Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 47626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 238(@200wpm)___ 191(@250wpm)___ 159(@300wpm)
It hasn’t been all in the house. Four days ago, we laid in bed talking about our life and childhood as usual and when I mentioned to him all of the things I have never done, his face was full of indignation on my behalf and then resolve.
“Be ready in twenty minutes baby and wear something comfortable.” He says, before pulling out his phone and walking out of the room. Confused, I go into the closet, grab a pair of jean shorts, a plain white tank top which I put a matching jean jacket over, my canvas sneakers which I find I like a lot and brush my hair into a ponytail. Since he said it was comfortable, I am assuming I don't need a face full of makeup.
Dressed and still curious, I walk into the living room and drool is my immediate reaction. This man is gorgeous in a pair of basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. Standing next to him are two men I don't recognize, and it makes me slightly uneasy, but for his presence reminding me I am always safe.
“Piccola, come to me.” He holds open his arms and I run right into them. Immediately my body relaxes and when he kisses my head I realize he read my tension and sought to ease it. “I got you, baby. Always.” he whispers so only I can hear. Nodding, he turns me, so I am facing the two men. “Satine, this is Hero and Juke. They are your guards only assigned to be near you when I am aware you will be away from here. Fellas, this is your ticket to life. She comes back alive, you stay alive. She gets injured, taken, lost, you die. Understood?” My body buzzes at the level of raw power his words elicit. I should be appalled right? Or turned off somehow with the threat to someone else’s life, but I am not. My husband would do anything to protect me, and this just confirmed it.
“Understood boss.”
“Excellent. Now, my wife and I are going on a date. You two are going to be our drivers and guards because I would like my focus, solely on her.” The word date sends currents of excitement through me. I am going on a real date. Oh my gosh.
“Seriously?” I ask him, almost scared to believe him.
“Yes. Talking with you today, I realized I am no better than your father if I keep you in a gilded cage. The rules are still the same, but as your man and husband, I have to also show you the world.” And so maybe I overreact by bouncing up and down giggling, but I am so freaking excited.
Our first stop is to the Miami Beach open market. When we pull up and get out, I am amazed. It is simply breathtaking. I have never seen so many cultures in one place, showcasing their talents, cuisine and ability to sow.
We spend at least an hour sampling food and drinks. I might be a little biased, but my favorite was the Fricasé de pollo with a side of Congrí. It reminds me of Cuba. Tummies stuffed once I have overloaded on dessert we ate from a nice old lady named Adoncia, which is fitting, Larabee takes me on a boat ride over the ocean just soaking up the sun. It was one of the single best days of my life. Before we walked back to the car, the nice lady with the pastries took a picture of us to commemorate this day.
The next day he wakes me, tells me to put on a swimsuit from the options he has put on the island in the walk-in closet and meet him downstairs in ten minutes.
“Are we going somewhere else today?” I ask super ready and hyped up on excitement and I am practically bouncing on my toes. Nodding, he hands me a breakfast sandwich with a protein shake.
“Yes. We will be out of the way of food for a while, so I want to make sure you eat.” I take a bite of the sandwich and realize what I am eating.
“Oh my gosh. Where did you get this?’ Currently rolling around in my mouth is Pastelito de guayaba. It is a pastry filled with a Guava paste and this one has cream cheese in it. Smiling, he wipes my mouth for me.
“The lady we met yesterday, when you were petting her dogs, she told me you remind her of her daughter. So vibrant and full of life but haunted. She wanted to make you smile so she offered to have some delivered to the house daily. I in turn offered her a job as our pastry chef to which she agreed.” Forgetting I have a mouthful of sweets, I launch myself into his arms and thank him for showing me what it is like to be cared for. “Don’t thank me for doing something that gives me purpose, angel.” I love this man.