Page 124 of Titus

At the center sat a massive infinity pool, its black water spilling seamlessly toward Newport Harbor until the yacht itself seemed to disappear into the ocean.

Beyond the pool, the lights of Newport shimmered across the water like gemstones had been cast into it.

I turned to take it all in. Behind us was floor-to-ceiling glass that revealed Titus’s more intimate living quarters. It was bathed in soft light, with dark wood and his massive bedroom facing the ocean.

A private lounge area sunken beside a marble fireplace. All of it was breathtaking, but more than that—it felt personal. More intimate than the rest of the yacht.

I looked out over the infinity pool slowly. “This is all so very beautiful.”

Titus’s gaze remained fixed on me rather than the view. “I thought you’d enjoy this area. It’s less formal and more intimate. I wanted you to feel comfortable and not intimidated.”

The quiet sincerity in his voice hit harder than it should have because this was a man who didn’t care whether people approved of what he owned. He was more the type to intimidate everyone with his wealth, as if that were what defined him.

Tonight, he wasn’t doing that. He seemed to be trying to keep that side of himself from showing, as though he knew I wasn’t impressed by anything overly lavish.

That realization wrapped around my chest before I could stop it.

I stepped farther onto the deck slowly as the ocean wind moved through my hair.

“It’s gorgeous,” I admitted, then let out a soft laugh. “I might be saying that all night.”

Titus smirked in response. “I’m grateful you approve. You never looked impressed by the money.”

Titus’s hand stayed against my lower back, warm through the silk of my dress as he guided me along the edge of the pool.

At the far end of the private deck, near the glass railing overlooking Newport Harbor, a cellist played beneath soft ambient lighting while candles in hurricane glasses flickered across the table.

The entire setup looked breathtaking against the harbor skyline and was romantic enough to make my stomach tighten nervously.

Everything about this felt warm and intimate rather than overly formal.

We sat at a smaller circular table near the water, its cream linen tablecloth moving softly in the breeze. It was set with black stone dinnerware and crystal wine glasses, catching candlelight. Beside the table sat a bottle of deep red wine already breathing beside two glasses.

I sat slowly at the table as he moved around it to sit across from me. I watched as the candlelight caught the sharp lines of his face as he loosened his jacket slightly before taking his seat.

As if this weren’t enough, the cellist shifted into another soft Spanish melody. It was more romantic than I could ever dream up, even if I tried.

A member of the staff appeared silently beside the table. “Wine, sir?”

Titus nodded once before the glasses were poured.

When the staff member disappeared, I lifted my glass slightly. “My drink of choice.”

“Red,” he smirked. “I know. It’s what you requested at my house when I had you for dinner.”

I stared at him, shocked he’d remember some small detail like that.

His gaze held mine in the candlelight for a moment before he finally gestured toward the table.

“I had the chef prepare bluefin tuna crudo to start.”

I blinked. “That sounds delicious.”

“I’m glad you approve. The tuna is served with blood orange, avocado mousse, chili oil, and sea salt,” he continued calmly. “Then the sea bass. Citrus beurre blanc. Roasted vegetables.”

I stared at him suspiciously.

“Sea bass just so happens to be my favorite.”