Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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I knew that it was selfish to show up without Serina's permission, but I couldn't stay away from her any longer and maintain my sanity.

Mona was reluctant to tell me the exact location of the party, but then I told her how Serina believes I am busy and that I want to surprise her. Of course, I reminded Mona that I own a big chunk of her company and that I can sell it under the value, bringing the worth of the whole company down. I had no problems using blackmail.

I was not sure what Serina's reaction will be but seeing her staring at me unblinkingly with eyes full of love, I knew that I did the right choice.

God, she looks sexy in a bikini and I had an urge to rip it off and push her down on that marble floor.

The fact that she ran into my embrace and kissed me right then and there only confirmed that she missed me as well.

It was challenging to hug her in bed without getting handsy. That bikini didn't leave anything to the imagination, but I did my best to behave. The last thing I want Serina to think about me is that I'm a horny creep who can't control himself.

Yes, she is a knockout, but I love her for much more than just her body and now that she is sick, it's the right time to prove it.

Besides, I had a feeling that if she sleeps again because of something I did, she will send me away.

I did research on her condition, and I didn't find anything that resembles people falling asleep when they get excited, but maybe it's one of those undocumented rare diseases. I hoped that Serina knows I will stick to her, no matter what it is, and I chose to believe that it's curable and she has it under control.

I freshened up and Serina put a summer dress on, and we were ready to head down to meet everyone before dinner.

Serina warned me not to be lovey-dovey in front of the kids because she wants to be a good role model.

"Holding hands is OK. Right?", I had to confirm.

"Yes. That's fine."

"Do they know we are dating?"

Serina shrugged. "Mona knows, and others… They will figure it out when they see us."

I liked Serina's response. We definitely look like a couple. A good one.

When we approached the pool, everyone except for Mona was in the water, and Serina whistled to get their attention.

"We have another guest. This is Drago.", Serina did a group introduction and told me the names of the people in the pool.

Three teens came out of the pool to greet me.

Zoe was the bubbly one, just how Serina described her. Luca and Ash shook hands with me while observing me cautiously, and other kids waved from the pool.

And then there was Lazarus. The way he frowned at me while his eyes flashed in disbelief at my hand that held Serina's told me everything I needed to know. Friends, my foot!

When she mentioned that Lazarus is her father's friend, I assumed he will be older.

Serina said that they were friends and not close ones, and I believe her but that doesn't mean that the guy sees it the same way.

Based on Serina's behavior, he is not an ex, so it's definitely one-sided, however, Serina sees him as a friend which definitely gives him an opening to get close to her. Not on my watch.

"Lazarus Lupo.", he introduced himself while squeezing my hand with more force than necessary, but I'm not a pushover.

"Drago Orsini.", I responded with a smug smile while matching his grip.

Lazarus glared at me with malice, and I was sure that he will snap at me, but he turned to Serina.

"Drago Orsini? The same Drago that made you collapse three years ago?"

Serina was visibly uncomfortable. "Laz, that was a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?", he repeated. "He hurt you so badly that you blew up half of the house, and ended up in a coma for a week, and now you are defending him with a misunderstanding?"

This was news for me. Blowing up the house? Coma? What did I do three years ago? That was around the time when she went missing.

I ignored Lazarus's open hostility directed at me and I looked at Serina who was frowning at Lazarus.

"Stop exaggerating, Laz.", Serina squeezed through her teeth. "It's my fault that I believed in lies and breaking a few things doesn't equal blowing up anything. Do you get it or do we need to talk in private?"

"I would like to clarify a few things.", Lazarus said stiffly.

Serina looked at me. "I will be back in a minute."

I didn't like the idea of this Lazarus going to talk with Serina in private, but I couldn't stop her either.

"Drink?"

Mona's question made me look away from the door through which Serina and Lazarus disappeared.

"Do you know what I supposedly did three years ago to hurt Serina?"

Mona shrugged. "You will need to ask her. I can offer you a drink."

I accepted the offer and followed her toward the bar that was under the cabana. Bartender Julian was quick to start listing drinks I never heard of, so I told him to surprise me.

"What's the story with Lazarus?", I asked Mona.

Mona pursed her lips while thinking how to answer. "I only met him today, but I know that Serina has eyes only for you."

"I can confirm that. The only guy Serina ever talks about is you, but don't relax around Lazarus. Lazarus knows he is friend-zoned, but his eyes are still on Serina. He is a persistent guy.", Zoe chimed in from the side and I saw that she was approaching us with another girl who introduced herself as Cristina.

"Really?", I asked Zoe and her expression told me that she has information I would be interested in. "I will need more details."

Cristina was ordering drinks while Zoe started negotiating with me. "What's in it for me?"

I had no idea what a teenage girl might want. "Clothes? Shoes? Jewelry? An iPad?"

Zoe rolled her eyes at me. "I'm not into materialistic things, mister, and if those are things you are offering to Serina to win her over, you are doomed for failure."

I looked at her smugly. "I already won her over, if you didn't notice. What can I give you in exchange for the information? Money?"

Zoe made a face like she smelled something nasty, and before she admonished me, I spoke again, "Tell me what you want, and I will make it happen."

"Feed me."

I stifled a laugh. She is my kind of girl, and we will get along fine. "What do you like to eat?"

"Meat."

"Excellent! How about I buy meat and tomorrow evening we have a barbecue?", I offered.

Mona bobbed her head. "We were planning barbecue tomorrow evening anyway."

"But this will be my treat and Zoe gets to pick first from each batch."

Zoe's eyes sparkled and she extended her hand to me. "Deal."

"What kind of a deal did you make?", Serina asked when she approached us.

Lazarus was right behind Serina, glaring daggers at me and I knew that whatever talk they had, he didn't like it.

"Drago will treat us with barbecue tomorrow!", Zoe announced and all the kids from the pool cheered. They have some good hearing.

Well, I scored some points with youngsters, and I need to take advantage of this.

I looked at Serina. "In the morning I will go and buy meat, but I'm not familiar with this area. Will you come with me?"

"We can send staff to buy whatever you want.", Serina offered.

Did she not get my intention to sneak out, just the two of us, or is she avoiding it on purpose?

"I want to pick the meat myself to ensure it's good quality and fresh.", I reasoned and tried again. "Will you come with me? I suck at French."

Serina shook her head helplessly. "Sure."

Yes! Me and Serina spending the morning together in the town, check!

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