Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
I remain at the window, staring into the vast expanse of the Caribbean that now holds both my demons and my future. It’s a cruel twist of fate, how an innocent encounter can complicate lives so easily.
SIX
LORENZO
The drive to the yacht is swift but feels interminable as the bumps in the road test the ancient shocks on the vehicle Luca hired to take us to the marina. My thoughts keep drifting to her and those aqua-blue eyes, her soft curls, and the moment in the elevator that’s burned into my memory.
As we round the corner, the expanse of the marina comes into full view, the yachts lined up like regal sentinels of the sea. Each one is a testament to luxury, but there's one in particular that catches my eye.
"There it is," Luca says, pointing ahead. "Our ride."
“I’m not sure Lorenzo should let you choose any more fucking rides,” Antonio grumbles from the front seat as the wind blows through the open truck windows.
My gaze follows his finger, landing on a massive yacht that stands out even among its lavish neighbors. It’s gleaming white, with sleek lines and a modern design that exudes opulence. The sheer size of it is impressive. There’s no doubt it’s an imposing floating palace meant to command attention and respect.
But as we get closer and I read the name painted in elegant script on the bow, I can't help but laugh.
"Hot Moves?" I say, raising an eyebrow at Luca and Antonio. "Seriously?"
“The name alone will throw our enemies off.” Luca shrugs and I have to admit his ploy is ingenious.
“Good job, my friend,” I tell him as we step out of the rusty old pickup truck that’s seen better days at least fifteen years ago.
“Is that why we used this,” I point back at the faded blue thirty-year-old vehicle, “to get here instead of a limousine?”
“The Grimaldis will be on the look-out for a limousine or armored SUV.” My second in command deserves a raise for this level of ingeniousness.
A few hours later, I walk into the yacht salon to find Mira looking both surprised and confused as she turns to find me standing in the doorway.
“You?” she says, her voice a mix of surprise and nerves. “What’s going on?”
I take a deep breath and step closer, knowing winning her over depends on how I handle this situation. “I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this mess. There are things about me and my life that are complicated. Dangerous. You’ve become involved, unwittingly, but involved nonetheless.”
Her eyes search mine for answers, fear swirling in their aqua-blue depths. “I don’t understand. What kind of danger?”
“There are people after me,” I say plainly. “People who wouldn’t hesitate to use you to get to me. We’ve arranged for you to be taken somewhere safe, but we need to move quickly.”
The gravity of my words sinks in, and she stares at me with her mouth hanging open. “Why would anyone think they can use me against you?”
“Because, bambolina, I’ve never paid attention to any woman in my life.” It’s embarrassing to admit, but I know the only thing that will win her over is the truth. “Once I started paying attention to you, my enemies realized you are important to me. And you are important to me. Vital, in fact.”
Her mouth opens and closes silently for several minutes as my words sink in. “This is crazy.”
“I know it sounds insane, bambolina, but we’ll figure it out together. I promise to keep you safe while we get to know each other,” I add, my voice softer. “Whatever it takes.”
She swallows, looking between me and Luca, who stands nearby. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
A sense of relief washes over me, but the real challenge lies ahead. As I walk her to the stateroom where she’ll be staying, her eyes linger on the sprawling, dark sea. I instruct the crew to set sail immediately, knowing time is of the essence.
In the privacy of the cabin, I tell her, “I know this is overwhelming,” I choose my words carefully, “but it’s the safest way to keep you out of harm’s way. We’ll be in New York soon, and from there, we can figure out the next steps.”
She nods, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “Thank you,” she says quietly. “For protecting me.”
I meet her gaze, the connection between us undeniable even in this moment of chaos. “I’d give my life to protect you,” I whisper, knowing my life will never be the same again.
The cabin is cozy, the warm light illuminating her features. She looks like a porcelain doll with her blonde curls framing her heart-shaped face, her skin smooth and fair, and her eyes wide and filled with curiosity mixed with the slightest hint of wariness.
“Why?” she asks, her voice as gentle as the evening breeze. She clears her throat. “Why would you do that for me?”