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)
Moving to stand by a small table, where a vase of fresh flowers adds a touch of color to the room, I admit, “Because meeting you woke up something deep inside me.”
She walks over, her movements graceful, almost ethereal. “I don’t know what that means.”
I lean against the table, studying her. “To be honest, I don’t either.”
She tilts her head slightly, a soft smile on her lips. “What are we going to do about our shared confusion?”
There’s something about the way she looks at me, those doll-like eyes holding a depth of emotion that I can’t quite decipher. It’s both disarming and entrancing.
“I guess we’ll have to figure it out together,” I say, my voice low and earnest.
She steps closer, her presence like a balm to my weary soul. “And if I decide I don’t want to be a part of this?” She signals to the opulent stateroom. “Are you going to let me go home?”
I take a deep breath, reaching out to gently take her hand. “You deserve better than this. Better than me and my world… but I don’t know if I could give you up. I hope I never have to face a reality without you in it.”
Her fingers intertwine with mine, and she looks up at me with an intensity that takes me by surprise. “I don’t know where this crazy pull between us came from.” I’m preparing my arguments if she flat-out rejects me, but Mira surprises me. “But I’m willing to take a chance and see where it goes.”
Her words hang in the air, a beacon of hope in a life I’ve seen so grim. The sincerity in her eyes touches a place within me that I’ve kept guarded for so long.
“You won’t be sorry, bambolina,” I admit, my thumb brushing softly over the back of her hand.
For a moment, we stand there, a quiet understanding passing between us. It’s a fragile connection, but it’s real.
I pull her gently into an embrace, feeling the warmth of her against me. “I’ll protect you, bambolina. No matter what.”
She rests her head against my chest, her voice soft and unwavering. “I know you will.” Her sweet curves melt against me, causing all the blood in my body to flow straight to my cock, but I ignore the fucker and concentrate on my girl.
Holding her close, I feel a rare peace, a subtle shift in the world I’ve known. The yacht continues its journey through the night, but for now, this cabin serves as a sanctuary where the harshness of reality can’t quite reach us.
Mira may look like a fragile porcelain doll, but she has a strength that surprises me. And maybe, just maybe, she’s the light I’ve been searching for in this relentless darkness.
The yacht cuts through the water, each mile putting distance between us and the impending threat. As we settle into the journey, I make a silent vow to protect her, to keep her safe from the abyss of my world.
Because somehow, this beautiful, innocent woman has become a beacon of light in my dark, treacherous existence. And that is something worth fighting for.
SEVEN
MIRA
The gentle sway of the yacht rocks me subtly, like a lullaby whispered by the ocean. My stateroom is quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of the engines and the soft rustling of the waves against the hull. I sit on the edge of the bed, staring at the phone in my hand, lost in thought.
Lorenzo. His name circles my mind, intertwining with images of his dark eyes that hold so many secrets, so much depth. Despite the danger that seems to wrap around him like a shroud, there’s a gentleness in him, a protective side that he shows me. It’s both comforting and confusing.
I sigh and pick up my phone, knowing I need to send a message to Lila. She’s a worrier, and the last thing I want is for her to panic. I compose a quick text, keeping my tone light.
Me
Just got home from the airport! I’m exhausted. Call you soon. Love you!
The lie tastes bitter, but it’s necessary. I need her to believe everything is normal, that I’m safe and sound. I hit send before I can second-guess myself and then set the phone down on the nightstand.
A few seconds later, her return text comes through.
Little sis
I’m dead on my feet, too. I work all day tomorrow and the next day so I won’t be around much. I’ll call when I can.
For once, I’m grateful for my sister’s busy schedule. Hopefully, by the time she gets around to calling me, I won’t have to lie to her about what’s happening.
I get up and walk over to the small porthole, staring out at the endless expanse of dark water. The moon’s reflection shimmers on the surface, casting a silver path that seems to lead straight into the unknown. Much like my life now, ever since Lorenzo stepped into it.