She exhales, shoulders finally relaxing. “Thank you,” she says quietly.
I meet her gaze. “You don’t have to carry everything alone anymore, Lily. Not today. Not ever, if I have anything to say about it.”
She doesn’t argue. She just leans into me.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Lily
I’m staring at the sun setting in the window, the sea breeze blowing into my room. It should be relaxing. I should be excited. But, I’m not. I’m nervous. As my phone buzzes on the side, I smile as I see Bella’s name.
Everything is feeling good in my life here in Monaco. I had the time of my life on a jet ski. I’ve had sex, multiple times, and actually enjoyed myself. I’ve never felt sexier. Happier even. Good things never seem to last long in my life; I’m waiting for it to go up in flames.
Bella: Good luck meeting Marco tonight. You’ll smash it. P.S. How is it being on vacation with Drago?
Me: Thank you. Love you. And yes… It’s going well. Very well? Too well?
The typing bubbles appear, and I hold back a laugh. I know exactly what’s coming.
Bella: SPILL EVERYTHING, LILY. IN GREAT DETAIL
.
Me: Maybe when I’m home.
Bella: Okay. One question… is he looking after you?
Me: He is. I promise.
I place my phone on the side and check my reflection again, smoothing out my dress. It’s cute without trying too hard. Professional, but still me. Sexy, without screaming for attention.
I’ve played out this meeting a thousand different ways in my head. Securing a showing with Marco would change everything. It could shift the entire trajectory of my business. A new chapter. A new life, if it goes to plan.
I’m so close.
And yet that familiar doubt settles heavily on my shoulders. That nagging voice whispering that I don’t deserve this. That I’ll mess it up. That no matter what I achieve, I’ll never be enough.
There’s a knock at the door that stops me in my tracks. It turns my nerves into something else that gives me butterflies.
My shoulders drop the second I open it. My mouth drops open as I drag my gaze up Drago’s tall frame. He stands there in a black suit and tie, tailored perfectly to his powerful frame. He bites down on his fist and leans against the doorframe like he’s bracing himself.
“Lastochka,” he murmurs. “You look… fuck. Heavenly.”
He pushes off the frame and closes the distance between us. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, Lily.”
His hands cup my face, warmth spreading through my chest as the blush creeps up my neck.
“You look insanely gorgeous, Drago.”
He smirks, his thumb stroking my cheek. “I’ve got to be the sexy bodyguard tonight.”
I chew on the inside of my cheek, my stomach fluttering.
“What’s the matter, baby?” he asks, concern flickering across his face.
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
His hands slide down my arms, fingers threading through mine. Only then do I realize how much my hands are trembling.
