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The day dawned warm and golden, a perfect morning for the surprise Ioannis had planned. Yalda stirred awake to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore in the distance. The breeze carried the scent of salt and sun, and when she turned in bed, Ioannis wasn't beside her. Instead, there was a note, handwritten in his familiar script:
"Pack light, something flowy. We leave in two hours. It's a surprise. Love, IA."
Curious and smiling, Yalda rose and started her day. She walked Loki early, the little ball of fur prancing happily along the sandy path behind the villa. They returned to the kitchen where Alina was already preparing breakfast. Yalda helped chop fruits and mix batter for the lemon ricotta pancakes Ioannis liked. She had no idea where they were going, but her heart was light.
After breakfast, she showered, slipped into a soft white sundress, packed a tote bag with essentials, and tied her hair up into a loose braid. Right on cue, Ioannis appeared, wearing dark shades and a fitted navy shirt rolled at the sleeves. He held out his hand. "Ready?"
They drove along the coast until they reached the marina, where a sleek private yacht was waiting. The crew welcomed them aboard with chilled champagne and fresh strawberries. Yalda gasped softly, looking around in awe. "You did all this?"
"Just for you," Ioannis replied, kissing her temple. "You've been in the villa for too long, you needed something new."
They spent the first hour cruising along the sapphire-blue sea, lounging on the sun deck. Yalda wore oversized sunglasses and lay back on a cushioned chair, her hand intertwined with Ioannis's. The breeze kissed her skin, she felt completely relaxed.
Lunch was served on the upper deck. Grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, and crisp white wine. Ioannis kept stealing glances at her, teasing her softly, brushing his foot against hers under the table. After lunch, they dipped into the small private pool at the back of the yacht. He pulled her close, wet and giggling, their limbs tangling in the warm water.
"You look happy," he murmured, brushing her soaked hair off her cheek.
"I am," she said. "I don't even know why I'm smiling so much."
He smirked.
"Because you're with me."
They kissed deeply, the water swirling around them. It was a peaceful moment; light and cheerful.
Later, they dried off, wrapped in thick towels, and retreated to the luxurious cabin below deck. The room had wide windows with ocean views, a plush bed, and the quiet lull of the sea.
He undressed her slowly, his hands reverent, kissing her bare shoulders, her collarbone. She ran her fingers through his hair, tugging lightly. "Let's not rush."
"We won't," he promised.
They made love slowly, unhurried, their bodies attuned to each other. He trailed kisses along her thighs, her stomach, her chest. Their moans were swallowed by the sea breeze and the creaking of the yacht. He held her close as he moved inside her, their breaths syncing, his thumb brushing lazy circles on her hip.
"You're mine," he whispered.
"Yours," she breathed, eyes fluttering shut.
She was his in this moment, and nothing in the world could change that. She belonged to him in mind, body and soul.
Afterward, they lay tangled, her head on his chest, listening to the hum of the yacht cutting through waves. Ioannis played with her braid lazily.
"I love how you trust me more each day," he said.
She smiled faintly, her voice soft. "You make it easy."
As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sea in shades of orange and gold, they returned to the deck. Wrapped in a blanket, Yalda rested against him, sipping a mocktail. They watched the sky melt into the ocean, the air cool and tinged with salt.
"Promise me something," she said.
"Anything."
"No matter what we explore...no matter what we try... we stay like this. Real."
Ioannis pressed his lips to her hair. "Always."
The yacht cruised back slowly as twilight fell, the lights of the harbor blinking in the distance. Yalda felt a quiet thrill and a bubbling joy. They were still exploring, still learning each other, but for now, they were simply two people in love on the open sea.
And it felt like the beginning of something entirely new.
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