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Now I’m getting closer to finding Thane, I’m torn between sending Grecia home, which would be the right thing to do, or keeping her here with me, which would be the wrong thing to do but also the thing I want the most.
The truth is I’m an asshole. I come from a long line of assholes. Doing what’s right isn’t in my nature, and this time’s no different. I’m a selfish bastard and crave Grecia’s company. I know I’ll end up breaking her, just as life has torn me apart. But even with that knowledge, there’s no way I’m letting her go.
CHAPTER 2
TARIAN
A whole day has passed in a whirl, working on our laptops to try to pinpoint my uncle’s whereabouts. Yet nothing has come up.
The tranquility of the island has helped me reset the shit that’s been going on in my head since I found out my mother is still alive. I needed space and time to think, to breathe, and I know I could never have done that while in Tynewood, not with my parents’ secrets coming to light and the shitstorm Thane left behind.
At the same time my mother returned from the dead, I learned my uncle is Rukaiya’s father. I’m hoping Heinrich can help me find her biological mother. I want to give Rukaiya closure because not only is she Etienne’s girlfriend, she’s also family. And since we changed the rules of the Sovereign, she’s been given a place at the table as a Crown.
Heading over to the liquor cabinet, I find the bottle I want and pour myself a vodka. Then stepping out onto the balcony, I gulp the harsh liquid down in the hopes it will take away the fucking anxiety twisting in my gut.
I’ve arranged a flight for tonight to Amsterdam. It will be a short trip, and Grecia is accompanying me. We’ve been working closely together since she arrived here, and she’s been a great help in tracking down the information I need.
I lean against the balcony railing and stare out at the beach, recalling when Grecia turned up there, uninvited, a few short weeks ago.
Even though it’s early in the morning, the sun burns brightly, and I push my shades up to the bridge of my nose to protect my eyes. There aren’t many people about yet, but I know in the next hour or so, this place will be swarming with tourists.
I’ve traveled to Capri because I want to disappear from the world for a while. Once I’ve got my head back together, I intend to put all my efforts into locating Thane.
The moment my feet hit the cool sand, I stop and take in the ocean view that greets me. This place is heaven, and the miles of sand and clear blue waters stretching out in front and on either side of me are all I need right now.
“Tarian?” My blood chills at the sound of my name. I’ve traveled all the fucking way here to be on my own, and someone knows me.
Jesus, can’t I escape? Even if it’s just for a couple of months.
Turning in the direction of the voice, my gaze rakes in the familiar beauty strolling toward me in denim cut offs and a tiny bikini top that does nothing to hide her tits. She’s so fucking hot, but I have to focus. I can’t allow myself to be distracted by pussy right now.
Instead of greeting her, I jerk my chin up.
“What are you doing here?” she asks when she reaches me.
Grecia Birchwood is not what, or who, I was expecting to find when I left my apartment earlier.
“Vacation.”
My clipped response doesn’t go unnoticed, but I know Grecia doesn’t give up that easily. She’s the type who’ll keep hanging around, and even if I tell her to leave me the fuck alone, she’ll pretend she didn’t hear me.
“There are rumors you’re not coming back,” she tells me as we walk along the beach.
She’s right. When I left Tynewood, I told everyone I had no intention of returning. I’d decided to run and never look back.
“Who knows what the future will bring,” I respond with a shrug.
I don’t look at her as I speak. I want to, though. I crave the human connection, but I force myself to focus on the ocean instead.
She waits a beat before admitting, “Sometimes I feel like running away. Being free from my family and the influence of the Sovereign makes it easier to think. Kelli is constantly going on about the importance of the society, and I find it exhausting.”
Grecia’s confession makes me stop for a moment. Finally, I glance at her. She is everything I admire in a woman—poised, elegant, and beautiful. Her tanned skin is like smooth caramel, and her wide eyes are golden as they shimmer in the sunlight. She has perfect, pouty lips, and her slight curves make me want to pull her onto my lap and have her writhing on me as she moans in pleasure.
Regal. That’s what I think when I look at Grecia.
With her gaze locked on the water, she doesn’t notice me staring at her, so I keep on taking her in. I watch how her small smile tilts the corners of her lips. Her expression suggests she’s having similar dirty thoughts to the ones I’m having.
“Why don’t you take me on whatever adventure you’re planning. I can help you.” Her suggestion almost makes me scoff. Do I really want her with me when I walk into one of the most dangerous situations I’ve ever been in? “I may be female, but I can handle myself,” she adds.
