It's almost five hours later that I convince them I am indeed in a hurry, and they reluctantly let me go—with enough ammo to last me a month. A while later, I arrive at my boat.
The yacht has a bedroom with an en suite bathroom, akitchen, and a living room. While the surface isn't that big, it has all the comforts, and it runs extremely smoothly. I'd used it a few times before to sojourn on the Mediterranean.
It's also my sanctuary when I visit this side of the country. No one has ever been on my boat, and as long as I'm alive, no oneeverwill.
I carry the weapons inside the living room before stocking the kitchen with the groceries I'd bought.
When everything's done, I start the engine.
5
ALLEGRA
"Dear God, what's happening?"I mutter to myself, panic taking hold of me. The noise from the engine makes me flinch, and I jump up, banging my head into the trapdoor.
A quick glance at my watch tells me I overslept, and it's almost ten. God, I'm never going to make it back on time, am I? And the boat? Where is it going?
I slowly raise the trapdoor and sneak a peek on deck. It's almost dark outside, so I can't make out who's there. I squint when I see some movement, but when a figure moves toward me, I drop the door and curl into a fetal position.
"Please ignore me," I whisper, a prayer, hoping whoever it is won't find me. But that's the crux of the problem. If I don't tell them I'm on board, where will they take me? My eyes widen in realization. Who knows where the boat is going… and with me in it.
"God…" I say just as the trapdoor is snatched open, a flashlight glaring aggressively at me. I instinctively close my eyes; the light is too strong.
"And who might you be?" a harsh voice asks, the polishedSicilian accent surprising me. I slowly open one eye, then the other, my mouth forming an O as I stare into the most beautiful face I've ever seen in my life.
That should be illegal.
Even in the darkness of the night, I can make out the strong contours of his face, the chiseled cheekbones, and the sharp jaw. His nose is straight, yet it seems to curve up slightly at the tip. It suits the rest of him—imposing yet gentle. But then there are his eyes, a deep shade of green that I have to blink twice to make sure it's not the artificial light playing tricks on my eyes.
I swallow hard, and as I continue my perusal, I feel something in my stomach. It's a ticklish feeling but not at all unpleasant. My eyes settle on his lips, so thick and full, and I lick my own in response.
He can't be real.
I repeat that to myself, because really, no one can look that beautiful. I may have had limited contact with outsiders, but even I can recognize perfection when I see it.
"Are you done staring, kiddo?" he asks, amused. His lips curl upward in a slight smile, and my heart reacts by beating in an odd rhythm.
"I… I'm sorry?"
He raises an eyebrow at me.
"For trespassing or for staring?"
I take a second to think, the conversation wholly outside my comfort zone.
"Both?" I ask tentatively, and he chuckles.
"Come," he says, extending his hand to me, and for some reason, I take it. "Let's get you up, and you can tell me what prompted you to stow away on my ship."
He pulls me up, and I struggle to hold on to my bag. As I step up, the book falls onto the ground, the cover with the naked man faceup. Mortification burns my cheeks as the man stoops down to pick it up.
"Interesting choice," he comments but doesn't return it to me. He doesn't let go of my hand as he guides me down some stairs and into one of the most luxurious rooms I've ever seen. My skin is tingling where it touches his, my small hand swallowed in his huge one. And when he finally lets go, I feel bereft.
"Sit." He motions me toward a couch, and I do as I'm told. Maybe if I explain my circumstances, he will understand.
With that thought in mind, I watch as he settles into the chair across from me, his arms folded over his chest, the same amused expression still on his face.
And what a face.
