Page 129 of Scarred Ruin

“Of a woman being in control of your house.”

I buttoned my jacket. “Do you think I’m going to mind?”

“Evidently not. Do you want me to handle the meeting with our pirated clients? They won’t be happy given your absence.”

“They can go fuck themselves. Send Kristoff. He has a way of handling prickly Italians.”

“Then why not Mario?”

“Because he’ll just drink wine with them and reminisce about old times back in Sicily.”

“Good point. Have a good trip.”

“I’ll keep you informed. Don’t call me unless it’s an emergency. Other than you, only Roman and Kristoff know where I’ll be. Keep it that way.”

“Yes, sir.”

As I left the office, I couldn’t seem to keep a smile off my face. Heading to a tropical island with a beautiful woman was exactly what the doctor had ordered.

Especially since I had a bad feeling business was about to take a major detour.

CHAPTER 27

Isabel

What could be any more perfect than spending time with a handsome man on a tropical and very private island? Since Maxsim had surprised me with the trip of a lifetime, whisking me away with only two hours’ notice, I’d been in a fantasy.

Just the two of us with luxurious surroundings including our own private pearlescent beach and turquoise water feet away from our door.

We’d feasted on delicious food, had enjoyed one too many drinks, and our passion had been off the charts.

Yet since Sergei had called a couple of days before, my sexy companion had seemed lost in thought.

Even now walking on the beach, I sensed his mind was a million miles away. “I enjoy doing nothing with you.” I squinted from the late afternoon sun, enjoying the light breeze tickling my face. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you. You’re a brooding Russian. Remember?”

“You’re certain you won’t be lonely?” He nudged my shoulder, chuckling softly as he did.

“You make it impossible to be lonely around you, Maxsim. You do require attention.”

“Who, me?” He pressed his hand against his chest as if shocked at what I’d said. So dramatic for a man.

“Yes, you, goofball.”

“You know what? Until you, no one ever dared call me a goofball.” He shook his head while kicking his foot across the sand. Did he really think I was buying his aw-shucks moment?

“Perhaps they should have.”

“No, they were smart not to attempt such an egregious action. They know my temper.”

“That’s right. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grumpy.”

“I am not grumpy.” His defiance was adorable.

“Yes, you are. And you almost always have a frown on your face.”