Theo eyes the mahogany painted building; the entryway’s grand pillars showcase its three-floored structure. The shrubs line elegantly against the large windows, giving a glimpse of the modern furniture inside. The way they reflected the sunset was beautiful. Theo watches as Anys unlocks the door. Who knew such an impressive house could be hidden on a remote island in the middle of nowhere?

He can’t believe the magnitude of this place. Theo steps upon the white oak floors of the open concept living room. To his right was a grand staircase that leads to the second floor. The kitchen laid ahead, which was easily the centrepiece of this house.

“This place is amazing. You can see the ocean right from the big kitchen window.” He hears Delia’s voice echo.

Theo walks up the stairwell, going to the two-door room at the end of the hallway.

He couldn’t believe his eyes.

A king-sized canopy bed with dress pillows propped against the ornate headboard, silk sheets line the furniture beautifully. The windows to his left faced the oceanfront; a balcony was attached to the main wall. What kind of an island property was this?

“It should be safe here for now,” Anys says, nodding. “I know this isn’t where either of you want to be, but I promised Milo to keep the two of you safe. Cordelia also asked for this.”

“I understand.” Theo watches as Delia’s head lowers, but she nods gently.

“We’re not going to be on house arrest, will we?”

“No, you two are free to walk around the island. It’s one of my private estates, so make yourselves at home.”

“For how long?”

“As long as it takes for the Odious Oranges and their associates to be wiped out.” Anys laughs, “Just think of this extended trip as your honeymoon spot. On paper, this island is technically yours.”

“But we get no internet or phone usage.” Theo crosses his arms. He’s going to lose all his followers now.

“We’ll set something up and use a location that lures any stragglers onto another island we can trap them on.” Just how many islands did this man own? Wasn’t he supposed to be an author? They couldn’t be that rich…no wait, the author was Anys’s brother.

“Please let us know how our families are doing,” Delia says meekly.

“They’re all under my protection. It’ll be okay.”

“I want to hear it from your mouth,” Delia instructs.

Anys nods. “You will. Now, I need to board this plane before it lingers here any longer. Supplies will be delivered weekly, everything will be alright.”

***

“It’s beautiful,” Delia says to herself, resting her hands on the railing. The sun’s setting rays glimmered over the soft waves. When the tide went out, she’d go for a stroll, leaving Theo to fill the house with classical jazz. She wasn’t interested in that kind of music, but if it made him happy then who was she to judge?

She hadn’t had to wait too long to hear that Delius and Oli were safe—the Odious Oranges had been cleared from the Avangard Estate. It wasn’t safe to come back, said Anys, as he delivered the first round of food and clothes to their door. Truthfully, Delia didn’t mind the solitude—and she needed some time to sort her thoughts.

Truth be told, she didn’t mind being alone with Theo. In fact, she enjoyed it. But did he? Theo had been distant towards her since they arrived. Was it because she confessed? Or, maybe he’s worried about his family. That made the most sense—it wasn’t the Firthe Manor that had been gunned down after all. She must respect his space.

Delia jumps as she feels his strong arms wrap around her waist. “Relaxing, isn’t it?”

“Jeez, Theo! You scared the life out of me! I thought you were in the kitchen?”

“Got bored.”

“You only seek me out when you’re bored? Lovely.” Delis rolls her eyes.

He turns her around. Her breathing shortens as she meets his eyes, his amber stare lingers on her lips, “So what if I do?”

His intent rolls off his tongue. What on earth has gotten into him? His eyes scan hers for permission; her gut lit with anticipation. She gives him a slight nod, holding a devious smirk.

Theo scoops her up as he pulls herself feverishly towards his mouth. He swiftly guides her to the bed. She groans as she lets his tongue in, her frame pulses against his touch. Her eyes sparkle when they set on his finely sculpted figure. Her body’s lit aflame as his chiselled frame tops her, his hands wander to her waistband. She allows him to glide her beige tights to her feet as she kicks them off, allowing only her underwear to remain. His long, lean finger slips past the fabric, making its way to her sweet spot; she tenses in approval. Her smile grows wide as her brows relax. Waves of satisfaction fill her being as he plays with her, as another stray finger gently slips inside her. She reels as his fingers work their magic.

Soft breaths escape her lips as she closes her eyes. Suddenly, he stops, as he examines her dark lace underwear. His amber eyes tell her that he wants them gone. She nods, giving her blessing. The silk fabric glides down her smooth leg as Theo takes it upon himself to fling them to the ground. She pants, forcing his hand back in between her legs.

A deep laugh rolls from his throat as he complies with her order. His fingers glide upwards as Delia hitches. It's. So. Hot. Her eyes are closed; she doesn’t see the gratification on his face. How does he know to stroke her there? Her breaths quicken as the tremors grow stronger. Delia’s back arches. She doesn’t finish before the room echoes with the sound of her satisfaction.

Delia’s eyes glaze in gratification as she breathes sweet relief. Her mouth is captured by the man with the long, wondrous fingers.

“You told me I didn’t look like a man who knew what I was doing.” He whispers on her lips. He strokes her leg before he says, “Do you still think that?” She shakes her head, albeit breathless from their previous encounter. She shakes her head, unable to answer him.

Excitement fills her as he pulls her legs forward. She hears his pants unzip. A pleasing sensation makes it up her legs as he readies himself for her. Logic be damned, she loves this man. Delia’s hips raise as her legs rest against him. With one stroke of his hips, he settles himself into her.

A moan surfaces as he arches his head up; his jawline in plain sight. He struggles to keep himself composed; a pleasing switch to witness. She’d tease him, but his rhythmic thrusts keep her from interfering. His hands cling to her waist as he bites his lip. Her thoughts break, her core sensitive from her previous release. His arousal knows where to glide, hitch, stop. She clasps his sheets as he bends down to explore her mouth. He clutches her with both hands as their lips devour each other. His long tongue savours her own. She feels herself moisten against his skin as she clings to him. His movements become quick and sudden as he tenses; she takes in his warm release. Sweat drips from his face, gliding down his neck as his eyes sparkle in satisfaction.

He’s unable to speak. To be fair, neither can she. The pair hold each other to savour the experience.

She’s never had a partner this good.

“What?” Theo says in defence; all signs of the sensual lover she had made love to melting away. He’s back to his old stoic self—except, she sees a ghost of a smile on his lips.

“You scared me, Theo. You didn’t wake up, I thought you were shot. You weren’t moving and I got terrified and there wasn’t anything I could do!”

“I woke up eventually.” Theo scoffs, rolling his eyes, turning on his side. “Now I’m tired. Go to sleep.”

“Dammit Theo, I was terrified!”

“I would have been fine, there’s no need to be so dramatic.” He turns back towards her.

“You moron! I love you—” Delia’s lips purse. “I mean, I love…how safe I feel with you.”

Theo smiles, shuffling closer to wrap an arm around Delia before kissing her forehead. “You’re not so bad yourself.”

Delia flushes as he speaks, his words soothing her nervous heart. She hadn’t realized how quickly she had fallen for the man but her grandmother in a weird way was right. “You’re only saying that because you slept with me.”

“Could say the same for you. You’re unusually affectionate.”

They’ve reached a stalemate.

“Fine. I’ll go to sleep.” She says with a smile; Theo returning it before he closes his eyes.

Delia’s thoughts jump to her family. Maybe she would forgive Delius and her family one day, but she knew this.

She was happy to be an Avangard.