Page 6 of Scarred Temptation

And wondering if the darkness could possibly follow us all the way to paradise.

CHAPTER 2

Maxsim

“S lyubimym i v shalashe—ray.”

With a loved one, even a hut is paradise.

The old Russian proverb on paradise and love had been one small thing I remember hearing from a long time before. Perhaps as a child living in Moscow. I also remembered asking the meaning since to a young boy, it had made no sense. How strange that after thinking those very words this morning, I’d been forced to track down the true definition from the internet.

True love and happiness are far more important than material wealth, luxury, or comfort.

That’s what I’d read and I’d never truly thought about the meaning before. Even during what I’d thought had been the happiest time in my life. Now I wasn’t necessarily suggesting that I’d fallen in love, although in watching Isabel, including her reactions to being in the tropical location and her joy in sharing unfettered time together, I was questioning several aspects of my life.

Including what happiness even meant any longer.

Up until meeting the powerfully enchanting woman, I’d had responsibilities while compartmentalizing my emotions. With her I’d been freer to expose even what some in the darker parts of my life might call vulnerabilities.

Weaknesses, which of course a man in my position didn’t need and never wanted.

I rolled over, resting my head on my hand with my arm bent, peering down at the sleeping beauty while the sun cast golden rays across the length of the bed. Her face was shimmering as if she’d awakened covered in glitter, her long blonde hair forming a halo across the pillow.

There was a light flush to her cheeks given the humidity in the room with neither the open windows and doors nor the ceiling fans providing enough of a cooling breeze. Yet she was sleeping peacefully, whatever dream keeping her murmuring softly.

As I’d done several times before, I enjoyed the simplicity of just watching her. Although I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t horny as usual. My dick was rock hard, my balls already tight. She had a tremendous effect on my already raging libido.

She’d think my filthy thoughts so early in the morning evil even if she knew the true monster lay deeper within.

When she shifted, her brow and nose wrinkling, a strand of hair fell across her face. As gently as possible and using only the tip of my pinky, I brushed the hair away. Obviously, I’d tickled her face, her eyelids fluttering open just for a few seconds. She was truly the most beautiful woman I’d ever set eyes on and I’d experienced my share of them.

Although few intimately.

Another change when she’d found herself caught up in my world. Until her, I hadn’t been with another woman in years. I’d been too busy running an empire.

At least that’s what I’d continually told myself.

I’d also refused to bring anyone into my daughter’s world. Isabel hadn’t asked. She’d demanded. Or to be fair, fate had demanded.

Unfortunately, I’d disturbed her with my antics and she rolled over, turning away from me.

Perhaps it was my cue to get my ass out of bed and make coffee. Maybe I’d even tackle scrounging around for breakfast, although no one would ever confuse me for a chef. Easing out of bed, I did so as quietly as possible, grabbing a clean pair of briefs before I left the room. Everything in the villa was gourmet, especially the kitchen.

Nothing but the best for our impromptu vacation. My first in I wasn’t certain how long.

I had to laugh at myself as I struggled to remember where the coffee pods were. It had only been two days and she’d enjoyed playing hostess. After searching almost every cabinet, I finally found them, stiff in my actions as I placed a mug underneath and pressed the start button.

With the aroma filling the air, I moved to the bank of open glass doors, peering out at the sun dipping over the ocean water.

I’d selected the Fiji Islands for several reasons, including the privacy, but also because it was the first location on Earth every morning to receive the sunrise. And because of the islands and their location to the date line, they also enjoyed sunsets as well.

A truly stunning, magical place that seemed perfect to share with Isabel.

The scent of coffee grew stronger and even I could admit this man couldn’t live on sweet pussy juice alone. Although…

Still chuckling, I grabbed a cup, adding cream and enjoying the quiet calm of low tide, eventually making my way outside onto the deck. I’d spent so much of my life being alone that I’d never felt lonely. I’d learned at an early age that peace was fought for.

Perhaps there were some who’d say men of my brutal nature didn’t deserve tranquility and certainly not the opulence of everyday living I’d been provided. What they didn’t know what that for every achievement, every luxury fought for, there’d also been intense suffering.