We see Matias driving a six-seater golf cart down the boardwalk, his white shirt and dark hair rippling in the wind.
He stops in front of us with a wide smile, and we climb onto the cart. I’m starting to get spoiled being chauffeured around like this. He takes off and stops at the large bungalow right next to ours where another couple is waiting. They’re a bit older and very well dressed, late forties I would say. When they see us, their looks are ones of curiosity, and I think disdain. I cuddle next to Kayne as they sit behind us, suddenly uncomfortable. He puts his arm around me and glances back at them. I’m certain he also feels the quiet hostility. The ride up to the main part of the resort is silent and quite uncomfortable, even with Matias’ best attempt at casual conversation. I’ve never been so happy to see a lobby in my life.
Kayne gets off the golf cart hastily, extending his hand to help. As he does, the woman comments offhandedly, “Women deserve to be treated with respect.”
Kayne and I both freeze as she pins us with her cold blue stare. If I was suspicious before, I’m confident now that these are the neighbors who called the concierge on us the other night.
Kayne smiles, without showing any teeth, but it’s contradictory to the vicious look in his eyes.
“I couldn’t agree more,” he responds evenly. “They also deserve to be fucked. Maybe you should let your husband try it sometime. Right in your opinionated mouth.”
The woman gasps in horror.
“Kayne!” I chastise as I jump out of the cart.
“Young man!” The woman’s husband stands up outraged.
“Let’s go.” I push him away before there is a brawl right before my very eyes. He steps backward, unable to remove his crazed stare from the couple.
“What the hell was that about? You should have just ignored her,” I say once we’re safely inside the lobby.
“I’m not going to let anyone accuse me of not respecting you. I respect you more than any other man ever will. What we do in our bedroom is our business. I won’t let anyone ruin that.”
“It’s going to take more than one ignorant comment to ruin what we have.” I try to placate him, realizing something very important. Kayne will become aggressive when he feels threatened despite where we are or who we’re with.
“I’m not going to let anyone take you away from me, Ellie.” Determination dripping from his tone.
“No one is going to take me away, and I know you respect me.”
“Good. You’re the most resilient person I have ever met.” He swipes his thumb across my cheek.
“And you’re the scariest.” I laugh.
“It’s part of my conditioning. I don’t take shit.”
“Clearly. But you can’t just pop off on people like that.”
“I can and I will,” he argues with me.
“Kayne,” I sigh.
“Ellie. This one you’ll never win. I’ll never roll over and play dead where you or we are concerned,” he says with an unyielding look in his eye.
“You’re crazy.”
“Yup. Mostly about you.” He presses a kiss on my lips. “Now come on.” He takes my hand. “We have to make a stop before we go to the restaurant.”
“Stop?” I repeat confused as he drags me down a white marbled hallway clustered with stores and enters the jewelry store.
“What are we doing in here?” I ask.
“Good evening.” A bright-eyed salesman in a dark gray suit greets us.
“Engagement rings?” Kayne asks, and I nearly fall over my feet.
“What?”
“Last case in the back.” The man motions fluidly with his hand.
