Page 39 of The Pakhan's Forced Bride

“No,” I say, smirking.

“You really aren’t giving any clues away, you know.”

“I know.”

We climb out of the car and take a breath of fresh ocean air. “I love it out here,” Belle says, looking out across the ocean. “Look how many yachts are out today,” she says excitedly, pointing to the horizon.

I step to her side and wrap my arm around her waist.

“Do you see that white one?” I point to a massive yacht parked in the harbor.

“Stella Nova?” she asks. “Star something.”

“Nova meansnewstar. A sudden, bright light in the sky.”

“It’s a beautiful name for a boat. How did you know what it meant?”

“Because that’s my yacht—and that’s where we’re having dinner.”

“On a yacht? On the ocean? Oh my word!” She jumps in excitement and grabs my hand to pull me towards the jetty. “This is incredible.”

We’re sitting on the deck as the captain guides the boat out past the shore into deeper water. The city becomes the horizon as the crystal ocean glitters around us, reflecting the afternoon sun.

I’ve arranged all of the most luxurious foods for our dinner. The chef has been preparing for hours because I wanted to treat Belle to the finest things I could offer.

Champagne gets poured while the boat rocks gently to and fro.

Her smile is the most beautiful view, no matter which direction I look in.

“I got invited to go on a boat party once. It was in San Francisco, with a group of friends. But Benedikt refused to let me go. He said it was dangerous and he didn’t like the idea of me being out there alone.” She rolls her eyes dramatically.

“He was looking out for you; it’s what older brothers are supposed to do. I admit I’m the same with my sisters. I’ve stopped them from doing certain things, too.”

“Well, it’s annoying and you should let them live a little,” she sasses at me.

The chef serves a plate of caviar with scallops and cheese biscuits, and assorted spreads. We nibble at everything, sipping champagne and talking about life.

“I always wanted a sister,” Belle says.

“You can have one of mine. Two is too many,” I joke.

She drops her mouth open in mock horror. “You don’t mean that.”

“Of course not. I love them more than anything else in this world. My family is everything to me.”

Her smile softens as she nods. “Me too. Even though they drive me crazy sometimes. I can’t imagine what I’d do or where I’d be without them.” She narrows her eyes, and a cheeky smile touches her lips. “But, speaking of swapping family members, I’ll trade you a sister for my mother.Shedrives me completely nuts.”

Loud, rolling laughter spills from my lips. “No thanks. I’ll have to turn that offer down, as hard as it is to decline. I dealt with your mother a bit last year. She’s a freaking handful.”

Belle giggles.

After our starter, the chef brings out the main course—salmon with cream cheese on a bed of rocket, drizzled with balsamic and served with extra baked potatoes coated in real butter.

“You really know the way to a girl's heart,” Belle says, tasting the salmon, closing her eyes as the flavors spread in her mouth. I love watching her eat. She makes it sensual and erotic.

I’m distracted; I’ve completely forgotten what we were talking about. My body is humming, heated with desire for her.

Belle seems obvious to my stare.