It was half-past eight in the morning when Delia started to rouse from her sleep, gently stirring into consciousness. With a languid stretch, she finally woke herself from the sleepy haze and padded her way into the bathroom to get ready for the day.
She opted to use the partially walled outdoor shower that offered the expansive view of the bay. As the warm water flowed over and rinsed her tanned skin, Delia closed her eyes and relished the feeling.The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting a radiant glow over the bay below. A distant sound of bustling morning activities coupled with roosters crowing echoed through the bay. With a contented sigh, Delia came out of the shower, her skin tingling with the freshness of the morning air. She quickly donned a mint green cotton dress adorned with delicate pink roses. She swiftly blow dried her long black hair and applied a touch of minimal makeup that completed her look, leaving her feeling effortlessly chic and ready to seize the day. Grabbing her purse, she double-checked that she had all her essentials—wallet, driver's license, sunglasses and her favorite lip gloss. With a final glance in the mirror, she smiled at her reflection, her green eyes sparkling with anticipation for the day ahead. As the clock struck nine, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the villa. Delia hurried to the door to pull it open, expecting to see Ethan. Her heart skipped a beat, when she instead found herself gazing up at the most devastatingly handsome man she had ever laid her eyes on. His unique silver eyes piercing through her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.She found herself drawn to him but at the same time she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, as if she had stumbled into the presence of a predator who knew all her secrets. His imposing figure stood tall in the expensive looking blue linen suit that did little to hide his bulging muscles underneath. Taking a moment to collect herself, Delia managed to find her voice. "H..how may I help you?” The man smirks at her reaction towards him as he continues to scrutinize her face.“I’m Raphael Donovan, your landlord. I trust you’ve had a pleasant stay thus far Ms. Scott?” His deep voice causes all sorts of sensations to course through her body. “Yes, I... I've had a pleasant stay so far," she managed to reply, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Thank you Mr. Donovan." Rafe's smirk only deepened at her reaction, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.“Please, call me Rafe," he said, his voice smooth and low. "I apologize for the sudden visit. I just wanted to ensure that everything is to your liking." Delia nodded, trying to maintain her composure in the presence of this enigmatic man who seemed to exude power and authority with every word he spoke. "Everything is perfect, thank you," she said, offering a polite smile showcasing a hint of her dimples.Rafe inclined his head in acknowledgment, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he spoke again. "Ethan let me know that you are looking to rent a car?” Delia nodded again, “That’s right, he is supposed to pick me up right about now to take me to the car rental place.”Rafe shook his head and said, “Ethan is unfortunately occupied with something else this morning, he will not be able to make it.” Delia tried to hide her disappointment, which seemed to irritate Rafe. “There is no need for you to rent a car, you may use Marcus at your disposal”, Rafe gruffly said while gesturing to the black SUV parked next to the road behind him. “I understand you met him yesterday. He can drive you around the island and take you wherever you need to go”.Delia’s green eyes widened at Rafe’s statement. Shaking her head, she said, “Mr. Donovan, I don’t...”, Rafe cut her off and said, “Call me Rafe”. Delia sighed and tried again “Rafe, I don’t think it is necessary for my landlord to provide me with a car and a driver when I’m..”, Rafe cut her off once again, “The roads on the island can be treacherous, especially for someone unfamiliar with them. Marcus is an excellent driver, and he'll ensure you get wherever you need to go safely." Frustration simmered within Delia as Rafe reiterated his insistence on providing Marcus as her means of transportation instead of allowing her to rent a car. "I appreciate your concern for my safety, Rafe," Delia said, her tone tinged with annoyance, "but I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. I understand the risks, but how will I learn how to navigate the roads if I don’t experience driving in them?”Her words fell on deaf ears as Rafe remained resolute, “Nonsense, you just moved here, you should be enjoying the island life rather than stressing about driving”. Delia cocked her head to the side and stared at Rafe with confusion and frustration. Who did this man think he was, imposing his annoying logic on her? Delia opened her mouth to protest again, but Rafe raised a hand to halt her objections. "I understand your concerns, but I assure you, it's for your safety," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "Consider it a gesture of my hospitality. Marcus will be at your disposal whenever you need him, infact he will be waiting to drive you around today.” Delia was indignant but reluctantly nodded, recognizing the futility of arguing with Rafe's adamant stance. If she didn’t take his offer, she might be stuck at the villa all day. She still needed to go into town to get a new phone and contact her best friend Riley to let her know she had made it to St. John safely. She also needed to start looking for jobs even though she had quite a bit saved up and didn’t need to work right away. She also couldn't completely ignore the logic in Rafe's words, nor the subtle undercurrent of authority that left no room for negotiation. With a resigned sigh, she accepted his offer, though a part of her remained wary of the implications of relying on Rafe's resources. She couldn't shake the feeling of being stripped of her autonomy, her desire to explore the island on her own terms thwarted by his insistence. “Alright Rafe, I will temporarily accept your offer,” she conceded outwardly. Inwardly, she grumbled to herself and resolved to get her own mode of transportation as soon as she could. Her eyes meeting Rafe’s, she noticed a subtle softening in his intense gaze. It was as if a flicker of warmth passed through his otherwise stoic demeanor. With an impassive nod, Rafe turned to leave, his departure leaving Delia feeling both relieved and unsettled. Closing the door behind her, she couldn't shake the whirlwind of questions and curiosity about the enigmatic man who had just visited her.She couldn't deny the allure of his presence, the way he commanded attention without even trying. But there was also an underlying sense of caution, a nagging feeling that there was more to Rafe Donovan and that he might take from her, more than she was willing to give. Ordinarily, Delia would have refused such an offer straight away when he all but commanded her to use his car instead of getting her own. But instead, she found herself wondering how his hair would feel if she ran her fingers through them, and she couldn't shake the electric attraction that crackled in the air between them. Pacing inside the villa, Delia struggled to rein in her thoughts and emotions. Taking a deep breath, she resolved to head out to where Marcus was waiting. As she made her way out the front door, Delia couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if Rafe's piercing silver eyes were still trained on her every move. Brushing off the sensation, she tried to focus on the today’s tasks.Delia spotted Marcus leaning against the sleek black SUV, engrossed in his phone. As she approached, he straightened up, giving her a curt nod of acknowledgment. "Good morning," he greeted in a low rumble before opening the door for her. Delia couldn't help but notice the contrast in size between herself and the men of this island; Marcus, though tall and well built, still seemed smaller compared to Rafe's commanding stature. She chuckled inwardly, feeling like a garden gnome amidst these towering giants. As Delia settled into the passenger seat, she studied Marcus’ profile. His buzz cut and tattoos peeking from under his shirt gave him a dangerous vibe but he had kind brown eyes, which contrasted against his appearance. Breaking into her chain of thoughts Marcus asked, “Where to, Ms. Scott?" His voice gruff but respectful. "You may call me Delia, Marcus," she replied, prompting a grunt of approval from him. Delia requested they head to a phone store, and they set off down the wi
As Rafe hung up the phone with Marcus, he was satisfied knowing where Delia was and what she was doing. Marcus was instructed to provide a report of her whereabouts every hour. His encounter with her earlier that morning had been a tantalizing experience that tested his self control to its limit. When she had opened the front door, her expression a mix of awe and surprise, Rafe couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that greeted him. He was entranced by Delia's mesmerizing green eyes, like emeralds sparkling in the sunlight, and the way her long black hair fell in soft waves, framing her heart-shaped face. Her delicate, straight nose and the slight curve of her plump pink lips were irresistible. He found himself imagining what they might taste like. When he was hit with her alluring scent of fresh mountain snow, his mind screamed “MATE”. After all these years, he could scarcely fathom that his fated had literally found her way to him, to his island and into his property. Alt
As the winding road stretched out before them, Rafe’s knuckles whitened against the firm grip of the steering wheel. Each curve, each twist, seemed to mirror the tension coiled within him. Ethan, seated beside him, mirrored his unease, his gaze flitting between the passing scenery and Rafe’s rigid profile. Ping! Rafe’s phone chimed with an incoming message, breaking the heavy silence. “Check that,” Rafe instructed, his voice tight. Ethan glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning the message quickly. “It’s Marcus. He found her. She was at a cafe.” A collective sigh filled the air and Rafe’s foot eased off the accelerator, the car slowing down as they drew nearer to town. Once they reached their destination, Rafe parked the Defender and both him and Ethan set about locating Delia and Marcus. “There,” Ethan pointed ahead, his voice strained with anticipation. “I see them.” Rafe’s gaze followed Ethan’s outstretched finger, locking onto the figures of Marcus and Delia. With a nod o
As Ethan led Rafe and Delia through the sandy terrain, the crackling warmth of the bonfire welcomed them. The flames danced in the night, casting an enchanting glow over the gathering. People were scattered around the fire, some seated on logs while others stood, their faces illuminated by the flickering light. Delia's was in awe as she took in the scene before her. There were some people venturing into the water for a nighttime swim, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. Nearby, a makeshift tiki bar served up a colorful array of island cocktails, the clinking of glasses and lively chatter adding to the festive atmosphere. Seeing Delia flanked by Rafe and Ethan, she garnered curious glances from people around her. They nodded respectfully to Rafe and Ethan and their gazes lingered on Delia with a mixture of intrigue and speculation. When they approached a trio of individuals, Delia's gaze flickered between Marcus and the two unfamiliar faces. One was a beautiful wom
As Rafe’s lips met hers, time seemed to stand still. The sensation of his touch was electric, eliciting an unbidden moan from deep within her. She could feel the warmth of his breadth mingling with hers, creating an intimate connection that ignited her body on fire. She thought he smelled like the ocean after a storm, a fresh and invigorating sent that stirred something deep within her soul. Rafe deepened the kiss, melding his lips with hers, relishing in the taste and scent of his mate - like fresh mountain snow, crisp and clean, with a hint of something sweet and alluring underneath. He’d found her at last! Their lips moved together in perfect harmony and he explored every contour of her mouth, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Rafe's hands slowly trailed down Delia's back, drawing her closer, while Delia's fingers tangled in Rafe's thick dark hair, tugging lightly as their lips moved in sync. They lost themselves in t
Delia slept through most of the next morning, tired from the events of the previous night. As the clock ticked past 11 am, she remained nestled under the covers, oblivious to the time. However, her peaceful sleep was abruptly interrupted when she heard the door bell ring. She tried to ignore it and go back to sleep but the person on the other side was persistent. Grumbling in annoyance, Delia stumbled out of bed, her disheveled black hair falling in wild waves around her face. With an exasperated huff, she made her way to the front door. Swinging it open, she was fully prepared to deliver an earful to the unwelcome visitor, but her annoyance melted away as she laid eyes on Aria standing on the other side, a warm smile gracing her features and holding up a cup of coffee and a bag of croissants. “Good morning, sunshine!" Aria greeted cheerfully. "You were still in bed? Are you okay? I thought we were spending the day together..." Del
As they made their way back to the to villa, with Aria behind the wheel, the scenery blurred past them. Delia's thoughts were consumed by Rafe once again. After his abrupt departure last night, she wanted to avoid the awkwardness of meeting him for as long as she could. Why did she let him affect her like that! She sighed involuntarily. Aria’s BMW drove past a used car shop and Delia sat up straight, her green eyes lighting up. "Aria, pull over!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Aria glanced at her new friend, a mixture of surprise and amusement crossing her features. "Are you serious?" she asked, her tone laced with incredulity. Delia nodded eagerly, “Yes, let's go buy me a car!" she exclaimed, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. Aria hesitated for a moment, knowing very well the trouble they would face with Rafe. But as she looked at Delia, her resolve solidified. If anyone could challenge her brother's authority, it was Delia, and Aria
Once Aria and Rafe reached the mansion, Rafe led Aria straight into his office. As they entered, he wasted no time in informing Aria, “I've mind-linked Alex to join us," he stated firmly. Aria nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. Moments later, there was a knock on the door, and Alex entered the room. Seated comfortably behind his expansive desk, Rafe leaned back in his plush leather chair and turned his attention to Aria. "What happened in St. Vincent, Aria?" he asked, his voice calm yet expectant. Aria let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as she recounted the events of her encounter with Alpha Damien. “Alpha Damien is one of the most unreasonable and egotistical man I’ve ever met," she began, her tone tinged with frustration. "He thinks he can get whatever he wants, and he was being completely uncooperative during the peace treaty negotiations and I’m sorry