Page 115 of Crazed

"Oh! I want to feed them!" I exclaim.

"Where's the food?" Massimo asks.

"On land. If you like, I'll have a bucket brought down immediately and refill it with fresh fish each morning," Dekel declares.

"That would be great. Thanks," Massimo replies.

"Yes. Thank you," I echo.

"As you can see, you have a private pool, hot tub, sun area, and outdoor dining space. If you prefer to swim in the salt water, the ladder is to your right. Rafts, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks are all available," Dekel informs us.

"Where are they?" Massimo asks.

Dekel opens the door to a small outdoor closet. "You'll find everything in here. If there's anything you don't find satisfactory, let me know, but it's all new as of this morning."

"Perfect," Massimo replies.

Dekel motions toward the open doors, saying, "Please, go inside."

I take a few steps then freeze. The inside is as breathtaking as the outside. A king-size bed is covered in white linens and has purple petals strewn on it. Almost the entire building is windows, displaying a magnificent panoramic view.

"The shades can give you more privacy if you desire. It's harder to see inside during the day, but at night, it's so dark here that any light inside will showcase your entire room unless the windows are covered. Many of our guests have everything covered but the one overlooking the ocean. Would you like me to close them each night?" Dekel inquires.

My flutters take off.

Massimo pins his sultry gaze on me, answering, "No. I don't think that will be necessary. If we change our minds, I'll let you know."

Heat filters into my cheeks. Elation flies through my bones. I squeeze my thighs closer together, taking a deep breath as Massimo's eyes drift over my body.

Dekel doesn't flinch. "Very well. This button is the same as on the wall outside. All you have to do is push it, and I'll appear."

"Like magic," I tease, feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted off me.

Dekel grins. "Yes. Fresh towels and toiletries are in the bathroom. Fresh fruit and chocolate are on that tray," he points to a silver-covered dish, then continues, "I instructed the chef to prepare a tray of fresh tuna, fried yams, Aluvi Boakibaa, and Saagu Bondibai for lunch. Will that be okay, or would you prefer something else?"

Massimo slides his arm around my waist, arching his eyebrows and replying, "Not sure what those last two things are, but I think we're open to anything. Our palates are pretty diverse, right, dolce?"

I nod. "Yes. We'll try it all."

"Great. Would you like me to prepare the sun deck for a day of lounging?" Dekel asks.

"Yes, please," Massimo responds.

A bellhop appears with luggage. Dekel instructs him to unpack our things as a server arrives with a cart full of food.

It doesn't take long before Massimo and I are in bathing suits, sitting at the outdoor table, alone at last. I state, "This place is amazing."

"Glad you like it. Hungry?" he asks.

"Starving, actually," I admit, then pick up a spoonful of the little white starchy spheres. Dekel said it was the Saagu Bondibai and made from the spongy cores of tropical palm stems. It resembles rice pudding. I pop it in my mouth and moan. "Mmm."

"Starting with dessert first?" Massimo teases.

"Try this," I order, then hold a spoonful in front of his lips.

He takes it and groans. "It's good."

We take our time, filling our bellies with the local cuisine. When we finish, Dekel magically appears and removes our dishes. Massimo goes over to the lounger and lies down. Instead of following him, I take a few steps to the water's edge and dive in.

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