Page 63 of Sinful Promise

I chuckle. I’m sure the emperor missed Paris and being in power.

Before leaving, we visit the museum. The gardeners initially used the building. Now it’s filled with a collection of Napoleon’s personal artifacts and family pictures.

The wood floor creaks as I walk around, viewing historical relics on the wall and inside glass displays. I try to imagine what it was like to live here back then. Alex is right. The quaint island with an incredible sea view is not even close to life behind bars.

We finish exploring the fortress and head down the hill to the house where Napoleon stayed. It’s a museum now and full of loud, sweaty tourists. A tour guide walks around, sharing facts and pointing out items of interest. I feel out of place inside a home built so long ago. The beds are too small, and the family portraits are too big. It’s obvious how much we’ve changed over the years. A time-travel story about Napoleon appearing in the modern world would be fascinating.

When Roman notices me fanning my face, he suggests we all go outside and cool off. Looking down the hillside, I stifle a groan of dismay, knowing we have to go back the way we came. Each narrow street is lined with parked cars, but aside from bustling tourists, it’s quiet.

A delivery truck rolls up and stops. I can’t imagine taking the ferry daily from the mainland to this island to make deliveries. I see no American fast-food chains or coffee shops here, and it’s lovely. Corporate America has changed the landscape in so many European cities, and now they are all starting to look alike.

We stop by a small shop filled with Italian leather purses. Roman says they are made locally and branded with a logo for the island.

Irinaoohsandahhsover the styles and colors.

“Pick one,” Roman says.

I’m overwhelmed by the number of choices, but I like one that’s pink. I have no clue if it will go with anything, but it’s so pretty that I don’t care. “This one, I think.”

We make our purchases and head into the quieting streets that were crowded fifteen minutes ago.

“It’s time to take a break. I say we walk back to the ship for thecontroraand return later tonight for dinner. Sound good?” Roman asks, but I doubt there’s much choice.

“I’m meeting a friend, and we’ll join you on the boat later,” Irina says. “Want to tag along, Alex?”

He shrugs. “I’ll come with you. I have a hunch Roman’s going to be busy.”

We leave Alex and Irina and walk back toSevernoye Siyaniye, our bodyguards trailing at a safe distance.

* * *

A light lunchis prepared and waiting for us on the deck. A crew member appears, offering us each a chilled washcloth and a cold water bottle. I make a beeline for the shade and kick off my sandals.

“The tops of my feet are hot,” I exclaim.

“That’s not all that’s hot on you.” Roman eyes me, making his lascivious intentions clear.

“Mm,” I purr.

“Maybe we should shower to cool off,” he suggests.

“How can I refuse? It’s too hot to be outside this time of day. I can see why the locals take naps.”

“You’ll want one when I’m finished with you,” Roman teases. He turns to make his way back to the cabin. I swipe my shoes off the deck and chase after him, giggling.

I love watching his ass in his fitted jeans. I love grabbing it even more. Roman is shucking off his clothes as he walks toward the shower.

“Is it rude to leave our clothes all over the floor?” I ask.

“Don’t worry about it. The crew is paid to pick up after us. Now get your ass over here,” he demands. I hear the shower running and drop my shoes. I’m still fully dressed, but I dutifully walk into the bathroom.

He’s in the shower. He grabs me around my waist and pulls me into his rock-hard chest. His arms hold me so tightly that I can’t move.

“Oh,” I squeal as water soaks my dress.

His lips are warm on my neck. He unzips the dress, peels it off, and throws it into the corner. He kisses my breasts and rubs the nipples through my lacy bra. I enjoy the friction, and my nipples stiffen.

He slides the strap off my shoulder, baring my breast. He sucks my nipple into his delectable mouth. I moan and place my hand on his head. I fist his hair and tug it as he drives me wild with a desire evident from the puddle in my panties.

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