Page 106 of Nights At Sea

It’s completely crazy. Even impossible.

Her relationship history has completely checked out, and I already know every guy in her life. She loves me, despite her annoyance since I kidnapped her, and she’ll come around soon, I’m sure.

But I can’t escape the feeling that there is someone out there who has an eye on her… and it’s not Molinaro or any of my other enemies.

In my mind’s eye, that someone is major competition. And no amount of security around Ella can keep him away from her.

I’m unnerved.

And I don’t do unnerved—ever.

Maybe the incident with the swans and my embarrassment in front of Ella and my men has gotten to me. Nothing like that has happened since I’ve been in charge.

Anyway, it’s best not to think about it.

Uhh, webbed feet.

The shudder is immediate. I wonder if there’s an official name for this phobia.

As I finally drift off to sleep, I gather enough resolve to convince myself I’m just disillusioned and emotional from the drama of the last few days.

Ella is mine, and nobody will steal her away from me.

I would never let that happen.

With our VIP passes around our neck, Ella and I walk hand in hand down pit lane at the Monza Formula One racetrack. Ella is beyond excited, and she doesn’t even know yet about the very special surprise I have up my sleeve… actually, make that two surprises.

We watch the teams prepare for tomorrow’s practice sessions and enjoying the buzz in the air.

Ella was right. It’s a thrill to be in amongst it all. The atmosphere is electric.

When we get to the Ferrari bays and are allowed into the garage, she squeals with joy, her face alight with happiness.

Damn, I’d do pretty much anything to see her this way more often. A woman’s happiness has never mattered to me. But now? Ella’s happiness is my number one priority.

“Ella,” I call to her, but she doesn’t hear me as she eagerly takes in everything around her.

“Ella,” I say again to get her attention.

When she looks at me with eyes shining so brightly, I get lost in her for a moment. “I’ve got a surprise for you,” I tell her.

“More surprises? I don’t know how you could top being allowed in the Ferrari garage. This is amaaaazing!”

“Yes, I can easily top that,” I say confidently. “What would you say if I told you, you’re going for a three-lap spin in a two-seat Formula One car?”

She looks at me for a long minute, unblinking and not saying anything. Then she erupts into the cutest happy dance I’ve ever seen.

Actually, it’s the only happy dance I’ve ever seen, but I’m hoping there’ll be plenty more.

Soon enough, she disappears into a dressing area to gear up for her experience. While she’s gone, I circle the two-seater, admiring its sleekness.

Carlos Rosales makes his way into the garage, and I go to greet him. I had to pull strings to get this season’s lead Ferrari driver to do the honors of taking Ella on the Monza circuit. She’ll jump out of her suit when she finds out.

Carlos is shorter than me, and I have to admit quite good-looking. And as Ella likes tall, dark, and handsome, it’s a good thing he’s married and unlikely to flirt with her. Otherwise, I would have requested a different driver for this experience.

After introductions are made, I ask, “Have you driven a two-seater before?”

“Not this one. But don’t worry, your girlfriend is in safe hands with me,” the Argentinian says, smiling.

---