MALIA
— Hey, Malia. Wake up.
I feel a hand slide gently across my bare back, and I slowly open my eyes.
Eduardo is sitting on the edge of the bed, his hair tousled and his face still heavy with sleep. Shirtless, he yawns and scratches his bare chest. I scramble to remember last night after we started drinking, and luckily, my memory is intact. I have a low tolerance for alcohol; if I overdo it, I tend to do things I'd rather forget.
Fortunately, that wasn't the case. After boarding the private jet yesterday, I was so mesmerized by the luxury that Eduardo invited me for champagne. I figured a little toast to celebrate before bed wouldn't hurt. But we got carried away; he told funny stories about his late sister, and when exhaustion finally hit, we just collapsed onto the bed together.
As for why I'm currently undressed—or rather, in nothing but my underwear and half-covered by the sheets—it likely stems from the fact that I got just tipsy enough to find my wedding dress unbearable in the middle of the night. I must have just stripped it off.
— Eduardo… — I stammer, sitting up abruptly and pulling the duvet tightly around me.
— The co-pilot just warned us we land in an hour. I guess we slept quite a while — he says, still facing the door as he tries to fix his messy hair with his hands. — We can have breakfast or lunch, depending on what time it is.
He stands up, and before he can turn toward me, I shriek:
— Don't turn around!
I say, dying of embarrassment. He's probably seen everything already.
— P-please, grab my suitcase. Without looking!
He doesn't turn, but I can feel his silent amusement.
— Are you… not wearing clothes? — he asks, his voice low and calm.
— I-I… — I try to explain, but I'm interrupted by his soft chuckle.
— I didn't see anything, relax — he says, walking to the corner to grab my bag. — Here, get changed. I'm going to see what's for breakfast. I have a sudden craving for mané pelado.
I take a deep breath as he closes the door, his laughter echoing a bit too loudly for my pride. I notice the cabin is a mini-suite with its own bathroom. I grab a light dress, lace lingerie, and a towel, and bolt for the shower.
After dressing and drying my hair, I take another deep breath before stepping out.
— It's mid-afternoon. We'll have lunch now and save dinner for when we're at the house — Eduardo says.
I just nod, still flushed.
— You don't need to be embarrassed, Malia. We're married now.
— It's not that kind of marriage… is it? — I ask, looking into his eyes with a mix of curiosity and worry.
He gives me a lopsided smirk.
— I told you the day you agreed to be my wife: I will only touch you if you want me to, Malia—and only if the mood is right. You're beautiful; only an idiot wouldn't be interested.
He starts with a smile but finishes with total sincerity.
— I will respect you. Don't worry. I would never force you into anything.
I can see he means it. His compliment makes me shy, but I feel the same way about him. Eduardo is tall, handsome, brilliant—and being wealthy is just a bonus.
— This shouldn't work… we're only going to be together for three years — I muse.
— Don't overthink it — he says simply, flipping a page of the newspaper. — If it happens, and it works out, well… we're already married anyway. But that's a conversation for another time.
We eat lunch, and soon the pilot's voice tells us to buckle up. The landing is smooth, and through the window, I see the sun is blazing. Once we disembark, Eduardo takes my hand and leads me toward a waiting car.
— Mr. Lecler, I am Adonis. I will be your driver during your stay, and I'll take you to the villa now — the man says, holding the door open.
As we drive, I can hear the waves even before I see the ocean. Curious, I pull out my phone and search for Santorini. My jaw drops when I realize we are in the middle of the Aegean Sea, in Greece.
— Are we really in Greece? — I whisper.
Eduardo looks up from his phone and smiles.
— Yes. Specifically, on an island. We're staying on the coast, near Fira, the capital.
I get lost in the photos of the island until the car stops. Eduardo opens my door.
— Do you want to stay in the car and admire Santorini through a screen, or come see it for yourself?
I grin and take his hand. The view is spectacular—it's late afternoon, and the sun is beginning to set. The orange sky contrasting with the white and blue houses is breathtaking.
— Come on, you'll love the view from the pool — he says, pulling me toward a side staircase.
We reach a massive infinity pool that seems to spill over the edge of the cliff.
— Excuse me, Mr. and Mrs. Lecler.
A man in a crisp black suit approaches.
— My name is Alfredo. I will be assisting you during your stay.
— Malia, Alfredo will be your butler. He'll look after you while I'm out — Eduardo explains.
I look at the white-haired man and can't help but giggle.
— I'm sorry… it's just, you look exactly like Alfred, Batman's butler. I hope that's not rude!
— Not at all, madam. That is actually why I chose this profession; I've been a fan of the comics since I was a teenager — Alfred says with a wink.
Once he leaves to arrange dinner, Eduardo wraps his arms around my waist from behind, pulling me against him to watch the sunset.
— This is a good place. I'm sure you'll love it — he whispers. — I'll be moving around the island by helicopter, and I might need to head to Athens, so the car is at your disposal. Go to Fira, go shopping, have fun. I'll take you to dinner when I get back, and I've arranged for a bank account in your name at our bank…
— But Eduardo—
— Shh. Don't.
He sways me in his arms like a child.
— I told you, Malia. You're my wife now. You need an account that matches your name. Before I leave tomorrow, I'll give you your card. Buy things for yourself, for your family, and for Sofia.
— I'm still so surprised by all this. The marriage, I mean — I murmur.
He squeezes me slightly.
— You'll get used to it quickly. When we go home, your life will change even more, but I know you can handle it.
I just hope he's right.
God… I really hope he's right.