AllFreeNovel
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“You went through a lot of trouble.”
“I’m spoiling you tonight.” Tonight. Tomorrow, I’m screwed. “Do I bring everything to the table, or do you prefer I serve you just what you want?”
“Let’s bring it all over.” Standing from the seat he placed me on, I walk over. My hands are shaking. My stomach is in knots. Callum notices right away and brings me in close with an arm around my waist when I reach the extravagant kitchen. It has everything from a grill to burners to a roaster, and that’s just to cook; the fridge alone is larger than the one I have at home.
“Relax.”
“I am.” Lies.
“Aliana,” he says lowly, an angry tinge to his tone that makes me freeze, “don’t make a habit of lying to me. That’s one of two offenses I won’t forgive. You already used your freebie here, love. Understood?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl.” He kisses the crown of my head and then down to my temple, exhaling roughly against my skin. “Lying and cheating are my limits. I’d hate to look at you differently one day, when I know you are neither of those things. I’m not mad at you right now, but we will discuss why we’re both in Brazil and it’s not because we took a holiday.”
“Okay.”
I’m still tense and he loosens his hold, moving his face back so he can meet my eyes. “I’d never hurt you, nor will I take my anger at the situation out on you. This isn’t your fault, but in the future, trust is key. You getting hurt is unacceptable to me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.” His expression relaxes, and so do I. “Now, let’s eat. I’m not a fan of cold food.”
“That makes two of us.” And because karma deems this the perfect time to embarrass me, my stomach grumbles once again, causing him to let out a loud laugh. Like this, carefree and calm, he’s simply the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.
“I can’t eat another bite,” I moan, pushing my plate away before picking up the glass of red wine he brought out with the bread. The taste is drier than something I’d pick for myself, but paired with the meal, it balances and leaves the pleasant taste of fruit and spice after each sip. “This was amazing.”
“Glad you approve.” Callum eats the last bite of fried banana and mimics my pose, relaxing in his seat. He’s across from me, watching with a grin that hints at a sinful promise, and I squirm. Between the full stomach and three glasses of wine, I’m relaxed and aware.
Of his every inhale.
Of the way his fingers twitch atop the table.
“Dessert will have to wait, though.”
“Who said anything about dessert?”
“I did.” I remember the sweet treat on the kitchen island, waiting to be eaten. “I’m a huge sucker for a well-made flan.”
“That’s mine.”
“You mean ours.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“So bratty,” he grumbles, the mock glare only serving to make me laugh. However, that laugh turns into a shriek when he stands abruptly, chair flying back, and lunges in my direction.
I’m out of my seat just as fast and running, heart thumping harshly inside my chest with a devilish Brit at my heels.
The beach isn’t far off the large deck, and I take the small staircase down, my feet sinking a bit when I hit the sand. At first I wobble, squeaking a bit, but right myself before he can touch me.
His fingers barely skim the back of my arm.
His breath warms the back of my neck.
“No!”
