Page 13 of Wicked God
“Maybe that’s exactly what you need.”
I tilt my head. “And what do you need?”
“Honestly? I just need to feel like myself again. No expectations. No masks. Just me and you.”
“Is this just us running away from our responsibilities, instead of facing them?
“Perhaps. Or maybe it’s us giving ourselves permission to breathe, to remember who we are before the world tells us who we should be. Does it have to be one or the other?”
I don’t have an answer, not really. But as the car takes us out of the busy city and along the picturesque coastline, I realize that I don’t need one. Tonight isn’t about answers or solutions or grand revelations. It’s about this quiet, stolen moment where the rules don’t apply and the weight of our lives feels just a little lighter.
The moon’s glow dances on the crashing waves, creating a peaceful atmosphere despite the salty breeze whipping through our open windows and tousling our hair. We drive past the harbor toward a part of the coastline I’ve never explored, where the manicured perfection of the city gives way to something wilder, more natural.
“I hope you’re not kidnapping me,” I tell Alex.
“I can assure you, kidnapping is not part of my plans for tonight.”
Even while driving, Alex looks effortlessly put-together and casual. His slightly messy hair from the wind and his unbuttoned shirt. His tanned skin contrasts beautifully with his black hair and dark stubble, showing off his strong and muscular physique.
I have to resist the urge to reach out and touch his golden skin and admire him openly. It’s been a while since I’ve been this attracted to someone.
“Enjoying the view, Olivia?” His eyes stay on the road, but the corner of his mouth curls upward.
“The scenery’s not bad.”
“It’ll get better.” Alex takes a turn onto a secluded road that leads straight to the beach parking lot. “We’ve arrived.”
He switches off the car engine and gets out, walking around to open my door and offering me his hand. I take it, and he helps me out of the car, his heated gaze fixed on me the entire time.
The moonlit beach stretches out in front of us, the silver sand meeting the dark blue sea as far as the eye can see. As we steponto the cool sand, a rush of excitement courses through me. Our hands naturally intertwine, fitting together perfectly.
“It’s stunning,” I whisper. The breeze brushes against my skin and tugs at my hair.
Alex’s eyes lock with mine. “Not as stunning as you.”
A blush creeps up my neck, grateful for the darkness that hides it. “You certainly know how to charm a girl.”
He chuckles. “Only with you, it seems.”
We walk in comfortable silence, the crashing waves providing a soothing soundtrack.
“Why this place? Out of all the beaches in the world, why here?”
“It’s my favorite place in the world.” Alex’s grip on my hand tightens. “It’s home.”
He brings us to a halt, turning to face. “See that house up there?” He points to a silhouette perched on the dunes, barely visible in the darkness. “That’s where I spent summers with my grandparents on my mother’s side.”
I follow his gaze, picturing a younger Alex running along these very sands.
He reaches under his shirt and pulls out a simple silver chain. At the end hangs a key. “I’ve kept this with me all these years. A reminder of who I am at my core, beyond the business suits and boardrooms.”
“Thank you for sharing this with me.”
“You’re welcome. Now, come see the rest.” He extends his hand to me with a boyish grin.
I take his hand. Our shoes easily slip off as we walk barefoot on the sand. The rhythmic crash of waves against the shore is a soothing lullaby, and above us, the velvety darkness of the night sky is sprinkled with countless stars that seem to stretch on endlessly.
“This way.” Alex leads us up the steps towards the beach house. “Home sweet home.”
