CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52 COME CLOSER

*ALORA*

Santorini was one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea. It was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BC, forever shaping its rugged landscape. The whitewashed, cubiform houses of its 2 principal towns, Fira and Oia, cling to cliffs above an underwater caldera (crater). They overlook the sea, small islands to the west and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

It was truly a fascinating place and I wanted to thank Oscar for suggesting this honeymoon.

It was like a much needed vacation from work.

After getting birth control pills, I spent some of my morning staring at the Ocean as sunlight danced on the waves like a thousand glittering diamonds, transforming the sea into a dazzling mosaic of light and motion.

Under the midday sun, the ocean’s surface shimmered with a thousand points of light.

After that incredible sex Caden and I had last night, we could barely keep our hands away from each other.

I decided to treat it as one of the benefits of being on this honeymoon.

Maybe when the honeymoon was over, we would face the reality.

For now, I was enjoying Santorini and I was enjoying Caden.

*******

That evening, Caden and I went to a restaurant by the seaside. It was a very grand place, literally fit for royalty.

As we got seated, I didn’t fail to notice that some people seemed to have recognize me and were taking pictures of Caden and I.

They had practically been doing that since we got out of the car.

I was sure the next headline would read.

“Actress, Alora Harper and husband on a honeymoon in Santorini.”

Why did that sound romantic in my ears?

We were served and we began to eat, silently. I stole glances at him a few times.

I suddenly wanted to know what he was thinking right now.

I wanted to know his past, hear him tell me about his past.

I wanted to know every one of his hobbies.

I moved my head to the side, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

“What is it?” He asked.

“It’s...em...my hair. I think it was held up too tightly.” I replied.

I blinked when he stood up from his chair and moved closer to me. He bent slightly and took out the golden clips and ribbons that were used in holding my hair up in a ponytail.

My hair fell on my shoulders as I slowly stared up at him.

“Are you okay now?” He asked.

I swallowed and nodded.

He sat back down and scolded.”You should’ve told the stylist that it was too tight.”

I had gotten a stylist to come over before we went out.

“I thought I could bear it through the night.”

“You don’t have to bear anything, Rara.”

I smiled and nodded.

Oh, he was back with that nickname.

That nicknamed still made me blush.

Because only Caden calls me that.

Caden called a waiter over and ordered dessert.

A Praline mousse roulade.

We didn’t speak for some minutes and I tried to look at everywhere else but his face.

Will I ever get used to how uneasy he makes me feel?

And the air around us seemed to be getting charged all of a sudden.

Dessert arrived and I took a taste as I stole a glance at him again.

God, he was gorgeous.

He sends my mind into a frenzied state.

I wanted to touch him, to lean into him.

Mostly, I wanted to read his mind.

That last one was out of the question but what would he do if I tried out the first one?

If I just reached over and brushed that lock of silky dark hair back from his temple.

He turned his head, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity I couldn’t place. He scooped up a small bit of mousse and said to me.

“Ahh.”

I went breathless.

Does he seriously want to feed me right now?

“Alora.”He called.

I opened my mouth as he put it to my lips.

Our eyes stayed locked as I sucked it clean.

When I was finished, he drew the spoon away. He set it down beside the dish, watching me closely.

I couldn’t look away. His eyes had a way of holding me captive now.

It scared me but it also made me feel alive.

“How many men have you been with?”He asked.

I drew in an unsteady breath then another.

Why was he asking?

And then he shook his head.”No. Don’t tell me. They do not matter anymore.”

I nodded.

Why were we even talking about this?

He had his elbow on the table between us, keeping up a clear barrier.

As I watched, he moved his arm, placing it along the cushioned seat behind me.

“Come closer.”He told me, softly.

I leaned toward him, bringing my face near his.

“Closer.” He said, voice still soft.

His eyes were on my mouth.

The arm along my seat wrapped around my shoulders, tugging me closer until our lips were a breath away from touching.

“God, do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”He breathed the words right into my lungs.

I thought I did but somehow, he makes me feel even more beautiful.

Caden crashed his lips against mine as if he couldn’t help it.

His delectable lips locked on mine and it was a straight attack to my senses.

His soft lips slide over mine, his tongue licking deeply into my mouth, drawing my tongue out to play with his.

The more I kissed him, the more I craved to, the more I get addicted to kissing him.

I went limp against him, breathing him in, letting him overwhelm me.