We spend less time at the palace and more on the sea. Jace's yacht is Megatron, a literal steroid machine. I've never seen a boat so tall and with so many levels. 6 total.

There's a mini cabin on the inside, complete with spacious bathrooms. This place is too nice to sip on wine, so Salvatore's Legacy, a cocktail retailing at $8,316, is Jace's recommendation. There's a built-in bartender bot, much like a coffee maker, only wider. There are so many options. The Winston Cocktail, The Diamond Is Forever Martini, Legacy by Angostura, Ruby Rose, etc.

I can't pronounce the foreign ingredients...I've never worked with such quality.

"Where has this been all my life?" I sip on the drink, relishing the exotic flavors. "I should've applied to work on a yacht." I laugh. We're on a sofa bench on the deck. My feet rest on his lap.

Jace massages them in circular motions. "Speaking of work. I think I know your calling."

"Do you, Mr. Genius?"

"I do, Ms. Beauty Queen." He grins. "My architect is constructing a blueprint for a cutting-edge studio."

"Huh? A studio?"

"Yes."

"For what?"

"For you, the dance instructor."

I blink rapidly. "I'm a what?!"

"You heard me right." He grins.

"But...but, I'm not that."

"You'll get there."

"What if I don't?" I ask, flustered.

"You're in the intermediate stage. You'll be higher in about a year. The studio will be waiting for you until then."

I move my feet from his lap and crawl to him. "Do you really think I'm that good?"

"You are."

"You haven't even seen me dance solo."

"So, dance for me."

I down the fancy drink, then stand. "I'm a little tipsy, so if I stumble, please think it's sexy."

"I will, baby."

"Ahh!" I squeal and hop to kiss him. "You called me baby!"

"Because you are my baby." His husky tone bubbles my gut.

"And you're mine." I beam. "Which means you get an exclusive show. I don't think I told you that me and Lil took erotic dance lessons."

"Oh, I'm in for a surprise." He crosses his legs and leans back on the sofa.

"Alodia, play Terrible Thing."

The song boosts from high-def speakers. I run my hands through my hair and down to my neck. I'm sure to part my lips and tilt my head back so I'm sizzling with seduction. I rotate my hips side to side with the song's slow tempo. My hands slide down to my breast, caged by a sweetheart neckline dress. My palms rub at the top of my boobs, then down to my nipples. The tiny black dress I have on is booty short length. I turn around and do a sexy self-hug, trailing my hands to my sides, hips, and squeezing my butt cheeks. I bend to my ankles, glide my fingers up my bare legs.

On the way up, I toot my ass and arch my back, slithering like a belly dancer. Jace is enthralled and bothered. His hand moves to his crotch. "Don't jerk off yet." I wiggle a finger at him. "Bad boy." I curve my back, stick my tailbone out, and contort my stomach. This forms an effortless body roll. My collarbone to my pelvis is loose. I rub at my crotch and to the middle of my legs. I repeat this and get myself off enough to moan. I bat my lashes at him, raising my chin and opening my mouth.

"God damn...you're so hot."

"Am I?" His hand tightens on his crotch. "Uh uh uh, not yet." Jace relaxes his hand. I swizzle my hips and claw at my hair, fingering the strands upward. I dip down with my hands on my legs, slipping my head towards the floor. I whip my hair and pop my back. Then gyrate in a circle, swinging my hair, which is past my neck now. My palms run up from my legs and stop at my panties, where I tap. I go on circling and patting my bean.

"I'm hard."

"You can jerk it...only once." Jace does a long tug of his dick, cherishing the release it brings. His brows furrow, his mouth hangs. I spread my legs like a sexy spy and smack my thighs three times. He groans at the sound of my spanking skin. I catwalk to him in heels. The table before him is my target. I place one heel onto it to show off my leg in the short dress. "Should I remove a layer?" My voice oozes innocence.

"Please do."

"Come unzip me." Jace gets up. He slips his piping hot hands into the back of my underwear. "No, no, no, sir." I grab him by the collar of his shirt and lead him back to the couch. "Bad boy, you stay there." I push at his chest to make him sit.

"This new dominance thing is too spicy for me."

"Good...get used to it." I model walk to the table and step atop it. The white stone of it is smooth. I wiggle out of the dress and wring it between my legs like floss. Jace inhales and grumbles; he all but drools at the cloth massaging me down there. I toss it his way, the dress lands beside him. I strut on the long table, never moving my sensuous eyes from his. His neon eyes zone in on me. He's whipped. Good.

I get on my knees, part them, and hump toward him. Jace gives a throaty mumble. I smirk and hump one last time before spinning into a doggy position. I keep my face in his direction, my hair hangs. I dive with the top of my head and down to the table, lowering myself with my arms. My back is snatched to the air, so is my ass. I wipe the surface with my face, moving like a venomous serpent. My eyes are suggestive as I scoot my head down the stone table.

"Oh...you little devil." He licks his plentiful lips.

"I don't know what you mean." I act clueless. I cat crawl to the end of the table. "Meow." I purr. Jace stares at my hands as they take tiny paces forward. Once at the end, I swipe the cocktail bottle, lay on my back, and pour it all over my breasts. "Come lick it off." The bubbly foam of the cocktail trickles down my breast in all directions.

Jace is spelled by the dripping; his sight doesn't leave my chest. I love how lethargic his eyes are. He's so horny. My baby comes to kneel over me. He bites at my neck before slurping up the liquid leaking down my boobs. He drinks it up. "Can I see them?"

"No...but you can drop a load on them."

"Hmm...so I'm allowed to jerk off now?"

"Yes."

Jace rolls down his pants to show off his beasty penis. He uses both hands to hammer away. The skin of his shaft stretches with each yank. He's harsh. I fear him ripping it out of its socket. I use two digits to massage the pink tip, where the slit is. I beat my fingers on the lining of my lower lips.

"Oh, mmm! Ugh!" Jace bellows. I rejoice at the sound; he doesn't stop his singing until a splat of white showers my chest. I gasp at the hotness. "Ahhh! Oh, uh, mmm!!" He growls.

The consistency of his cum is like an explosion of glue. Silly string glue. There's a pool on my chest. I smell him for the first time. A cologne...a beefy, saucy cologne. I mumble and use my hand to scoop it up. It lathers my fingertips like goo. "Taste it."

I take a big whiff, My mouth streams with saliva. I suckle my fingers. My flooding mouth spreads the semen around. I hum at the flavor. This is a secret sauce! "Mmm mmm!"

Jace beats off. "How about a throat shot?"

I remove my fingers from my mouth. "Yes, please." I cuff my teeth high, so there's no sharpness. Jace inserts his tip. His stone is heavy against my tongue. It bounces. The spanking meat noise makes me whimper.

Jace wails and squirts two wads onto my tongue. It washes down my throat like scorching butter. I have to swallow three times to fully get it down. I fight for air once it clears my throat. I heave for oxygen, then widen my mouth for more.

"Let's go for a swim."

"Wait..." I sit up. "We're done?"

"Once you agree to move in, there'll be no more stopping. Until then, let's get cleaned up." He carries me to the bottom deck, to a railing, which automatically opens. "Are you afraid of heights?"

"Kinda..."

"It'll be quick. On 3.1.2.3." Jace jumps into the sea.

My stomach flips. I clench my eyes closed and hold him around the neck. The plunge into the cool water shocks me. I open my eyes. Under the sea is lightless.

I can't see anything...not even my body.

I'm reminded of the void I was in, only this time, a heaviness pulls me down. Which makes it much scarier. I want to shout this to him, but only bubbles leave my mouth. I'm glad when I feel his feet peddle upwards. The dark water exfoliates my skin on the way up. We break to the surface.

I dry my eyes and inhale roughly. "It's so dark down there!" My voice expresses fear.

"Aww." He kisses me. "Next time I'll have the drones light the way. Okay?"

"Okay." I smooch him back. "You have on too many clothes for a late night swim." I pull his drenched shirt over his head. "That's better." We float under the night sky. The boat sheds enough light to ease me. I'm not afraid anymore. I adore how his eyes shine under the moonlight. "About moving in...I'm going to go back home."

He frowns. "So that's a no?"

"And pack."

He scoffs. "You didn't have to word it like that."

"Well, I did. What are you going to do about it?" I splash him with water.

"Wow..."

"Is that all you got?" I challenge, holding my arms out like a champ. Jace windmills his arms. Half of the sea whacks my face and chest. "Nooo stoppp!!" I take cover.

"No, I'm showing you what I got."

The tidal wave he creates forces me to swim away. "Jace, stop!" I throw water back at him as I flee. He chases after me like a wacky inflatable man. It's horrifying! I scream and double my pace to get away. The water flies high behind me; much like a sprinkler. "I didn't do it for this long with you! Stop!" I try to climb the deck, but I struggle. I'm not tall enough. Jace gains on me. "If you don't stop, I won't move in!"

He halts and flicks his hair from his face. "Alright, I'll compromise. Next time, I won't."

"I'm never swimming with you again."

"Oh, yes, you will." He raises me by the legs so I can reach the deck.

"Never again." I cross my arms.

Jace boards; wagging his hair like a dog. Flickers of water spray me. "Ugh! Stop!" I run inside. Water drips from my body like a shower.

"Okay, I'll stop." He follows me. "So, what time are you flying out?" Jace collects two towels from a wall shelf. He hands me one, then begins drying my hair.

"Bright and early." I use the towel to wipe off his chest.

"Your voice has been added to the command, so the jet will obey you."

"That's so cool!" I geek out. " If I wanted to go to Paris, would take me?"

"Yes."

"How about... Australia?"

"Anywhere you can think of."

"Wow." I gawk. "How many places have you been?"

"I've been to 84 countries."

I roll my eyes. "Great...now I'm jealous."

He wipes my nose. "Don't be, you'll catch up."

"Game on."

"I'll give you a head start."

"Oh, ready for round 2 already?" I squeeze his nipples.

"You'll get that when your address changes."

"Fine, I'll leave the hotel. But my parents are staying there. I wouldn't want to kick them out. They have nowhere else to go."

"I have a penthouse I'm not using."

"Whoa, a penthouse?"

"Yes." He swaggers. "I want my girlfriend's parents comfortable in style. I'll give you the address."

"So that makes you my boyfriend?" I blush.

"Until further notice." I'm so amazed that he wants marriage! Am I living a fairytale?? He towels off the rest of my body, from head to toe. I do the same for him, resisting the urge to blow his giant dick.

Our bedroom is on the top deck, surrounded by sheer curtains. The wind is gentle. The ship steers ahead in a smooth glide. I curl against him in bed and watch the starry sky through the drapes.

In the morning, I board the jet in a pink sundress. I inform my parents about moving in with Jace and about the penthouse. I text them the address.

Mom: Is this a joke??

Me: Nope 😎 enjoy

Mom: Thank Jace for us 🥳

That was so nice of him. Also, who just has an unused penthouse? He's so pampered. I admire the ocean on the flight home. Jace was out by the morning; I'm not sure where he went. Probably to his factory or to Strygent Tower downtown. The plane lands at his airline. There's a train station attached. Good...no car. I really need to get past that phobia.

At my hotel room, I clear out my closet, bathroom, and dressers. I have two jumbo suitcases that I fill to the rim. I debate undressing the bed. I don't think I'll need the spread or pillows. It takes about three hours until I'm all packed. I super clean with disinfectant and Pine Sol. I wipe every surface and mop the floors. There's really only dust since I only used this place to sleep. It's not a big job.

I get sentimental. Yeah, it's simple, but it used to be home. I don't see myself returning to a simple life after the island. Or as a soon-to-be business owner. No, correction, dance instructor of a studio. I can't believe Jace is having one built. He must really have faith in me. I text him:

I still can't believe the studio!

I Febreze the room, the furniture, and the bed. I soak up the shower and the sink, rinse both and wash the dishes. The last thing I do is open the windows for fresh air. My phone buzzes.

Jace: You deserve it 🤍

Me: Thank you 🤍

Jace: Are you packed?

I snap a picture of my bare apartment and my suitcases. Me: Yep 😁. I wipe my sweaty forehead. Jace sends three photos of his lab. Car, drone, and robot manufacturing stations. The factory is immense!

Me: I want to see your toy shop 😉

Five knocks sound from the door. I whip around. Huh? Who's coming over? My mom or my girls? They would have texted, though. Unless this is a pop-up visit. I go to the door, assuming it's my crew coming to surprise me. When I open it, my life flashes before my eyes.

No!

Bad memories swarm my mind. My hands wacking at Brad's chest...him restraining me and flipping me over. My pants wiggling down. My legs kicking.

I take a defensive stance, balling my fists. Brad's hair is longer; he has a short beard now. He looks different...but he's still someone who hurt me. "What are you doing here?!" I hiss.

"Maddy, can we talk?" His cocoa eyes convey sorrow.

"Don't call me that! You need to leave!" I try to slam the door, but his foot blocks it.

"Please, can we talk?" His tone is calm despite his shoe being smushed.

"No! How did you even know I was here? Are you stalking me?!"

"I asked the receptionist to call me when you came back. There's something I need to tell you." I push on the door; his hand braces the knob to combat me. "Please, it'll just take a second."

"I already know what it is; you don't love me. Stop saying you do and leave me alone!" I search the room for a weapon. My heart smashes my ribcage. The broom is the only thing I can reach. I race to it and hold it out like a sword. "Go away!"

"Just give me one minute." He walks in with his hands up.

"Why don't you just leave?!"

Brad takes something out of his pocket. I point the broom at him like a spear. There's an oval pin in his hand. "I just want you to know I'm trying. I still love you." He holds it out to me.

I curiously reach to take it; he grimaces at my jittery hands. I yank it and back away fast. "NOW LEAVE!!"

"I'll go." Brad backpaces into the hall. "I'm sorry, Madison." He sadly watches my trembling hands. I hurry to slam the door and lock it. I hold my chest. My hands vibrate like a jackhammer. The pin falls to the floor. I look down to read it:

ANGER MANAGEMENT ONE MONTH RECOVERY.

I bend to pick it up. One month of recovery? Is Brad actually getting better? Does he mean it? I think he's just being manipulative...but this badge looks authentic. If he is attending an AA group, that's great. It'll fix him. What he did was evil. I can't forgive it.

The times we had together bomb rush my mind. Ice cream in the car. The yellow rose. Holding hands. Our first date in the club. The kiss at his place. Brad was the first guy I shared a bed with. The first physical contact I've ever had. Do I throw this pin out and move on? What do I do? I never stopped caring for him. I'm not sure if I can trust him. Is he acting sad to trick me again? Or is he genuinely sorry? Is he lying?

I shake my head.

I think he is...he lied before. Why is now different? Because he has a badge of sobriety??? NO!! HE'S VILE!!! Just as my therapist said!

"It isn't my fault. I will overcome his evil act." I tell myself to calm my nerves. "It isn't my fault. I will overcome his evil act." I toss the badge in a garbage can and retrieve my suitcases. I open the door and roll the luggage out. The past attacks me again. Flashbacks play in my mind. The night I met Brad outside the club.

"Hi."

"Hi." I stare up at him bashfully.

"You look great. I'm shocked that I wasn't catfished."

"Oh, don't get me started on that." I roll my eyes.

"Uh oh, you're a victim too?" He chuckles.

"I'm more like a test subject."

He laughs adorably. "Test subject, that's funny. You're really pretty; you're like the prettiest girl I've seen on Tinder."

"Oh, stop it." I wave a hand.

"No, I mean it."

I reluctantly eye the pin in the trash can. I bend to retrieve it and stuff it in a pouch on my suitcase. I can keep it as a souvenir of our relationship. Brad was my first love story. I think it's okay to keep it.

I FaceTime my parents and Lil on the train. "Hey! I'm heading back."

"Yay!" Lil celebrates.

"Have you finally told Jace?"

My dad is baffled by my mom's question. "Told him what?"

"It's girl stuff...you should step away."

"Oh..." Dad, who's sitting on an armrest beside her, gets up. "I'll check out the jacuzzi."

"Your dad and I are loving the penthouse! Can we stay forever??" She chuckles.

Lil analyzes me through the camera. "Now that you're moving in, you have to tell him."

"I think I can hold off."

"I say tell him."

"Same; you two are serious. Jace has to tell you everything, and vice versa. Plus, I want a wedding!" Mom pouts. "Are you nervous he won't want a virgin?"

"A little. I know most guys don't care, but what if he compares me to other women?"

"He won't. I saw how he looked at you at the airport. Jace is wrapped around your finger. He loves you."

"Plus, you have sex books; put his exes to shame."

"I'm rusty," I admit.

"Oh my, Madison! You have sex books?!" My mom is surprised by this.

"She also mimicked porn chicks; you have a baddy of a daughter."

"Really, Lil??" I scoff. "Mom, she was the one who corrupted me."

"I mean...it's not a bad thing. Hone the skill, I guess." She titters.

"When are you guys visiting?" I end the awkward conversation.

"I'm going to be honest...I don't want to leave!" Mom switches the camera around to showcase the luxurious city view. "Also, you two need privacy. Tell him the truth...be honest."

"You guys are roommates; you have to share."

"We slept in the same bed..."

Lil facepalms. "Okay, you really have to tell him now."

"He has to know...guys can spot a virgin." Mom disputes.

"Nope...he doesn't." I grin roguishly.

"Jace hasn't explored your garden?"

"Really, mom, a garden?" I snigger. "And no, he hasn't. I haven't let him."

"Jace is gonna freak out." Lil states.

"I wonder how he'll react."

Once in the jet, I command it to take me to Alodia. I should have said take me home because it is my new safe haven. I'm moving in with a billionaire! WHAT THE FUCK?! HOW IS THIS REAL? AM I STILL IN THAT COMA?

Everything is going so well...too well to be true. All except Brad.

Why did I pack his pin? I should throw it in the ocean. My life in California is no longer who I am. I feel a change coming on. A good one. I want all of Jace, his past, present, and future. I have to give all of myself as well. I have so many questions. He never talks about his parents....or if he has siblings. I need to know more in order to share my secret.

I notice storm clouds forming around the island. The craft lands. I hurry out to view the battering sea and dark sky. I always wanted a good storm. One that's perfect for ghost stories. The burnt, fiery scent from above mystifies me.

A drone wheels my way. "Please retire inside; there is a tropical storm arriving." The bot gathers my luggage, extending flat trays to collect both cases. It trails the ultra-green grass to the mansion.

When I get upstairs, I hear Jace in his office: "we've been through this before. The black market is inescapable; increasing price margins won't correct piracy. I'll keep to the original mission statement." There's a brief pause; he paces the office and sighs. "No...the rich have never been the target audience. All classes are. Pollution will never improve if the elites are the only contributors. Unity brings change; high price tags don't."

Who is he talking to? His boss? No, he's the CEO of Strygent...that makes no sense. This is relative to that piracy article I read. What can Jace do about it? Nothing at all. Scammers invade every business on this planet; there's no way to end ripoffs.

In our room, I unpack. Thunder shocks the ground. The ashy clouds block out all sun. The misty weather outside is apocalyptic. Umm...okay...I want a good storm, not a bad one. I'm scared! My attention goes to the drone. "Is there a bunker?"

"Yes. There is one a mile below the estate. Ten thousand square feet and fully equipped for any disaster. The bunker can sustain for 50 years."

"How bad are the storms?"

"A historic tsunami flooded the island in 1995."

I huff in and out in fright. Outside the windows, the sky is smoky, and the wind is furious. The trees bend backward. The rain sounds like hail.

I jet to the hall and turn the corner, bumping into Jace. "Whoa!"

"Let's go to the bunker!" I pull him towards the stairs.

"Relax, it's just a storm, not the end of the world."

"It's crazy outside!"

"It's normal, trust me." He holds my hips. "Did you get everything?"

"Yeah, now let's take cover." Lightning crackles close to the house. I scream and duck.

"Come here." Jace takes me to the windows in his office. "This is Polycarbonate Glass; it's 200 times resistant to impact. The base of the mansion is tungsten, stronger than steel and titanium."

"But the drone said the island flooded before. How can all that stop the water?!"

"There are super pumps embedded in the ground. Any large surge is dealt with in seconds."

The clouds in the sky streak fast. The wind howls. The ground shakes from roaring thunder. "NO, I DON'T LIKE THIS!!" I cling to his wrists, petrified.

"Look at me." I do so with jumpy eyes. "I love you." I freeze in place. "You're safe here because I love you." The magnitude of his jade eyes relax my nerves.

"I have questions..."

"Ask me anything."

"Where are your parents? You never talk about them."

"They're in Singapore enjoying retirement."

"Do you have any siblings? Or are you an only child like me?"

"No, I have two brothers and a sister. They vacation for years on end. I see them on Christmas and New Years. Same as my parents."

"Do them know about me?"

"Yes, but only through the media, unfortunately."

"So...they believe the rumors?"

"Don't worry about it."

"I want to know."

"I'd rather not have my family stress you out."

"I'm guessing they're a handful?"

"Let's just say they're the snobbish part of fame."

"You're snobby too."

"They're worse."

I suck air through my teeth. "Oh...well, at least I have time to prepare."

"Don't worry about it."

"I know I asked this before, but I have to know. How many women have you been with? Be honest. I'm not gonna overreact."

Jace doesn't complain this time. Instead, he complies. "187."

My eyes widen. "Okay...okay. I knew it was high...just not that high!" I sputter. "Wow..."

"You?"

"Just Brad."

"Just one?!" Jace nearly shouts.

"Yeah."

"No way, you've been with more than one guy. You said you sext."

"It was only texting."

"Wow..."

"Are you only into experienced women?"

"Well...I'm into you."

"I'm not as experienced as the women you've been with."

"I think you're holding out on me."

"Umm, Jace?" I twiddle my thumbs.

"Yes, baby?"

Okay...I have to let him know my experience level. If I don't do it now, it'll be dragged out longer than needed. "I'm...a virgin." I take in his reaction. Jace is motionless. His body, eyes, and mind turn to stone. He ogles me as if I'm a new species. His attention goes to my crotch.

The storm rages beyond the windows, amplifying the reveal.

Is he turned off...or shocked? He needs to say something. I need to know what he's thinking! "Jace?"

"What did you just say?"

"I said I'm a virgin."

His sight wanders to my face to examine. Jace is trying to read me to uncover the truth. He's so bewildered that he shakes his head. "Bullshit...you're playing."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I'm not...you can check if you like."

#Romance
#Love