Page 64 of Ruthless Secrets
Asshole.
After climbing out of the car and smoothing out the skirt of my pale pink sundress, I walk around to the trunk to see what Marco is up to.
I find him unloading a wicker basket as well as a cold bag that I didn’t even realize we had brought with us.
“I thought we could go on a picnic.” He grabs a checkered blanket.
“A picnic?”
“You know, with a blanket and food and?—”
I laugh. “I know what a picnic is, Marco. It’s just…unexpected.”
“I’m full of surprises, Clara Peterson.”
“Oh, I’m aware,” I mutter under my breath.
Marco chuckles, and I scowl even more when I notice his biceps straining against his shirt as he lifts the cold bag onto his shoulder.
I glance behind us to find our two bodyguards standing in front of the Range Rover, both with their arms folded across their broad chests and their faces completely expressionless as they survey our surroundings.
I don’t bother asking if they’re going to be joining us on our picnic because I think I already know the answer.
Marco takes us on a short walk through the woods.
The shade created from the canopy of trees overhead is the perfect reprieve from the beating midday sun.
It doesn’t take long for my skin to be covered in a thin layer of sweat, despite the fact I’m only wearing a thin sundress.
Marco, of course, still manages to look flawless, with not a dark hair out of place, whereas I have to keep subtly wiping at my top lip so he doesn’t notice how sweaty I am.
I’m about to ask if there’s a river where I can throw myself when I catch the sound of running water nearby.
I pick up the pace, eager to reach the water so I can cool off my overheated body. But then I realize that it wasn’t a river that I heard, but a waterfall.
“It’s magnificent!” I run up ahead to watch the water crash over the rocks.
“I thought you’d like it,” Marco says from behind me.
“I love it.” I laugh as the spray from the waterfall kisses my skin.
I let out a sigh as the cold droplets cover my face and arms, instantly cooling me down.
“Better?”
“So much better.”
“You don’t get this in the city.” He comes to stand beside me.
For a moment, I wonder if he’s going to put his arm around me, but then he tucks his hands into his pockets, and I can’t help but feel disappointed.
I sigh. “I wish Zoe could see this.”
“Maybe we can bring her next time.”
I glance up at him and smile. “I’d like that.”
I stay looking out at the waterfall as Marco sets up the picnic. By the time he’s done, my skin and hair are suitably damp from the water spray, but I make no attempt to dry myself off.
