Delia spotted Marcus leaning against the sleek black SUV, engrossed in his phone. As she approached, he straightened up, giving her a curt nod of acknowledgment. "Good morning," he greeted in a low rumble before opening the door for her. Delia couldn't help but notice the contrast in size between herself and the men of this island; Marcus, though tall and well built, still seemed smaller compared to Rafe's commanding stature. She chuckled inwardly, feeling like a garden gnome amidst these towering giants.
As Delia settled into the passenger seat, she studied Marcus’ profile. His buzz cut and tattoos peeking from under his shirt gave him a dangerous vibe but he had kind brown eyes, which contrasted against his appearance. Breaking into her chain of thoughts Marcus asked, “Where to, Ms. Scott?" His voice gruff but respectful. "You may call me Delia, Marcus," she replied, prompting a grunt of approval from him. Delia requested they head to a phone store, and they set off down the winding island roads that did not look remotely treacherous as Rafe had alluded. Marcus pointed out landmarks and places of interest along the way, and Delia marveled at the beauty of the island slowly revealing itself to her curious gaze. “Marcus, can you tell me about the best beaches to visit on the island?" Delia's voice was laced with excitement as they wound their way along the scenic roads, the lush greenery and crystal-clear waters passing by in a blur of vibrant colors. Marcus glanced at her with a knowing smile, his eyes reflecting the same enthusiasm for the island's natural beauty. "Of course," he replied, his voice carrying a sense of warmth. As they continued their journey, Marcus regaled Delia with tales of secluded coves, pristine white sands, and hidden gems nestled along the coastline. When he mentioned Maha Beach and its abundance of sea turtles, Delia's eyes grew wide with excitement, already envisioning herself swimming alongside the majestic creatures. "That sounds amazing," she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. As they approached the town, the scenery transitioned from winding coastal roads to bustling streets lined with quaint shops and colorful buildings. Marcus expertly navigated the vibrant thoroughfares, seamlessly weaving through the flow of pedestrians and vehicles. Delia marveled at the lively energy of this little town. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Marcus remained focused, his hands steady on the wheel as he guided the SUV with practiced precision. As they neared their destination, Marcus slowed the vehicle to a stop in front of the town’s phone store. Before he could even put the car in park, Delia eagerly hopped out, thanking Marcus and heading inside to get a new phone. ******* Once inside, she browsed through the array of options, her fingers grazing over the sleek surfaces as she assessed each model's features. Her eyes lit up when she came across the latest model of the iPhone, its pristine design and advanced capabilities captivating her attention. However, her excitement quickly turned to shock as she glanced at the price tag, her eyebrows shooting up in disbelief at the exorbitant cost. It was almost double the usual cost! A friendly sales associate approached Delia and explained the concept of "island inflation rates," attributing the higher prices to the logistical challenges of importing goods to the remote location. Delia bit her lip, weighing the decision to splurge on the pricey phone, when she was currently unemployed and relying on her savings. Yet, she recognized the necessity of having a reliable device for job hunting, communication, and capturing memories of her new island life. Setting aside her qualms, she made the purchase, along with a new SIM card, and headed out the door, expressing her gratitude to the sales associate for the quick service. Exiting the phone store, Delia wasted no time in powering up the device and composing a coded message to Riley, her fingertips flying across the screen as she relayed the news of her safe arrival and promised to reconnect soon. As the message sent, a wave of relief washed over her, knowing that Riley would be reassured by her words. Delia missed her best friend more than anyone else in the world. Riley had been there for her through thick and thin, from the moment she had stumbled across Delia outside the Greyhound Station in Washington DC approximately five years ago. Delia had been in a bad shape at that time, and Riley had swooped in like a guardian angel, taking her to the hospital and visiting her every single day until she fully recovered. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, one that had seen them through countless ups and downs. Riley had even helped Delia secure a part-time job at a local bookstore, and together they had supported each other through college and then through their professional careers working at real estate investment firms. Despite their closeness, Riley had never pressed Delia about her past, understanding that some wounds ran too deep to be easily shared. Delia was grateful every day for Riley's friendship and hoped that she could come visit her at her new home. Delia slipped her brand new phone into her bag and decided to take a leisurely stroll around the town and explore her new surroundings. She looked back at Marcus, intending to inform him of her plans, but he was engrossed in a deep phone conversation. Not wanting to interrupt, Delia shrugged it off, knowing she would only be gone for a short while. As she wandered past the adorable shops filled with island handicrafts, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods wafted towards her, causing her stomach to growl in protest. Realizing she hadn't eaten anything that morning, Delia followed her nose to a nearby coffee shop, which appeared to double as a bar. The doorbell chimed softly as she entered, greeted by the sight of a few patrons scattered throughout the cozy space, with most of them lounging on the deck overlooking the town beach. Making her way to the counter, Delia noticed an elderly man busy wiping down the espresso machine. “Good morning," Delia said with a smile. "It smells amazing in here." The man looked up returning her smile with a twinkle in his eye. "Morning, lass. Welcome to Phillip's Brew. I’m Phillip. What can I get for you today?"Delia glanced at the menu board, considering her options. "I'll take two cappuccinos to go, please. And do you have any Quiche Lorraine?"Phillip nodded, reaching for a notepad. "Coming right up. Two cappuccinos and a couple of slices of quiche. You're in luck, I just baked a fresh batch this morning."Delia grinned. "Perfect." As Phillip jotted down her order, he couldn't help but notice the spark of curiosity in Delia's green eyes. "New to the island, are you?" he asked casually.Delia nodded. "Yeah, just arrived yesterday. Staying for a while to explore."Phillip nodded knowingly while making her cappuccinos. "Ah, a fellow adventurer. Well, you've come to the right place. St. John has plenty of secrets waiting to be uncovered."Delia raised an eyebrow, “Secrets, huh? Sounds intriguing."Phillip chuckled, handing her the order. "You'll see what I mean soon enough." Delia paid Phillip and took a sip from one of the cappuccino cups, taking in the warmth of the coffee shop and the gentle chatter around her. She turned to Phillip and curiously asked. "So, how long have you been living here?” Phillip leaned back against the counter, a hint of nostalgia in his gaze. "Oh, I've been here since I was a lad. Back when this island was just a quiet fishing village."Delia nodded, intrigued. "It sounds like it was a peaceful time."Phillip sighed, a hint of melancholy in his voice. "It was indeed. But things have changed over the years and there are folks who are pushing towards making this a tourist hotspot."Delia frowned, sensing the undercurrent of concern in Phillip's words. "Are you worried that will actually happen?"Phillip nodded solemnly. "Aye, that's the fear, many of us are vehemently against it. We cherish the quiet, the simplicity of life here. We don't want to see it overrun by crowds and commercialization." Delia's expression softened with understanding. "I can see why you'd want to preserve that. It's rare to find a place with such tranquility these days."Phillip nodded, a grateful smile touching his lips. "Aye, that it is. But we'll fight to keep it that way, no matter what it takes."Delia admired Phillip's determination, sensing the deep love he held for his home. It was clear that the island meant more to him than just a place to live—it was a part of who he was. “What is your name, lass?” Phillip inquired. “Delia”, she responded.“Well Delia, I am glad to make your acquaintance. Do you want to hear more stories about this island?” Delia eagerly nodded her head. She leaned forward on the counter, listening intently as Phillip spun his tales of the island's past, her interest captured by his colorful anecdotes. “Sounds like this place has quite a history," she remarked, flashing him a warm smile.Phillip chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, you have no idea, my dear. The stories I could tell you would fill a library!"Delia laughed, enjoying the banter. "Well, I've got time. Lay it on me”. Phillip leaned in conspiratorially. "Let me tell you a little secret, lass. This island may seem peaceful on the surface, but there are things lurking in the shadows that would make your hair stand on end." Delia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Like what?" Phillip's expression turned cryptic. "Let's just say there are more than a few wolves in sheep's clothing around here."Delia raised her eyebrows recalling the howl she thought heard last night. "Wolves, huh? Are you talking about the furry kind or the metaphorical ones?" Phillip winked, his grin widening. "Why don't you stick around and find out for yourself, my dear? But be warned, not everything is as it seems on this island."Delia chuckled, taking the hint. "Thanks for the heads up, Phillip. I'll keep my eyes peeled." Right at that moment, the door burst open, and Marcus rushed in, his eyes scanning the room frantically until they landed on Delia. He breathed a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in relief. Delia was taken aback by Marcus's sudden entrance. "Marcus, what's wrong? Why are you so frantic?" Marcus ran a hand through his hair, trying to school his worried expression. "I've been searching everywhere for you and I was afraid something had happened to you.” Delia's eyes widened in realization as she glanced at the clock. She had been chatting with Phillip for over an hour! “Oh my, I didn't realize how long I'd been here. I'm sorry, Marcus." Phillip observed the exchange with keen interest, noting the tension. He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Is everything alright, young ones?" Marcus pulled out his phone and hastily typed a text message. He shot Phillip a quick, tense smile. “Everything's fine, Phillip. Just a little misunderstanding."Delia handed the now cold cup of cappuccino and quiche to Marcus with a sheepish smile. Turning to Phillip, she said “I'll be back soon. Thanks for the coffee and the chat." Phillip nodded, his eyes lingering on them. "No problem, lass. Take care now."As Delia was ushered out of the coffee shop by Marcus, she waved goodbye to Phillip. He watched them go, wondering about Delia's connection to Marcus.As Rafe hung up the phone with Marcus, he was satisfied knowing where Delia was and what she was doing. Marcus was instructed to provide a report of her whereabouts every hour. His encounter with her earlier that morning had been a tantalizing experience that tested his self control to its limit. When she had opened the front door, her expression a mix of awe and surprise, Rafe couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that greeted him. He was entranced by Delia's mesmerizing green eyes, like emeralds sparkling in the sunlight, and the way her long black hair fell in soft waves, framing her heart-shaped face. Her delicate, straight nose and the slight curve of her plump pink lips were irresistible. He found himself imagining what they might taste like. When he was hit with her alluring scent of fresh mountain snow, his mind screamed “MATE”. After all these years, he could scarcely fathom that his fated had literally found her way to him, to his island and into his property. Alt
As the winding road stretched out before them, Rafe’s knuckles whitened against the firm grip of the steering wheel. Each curve, each twist, seemed to mirror the tension coiled within him. Ethan, seated beside him, mirrored his unease, his gaze flitting between the passing scenery and Rafe’s rigid profile. Ping! Rafe’s phone chimed with an incoming message, breaking the heavy silence. “Check that,” Rafe instructed, his voice tight. Ethan glanced at the screen, his eyes scanning the message quickly. “It’s Marcus. He found her. She was at a cafe.” A collective sigh filled the air and Rafe’s foot eased off the accelerator, the car slowing down as they drew nearer to town. Once they reached their destination, Rafe parked the Defender and both him and Ethan set about locating Delia and Marcus. “There,” Ethan pointed ahead, his voice strained with anticipation. “I see them.” Rafe’s gaze followed Ethan’s outstretched finger, locking onto the figures of Marcus and Delia. With a nod o
As Ethan led Rafe and Delia through the sandy terrain, the crackling warmth of the bonfire welcomed them. The flames danced in the night, casting an enchanting glow over the gathering. People were scattered around the fire, some seated on logs while others stood, their faces illuminated by the flickering light. Delia's was in awe as she took in the scene before her. There were some people venturing into the water for a nighttime swim, their laughter mingling with the sound of the waves. Nearby, a makeshift tiki bar served up a colorful array of island cocktails, the clinking of glasses and lively chatter adding to the festive atmosphere. Seeing Delia flanked by Rafe and Ethan, she garnered curious glances from people around her. They nodded respectfully to Rafe and Ethan and their gazes lingered on Delia with a mixture of intrigue and speculation. When they approached a trio of individuals, Delia's gaze flickered between Marcus and the two unfamiliar faces. One was a beautiful wom
As Rafe’s lips met hers, time seemed to stand still. The sensation of his touch was electric, eliciting an unbidden moan from deep within her. She could feel the warmth of his breadth mingling with hers, creating an intimate connection that ignited her body on fire. She thought he smelled like the ocean after a storm, a fresh and invigorating sent that stirred something deep within her soul. Rafe deepened the kiss, melding his lips with hers, relishing in the taste and scent of his mate - like fresh mountain snow, crisp and clean, with a hint of something sweet and alluring underneath. He’d found her at last! Their lips moved together in perfect harmony and he explored every contour of her mouth, leaving her breathless and yearning for more. Rafe's hands slowly trailed down Delia's back, drawing her closer, while Delia's fingers tangled in Rafe's thick dark hair, tugging lightly as their lips moved in sync. They lost themselves in t
Delia slept through most of the next morning, tired from the events of the previous night. As the clock ticked past 11 am, she remained nestled under the covers, oblivious to the time. However, her peaceful sleep was abruptly interrupted when she heard the door bell ring. She tried to ignore it and go back to sleep but the person on the other side was persistent. Grumbling in annoyance, Delia stumbled out of bed, her disheveled black hair falling in wild waves around her face. With an exasperated huff, she made her way to the front door. Swinging it open, she was fully prepared to deliver an earful to the unwelcome visitor, but her annoyance melted away as she laid eyes on Aria standing on the other side, a warm smile gracing her features and holding up a cup of coffee and a bag of croissants. “Good morning, sunshine!" Aria greeted cheerfully. "You were still in bed? Are you okay? I thought we were spending the day together..." Del
As they made their way back to the to villa, with Aria behind the wheel, the scenery blurred past them. Delia's thoughts were consumed by Rafe once again. After his abrupt departure last night, she wanted to avoid the awkwardness of meeting him for as long as she could. Why did she let him affect her like that! She sighed involuntarily. Aria’s BMW drove past a used car shop and Delia sat up straight, her green eyes lighting up. "Aria, pull over!" she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Aria glanced at her new friend, a mixture of surprise and amusement crossing her features. "Are you serious?" she asked, her tone laced with incredulity. Delia nodded eagerly, “Yes, let's go buy me a car!" she exclaimed, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. Aria hesitated for a moment, knowing very well the trouble they would face with Rafe. But as she looked at Delia, her resolve solidified. If anyone could challenge her brother's authority, it was Delia, and Aria
Once Aria and Rafe reached the mansion, Rafe led Aria straight into his office. As they entered, he wasted no time in informing Aria, “I've mind-linked Alex to join us," he stated firmly. Aria nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a knot of apprehension tighten in her stomach. Moments later, there was a knock on the door, and Alex entered the room. Seated comfortably behind his expansive desk, Rafe leaned back in his plush leather chair and turned his attention to Aria. "What happened in St. Vincent, Aria?" he asked, his voice calm yet expectant. Aria let out a resigned sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as she recounted the events of her encounter with Alpha Damien. “Alpha Damien is one of the most unreasonable and egotistical man I’ve ever met," she began, her tone tinged with frustration. "He thinks he can get whatever he wants, and he was being completely uncooperative during the peace treaty negotiations and I’m sorry
As Rafe approached the villa, he caught sight of Ethan bent over, inspecting the engine under the hood of Delia’s new car. “Hey, Ethan. How’s the car looking?” Ethan straightened up, wiping his hands on a rag before responding. “Hey, Rafe. So far, I don’t see anything wrong but I am going to take it for a spin. Delia’s at the pool.” “Thanks,” Rafe replied, offering a brief smile before heading toward the pool, adjacent the villa. As he neared it, Rafe's breath caught in his throat at the sight that greeted him. Delia was just emerging from the pool, her figure glistening in the orange light of the approaching sunset and her slender and petite figure accentuated by a revealing green string bikini that clung to her curves like a second skin. He watched, captivated, as droplets of water dribbled down her skin, tracing delicate paths over the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. His eyes lingered on her, drinking in every exqui