If she could just get around other people, she wouldn’t have to battle him, along with herself. If she could understand how she could hate the man while still desiring him, she’d be able to make millions. Many women would pay her for the secret.
“How was your shower?”
“Not too pleasant. You have a beautiful bathroom, but I did get pretty burned today. The water felt like tiny knives cutting into my skin. However, the lotion on the counter worked wonders. I don’t know what magic ingredient is in it, but I feel almost back to normal.”
“After dinner, I’d be glad to rub it all over your body. I’ll make sure to reach those hard to get to places.”
The soft purring sound of his voice caused her stomach to drop right from her body. Her legs were nothing but jello, and her core heated to inferno temperatures. How could she possibly think she’d be safe in the presence of others? The man could whisper a single word and melt her, or touch her with the barest of brushes and she was putty in his hands.
Maybe she would take her chances with the sharks. At the moment, they seemed the less dangerous creature.
Chapter Nineteen
Rafe should be furious with his sisters, but he was too pleased to have Ari’s arm wrapped in his and the soft curve of her breast pressing against his bicep. Even knowing it was more than a desire to break her spirit – knowing he was intrigued by her – he continued his pursuit. Ignoring his intuition, he chose to enjoy Ari.
“You have a nice boat.”
Ari’s compliment filled him with warmth he’d rather not feel. He thought about making a sarcastic reply, but instead chose to simply enjoy the moment.
“Thank you. Right this way,” he said as he opened a door that led into his ornate dining area. A large table was centered in the room with enough seating for twenty. In addition, another seating area was to the right, where his family was chattering lively while having pre-dinner drinks.
“We were beginning to think you were never going to show,” his father said as he stood. “Who’s your beautiful companion?”
“Father, this is Ari. It seems the girls found her at the beach today and invited her onboard,” Rafe replied as he sent his sisters a stern look. They actually had the decency to glance away, knowing they were busted.
“We needed an extra person for volleyball, and ran into Ari. We had no idea she was the same girl who was Rafe’s… friend,” Rachel said with an innocent smile.
“What a happy coincidence,” Rafe replied with mockery.
“Ari, it’s so good to meet you. My son seems to be quite fond of you,” his mother said in her slight Italian accent. It had really lessened over the years as she spent more and more time with his father in the states.
Rosabella stepped forward and took Ari’s hands, then leaned in and kissed her cheek causing Ari to blush slightly at the warm greeting.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Palazzo.”
“Oh, darling, please call me Rosabella,” his mother insisted.
“Thank you, Rosabella. You have wonderful daughters. I had a very pleasant day with them. I’ve also never been on a large boat like this before, and it’s quite the treat.” Rafe noticed she had no trouble calling his mother by her first name.
“My ornery son hasn’t brought you onboard yet? Well, I’ll just have to speak to him about his manners. The liner is a nice escape. I’m thinking my husband and I need one of our own so we can take off for a few months. I could get used to sailing the high seas,” Rosabella said with a delighted laugh.
“I will order one tomorrow, dear, and whisk you away to the far corners of the world,” his father said as he leaned down and gently kissed his wife. Rafe was always pleased with the obvious love between his parents. If he hadn’t seen so much devastation in most relationships, he may actually hold out hope that he could have that for himself. He knew better, due to his previous marriage. What his parents had was a very rare thing.
“Mom, you guys are getting all mushy again and embarrassing Rafe’s guest,” Lia spoke up, causing another blush to steal over Ari’s cheeks.
“Don’t mind me at all,” Ari murmured.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m starving. That volleyball game really zapped my energy,” Rachel said, saving them from the slightly awkward moment.
“Me, too,” Lia piped in.
“Yes, Ari was saying she was quite hungry herself. You must have played a strenuous game. I may have to join you next time,” Rafe said as he looked down into Ari’s eyes, which widened in a bit of panic.
He liked catching her off guard. He’d been giving her too much space. The longer she took to realize they were going to be together, the less patience he had. Seeing her tonight was lighting a fire beneath him.
“A couple of our opponents sure wanted to whisk Ari off to the high seas,” Rachel said with a mischievous grin at Rafe. He glared at his little sister before turning to Ari who was looking at Rachel in horror.
“Really? Do tell,” Rafe commanded.
“Oh, I think it was the red bikini. She looked hot with a capital 'H'. The guys were tripping over themselves to offer her drinks, help her up when she fell, and then, of course, the dinner and drinks invitation. We were a little tempted to accept and tag along just to watch the show, but the boat was calling our names,” Lia answered.
Neither of his sisters was fooling him. He knew exactly what they were doing. Knowing didn’t matter, though. The thought of these unknown men flirting with Ari was causing a simmering burn in his gut. He needed to brand her – let the world know she wasn’t up for grabs. He planned on doing it soon.
“I need to speak to the Captain. Why doesn’t everyone get seated, and I’ll have dinner served immediately,” Rafe snapped as he walked from the room.
He decided right then that they were staying out for the night. He knew his family wouldn’t mind, and he wanted to keep Ari trapped on the ship with him – where she couldn’t possibly escape. He would show her who she belonged to.
He returned shortly and their first course was served. As she sat next to him, his temper cooled, but his desire continued to escalate.
Conversation filled the room as his exuberant family all spoke at once. Rafe was used to the loud voices of his family as everyone demanded to be heard. He enjoyed nothing better than sitting back and listening to his loved ones, especially now. It helped soothe his easily roused temper.