Page 75 of The Boss

CHAPTER 19

Willow

Sun.

Beach.

Sex.

The combination would be considered perfect if we were really on vacation. But we weren’t.

The lingering ghosts from what was really going on remained like a poisonous fog.

I swam closer to the pool’s edge as he walked outside, lifting my sunglasses so I could get a better look. A sigh naturally pushed past my lips. Dimitrios had a way of doing that to me, the night’s festivities more passionate than I’d believed could exist. He was even wearing shorts, attire I hadn’t thought he owned.

And leather boat shoes.

He was an entirely different version of himself. I think I liked this one better. He seemed real, a man with needs yet willing to laugh at himself. Maybe I was just envisioning Prince Charming all over again.

“Howdy, stranger. You’ve been busy.” He’d left me alone for over an hour, checking emails and constantly fretting over our plan. While we hadn’t gone over it in detail, it involved our engagement and making a convincing phone call to my brother. My part was weighing heavily on my mind.

“I’m sorry about that. Unfortunately, I still need to make a couple phone calls,” Dimitrios said as soon as he crouched down by the pool. “After that our afternoon and evening will be free. You need to decide if you want dinner here or out.”

“Are you cooking? I can’t.” I laughed, but he didn’t. His mind was elsewhere.

“Whatever you want.”

“Business?” I pushed away from the wall, the drink still in my hand, a delicious combination of fruit juices that I adored.

“Let’s just say there are some additional concerns. Nothing to worry about, but I like to keep on top of the world my great-grandfather created.”

He’d told me a few details about his life and work, most of which seemed like what any other legitimate businessman would be involved in. His shadier work he wasn’t so inclined to share with me, but I had a sense his hot nightclubs helped him launder money. Athena had mentioned his family was involved in weapons and extortion, but so far, I’d yet to overhear anything that would lead me to believe that. Maybe I wanted to see thebest side of him. However, I’d come to terms with his darker side, both professionally and sexually.

As crazy as it sounded, I liked his domination of me. It left me with tingles all over.

“Is everything okay?” I asked. Yes, I was searching for additional information. I was no fool. Neither was my brother. He’d know if I was lying. Being informed would help with the ruse. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. The ache inside from the need would leave a permanent scar.

“It will be, little dove. Enjoy yourself and I’ll be back before you know it.”

Did his tone sound terser?

“Maybe I’ll take a walk.”

“Just don’t leave the grounds.” He pointed a finger down at me, shaking it as if I was already a very bad girl.

“No, sir.”

I swam closer as he stood, splashing water on him. He gave me his typical commanding and chastising look before walking away.

After taking a sip of my drink, I kicked out my legs. I hated not being with him. I wasn’t good being alone, even though that’s what had been a huge part of my life.

With my drink on the poolside, I swam a few laps but quickly grew bored. Even taking another sip of my drink didn’t have the same appeal.

After a few minutes, I headed for the stairs. How could I already be bored with such a fabulous place after only a day and a half?

I grabbed a towel, placing my drink on one of the eight tables. The outside area was large enough to hold a huge party.

Or a reception.