Chapter 57 BOUNDARIES.
\~~~SERENA.
A couple of days had passed since that scary incident on the street, but the tension still hung in the air like a heavy cloud.
It wasn't just because of the masked figure who had chased me.
No, it was more from how Damien had changed. He had become overly protective, watching my every move like I might vanish if he blinked. He even pulled Alison aside that night in the villa's living room and told her straight to her face, “Don't let Serena go anywhere alone. Not even to the corner store.” And Alison had agreed with him.
I would have brushed it off as him just trying to be careful after what happened. But deep down, I knew it was more than that.
How had he known I was in trouble? He showed up out of nowhere, grabbing my wrist like he had been tracking me. Was he hiding something from me? Or was he just being a protective husband? The questions swirled in my mind, making me uneasy.
I wanted to ask him, but every time I opened my mouth, the words stuck. This honeymoon was supposed to be paradise, not this web of doubt.
Today was our last chance to tick off the bucket list and it was the yacht cruise.
Yesterday was shopping and God, it had been an overwhelming experience. There were dreamy blur of boutiques, mirrors, and even Damien shaking his head every time I asked, Is this too much?
He hadn’t let me put anything back. Not once.
And the dress… God.
I couldn’t wait to wear it.
By evening, I was out of the bathroom to get ready. I stood in front of the full-length mirror, smoothing the fabric of the dress over my curves. It was perfect and sexy without trying too hard.
The deep red hugged my body just right, the neckline dipping low enough to tease, the hem flirting at mid-thigh. It made my skin glow against the color. I paired it with matching red heels that clicked softly on the tile floor and a small clutch bag in the same shade. I wore simple gold jewelry, a necklace, and earrings that completed the look. I felt elegant, and oh, desired.
Sitting at the vanity, I brushed out my hair, letting it fall in loose waves down my back. I took my time with the edges, pinning them neatly to frame my face. Then, I dabbed on soft blush to my cheeks, a touch of mascara to make my eyes pop, and a nude lipstick that kept it natural. I stepped back, smiling at my reflection. This was me, ready to reclaim the joy of our trip.
Damien waited in the living room, looking sharp in a white button-up shirt and khaki pants. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and he just scratched his lower lip, his eyes never leaving mine.
I’d prefer he said something, though.
We said goodbye to Alison, who waved from the door, and headed out.
The sun had already set by the time we arrived, and the match was already waiting.
I froze the moment I saw it.
It was massive, and sleek white against the darkening water, lights glowing warmly from every level. Music floated softly from somewhere onboard.
“This is…” I breathed.
Damien smiled, clearly enjoying my reaction.
The moment we stepped onboard, I felt like I had entered another world. There were tables set with food, seafood, fruits, and desserts I couldn’t pronounce. Bottles of alcohol lined a counter, glasses already filled with colorful drinks. Soft lights wrapped around the deck, reflecting beautifully against the water.
As we set off, the yacht glided smoothly away from shore and the scenery unfolded like a postcard.
I smiled when Damien handed me a drink. “It is sweet,” I said after my first sip.
“That is how they get you,” he replied, amused.
I hadn't realized how much I'd drunk until I glanced at the bottle nearby. Half empty already? My head felt light, a pleasant buzz humming in my veins.
I stood up gently, steadying myself on the chair. The deck swayed just a bit, but it felt like dancing. I wandered to the railing, gripping the cool metal as I looked up at the sky. Stars were starting to peek out, twinkling against the deepening blue. The cool air hit my face, carrying the salt tang.
I smiled widely, closing my eyes for a moment.
This was it, the dream life. I felt like a character in one of those romance dramas, swept away on a luxurious adventure. Who would have thought I'd be here, on a yacht living in a world I'd only dared to imagine in quiet moments back home?
Then, I felt his arm curl around my waist from behind. Damien stood beside me, his body warm against the evening chill. He smelled of cologne and sea air. “Enjoying the view?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.
“So much,” I grinned, turning my head just enough to catch his eye. My smile stretched wider than normal, the alcohol making me bold.
I was loving the feel of it all, the buzz making my skin tingle, and my thoughts floaty. It was as though I was floating in the air, weightless and free. The yacht cut through the waves, and I leaned into him, savoring the closeness.
Slowly, I turned my head to look at the man who was staring ahead, his profile strong against the sunset.
On my tiptoes, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.
Damien looked down at me, a chuckle rumbling from his chest. “What was that for?”
“I don't know?” I shrugged, my voice light and playful. The words came out giggly, surprising even me.
He turned to face me fully, his eyes darkening with that familiar spark. Before I could look away or say more, he reached out, his hand cupping my cheek. His fingers tightened just a bit, a gentle choke that sent a thrill down my spine.
He pulled me in, his lips crashing onto mine in a deep kiss.
I closed my eyes, melting into it. My hands found his chest, my fingers curling into his shirt as I kissed him back. His mouth was firm, tasting of wine and salt, demanding yet tender.
Heat built between us, the kind that yearned for more.
Not to lie, having a mind-blowing fuck right here on a cruise had always been one of my secret dreams. The thought flickered through my hazy mind, making my pulse race.
As his hand slid lower, tracing my hip through the red dress, I wondered if tonight would make it real.
A part of me, deep down, whispered that this was a line I shouldn’t cross again.
Stupid line.
Who thinks of boundaries like that in a moment like this?
I don't give a damn, come on.
Not tonight, not here.
On a yacht, under the stars, with the man who made my heart forget how to be careful.
Because, God help me…
I wanted him.