ROMAN
The next day, Sophie and Holden leave to enjoy their morning. They deserve it. I sleep in a little, then walk along the beach. I run into Matthew, always eager to burn some energy. He wipes his forehead and smiles at me.
“Is there a better place in the world to work out?”
“Not one I can think of.” I agree, then look at the sun rising over the ocean. “It’s gorgeous. A magical place to be.”
“Hence why we’re having a wedding here. And also why a certain someone is so wound up.” Matthew rests his hands on his hips and exhales sharply. I know he’s trying to control his panting.
“Look, I’m not judging.”
“But you don’t like what Bella made you agree to. Which is understandable.” He rubs the back of his neck and finally looks at me instead of the ocean. “Her parents are here. It was already hard enough to convince them that she wasn’t going to be a trophy wife because of the age difference.”
“I can’t imagine.”
“Oh, yes you can. I’m sure that Miles has said plenty to Sophia about why she shouldn’t be with you guys. How much older you are, how many of you there are, how fast you’re moving. And those are the kind of comments that could lead to worse things.”
“Like them discovering how you met?” I challenge.
Matthew rubs his bottom lip. “Roman, I … we made it up. How can I say that I met my soon-to-be wife because me and my five best friends were sharing her as a sub? Who would understand that, even within the BDSM community? There’s so much that could get her parents angry, and if they leave … I don’t know if there will be a wedding.”
“She loves you.”
“And women get crazy around weddings. It’s the stress, but she’s not seeing things clearly. You know that. She’s not catty like this. She doesn’t instigate like this. A part of me is worried that ….” He swallows and takes a slow breath. “That she’s wondering if she chose the right guy.”
“You are the best man in the world for Bella. I’ve never seen two people who have easier conversations, who I truly believe could take on hell together.” I take his shoulders. “Bella knows that you are her person, Matthew.”
He nods, then forces a smile. “I appreciate it, Roman. Just like I appreciate you guys going with this plan. You know Bella through me and from work, that’s it. And I appreciate it.”
“We are here for you, brother.” I pat his back. “War, civilian life, millions, rags, it doesn’t matter.”
“Good thing I chose you to give the speech.”
“I don’t remember a word I just said.”
“I wanted Gunner, but he can be … unpredictable.” Matthew walks with me towards the hotel. “And with this rule in place and how frazzled he’s seemed at work; I’m really worried about him.”
“You should talk to him. Carve out some time and let him know that he’s just as important to you.” I advise. “It could make a big difference.”
“Imagine that. Talking being the cure to anxiety and worry.” He chuckles. “Thank you, Roman. We’ll get together at the luau. It’s going to be excellent. Enjoy today, see the island, do everything that you guys have on your list … including whatever we wouldn’t approve of.”
“We’ll be far away from guests,” I assure him.
He grins and leaves me on the wooden walkway between the beach and the hotel. What a mess. Bella has reached a new level of barely contained stress which means she’s twice as controlling. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s at the spa to make sure that Holden and Sophie behave right now.
Hopefully not. They deserve some time to just hang out and be together. We all need that, I think. Together, with each other, with Sophie. Just like in Italy, where it was so easy … we need that kind of energy to make sure that we don’t crash and burn before the vows are said.
I check out a few different options for things we can do and have it narrowed down to hiking to the falls or horseback riding. We could potentially see a volcano, but I’m pretty sure that would devour a whole day.
The lock ticks, and Sophie comes in with Holden. As soon as the door shuts, she kisses him while giggling softly. She moans softly, and the sound goes right to my cock. As if I didn’t fuck her yesterday.
She turns and rubs her ass against Holden, but it’s obvious she’s glowing. The spa did her good. She’s back to being a healthy dose of sunshine. I nod to Holden and Sophie, and they grin back.
“How was your morning?” Holden asks.
“Good. I talked to Matthew. It was needed.” I nod.
Holden pats my shoulder and nods. Sophie looks between us. “You guys should see him for dinner after we do whatever we’re doing today.”