This body of work is available exclusively on Wattpad. If you're viewing it on a different website or under a different username, it has been illegally stolen, and you may be at risk of malware. Please do not support these sites, as writing a book takes long hours of hard work and effort. Head over to Wattpad and let me, the original author, know if you encounter this situation by finding me @greenwitchwrites.

Allegra

Is this what fun feels like? Is this what I have been missing out on? I look up at the DJ, his eyes landing on mine as his hand moves to press a switch. The bass drops, causing an eruption of shouts and screams from the large crowd, sweaty bodies swaying and moving in perfect harmony with the music—theirs, not mine. Luckily the alcohol was having the desired effect, and my usually inhibited personality was nowhere to be seen. I close my eyes, letting the music take over as I dance in a sea of strangers. I feel light and free, my hands traveling over my body as the beat of the music thrums in my veins.

How many cocktails had I had so far? I try calculating, but with the loud music and fuzzy feeling in my head, the answer alludes me. Definitely a lot more than I usually have. I was a lightweight when it came to alcohol.

A tap on my shoulder has me spinning around as the very man making sure my drink is topped up stands before me, a large smile on his face and two shots in his hand. He gestures for me to follow him to an empty round table on the outskirts of the crowd on the beach.

I don't know how this happened. I only planned on having one cocktail and then heading back to Niklaus's villa. But at Kraven's insistence and my resolution remembrance, I ordered another one. The second one was all it took to chip away at my resistance. Coupled with Kravens charming company and witty conversation, here I was. God only knows how many drinks down. The longer I chatted with Kraven, the more uneasy Daniel appeared, cautioning me to take it easy and not drink too much, even telling me that I have had enough. That only made me more determined. I'm a grown woman. I can make my own choices. I decide when I have had enough.

"Let's try something different, sweetheart," Kraven says, handing me the shot. I have long ago stopped telling him not to call me sweetheart. Or any of the other pet names he chooses to label me with. He doesn't listen and appears to be one of those guys who are used to getting their way, no matter anyone else's opinion.

"What is it?" I ask, taking the shot with one hand while I steady myself with the other by gripping the table.

"Tequila. Only the best." Kraven doesn't wait for a response but instead clinks his shot glass against mine and says, "Bottoms up."

One more won't hurt, I think, ignoring the swim of my head and sway of my body. The liquid burns my throat, and I scrunch up my nose in disgust, eliciting a throaty laugh from Kraven. I haven't had tequila in ages. So long ago, I actually can't remember when. I also haven't had this much fun in forever, now that I think about it. My mind goes back to Nilklaus, as it has done all evening. Since meeting him, I have felt and done things I haven't felt or done in years.

"Earth to Allegra. You still here, babe?" Kraven asks, his close proximity to me only now becoming clear. His hand is on my back, rubbing small circles on the exposed flesh. He seems interested in me, but I'm just not attracted to him in that way. I wish Niklaus were here instead. I know that is a little unfair, as Kraven has been nothing but attentive and sweet all night, but still, he just isn't what I want.

"Sorry, I zoned out," I say, laughing and hoping I don't appear crazy to him. Or odd. Most people find me odd.

"I'm boring you. Not the effect I usually have on women." Kraven laughs, but I can sense a bit of frustration underneath. If you had asked me two weeks ago, I might agree with him. But this is after Niklaus. He was what I craved. What my body desired with such an intensity that my skin tingled and my pussy throbbed just thinking about him.

"I'm sorry. Your company is great, really, but..." I trail off, not knowing how to let someone down without hurting them.

His hand shoots up and clutches his chest, just over his heart, in a mock gesture that I have hurt him.

"Wow. I'm not used to being rejected. You surprise me." While I thought my rejection of him would make him angry or push him away, it seems to have the opposite effect. He smiles broadly, quirking his head to the side as he looks at me thoughtfully.

"I'll just have to try harder then," he says quietly, his gaze locked on mine, as his finger brushes a strand of my hair and tucks it behind my ear. The intensity and intimacy of the moment are heavy between us, and I sense there is so much more behind his words. What, I'm not sure.

"You'll be wasting your time," I say, laughing as I try to diffuse the situation.

"So, is it someone else? I don't see you here with anyone, and no man in his right mind would leave you roaming around alone on this island in that bikini. I've already had to put several men in their place in the few hours I have been in your company."

Kravens words both sting my pride and soothe it, though I know the last part is fabricated. Why would anyone be looking at me? This bikini is slightly risqué, but looking around mine seems mild in comparison, and the women here are way better looking. I've recognized three models from top modeling agencies in the last three hours alone mingling in the crowd. So while Kravens' words are sweet, he has undoubtedly exaggerated them for effect.

The disbelief must be clear on my face, prompting his next words.

"I swear. Your naivety when it comes to just how gorgeous you really are is even more endearing."

I blush, looking away. Is this a line he uses on all women, I wonder, willing my cheeks to return to their normal shade?

"So, you haven't answered my question. Is there someone else?" Kraven prompts, his elbows resting on the table as he waits patiently for me to answer.

How did I answer that question? What exactly are Niklaus and I? Friends, lovers, dating?

"I did come here with someone, but he had to leave. An emergency or something. He didn't say what," I look away, embarrassment flooding me as I recall the way Niklaus had left without even saying a word to me. Not even a text to see how I was doing. This was clearly a one-sided infatuation.

"He at least called to check on you?" Kraven asks as if reading my mind.

I shake my head and look away, the alcohol making me sensitive as tears threaten to spill. Ugh, this is why I don't drink. I get way too emotional.

"If you were mine, you would know exactly where you stand with me. You would know every minute how special you are to me. And if I had to go somewhere, I would leave you with an impression that no man would be able to match." Kravens words have me shifting on my feet as his hand grabs mine on the table, lifting it to his mouth as he lays a kiss on my knuckles.

The problem was that Niklaus had already made an impression on me that no other man was able to match. Even this one in front of me saying all the right things. The only one perhaps who could hold a candle was the man in the rose garden four years ago. But he was a stranger I would never see again.

Kraven gently lowers my hand in his to rest on the table. His eyes dart to a figure behind me, his words causing my chest to constrict.

"Well, well, if you'd look at that. There's Niklaus Rosi with his girlfriend Eve. They look so good together, don't you think?"

Slowly, I turn around, my eyes scanning the bodies until they land on a beautiful couple. The woman from the online articles hangs from Niklaus' arm, her barely there sheer dress sticking to her magnificently curved body. She is looking up at Niklaus with adoration, the smile on her red-painted lips lighting up her whole face as she flicks her blond hair in a seductive fashion to land over her shoulder.

I expect Niklaus' gaze to be fixed on the goddess clinging to his side, but when I finally drag my gaze away from her to look at him, grey eyes meet brown. And in them, I see only one emotion. Anger.

Please don't forget to comment and vote!