Chapter 51 MAYBE EVERYTHING.
\~~~SERENA.
I stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around me, steam still clinging to my skin. The air felt cooler in the bedroom, and I glanced around, expecting Damien to be there, maybe lounging on the bed but the room was empty.
He'd slipped out already, leaving the door slightly ajar. I shook my head, a mix of relief and something else… washing over me. After that intense shower moment, a little space was good. I needed to clear my head from our last moment and his bold words about having me again.
I rummaged through my bag, pulling out a light sundress of soft cotton, and a floral print that swayed just above my knees. It felt breezy, perfect for the warm morning. I slipped it on, the fabric cool against my still-damp skin, and gathered my wet hair into a quick ponytail, letting a few strands frame my face.
Barefoot, I padded out of the room, the wooden floor smooth under my toes. The villa's halls were quiet, and sunlight was streaming through large windows, casting golden patterns everywhere.
As soon as I turned the corner, the scent hit me. It had rich, savory aromas of grilled meat, fresh herbs, and some buttery baking.
My stomach twisted with hunger, a sharp reminder of how little we'd eaten on the plane.
All that turbulence and nerves had killed my appetite mid-flight, but now? I was starving. My steps quickened, leading me toward the open living and dining area. The space was huge, blending seamlessly with floor-to-ceiling glass doors overlooking a lush garden. Maids bustled around the long wooden table, setting out platters with practiced efficiency.
Alison stood nearby, her silver hair tied back neatly, leaning lightly on her walking stick as she oversaw everything.
She spotted me first, and her face lit up with a warm smile. "You're here too, my dear," she said, her voice soft and welcoming. She moved toward me slowly, each step deliberate, the stick tapping gently on the tile.
I glanced at it, then met her eyes, offering a gentle nod. "Good morning, Alison. Thank you for having us."
"I waited for hours for you and your husband," she replied, reaching me and patting my arm lightly. "He said you slept off, and he didn't want to wake you."
My gaze flicked across the room to the couch, where Damien lounged, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling on his phone. He looked up, catching my eye, and I swallowed the chuckle bubbling up.
Slept off? Yeah, right. More like tangled in sheets after he fucked me senseless.
Heat crept to my cheeks, but I kept my voice steady. "Yes, we... slept off. Jet lag caught up." A white lie, but it worked.
Alison nodded understandingly. "True, you're so hungry now? Hope you're not too jet-lagged?"
"Not at all," I said, my stomach choosing that exact moment to rumble loudly, betraying me. "I am so, so famished." I pressed a hand to it, laughing softly to cover the embarrassment.
Before Alison could respond, a strong arm wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me back against a solid chest. I didn't need to turn and just knew it was Damien, his scent of soap and faint cologne wrapping around me like a claim.
My body tensed for a second, remembering the shower, but I relaxed into it, his warmth familiar now.
"Come and have your meal," Alison said, gesturing to the table with a pleased smile. She led the way slowly, and we followed, Damien's hand staying firm on my hip.
We settled into chairs at the head of the table, the spread unfolding before us like a feast from a dream. Platters overflowed with juicy steaks sliced thin, golden scrambled eggs piled high, baskets of crusty toast, a colorful array of seafood, shrimp, scallops, and mussels glistening with garlic butter. There were dumplings steaming in bamboo baskets, fresh salads dotted with berries, and even a fruit platter with mangoes and pineapple chunks. My mouth watered instantly.
"This is...!" I gasped, clasping my hands together as eyes wide as I took it all in.
Alison chuckled from her spot nearby. "I didn't know what you liked, so I made sure a lot was prepared. You can try them all."
"My stomach would burst by then!" I exclaimed, half-joking, but the temptation was real.
"Thank you, Alison," Damien cut in, sitting up straighter and picking up his fork. "She is just being humble. I bet this isn't even enough for her." His voice held that teasing lilt as his eyes sparkled as he glanced at me.
I shot him a quick glare, but it was more playful than anything.
Alison laughed, and nodded her head. "I will leave you two to enjoy yourselves. Do let me know if you need anything." With that, she turned, her walking stick echoing softly as she exited the space, giving us privacy.
Now it was just us, the maids having vanished too. I didn't waste a beat. Grabbing my fork, I stabbed a piece of steak, the juices pooling and popped it into my mouth.
God, there was so much more. My eyes darted around to where to next.
The seafood platter caught my attention, pink shrimp curled invitingly. I speared one, dipping it in the sauce before biting in.
When I looked up, Damien was staring at me, fork paused mid-air, his expression a mix of amusement and something softer. I paused, my mouth parted around the shrimp, staring back. "Why are you looking at me like that? Should I not eat?"
He laughed, shaking his head, the sound deep and warm. "I am surprised how you're able to stomach anything right now. I envy you."
"How so?" I asked, swallowing and reaching for another bite.
"It takes a while for my stomach to settle after a long flight," he explained, eyeing the toast and eggs like they were his safe bet.
"Ohhh," I said, nodding as I dipped a dumpling in soy sauce and savored it.
"I will just eat this toast and scrambled eggs," he said, reaching for the bread.
But I leaned closer immediately, my chair scraping lightly. I pushed the seafood platter toward him with one hand and nudged the bread basket away with the other. "Try this first. Don't be boring. Why choose bread when there's all this?"
"But I..." he started, protesting mildly, his fork hovering.
I didn't let him finish. Quick as anything, I stabbed another piece of steak and held it up to his lips. "Open up." He sighed but parted his mouth, letting me feed him. He chewed slowly, his eyes locking on mine.
"How's that?"
"Oh, come on..." he groaned, but there was a smile tugging at his lips as he swallowed.
"Try this next," I said, pointing to the dumplings, excitement bubbling in me. It felt good, this easy back-and-forth, like we were just a normal couple sharing a meal.
Damien stared at me for a moment, then breathed out a laugh and nodded. "Just don't get indigestion, okay?"
"I am okay," I smiled, waving him off, and dove back into my plate. The food was endless. I tried a scallop next, buttery and fresh, then some eggs for balance. Damien followed my lead, sampling the shrimp and steak, his initial reluctance melting away.
Amidst the clink of forks and satisfied hums, he spoke up casually. "When you're done, curate a list of things you'd like to do while we're here."
"Like a bucket list?" I asked, pausing with a forkful of fruit halfway to my mouth.
"Yes, that."
"Anything... no matter what?"
"Baby, anything," he said, his voice low, and his eyes holding mine a beat longer than necessary.
I nodded, a thrill sparking in my chest, and returned to my meal. The possibilities raced through my mind.
I had an endless list in my head ready.
There were beach walks, exploring the markets, maybe something more adventurous.
But underneath it all, God, what a luxury it was to be married to this man. He didn't give room for awkwardness, not after the sex, and not even now.
He is just... fit, making everything feel natural, and desired.
As I ate, his foot brushed mine under the table, a subtle touch that sent a warm flutter through me.
Yeah, this trip was going to be something, or maybe everything.