Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
I put my phone aside and savor a bite of ripe mango, its sweetness a delicious counterpoint to the robust coffee. Lost in the tranquility of the moment, I completely forget about the handsome stranger from the elevator.
The soft murmur of resort staff and the distant sound of waves crashing set a serene backdrop. Guests begin to trickle into the dining area, but I am happily ensconced in my little corner of peace.
Another text buzzes.
Little sis
Ugh, too tired to move right now. Maybe in a bit. What’s for breakfast?
I chuckle, picturing my sister buried under a mountain of pillows and blankets. I pick up my phone and snap a quick picture of my breakfast spread before sending it to her.
Me
Fresh fruit, croissant, and coffee. It’s amazing. You’d love it!
Her reply is almost instant.
Little sis
Sounds fantastic! Fine, I’ll join you in a bit. I need all the coffee!
I sip my coffee, relishing its warmth and depth. As much as I love my sister’s company, this quiet time alone is precious, a rare opportunity to reflect and recharge.
My eyes wander to the glistening ocean beyond the terrace, the waves rolling in gentle, rhythmic patterns. I think about the night before and the laughter, the dancing, and the toasts to my sister’s old age. It’s a joyous occasion, one that makes all the late nights and early mornings worth it.
Another ping from my phone brings me back.
Little sis
Okay, I’m up. Order me a mimosa and eggs benedict.
I laugh out loud, imagining her perk up at the thought of a morning cocktail.
Me
You got it.
Setting my phone aside, I wave the waiter over and order her breakfast before returning to my fruit and croissant. The papaya is perfectly ripe, bursting with flavor. I close my eyes for a moment, letting the sweetness envelop my senses.
The terrace starts to fill up a bit more, the buzz of conversation building steadily. I glance around, people-watching as new guests arrive—families pouring orange juice, couples sharing secret smiles over their coffee cups, groups of friends animatedly planning their day’s adventures.
All of it fills me with a sense of gratitude for this slice of paradise. I’m pulled from my thoughts again as my sister, her hair pulled into a messy ponytail and wearing oversized sunglasses, finally makes her way to my table.
“There you are!” she exclaims, plopping into the chair across from me. “You’ve got the best spot.”
“Told you it was worth getting up for,” I say, grinning as I pour her some coffee from the carafe.
Lila takes a sip, letting out a contented sigh. “Okay, you were right. This is perfect.” She eyes my plate. “Mind if I steal some of that?”
“Go ahead.” I laugh. “I figured you’d be hungry, so I ordered a little extra.”
THREE
LORENZO
The morning sun casts long shadows across the penthouse’s large private balcony as I finish my coffee, savoring the rich, dark flavor. Beside me, Antonio and Luca sit with furrowed brows, their conversation a low murmur of suspicion and strategy.
“It’s too convenient,” Antonio says, his voice steady but laced with concern. “The plane issues came right after we decided to head back. It doesn’t sit right with me.”
Luca nods, tapping his fingers on the armrest. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Our enemies know we’re vulnerable in transit, and a delay like this could give them the perfect opportunity.”
I set my cup down, their words pulling me fully into the moment. “You think the pilot is compromised?” I need to pull my head out of my ass and worry about my predicament, not the gorgeous blue eyes I can’t get out of my head.
“It’s a possibility,” Antonio replies, his eyes meeting mine with unflinching resolve. “If the Rosettis have somehow gotten to him, it could be disastrous.”
Cold, familiar anger simmers within me. Betrayal is the deadliest enemy. “What’s our alternative?”
Luca leans forward, lowering his voice even though we’re alone. “We’ve been making calls. We can arrange for a new plane to come from New York. It’ll take some time, but it’s safer. We can vet the crew thoroughly before we board.”
I nod, appreciating their caution. These men, my closest allies, think three steps ahead. It’s what keeps us all breathing. “Make the arrangements. I want confirmation on the new plane and crew before the end of the day.”
Antonio leaves the table first, pulling out his phone and stepping aside to make discreet calls. Luca stays, his eyes still on me. “We can’t take any chances, Lorenzo. We need to be back on familiar ground.”
“I know,” I say, the weight of our situation heavy on my shoulders. “But Nassau isn’t a bad place to be stranded, even temporarily. We keep our guard up until we’re safely airborne.”
Luca nods, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. “Understood, boss.”
We finish our breakfast in silence, the tension thick but manageable. As Luca and Antonio work on securing our exit strategy, I take a moment to glance over the balcony railing, the scenic beauty doing little to calm the storm brewing in my mind.