Page 65 of Filthy Dirty Dom
Among the array, the housekeeper seemed to carefully select one, holding it up with a knowing smile. It was a beautiful piece in a shade of seafoam green. The design was simplistic yet feminine. It was a bandeau style, a metal clasp at the back providing support, and the bottoms were a high-waisted design, the side ties a charming detail.
The housekeeper extended the swimsuit to Leslie. "I believe this will fit and would look lovely on you," she declared with a satisfied nod.
Leslie reached out and gently took the seafoam green bandeau swimsuit from the housekeeper, the silky fabric slipping smoothly into her hands. Her fingertips traced the side ties of the high-waisted bottoms, the ends adorned with small gold beads.
As she looked at the swimsuit, she realized that it was not just a piece of clothing. The style, the color—it represented the luxury and exclusivity of the island, but also the thoughtfulness of the housekeeper.
"Thank you," Leslie said.
“Of course!” Rosa said. “Towels and sunscreen are over there.” She pointed to shelves to their right. “Let me know if you need anything else.”
“I will.”
As Rosa left, Leslie glanced at Alex. He was leaning against the laundry room wall, staring intently at the swimsuit Rosa had given her. For a second, she could read his thoughts. The way he fantasized about her in the swimsuit. And out of it.
Suddenly, however, he blinked, straightened and cleared his throat. “Let’s go back to the bedroom. You can change, and then you can take that swim.”
Fifteen minutes later, with the borrowed swimsuit hugging her form, Leslie made her way down to the private beach. The ocean was an incredible shade of blue, shimmering under the morning sun.
As Leslie tentatively stepped into the crystal-clear water, the gentle ebb of the tide lapped against her sun-warmed skin, sending a delicious shiver up her spine. The salty sea air filled her lungs. Her feet sank into the silky sand, each step sending cool ripples dancing around her.
Unable to resist, she turned back to the shore. Alex stood at the edge of the beach, a vision of power in his casual shirt and jeans, the hems slightly rolled up, his feet bare. His gaze was fixed on her, a searing intensity in his smoky eyes that felt like a physical touch, igniting a trail of goosebumps along her sun-kissed skin.
And then, in the blink of an eye, the connection was severed. Alex turned his head, his attention drawn towards the young guard suddenly standing a few meters away. It was the same young man Leslie had seen him interact with earlier—Nico, whom she now knew was Renee’s son.
She watched as they engaged in a quiet discussion, their expressions serious and focused.
Leslie swam, periodically stealing glances at the two men. Despite the tranquil setting, she felt a growing unease creeping in, a stark reminder of their situation.
While floating in the crystal-clear water, Leslie noticed the same little girl from earlier, Maria, come bounding down towards Alex. She watched as Maria tugged at the hem of Alex’s shirt, demanding his attention. This time, instead of standing aloof from the girl, Alex’s gentle smile was unmistakable as he engaged with her. Even from afar, she saw his demeanor soften as he spoke with the child.
Just as quickly as she had arrived, Nico scooped Maria up into his arms. He shared a few words with Alex before he and Maria left. Alex waved to Maria as Nico carried her away.
Alex's gaze fell to the ground, his hand absently rubbing his neck. His brows were furrowed, and she saw the tension in the lines of his body.
It didn’t look like Alex was getting the breather he’d implied he needed.
Leslie ascended from the cool embrace of the ocean, the seawater traced rivulets down her legs. She strode toward Alex.
"I like that suit on you," he said when she got closer.
"Thanks," Leslie replied, her fingers idly adjusting the edge of the swimsuit that clung to her hip.
His jaw flexed, the shadow of his stubble accentuating the hard lines of his face. He was silent for a beat, a storm brewing in his clouded eyes. "I mean it, you look amazing, Leslie," he murmured, his voice a deep rumble that sent a ripple of pleasure coursing through her.
"Amazing enough to do something about it?" she retorted.
His eyes sparked with a predatory hunger. It made Leslie sigh in relief that his desire for her was enough to ease him from whatever troubles he’d just been thinking about.
"I'll definitely do something about it," he purred, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper that sent shivers skittering down her spine. "But first, do you want to swim some more? Find the supplies to sketch? Because at some point today, I want to hit those self-defense lessons we talked about.”
Leslie tipped her head to the side. “You really turn it on and off rather quickly, don’t you?”
He looked surprised then nodded. “If you mean I can easily switch between my personal life, my personal thoughts, and thoughts about your security, it’s what I’ve been trained to do. And yet, you don’t like it.”
To his statement, she said, “I think I’m trying to understand it. But still not understanding it, I don’t like what it means for you. Do you ever completely immerse yourself in your feelings, your desires? Is there ever just space for Alex to get what he wants and needs?”
He reached out, his fingers trailing over her damp shoulder. “You are what I want and need. Your safety. Your body. Everything about you. That means keeping you safe. If that means I live a life in which I can only live two halves of two wholes, so be it.”