Page 101 of Never Tell Secrets

“You’re funny.” I fastened the last button on the ultra light duvet and flipped it till it rested like a soft cloud on the mattress. “So, eat, sleep or swim?” I asked her.

“Swim, eat, sleep?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Keira grabbed a shoe from her case and threw it at the wall. “Maia?” She called out.

“Uh…yes?” Maia’s voice came through the wall. I stifled a laugh. Watching Keira and Maia interact was like watching separate species try to communicate.

“Get your bikini on!” Keira yelled.

Maia didn’t own a bikini. She owned a one piece swimsuit that I thought was lovely. Keira, who read vogue like it was the bible, grimaced at the costume as Maia stepped into her bedroom, a towel in hand, her curls shining and pulled back into one long braid.

“Stop it.” I nudged her.

“What? I think it’s nice.” She turned those wide eyes back to Maia. “It must be really convenient that you can go from the beach straight to church without having to get changed.”

Maia stared at her for a long moment before giving her a sarcastic smile and flipping her the bird.

I burst out laughing. “Good for you, Maia!”

“Finally!” Keira laughed, “I’ve been waiting over a year for you to tell me to go fuck myself. You look awesome. Blue is a great colour on you.”

Keira turned, eyeing herself in the mirror. She grinned as she turned this way and that, admiring her full breasts in the red bikini, her soft tummy and plush thighs not bothering her in the least. Happy with her appearance, she grabbed her beach bag and headed out the door. I followed, but not before giving my yellow two piece a tweak in the mirror.

There was an almost hidden path from the villa down to the beach, the half mile walk was worth it to reach our own private cove.

Once we hit the sand, Keira and I ran for the water, screaming as it hit us. It was cooler than my last visit, but I loved it just the same. I hadn’t known how much of a water baby I was until I’d stepped foot in the ocean. I ducked my head under, relishing the feel of tranquility, before popping back up.

I’d expected to be terrified the first time I went in the ocean, overwhelmed by memories of the night my mum died, but instead I’d found it freeing. I wasn’t trapped in a car. I found power in my ability to break the surface any time I wanted.

Maia hovered at the shore, looking uncertain.

“Are you okay?” I called out as Keira resurfaced next to me.

“Come on! Live a little!” She giggled, sending a splash in Maia’s direction.

Maia hesitated for just a moment before running into the clear blue sea. She broke out in a laugh before she disappeared under the water, bouncing up a moment later. She was breathtaking as fine droplets rested on her dark skin, her hair cascading into the water like a sun kissed mermaid. I wondered if she knew how effortlessly beautiful she was.

Later, after we’d swum our fill and ate Moussaka until we couldn’t move, I fell into my bed, exhausted.

Alfie came to me, like he always did, rushing me to a dark sleep. I both dreaded and desired my dreams, my nightmares, my dark fantasies where I got to be with him again.

Each night I tortured myself with visions of Alfie in my bed, Alfie eating, driving, talking, dancing, touching, kissing, Alfie working, speaking Italian or French. Alfie breathing. Just the way he breathed. I missed him so deeply I ached, yet I couldn’t stop this relentless torture.

The fact that it was within my power to find relief any time now made it harder. I stared at my phone lying innocently on my bedside table. I picked it up and sent a text.

Goodnight, Alfie.

His response came a moment later.Goodnight, Lo.

Thirty-Two

The sun warmed the soft cotton sheet draped over my body. I stretched, relishing the hot Grecian sun that shone through my bedroom window.

As always, Alfie was the first thing on my mind. Was he awake yet? Showering? Was he working already? I grabbed my phone, my fingers hovering over the keys to text him, but I hesitated. I’d come on this trip for a break with Keira. Not to spend the whole time with one eye on my phone waiting for a temperamental billionaire to text me back.

Choosing to avoid temptation altogether, I switched my phone off. That didn’t mean I switched my mind off though. My imagination ran wild with thoughts of Alfie and for once, I allowed them in. Usually, I would force these thoughts away, too afraid of my resolve against Alfie weakening, but as the days had passed, that resolve seemed to be weakening all on its own.