43. It's time.

"My apologies, Master, but you have a phone call," Darva announced, appearing almost out of thin air. "It seems very urgent."

A flush of embarrassment crept up my cheeks as I instinctively tried to use Giovanni's broad frame to shield myself from Darva's view.

Giovanni sighs deeply, pressing one more tender kiss to my forehead before reluctantly extracting himself from my embrace. "I'll see you later love" he murmurs ruefully.

As he hauled himself out of the pool, rivulets of water streamed down his chiseled physique. I couldn't help but stare, transfixed for a moment by the tantalizing display. Giovanni shot me a roguish wink over his shoulder before turning to Darva.

"This had better be important," he stated firmly, wrapping a plush robe around himself.

Darva simply inclined her head in response. "Of course, Master. Right this way."

Giovanni paused at the door, turning back to me with those warm eyes that could so easily melt my doubts. "We'll continue this discussion later, try no