She bit her lip, briefly wondering how many other women he’d brought here. But she pushed the thought from her mind, not wanting anything to spoil the amazing moment.
“You’re the only one I’ve ever brought here,” he said softly.
Constance’s gaze shot to his, her eyes widening. “Really?”
He stepped closer. “Not even Joe knows about this place. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to share it with.”
“Oh, Luca,” she murmured, bringing her hand up to caress his cheek.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and began to sway with her.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
“Dancing.”
“Hmm,” she said, draping her arms around his neck. “But there’s no music.”
He leaned down to gently kiss her. “I don’t need music when I’m with you.”
Her eyebrow rose slightly. “Are you getting a little corny in your old age?”
“No, Miss McMurty. I believe you are being a disruptive influence on me.”
“Oh, I am, huh?” He was being completely silly, but her heart swelled with every word. She liked silly Luca. Hopefully he’d stick around for a while.
“Most definitely.” He pulled her in closer. “I haven’t had a thing to drink except for that one small glass of wine with dinner last night. I’ve cleaned up my language. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I said a fucking swear word,” he said with an impish smile.
Constance’s laughter rang out and Luca gave her a delighted grin and continued on with his checklist. “I’ve worn clean clothes to dinner every night and even washed my hands before sitting at the table, and I haven’t been to a proper party in more weeks than I can count. You’ve turned my life upside down, madam.”
“That sounds like quite an ordeal, Mr. Vasilakis. My profound apologies.”
“No need to apologize at all, my dear Stanzia. Despite my better judgment, I’ve enjoyed every moment. Well…maybe not every moment. But close.”
She smiled, happiness bubbling up from deep within. “I am very glad to hear that my presence hasn’t been an undue hardship.”
“I didn’t say that. It’s been downright brutal at times,” he said, laughing. “But I think I might be the better for it.”
Was it possible to die from happiness? Could she really believe what was coming out of his mouth? She wanted to, desperately. She gazed into his eyes, searched for any sign of subterfuge, for the fake Luca that was on display for the public, but there was no one else there. Just the two of them, no one to put on a show for.
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
In answer, he just smiled and walked backward, gently pulling on her hands. She squinted at him. “Luca, where are we going?”
“It’s hot, don’t you think? We could use a refreshing swim after our escape from the evil vultures.”
She giggled and followed him down the rocky path to the shore, but resisted when he tried to pull her closer to the water. “A swim sounds lovely, but we didn’t pack anything. I don’t have a bathing suit.”
He yanked hard on her hands and she fell against him with a surprised yelp.
“Who says you need a suit?” he said, leering at her.
“I am not skinny-dipping.”
“Why not?” he asked, pushing the straps of her dress off her shoulders. “You have beautiful skin, and I want to see all of it.” He kissed her collarbone and she stopped trying to pull her straps back up, frozen at the sensations his lips created. “Have you ever been skinny-dipping before?”
“Of course not!” she said, horrified at the thought.
He laughed. “Well, it’s far overdue then. You can’t imagine how good it feels. With the water touching every inch of you.” He pushed her dress farther down. She clasped her arms around her breasts, glancing around in panic.
“There’s no one here but us, Stanzia. Just you and me and our own little piece of heaven.”
She looked into his eyes, searching him for any hint that he might be teasing her. “You promise me no one can see? There is absolutely no way anyone might stumble on us?”
“I swear to you, my word of honor. I bought this place years ago under a fake name. Like I said, even Joe doesn’t know about it. I’ve never brought anyone else here, ever. I have no neighbors. We’re surrounded on all sides by cliffs. No one will see you but me. And I am dying for the sight of you.”
He brushed his lips across her shoulders, trailing down to the top of her breasts. She sucked in a breath, her head thrown back to give him better access.