SIMONE'S POV
The island appeared out of the darkness like something from a dream.
White stone buildings clung to rocky cliffs, their windows glowing warm against the black Mediterranean. Nicholas's boat cut through calm waters toward a hidden dock carved directly into the cliff face.
"Welcome to my real home," Nicholas said quietly, his hand steady on my back as we prepared to disembark.
I had thought the villa was impressive, but this was something else entirely. This was a fortress disguised as paradise.
Armed guards waited on the dock, their weapons visible but not threatening. They nodded respectfully to Nicholas as we stepped onto the stone platform.
"How long have you owned this place?" I asked, following him up a winding path lit by subtle ground lights.
"It b
