Page 4 of Criminology of a Character

“That’s correct.”

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Have a lovely stay.” The woman’s eyes flicked behind her, and Bel assumed Eamon had joined her at the front desk. Women’s eyes often swelled at the sight of his intimidating height, but the face that greeted her was a stranger’s.

“Mia Cara, I’m sorry if I startled you,” the man said. He was a handsome brunette in his thirties, and Bel understood why the receptionist’s pupils had dilated when she saw him. “Allow me to apologize.” He grabbed her fingers, lifting them to his lips, and she almost slapped him for taking liberties, but he thankfully observed the tradition of kissing hisownthumb instead of her knuckles.

“It’s fine.” She tugged her hand free of his grip as she scanned the lobby for Eamon. “You didn’t startle me.”

“A woman with fire.” The man examined her appreciatively, and for some reason, Bel fixated on the gold chains atop his loafers. This stranger dripped wealth, his clothing making sure everyone knew the size of his wallet, and she was instantly thankful for Eamon’s normally understated attire. He dressed to hide from unwanted public scrutiny, and his dark clothes made her feellikethey belonged together.

“I love that in a woman,” the man continued. “Tell me, Mia Cara, how long will yoube stayingat L’Oasis?”

“For as long as I’m staying.” Bel finally noticed Eamon smirking at her from across the lobby, and she glared at him, which pulled a chuckle from his lips. She couldn’t hear it at this distance, but she’d memorized the sound so well that she felt thevibration in her chest. “Excuse me.” She sidestepped the flirt and crossed the floor to her amused boyfriend.

“Were you planning on helping me, or were you just going to stand here laughing?” she asked as she handed him their keys.

“Oh, come now, Detective, you could’ve had that guy face down on the counter and handcuffed in five seconds if you wanted. You didn’t need me.”

“What happened toMr. You’re Mine?”

“Oh, he’s here, and he’s extremely possessive.” Eamon picked up the luggage with one hand and grabbed hers with the other, shocking the surrounding guests with how easily he handled two suitcases. “If he were a genuine threat, he’d be missing his limbs, but something tells me you would hate it if I was overbearing and stepped in with a puffed-out chest every time a man talked to you.”

“True, which thankfully doesn’t happen often.”

“It happens more than you think, Detective. Everywhere you go, men stare at you. You’re so beautiful, it’s hard to believe you’re real.”

“Oh my god, stop lying.” She bumped him with her hip. “Men don’t react to me like that.”

“They’re wary of the badge, and if not, they’re afraid of my glare, but trust me, Isobel. You are breathtaking. I took one look at you and altered my entire life to be near you.”

“Creeper.”

“You wound me.”

“It’s the truth. You’re the one who repeatedly breaks into a police officer’s home.”

“Guilty as charged.” Eamon winked at her. “Why don’t you handcuff and punish me for my transgressions?”

Bel choked on her laughter, but when she realized he wasn’t joking, she lowered her voice andstepped intohis orbit with a mischievous grin. “You’re under arrest, Mr. Stone.” She wrappedher arms around his waist, and with a glance to make sure no one was on the secluded path, she yanked him flush against her chest. “Anything you say can and will be held against you.”

“I knewthat dress would look amazing on you,” Eamon said when Bel stepped out of their private bungalow’s bathroom. The first event of the week was the introductory dinner that evening. Each plate cost more than Bel’s monthly grocery bill, but Eamon had thankfully purchased their seats. There were more affordable dining options on the island, but the payments went directly to the charity, and they both agreed their vacation would be more enjoyable if they helped the organization reach its goals.

“It’s gorgeous.” Bel spun so he could see the full effect of the blue outfit. It was the perfect combination of simple yet elegant, and while it fit her aesthetic, its simplicity didn’t fool her. She had an idea of what this custom dress cost. “But I thought weagreed to keep the expensive gifts to a minimum. You promised not to go overboard.”

“That’s why I purchased from this designer.” Eamon beckoned her closer, and she strode across the room to where he sat on the bed. He wore black pants and a button-up shirt left undone at the top, and even though the outfit was too dark for a tropical location, an electric charge raced through her at the sight of him.

“I’m a silent partner to many companies and businesses I believe in.” He picked up her shoes and gestured for her to lift a leg. She obeyed, and he rested her toes against his chest as he slid her heel into place. “They get their dreams off the ground, and I make money without showing my face. It’s a win/win since I don’t age, and this designer is an up-and-coming.” He motioned for her to switch feet, and this time, he kissed her ankle before guiding her foot into the shoe. “Her entire brand is based on recycling and sustainability. She jokes if she could spin straw into thread, she would use it. Her pieces are all unique since most of her fabrics are recycled, and she just recently released a Fairytales collection. When I saw this blue dress, I asked her to remove it from her showroom because I knew you needed to wear it.” Eamon set her foot on the floor and gripped her hips, pulling her close until she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Yes, it’s a designer piece, so it’s more expensive than normal clothes, but I figured you would like a dress that not only supports a female-owned business, but one that was created with the planet in mind.”

“Who are you?” Bel cupped his jaw and planted a kiss on his lips. “No, seriously, where did you come from? You’re always so considerate, and it makes me feel guilty when I show up empty-handed.”

“Please don’t, because I’m just trying to be worthy of you.” Eamon stood, capturing her waist as he moved, and he hoistedher into the air until her legs wrapped around his hips. “I don’t deserve you. You forgave me for what I did to you. You accept who I am without judgment.” He buried his face in her neck. “You give me far more than I give you. You gave me a home.”

Bel stilled in his arms, and he drew back with an awkward expression.

“Sorry, that’s too much.” He set her down. “I forget sometimes that we come from different backgrounds, and I let my words fly out of my mouth. I’m not trying to intimidate you with my obsession.”

“You are a little intense… scratch that, you’re very intense,” she said as he released her to find his shoes.

“And I’m freaking you out.”

---