Page 31 of The Bratva's Auctioned Bride
When we fly over the Caribbean Islands, Angelika is pressed against the window. “It’s absolutely stunning!” she exclaims.
“We’re landing over there, in Barbados. A small island with a beautiful little city of friendly people and colorful traditions.”
She furrows her brows in curiosity. “Why Barbados? What’s there?” she asks.
“Because it’s my favorite place to come when I feel overwhelmed by the Bratva world. It’s not overly popular withtourists, so it doesn’t get crazy, but it’s bubbly and energetic and has a way of refreshing your soul when you need it the most.”
The truth is, it’s a place I felt the need to share with her. It’s special to me, and I figured she might enjoy it as much as I do.
She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind, her brows raised and a look of disbelief on her face. “That’s verypoetic, Diomid.” She begins to giggle.
“Oh, shush, I can be poetic,” I laugh too as the plane makes a slow arching turn and heads toward the runway to land.
As we walk down the stairs onto the runway, Angelika’s eyes are wide with excitement and curiosity.
Driving to the beach villa I own on the shore, she is glued to the window. “There is so much color. Every little villa is painted so brightly,” she exclaims.
“We can walk around after we’ve unpacked. There’s so much to see here. And the beaches are all beautiful. I’ve got snorkeling gear in the villa if you feel up to it?”
“I’ve never snorkeled before,” she says, scrunching her nose and stealing her eyes away from the view to glance at me.
“Are you too scared?” I tease, already knowing her well enough to know that she won’t be able to back off.
Her eyes flare at the challenge. “No, of course not!” she says, horrified that I would think so.
After a brief moment of silence, she turns back to me and asks, “Are there sharks?”
I laugh, “No, not really, only in the deeper waters. Sightings are rare. We’re going to Carlisle Bay and will explore the shipwreck, see some turtles, colorful fish…”
“I wasn’t scared of the sharks, I was just asking,” she sasses.
“Of course, I knew that,” I grin, enjoying the cheeky glimmer in her eyes and thinking to myself,there's something really special about this girl.
***
My villa is situated on a secluded piece of land, offering a little privacy from the rest of the beach. It’s a luxurious little getaway that comfortably provides everything I need when I come here for my escapes. We arrive at the villa a few hours before sunset, and after carrying our luggage inside, I tell Angelika to get dressed so we can go exploring.
“It’s really hot here,” she says, fanning her face with a brochure she found on the kitchen counter. “I’ll turn on the AC, and the place will be fresh and cool when we get back. Wait till you see the views from the bedrooms upstairs, though. It’s going to take your breath away in the morning when the sun rises right into your bedroom.”
“This place is already taking my breath away. It’s magical. And it’s nothing like home.”
I glance at her comfortable travel clothes. No wonder she’s overheating.
“Wear something light, and your bikini underneath in case we want to jump in the ocean at some point. You never know.” I suggest.
“I kind of like not knowing,” she grins, and rushes off to change.
When she comes downstairs, she’s wearing a yellow summer dress that floats effortlessly around her thighs. Thinstraps leave her shoulders open to the warm air, and to my eyes. My gaze traces over her slender neck, the curve of her shoulders, the way the fabric falls softly against her perfect breasts.
She’s a summer goddess, trapped in human form.
While she chats to me, she’s busy pulling her long hair up into a high bun on top of her head. It looks messy and wild and absolutely gorgeous when she’s done.
“Are you ready?” I ask, my eyes still exploring her.
“I think so, is this what people wear here?”
“You don’t have to worry about what other people do or don’t do, Angelika.”
