Chapter 36 Rendezvous In Secrecy
Evelyn
"Whoa, is this yours?" I asked, my eyes locked onto the sleek motor yacht resting gracefully at the marina. It was beautiful. Having ventured on numerous yacht tours due to my father's unwavering affection for coastal areas, I thought I had seen it all. But this vessel was a real beauty.
"No, it's not mine. If you want to see mine, you'll have to accompany me to Italy," he replied, his fingers intertwining with mine as he guided me aboard, "However, for tonight, it belongs to us. I've arranged for its booking."
"Wow, it's absolutely stunning," I marveled, stepping inside, "I've never come across anything quite this beautiful."
"Hey, my yachts are even better," he chuckled, walking towards the bridge, "This was the closest match I could find here."
"Sure thing," I rolled my eyes, trying to get on his nerves as usual, "You talk a big game. I bet your taste isn't that great."
"Careful now, young lady," he said with a sudden change in tone, grabbing my jaw and gently pressing me against the wall. His eyes held a challenge, but there was a hint of amusement as well, like he knew exactly what I was up to, yet opted for the chance to intimidate me.
Holy shit!
His other hand reached out, fingers toying with the hem of my top, "You should already know how good my taste is," he whispered, his lips brushing against my earlobe. "Don't you see yourself in the mirror? What a shame!"
My heart raced, and a subtle blush warmed my cheeks as I tried to stifle a smile, "I'm not falling for your tricks. You can save them for someone else."
He chuckled softly, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, but you've already fallen, my love. In fact, it happened a long time ago."
I parted my lips, intending to respond, but, unfortunately, no words emerged.
"What? Cat got your tongue?" He grinned, leaning in to pepper my face with kisses. His lips danced from my cheeks to my chin and then my nose. "Hey, cut it out."
"Why? Is someone ticklish?"
"No, I'm not."
"Yes, you are," A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he challenged me, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He leaned in again, this time trailing kisses down my throat.
A gasp escaped my lips as my breath quickened. He held me closer, teasing and playfully nipping at my skin, leaving his marks behind.
"We're going to be late..." I managed to breathe out, my voice tinged with a mix of urgency and reluctance. "You mentioned it's a long journey."
I could feel his reluctance to stop, but eventually, he relented, "Unfortunately, you're right," he sighed, his nose tracing a gentle path along my cheek, "We have to return early, or else your dad will go crazy, and now that your mother's here, she'll be concerned too."
Suddenly a thought hit my mind at the mention of my mother.
That day when she came....Jacob told me a story- one that had quite a different narrative than today's one
"Wait...I have something to ask you,"
"What is it?"
"I am sorry to ask, but that day, when my mother arrived and lost my shit. You told me a story- your mum died the day you were born," I began, "And today you said something different, I can for sure say that, today's one wasn't a lie but-" I left my words hanging in the air and saw him pressing his lips together as if suppress a laughter.
"You lied to me back then?!" My eyes widened in disbelief.
"Well... it wasn't exactly a lie. My emotions were genuine," he responded, clearing his throat and nervously scratching the back of his neck. "I just wanted to uplift your spirits." Unbelievable. I can't believe this man...
"Jacob... you..."
"We are getting late, Evelyn," he hastily moved to start the yacht's engine, "We can talk about this later."
"Oh hell no, we are talking about now, " And I followed him.
***
Well, it didn't take me long enough to forgive Jacob for his stupid lies. We had made up pretty quickly, perhaps within five minutes we were laughing once again.
"Wow!" My eyes fixed on the island in sheer awe. "It's incredibly beautiful."
The stars adorned the sky above it like scattered glitter, casting a mesmerizing glow. The weather was remarkably pleasant, with gentle breezes caressing my skin as if in a delicate embrace. The moon hung in the sky like a polished silver plate- This was the first time I had been so fascinated by it.
Damn! This feels so different, almost as if something within me has shifted. Was it the serene nature or was it just Jacob? Perhaps, it was just him- The magic at the moment.
"I'm glad you like it," he spoke from behind me, his arms enveloping me as he rested his chin on my shoulder.
"How did you discover this one? It seems more secluded than the others nearby," I inquired, stealing a glance at him.
"I'm acquainted with this spot because, hopefully within the next three months, it will belong to me."
"Oh..wait, what?" My jaw practically hit the floor.
"You heard me," he chuckled, "This island has been a long-term project of mine, and it's actually personal. It's not just another real estate venture; The first time when I saw this island, I just knew this had to be mine."
Suppressing my grin I pivoted to face him. Slowly, I lifted my arms, encircling my hands around his neck, "I can understand you, Jacob. There was a moment in my life when I experienced a similar sentiment." A hint of confusion creased his brow, but he couldn't help but smile as he noticed the playful glint in my eyes, a glint I made no effort to conceal.
"And what might you mean by that, young lady?"
It was impossible to contain the smile that now spread across my lips.
"Well, you see," I began, tracing my index finger lazily along the side of his face before trailing downward, reaching his chest where I pressed my hand, "there's a man, an Italian man who also happens to be my dad's best friend, unfortunately. The same feeling you have about this island, I can confidently say that I share it with you, because the moment I saw him..." A smile broke free, unable to be restrained any longer, "I just knew he had to be mine."
"Is that so?" His smile was evident as he drew me closer, his hands finding their place around my waist, effectively closing the gap between us, "Perhaps, I know this mysterious man?"
"Oh, absolutely not," I shook my head, "That 'old thing' tends to keep to himself, especially around newcomers."
"Ah, so now I'm an 'old thing,' am I?" He raised an eyebrow, leaning in closer to my face, "Seems like you're getting out of bounds, young lady. I wonder how I should handle you."
"Well, old things should be addressed appropriately, right? You could easily blend in with the ancient Egyptians," a soft laugh escaped my lips, "Yet here you are, taking advantage of an innocent flower like me. You're quite the heartless villain, an old one at that."
"Innocent, you say?" He looked at me, feigning innocence himself, as his eyes widened, "And here I am, the cruel old man?" His lips twitched as if fighting a grin, and then he let out a sigh, "Evelyn Fernandez, it seems you need a lesson."
"Well... that was a joke," I raised my hands in surrender, knowing that his unpredictability might not bode well for me.
"It hardly matters now," his voice deepened, a playful glint dancing in his eyes, "An old thing, huh? Let me show you just what this 'old thing' can do."
With caution, I started backing away.
Why do I always do this myself?
"Jacob, I was just kidding about the-," my words were cut off as I watched him begin to advance. His hands hinted at a tickling assault, or more likely, his probable intention to propel me into the nearby pool. Instinctively, I bolted.
"Evelyn, wait!"
"No way, I know you're planning to toss me into the pool," I sprinted past him, his fingers nearly brushing my side as he attempted to catch me.
"Oh, you catch on quickly," his laughter echoed as I felt his presence hot on my heels.
Damn it! With those long legs of his, he'd have me defeated in no time, and it wouldn't take more than a few minutes. My surrender was imminent.
"This isn't fair! You have long legs!" I protested as I found myself in the bedroom, trying to evade his imminent grasp. He seemed to relish the chase, like a lion closing in on its prey.
"So what? You have a big beautiful butt, did I complain?" He seemingly missed the point entirely.
"Hey, that's completely different," I stammered, my cheeks burning bright. In a fit of embarrassment, I hurled a pillow in his direction before darting to the other side of the room, seeking refuge behind the floor- length curtains, "I meant you have an unfair advantage with those long legs of yours!"
He chuckled, undeterred, and continued his relentless pursuit. He almost managed to catch my hand, but I skillfully evaded his grasp.
"You have never played fair anyway. So, how about you experience a taste of your own medicine?"
"No, I don't want to get wet," My laughter mingled with his as I did my best to elude his playful attack. There was just...an exhilarating sense of liberation in our chase.
We transformed into carefree children, frolicking in an open field, where the concept of winning or losing held no significance. It was just the moment- this very moment. Here we were, Jacob and I, amidst the expanse of the stunning azure sea. It felt like a dream realized, a scene from my heart's deepest desires.
None could compare to him; he was the reason I longed to open my eyes every time I closed them.
"You probably should have considered that earlier, don't you think?" His voice held a hint of amusement as our playful struggle continued. He sought to capture me, while I fought to evade his grasp. "And by the way, I'll get you wet either one way or another. The night is still young."
My cheeks blazed crimson, and before I could respond, his grip on my arms tightened.
"Hah, caught you."
Desperately, I attempted to wriggle free, a giggle bubbling forth, "No way, I'm not about to let you win."
"I've already won," As he drew me toward him, my balance faltered, and the outcome was inevitable.
Both of us tumbled to the floor, with Jacob cushioning my fall, his arms still encircling me. White sheer curtains cascaded around us like a veil.
"Ouch," he groaned quietly.
"Are you okay?" I lifted myself slightly to get a better look at him.
Jacob froze in place, our eyes locking in a charged moment. I could see him swallow audibly, looking at me in awe. His right hand settled around my waist while the other tenderly traced my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine.
"Hurt? No, I feel like I'm floating on clouds," he let out a soft, husky chuckle. "Do you realize how fucking stunning you are, Evelyn? I'm willing to bet you don't." His eyes flickered to my lips, his thumb brushing over them, igniting a fiery sensation within me.
"Um, I guess you can forget about that punishment then?" I nervously nibbled on my bottom lip, and for a moment, I swore I heard a low growl emanate from his chest.
Wow! That's quite interesting,
"I suppose I can," a smirk curled at the edge of his lips, "But I'm afraid, for what I have in mind next, you might need to be a bit... wet. Or else..." With a swift movement, he whisked the curtain away from us and flipped us, causing a gasp to slip past my lips, "I have a feeling you'll not find the experience as interesting."
"Jacob..." I blushed, attempting to avert my gaze, but his grip on my jaw was firm, locking our eyes once again. Desire blazed in his intense blue gaze, stronger and more consuming than I had ever witnessed before.
"Evelyn, I want you on that bed. Right now."