Page 90 of The Forbidden Fling

“Now spin your partner!”

When Diana came back to meet those beautiful eyes, Faye lowered her voice, though the music was loud enough to mask it. “Meet me at our bench?”

She nodded, then at the direction of the caller, they changed partners, the song kicking up tempo.

By the time Diana finally pulled herself from the dance floor, heart racing and heat creeping up her neck, Faye was already waiting. Away from the crowds, hidden by the darkness, the faint ocean breeze lifted the hair around her neck.

Faye let out a low whistle as she approached, her eyes roaming her body hungrily. “You look incredible. As always. Is there anything you can’t make look a million dollars?”

Diana couldn’t fight the feeling fanning in her stomach. She let her gaze drop over Faye’s dress. “Green looks great on you.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them didn’t say anything for a moment, the sounds of the party mixing with the hush of the waves below.

Faye scratched the back of her neck. “God. I don’t know where to start. There’s so much I want to say to you.” Her attention fell on the totem hanging around Diana’s neck, and she grinned again. “The dove… It suits you, you know.”

“Do you think?”

“Definitely.” Faye took a step closer, the moon hanging bright in the sky behind her. “Underneath those layers of perfectly tailored linen, you’re a softie. I always sensed it.”

Diana shook her head, but Faye reached out and took her hand.

“Really, though, getting to know you has been amazing. I’ve loved every second.” She sighed. “Honestly, I’ve been struggling with it all coming to an end. The course, the island. Us.” Her eyes flicked back to hers. Softer in the moonlight. “Diana, I…I know we had an agreement, but I don’t want this to be goodbye when we step off this island tomorrow.”

Diana swallowed, emotion thick in her throat. She didn’t want that either, but the words were hard to say. They were her last layer of security; once they were out, she’d be disarmed and unguarded. Forever.

“Do you remember our conversation on the beach? About telling the truth?” Faye brushed her thumb over Diana’s hand. The party cheered behind her, echoing in the quiet. “I don’t know if being honest when it comes to my feelings will ever come without fear, but I know I don’t want to leave here with any regrets. And if I leave without saying this to you, it’ll be the biggest regret of my life.” She blew out a big breath. “Here goes nothing. I know we should’ve spoken about this before now, but I was afraid of ruining a good thing. I suppose waiting until now, with only hours left, I’ve nothing to lose by laying my cards on the table.” Her eyes crinkled, the passion swirling in her irises. “So here they are. I know there’s distance to overcome. And a daughter,” she added sheepishly. “But I want to try.”

“You don’t want me, Faye.”

“What?”

Diana pressed her lips together. The words had come out harsher than she’d intended. But the ache in her chest called her back. The fear holding her there. She knew what people would say.

“When we get back to the real world, you won’t want me. You’re young, and you’ve got everything ahead of you. I don’t want to stand in the way of that.”

“Diana, that’s bullshit.” Her sharp tone forced their eyes to lock. “You don’t get to tell me what I do or don’t want. Did you not hear what I just said?” When Diana glanced away, unable to stomach the look in her eyes, Faye cupped her face, the action so soft and genuine, the backs of her eyes pricked. “I want to uncover more of your layers. I want to show you how beautiful you are, like you do to me. I want to love you in all the ways you deserve.” She stroked her cheek, across the mole she’d declared her favourite. “I want you.”

Those three little words pierced the veil Diana had shrouded herself with. She didn’t have any of this under control. When it came to Faye, she wasn’t sure if she ever had. And though the words still stuck in the base of her throat, her body always knew what to do.

She kissed her, threading her fingers through her hair and pulling her closer. The stars gleamed above, the music from the party playing like a soundtrack just for them. Her stomach flip-flopped, heat curling in all the familiar places Faye ignited as she deepened the kiss. Senhor had a point, didn’t he? They needed to stop letting fear take the reins and live. They could do it. They could—

“What the fuck?”

A voice shot that hope straight in the head.

Diana jumped away, but it was too late.

Molly stood, the moonlight sharpening the shadows in her expression. “Tell me I’m not seeing this.”

The air grew cold. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.

“This isn’t what it looks like,” Diana said, holding her palms up, but Molly cast daggers at her.

“Then what is it? Because it looks like my mum is kissing my ex-girlfriend.” She shook her head, blonde curls trembling. “And that’s so fucked up to even say, never mind look at.”

“It’s nothing. It’s nothing like that. I…” But she had nothing to say. No words to explain. Panic eroded everything. She glanced at Faye, hoping to find something to help her, but the pain in her eyes was quick, unguarded, like she’d hit something raw.