Page 102 of Dex

“How are the newlyweds?Enjoying yourselves?”My mother teases.

I press my lips together.“Mãe, you know this is an arranged marriage.Dexter has been working most of the time.”

“Working?”she shrieks.

“It’s an alliance, Mãe.”

“I saw the two of you, Daniela.”I freeze, the flute stills in my hand.“I saw the way he looked at you, and the way you looked at him.”

The memory comes flooding back, of Dexter’s mouth on mine, and his hands on me.But nothing has changed.This is still a deal and we are still strangers in an arranged marriage.Even if I’ve seen him naked, and we’ve had one night snuggled up in bed.

Last night, I wanted him.Maybe the recent events overwhelmed me and I let down my guard.But Dexter decided to sleep in a separate room.

“Oh, Mãe,” I give a nervous laugh.“We’re just playing a part,” I whisper, as if the walls have ears.

“I know what I see, filha.”

“You see what you want to see, Mãe.”

“I see that you both are good together.”

I won’t win with my mother.She chooses to see what she wants to happen.“I have to go, your father needs me.”

“I love you, Mãe.Tell Papai I love him.”

I hang up and think of my mom’s words.Her deeper dreams and wishes.What she saw when we kissed, was for show.It doesn’t exist for real.Dexter has put walls back up again, and he’s picked work over me.

Now, he’s disappeared to the gym.

It’s like the guy can’t put enough distance between us.I hope he stays there for hours, because I intend to enjoy my evening alone.I try Raquel’s number but she still doesn’t answer.

It’s not surprising.She told me she could only come for the wedding day and we barely caught up.She’s always busy with work and her life is hectic, but hopefully I can see more of her when I move to New York.I’ll go and visit as soon as I’ve settled in.

Settled in.

The thought of living with Dexter, of coexisting under the same roof, makes my pulse race.I try to be present, to enjoy this beautiful view, and this warm bubbling water.Setting the ice bucket on the ledge, with my glass of champagne, I slip into the hot tub, eager not to dwell on my worries.

As soon as my body sinks into the warm water, I feel instantly calmer, as if as all my tension soothes away.I rest my back against one of the powerful jets which pulse beneath the surface, and moan with gratitude as they massage me.

But then, naturally, instinctively, my thoughts trail back to Dexter.I thought we could be friends, if nothing else, but he doesn’t even want that.

What am I supposed to do?

The tension bleeds out of me and my limbs loosen under the hot, pulsing jets.It’s better than any massage, better than any forced attempt at pretending everything’s fine.

Tomorrow is our last night here.Maybe I’ll spend all day in the hot tub instead of out at the infinity pool or in the sea.Being out there alone feels too exposed.People might wonder why Dexter’s inside while his new wife lounges outside all alone.

The last thing we need are rumors.

I set my champagne flute down and settle back into the heat.My arms are splayed out on either side, with my head tilted back, I close my eyes, and relax.It’s sublime.Peaceful.Everything I need until … the door swings wide open, as do my eyelids, and Dexter strides in.He looks hot and sweaty, his breathing labored, and his T-shirt clings to him in a way that makes me feel hotter.

Hard, defined muscles ripple beneath the fabric.Strands of dark, damp hair curl over his forehead.I can’t help but soak him all in, savoring him like I’ve savored my champagne.His is a body worked hard, with endorphins no doubt whizzing through him.The towel around his neck catches the beads of sweat trailing down his face.All I can do is gawk at him like a rockstar groupie.

I can’t even make myself look away.

I’ve only seen him in sharp designer suits or casual T-shirts and jeans.Or naked, and sprawled out like the king of the jungle.But even though he’s clothed this time, he might as well be bare, raw and unfiltered for the effect he’s having on me.

“Having fun?”His voice is surprisingly relaxed, his gaze dipping from my face to my chest, undressing me slowly.

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