Page 58 of Isle of Beauty

“Tell me this is real. Tell me you’re here for me.”

“This is real. I’m here for you. I won’t lose you ever again, Lana. And together, we’ll make sure that can never happen.”

It’s a promise and a vow and all she needed since she falls asleep again, her hand still clutched in mine. I won’t let go until the doctor comes back and I can take her home.

I’ve compiled documents that could make me a liar but right now, nothing matters but her safety. Not even putting my father in jail.

It’s late when we arrive at her place, a small flat on the top floor of a modern building, located in the centre of Sant Armellu. Top-notch security guards the edifice and Julian and Igor have men patrolling the area discreetly to ensure our safety.

“You’re being ridiculous.”

I insisted on carrying my fiancée in my arms all the way from the car to her bed. Maybe I’m overreacting, maybe I’m overbearing but I’d rather she be annoyed at me than hurt or dead.

I lay her down safely on the bed. She opens her mouth to protest but I take hold of her jaw, rendering her speechless. “I swear, woman, if you don’t let me take care of you, I’ll redden your ass and make you.”

A large and mischievous grin takes over her whole face. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

I groan.

Fuck, she’s tempting. But she also went through a major traumatic event and was released from the hospital just an hour ago.

“Don’t move. I’ll prepare a bath, and get you some water and your meds.”

“You’re no fun,” she pouts.

I shake my head and go to draw the bath but don’t add anything to it. I wouldn’t want chemicals to touch her tender skin when it could hurt her more than the hot water. While water fills the tub, I get her the meds the doctor prescribed and she takes them without complaints. I’d almost wish she’d tear me a new one like she used to. Then I’d know she’s better.

I guide her to the bath and she winces with every move. I know she’s trying to be brave for me, but I want to be her crutch. To be the one that supports her when she needs it.

She brings her hands to her loose shirt to take it off but she screws her face in pain.

“Let me do it.”My tone is demanding and tolerates no retort.

I motion for her to turn around and she obeys beautifully. Every time she does, my cock gives a happy jolt but I ignore it right now. I remove her clothes with slow movements. Her back is still tender from the burns she’s covered with. There wasn’t much the doctor could do but clean the wounds and tell her to sleep on her front, leaving her bare skin to breathe and repair itself.

When she’s naked, her gaze is downcast and she brings her hands to her arms, closing in on herself. I tilt my head to the side and frown. My little liar has never been self-conscious a day in her life.

“Look at me, mo cara. What’s going on in that gorgeous head of yours?”

“I did something and I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it.”

“Show me.”

She lets her arms fall to her sides and I look my fill of her, from her delicately painted toes to her toned calves and generous thighs, up to the dark curls of her public bone, her flat stomach, the huge plaster on her right side a reminder of the surgery she just underwent and there, on the left… My lips part on an exhale.

I bring my gaze to hers, already fixed on me. She bites her lips and nods. Because this… this is for me.

I come closer and trace the shape of the tattoo that adorns the underside of her left breast and wasn’t there the last time I saw her fully naked. Two theatre masks, one laughing and one crying look back at me, traced with only one line. My nostrils flare and tears prickles behind my eyelids, my throat clogging with an emotion I don’t want to name.

Slowly, I unbutton my shirt and take her fingers to trace the simple design I etched on my heart a lifetime ago. A simple little heart, the twin to the one hidden behind her ear.

She inhales sharply and I can’t take it anymore. I frame her face with my hands and bring my lips to hers. They’re soft and pliant, and I plunge my tongue into her mouth, plundering her like the ravenous beast I am for her. Our kiss is the first breath of oxygen I get since the explosion. It’s nothing like the ones we exchanged before when I wanted to punish her for even existing.

I kiss Lana like I want to settle under her skin, because I do, like her mouth is the only salvation I can get, because it is.

She comes up on her toes to deepen the kiss then hiss.

“Get into the water, baby.”

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