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On our first night on the island, I’ve wished upon a star for our time not to end, and then he asks me to stay… yet I run in the opposite direction.
What’s wrong with me?
I want to stay. I want to see what this thing between us could be. So why am I not saying yes?
Am I afraid of getting hurt again? Is it because I have a deeper connection with Tiero than I have had with any other man, and I’m scared shitless? Because if this doesn’t work out, my heart will be irreparably damaged.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I look up at the sky, wanting to yell at the universe. What the hell is it that’s holding me back? Someone explain it to me… please!
I close my eyes and let out a frustrated breath.
Is it because I’m so risk-averse? Because I sense this is a high-stakes game? Well, it is.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
My mind is spinning, and my stomach churns. There are too many questions and no answers. I roll my shoulders to ease the tension.
It’s probably a combination of all those things. Or maybe it’s my subconscious, or my gut, telling me we’re not right for each other. But why would that be? We’ve grown closer over the last few days. He’s told me things no one else knows… I’m sure of it. Yet I still know next to nothing about him.
What I said to Rhia holds true as well. We’re from two very different worlds, but that’s not an insurmountable obstacle.
Am I afraid I’ll fall completely under his spell? Since I’ve met him, he’s pretty much orchestrated my movements. He rarely asks. He just decides and expects everyone to follow. And they do.
He’s so dominant, especially in the bedroom. But I love that. It allows me to just be in the moment, and I don’t have to wonder what to do next or if I’m doing it right. It’s liberating.
But then his powerful nature is intimidating, too. If I’m being honest with myself, I fear he’d steamroll me and expect me to surrender my entire life to him.
Then what is it?
Argh! I’m driving myself crazy. My thoughts are all over the place. How am I meant to make sense of this?
“Hey princess,” Tiero greets me with a kiss to the top of my head. I jump, startled.
Too lost in my head with all the questions bombarding my brain, I didn’t notice him walk up. “You appear deep in thought.”
Still staring out at sea, I deflect, “It’s like paradise here… so peaceful. I can see why you like to retreat to this place.”
“Yes, it’s beautiful here,” he says, staring at me. “But this,” he points at the sea and the island behind him, “is nothing compared to your beauty. You, Ella Rose O’Neil, are my paradise.”
Swoon!
I smile at him, trying to say something clever back, but my mind has gone blank. It’s still befuddled from my earlier deliberations, and then, of course, Tiero hits me with all his charm. That would leave anybody’s brain scrambled, right?
He pulls me up and envelops me in his tanned, muscular arms. I breathe in his scent, musk with a hint of sea breeze.
“I don’t want you to leave,” he whispers into the air. “I have to go to Roma early tomorrow morning… come with me, Ella,” he implores.
I stay silent for a moment, letting his plea sink into my heart.
He doesn’t want this to end either. My doubts are forgotten as my heart soars… but it’s short-lived as the reality of our situations comes crashing back, and my heart breaks a little for both of us.
“I can’t, Tiero,” I choke out, sadness already darkening the moment. “We both knew this would have to end.”
Tiero says nothing. I can tell he wants to argue.
“Please, Tiero, let’s not spoil our last day together by being sad.”
Am I trying to convince him or myself? He studies me intensely, then nods his head and goes back to holding me.
