Chapter 34

A part of her wished that she hadn’t looked online to see those awful blog posts letting her know that she was no longer just an ordinary person. Now everything she did going forward would become news, no matter how insignificant it was. She knew that Derek’s attempt to keep her and Zoe off the gossip blogs may not change much of anything because everyone knew their identity now and she could no longer stroll to the grocery store to shop with her daughter without coming across strangers who might want to take their pictures. She had known this day would come eventually if she continued her relationship with Derek but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon. She was only just getting used to the idea that he was her lover.

“Don’t look so forlorn. Everything is going to be fine, I promise,” said Derek. “I know this is a huge change for you and I understand that it would be uncomfortable at first, but trust me, with time you’ll get used to it.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to being a celebrity, but I’m going to take your word for it. You’re a veteran now, so you should know how this works by now.”

Derek chuckled. “A veteran indeed… I can’t wait to get off this jet and take you to a spa for some luxurious pamper session. We need to work out those tight muscles in your shoulders.”

“We?” Rachel laughed. “Since when did you become a masseuse?”

“I guess I have many skills that you don’t know of yet,” he said with a mischievous grin. “I’ll show them to you on this trip. You’ll see.”

She felt her blood buzzing with excitement at his words. They hadn’t been intimate throughout their stay in Montana and she was more than hungry for his touch and so much more. She wanted him to hold her in his arms and make love to her like he’s never done before. She was eager for his kisses and his touch.

“I can’t wait,” she said with a wink that was full of promises.

************

When they landed in Bermuda nearly six hours later, Zoe was awake and in a chirpy mood. At the airport, two vehicles were waiting to take them to the villa that Derek has rented for their one-week stay. The place was so beautiful that Rachel was immediately blown away by the sights as soon as they landed.

“This place is amazing!” She said as they entered the waiting car.

“Wait until you get into the heart of the city, you’d think you are in paradise,” said Derek. “The place I rented for us is a bit on the outskirts of the city. It’s more serene and private.”

“Sounds cozy,” she laughed.

“It is, and I’ve got plans for you in there,” he said suggestively.

“Not in front of the child!” Rachel said with mock surprise.

“What did I say?” Derek asked with a laugh.

“I want a burger!” Zoe announced.

“Uh-oh, someone is hungry,” said Rachel. “You’ll have one when we get home.”

True to Derek’s prediction, Rachel was in awe as they drove through the picturesque city of Hamilton.

“Oh, this place is adorable!” She gushed. “It’s so unreal.”

They arrived at the private villa that would be their home for the next one week, and Rachel was once again astonished by the sheer beauty of the 3-bedroom bungalow. It has an outdoor swimming pool, a lovely gazebo that was perfect for relaxation, an indoor spa with a mini sauna room, a jacuzzi, and a fully stocked pantry. The modern kitchen looked like a cooking show studio with top-of-the-line equipment and utensils. The living area was spacious and perfectly decorated with expensive fixtures and artworks.

“I have never been inside a house that is as amazing as this!” Said Rachel.

“I’m happy you like it,” smiled Derek. “Now, let’s order some food and relax. We could go out later and see what the city looks like up close.”

“I can’t wait!”

When their food arrived, they sat at the outdoor dining area in the backyard to eat with the bodyguards who will be staying at the bungalow in the adjoining compound. Rachel didn’t want to imagine how much Derek was paying for all this, but she reminded herself that he was a billionaire and he had a lot of cash at his disposal.

By early evening, they got dressed and went into town to see the sights and do some shopping. Rachel didn’t think that she needed anything but Derek insisted on buying some new clothes and shoes for her and Zoe.

“See, Daddy, bike!” Zoe squealed when she spotted a cute purple and pink automatic toddler bike in one of the stores. It had a unicorn head in front and the eyes flashed when the bike is switched on.

“Do you want the bike, darling?” Derek asked her.

“Yes!” Zoe screamed excitedly, jumping up and down.

“It’s all yours,” he said and signaled to one of the shop attendants to pick it up. And then he bought a large teddy bear, a life-like doll, a firetruck, and a toy kitchen set.

“This is a lot,” Rachel commented, a little concerned. “This is our first day here and you’re already buying her all these?”

“Why not? She wanted them,” said Derek defensively. “Was I supposed to say no to her?”

“At some point, you’ll have to because the truth is, Derek, you can’t give her the world.”

“Says who?”

She sighed. “I don’t want to argue with you right now, but please know that Zoe cannot always have what she wants. Life does not work that way.”

Derek was unconvinced. “I have always gotten whatever I wanted, I don’t see why she can’t do the same.”

“Everyone isn’t privileged like you, you know.”

“And that is not my fault,” he retorted.

Something about his tone annoyed her and she didn’t like how he thought he could always give Zoe whatever she asked for. She didn’t want to raise an entitled child who walks around thinking that the world owed her everything. She has seen many rich kids with that unwholesome attitude and she didn’t want Zoe to end up like that.

“I don’t want Zoe to grow up and become a spoiled brat. I want her to grow up with good morals which include empathy and contentment.”

Derek sighed. “I cannot believe that we are having this kind of conversation on the first day of our vacation. We are supposed to be relaxing and having a good time, not arguing.”

“We are not arguing, we are having a conversation, just as every other couple does,” said Rachel impatiently. She knew there was a bit of tension between them now and she felt responsible for it, but she shouldn’t have to feel bad for expressing her concerns about her daughter’s upbringing.

“All right, let’s call a truce. Do you want us to return some of the toys?” Asked Derek. He didn’t like the direction that the day was going and he needed to bring back the spark.

“No, that would upset Zoe.”

“Ok, no more buying of new toys for her for the rest of this trip. Or maybe, no more toys for her until she gets to middle school.”

Rachel laughed. “Yeah, go ahead and make fun of me.”

“Can I at least buy you some flowers?”

They were now in front of a flower shop with the most exquisite display of flowers that Rachel had ever seen.

“I can’t say no to this,” she said with a grin.

“I’m happy to hear that,” he said and bought her a bouquet of red roses.

“Ooh, they smell divine!”

“Just like you,” he said seductively.

She rose on tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“I think it’s time for us to go home,” he said, suddenly eager to get the hell out of this public square and whisk her away to the villa for a satisfying romp between the sheets.

They strolled back to where their cars were parked with Ed in front carrying the bike, followed by Shane, who carried Zoe, then Derek and Rachel with her bouquet of roses, and finally Mark and Frank who carried the rest of the toys.

Forty minutes later, they were back in the villa and it was nighttime. Rachel bathed Zoe and she was not surprised when her daughter fell asleep the moment her little head hit the pillow. It had been a very energy-packed day for her and she was exhausted from all the excitement.

When Rachel returned to the master suite that she shares with Derek, she found him naked and waiting for her in front of the bathroom.

“I thought we could use a relaxing bath after a hectic day,” he said with a charming smile. “Care to join me?”

“Only if you agree to bathe me,” she said. “I am too tired to do it myself.”

“You have come to the right man for the job,” he said and stepped forward to undress her.