AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Knowing Brenda was somewhere nearby was reassuring. I felt safe, despite my earlier annoyance at being constantly surrounded by security. Now, though, I welcomed it. I knew Oliver wanted nothing more than for me to be protected, especially with the recent unsettling developments.
I was overjoyed when Oliver snuggled his boxer-clad body against me early on Friday morning. I hadn’t expected him home until that afternoon. Despite him overheating me by being so close, I welcomed his presence eagerly. He buried his nose in my hair, and I heard him inhale deeply.
“You smell so good,” he murmured.
“You do too,” I replied softly.
“I’m sure I don’t, but I’m too exhausted to shower right now,” he chuckled wearily.
I turned in his arms so I could face him and kissed the underside of his chin. His scruff scratched against my skin, but I didn’t mind at all. I was simply happy to have him home. He started softly snoring, and I nestled my head against his chest, drifting back to sleep.
The sleep was fitful, though, and I found myself waking from a nightmare. It wasn’t as intense as the one from the night before, thankfully. Oliver remained peacefully asleep beside me, undisturbed by my brief moment of fear.
Chapter 19
Oliver looked at me with concern. "Are you sure you don't want to come to Fox Island with me?"
I shook my head, smiling softly. "No. I'll stay right here on the beach waiting for you."
It was now the third week of June, and our home on Fox Island was finally completed. Part of me wanted to go with Oliver, but I had decided against it. In five weeks, I would see the place for myself.
"The beach?" Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"I might as well work on my tan while you're gone," I replied, trying to lighten the mood.
"You can work on your tan at the hotel."
"But I want to lie on the sand," I whined, knowing exactly what he was thinking.
He was concerned that the man from the street might have followed us down to St. Croix. He wanted me to stay where I could be easily protected and safe. Our suite had a patio with a small lap pool, perfect for cooling off after sunbathing. But I preferred the beach.
Oliver sighed as he tucked in his ivory polo shirt. "Take Brenda and Raquel."
Raquel was the new agent Vlad had brought on board. She was tall and blonde, with a striking appearance that could easily pass for a model rather than a security agent. Despite her looks, she was well-trained with a second-degree black belt in karate and impressive shooting skills. She had a friendly demeanor, often calling me by my first name when Oliver wasn't around.
"I plan to. It'll be a girl's day at the beach," I assured him.
Oliver frowned. "They're not your friends, they're your security."
"Should I have them wear their full clothes and gun holsters?" I teased.
"That won't be necessary. The point is for them to blend in," Oliver replied seriously.
I rolled my eyes at him. "Duh, obviously."
"You're feisty this morning, and dare I say, a little rude," he remarked.
"That's what happens when I go without sex," I retorted playfully.
"I'm sorry if I had a headache. I'll make it up to you when I get back this afternoon."
"Why not now?" I suggested with a mischievous grin.
"Because I have an appointment with Charles. I'm sure he doesn't want to be on Fox Island any longer than he has to."
"You're Oliver Fox. Isn't that what you always tell me?" I teased, enjoying the banter.
I opened my Louis Vuitton suitcase, searching for my favorite light blue bikini. As I dropped my pink robe to the floor, exposing my body, I heard Oliver stifle a groan with a cough. He sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on athletic socks, but his eyes never left me.
