Chapter 112
1607words
I've never seen so many shades of blue and green. The ocean is like a stained-glass painting, stretching for endless miles until the border merges with the cerulean sky, making it impossible to tell them apart. It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen.
But I can't enjoy it, not with my heart wedged in my throat.
"Are we almost there?" I yell over the buzz of the sea-plane's engine.
The white and red plane looked sturdy when I first laid my eyes on it. Now, though, with the air yanking at the wings, jolting the plane from side to side, I feel like it's about to split in two. I wish it was as big as the one we took to the main airport. The flight to the Maldives was long, but thanks to Asher splurging for first class, quite comfortable.
This is anything but that.
"Excuse me?" I yell louder, trying to get the pilot's attention. "I asked how much longer until we're at the Reethi Rah resort?"
"It's okay, Camila." Asher gives my hand a squeeze, pulling me closer to him in our seats.
"Maybe we should have taken the boat," I lament.
He laughs in my ear, his breath stirring my hair and my warm core. "The boat would have taken much longer?"
Comforted by his touch, I risk a quick glance out the window. In the distance I spot a flash of opal. The island's pristine white sand might almost be mistaken for mid-winter snow.
"Is that it?" I ask.
Asher nods, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "Close your eyes, it will be better not to watch us come in for the landing."
Taking his advice I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing into his body to envelope myself in his inherent aura of safety. It helps, but when the plane dips low, sending my stomach somersaulting, I squeal.
"We're almost there," he assures me. His leg grinds against the outside of mine, his chin on my hair. "You're safe, I promise."
I promise.
Tension melts from the back of my neck. If there's anything I trust, it's that Asher will never break a promise. Through half-cracked lids I peer at the water rising towards us. We hit the ocean, bouncing up, then down, the motion constant and never ending. I'm not afraid, but I know I'm tinged green.
"For the record," I say as the engine grows quiet, the propellers no longer spinning, "I also hate roller coasters."
Asher laughs with his whole chest. Helping me to my feet, he leads me out of the plane. A floating dock sways on the waves made by the plane's landing. The captain has descended, yelling at a few young men who hurry across to unload our luggage from the bottom section. He offers me a wide grin, waving at the island.
"Welcome to Reethi Rah, I hope you enjoy your stay."
"We will," Asher says with blunt confidence. He grips me around my middle, lingering on my hip and sending butterflies through my veins.
The floating slats rock under me, threatening to topple me into the water. Asher holds me tight so there's no chance of that. I press my fingers lightly on his on my hip, driving his touch in harder. He shoots a look at me—hot and hungry.
Grinning slyly, I walk fast onto the proper, solid wood of the docks. All around us are long paths, their stilt legs jutting into the ocean under our feet. Further out are the dark gray shapes of thatched roof villas. The breeze is warm, it teases my hair, drying the nervous sweat from the flight on the back of my neck.
"This place is beautiful."
"Wait until you see our room."
"I can't wait," I say with glee. I shake out my long skirt that's sticking to my legs. "I need to change into something more comfortable."
"We'll show you to your room, Mr. and Mrs. Volkov," a man with wild, curly black hair and eyes as blue as the water says. He stands before us with my purple roller-bag by his feet. The other men with him are younger, possibly teenagers, their lanky bodies tan in the sun. The billowing white shirts they wear are open in front, their pants cut off at the calf.
I tense up suspiciously before recoiling backwards. "How did you know our names?"
The man blinks owlishly. "The captain told us. Plus, it's all over your luggage." He points at the tags.
Everyone is staring at me. I shouldn't be so anxious. I have to get a grip.
"Sorry, I'm just tired from the long flight."
"Understandable," he says, waving a hand to dismiss my apology. "I'm Luke, by the way. You'll be seeing a lot of me, I'll be your personal concierge during your stay. If there's anything you need, feel free to let me know." He starts off over the docks.
I begin to follow, but Asher scoops up my wrist, slowing me down. "Are you alright?" he asks with a worried frown.
"Of course," I say firmly. I make sure my smile is big and bright. It has to be... I don't want to worry him on our honeymoon. "Let's hurry before they leave us behind."
Asher nods in agreement, and the pair of us tagging behind the group. They handle our bags with ease, not even out of breath by the time we cross half the docks. On the other side, separated from the main resort, extending out onto the water like an island all its own, is a large bungalow. I spot a white square floating beside the entrance.
"Is that a hot tub?" I ask in wonder.
"Yes!" Luke laughs. "Your bungalow comes with a private hot tub boat!"
"We'll have to make use of that," I say under my breath.
Asher glances down at me, and I shrug with a sheepish blush. He studies the hot tub with a half smirk, clearly imagining what we can do with it, too.
Using a small key, Luke unlocks the front door, allowing his companions to shuffle inside with our luggage. "If you need anything, just press the button beside the phone inside."
"Thank you," Asher replies. He digs in the pockets of his light gray pants, handing over a thick stack of bills to Luke. "I'll try not to bother you too much."
"It's my pleasure to make sure you have a wonderful stay." Sticking the money in the front of his pants, he waves with both hands at us before walking down the path with the others following.
Ducking into the doorway, I survey the bungalow with rising elation. There are windows everywhere, and a set of French doors have been propped open to allow the ocean air to waft inside.
Turning in place, I exhale lightly. "I can't believe this place, Asher."
"You mean you don't like it?" he asks, shutting the door. He scans the room with a mild frown. "I could always ask for a different room, if this one isn't good enough."
"Stop it," I giggle, tapping him on the arm. "It's perfect."
"No, this is." Scooping me up with his hands planted on my ass, he lifts me until our lips meet in a kiss. I wrap my legs around his body, eager to feel his hair in my fingers, his teeth under my tongue. He continues to kiss me while walking towards the French doors. The sun warms my neck and upper back, as well as my bare thighs.
He moves down the steps; they lead to a large slope of sand, the edge of it being lapped by the calm waves. "What are you doing?" I giggle around his lips.
He tugs at my bottom one with his teeth. "Enjoying my honeymoon, as promised."
"Out here?" I gasp, pulling away so I can scan side to side, checking for anyone around us.
"No one can see," he assures me. His hands squeeze my ass, massaging the soft plumpness. Fire radiates in my lower belly instantly. "And I've been waiting the entire plane ride."
I laugh. Below the nerves my arousal is budding. "What about the sand?"
He knots up his eyebrows, seeming to get my meaning. Looking around, he motions with his chin.
"Then we can get on those loungers."
They're meant for sunning, but they're more couch than anything else. The cushions are a pale white, a shade darker than the sand, with elegant aqua designs curling all over.
Carrying me like I'm weightless, he settles on one of the loungers. My knees spread on either side of his waist, thighs scissoring. I'm sitting right on top of his massive erection. Knowing how turned on he is from us just kissing has my heart thudding.
"You really can't wait, can you?" I ask.
"Not a second longer." His voice is thick with desire. Gently, but with the knowledge he'll get what he wants, that it's inevitable, he pulls me in for another kiss. I drag my nails over his shoulders with a groan; he takes advantage, plunging his tongue in deep enough to trace the ridges on the roof of my mouth. I'm dizzy from the rush of pleasure.
He slips the top button of my blouse open, then the second, moving down with efficient speed. The air feels amazing on my exposed skin. I help him glide the garment off, abandoning it on the sand. Underneath I'm in a basic lilac bra, the cups stained by sweat from the long hours of travel.
"I should change into something cleaner," I chuckle.
