Page 15 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8
With a sharp inhale, Willow went to snatch her hand away.
But Jario, cursing under his breath, locked his fingers around her wrist, yanked her close once more, then swept her up into his arms.
If she’d hoped her diminished position would’ve softened him one iota as he marched towards his stateroom, she was wrong.
He stared down at her, a mountain of affront and testosterone and chiselled masculine perfection sending indecent and confusing fireworks shooting through her system.
‘You think you’re going to get out of this that easily? Think again,querida.’
CHAPTER THREE
ATSOMEPOINTduring his militant march through his private quarters, Willow squeezed her eyes shut.
She told herself it was so she could regain her composure, but she silently conceded she needed to block out how infuriatingly captivating she found him. How watching those sensual lips, the vibrant skin of his throat where a pulse steadily throbbed, the way his silky hair caressed his nape as he walked, all colluded to drive further heat between her legs.
An unacceptable, inappropriate condition to be suffering right now so soon after reminding herself of what David had done to her. How his lies and her needy emotions had betrayed her into thinkingthatrelationship, too, was worth salvaging until she’d learned how wrong she was.
She cringed as Jario’s steps slowed, then resolutely opened her eyes.
He’d brought her to his private kitchen.
From her long to-do list today, she knew the double-wide fridge, freezer, cupboards and bespoke wine cellar were stuffed full of every incredible food and drink item a pampered billionaire could crave.
Not that this man looked in any way pampered. Feeling his tensile strength, she cursed the heat rising into her cheeks. Luckily, he set her down at the ten-seater dining table and walked away before she grew fully flushed. It didn’t stop her traitorous eyes from dropping to his taut backside. To imagining—
Dear God, stop!
She wrenched her gaze away from his body, refocusing on her surroundings.
At this time of night, the sleek shutters usually parted to let in sunlight were drawn, inviting intimacy to the otherwise large space. Gleaming furniture and impeccable silverware created another masterpiece on a yacht that had repeatedly made her jaw drop at every turn.
Settled in one stylish chair she was sure cost more than a month’s pay, she watched Jario briskly set platters on the centre island in preparation of a meal.
Decadent, delicious smells attacked her neglected senses, and she cringed harder when her stomach let out an almighty growl. His gaze flicked to her but she busied herself straightening a piece of perfectly placed flatware.
Had she not feared another bout of dizziness striking, she would’ve gotten up and left. The plate he slid in front of her, piled high with an assortment of hand-rolled sushi, tomato and mozzarella tacos, slices of ham on focaccia bread drizzled with oil, and a tiny platter of golden Ossetra caviar with crackers, defused any attempted mutiny.
As hodgepodge gourmet food went, it was the most incredible and delicious combination she’d ever sampled, and heaven help her, she couldn’t stop her soft moans of appreciation as she devoured the food.
Only to feel an ominous tingling in her throat five minutes later.
Oh, God...oh, God...oh, no!
Her alarmed gaze flew over the food, attempting to identify the culprit for the oncoming reaction. Grabbing a napkin to spit out the mouthful before she worsened her situation, she shoved back from the table.
Jario jerked upright from where he’d been leaning against the island, hawklike eyes narrowing. ‘What’s wrong?’ He closed the gap between them in one second flat. When she didn’t respond fast enough, he gripped her arms, his face looming closer as the vise closed around her throat.
Oh, God...no.
‘Willow.’ The growled bite of her name forced words from her.
‘Mmm...a-aller-gic...sh-shomething...’ She waved a hand at the platter. ‘N-need ep-EpiPen.’
‘Que? Hijo de—’He cut himself off, released her and sprinted for the phone. ‘Send the doctor up here, right now! Tell him to bring something for anaphylaxis.’
Three seconds later he was sweeping her off her feet, laying her on a nearby sofa.
‘Mmm...fine—’