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“Are we in some kind of trouble?”
He thought for a few seconds before he answered, “Not particularly. We’re out there because of our engagement. I’ve set up a security detail for you when we’re not together or I’m out of the office. You’re to follow their instructions.”
I bit my lip. “I’m not sure I’m happy with this arrangement.”
"Sweetheart, I've been accommodating with many things, but I'm not backing down on this one. I want to keep you safe," Oliver insisted.
"I understand, but it's... intrusive," I countered, feeling conflicted.
"Is Vlad intrusive?" Oliver questioned.
"Vlad is intimidating," I admitted.
"That's his job," Oliver affirmed, pulling me into a comforting embrace.
I knew he was only trying to protect me, but I couldn't help feeling a sense of frustration. He released me and led me out to the patio where everyone was enjoying breakfast. Despite waking up hungry, worry now dampened my appetite. I mechanically filled my plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fruit salad, but barely touched any of it.
As conversation buzzed around me, I couldn't shake the heightened awareness of the security detail surrounding the house. They blended in effortlessly, dressed casually like the rest of us. Vlad maintained a watchful eye from his position near the patio, while two other men, one tall with brown hair and the other short and stocky with a shaved head, stood further down the property. The lone female security agent patrolled near the beach. I wondered if they had been there all along, and I simply hadn't noticed.
"You didn't eat much," Oliver remarked as he finished his conversation with Anders.
"Not hungry. Can I go to the beach?" I asked, feeling the need for some space.
"You can do whatever you want," Oliver replied, his tone firm.
"But you said...," I started to protest.
"You can do whatever you want," he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I pushed my chair back, drawing everyone's attention as I announced, "I'm going to the beach."
"I could go with you," Sadie offered.
"Finish breakfast. I want to go for a walk," I replied, already making my way down the wide expanse of lawn.
As I passed the female security agent, she nodded in acknowledgment. I reached the water's edge, the cold surf lapping at my feet as I walked along the beach, kicking at the sand and pausing to examine shells attached to the jetty rocks.
"Ryleigh," Oliver's voice broke through my thoughts, and I turned to see him standing a few feet away.
"What?" I replied, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
"You're upset," he observed gently.
"I'm unnerved," I admitted, feeling the weight of our newfound fame bearing down on me.
"It won't always be like this. Our engagement news will die down, and they'll find something else to report on," Oliver reassured me.
"I wish we had our island," I murmured wistfully.
"We have our island. We just need a house. I've spoken with a few contractors. I think we can have our home together by next year," Oliver said optimistically.
"How? It usually takes a year or two to build a house here, and we have bridges to transport supplies," I questioned.
"Money talks. I have contacts that will bring in supplies and extra men to build our home," Oliver explained confidently.
"I want to be alone with you without interruption. I don't want to be the focus of a news story," I confessed, feeling vulnerable.
"This is my fault. I should've prepared you. I'm sorry," Oliver apologized, his sincerity evident.
