Page 22 of Condemned to You

She smirked, “Whenever, wherever, however you want.” Placing her hand on my bare chest she glided it down to my navel and down to the hem of my trunks.

“I will hold you to that,” I replied placing a kiss on her plum lips. We weren’t in Chicago anymore – we didn’t need to hide or be afraid to be caught.

The Blue Lagoon was a breathtaking sight as the sun began to set, casting a soft golden light over the surreal landscape. The air was crisp as we stepped into the warm, mineral rich water; the geothermal heat enveloped us like a comforting embrace, creating a perfect contrast to the cool air.

Steam rose gently into the air from the blue water, blurring the edges of the surrounding lava fields making it hard to see other people around us. The lagoon had piles of volcanic rock strategically placed creating different sections for people to explore. We entered a little cave that blocked the wind and held the steam which created a foggy area. We stood in the center face to face as the velvety feel of the water warmed our skin.

As we walked deeper into the lagoon, the milky blue water shimmered around us. The atmosphere was serene, with the only sounds being the gentle lapping of water and the occasional laughter of other visitors. I looked at Bethany, her face illuminated by the soft light, and felt a rush of warmth in my chest. We found a quiet corner of the lagoon, where the waters were a deeper blue, almost like a hidden oasis. Taking a moment to admire Bethany’s beauty, her hair clung around her wet body, droplets of water glistening on her skin. Somehow, without words or touching, it felt as though our connection strengthened in this very moment.

I leaned closer, our foreheads nearly touching, and whispered, “What do you think?”

Bethany smiled, her eyes sparkling with joy. “It’s like a dream,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As if responding to the magic of the moment, she leaned in for a soft kiss, the warmth of the water surrounding us adding to the intimacy of the setting. Her cheeks were flushed as the warmth between us was electric – an undeniable magnetism. As the sun continued its descent, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange, I brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.

My fingertips lingered against her skin. “You’re beautiful.” My intense gaze locked onto hers.

The world faded away as we both solely focused on one another. I cupped her face into my hands, my thumbs brushing against her cheekbones. Our breaths mingled as the moment stretched between them heavy with anticipation. Leaning into one another, our lips met with a soft kiss that quickly deepened into a more passionate one that had our tongues in an entanglement. My hands moved to her waist pulling her close while her fingers threaded through my hair. Time seemed to stand still as an unspoken shared dream to have this moment become a permanent reality danced around us. When we finally pulled away, both of us breathless and smiling, the last rays of sunlight cast a golden glow over her face. Leaning my forehead against hers, our hearts raced in unison.

“I could stay like this forever,” Bethany whispered softly. “Please say it’s possible.”

It wasn’t possible for me to promise such a thing, but I couldn’t disappoint her either. This was a moment suspended in time, defined by love and the serene beauty of this woman before me.

“Anything can be possible.”

A sincere smile crossed her face. “I’ve never been happier.”

“You don’t miss Chicago?” I asked.

She shrugged, “I’d much rather be here with you.”

Rephrasing it, “You don’t miss your family?”

“Just as much as you miss Cassie.” Her emerald eyes sparkled through the mist of fog.

Seductively, Bethany swayed her hips in the water as she glided toward the open area outside the cave. Following behind her, I breathed in the thin crisp cold air. My eyes wandered from observing the area and Bethany. Six months out of the lifestyle yet I couldn’t shake off all the years I spent being Consigliere. The constant people watching, looking over my shoulder, taking extra precautions.

We sat on a ledge in the water waiting for our masseuse to get us.

“What would make you the happiest right now?”

It was a random question. “I have all I want right here.”

“How long do you think Luca will allow this?” Her voice dipped low.

Sensing it was a real concern, I held her hand and kissed the top of it. “Let’s just enjoy the moment.”

“I don’t want it to end.”

“We’ll always have Iceland,” I grabbed her chin and placed a kiss on her lips.

It seemed to have helped ease her mind for the time being.

“Should I pick a name as well? You go by Jim so I need a name too.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Something Viking-ish.”