Harbour of Refuge: An Interracial Military Romance

By Aliyah Burke

What happens in Monte Carlo stays...with you forever...well, if you're one of the lucky ones.

Enzo Cassano is the driver of a powerboat team, used to the fast life and all it includes—women, parties and popularity. Until the race in Monte Carlo when he meets a woman who is unlike any he's met before. Her small town values and almost innocent ways charm him beyond everything. He discovers, however, that beneath her exterior she's very firm in her beliefs and won't budge.

Halyn Jennings maybe from a small town but she knows a player when she sees one and Enzo is definitely that. She doesn't mind—she still likes him and enjoys spending time with him, well aware that what is happening between them is most likely temporary. She's not the supermodel type he's accustomed to being with.

Enzo's life is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor from his past, he has to learn to accept racing isn't everything and not everyone wants to be the centre of attention. Halyn's own past comes to light in a most harsh revelation and he discovers things aren't always so easy. Will he be able to find a way to break back through her barriers and prove to her she's the one he wants, for forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Apr 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781781842652

Aliyah Burke

Aliyah Burke is a USA Today Bestselling Author who’s an avid reader and never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by three Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached here. If you would like to be kept abreast of what's going on in the world of Aliyah, please join her newsletter: http://aliyah-burke.com/newsletter.htm and/or cozy newsletter: http://aliyah-burke.com/abnewsm.htm Other places to find her on social media are: Amazon Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Aliyah-Burke/e/B007PQRFOQ Book Bub -  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/aliyah-burke Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/263660.Aliyah_Burke Website - http://www.aliyah-burke.com Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/aliyah.burke.5  Facebook Author Page -  https://www.facebook.com/AliyahBurkeAuthor Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/aliyahburke5 Twitter -  https://twitter.com/AliyahBurke96 Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/burke.aliyah

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

Harbour of Refuge

ISBN # 978-1-78184-265-2

©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2013

Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright March 2013

Edited by Rebecca Douglas

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2013 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning:

This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2.

This story contains 278 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 11 pages.

In Aeternum

HARBOUR OF REFUGE

Aliyah Burke

Book two in the In Aeternum Series

What happens in Monte Carlo stays with you forever… Well, if you’re one of the lucky ones.

Enzo Cassano is the driver of a powerboat team, used to the fast life and all it includes—women, parties and popularity. Until the race in Monte Carlo when he meets a woman who is unlike any he’s met before. Her small-town values and almost innocent ways charm him beyond everything. He discovers, however, that beneath her exterior she’s very firm in her beliefs and won’t budge.

Halyn Jennings may be from a small town but she knows a player when she sees one and Enzo is definitely that. She doesn’t mind—she still likes him and enjoys spending time with him, well aware that what is happening between them is most likely temporary. She’s not the supermodel type he’s accustomed to being with.

Enzo’s life is turned upside down by an unexpected visitor from his past, he has to learn to accept that racing isn’t everything, and not everyone wants to be the centre of attention. Halyn’s own past comes to light in a harsh revelation and he discovers things aren’t always so easy. Will he be able to find a way to break through her barriers and prove to her she’s the one he wants, for forever?

Dedication

To those each and every one of those amazing individuals who adopt a child and bring them into their home, allowing them the opportunity to be loved and learn that family is more than just blood. To my parents who are the best in the world. Thank you for all you’ve done for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for all your love and guidance.

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

NFL: National Football League, NFL Productions LLC

AFC: American Football Conference, NFL

MLS: Major League Soccer, United States Soccer Federation

EPL: English Premier League

XCat: XCat World Series

Z28: Chevrolet

Lexus RX330: Toyota Motor Corporation

Subaru Forester: Fuji Heavy Industries

Cheeky Panty: Victoria’s Secret

Victoria’s Secret: Victoria’s Secret

Levi’s: Levi Strauss & Co.

Alpha Black Tactical: Tippmann Sports LLC

We Are the Champions: Queen, Freddie Mercury

Dolce & Gabbana: Dolce & Gabbana

The Weather Channel: The Weather Channel, LLC

Frisbee: Wham-O

Audi SUV: Audi Aktiengesellschaft

Ninja: Kawasaki Motorcycles, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd

iPod: Apple, Inc

Honey Weiss: Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

Chapter One

Monte Carlo

Cheers, screams and more saturated the air. Enzo Cassano took it all in stride as he made his way off his powerboat to head up the pier and through the marina. Not even the explicit offers slowed him, although they made him smile and shake his head. Exhaustion owned him, yet he knew it would be a great night. Amazing sex, slumber in a nice bed and an added bonus of not having to get up before the ass-crack of dawn.

He gave nods and high-fives to his team before his gaze landed on the woman he’d been looking for. She wasn’t part of the team, but she was waiting for him. A wide grin spread across his features as he took in the dark-skinned beauty. Her hair had been pulled back since they’d taken pictures on his boat, but she still wore the same suit—an orange strapless bandeau swimsuit top, twisted at the centre. No, not quite orange, a mix of orange shades, pale peach to corals and some in between, blending in with one another and contrasting amazingly with her skin. He knew the bottoms matched in hue, were low rise and knotted at the sides. She looked damn good in them. Right now she wore a white sarong around her waist.

Lexy, he said.

He had a certain fondness for this woman. Sexy as hell and southern. He loved her accent. She was almost family, her best friend Jaydee was now his relation, she’d married his older brother—the middle brother—Gio and by default it sort of put Lexy in the same boat.

He’d missed her earlier after the photos had been taken, when she’d gone shopping. A wolf whistle escaped him as he leant back for another look at her. She waited for him to lift his gaze.

What? He grinned.

Stop looking at me like you want to eat me.

He waggled his eyebrows. "Not my fault you are bellissima."

Lexy snorted and took off one shoe for a moment before sliding it back on. Your charm, while adorable, is completely wasted on me, Enzo Cassano.

Can’t blame me for trying. Had she ever given him the slightest hint his advances would be reciprocated he would have pursued her, but for her it was all about fun—he knew it was hands-off.

She laughed and he slid an arm around her, brushing a kiss along her cheek. He thought about how different she was from his sister-in-law, Jaydee. The women were complete opposites yet steadfast in their affection for one another. He cared deeply for them both. Jaydee had relaxed only marginally since her marriage to his brother, but Lexy had fun every time he saw her.

They progressed up the pier, chatting about work and family. So tell me, Lexy. How is life treating you?

We’re busy. Which is why I thank you so much for this. I needed it. She rubbed the back of her neck and he fought off his urge to offer to do it for her.

Needed what? A new voice broke in.

Enzo smiled as he recognised the speaker. His eldest brother, Valentino. You made it.

He turned to the left and froze when he saw him. Yes, his brother had arrived, but he stood out like a sore thumb on the marina. While others wore summery attire, Valentino Cassano was standing there in a three-piece suit.

A suit? Christ, bro. This is Monte Carlo, where are the shorts? Even as he asked the question he knew the answer. His brother would wear jeans on occasion but most of the time, if he was going out, he wore suits.

You know your brother is cranky and stodgy, Enzo. Lexy leaned against him and propped her arm on his shoulder. Amusement laced her southern tone.

Enzo felt, as much as saw, his brother tense. Hazel eyes flicked between them, disapproval filling them.

Stodgy?

Lexy sighed. I’ll be at the car. Bye, Val.

Enzo watched her walk away. Damn, that woman is—

Trouble.

I was going to say hot as hell. You know she is a very nice woman. If you wouldn’t be so, so…well, like this with her, you’d see it.

Are you two dating?

He frowned, taken aback by the question. Me? And Lexy? He wished.

His hazel eyes were unblinking and direct. She is here in Monte Carlo with you.

Well, yes.

Valentino lifted his eyebrows.

I mean no to the dating part. Enzo began walking. She is here because I invited her.

As they neared the car, the crowd parted and he saw Lexy waiting, looking at something on her phone. He reached out to his brother and halted him. Be nice to her, we’re going to a party.

His brother didn’t reassure him. Hell, he didn’t say anything. Lexy, however, had apparently overheard. She gave him a grin. I appreciate you looking out for me, Enzo, but your brother is not anything to concern yourself with. He and I have our own way of communicating. He snarls and snaps like a rabid dog and I sweetly remind him I am a vet with plenty of access to ketamine and more tranqs, not to mention numerous barbiturates I could choose from. A shrug. Wonderful stuff.

He swallowed his increasing amusement, but couldn’t help smirking when Valentino glowered further.

Lighten up, he told his brother in Italian. Let’s go party.

They entered the waiting car. Lexy tucked herself between them, the photos of her on his boat in her hands. Behind her, he spied Valentino and his scowl. If he didn’t know any better, Enzo would say his eldest sibling had a crush on Lexy. It was a fact he couldn’t be bitter about, for in his opinion, it was about damn time someone got a reaction from Valentino. He’d been a bear since the fiasco with his ex-wife. Laughing silently at the thought of what Lexy would do for—and to—his brother, Enzo leant forwards and went through the photos with that very woman.

* * * *

Darkness shrouded the room when he woke. Sitting up, he winced at the pounding in his head.

Drank too much.

With a grunt, he heaved up from the bed then stumbled to the shower. There, he groaned at the pulsing water on his skin. It had been a while since he’d drunk like that—he never drank during racing.

Not in the mood for hotel food, Enzo left the room and headed down to the street. Morning had barely begun to take over from the night—still, the sky showed promise of the brilliant blue it would soon become, with clouds dotting it, and the water appeared so inviting.

Outside he slid his shades on and began walking. Some people stopped him for autographs, but mostly he was left alone. With the brim of his hat tugged low over his face and his sunglasses shielding his eyes, he blended in with everyone else.

A warm, caressing breeze blew around him as he continued. When his brother fell into step with him, Enzo didn’t bat an eye. They entered a restaurant and sat at an outdoor table.

As they waited on their order with their drinks before them, Enzo stared at his oldest brother. Valentino used to be so different. Full of life and joy. Enzo’s gaze drifted to the gold wedding band on the chain around his brother’s neck—his only piece of jewellery.

Ever since the fallout—there really wasn’t any other name for it, because it had damn near gone nuclear—this cold person had replaced his brother.

Lighten up, Val. You’re in Monte Carlo, for Christ’s sake.

Don’t call me that.

"Sorry, Valentino. Only Lexy can call you that? He’d meant it as a joke. The glower on his sibling’s face stated it might not have gone over so well. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, he sighed. You need to learn to enjoy life, brother."

I enjoy life.

"Really? Because I remember watching you at a party with tons of beautiful, willing women, scowling from where you sat."

Valentino drank some coffee. I do not sleep with everyone I find attractive.

Do you sleep with anyone?

As their food was delivered, Valentino leant back in his chair. Why so interested in my sex life? He posed the question in Italian.

Because I think that’s part of why you’re so uptight. Enzo answered in the same language.

I am perfectly capable of finding a woman.

But you won’t. It’s been seven years since—

"Do not go there," Valentino rumbled, danger piercing every fibre of his tone.

We’re just worried, is all.

Don’t be. The command was gruff.

Enzo knew enough to know when to drop it. Did he want to? No. He hated this shell of a man his brother had become, yet he also knew Valentino could be the most stubborn person in the world. So he dug into the pile of food before him. They ate in silence until two shadows fell over the table. He glanced up to find two women there. The smile he flashed them was practised and came with ease.

Good morning, ladies.

Instantly he categorised them. The outgoing one versus the quiet one. The closer one—more outgoing—had a Mediterranean look, with her olive skin and glossy black hair. She wore high heels, a short, green, flirty skirt and a pink bikini top.

The shy one was a black woman. She had natural curls in numerous shades of brown, from light to dark. Her lips were full and unglossed. Her skin reminded him of pecan shells with its hue. She wore a blue T-shirt with a tie-dyed peace symbol on the front, and white jean shorts. Flat, sensible shoes were on her feet. She was an understated beauty next to her flashy friend. Reminded him a bit of Jaydee and Lexy.

Sorry to intrude on your breakfast, Mr Cassano, but my friend and I are huge fans and would love your autograph.

Wiping his mouth with his napkin, he grinned. Of course. He took the pen after getting her name. Mila.

Would a picture be okay? Mila asked.

He nodded.

Take it, Halyn.

He stood and wrapped his arm around her. Her perfume was so strong it made his eyes water. Nothing he wasn’t used to, however, and it was over quick.

The shy one came up next and handed him the picture he’d autographed for Mila. It was one of his stock photos, and very common for people to have. She looked almost uncomfortable.

Is this for you or someone else? he asked with a smile, as he retook his seat to sign his likeness.

Me.

Damn. Her voice was low and throaty. Like a kick to his groin, it took his breath away. He liked smoky voices—similar to some of the female singers of days past.

He asked her to spell her name. Halyn, pronounced Hay-lyn. He liked it. Unique, like the woman, he’d bet. He signed the photo and handed it back as he stood. All was fine until he touched her. The moment he slipped his arm around her, something hit him. A feeling he’d never experienced before, but one that spread throughout him entirely.

She wore a soft scent, one he couldn’t identify, but wanted to smell more of. Unlike his other fans, Halyn didn’t press her breasts against him, or try to grope him.

Thank you, she said, after the picture had been taken.

My pleasure. He gazed at the pair again. Are you two ladies here tonight?

Mila answered, We’re leaving tomorrow afternoon.

Perfect. We’re having a party tonight. He wrote the time and location on a napkin. Would love to see you there. He flashed another practised smile.

Thank you, Mila gushed. Halyn merely gave him a small nod as they walked away.

He wanted to see her again, preferably when not hungover so he could focus a bit more on his reaction to her. Valentino rapped on the tabletop, dragging his attention from the women.

What?

His brother raised an eyebrow.

It was just an invite to tonight’s party. Nothing major.

Valentino shook his head and returned to his breakfast. Enzo did the same, all the while wishing his brother could—and would—find happiness.

* * * *

Halyn Jennings watched him enter. Him being Italian playboy, hotshot powerboat racer. Women flocked to him. Even now he had two on each side of him. He commanded the attention of the room when he walked in.

His Italian good looks were no secret to him, and she noticed the well-practised smile he wielded with ease. He knew how to play the crowd.

There was nothing about him that said ‘forever’ to her. He gave out smiles and winks like people on floats tossed candy to kids during parades. She didn’t begrudge him that, it was his life.

Still, it was difficult to turn her attention from him. Sun had streaked his brown hair and he had thick, slashing eyebrows, bow-shaped lips and chiselled features. His lean, well-muscled body moved with predatory grace.

She blew out a breath then took a drink of her chilled water in an attempt to cool herself down. Trouble or not, the man was fine as hell. He wore a white button-down, with the first few undone, showing off the tanned skin of his chest, a stark contrast to the purity of his shirt.

I want his babies, Mila said beside her.

Mila Raptis had been a friend ever since she’d come to her hometown as an exchange student from Kavala, Greece. There were times Halyn was jealous of her friend’s ability to be so carefree.

She wasn’t about to voice her opinion on that. I think those women are thinking something along those lines as well.

"He invited us."

"And they came with him."

Mila pouted. Whose side are you on?

Yours, of course, just pointing out facts. Like the one where you already have a man. She wiped some of the condensation off her glass.

What’s wrong? You’re quiet, even for you.

Just preoccupied with that hot-ass man over there. Nothing’s wrong.

Mila moved at her own speed and tended to worry about her often, although Halyn had always been the quieter of the two.

I’m fine. Don’t hang here on my account. Go jump in the pool with the others circling him. Or one of the other racers here.

You’re making him sound like a piece of meat, Halyn.

As opposed to how you’re talking about him? She merely shrugged and waved as Mila headed off, insinuating herself closer to the man of the hour.

Halyn danced and laughed as the night went on, having a wonderful time even though she avoided the racers. Grateful for a breather, she grabbed another water from the bar and found a spot outside, along the outskirts of the party.

Not your kind of thing? a decadent voice asked from behind her left shoulder.

Her insides did the same thing they’d done when he’d put his arm around her for the picture—tightened and quivered. She shook the feeling off, determined not to fawn over him as these others were doing.

Just catching a break.

She turned and inhaled sharply. Could a man grow more handsome within a few hours? Or was it she was merely lightheaded from dancing? Nope, this one had. Somehow. Perhaps it was a trick from the lights? Nope, wrong again.

A day’s growth of stubble graced his face and she had this insane urge to rub against it. His eyes—which watched her intently—were light brown and did crazy things to her belly all over again.

He moved to lean beside her on the glass deck railing and she had to lock her knees at the masculine scent that accompanied him. Warm and spicy, it reminded her of cold, snowy nights before a roaring fire.

Tell me about you, Halyn.

Okay, so she was doing a little jig internally that he remembered her name. But her levelheadedness surfaced. What did he want? She was obviously not the type of woman he usually hung with. Past his shoulder, she spied her friend toasting her with a mixed drink, her arm around a different racer.

Nothing to tell. She gave a small shrug.

Enzo turned so he faced her completely. His eyes mesmerised her. Under the cotton of both shirt and bra, her nipples drew taut. Her breathing hitched and her panties grew damp.

He could be so much trouble for her. She wasn’t an idiot, nor was she naïve, despite the fact she was from a small town. However, she wasn’t a block of ice, either, and he…was getting to her. Yep, she would be hard-pressed to say no to a night with him.

Why do I not believe that?

Wow. That voice of his was so sensual and smooth as it flowed over her flushed skin.

Probably because most girls you chat up can’t keep their mouths shut.

He blinked a few times before a wide smile split across his face. And what do you know of the company I keep?

Damn her wayward tongue. Not a thing. She never could keep opinions to herself.

You’re right, you know, he said after signing autographs for two giggling females.

She stared at her water and sloshed the contents in the bottle. It amazed her at how these women were so uninhibited with what they wanted him to sign. He’d barely blinked when one had pulled off her shirt for him to write his name on the top of her breast, which was clad in a very skimpy bikini top.

About?

Those women.

Must be hard for you, she said drolly.

Hey, I like a real conversation.

Was it her imagination or did he sound as if he were actually affronted?

I’m sure you do. She cast her gaze around to locate Mila. Her friend was dancing, sandwiched between two hot men. One would never guess she had a devoted man waiting for her back in the States. With a deep breath, she turned to face the Med.

Have I done something to offend you?

Eyes wide in shock, she whirled towards him. Of course not, why?

You seem as if you are trying to avoid me.

Facing him completely, she allowed her gaze to roam his chiselled features. I’m sorry, she said with contrition. I’m just not a huge club kind of girl. And you make me feel out of my league.

Come with me.

She narrowed her gaze. Why would I do that?

Because I can get you out of here and somewhere quiet.

She grinned. I can do that on my own, merely by walking out.

True, but I want you to come with me.

Why? Seems like you’ve had plenty of offers for bed partners, even while standing here with me.

Like you pointed out, they can’t shut up and when they talk there’s not much substance.

She smiled and her heart skipped at the answering sparkle in his eyes. And you want conversation in bed? There went her mouth again.

I was thinking at a table or bench, but sure, bed works. He gave her a grin, which had her gravitating towards him before she caught herself.

So you want me for my conversation skills.

It was hard not to squirm beneath his intense stare. Yes.

Goodness, she almost melted at the heat from that one word. I’m not much of a talker.

He held out his hand. For a second she wondered what it would be like to be wanted by this man in a straight-up, sensual way.

At the door, she paused and he tilted his head to look at her. What?

I need to tell my friend.

I can leave a message with someone for her.

Nope. I’ll be right back. She wove through the dancing crowd to her friend, feeling his gaze on her the entire time.

Mila! she called out over the music.

Come to join us?

They didn’t really give her a chance to reply—she was manoeuvred between Mila and one of the guys.

I’m heading out, she said, her hips moving to the pulse of the music. Are you going to be okay?

I will, will you? There was no mistaking the seriousness in her gaze.

Yes. The man behind her gripped her hips and ground against her. She fluidly stepped away and he pressed into Mila again without missing a beat.

I’ll want all the details, Mila said with a wicked grin. Call me and let me know you’re okay.

Halyn made her way back towards the door, only to stop when she found Enzo waiting for her there in the middle of the dance floor. She tipped her head back, struck again by how good-looking he was. His stare bored into hers and the intensity with which he watched her made her pause.

Change your mind? she asked. Even if he answered in the affirmative, she would still leave.

They were surrounded by people but she felt as if they were alone. He snaked a hand around her waist and pulled her flush to him.

She licked her lips at the feel of his thick erection pressing into her. You want to dance?

He still didn’t speak. At least not verbally. The music pulsed around them, loud and heavy. Her gaze remained locked with his as they moved in harmonious tandem with one another.

Moisture gathered as they mimicked sex. The vibrations augmented her experience. Sweat rolled down her spine, the heat between them amplified by all the bodies pressed tight on the floor.

His hands settled on her hips. Two fingers on each side, dipping below the waist of her shorts. Sex. It was foremost on her mind. Correction—sex with Enzo.

There was no way a man who moved his hips like that would be bad in bed. She’d bet he wasn’t a selfish lover either, and bottom line, she was horny.

Repositioning her arms around his neck, she tangled her fingers in the ends of his hair. She didn’t press him with questions, just accepted the dance. She liked being in his arms.

One song merged into another, yet he moved them to the door, side by side. His silence ended outside as the night breeze cooled her heated skin. She shoved her hand through her hair before lifting it off her neck.

You could have said you wanted to dance. Enzo’s voice was deep and rasped along her skin.

Didn’t know I did until you danced with me.

She watched him in the lights as he tucked some hair behind her ear, his knuckles skimming her cheek—the move so profoundly intimate her breath caught.

You’re beautiful.

Words she wasn’t inclined to believe, coming from a player. And you hand out compliments like candy.

So you don’t believe me?

Can’t say that I do.

His expression seemed oddly perplexed as he led her down the street. They paused by a bench overlooking the harbour. He brushed close when he encouraged her to sit and she blew out a breath as she strove to rein in her out-of-control sexual impulses.

Your first time?

Excuse me? She glanced at him. Sure, she might be nervous but surely he didn’t think she was some untried virgin.

A lazy, sensuous smile lifted his entirely too kissable lips. Damn it all, why couldn’t she stop imagining what it would be like spending a night in his arms?

To Monte Carlo.

Grateful for the night, which kept her flushed cheeks better hidden, she nodded. Yes. Mila has always wanted to come for the race. She’s fascinated by powerboats, so when she got her tickets she said I was accompanying her.

He leant back, stretching his legs out, keeping his stare upon her. Not into powerboats then?

Never really paid them any mind. Her response was honest.

Would you like to see one up close and personal?

He was talking about the boat, right?

Chapter Two

Enzo observed Halyn as she thought about his question. Rarely did a woman hold his attention so thoroughly. They were typically nothing more than a momentary distraction. Not her.

From the first moment he’d run into her it had been different. He’d felt a spark between them, despite her not fawning over him as the other woman did. Yes, she’d found him attractive, he’d seen that in her gaze, but that was it. No coy looks, no silent—or verbal—invites and no asking him to sign body parts.

Okay, so the last one was a bit of a shame. He could have had a lot of fun signing her body.

Right now, she was sitting beside him, staring out at the water that reflected the marina’s lights. Since her attention had been taken by the stunning display before them, he utilised the opportunity to memorise her.

She was the classic girl next door—not smoking hot at the first glance, but that was because she downplayed her appearance. There was something about her which made him want more than a first glance. He wanted to stare and stare, then touch.

Her