the woman always smelt like the fresh sea breeze, and waited. The fog slunk over the mountains, revealing what looked like steam rising into the sky at different points from down below. Ella peered closer, spotting slanted orange and brown roofs spaced among the trees.
“Is that the village?” she asked.
“Yep. You made it.”
They descended into the houses. Below the clouds, patterned cobblestones led them between the buildings. Women busied themselves in the gardens, tending to the flowers and bushes and offering greetings as they passed. Farmers tipped their hats as they pulled along carts of vegetables and fruits, young children waving from the seats.
Fresh pastries caught Ella’s attention through a window, and Riley steered her towards a bakery with two huge baskets full of pink and purple flowers hanging outside the doorway.
“ Boa tarde , ladies,” a young woman called from behind the wooden counter, working at pace but keeping her attention on the two of them, her hands moving in a blur. A cute yellow butterfly clip held her dark hair from her face.
Riley nudged Ella as she took in the range of cakes and pastries. “What would you like?”
How could she possibly choose? “You pick.”
Riley engaged with the woman in Portuguese, and Ella’s libido flared. She loved hearing her speak the language and contemplated tearing her clothes off right there and then, knocking over the bread rolls, and taking her on the counter. Riley caught her eye with a grin, reading her mind, and brushed her fingers against hers when the baker’s back was turned. Heat shot through with the touch, and Ella flushed like a schoolgirl. Riley bought two Madeira cakes, and they headed back out onto the cobbles.
Music drifted through an open window as they tucked into the spicy honey and cinnamon cakes. They were a little dry, but Ella finished hers with pleasure as they took in the view of the sea beyond the buildings. Riley had mentioned the possibility of going for a swim, and she wondered if the sea was any different on this side of the island.
They explored the rest of the shops—Ella noticed three rainbow stickers in the windows, which pleased her—and shared a laugh at the “No Goats” sign hanging outside the pottery studio. Riley conversed with the locals while Ella managed “ boa tarde ” and “ obrigada ”, and Riley promised to teach her some more Portuguese.
They browsed art in one of the shops, and Riley pointed out some of her favourite paintings, telling Ella about the different locations on the island.
“Which painting do you like?” she asked.
Ella studied the collection—mountain and sea views, hydrangeas, lakes and beaches—before turning back to Riley. “I prefer yours,” she answered honestly. “You could easily sell paintings in here, too.”
Riley smiled but shook her head before continuing to wander around the shop.
Ella caught herself watching her in this environment, a strong sense of longing overcoming her. Like the day they’d spent together on Sunday, getting to experience time with Riley in this way made it seem like this was their life. Like there wasn’t an expiration date or a timer ticking away in the back of her head.
Riley’s blue eyes flicked to hers, and Ella’s heart fluttered. Even in a casual T-shirt and the cargo shorts she favoured so much, there was something about Riley that drew her in. A warmth and an electricity from deep within her that she wanted to chase.
Riley’s mouth curved, showing her dimples, and then she made her way towards her, something hidden behind her back. As she drew closer, her grin only got wider, and then she dropped something onto Ella’s head .
The floppy material fell over her eyes, and she laughed as Riley adjusted it.
“What is this?” Ella pulled at the edges of the hat, and Riley guided her towards a mirror.
“It’s like the one you lost, isn’t it? On the boat ride over with Duarte?”
Ella stood, taking in her reflection. The oversized straw hat did bear a likeness to the one she’d lost overboard. But this one had a thin strip of ribbon trim—the same blue as Riley’s eyes.
She swivelled, catching Riley’s gaze in the mirror. “I love it.”
Riley paid for the hat, waving away Ella’s protests.
“Thank you.” Ella brushed her hand against hers, but she moved it away.
“Sorry. We need to be careful in the village. Sometimes Jane and Kristoph eat out here.”
The words kicked out the air from under her, and the happy feeling shrivelled in her chest. “Ah, right.”
Riley grimaced at her change of tone before masking it with a smile. “But don’t worry. I have a surprise for you.” She thanked the shopkeeper, checked her watch, and then started walking.
But Ella didn’t follow. The reminder crushed her, squeezing and squishing her into something small. She didn’t want to have to hide any part of her away. Ever since coming out at sixteen, Ella had vowed to never shield those sides of her. The reminder made her feel like a tiny bug that’d been stepped on. Small. Insignificant. Emotions she’d felt when she’d dated Maeve. Maeve’s hard gaze cut through her thoughts, mouth downturned in a frown as her firm hand squeezed her thigh. “ What did I say about keeping quiet? ”
Ella hadn’t meant to bring up politics at dinner, but she couldn’t help but step in when Maeve’s uncle suggested putting metal spikes outside the office to deter the homeless. Her suggestion of rehabilitation internships had been met with sneers and laughter.
So Maeve had kept Ella away from her family gatherings. She was too loud, too much, too Ella. Good enough for private but not for public. She didn’t want to do that again.
Don’t think about that lanky grasshopper.
Deep down, she knew Riley’s intention wasn’t to hide her away. Riley wasn’t like that. This was her job…her whole life. Ella could understand why she was being careful. She’d already risked a lot for her. Ella shouldn’t ask for more.
Riley turned to call her on, and Ella awkwardly jogged to close the distance. Riley checked her watch again.
Somewhere to be?
“Where are we going?” Ella asked.
Riley tapped her nose. “You’ll see.”
She led them out of the village and up a small incline through the trees. Under the shade of the canopy, goosebumps prickled across Ella’s arms. She breathed in the earthy scent and caught something else, reminding her of her favourite pub from back home.
They trekked a little further until Ella spotted a wooden cabin. Humidity licked her skin, and as they took a few more steps, big clouds of steam slunk between the trunks. Is it…on fire? Riley didn’t seem concerned and linked her fingers through hers. This time, Ella flinched at the contact but tried to hide it.
Now they were in private, it was fine to touch her again?
Unaware, Riley tugged her closer to the cabin, eager for her to see around the corner.
Steam floated up from a small pool in the ground, the heat warming Ella’s skin. Patterned tiles ran around the perimeter, the same workmanship she’d spotted around the village. Tall conifers and ferns spread their leaves, giving them a little privacy from the building.
“Welcome to one of the island’s best-kept secrets,” Riley said, turning towards her. “Pires’ hot springs. Or termas. ”
“It’s beautiful.” Ella’s gaze wandered over the rocks and the lush greenery, following the steam as it poured up into the skies.
“And it’s all ours.”
Ella glanced at her. “What do you mean?”
“I made a deal with the owner, Senhor Pires.” She gave a light shrug and tugged Ella closer to the pool. The steam swirled around them. “For another…forty-six minutes.”
“Riley…you shouldn’t have.” She watched the tu rquoise water, unsure how to feel. She wished she could let this uneasy feeling float away with the steam too. She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat. So, was this about hiding her? Making sure no one could see them together?
Or a nice romantic gesture?
“I want you all to myself. Can you blame me?” Riley pulled her T-shirt over her head and placed it on one of the rocks. “And this way, we can properly relax.”
Ella’s eyes were drawn to her blue bikini top, then down her defined abs. Riley took a step towards her, and Ella marvelled at the way her body moved.
Riley is not Maeve, she reminded herself. This is a good thing.
She raised an eyebrow as Riley’s hand found her waist. “So this is why you wanted me to wear my bikini.”
Riley’s mouth curved in that Riley way that made Ella want to kiss her. “Yes,” she said. “Can I?” She gripped Ella’s T-shirt between her fingers and, after she’d nodded, lifted it over her shoulders, placing it on a rock with her own. With a grin, she set Ella’s new hat back on her head and ran her hands over her stomach and thighs. Ella sucked in a breath as she dipped to kiss her neck.
“You sure this is okay?” she asked breathlessly. Riley’s lips brushed down her skin, and she sucked at her pulse point. Ella’s knees wobbled, and she let out a groan.
“We’re all alone,” Riley whispered against her neck.
Vibrations spread down Ella’s spine, fluttering between her legs. “What about the building? ”
“Don’t worry. Senhor Pires takes privacy very seriously.” Her tongue brushed Ella’s neck, and she sucked at her sensitive skin again.
Ella’s belly rolled. All her previous trepidation evaporated into the air. She gripped the waistband of Riley’s shorts, pulling their bodies closer together as an idea formed. “Then how about we make this more interesting?”
Riley straightened up, hitting her head on the rim of Ella’s hat. They burst out laughing, and Ella threw the hat like a frisbee to land on their other clothes. She held Riley’s gaze as she reached behind her own back to tug at her bikini strings. They loosened, and the material slipped from her breasts, exposing her. Her nipples hardened in the air.
Riley’s voice stuck in her throat. “You want to skinny-dip?”
Ella popped open the button of her own shorts, tucking her hand inside. “You don’t?” She grinned as she slid the material over her legs, catching Riley’s eye before doing the same with her bikini bottoms.
“God. Ella.” Riley’s attention fell to her nipples, her waist, her bare legs, then landed on her mouth. “You’re so unbelievably sexy.”
Ella flushed at the compliment. Suddenly, Riley’s mouth was on hers, silky and soft and drawing another moan from her throat. A low pulse throbbed between Ella’s thighs, encouraged by Riley’s wet tongue. Her fingers searched for Riley’s bikini string and she pulled it, letting it drop to the floor.
She kissed her slowly, purposefully, controlling the pace as her hands worked to undress her until they were both naked on the edge of the hot springs. She let her fingers trace across Riley’s skin, gentle and soft enough to raise goosebumps, remembering the effect it had on her the first time.
Riley inhaled, her irises soft and swirling. “I’ve never done this before,” she admitted.
Ella leaned back, taking in her small breasts and perky nipples. She let her gaze dip lower, past the amethyst necklace lying against her sternum, over her firm stomach and sharp hipbones, the adorable little freckles decorating her tanned skin. She was truly a goddess. “You live in paradise, and you’ve never skinny-dipped?”
“Nope.”
“Well, I’m more than happy to be here for your first.”
Riley nodded. “After you.”
Ella dipped her toe into the water and let out a heavenly sigh. She sunk lower, the water coating her like hot silk. Oh my god. All her muscles relaxed as she delved deeper.
Riley joined her, taking a seat beside her in the springs. She chuckled, floating her arms through the water. “It feels so different naked.”
Ella tilted her head up to peer at the sky through the leaves. Overhead, the trees shaded them, but streaks of sunlight filtered through, casting patterns across the water. She let out a deep breath. “Freeing?”
“Yeah.”
“This is amazing.” She turned to find Riley already watching her. She brushed a strand of wet hair off her forehead. “It looks different from the brochures.”
“So you did read the brochures?”
Ella shrugged. “I skimmed.”
“Those are the tourist springs. This is for the locals.”
“Ooh. The VIP experience. I like it.”
Riley’s hand found Ella’s thigh under the water and gave it a squeeze.
The heat from the spring wasn’t the only thing warming Ella’s centre. She swivelled her body so she could climb onto Riley’s lap, catching the way her eyes widened.
“Definitely the VIP experience,” she teased.
Riley kissed her, and she wrapped her arms around her neck, deepening it. When she slipped their tongues together, Riley clawed at her back.
“Ells,” she breathed against her mouth, making her tingly everywhere. The steam floated around them, making it even harder to breathe.
Ella ground against her, their bodies slipping together under the water. She took Riley’s soft lips in hers, before moving across her jaw and neck, kissing away the water droplets, enjoying the mix of sweat and perfume on her skin before sucking at the same spot Riley had earlier.
Riley pulled back, looking into Ella’s eyes with a wild ferocity that electrified her. Her hands held her back with a strong grip, her chest heaving as her focus darted between Ella’s mouth and eyes. “We…we can’t.”
Ella’s body hummed. Making out with Riley, feeling her strong touch, her body underneath her, was more than enough to set her off. If there was nobody here then…“Why not?”
Riley nodded, and Ella turned to read the sign sticking out of the ground. In big red letters, it read:
No sex
No pastries
No goats
Ella cracked out laughing. “What is it with the goats on this island?”
Once they couldn’t stand the heat anymore, they climbed out, using the towels from Riley’s rucksack to dry and redress. Riley disappeared into the building, returning a few minutes later with a small man wearing a dark orange polo shirt and too-long khaki trousers that bunched at his heels.
“Ella, this is Senhor Pires.”
“ Boa tarde , Senhor,” Ella greeted him.
“Call me Henrique, please.” He extended his hand, shooting Riley a look with his eyebrows raised. “She’s a pretty one. Now I understand why you want private.” He winked, shaking Ella’s hand a little too vigorously. “Come. Come. Food is ready.”
Food? Ella cast a glance at Riley, but she just raised her eyebrows as they followed Henrique behind the building, where more purple and blue flowers filled baskets hanging beside the windows. A dozen tables and chairs were set out on a decking overlooking the forest, where several holes had been dug into the ground. Mounds of dirt were piled high like giant anthills. Ella hoped that whatever created them wouldn’t be on the menu.
Henrique showed them to their seats, although the rest of them were empty, and pulled out Ella’s chair for her.
“ Obrigada .” She sat awkwardly, shuffling her bum along the wicker, her hat flopping with each movement.
He clicked his tongue. “Ah, polite, too.” He flashed them a toothy beam and clapped his hands. “So, who is hungry?”
Riley leaned across the table. “Henrique makes the best cozido on the island.”
“Psh.” He waved his hand. “Best in the world. ”
“And he makes a vegetarian version, too.”
“ Cozido ?” Ella asked, as Henrique approached one of the holes and started shovelling the dirt from the top.
“Mariana!” he shouted, seemingly to the sky.
Riley chuckled. “It’s a type of stew. It’s buried underground and then cooked by the heat of the volcano.”
“What? That’s amazing!”
Riley’s eyes sparkled. “I thought you might like it.”
A bang and a clatter from the door behind them turned their heads, and a tall woman appeared carrying two metal poles. She exchanged some fast words with Henrique in Portuguese, and then, with a grunt, they used the long poles to lift the pot out from the hole.
More chattering voices sounded, and Ella swivelled to see a handful of people walk into the restaurant, greeting them before taking their seats. While Henrique and Mariana prepared the dishes, the seats filled up. Ella recognised some of them from the village, including the baker with the yellow butterfly clip.
It really did seem to be the place the locals frequented.
“How…” Ella looked around, struck by how quickly the place had filled up.
“Everyone knows it’s cozido time. It takes hours to cook underground.”
Ella’s belly growled at the hearty scent of stew, and Henrique brought two enormous portions over to them. Steam poured out of the bowl, and she peered in, spotting cabbage leaves.
“ Bom apetite .” He shot them a wink and joined Mariana in dishing out the other bowls.
Ella dug in, tearing apart the cabbage leaves to find a selection of other vegetables inside, soft and perfectly cooked. She spooned the stew into her mouth and let out a groan at the juicy, flavoursome broth.
Stew wasn’t what she’d imagined she’d be eating when she daydreamed about Portugal on the plane. More like endless pizza slices, chips, and margaritas while lying horizontal on a beach somewhere, as the sun washed away all her problems. But that sounded boring in comparison. She didn’t want that anymore. From pushing her comfort zone, she’d discovered more qualities about herself that surprised her.
She caught Riley’s eye across the table, and she grinned. Stew had been the least of her surprises on this trip. She smiled back at her, trying to be thankful for this moment, with the delicious food and even more delicious company, as the crackle of conversation buzzed around them.
By the time they got back to Riley’s, Ella’s feet ached all over. She collapsed on Riley’s bed, disappointed not to see Ziggy bound towards her. A kitty cuddle would have been perfect right now. He must be out exploring.
She let out a heavy sigh. “I’m fucking knackered.”
Riley chuckled, packing away the contents of her rucksack. She hung the towels in the bathroom to dry and then sat on the bed by Ella’s feet.
Ella pulled her gaze from the ceiling to look at her. “Thank you for today. I had the best time.”
“Even though, and I quote, your feet ‘feel like slabs of concrete’?”
“Yep. Totally worth it.” She moaned as Riley massaged the sole of her foot. “Oh my god.” She closed her eyes, unable to stop the noises leaving her mouth.
“You know…” Riley began. Ella peeked and caught a cheeky grin spread over her face. “You took care of me. How about now, you let me take care of you?”
Ella’s heart stuttered. Riley continued to rub circles over her feet, making it hard to concentrate. “What…what do you have in mind?”
Riley hummed, her eyes drifting over Ella’s body in a way that made all the air in the room thicken. “I think we’ll start by removing some clothes.” Her hands caressed Ella’s calves and then up her thick thighs. The breath caught in her throat. “And then you can just…lie there.” Riley’s eyebrow quirked, and her hands drifted between Ella’s legs, parting them. She rubbed soft circles, barely touching her clit, and Ella bit her lip.
Fuck.
She swallowed, remembering the cool touch of Riley’s fingers on her chest when she had sunburn. Imagining them caressing other parts of her body sent a strong flutter between her thighs. “Anything else?”
“Actually, yes.” Riley’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got an idea to make this…interesting.”