Chapter 38: chapter 38

Elora's POV----------------The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a mesmerising display of colours across the sky and the sea and a gentle breeze rustling my hair as I stroll through the local market. Looking at all the beautiful and unique things they have to offer.I thought only a few people were present on the island since Rodas told me it was his private island. Turns out a fishing village is present on the other side. Now my senses are overwhelmed by all the lively chatter of the people around me.I asked Liam if he could come with me but he said he had to go back to his work. So it's just me and the person walking behind me now.Rodas Castillo.Silently following me everywhere I go. I still haven't properly talked to him and he isn't forcing me to but he isn't letting me out of his sight either.Even the flowery shirt and half-pants aren't masking his Mafia King Demeanor, which is why we are also getting a lot of stares and whispers from the people around us. I start walking quickly so that people don't think I'm with him. I just want to peacefully explore around. "Beautiful lady," I stop when an old shopkeeper woman calls for me. She is selling sea-inspired accessories. My eyes scan the display, taking in the shimmering sea necklaces, seashells earrings, and pendants. Too pretty for my eyes. "Here... Look at this" she hands me a bracelet.I take it in my palm. It had small colourful seashells and iridescent beads."You can give this to your lover... It's a valuable piece," she says.I glance over my shoulder at Rodas. He is a few metres away from me, talking with a group of people. I frown. What's he doing? He better not be harsh with anyone. "Mr Castillo is visiting here after such a long time." The old woman says suddenly. I look at her, confused. "How do you know him?" I ask."Who doesn't know Mr Castillo here? This island was in bad shape after a tsunami swept away everything. The former owner ran away with people's money. Then Mr Castillo adopted this island. He doesn't even take any money from us, Instead, he keeps making sure we are safe even though he doesn't come himself all the time." A smile flashes across my face hearing the old women's words. He sure has the charisma, doesn't he?"Grandma, I will take this bracelet," I tell her."How much is-""You can take it for free," Grandma interrupts me.I shake my head offering her the money but she refused to take it."Today is my last day here... My son is going to take me away tomorrow to the States. You don't have to worry about it." She says, happiness dripping in her voice. "Thank you so much, Grandma... Have a good journey!" I hug her. "Just don't forget to give that bracelet to your lover ok?" I chuckle, giving her a nod.I put the bracelet into my purse and start walking around again.When the night falls, I went to sit with a group of people around a fire, playing guitar and singing songs. I'm listening attentively when I feel someone sitting beside me and it's not Rodas, I know just by his smell. I abruptly turn to look at the person.A handsome man with an attractive smile. He raises the bottle of beer at me and starts drinking. I look around but do not see Rodas anywhere near. Did he give up? I'll just stay here for thirty more minutes and go back to the room. "Nice weather eh?" The man says, startling me again.I smile and nod. "Are you here alone?" He asks again."For now" I reply.He smirks and offers me his hand. "Care for a dance? Of course, for now" he winks at me.I hesitate at first but then all the eyes are on me. It would be insulting to this guy if I don't agree. Besides, Rodas is not here. Dancing little wouldn't hurt.So, gulp down a bottle of beer and take his hand and we start with a slow dance. "You're beautiful," he says."Oh yeah!" He nods."And hot" he whispered near my ear before spinning me around.I giggle. I haven't danced in a while and this feels fun or is it the alcohol in my system?"I have a boyfriend" I blurt out."I thought so," I laugh loudly."And he is grumpy and angry all the time" The man widens his eyes. "He is?" "And if he sees me dancing with you right now... You'll be on the ground in a second" I say, my words slipping out in cursive. We both laugh and continue dancing but it doesn't last long. "That's enough!" I hear Rodas's voice and in a second, I'm separated away from the man and pulled into a warm familiar chest."Here, comes the grumpy and angry nose" I mumble."Back off bastard," Rodas roars at the man.Then he carries me on his back and starts walking away from the fire and the music. Why the heck does he have to put his nose into everything? I hit him in the back and pull his hair."Stop it, put me down," I shout."Elora, Enough!!" He warns but I still want to dance. "I want to dance, take me back there!" I whine."You can dance as much as you want in the room" "Liar," I say and punch his back one more time before putting my head on his shoulderOnce we reach the room, he put me down on the bed and start taking off my clothes."What are you doing?" I pout, glaring at him."You need to take a shower!" I kick his hands away and move to the corner before grabbing my bag and looking into it."You sit there," I say, pointing at the edge of the bed. He does.Then I take the bracelet out and slowly move to his side."Give me your hand" After so many tries, I finally put the bracelet around his wrist. He stares at it with bemused eyes."Is it for me?" He asks.I nod multiple times and poke at his nose."You dare not lose it" I warn him.He chuckles."It's too precious to lose, Sunshine"