Page 48

The pop music Maya played was way too loud.

I turned to her, she had one hand on the wheel and the other drumming against my thigh to the beat. Her sunglasses hid her eyes, but the smirk on her lips said enough.

"Maya," I said, raising my voice over the music.

No response.

I reached for the volume knob, but before I could lower it, she grabbed my wrist. "Ah, ah, ah," she said, shaking her head. "No touching the tunes."

I gave her a look. "Where are we going? I feel like you're kidnapping me..."

"You'd be the best-looking hostage ever," she cut in, flashing a teasing grin.

I laughed, shoving her arm lightly, but she didn't even budge. "That doesn't even answer my question!"

She just hummed along to the music, eyes fixed on the road like my confusion was exactly what she wanted.

We drove for another five minutes before she finally slowed down, easing the car off the road. I leaned forward and saw what looked like a... private dock.

It was definitely private—she entered a passcode at the gates, and the metal bars slid open to reveal a secluded pier with sleek boats bobbing on the water.

Maya's gaze softened as she looked at me. "I wanted to take you somewhere we could just be ourselves and have some fun."

I smiled, still a little stunned. "That sounds good..."

She shut off the engine. "That sounds very good, Grace..."

I leaned in, wrapping my arms around her neck. Maya kissed me—soft, quick. Before I could say anything, she got out of the car, grabbed my hand urgently, and pulled me past the boats toward—oh...

A yacht.

Not just any yacht. As if that wasn't enough...

It was a stunning, two-level pearl-white yacht that sparkled in the sunlight like a jewel. The sun deck stretched wide over the water—lined with comfy leather loungers and even a hot tub in the corner.

"Maya," I breathed, eyes wide as I stared at it.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"This is yours?" I asked a stupid question.

She nodded, tilting her head slightly. "You sound surprised."

I swallowed, still trying to catch up. "I don't even know why I still am, honestly..."

My voice was half-joking, half-serious, and of course, her smile only got bigger. She squeezed my hand and guided me up the stairs to the yacht.

As soon as we stepped inside, three staff members greeted us, and I unconsciously let go of her hand—like some sort of reflex, I pulled it back.

I don't even know why I did that, but I felt awful.

"Welcome back, Miss Russell, and your guest," they said, smiling at both of us.

"Thank you," I smiled back.

"Everything is prepared as you requested," one of them said, eyeing Maya with a respectful look.

"Perfect, thank you," she said, her voice composed. She slipped into her usual confident mode, like she was born to be in charge.

It never failed to impress me how effortlessly she commanded a room—or in this case, an entire yacht.

Maya turned to me as my eyes stayed glued on her. "Wanna see the rest of it?"

The lower deck was even bigger—and somehow even more impressive: polished wood floors, soft lighting, sleek furniture. We walked down an hallway with two rooms on either side, their doors already slightly open.

"Shit, this place is incredible," I couldn't contain myself anymore.

"Glad you like it," Maya said, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "If you want to change, this is your room. But if you don't want to—"

I cut her off with a smile. "Yes, I do wanna change."

Her face lit up as she led me inside. The room had a huge bed in the center, ocean-view windows, and a walk-in closet. Maya gave me a quick look, still smiling, then disappeared into the other room to change too.

I slipped on the white swimsuit she bought me, stealing a quick glance at myself in the mirror.

For once, I actually liked what I saw.

I liked myself in that swimsuit. Which was strange, considering how I usually felt about my body.

It was the way Maya made me feel safe.

I couldn't stop a smile from forming just thinking about it.

When I opened the door, there she was—of course—leaning casually against the frame with one arm.

"Beautiful," she said, her eyes slowly trailing over me. Heat and tingles coursed through my skin.

Then she turned around. "Need a little help with mine..." she said, her voice alluring, revealing her bare back.

God—her bare back. Her gorgeous waist, perfectly curved—the line of her spine running down to her lower back...

Fuck. I'm so down.

I slowly reached for the swimsuit ties, my fingers softly grazing her skin as I tied them up. Just that slight touch had me breathless.

"Done," I said lowly.

Maya turned around, and my eyes instinctively dropped to her round boobs, perfectly framed by the low-cut swimsuit—before I quickly looked away. She caught me staring and smirked.

"Do you like mine?" she asked casually.

"Very much... you're stunning," I didn't hesitate to say.

She stepped closer, softly tilting her head. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed," her fingers grazing my arm.

A shiver ran down my spine as she took my hand and pressed her lips to my neck. Her mouth moved slowly against my skin, soft and warm. My fingers curled into her, while her hands stayed firm on my waist.

"You hungry?" she murmured against my neck.

"Starving," I managed to say.

I was sweating too. And it wasn't from the sunny day.

When we reached the dining area, a gorgeous spread was waiting for us—sushi that looked delicious, slices of different flavored pizzas, and a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables.

One of the crew members walked over and handed Maya a bottle of Dom Pérignon. She took it with a smile, fingers slowly tracing the label.

"Oh, right," she hummed.

She glanced at me, then at the staff. I must have looked slightly overwhelmed, because she quickly waved them off without a second thought.

"Thank you for your service, you must go now. We've got it from here." Her tone calm but firm.

The crew quickly obeyed, nodding and walking away.

I smiled, intrigued. "You really love giving orders, huh?"

"Oh, yeah." She didn't even hide it. Leaning on the table, eyes on me, she added, "You looked like you needed a moment."

I bit my lip, liking how she could see right through me, even when I didn't say a word.

"I did. Thanks for understanding," I whispered.

"Of course, sweetheart." Maya popped the cork with a smooth motion, then slid into the booth beside me. "I aim to please."

I smirked. "Sushi and pizza. Couldn't ask for more."

Maya poured the champagne into two crystal glasses, handing one to me. She lifted hers, meeting my eyes. "A toast to us, Grace."

I clinked my glass with hers, my heart suddenly fluttering. "To us."

We took slow sips. The cool, crisp bubbles bubbled on my tongue as I savored the refined flavor.

Maya suddenly took a deep breath, her eyes tracing my face as if lost in thought. I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her closer.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Grace," she bit her lip, her voice almost trembling. "I've never felt this connected to someone before. Everything just makes sense when I'm with you. And I—I..." She paused, almost searching for something unspoken. "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

I felt my breath pause, caught somewhere deep inside. I hadn't expected this to be so real and overwhelming.

"I feel it too, Maya. You make me feel so alive and seen in a way I didn't know was possible. And I—I..." I swallowed hard, meeting her gaze. "I'm so glad it's you, Maya."

She cupped my face. "I'm so glad it's you, Grace."

It hit me how vulnerable she looked right now, something deep shining in her eyes.

I leaned in, finally kissing her, and we both melted. She pulled me closer, her fingers digging into my back as we deepened the aching kiss.

After that moment, everything felt softer, warmer. We were still breathless when we started eating. The food was amazing—I never thought sushi and pizza could go so well together.

"You know, Grace..." Maya's voice turned teasing again. "I'm full, but I could still use a little more... fun."

"Like what?" I asked.

She smirked, her sharp eyes flicking toward the jet skis parked at the end of the yacht.

"I'm not getting in one of those," I said immediately.

Maya just hummed sarcastically. "You don't have to do anything. I'll drive, you're just holding on behind me."

That sentence alone was enough to send heat curling down my spine.

Maya suddenly wrapped her arms around my waist, lifting me up as I half-laughed, half-protested.

"Do we really have to? Do you even know how to ride that thing?" I was trying to waste time, but she was already tugging me.

"I can ride everything," she said without hesitation.

I nudged her shoulder, clearly catching the double meaning.

"I'm sure you can handle it just fine, huh?" I asked, shaking my head.

"Hey, no pressure," she said, her tone serious but her smirk never fading. "We'll go slow."

She walked ahead while I slowed down, staring at the big, powerful-looking machines in front of us.

Maya turned to look at me. "What's with the face, Gracie?" she teased. "Don't tell me you're scared."

"I'm not scared," I shot back. "I just know how you are. You'll go way too fast, and I'd rather not end up in the middle of the ocean..."

Maya let out a laugh. "Where's the trust?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, she stepped closer, holding a bright orange life jacket. She slipped it onto my shoulders and pulled the straps around my waist.

"Hold still," she said, tightening it.

It was such a small thing, but the way her fingers lingered on my waist made my stomach flutter.

"Now get in the position," she said pointing to the back seat of that thing.

I obeyed, and she followed my lead, straddling the jet ski in front of me.

"Wait, where's yours jacket, Maya?" I quickly asked.

She shrugged casually. "I don't know. There's only one, and I don't have time to look for the other."

I frowned. "Why do I get the only one?"

She turned to face me. "Because your life is important to me, Grace." Her voice balanced between serious and playful.

I rolled my eyes, half-flattered, half-pouting. "That's not how this works," I said, nudging her. "You need one too. Get up and go—"

"Hold on tight to me, Grace," she cut me off.

"Wh—"

She didn't let me finish. She pressed the throttle, making it clear what she was planning.

I was still sulking and held her waist less tightly than I should have. Maybe she didn't like that. The jet ski roared to life, and we shot forward fast. I yelped and tightened my grip on her waist, clinging to her.

"Maya!" I shouted over the engine. "What the hell?!"

She laughed, the sound full of amusement. "Told you to hold on tight!"

My arms wrapped firmly around her, holding on as tight as I could now. And I knew—that this was her plan all along.

I should've been annoyed. I should've made her turn around. But all I could focus on was the warmth of her against me—how strong she felt.

"God, you're so reckless!"

"And you love that!" she shouted over the wind.

"Maybe! Just slow down, tiger!"

She burst out laughing. "You definitely love it."

I wanted to argue—but I didn't. Because she was actually right.

A laugh slipped out. Then another. Suddenly we were both laughing so hard it echoed across the water.

The ocean wrapped around us on all sides, endless and serene. It felt like the world had faded away. No noise. No distractions. Just us. And the horizon.

"It's beautiful," I said.

"It is," she murmured, cutting the engine and turning to face me. Her hands found my thighs as she straddled the seat.

"You should listen to me more," I murmured, trying to sound serious.

Maya smirked. "You're so cute when you worry about me."

I rolled my eyes. She pulled me closer, arms wrapped tight around my waist.

"Don't be mad," she whispered. "It's the last thing I want."

"I'm not," I said quietly.

Her smile softened. Her fingers brushed against my skin. When she leaned in to kiss me—her lips tasted like salt and something sweet. The kiss, slow and urgent, felt like everything.

"Grace," she breathed.

"Maya," I breathed back.

We were right there—right on the edge of saying it.

"I..." she started, eyes locked on mine.

But then—

An unexpected wave crashed against us, jerking the jet ski hard.

"Holy shit!" Maya snapped.

"Jeez!" I gasped, grabbing onto her.

The sparkling glint in her eyes faded, replaced by something quieter, something almost surrendering. "I need a swim," she muttered.

I shivered slightly. "The water's freezing. I can feel it from here."

"So?" Maya kissed my cheek, and in a matter of seconds, she was already gone, slipping effortlessly into the water.

I leaned forward. "At least take the life vest—it's pretty deep out here..." I said, already unbuttoning mine.

"There's no need," she replied, moving further away, her body cutting through the water.

I watched as she swam, disappearing beneath the surface and emerging again, her dark hair slicked back, her tanned skin glistening. She looked ethereal.

All I could do was stare, captivated.

"Shit!" Maya's voice rang out suddenly.

I stayed unfazed. "What?"

She gasped, her face twisting in what looked like pain. "My knee—"

"Your knee?"

Maya grimaced, her body bobbing in the water. "I hit something. I can't—I can't swim properly, Grace!"

"You can't be serious," I muttered.

She shook her head, clearly frustrated. "I'm not joking, Grace. Something's wrong."

My stomach dropped within seconds. "What can I do?!"

"Get the jet ski over here!" She was urgent now, her voice tense.

"What?! No, I—" I stammered. "I don't know how to drive it!"

"Yes, you do," Maya said quickly, her voice leaving no room for disagreement. "Go! Now, Grace."

Adrenaline kicked in as I slid into the driver's seat, gripping the handles. I twisted the accelerator, but the jet ski lurched backward. I focused myself and it finally shot forward, somehow managing to reach her.

"I've got you," I said, gripping her hand tightly and pulling her onto the back of the jet ski.

"Where does it hurt? Are you okay? I told you to wear the fucking life jacket!" My voice was frantic, my hands searching for any sign of injury.

And then—

Maya started laughing.

Not just laughing—she was dying. Full-on, body-shaking laughter.

I froze. My heart was still racing, my hands trembling, and she—she was laughing.

Wait.

"No. No fucking way."

Maya caught her breath, looking at me with puppy eyes.

I clenched my jaw. "You were faking it," I said, voice tight and low.

She nodded softly, stopping laughing all at once.

"You're unbelievable," I snapped, shoving her arm as she reached for me. "I was terrified!"

"But you did it, Grace!" she exclaimed, barely controlling her happiness. "You drove the jet ski! You saved me, you can do everything!"

She had a point, but I was still fuming inside. "That was not funny. You scared the shit out of me."

Maya tilted her head, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "I know you were scared, but sometimes you just have to face it, Grace."

I groaned. "I swear to God, Maya—this isn't how you show me I can do things."

She frowned, but I turned around, and for a moment, I didn't know what to feel—anger or relief. Somehow, I wanted to wrap my arms around her—and scream at her at the same time.

Maya reached out, wrapping her arms around me from behind. I tried to keep my distance, but she gently insisted on getting closer.

"Hey," she whispered. "We should go before we actually die in here."

I rolled my eyes, annoyed. "I'd like to leave you here."

"I'm freezing," she murmured, her body shivering as she clung to me.

"I'm not driving," I said immediately.

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are," Maya repeated, her lips dangerously close to my ear. "Because now you know you can."

Damn her.

I gripped the handles again—this time steady. For the whole ride, she clung to me like I was the only thing keeping her in control, her breath warm against my neck. I was practically melting, but neither of us dared to say a word.

Maya stepped off the jet ski first and offered me her hand. I took it reluctantly, and she helped me climb the ladder, her grip firm, making sure I didn't slip.

I was trying to stay mad at her—but she had to be gentle and considerate and ruin it.

Once we were back on the yacht, I picked up my pace, feeling her eyes on me.

"Grace..." she whispered.

I grabbed her black towel and went back to her. I tossed it over her head so she could warm up.

Maya smiled, pulling the towel away from her face. "You didn't seem to mind before..."

"I did."

I walked away, but she grabbed my wrist, pulling me back toward her. I felt her warmth seep into me again, but I folded my arms and kept my distance.

"Forgive me, Grace," Maya said softly, her voice sincere. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"I know, but it's not just that..." I murmured, looking down.

"Then what is it?" she asked right away.

I sighed. "Somehow... I always end up doing what you want, and that's okay because I trust you, Maya. But when it's me..." I hesitated, biting my lip. "You don't listen. Not really."

Maya looked straight into my eyes, hers almost trembling. "I never realized I was doing that," she admitted. "But you're right. I'm sorry. I don't want to be that person with you."

I nodded slowly, finally calming—not just because of her words, but because she truly understood how I felt.

"I'm so sorry. I trust you, Grace," she whispered again, her voice growing vulnerable.

Before I knew it, I leaned in, craving her lips.

Maya kissed me gently at first, then deeper, like she needed me as much as I needed her.

After we fell apart, she grabbed her towel and spread it out on the deck. We lay down, our bodies clinging to each other.

"Come here," she said, pulling me against her chest. I snuggled up to her like I belonged right there.

Maya's fingers started to massage my back as I eased, sinking deeper into her arms.

Time passed softly. We stayed like that—just holding each other. Eventually, I must have drifted off, because I found myself half-asleep, still wrapped tightly in her embrace.

"Grace," Maya whispered, her fingers in my hair. "The sun has set."

"Oh," I breathed. "I feel so comfortable here next to you."

"I know, sweetheart, me too," she replied.

As much as I wanted to stay there forever, we couldn't stay on the yacht after dark. We walked back to her car, and I sank into the seat, an ache settling in my chest.

"What's going on, Grace?" She asked, worried.

"I don't want to go back home," I admitted. "We can't be ourselves in there."

From the way Maya was looking at me—her eyes—I could tell she was struggling in the same way.

I squeezed her hand. "I want to stay with you, Maya."

She squeezed my hand back. "And I want to stay with you, Grace."

"How do we do this?" I asked.

Her eyes never wavering from mine as she spoke firmly. "There's a place where we can be alone, just you and me. We could stay there for as long as you wish."

Maya was offering something she knew we both needed, but in a way that made it clear this wasn't a suggestion—it was a promise.

"Yes. I want to go," I said firmly.

"Okay, let's go," she turned on the engine as we pulled off from the dock.

She never let go of my hand as we drove off to... well, I didn't know.

But I trusted her more than anything.

A/N

Hii lovelies!! Things are about to get serious... where's Maya taking Grace? ??what's next on the list?

Place your rich-girl predictions. ??

Hint: it's actually simpler than you think.