Taking the Thief

“Why?” he asks, then takes a drink of his wine.

I shrug while I think about how to express myself. I decide frankness is the best way. “I don’t know what I want to be. It’s a waste of my brothers’ money,” I say, taking a drink of water. I’m too young to drink, but my brothers let me have some on special occasions, and it’s only one glass of wine or champagne because it goes straight to my head. Right now, I need my wits about me. Being around the sexiest man in existence is already hard to resist.

“You have the two brothers, right?” he asks. I’m not sure how much he actually knows about my family considering he’s a very busy man.

“Yes, Mikhail and Ivan. I’m the youngest. So it’s you and your sister?”

“Yes. My grandmother took care of her for me when my parents died so that I could finish school my last semester then take over the resort. My parents’ death sent this place spiraling down the drain.”

“I’m sorry about your parents. But you’ve done an amazing job. I didn’t get to see all of it, but I’m assuming from just what I’ve seen this place is spectacular.”

“We aim to please our guests.”

“Even stowaways like myself and my friend. Oh shit, my friend.” I clasp my hands to my mouth. How could I have forgotten about her? I’m a terrible person.

He takes my left hand from my face and rubs his thumb over the back of my palm. “Calmate. Calm down. Don’t worry about her. Grant told me he was taking her out to dinner tonight while you rested.”

“Grant? Was that the other handsome meanie?” I ask, letting my attraction let slip.

“You think I’m handsome?”

“Yeah, it must be my headache. It’s making my eyes all fuzzy,” I tease. He’s gorgeous.

“But you said it was gone,” he questions with a smirk on his face.

“Fine. You got me. You’re hot, but I’m sure you’re well aware of it,” I scoff. He’s hot, sweet, and rich. Women must be flocking to his side.

“I’ve been told that before, but it’s your opinion that I care about. Although the fact that you think Grant is handsome does set my teeth on edge.”

“Please, the man was lucky I had a headache, or I would have made a big scene. He’s kind of a dick.”

“He’s the head of my security and a close friend of the family. He was worried about Marisol. I’m sorry if he upset you. If you want I can kick his ass.”

Pulling my hand from his, I take another drink of my water as I roll my eyes and scoff, “Mr. Navarro, are you trying to seduce me?”

“Call me Julian. And not tonight, but I promise to try to seduce you for the rest of our lives.”

“Nope. That cheesy line isn’t going to work on me.”

“Very well, but you’ll see that I’m very serious.” I want to believe him, but we don’t know more than a handful of things about each other. We met today by chance or rather someone’s shady doings.

“I need to call my brother, Julian.” I see him stiffen. “I’ll ask him about her. Will that make you feel better?”

“You’d do that for me?” he asks, a broad smile making his face sexier. Goodness, I want to taste his soft lips.

I return the smile, trying to lose the irrational feeling coming through my chest. “You act as if I’m running the gauntlet or something. My brother’s a sweetheart; at least to me he is.”

“Go ahead, your purse is in the bedroom, but first.” He grabs my hand, pulling me to his chest and brushing his lips against mine. When he lets me go, I’m a fuzzy mess.

“I’m in trouble, aren’t I?” I confess.

He shakes his head. “I’m the one in trouble. You are trouble.”

“Well, I am as you say…a thief.”

“You definitely stole my heart. Go make your call before I keep those lips busy for the rest of the night.” He pats my ass and scoots me along. I can’t believe I’ve just kissed Julian, my what would I call him? He’s holding me captive; I suppose, he’s my captor.

I head back into the bedroom and close the door. I don’t want Mikhail to get too heated and Julian to overhear. I take out my phone and dial Mikhail’s number. “Please tell me you’re okay,” he answers without a hello.

“Mikhail, I am fine. A little pissed off, but I’m fine. Mr. Navarro has been polite for the most part. Although, I’m sure he’s wondering why I’m here and his sister is with you. I can’t believe you would send me to your rival just to get with his sister,” I challenge, hoping he’s going to tell me it’s not true.

“I did no such thing,” he argues.

I’m thinking about the flight and the changes that were supposedly from him. “I got a message to leave early. It came from your phone and to go to the airport because you were flying out when I was supposed to come to the island.”