SADIE

As much as I’d like to plan an escape, he, I mean my husband had not given me any reasons to do it. In fact, to start my freedom from my family, he gave me a phone. If he wanted to lock me up in his dungeon, he didn’t have to give me anything, did he? And small gestures should tell something beyond this stupid arrangement.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” His dark brow arched.

“To Mr. and Mrs. Wollf.” I raised my champagne. To my surprise, he did the same and sipped it before he went back to reading whatever was so important in that folder.

“We’re on a business trip, aren’t we?”

He didn’t even raise his gaze from that thing. “Both. Besides, I can’t force you to sleep with me, and I’m not the kind of man who raped women for pleasure.”

My jaw-dropped. I wasn’t sure what to say or how to react. I sipped my bubble drink. “How can you be so sure that you have to force me? I don’t even know if you wanted to sleep with me.”

Now I got his attention. He put down the stack of papers he was so engrossed with. His brow arched quizzically.

“Isn’t it one of the reasons why you bought me?”

“What? To fuck you?” He sounded offended. “I can buy girls younger than you, the kind who don’t question my purpose, but I don’t need sex slaves or fuck buddy. I can get women into my bed. As easy as snapping my fingers.”

“Of course.” I shut my mouth, feeling my face flame.

“You are still my wife. And I would respect you as my wife. Not as you cost twenty-five million in my bank account. All I want from you is to respect me as your husband.”

I shifted myself in the chair. I was totally speechless. I didn’t know how to respond or what to say anymore. Should I say thank you instead?

I grabbed my new phone instead. I took a selfie and ignored him as he was back to whatever made him so busy. I also took snaps of the entire luxurious jet.

“What’s my limit?”

“None. Just don’t be a pain in the ass. No males. No going to your family without my consent. We have a lot of things to discuss, but let’s not ruin this trip.”

“That’s a lot for none, but okay.”

“Hungry?”

“No, I’m good. I don’t wanna steal your attention from that. Looks so important that I can’t even steal your attention.”

He let go a deep sigh. “This bothers you?” He pointed down at the pieces of papers in the folder. “This will give us 10m a year if things go smoothly. My brother is supposed to be the one who seals the deal, but I suggested to catch birds in one stone since we’re going to the same country.”

“Which?”

“Jamaica. Have you been to GoldenEye?”

“Bond fan?”

“The classics, but that’s not the reason why I chose GoldenEye of all the resorts. Bali is great, Bora Bora, Maldives, but it was where my parents spent their honeymoon.”

My heart sank. “Wow. Sorry to hear about your parents.”

“Thank you.”

I lost track of time. I wasn’t aware I had already dripped off. I found myself in bed and was also tucked in nicely under the softest duvet, and the first smell that assaulted my nose was the fresh scent of flowers on the nightstand.

I got off the bed. I realized that I was still in the jet. The light cabin pressure and the humming of the engine proved it. I went ahead to the small door, which was probably the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and washed my face. I also cleaned off my makeup and tore off the false lashes I used during the wedding. My bruise was still visible, still purplish, but a little yellowish on its side.

I changed to comfy high-waist jeans and a dusty pink high neck tie-back blouse. When I got back to the earth tone lounge, Cenric wasn’t there anymore. I pressed the button for the attendant.

She came right away with a professional smile until it faded in a second.

As a defense, I touched my bruise and shook my head. “Oh, he didn’t do this.”

“Of course, ma’am.” She then smiled again. “He supports the campaign of elimination of VAW.”

“Oh.” My mouth formed an O-shaped. At the same time, a twist formed in my stomach. She seemed to know my husband very well, while I, the wife knew nothing about. How did they meet?

“Anyway, do you need anything, Mrs. Wollf?”

“I’m starving.” My stomach just grumbled. Awesome. I chuckled. “Do you have snacks?”

“Mr. Wollf hasn’t had dinner. He said to wait for you until you woke up. I’ll prepare the dinner.”

“Thanks.”

I pulled up the window shield. I saw nothing but dark clouds. I leaned my arms over the table, my palm against my chin.

Several thoughts came to my head. I may be free from my family, but I needed to plan something for my life. Since I got my degree in business management, I never applied it. I needed to work.

I nearly jumped in my seat when a strong hand touched my shoulder. But I knew exactly who it belong to as I felt my skin warmth against his fingers.

“Sorry. I don’t mean to startle you.” He took a seat beside me.

“No. I’m just jumpy.”

“Why?” In an instant, his gaze pinned into my eye. That was how he saw my bruise.

His expression darkened, his nose flaring. His jaw set. I thought I heard him groan. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.” I touched the area to show him that I meant it.

“Still. No one deserves that kind of mistreatment. Who did that to you?”

“It doesn’t matter. They can’t touch me anymore. Unless you will give me back to them.”

“Not in my lifetime.” His lips firmed.

“Do you always save women in distress?”

He stared at me. Suspicions lingered in his dark eyes. “No. What made you say that?”

“Your attendant said something about VAW.” I bit my lip. I was actually fishing for information and hoping it wasn’t juicy as I thought.

He snorted. “I didn’t sleep with her. If that’s what reeling in your pretty head, Sadie.”

I arched my brow, denying it. “I wasn’t.”

“You’re not a good liar and not good at hiding your emotions, mia.”

“I suck at Spanish, but I know what does it mean. And you also called me something like— ” I snapped my fingers.

“I’m not gonna tell you.” His smile was contagious.

I smiled back. “I’m gonna figure that out soon unless you won’t call me by that word again.”

Thankfully, the food arrived. My stomach grumbled again, and my mouth watered at the sight of our dinner.

My brother controlled the food I shoved into my mouth since I was engaged to Cenric. He forbid me from eating what I wanted, afraid that if I gained weight, Cenric would call off the engagement, and they had no choice but to return the money. I also went to the gym at least four times a week. I had never tasted chocolate or sweets of any kind for almost three years. And this was a relief that I didn’t have to starve myself to death anymore.

I smelled my food first. Before things happened, I loved to cook and eat, but I wasn’t fat either. I loved to cook more.

“You’re really hungry, huh?”

“I missed the meat, the fats, and sweet.” I sliced my steak. It was medium-rare, just the way I liked it.

“They also starved you?” Cenric literally growled.

“They didn’t want me to get fat before our wedding,” I told him the truth. “Afraid you might take your money back.”

“Your father is full of— ” He pursed his lips. “No more fucking diet, Sadie. I don’t care if you become a size of an elephant. You won’t starve yourself again. Do you understand me?” He held my wrist, waiting for my answer.

“You know I love food, right? I lost weight, but I also gained muscles and abs.” I pursed my lips, making sure not to laugh.

“Do I get a chance to see your abs?” He smirked. A sexy smirked. Damn, this man. He was striking and stunning.

“Time will tell, Wollf.”

“Good thing it won’t be too long. I packed your swimsuits. You should use them. Now, eat up.” He checked me out before he went back to our dinner. “I would still like you even if you weigh two hundred pounds.”

CENRIC

“Wow! This looks surreal,” her first comment as she looked around the Villa.

Aside from its access to the beach, it had a greenery garden as if giving us our own privacy. It was made mostly from hardwood, with wide windows and a high ceiling that enhanced the sea breeze, smell, and sound of nature. It had oversized furniture, a kitchen, a king-sized bed, a queen daybed, an en-suite bathroom, and private outdoor dining.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Wollf. I wouldn’t make it in time if I was the one to pick you up from the airport.”

“Devin?” I knew Sadie would be surprised to see him. “What are you doing here?”

“Mrs. Wollf, I resigned as your brother’s bodyguard. Mr. Wollf then offered me a job. So here I am, ma’am.”

“Well, it’s good to see a familiar face around here. And good for you. Congratulations!”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

She faced me. “Why didn’t you tell me you hired— ” She chuckled. “Never mind.”

“He helped you, and I know I can trust him to look after you.”

“What do you mean?” She sounded alarmed.

“Devin will be your bodyguard.”

“What?” With wide eyes, she bounced her gaze between Devin and me. “I don’t think I need one.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am. You won’t even notice me around. I’ll make sure to be more discreet and give you your privacy.”

“Great.” She wasn’t impressed, but I was not going to give her a choice. She needed a bodyguard whether she liked it or not. “But hard not to. Since Cenric is here, can you go now somewhere else and enjoy the scenery.”

I knew Devin wouldn’t listen to her. He knew the drill, and I specifically briefed him regarding his job. He only took orders from her when there would be an emergency or her life was in danger.

“It’s okay. Thank you for reporting on short notice, Devin.”

He finally left us.

Sadie went to the master bedroom. I followed suit and found her leaning against the jamb. Her arms crossed over her chest as she looked at the lush ocean.

“Do you trust him?”

“He’s the only one who treated me like a lady.” Her voice dropped. She didn’t face me.

“Then why are you upset?”

“I am not. I’m grateful for what you’ve done. I just don’t think I need a bodyguard.”

“I don’t want anyone from your family, especially your father’s men will pay you a visit. Trust me, and I can feel it in my bones that they will reach out, if not sooner, later.”

Finally, she faced me. Her eyes laced with confusion and terror. “What do you mean?”

“What do you know about your family business?”

She shut her eyes briefly before she talked, “Winery, export, and import, and recently, my father had acquired a shipping line. Why did you ask? As if you don’t already know.”

“I know a lot about your family.” I stuffed my hands in my jeans pockets, hoping she wouldn’t pry further.

“That’s good to know. You wouldn’t be surprised by whatever they’re hiding from me. I bet my father has some nasty business going on.” Despite her family didn’t fill her with the details of their business, she had somehow suspicions that something was going on.

“Do you like the place?”

She smiled and looked at the king-sized bed. “This is lovely.” She turned to face the beach again. “How can I complain? Look at that. I can’t remember the last time I feel the sand against my feet, the taste of the seawater on my tongue, and the sun against my skin.”

“Don’t worry. Now you have the time in the world to do whatever you want.”

“But with your man guarding me everywhere I go.”

“You need protection. It’s part of being married to me. You wouldn’t even notice him unless you go out. He will be your driver. I’m not as terrible as your brother or your father. I have every reason to hire him. Just trust me on this.”

“Can I complain? No. Can I argue? Yes. That’s beyond relief. At least you listened to me without the back of your hand hitting my face.”

I almost flinched with her words. “Now, have a rest. It’s almost sunset. You shouldn’t miss it. I’ll be back.”

“Go ahead. I promise I won’t escape,” she joked. Even if she tried, she couldn’t manage to get away from this island.

I stalked out of the Villa towards the cottage where Devin, my security detail Beck and Linden settled for a few days.

“You won’t show up while she’s here. I don’t want to ruin her mood,” I ordered Devin.

“Yes, sir.”

“Beck, I have a meeting early tomorrow. I only need you to accompany me to the other island.” Beck Corbin was the first bodyguard I hired when I already needed one. He was one of the few people I trusted most with my life and one of my brothers in that unit in the first place. 

“Of course, C.”

“You two take something from the town. I’ll give the receipt to you tomorrow.” I paused before I reached the door. “And Linden, no banging the staff.” I knew he liked to shake his dick whenever there were pussies around. “Keep your junk in your pants the whole time.”

“Got it.” He saluted. “My junk in my pants.”

The two guys shook to laugh.

I went back to the Villa. My wife was already on the deck chair in her floral mini kimono dress. Her hands were behind her head while her feet dipped in the sand.

“How’s the sand?”

“Shush.” She pressed her finger against her lips. “Hear that?”

“Hear what?” I occupied the empty chair beside her.

“Exactly. My most peaceful hour in a long time, and I don’t have to keep vigilant anymore.”

“You didn’t deserve to go through that.”

She turned her head to me. “The sand is so fine, comforting, and warm, and it slips through my toes.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Where’s your dream place to go?”

“Heaven.”

I groaned. “Country or states, Sadie.”

“I always dream of going to Verona, Italy, the beaches. Something like this that I have privacy. Not the public beaches where I can see people making out. I like some serene places and fresh air. Maybe one day, I will climb a mountain or one of the wonders of the world.”

“Glad you like this place.”

“Thank you for bringing me here where your parents spent their honeymoon.”

“It was their last honeymoon.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Her voice laced in deep sorrow. “I hope this is not our last because I definitely won’t say no everywhere you want to drag me into.”

I laughed. “Not our last. I’ll make sure of that. And I will definitely take you with me when I have—”

“Even business trips.”

“Yes.” She couldn’t let the business trip part go.

“But do I get a chance to get out of the hotel rooms?”

“Yes, you can go anywhere you want.”

“Deal.” She extended her hand.

“Deal. With Devin.” I squeezed her hand for a handshake. There it went, this electricity right to my balls. I didn’t let her hand go just yet. “Let’s watch our first sunset together.”

“Our first sunset.”

The sunset is deep in the ocean, creating gold and the boldest red from the horizon. It wasn’t just beautiful, but the start of the new chapter of our lives as husband and wife. I turned my head to see my wife. Her lips bore a smile. She stayed quiet and let go of a deep long sigh. I saw her—the real woman who missed a lot of her life at the hands of her family, but I also saw the hope in her face, in her eyes, in her smile—she was gratified. And that was all that mattered to me.

“Beautiful,” I muttered, even if it was meant for her.

SADIE

I was beyond grateful to him for the way he treated me. I was thinking of not seeing the light again, literally. That was how my brother wanted me to keep in my head, that marrying someone like Cenric was a horror movie come to life. 

I was hoping that this was not just his way to earn my trust, to keep me on his leash so that I would not be a pain in his ass. Or he was just kind without any hidden agenda at all, and he was getting bored with his life as a billionaire bachelor. But he made it clear that he didn’t want to get married. It didn’t make any sense right now, but I would find it out.

Honestly, though, I had nothing left to offer to him. I had nothing.

After our dinner, I took the glass of the finest wine with me to the terrace, facing the beach. As much as I wanted to soak my feet in the sand again, I was exhausted, but I still wanted to relish the luxury and fresh air I could have gotten for tonight.

“I brought the bottle. I thought you might need a refill.”

“Thank you.” I delightfully accepted the bottle from him. “I just don’t want you to think that I’m trying to get myself drunk.”

Cenric sat down beside me with his whiskey. He was still perfect with his dirty white shirt and pants. His hair looked messy, but it added to his perfection. He completely fascinated me.

“I have to go to another island early morning. I won’t take you with me. I don’t want to get you bored to death—”

“You don’t have to explain. I might just sleep the whole morning anyway.” I sipped my wine. My neck started to warm up to my face.

“Don’t sleep the whole morning. I arranged a spa for you.”

“I wouldn’t say no that.” I smiled at him. “I wish Zhuri is here that I can chat with, while we’re on a spa together.”

“Why don’t you call her? I’ll take care of her ticket.”

“Nah. She won’t accept it anyway. You know, she thinks I’m banging a hot crypto-magnet right now.” My face flushed.

“Is that what she calls me?” His eyes narrowed in amusement.

“Kinda.”

“What do you mean kinda?”

I waved my hand off to ignore him from prying. I rose from my seat and emptied my glass. “I think I’m getting drunk, and I might say something that I would regret in the morning.” I walked away from him while he was asking what would that be.

“Not saying anymore, hotshot.”

After I cleaned up in the bathroom, my nerves started to warm up, and so as my body, even if I drank a lot of water and washed my face.

I was a light drinker. After wearing something nice but not too revealing and slutty, I went right to the bed and made sure I gave a distance between us. If he initiated sex, I couldn’t say no. I wouldn’t decline it. He was hot, and I really wanted him, even if this wasn’t the effect of the alcohol I consumed.

I laid down on my side, hoping my nerves would calm down before he joined me, but it never happened.

***

I woke in the middle of the night with a heavy log—a warm log draped around my waist. As much as I wanted to enjoy his warmth against my back, I had to empty my bladder, not so thankful for the water I drank before I went to bed after all. 

I slowly raised his arm around my waist and slipped out of bed. Thankfully, he didn’t even stir.

After peeing, I checked my phone for a message. So far, I only used this number to send messages to Zhuri. 

I received a text from her.

ZHURI: Go, girl. Enjoy your honeymoon, and stop texting me already.

You can fill me in once you’re back.

back.

I typed my reply.

SADIE: I wish you’re here for my spa tomorrow.

She replied. 

ZHURI: Spoiled already by a hot husband.

SADIE: Don’t call him that. Gtg. See you soon. 

I put my phone back on top of the dresser.

Slowly, I slipped back to bed. This time, he stirred.

“Where did you go?” His voice was groggy, yet it sounded sexy, coming from him.

“Bathroom. Sorry to wake you up.”

“I’m a light sleeper. Part of being in a military.” He turned to my side, his hair messy on his forehead, making me itch to run my fingers through and push it back.

“You’re honorably discharged.”

He smiled lazily. “Yeah, after my last tour. I was supposed to go back, but my parents got into a car accident.”

“I’m so sorry.” Every time he mentioned his parents, there were pain and sorrow deep in his dark orbs. I wished I could help them ease away. I held and squeezed his arm. “When I lost my mother, I thought my world turned black. It was painful, and I had no one to open up to with the pain inside me. It was a very difficult time. My father didn’t care. He hated my mother for leaving him. I, for one, couldn’t stomach how my father treated my mother. I just wished I had spent more time with her before she died, but my father didn’t allow me.”

“I’m sure she loved you more than she had shown.”

“I know.”

“Go back to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Sadie.”

I lay on my back. For the first time, I felt like I turn into stone as I stared up the ceiling with a beautiful sculptured wood chandelier. 

“Relax. I can feel you’re uncomfortable.”

“I never spent a night with a man.”

“I’m not just a man. You can trust me with your life. And body.”

I turned my head to look at him. He was in the same position as before, with his arm under the pillow. “I know. I just wondered—”

“What?”

“Even a teeny-tiny bit, did you ever expect more from me than how you saw me the first time?”

“Much more than what I ever imagined. I would be in hell and die unhappy if I didn’t show up yesterday.”

A small smile curved up my lips. “Why didn’t you ever come to see me?”

“I don’t wanna make mistakes. I didn’t wanna get attracted to you and fall in love. I still have a lot of things to figure out for myself. I didn’t know what to do with my life after losing my parents and my brothers. So I spent my time building up my company. Somehow, it paid off. Then I saw you from afar. If you’ll ask me if I made a mistake not seeing you, maybe. Did I have regrets about staying away from you? No. I would still choose the same way I met you.”

“You surprised me. I only saw your pictures from the internet, Zhuri showed me, and they didn’t do justice.”

He smirked. “So, you’re contented, or you like better what you saw on the internet?”

I hit him playfully. “Are you kidding me?” 

He caught my hand, his eyes dancing with humor. “I’m glad I made the right decision of throwing away 25 million dollars, mi Cielo.”

***

The sun shone right into my eyes, forcing me to wake up to an empty bed. After what we shared last night, I started to relax around him. I felt a little bit comfortable even if I still had a lot of things to learn who Cenric Wollf really was. He was still a complicated puzzle to solve—like puzzle pieces of the same color.

I found a note tucked under my phone in a very masculine scribble.

I read and replied to your friend’s text. Check it out. I can’t afford to be late, and I can’t afford to wake you up so beautiful and peaceful. Enjoy your breakfast.

S