The Billionaire's Island Romance (The Romero Brothers, Book 3.5) by Shadonna Richards Page B

teased
him playfully.
    “The desk clerk mentioned that you had been
working sixteen days straight before I got here. You need a break, Arianna. I’m
taking you out today. And I won’t take no for an answer. Besides, the wedding
is only a few days away, this Saturday.”
    She smiled. “You’re too funny, you know
that?”
    He leaned closer into her, hugging her. He
looked into her eyes. “You were so incredible last night,” he said in a low,
deep voice.
    She smiled sheepishly. “So were you.”
    He kissed her again and necked her so
deliciously. “Oh, Christian,” she moaned, smiling.
    Just then, there was a knock at the door.
    “Who could it be at this hour?”
    “Oh, I took the liberty of ordering
breakfast for us,” she murmured.
    “How did you know I wouldn’t sleep in until
noon?” He grinned.
    “Because, I know you, remember?” Ari arched
a brow. “The latest you sleep in, Mr. Workaholic, is like eight o’clock on a
Saturday morning. About this time.” She playfully pointed to the clock.
    “I’d better get my pants on then.”
    “Oh, I’ll get the door. No worries.
Besides, I don’t want the hotel staff talking. You know, you answering the door
in nothing but a towel or boxer shorts.” She smiled.
    “Whatever.” He grinned then kissed her
cheek.

 
    Later they settled for a typical Jamaican
breakfast of Ackee and Saltfish with delicious fluffy fried dumplings and fried
plantains. They drank the juice from freshly squeezed oranges and refreshing
coconut water.

 
    They made love again while showering
together after breakfast. It was a sensual and fulfilling moment for Christian
and Arianna. Bathing each other while caressing each other so lovingly.
Admiring each other’s bodies. Christian could not seem to get enough of his
sweet Arianna. Later, they both got dressed. Christian had gone up to his suite
to gather some new clothes to put on.
    “I can’t believe you’re taking me out
today.”
    “And why not? If I don’t insist on you
taking a break, you’ll work yourself to death and you know that would drive me
crazy, right?” He grinned.
    Arianna playfully nudged him in the ribs.
“That’s not funny, Chris.”

 
    At last tearing themselves apart, they
headed downstairs to the main foyer of the hotel. The tall green plants were
perky from being freshly watered and provided a nice blend with the shiny, recently
polished marble floors. Before they walked out of the lobby, Mr. Duponte
strolled in.
    “Dad? You’re up early.” Her father often
never left the hotel room until well after noon. It was just something that he
did, especially as of late, since Arianna had taken over duties at the hotel.
    “Oh, I’m fine,” he said, dismissively.
“It’s just your mother. She’s a bit moody this morning. I tried everything
but…” He shrugged his shoulders.
    “Oh, Dad,” she said, leaning over to hug
him. “Is everything okay?”
    “Oh, yes. I said I will give her room to breathe
and that was that. I’m going up now. Pray she doesn’t kick me out of the room
again. Good to see you again, Christian.”
    “Likewise, sir.”
    Mr. Duponte nodded and headed toward the
elevator to go back to his suite.
    “You sure your old man will be okay?”
    “Um…yeah.”
    “What about your mother? Is she alright?”
    Arianna hesitated at first. Should she tell
him? What could she say? How could she tell him? She nervously glanced around
the massive lobby of the hotel to see if her uncle was anywhere nearby. There
was that feeling again, that chilling sensation in the pit of her stomach. Her
heart was crushing inside her chest. She drew in a deep breath.
    Everything will be fine , she
coached herself .
    It had to be fine.
    “Mom’s okay,” was all she said in a low
voice, then continued to walk outside the hotel, toward their waiting car.

 
 
CHAPTER EIGHT

 
    Christian drove, with Arianna, up the
hillside towards Ocho Rios in his rental convertible. The wind rustled