Chapter 12 #2
We lean back in our seats. “What did you tell the pilot?” I ask her as I hand her a roll of gauze and some saline solution from a first aid kit to clean herself up with. I want to know. Fuck she’s fearless.
Isabella grins. She’s so gorgeous it breaks my heart a little. “I said you know who I am, and you know what I’m capable of.”
I smile at her. Somehow in the melee, the two of us shed a little of our animosity. I suppose it can’t be helped as we were allies for a little while.
“Who are you? And what else are you capable of?”
Leaning over, she cups my chin in her small, warm hand. “I am Isabella Romanova. And I am capable of world domination.”
I can’t help it. I lean over and kiss her again.
We lean back, and finally, our breathing slows.
Our ascent is breathtaking as we soar above the clouds, and the houses below us quickly become so small they look like tiny little houses you might find on an aerial map, the clouds like thin wisps of vapor.
“Southeast,” Isabella says with a nod. I can hardly hear her but can read her lips. She’s right. We’re heading out to sea. After some time, there’s nothing but the blue depth of the ocean beneath us. Her brow furrows, and I watch the details as well. Even Mikhail doesn’t know where we’re going.
I tap the mic so the pilot can hear me. “Can you tell us where you’re going?”
“I’m sorry, sir,” he responds stoically. “I can’t tell you until we land. It’s too risky.”
“Fair enough.”
I watch the pilot closely. I know him, he’s been vetted… Still, I’ve never been married before. I didn’t have a wife to look out for. I look over to see Isabella’s head tipped to the side. She’s asleep.
I can’t risk falling asleep, not until we’ve landed, and we’re settled.
I stare at the sleeping form of my wife beside me, my chest swelling with the knowledge that she’s taken vows with me. It feels surreal. I’ve never known anyone more beautiful or dangerous than Isabella Morales.
And she’s mine.
Unlike our private planes, I have no Wi-Fi up here. I lean back in my seat and cross my ankles. It’s the most peaceful I’ve felt in recent memory.
I’m tense and alert when Isabella stirs and opens her eyes. She blinks in surprise but doesn’t talk as she quickly orients herself. I watch her stare down at her hand where I placed a thick gold band a few hours ago as if reminding herself it wasn’t a dream.
I stare at the ring as if imprinting it in my memory. She gives me a curious look but doesn’t make a move to take her hand away. I give her a squeeze and lay her hand on my knee, resting my hand over hers.
I don’t care if she’s a Morales. I don’t care that she’s a sworn enemy. I don’t care that I forced her to marry me, and our marriage is loveless. She’s my wife, and I promised her I would take care of what’s mine.
“Minutes now,” the pilot says.
As we begin our descent, an island comes into view—a lush, green paradise surrounded by crystal-clear water. It’s breathtaking and remote, the perfect hideaway.
“Where are we?” she whispers. “I thought maybe Iceland or Nova Scotia, but it’s impossible to tell from this height. And it looks warm, not cold. Thank God,” she mutters.
“Mmm. It’s impossible to tell even now. There are thousands of uninhabited, remote islands.”
We land on what looks like a private helipad near a grand villa.
It’s perched on a cliff that overlooks the craggy rocks of the ocean below, but to the east lies a white sand beach.
God, it looks like fucking heaven, and I’m going to enjoy the hell out of this, our brief reprieve before we’re thrown back into the fire.
“Bermuda,” she murmurs. “I bet we’re on one of the islands of Bermuda.
Only a few hours from New York, it’s the only place I can think of that would be warm and sunny this time of year.
” I watch as her lips curve upward in a grin.
“Find me now, Javier.” When she flexes her pretty, delicate hands with well-manicured nails, I imagine for a brief moment she has them sharpened into claws, ready to tear him apart with her bare hands.
I blink and she looks delicate and gorgeous again.
No… delicate is the wrong word. Isabella never looks delicate. Fit. Lean. Stunningly beautiful and decidedly feminine. But delicate? Never.
We take our bags and exit the helicopter.
“Thanks,” I tell our pilot.
He nods and, without a word, gets back inside to head back. I take our bags and walk toward the large villa in front of us as the helicopter rises, the blades chopping in the air, and leaves.
“You think we’re the only ones here?”
I shake my head. “I fucking hope so.”
“No one to cook for you? To make your bed? I can shoot a gun, Lev, but domestic duties…”
“My mother raised me to be a man, not a boy,” I tell her with a smile. “Yeah, I can handle this shit.”
Isabella shrugs a slender shoulder and smiles. “We don’t need staff, do we? There’s a certain appeal in being alone on an island.”
But when we enter the villa, it does appear we’re alone. This place is a masterpiece of modern architecture, somehow perfectly fitting with the natural beauty of the island. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the ocean, and the interior is furnished with elegant but simple decor.
“My mother would cluck her tongue at all the white and beige, you know,” she says with a smile. “Though I like the ocean inspiration with the accents.” Outside furniture of white wicker features shell decor and pale blues and greens. The clean, simple lines give the place an elegant, pristine look.
All I care about is that it’s well-furnished and isolated, perfect for keeping her close and safe.
As we step inside, I watch her take in our surroundings. Her eyes widen slightly, and I can tell she’s impressed, even if she doesn’t want to show it. A place like this must contrast with what she’s familiar with at home.
I take out my phone, not surprised to find I have four bars and Wi-Fi. My brother would never send me to a place where he couldn’t reach me the second he wanted to. I shoot him a text.
Mikhail
What the fuck happened???
We took down an enemy helicopter. I’ll get her to tell me who they were later but obviously, we know it was the cartel behind it.
Mikhail
Shit. Glad you made it safely.
All good at home?
Mikhail
We’re fine. Couple of dumbasses tried to stir shit here but Viktor handled it. Mom never even knew
Perfect. Any staff here?
Mikhail
No. I thought you two would be better off and enjoy it more if you were totally alone. I had specific instructions left when the staff vacated to make sure you have a relaxing stay. Nothing to worry about. You’ll find everything you need at the front desk. You two fucking earned it.
Thank you.
Mikhail
Stay in touch
I turn to Isabella. “We’re the only ones here. Mikhail says there are instructions for us up front.”
She grins. “Alone, on a gorgeous island, hidden from our enemies and stranded with my hot, dominant husband who has a vow to consummate our marriage and knock me up?” She taps her chin. “Hmm. Let me think about this.” She pretends to think for a minute before she pumps her fists and hoots. “Woot!”
I watch as she runs to the front desk, where normally, staff might check us in. She picks up a white sheet of paper. “Oooh, look here, Lev. This is what Mikhail was talking about.” She reads in her beautiful voice.
Welcome to Kuznetsov Island Villa. We have made the following accommodations for you.
You will find the kitchen well stocked with high-quality ingredients as well as a handful of gourmet meals that can easily be prepared or reheated, a variety of snacks and beverages, fine wines, champagnes, and spirits.
There is also an espresso machine and a fully stocked coffee bar.
Linens, towels, and anything else you might need are in the hall closet, and your bedroom has been prepared.
We have left a few personal touches throughout the villa to enhance your stay. You’ll find a selection of books and movies, as well as luxury spa accoutrements on site. Please use the hot tub and pool with caution but as often as you wish.
Should you find you wish to explore the island, we have detailed guides and equipment in the shed outside for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and hiking. Outdoors, you will also find a secluded beach picnic area, a hammock for two, and a gazebo beside the outdoor bar.
We have a state-of-the-art workout area as well as a recovery room. You’ll see everything listed on the map.
Everything has been automated—lighting, climate control, and security systems, but should any need arise, please dial the number provided for immediate assistance or security we’ve established on a nearby island.
Congratulations, and enjoy your stay.
Isabella grins. “Did we die in that helicopter and land in heaven?” For a moment, I stare at her, hardly believing this woman is my wife and I’ve got her all to myself for the week.
“Find out what you can,” Mikhail instructed. “Anything and everything she’ll tell you.”
I smile at her, hoping it doesn’t look like I’m baring my teeth. I guess I don’t smile very often.
“I’m not the kind of guy who goes to heaven when I die,” I say, shaking my head. I can’t help but smirk at her.
She takes a step toward me, her eyes smoldering. “Good,” she says in a low drawl. “Sinners have more fun, and I’ll enjoy the company.”