The white blinds are drawn to the side, allowing a perfect view outside from the wrap around windows that extend from just beyond the galley area to the bow.I walk through, taking in the luxury appliances and curved tan leather couch that faces both the back of the boat and the humongous television monitor over the fireplace.“Do you ever use the fireplace?”
He walks behind the bar that expands the length of the interior wall and returns with two bottles of water.“I haven’t in a while, but sometimes I come here just to get work done and light her up.You can leave your stuff here,” he says, gesturing toward the couch.“I’ll give you the grand tour.”
I follow him through the space that leads to a wide set of French style doors overlooking the deck.“Wow, quite impressive.It doesn’t look all masculine and stuffy like I pictured.”
His eyebrows knit as he tips the bottle and takes a long drink of water.“I thought you saw the boat in the mags.”
I grin.“I did, but the article I was referring to had you leaning over up top, and they took a shot of you against the backdrop of the water.It didn’t really showcase the boat.I’m pretty sure the photographer had her eye on you and you alone, no matter the slinky blonde that was hanging on your arm.No decorations, chairs like the ones out here now, or this—” I gesture to the affinity pool that we walk around to get to the table towards the front of the bow— “didn’t see it at all.”
He grins.“So, you only saw me and the blonde?Such a pity.The boat was a far better article.I had it customized with the pool, but the decorating was done by my sister and one of her friends just getting in the business.”
I pretend to gasp as he holds a white chair with a thick floral cushion out for me.“You left your yacht décor to a novice, and didn’t have a renowned decorator from New York or overseas flown in?”
Massimo points to a massive home sitting right on the point high above the shore.“That’s my real escape.The estate right outside the city limits is really just for show.Don’t get me wrong, I do spend time there, more than I like most often, but that house, now that’s relaxing.That’s the place I really call home.My sister and one of her friends decorated it too.”
He peels his grey cable knit sweater off, exposing his muscular and very defined arms, encased in a T-shirt that fits his body like a glove.Massimo folds himself into the seat across from me, while I do everything in my power to avert my eyes from the rippling six pack evident underneath that scant thickness of material he calls a shirt and the elaborate trails of tattoos detailed across his chest before hidden beneath the fabric.
“The view is nice.”I almost choke on my water as the words come out of my mouth.His full-throated laughter draws my narrowed eyes to the devil.“I meant the water, the horizon, the view across the water.You may be able to tempt all those blondes who decorate your arms and that you go to for solace at the bars, but it doesn’t work with me, Massimo Roselli.”
The yacht begins to move out of the dock, and a small gathering of people along the shore watch as the skillful captain heads out over the Atlantic.“I can’t believe you chose such a small community to live in by the sea.”
His eyebrows knit.“Why?”
I give him wide eyes.“Maybe because of what you do.I mean, your estate right outside the city limits, surrounded by miles of acreage and perimeter fences, guard stations high in the sky so you can see what’s coming.That, it’s what we have.It makes sense.But that home, right above the shore, with no perimeters, anyone, I mean anyone, including my very pissed off father could attack with very little effort.”
His dark gaze penetrates my bravery.It would do me well not to push the buttons of the lion who hasn’t really decided if he wants me for a toy or a meal, but if that look is any indication, it’s probably both.
“The community here at the shore, it’s a very close-knit group.I’ve lived here for over ten years, they’ve had no trouble, only benefited from my being here in many ways.It’s not like I traipse my soldiers around with guns on the beach.”He gestures with a finger to the long stretch of open coastline along the sea.“These days, drones and other methods can be used to secure the area without being as obvious as the intentional wall of men you meet when you enter my estate outside of the city.”
I nod.“I like it better here.It’s peaceful.The water has always had a calming effect on me, no matter where I am.Maybe I was a dolphin in a previous life.”
“I have no doubt you were a siren, a mermaid calling to the men, saving them from the perils of the ocean while wrapping them around your heart forever.No doubt, not one of them could rid you from their mind.”
I try not to smile, but it’s impossible.“You like folklore?”
Massimo shrugs.“Perhaps, but if you ever told anyone, I’d have to take you to my castle and put you in the highest of towers, prisoner forever until you used your hair to climb down.”
“Now you’re teasing.How can you be so sinister yet so nice to me?”
His eyebrow raises, and his dark eyes pin me with their gaze.“I told you, because you’re going to be my wife.”
19
Sophia
The man is absolutely serious.I don’t even need to ask the question to tell that he is convinced I will fail in our bet.“I don’t plan to lose, Massimo.Besides, why in the world would you want that anyway?Our families would never agree.If the war hasn’t already started, that would surely ignite its fire.”
The yacht picks up speed as we enter open water.“Let’s take a swim and then I’ll tell you my well-orchestrated plan.Strip.”
He smirks at my wide eyes.“Or you can go and slide into that little pink bikini because I’ve been waiting for this show since I picked the damn suit out,” he says gruffly.
My interest is piqued, no matter that I shouldn’t give a damn or that he called me on my bluff.“You picked it out yourself?Where?”
He stands in all his well-muscled glory.“Never mind.Now go slip into it before I find that it would be much more pleasurable to have you parade around the deck completely nude so that I can inspect my prisoner for any signs of contraband.”
My cheeks heat at the thought, but I don’t say a damn word because I don’t put it past the devilish beast one little bit.“Where should I change?”I ask as he holds the glass doors open for me and we walk into the air-conditioned yacht.
“I’ll show you the master suite.”
