Taking the Thief

“No, I think resting it will be enough.” I purse my lips at that one. Waiting to be inside her is going to test my limits. I step back and pull out a chair for her. “Thank you,” she says, smiling up at me as she sits down. I have to steal another kiss.

“Do you stay here often?

“Actually, this is where I stay pretty much full-time.”

“You don’t live in Miami?”

“No. I have a home there where Marisol lives, but it’s too crowded for me.”

“Then why do you live in the hotel? Wouldn’t a home on the island be a better choice?”

“It’s easier access to…”

She cuts me off, “To the women?”

I shake my head and kiss her. “Don’t be silly. I’ve never had a woman up here. No one on the island has seen me with a woman ever because I haven’t been with a woman since my parents died.”

“But that was five years ago.”

“Yes, and until you, I hadn’t even bothered to date or look. It’s ridiculous, but I became so obsessed with making the companies a success that I’ve worked twenty-four seven. Until now, I haven’t seen a need for a house.”

“And now?”

“I think we should start looking, even if it’s not on the island.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say. This is so fast, but it’s what I want too. I’m sure my brother will tell me that I’m too young to make this choice.”

“Well, he’s chasing my young sister. So, at this point, he has shit to say.”

“Do you not want them together?”

“He kidnapped her. It’s kind of hard to like the guy.”

“I think I’m done.” She sets her napkin down on the table.

“Wait, what’s wrong? Are you mad?”

“Yes, I am. Excuse me, I need air.” She heads into the bedroom, then I hear the balcony doors. I sit back and drink my Modelo and hope that giving her until I finish this beer is enough time. One, two, three, I guzzle it down. That’s it, I can’t let her be mad at me. It’s burning in my chest. Fuck, what if she wants to leave with him when he comes.

Chapter 9

Natasha

My brothers are the only thing I have left, and they’ve loved and cared for me so much. It pisses me off to hear anyone say anything about them. I don’t even care if it’s true. Julian has me locked away from the world, too. I feel a shift in the air even though I’m standing out in the balcony.

“Natasha, I’m sorry.”

I wipe the tears I didn’t know I was shedding, then I turn to him, giving a half smile. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

“No, I shouldn’t be this upset. But my brothers are important to me and…”

“You don’t want anyone insulting them. I get it. I won’t let my sentiments for them to come between us. In fact, Ivan’s still in my good graces. But your brother has my sister, and until I know she’s happy with him, I can’t just be okay with it. She sounded like she wanted to be there, but I need to see it for myself. I’m glad they are coming tomorrow. Well, as long as you don’t leave with them.”

“You think because I’m upset that I’m going to leave?”

His gaze meets mine, and I can see the regret. I hate that I’ve acted so childishly. “It crossed my mind,” he admits sheepishly.

“As long as you don’t start a physical fight, I’m going to manage. This is all so new to me. And I need time.”

“You’re right. I’ll do better to understand your feelings.”

“I should be the one. Your sister was technically kidnapped.”

“Are you ready to finish lunch?”

“Yes,” I say with a grin. I’m hungry still. Maybe that’s why I’m weird right now. I’m not a very hangry person, but it’s happened before.

“Then let us eat.” We go back in the room and eat like I just didn’t make an ass out of myself. He guards his fries, but he does a poor job at it. For everyone I steal, I give him a kiss, so I guess that’s the game he wants to play.

“Do you want to go to school again?” he asks, entangling our fingers together.

“Um…I’m not sure. Why?”

“Well, I need to know if we’re moving back to Miami.”

“You don’t have to change your life for me. I can stay in Miami, and you can still be here.”

“I’m going to pretend that I didn’t hear that because I don’t want to spend a night away from you.”

“Well then, how about I think about it.”

“As long as we’re together at night, any path works for me.”

“How many hotels do you have?”

“Four. Two in Texas, one in Miami, and here.”

“Wow, do you travel to the other ones?”

“Not as much. Maybe twice a year to each. Most are pretty self-sufficient. They are nowhere near as large as the one here. The entire island is owned by the resort.”