Bria hugged her and the two stood. Ada walked her out of the house and into the main house.
“You come see me again. Maybe Dax will be better by then.”
“Is he okay?”
“Yes, he’s just under the weather.”
Bria smiled. “Okay, I’ll see you later.”
The two parted ways and she walked back to the car. The visit had been so heavy that Bria wanted to spend the rest of the day putting the complete puzzle of Lo together.
Exhale
The amber glow cast over the city as Lo stepped out of the service car. A humid blanket of air kissed his skin, making it feel clammy. This air was different than the Florida draft he was accustomed to. It was thick, inducing sweat to make an appearance right away. Landing in Isla Mujeres should’ve lifted his spirits. The city was beautiful with shallow turquoise waters and white sand. There should’ve been an immediate shift in Lo’s mood, but he couldn’t be happy until he spotted his beauty.
He still hadn’t heard from Bria, which only heightened his paranoia. Thoughts of her being done with him for good made him queasy. The kind that would have him hurling over the porcelain bowl, ejecting the contents from his stomach. Lo feared nothing in life. He had been filled with courage ever since he was a teenager. Yet Bria had come in and changed his understanding. She terrified him in a way that wasn’t deemed healthy. He needed her. Life couldn’t be lived if she wasn’t in it.
Lo walked inside the villa and closed the door. The mansion was big with handcrafted doors and tile that gave it a Spanish charm. He strolled down the hall and stopped in the kitchen where Kaylona conversed with a chef who was preparing a meal. She was clad in a bikini top with the matching bottoms, showcasing her curvy form.
“Oh, shit.” She jumped, holding her chest. “You scared me. Hey, Lo.”
He gave her a nod of acknowledgement. “Where everybody at?”
“They’re out by the pool.”
He prayed that everybody included Bria.
“I’m surprised you came. You know you don’t like us peasants.”
He smirked, leaning against the door frame. “Why you always starting shit? That’s not true.”
Snickering, she countered, “I’m just saying. You’re the brother that’s always missing in action. But I’m glad you’re here. I wish Bria would’ve made it.”
Lo’s chest felt as if it had exploded with disappointment. It ached as he discreetly inhaled a deep breath. His hopes had been higher than the sun. He wished on more than one occasion for Bria to choose their marriage, but she hadn’t, and he had no one to blame except himself.
Lo managed to play it cool in front of Kaylona even though he wanted to fly into a fit of rage.
“She said her schedule wouldn’t allow it,” Kaylona continued. “But I’m glad you came though.”
Lo nodded. “I gotta use the bathroom.”
“It’s one over there.” She pointed over her shoulder.
Lo advanced toward the door and entered. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Bria’s number only for it to go to voicemail.
“Fuck,” he whispered harshly.
Suddenly, thoughts of doing more haunted him. He should’ve stayed in New York with her and nursed the emotional wounds he had caused. Giving her space was a terrible idea. Lo cursed himself for not pressing harder, especially when he was desperate to have her.
“Fuck this.”
Lo had swiftly decided to leave. There was no point of staying on this beautiful island without his love by hisside. Stepping out the bathroom, Lo went through the kitchen and noticed that Kaylona wasn’t there. Saying goodbye was unnecessary since he knew Meco and Devyn would try to talk him into staying. Exiting the house, the car was still parked out front. Lo had hired the car service for the duration of his stay. The driver got out and rounded the car to open the back door. Getting inside, Lo slouched into the seat, feeling a depressive cloud hover over him.
“Where to, Mr. Crown?” the driver asked, starting the truck.
“The airport.”
“Alright.”
