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The massive estate is carved directly into the side of the cliff, blending so seamlessly into the rock that it almost looks as if it were born from it. White stone wraps around the structure while enormous glass windows reflect the ocean below, making the inside and outside bleed together effortlessly.
It’s absolutely breathtaking.
And intimidating in the way only obscene wealth and power can be.
Caine guides the boat through the mouth of a cave built into the cliffside before pulling alongside a smooth stone dock hidden within. After killing the engine, he hops out and reaches down for Clara. Alex steps out after him and holds a hand out for me to take. The second my feet hit the slick stone, I lose my balance and gasp as I fall forward against Alex’s chest.
One of my hands stays tangled with his while the other presses against the firm muscle beneath his shirt.
I glance up at him, feeling the pounding of his strong heart beneath my touch. His eyes lock with mine, his thumb brushing over my skin while—
“Hey, lovebirds,” Caine calls out, immediately causing me to step back. I go to release Alex’s hand, but his grip tightens around mine, preventing me from doing so. “If you two are done staring into each other’s eyes,” Caine drawls, smirking, “I’ll show you to your room before dinner.”
Another boat glides into the cave behind us, carrying our bags along with several armed guards.
Clara babbles excitedly from Caine’s arms as he leads us deeper into the estate, her wide grey eyes taking in everything around her.
The scent of saltwater and flowers wraps around us, warm and intoxicating, and for a moment, I forget this place belongs to some of the most dangerous men in the world.
“And here we are,” Caine announces, gesturing toward an open set of massive glass doors.
The suite opens directly toward the ocean, a balcony stretching out over the cliffs with a view people would die to see. An infinity pool rests beneath the setting sun, with stone steps leading down to a private stretch of water. And a set of stairs leads up to…
“One bed?” Alex asks, his gaze landing hard on Caine, who smirks.
“What?” Caine shrugs innocently. “It was short notice. Marco, Romeo, and I are in the other rooms.”
Alex peers down at me. “If you want, we can stay at a hotel. I’m sure I can find something with—”
I wave a dismissive hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. This place is amazing.” I look over at the one bed, remembering how safe I felt sleeping beside him last night. “This is fine.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m positive.”
His jaw flexes before he finally nods and steps farther into the suite, hands settling on his hips as he surveys the open balcony. “This is probably the most dangerous place I could’ve brought an eighteen-month-old.”
“Nah.” Caine climbs the short staircase nearby and pushes open another door. “She’s got her own room over here. No balcony access.” He smirks over his shoulder. “We had a crib brought in. Toys too.”
Alex arches a brow. “Thought you said this was short notice.”
Caine grins. “What can I say? I have a weak spot for the kid.”
Several men enter behind us, carrying our luggage, then set everything near the bed and disappear without a word. An older woman enters the room, carrying a tray of cookies and refreshments.
Clara immediately eyes the cookies, her hands reaching for one. “Cookie!”
The woman looks to us. “May I?”
Alex nods. “Of course.”
She brings a cookie over to Clara, who claps her hands excitedly.
“Well, aren’t you precious.” She looks over her shoulder at me and then back at Clara. “You’re as pretty as your mama.”
“Mama!” Clara repeats before taking a bite of her cookie.
Every cell in my body freezes, my heart pounding so loud it’s all I hear echoing in my ears. I nervously glance at Alex, wondering how he plans on correcting the woman.
