Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“I won’t be long,” I tell her before walking into the bathroom and shutting the door.
I set the clothes down on the counter and switch on the faucets in the shower. After stripping, I step under the spray and hurry through my routine. Done, I dry off and put on my boxers and pants. I just shrug on the shirt before opening the door, so I can see Ciara again, then begin fastening the buttons.
“Are you still good, mi pequeño sol?”
“Yes,” she answers, her eyes glued to my bare chest.
I stop buttoning my shirt halfway up, and glancing at the mirror, I use my fingers to style my hair. Noticing the strands are reaching past my ears, I make a mental note to get a haircut. Picking up the bottle of cologne, I spray some on.
When I step out of the bathroom, I walk toward Ciara, and taking a chance, I ask, “Can I hold your hand while we walk to the veranda?”
Her eyebrows knot together, and I expect her to say no, but then she stands up, and reaching for my hand, her fingers curl around my palm.
She’s letting me touch her so much more today.
“You are doing so well,” I praise her as I tighten my hold on her. “I’m incredibly proud of you.”
Suddenly, a smile flirts with the corner of her mouth, and I lose my ability to breathe. Unable to stop myself, I beg, “Please smile more.”
Her lips curve up, and her eyes begin to shine as if life has been ignited in her blue irises.
God Almighty, what a sight to behold.
My heart expands to twice its size as an intense emotion fills it. Drinking in the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen, I fall head over heels in love for the first time in my life. It’s fast, steamrolling over me until I’m completely and utterly devoted to the woman in front of me.
I knew it was bound to happen, but as the emotion bleeds through my soul, I’m still caught off guard by the sheer intensity of it.
This little ray of sunshine that’s been broken will be whole again so she can love me back.
It becomes my soul's purpose in this life.
I bring her hand to my mouth and press a kiss to it before saying, “You should smile every second of every day, Ciara.”
As we leave my room, I adjust our hands and link my fingers with hers. Glancing down, my eyes land on the ring I got a year ago for Ciara, and I turn her hand so I can gauge the size of her finger. I notice where my skin is tanned, hers is as white as snow.
She’ll burn easily in the sun.
I keep looking at the differences between us as we walk through the house. My arms are covered with tattoos, and Ciara doesn’t have any. Not that I can see.
My gaze travels up to her face, and I realize she doesn’t even have earrings on.
I need to get her some jewelry.
When the living room comes into view, Pedro stands up from where he is sitting on the couch. I still haven’t had a chance to introduce him to Ciara.
She moves partially behind me, her other hand gripping my bicep.
“This is Pedro, mi sol,” I say. “You will always be safe with him. I trust him with my life.”
Pedro comes closer, then he tilts his head and even leans down a little to make himself look smaller.
The corner of my mouth lifts because he’s being so considerate with Ciara.
“It’s nice to meet you officially, Ciara. I’m very happy to see you’re doing so much better.”
She presses even closer to me but at least whispers, “Hi, Pedro.”
I give my friend a thankful look, then he says, “Call me if you need anything.”
I nod, and as he heads toward the front door, I lead Ciara out onto the veranda. When we sit down, I have to let go of her hand.
I lean back in my chair and let out a tired sigh. Because we had to attack at night, I only slept an hour on the plane during the flight home.
“Where are the women you saved?” Ciara suddenly asks.
I turn my head and look at her. “At the hospital with Dr. Pires.”
She glances at the view of the village. “Will they be okay?”
“With time,” I murmur.
Ciara turns her head back to me, and her teeth tug at her bottom lip before she asks, “When will they come to stay here?”
I shake my head. “They won’t. I’ll arrange a cottage for them to live in.”
A light frown forms on her forehead, then she tilts her head and asks, “Will I live in a cottage?”
Again, I shake my head. My eyes imprison hers before I say, “You’ll stay with me in the villa.”
Her gaze lowers to my chest. “Why?”