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“I never got the pleasure of carrying you over the threshold.”
I waved my hands and shook my head rapidly. “Don’t do it.”
I thought he’d be amused, but he was serious. “As your prince charming, it’s only right that I carry you away.”
“Oh yeah? Why is that?”
“Because I am your happy ever after.”
My palm went to my chest, feeling the fast beats of my heart pounding hard on my ribcage. I dropped my head, fearing that the tears stinging at the back of my eyes would fall. He came close and pulled me in a hug, and I held on tight like he was a lifeline steadying me.
“What do you want from me?” I rasped.
“Everything. I want to have all of you.”
Rocco’s words swept me off my feet before he did. My head rested on his shoulders as he carried me up the marble stairs.He was still pursuing me, even after he married me. It surprised and flattered me the lengths that he’d go to romance me. He was determined to make me fall in love with him. It frightened me as much as it fascinated me that he would break all my efforts to resist him.
Once I was back on my feet, we were in a spacious living room with modern neutral couches, a piano, artwork, and numerous bookcases. After greeting the staff, we took a short flight of stairs down to a large kitchen, where a chef was busy preparing a meal using a fire pit that smelled delicious. I had eaten well during the plane ride, but the aroma of mangoes and coconut and the scent of grilled fish made my mouth water.
“Let’s go upstairs,” Rocco suggested.
I walked with Rocco up another flight of stairs to the primary bedroom. The custom bed was surrounded by glass, offering a superb view of the ocean, white beach, and the approaching orange-pink sunset—a view of paradise. I was utterly mesmerized.
Rocco came up close behind me and held me tight. What surprised me the most was how quiet it was. So peaceful.
The sound of steel drums beating filtered from an open window.
Rocco placed a kiss on my shoulder. “We’re needed on the beach.”
My brows rose. “What’s going on?”
He was attempting to blank his face, but his grin won out.
“Hmm, what are you up to, Mr. Marini?” I poked his side.
“I don’t want to miss seeing your beautiful face when you see our surprise.”
My heart melted, and I followed him outside, where there was a polished marble path with a glass canopy and two swimming pools along the sides.
I stopped to gaze at the ripple of water and the darkening cloud, envisioning a composition I wanted to remember later. Rocco waited patiently, and then I stood. He placed his arm on my waist and led us further along the patio outside. Down a short flight of stairs was an outdoor shower, large enough for two.
“We have to fuck in there,” Rocco mused.
“If we have to,” I joked back, and he laughed.
Rocco turned back and smiled at me, then slowed down as we descended even more stairs. At the bottom was the white sand beach and billowing smoke. We walked on further, and my mouth dropped open. There was a roll of torches.
“Rocco,” I said his name and gasped.
A white tent with numerous pillows, satin fabrics, textures, and brightly colored large decorative rugs and seats—modern, large lamps shaped like torches provided illumination. Fresh-cut fruits, dates, nuts, berries, plantains, rice, and beans were beautifully displayed on a long, low table, all looking delicious. An assistant approached with two large, covered platters that contained the aromatic meal we’d seen the chef making in the kitchen.
I spun around and caught my breath. My heart lifted to my throat, and I placed my hands on it, attempting to hold back the overwhelming flood of emotions that brought tears to my eyes. Rocco always went big with everything he did, including tonight. He had an extravagant tent fit for royalty and a lavish meal on the beach to start our honeymoon. And that alone was a lot, but he also had hired a band. There were steel drummers, guitarists, and maraca players. They started playing a Caribbean version of Mama Cass’s “Dream A Little Dream.”
“Oh, Rocco. It’s so amazing,” I enthused and sobbed.
Rocco held out his hand. “So are you, my Bella.”
I could see his glittering eyes even in the soft haze of the sun and firelights. His gaze was intense, filled with a deep yearning for me. My body craved everything that his look promised.