Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(72)

But Luiz is not in the mood to be scolded. “You don’t give me orders! Who you think you are, huh?” snaps Luiz, trying to shove him, but Alex does it first.

“Her husband!” WHAT? We gasp in shock at Alex’s reply. “And you, Luiz? Who you think you are, huh?”

“What?” Luiz looks instantly at me, as confused as I am. “Petra, is it true? Are you really married to him?” I nod, affecting a smile but totally speechless. “Damn! Man, um, I’m… I’m so sorry, I didn’t know that,” Luiz stutters. He walks back to the car, humiliated, his ego smashed, and we watch them finally drive away.

Dear Lord. I know Alex just said that to shock Luiz enough to make him leave, but damn, hearing the word “husband” coming from his mouth woke something in my heart that makes me cry.

He heaves a sigh of relief, but not me. I’m sobbing, my head down.

“Hey.” He softly lifts my chin up. My eyes instantly lock with his. Oh God, his gaze—it feels like home to me. “What’s wrong, Petra? It’s all good. They left.”

My heart can’t hold it in any longer, and I suddenly blurt out, “I love you.” I briefly close my eyes, holding back the tears. “And not in the way I should…” I sniffle, looking down, ashamed to have said it.

“Oh, Petra.” He lays my head on his shoulder. “Please don’t say that.” And he starts kissing my hair, trying to comfort me, but I’m still crying. He stares back into my eyes and dries the tears with his thumb. “Don’t say that,” he repeats, his voice soft.

“I know I shouldn’t…” I sniffle. “You are my godfather, my dad’s best friend, and more than twice my age. I know that! But I always felt like...” I look away, swallowing hard, my eyes still wet and my face scarlet. My heart’s pounding so damn fast and loud that I feel like I’m suffocating. I have to tell him, but it’s hard, so hard...

“Like what?” he asks, holding my chin up, his gaze searching mine.

“Like I belong to you.” I let it out. I dry my tears, even though they’re still falling. My eyes lost in his, I continue, “I wish I could remain immune to you. Forgive me, but I can’t. I can’t give myself to anyone but you.” His mouth opens in shock. But my heart has taken over. “Oh God, I want you so much. And I know you want me too. I feel it. The way you touch me, stare at me, kiss me—”





Alexander Van Dieren





I reach for her at that instant, starving to feel her lips on mine again. I can’t hold myself back anymore. Or my heart. She belongs to me. She finally told me.

But this time, I slip my tongue in her mouth, touching and playing with hers. My body heat is arousing; my heartbeat loud and intense. My fingers caress her jawline while I passionately devour her. I’ve never desired or wanted someone as much as her. Afterward, I smile, looking steadily into her big blue eyes, and in a low, tender voice, I tell her what I’ve known for a long time. “I’m afraid I also love you, Ms. Van Gatt… and not in the way I should.” I kiss her again, like I did in Rome, my heart bright and radiant, and I hold her hand tight. “Let’s get out of here.”





Chapter 17





Joá, October 20, 2019

Petra Van Gatt





The villa is nestled on a very high cliff in Joá—a high-end neighborhood on the coastline with views to S?o Conrado Beach, the viaduct going to Copacabana, and Two Brothers Hill. The entire bay is glittering, lit by the moon and stars.

I smile as I step inside. The villa features a modern design, the living and dining area in an open space, with direct access to the terrace, lounges, and an infinity pool with breathtaking views. As usual, Alex likes to be comfortable at home, removing his blazer, his bow tie, and his cuff links. He rolls his sleeves up to his elbows and unbuttons his collar. Then he turns on the lights around the entire terrace and pool as he sees me wandering outside.

“You were lying…” I rebuke. “This view is much better.” Alex chuckles. “Can we get in the pool?” I ask excitedly.

But he seems to have something else in mind. He turns his iPad on and chooses a specific song to play. I laugh and blush hearing it. It’s the song from the first dance: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.

“You’ve been dancing quite a lot during this trip, Ms. Van Gatt,” he says, reaching for my hand. “But with neither the right man, nor the right song.”

Fuck, those words. They drench my entire body. I feel so weak and fragile as I sway back and forth with him. “You’re such an incurable romantic, Mr. Van Dieren,” I reply, giggling.

“Indeed, incurable.” He spins me around, then leans down to kiss my lips, and my heart skips a beat, feeling his again. “You know... since I kissed you in Rome, I haven’t been intimate with anyone else.”

My eyes widen. “What about Rafaela?”

“With anyone,” he repeats, letting out a breath. “It has been killing me seeing you with Luiz.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” My face beams with joy as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I was doing it just for that purpose.”

“I was hoping so.” His eyes drop down, looking absent for a moment. “Petra?” He caresses my face, smiling at me. “Do you really belong to me?” he asks with such a warm and tender voice that I melt entirely.