t was the only place that gave him a sense of peace,

iolence, deception, and power plays. But out here, away from the chaos of

before him reminded him of freedom-something he rarely experienced. Sitting on the deck of his yacht,

n warmth. His black sunglasses shielded his eyes, and he leaned

ive days at a time. No one knew of his private beach house except fo

rs. If he was going to let a woman into his life, she had to be someone who could shake him to his core. Someone who wou

an has managed to s

ply didn't care. His father, now retired, lived peacefully in a secluded part of Italy, and they only met a few times a year. Their conversations were brief, but there was mutual respect. His father

that plagued the Philippines. He had long since accepted that this country was a breeding ground for filth-cro

tered under his breath. "A

re here, and despite the rot in its foundation, the Philippines was still home. He had hi

oney from the Mafia and walk away without paying his debts. Ezra had been merciful compared to others in his

as he exhaled a cloud of smo

e to move. The sun was still glaring overhead, even though it was past two in th

hing caught his eye-a dark shape floating in the water. His brows furrowed as he squinted against the su

. His instincts screamed at him to act fast. Without hesitatio

d, his heart pound

these waters? The sea was supposed to be his sanctuary, y

shed forward, swimming toward the lifeless form. As he reached her, his heart clenched. She was small, delicate-h

icked hard, hauling her back toward the yacht. With a gr

he groaned, irritated with himself. He could have ignored her, let her drift away into nothing

he saw

caught in

om near-drowning, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Innocent. Fragile.

se, pressing his fingers against her neck. It was weak, but it was there. Wit

him, like a shock to his system. The sensation unsettled him. His

ands against her chest and pumping hard. He repeated th

tched into et

cou

turned her onto her side, letting her expel the liquid from he

eyes rema

. His relief was quickly overshadowed by his growing conc

n his bed. As he peeled off her wet clothes, his jaw tightened at the sight

to you?" he muttered, hi

at sea, but she had somehow survived. That meant sh

told him she

as sharp and commanding. "Omar! Get my doctor to

s, b

e returning to the unconsciou

this to her had ma

w, she belo

ti never let go