Chapter 15 Alina #2
I feel on the verge of melting in his embrace. Of turning into a puddle at his damn feet. But before my body can betray me, he releases me, ensuring I’m standing upright, and then reaches for our dropped luggage.
“Welcome back,” an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a crisp white linen shirt tucked into tailored khaki shorts, greets the group. “It has been too long.”
“It certainly has, Emanuel,” Vin answers, greeting the man with a handshake. “How’s the family?”
“Excellent, sir. All the kids are healthy and in school, and my wife is getting prettier by the day, so no complaints here.”
“That’s good to hear.” Leo intertwines his fingers with Scarlett’s, giving her a tender glance. “I’d like to introduce you to my wife, Scarlett. Scarlett, this is Emanuel, the head of our security on this island.”
Emanuel dips his chin politely. “A pleasure to meet you, and congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Scarlett smiles warmly. “We appreciate you arranging everything at the last minute. I hope it wasn’t any trouble.”
“Not at all,” he answers with a grin. “My wife loves it when I have to stay here for work as she gets to come along with me.”
“Then we’ll have to stay here more often,” she answers.
Leo turns toward the rest of us. “You know Mauro, of course.”
“Of course, sir. Always good to see you.”
Mauro dips his chin, calm and composed.
“And this is his wife, Alina.”
Emanuel’s grin broadens. “Well, my congratulations to you both.”
“Thank you,” I answer, nervously fidgeting with my ring.
“You know, Madeleine,” Leo continues, “and this is her husband, Eli.”
As the others exchange pleasantries with Emanuel, Mauro glances down at me, one brow raised.
“Just a little nervous,” I admit quietly with a slight shrug. “I’m…” Terrified we’ll break a rule and ruin everything between us. “Well, I guess—”
“Should I show you to your rooms?” Emanuel voices.
“I think we can manage,” Madeleine responds.
“Of course.” He checks his watch. “If anyone should need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” He turns and departs, and a few men step forward to collect the luggage.
Mauro hands my suitcase to one of them, then entwines his fingers with mine, keeping me close as he leads us toward the cabanas.
“We’ll stay in this one,” Madeleine announces, heading directly to the first house. “We’ll meet you guys at dinner.” She opens the door with Eli right on her heels.
“Wait!” Scarlett calls out.
Both of them freeze.
“Aren’t we going scuba diving?”
Madeleine bites her bottom lip, suppressing a smile as she looks at Eli.
Eli shifts, facing us. “Give us an hour.”
Madeleine elbows him in the stomach.
“Make that two. And then she’s all yours. Promise.”
“Fine.” Scarlett crosses her arms, amused as they scurry inside their cabana and shut the door. She turns to Leo. “I suppose you’re not interested in scuba diving?”
“Not in the slightest.” He pushes her hair over her shoulder, pressing a kiss to her bare skin. “But there are other things I would like to explore.” He scoops her up bridal style, and her surprised squeal echoes as he carries her toward the next house.
Vin hooks a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be at the bar.” He strides off, disappearing down a shaded path.
“Well.” I swallow hard, removing my hand from Mauro’s and hugging myself lightly. “I guess that just leaves us.”
Mauro drags a hand through his hair, lost in thought, before heading to the house farthest from the others. He opens the door, gesturing for me to enter. As I step through the threshold, my eyes take in the little slice of paradise, soaking up everything.
Natural wood tones, crisp white fabrics, and plush seating surround us. Lush greenery peeks in from the open walls, blending indoor comfort with the feeling of a hidden jungle paradise. The space is open, inviting, and utterly tranquil. A perfect little world all our own.
I follow Mauro through the cabana into the main bedroom, where he pulls back a white curtain and reveals the most breathtaking view I’ve ever seen.
My lips part as I move closer.
Crystal-blue water stretches endlessly beyond the balcony, shimmering beneath the sun.
A soft breeze slips through the open space, brushing against my skin as my fingers trail over the impossibly soft white duvet covering the largest bed I’ve ever seen.
The sheer drapes framing it sway gently, dancing with the wind.
I step outside and stop short.
An in-ground infinity pool curves along the edge of the deck, its transparent bottom giving the illusion that you’d be floating directly above the ocean.
A plump orange bird with a green head lands on the railing nearby, tilting its head as if studying us. I smile as it soars into the sky, disappearing into the endless blue.
“It’s just…” I shake my head, still taking it all in. “So magical. So beautiful.”
When I turn, I realize Mauro isn’t looking at the picturesque view, but at…
me. His gaze lingers slowly and intently, tracing a path from my head to my toes.
Heat blooms beneath his attention, and suddenly, my clothes feel too warm.
There’s an itch inside me to take them off. For Mauro to take them off.
I bite down on my bottom lip, squeezing my thighs together.
And for the first time since we arrived, a dangerous thought slips in…
Do our rules still apply when we’re this far from home?