Chapter 44 CUBA
POV: PATRICK
The plane landed smoothly, leaving Lis in his thoughts. Years in the army had trained me to assess the whole, the unsaid. Her fear was not getting involved with me, but rather the weight of her past falling on me. I needed to find out more about the person who tormented her so much, who had caused her physical and emotional wounds, and eliminate this threat once and for all!
But not today. My goal was clear. Rumors that my ex-wife was trying to destabilize my company had reached me. Important clients from Cuba seemed inclined to end their work with the publisher. I couldn't allow that. Moreover, there was an opportunity: a small film producer that, with the right investment and leadership, would be a great asset to my company.
Besides, it would be interesting to see Elisabeth in a skimpy bikini with her beautiful curves exposed, a delight and refuge in the world of business. I sighed, smiling, and walked to the car. When I saw Lis, she passed by quietly with red, swollen eyes, putting on sunglasses to camouflage the pain weighing on her gaze.
I sighed again, hands in pockets, pondering. I would make her forget her past in the days we were in this tropical country.
“Dreaming awake, my friend?”Greg called my attention, putting the suitcases in the trunk of the car and closing it. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I would like to resolve all these issues soon, not waste my precious time with these things...” I kept my gaze on my secretary, who entered the car. “I aim to live pleasurable and peaceful moments.”
“We'll resolve them; you have me to help you.” He replied, following your eyes in the direction I was looking. “Friend, causing pain to this woman is something she doesn't need or deserve. She has been through a lot and may never recover.”
“It's just as you said, Greg.” I looked back at him, amused. “I have you to help me!” I winked before opening the car door.
“What do you mean by that?” He asked, confused. I widened my smug smile.
“When the time comes, you'll know. Now, let's go; you're slower than usual!” I teased.
Rolling his eyes, he got into the driver's seat. I sat facing Lis, who didn't look at me; her face turned to the window, observing the landscape.
“Are you going to ignore me the whole trip? You know I'm your boss, don't you?” I kept a professional tone to get her attention.
“I'm sorry.” She turned to look at me. “Did you say something?”
I sighed irritably, running my hands through my hair to fix it.
“I won't tolerate your indifference, stepping back, or giving up on what you want, for whatever reason!” I growled impatiently, with a sharp voice.
"You..."She started, and I raised my hand to interrupt her.
“Miss Lis, I don't care what you think of yourself. In fact, I consider it a pity your lack of recognition for yourself. I know how to recognize a treasure when I see one; I polish talents, and you have one that will be shaped by me.” I cleared my throat and leaned forward. “I won't back away because of your fears. If you're not ready to tell me your true reasons, that's fine with me. But don't lie or omit your real reasons for wanting us involved. Furthermore…”
“Furthermore?” In a whisper, almost a plea, Lis inquired.
“You're right, we are nothing...I will correct that. You will be my girlfriend!” I concluded.
“Your what?” Lis almost shouted, surprised, taking off her glasses and staring at me with furrowed brows. “I don't know if I agree!”
“You shouldn't; you deserve more. I will make the request in the right way, but be warned about my intentions.” I smiled smugly as the car stopped in front of the luxurious hotel where we would be staying.
“The answer will still be the same!” She clenched her fists and got out of the car.
“We'll see about that!” I chuckled softly, amused.
We walked to the hotel, letting Elisabeth go to the counter to talk about the room reservation.
“What? This isn't right.” Lis argued with the receptionist.
I approached calmly.
“Is there a problem?” I raised an eyebrow, shifting from the clerk to Lis.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Morgan, your companion is saying that she made a reservation on behalf of SoundStory Press for two presidential suites and one simple luxury room.” He explained nervously. “However, the reservation I have in my system is for only two presidential suites, one of them with an adjoining connecting room.”
“That's correct.” I looked at Lis, shocked.
“No, it's not. That's not what I booked... Where am I going to sleep?” As soon as she spoke, I realized that she had caught on to what I had done. “You!”
She accused me, clearly nervous, while Greg stood nearby, smiling at the situation.
“Could you please have our luggage brought up? Follow the reservation requests in the letter. Remember, I don't accept mistakes.” I told the clerk, who nervously nodded. “Shall we, Mrs. Lis?”
“No, I'm not going. I want to reserve a simple room, please.” She addressed the front desk.
“I'm sorry, we don't have any more rooms available. I'm sorry.” The employee replied disdainfully, handing over the magnetic access keys. “Have a good stay at our hotel. We're happy to serve you.”
“Doesn't seem like it!” Taking the card angrily, Lis walked ahead with firm steps.
“That was a low blow, even for you, buddy.” Greg joked. “Leave the girl alone.”
“And miss the opportunity to relax? You yourself said I should take care of myself.” I smiled, walking to the elevator, where my secretary was tapping her foot nervously, waiting. “I intend to be taken care of.”
“Hmph, poor employee...” Greg smiled. “Don't forget the reasons we're here.”
“I know, I know, you need to relax, Greg, meet some women. I heard Cuba is aphrodisiac...” I teased, laughing, as we entered the elevator. “You need to relieve that tension down there.”
“With all due respect, my friend, go to hell!” Greg pressed the button for our floor. Lis lowered her head and didn't look at us until we reached the room.
Greg went to his room, and she stood at the door of ours. Sighing, she turned her body toward me.
“There's a connecting room, but only one entrance?” Furrowing her brow, she questioned.
“Why would there be two?” I raised an eyebrow, mischievously taking two steps forward and pressing our bodies together. I inhaled her sweet scent, and Lis closed her eyes as if tired. Furthermore, I lifted her chin, took off her glasses, kissed each eye, and caressed her cheeks before taking the access card and opening the door. “Ladies first.”
Holding her breath and then exhaling forcefully, Elisabeth entered, admiring the surroundings. There was a huge living room with a bar in the suite, the presidential bedroom with a balcony and a breathtaking view of the sea, in addition to the door next to her possible room and another black sliding door, closed.
“What's in there?” Lis walked, curious, and opened it. “Oh my God!”
“Like it?” I came behind her, staying close to her back and brushing against her skin. “It's very hot here, so I asked for a suite with a heated pool. We don't want to harm your delicate skin.”
Kissing her shoulders, I ran my hands down her arms, subtly going down and up and scratching. Tilting Lis's head to the side, I brought her hair together, following a pleasurable path of soft kisses on her skin. She sighed and turned to face me, trying to stay firm.
“I'll go to my room. If you need anything from the company, please knock on the door and call me.” She stepped back, heading towards the room next door. “Mr. Morgan?”
“Miss Lis?” I turned, relaxed, and looked at her.
“I won't sleep with you!” Closing the door, Elisabeth's words echoed in the room.
“What I have in mind for us doesn't involve sleeping.” I smiled, amused, and picked up my phone to review the information provided by Greg along with my schedule.