Chapter 31: You’re safe with me
"Yes, I’m here for my honeymoon," Luca told the women, flashing them a polite smile, until he suddenly sensed a familiar presence at his side.
"I’m his wife," Sara declared proudly, stepping close. Her sharp gaze flicked to the notepad and marker clutched in one of the women’s hands.
"They just wanted my autograph," Luca explained lightly.
"Oh. Well, if you’re finished, let’s go back," Sara said curtly, already turning away.
Luca quickly excused himself and jogged after her, catching her wrist before she could walk further. "Wait. Are you... jealous?" he teased, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.
Sara stiffened, avoiding his eyes. "No. I—I just think it’s too hot out here."
Luca chuckled, leaning down slightly so she couldn’t escape his gaze. "But we’ve only just started having fun. I still owe you a jet ski ride."
Her eyes widened. "You... you actually know how to drive one?"
"Of course," he said with a playful grin. "Come on, it’s right over there." He pointed toward the docks behind them.
Sara hesitated for a moment, then fell into step beside him. "I’ve never been out into the deeper part of the sea," she confessed softly. "Just make sure we don’t end up drowning."
Luca’s hand brushed against hers as they walked. "I’m an expert at this, Sara. Trust me, you’re safe with me."
They reached the deck, where rows of jet skis bobbed gently against the lapping waves. The salty breeze caught her hair as Luca greeted the owner, a weathered middle-aged man with sun-darkened skin.
"Hello, Mr. Smith," he greeted.
"Hello, Mr. De Augustino," the man said warmly, offering his hand. "Please, choose any one you like."
Luca’s gaze lingered on Sara, silently urging her to choose.
"Anyone is fine," she replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Luca hummed thoughtfully before selecting the first jet ski. They were handed life jackets, and Luca carefully helped Sara into hers, fastening and zipping it up. Then he adjusted the safety goggles over her eyes, ensuring they fit snugly.
Next came the water shoes, which they both slipped on, followed by a pair of gloves to improve grip.
"Please, get on," the man at the dock instructed. "You’ve got a whistle with you. If anything feels wrong, just blow it."
"Got it," Luca said with a nod, before climbing onto the jet ski. He reached back to help Sara, guiding her gently to sit in front of him. She rested against him as they settled into position.
Luca started the engine, and the machine vibrated under them. Slowly, he backed away from the dock, giving them space, then turned toward the vast, shimmering expanse of the sea ahead.
"Oh my god! We won’t fall, right?" Sara’s voice trembled slightly, her heart pounding against her chest.
"No, we won’t," Luca reassured her with a confident grin.
"I should have sat behind you," Sara murmured, still clutching the life jacket, her nervousness clear in her tone.
Luca kept the speed slow, letting her adjust. "That way, you wouldn’t have enjoyed the view you’re about to see," he said softly. "I’m going to speed up now. Just focus ahead."
"Hmm," she replied, biting her lip nervously.
With a mischievous smile, Luca pressed the throttle. The jet ski surged forward, cutting through the sparkling waves. The wind whipped past them, and the sea spray kissed her face. Sara screamed, half in fear and half in exhilaration.
Luca laughed, the sound blending with the rush of water. He tilted the jet ski slightly, turning sharply, sending a spray of cool sea mist around them.
"Calm down, babe. This is going to be fun!" Luca shouted over the roar of the engine.
Sara gripped the straps tighter, her laughter mingling with her nervous breath as adrenaline coursed through her veins.
Her fear gradually gave way to exhilaration as they cut through the seawater, reaching places she never thought she would. The wind rushed past her, carrying away her doubts. Lowering her head, she caught sight of their reflection shimmering on the water’s surface.
For the first time in days, her troubles melted away. In that moment, nothing else mattered. Luca glanced at her and found her laughing freely, her face lit with joy. A sense of pride warmed him as he felt accomplished for making her happy.
After fifteen minutes, they returned. Sara removed her life jacket and shoes, turning to Luca with a bright smile.
"I want to learn how to do it too," she said.
"Sure," Luca replied, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face and tucking it gently behind her ear. "But right now, more people have come for the ride. Maybe we can come back in the early morning when it’s quieter."
"Let’s go back to the resort," she suggested softly.
"Sure," he answered. "I feel like showering. We even played in the sea earlier." His words carried a warm memory of the sudden kiss they had shared, making her heart skip. She felt his hand rest lightly on her back, a touch that felt protective. Tilting her head slightly, she thought to herself, ’I can’t believe I’m seeing the Luca I’ve always wanted to see.’
When they reached their suite, Sara went in first. She showered, letting the warm water wash away the salt and thrill of the sea.
She emerged refreshed, slipping into a beautiful floral dress. Her damp hair was wrapped neatly in a towel, completing the serene glow of her look.
"You can use the shower," Sara told him.
Luca raised from the couch and brushed past her.
"You look pretty in this dress," Luca complimented before walking ahead.
Her heart skipped a beat. However, the next second, she shook her head while patting her cheeks. "Maybe it’s just his another tactic just to hurt me later," she murmured.
Lowering herself to the couch, she picked up her phone from the table and dialed the number of her grandmother.
"Sara, dear!" Katherine’s lively voice came from the other side.