With Spanish architecture, right on the water, and a full-service restaurant and bar attached, we’d find no need to go anywhere. There was even a cobblestone patio bar covered with a trellis housing some of the most incredible bougainvillea flowers I’d ever seen, the color a rich ruby.
What I couldn’t understand was why the location had only been given two stars.
It was gorgeous, a perfect spot for a romantic getaway, only we weren’t on vacation and in truth, we weren’t lovers.
At least not in the traditional sense.
We were two people caught up in a Prince family nightmare of my creation. I wasn’t sorry for myself. As Donatello had reminded me, Alexander as well after he’d given me the silent treatment was that I’d been watched for at least a few days in New Orleans.
Someone had developed extensive plans that had simply been changed when I’d left town.
So here we were, locked away together in paradise for a couple of days.
If what my brother had said was true, we’d need to remain in hiding for two days.
That’s all it would take for him to send a brigade of soldiers to the area to rescue us.
I’d asked myself the question as to if I wanted to be rescued. The answer wasn’t shocking but wouldn’t be supported.
With the line being crossed with Donatello, I never wanted it to shift back and I knew at some point it would be because there was no other choice.
Donatello had been very careful, managing to pay cash instead of being forced to use a credit card. He certainly had a way with people, convincing them it was in their best interest to work with us.
Of course he’d flashed a wad of cash in the young hotel clerk’s face.
He caught up with me a few seconds later, forcing his arm around my waist. “Now that we’re married, wife of mine, I need to remind you that you are required to obey all my rules. Just like we spoke in our vows.”
At least the man hadn’t lost his sense of humor. I elbowed him, pulling away only to be captured once again.
“You couldn’t think of anything better?” I chastised while we walked up the stairs.
“I figured being on our honeymoon no one would bother us.”
“I guess we’ll see. So is this a full-service marriage like our date?”
My laugh was met with a frown. “I’m here to protect you. Remember?”
“Haven’t we been through this more than once?”
He slipped the card into the lock, giving me a doleful look. “You’re right. We have. You just don’t want to listen to me.” Pushing the door open, he allowed me to step inside first, placing the bags on the floor by the door.
While the room was small, the bathroom was luxurious and included a soaking tub along with a shower. The small balcony on the second floor had a table, two chairs, and a perfect view of the ocean, which was only steps away, the walk on a white sandy beach.
After dropping my things, I threw open the door, moving outside and standing by the iron railing. The light breeze was especially nice, the bright sun creating a shimmer across the water. Even the rental house hadn’t provided such a spectacular view.
I took a deep breath, stretching and allowing the sun to beat down on my face.
He’d remained so quiet during the drive, paying close attention to bringing us here safely. With Brazil being a huge country, unless we’d made a horrific mistake or had been followed, it was doubtful anyone would find us.
While he hadn’t made a single noise, I’d known he was right behind me. Every time he was close, goosebumps appeared on my skin.
Why should now be any different?
“What now? We stay in the room?” I don’t know why I was bothering to ask. “Should I pull out that sexy lingerie I mentioned?”
“Maybe later.”
His answer surprised me. When I turned to face him, I was further shocked by the carnal look in his eyes. When it shifted to clear amusement, I growled and punched him in the stomach.
