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“What was that all about?”
Oliver ran his knuckles gently over my cheek, his touch a mix of comfort and concern. “Nothing you should worry about. I have my security team looking into everything,” he said, his voice steady.
I looked up at him, searching for reassurance. “Vlad?”
“No,” he replied, shaking his head slightly. “This is my IT security team. They need to clear up a few things for Jonah.”
I bit my lip, a habit I hadn’t quite managed to break when I was nervous. “And the other problem?”
“Again, none of your concern,” he said firmly, but not unkindly. “Do you want to shower?”
I shook my head, needing more than just a quick rinse. “I’d rather take a bath.”
Oliver’s eyes softened. “Do you want me to join you?”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Would you?”
“Of course,” he said immediately. “I feel guilty about what happened.”
I brushed off his concern, though my wrist still throbbed. “I’m fine. My wrist will be okay.”
“It’s not just about today. I should have shipped Jonah off sooner. The island is remote. No one would know he was there,” he said, his voice tinged with regret.
“It’s not your fault. He’s been disappointing you forever,” I reminded him, hoping to ease his guilt.
“I know, but he’s still my brother. This situation has escalated, and I can’t let it go any longer. I needed to intervene,” he said, his tone resolute.
He kissed me on the cheek and gently tucked my hair behind my ear.
“I look horrible,” I murmured.
“You’re always beautiful. Jonah said I was very lucky,” he replied, his eyes locking onto mine.
“He looks like you,” I noted, trying to lighten the mood.
“Yes, he does. I wish he acted like me too,” he sighed.
“Maybe this will be his chance to get it together. I know you want a relationship with him,” I said softly.
“I have one,” he corrected me. “A volatile one.”
“It could change. Aren’t you worried he’ll head to St. Croix and get into trouble?”
“My staff has strict instructions not to transport him off the island without my permission. If he wants to go to St. Croix, he has a long swim ahead of him,” Oliver said, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day’s events pressing down on me. “I want to take my bath now.”
Oliver took the ice bag from my hand and dropped it into the sink, placing the black checkered dish towel on the counter. He led me into the bathroom and sat me gently on the vanity, turning on the water.
“Which bath beads do you want?” he asked, already moving towards the closet.
“Lime basil if you have it,” I replied, craving the soothing scent.
He found the container and added some to the water. Within moments, the fragrance filled the bathroom, a welcome distraction. Oliver planted soft kisses on my face, whispering apologies about my wrist. When the tub was filled, he undressed quickly and helped me in first, then slipped in behind me, holding me close.
"Sweetheart, how are you feeling?" Oliver's voice was tender, filled with concern.
"Oliver, stop feeling guilty. It happened. I’m more worried that I was exposed to your brother," I replied, trying to make him understand that my embarrassment was the real issue.
