Shiela got afraid that their confrontation would turn offensive so she tried to think of a way to separate them, only to realize soon that her idea seemed to worsen the situation.
"Neil, I need to change. I feel cold already."
Ryan broke off his glare at Richard unwillingly when Shiela's voice cracked. He reached into his pocket and handed her the keys. "Go ahead and warm yourself."
"Go with me," Shiela begged. How could she leave these two who were both trying to restrain themselves?
"Dear, I don't want trouble. It would be a shame in front of my guest If Jullien makes a scene," Ryan gazed back at her with those equally begging eyes as hers.
She ran her eyes to the two of them and Ryan understood what held her back. "I will just talk to Richard. I'm not going to do anything to him, I promise."
Richard felt guilty as well, seeing her hands shaking already. "Go ahead, Shie. I'll be good, I swear."
Ryan started to rub her back to assure her and Shiela was afraid again that Jullien might see them. She stood up reluctantly and threw them both a glare. "If anyone of you will misbehave, I will jump overboard."
Ryan found her threat amusing though he knew she was not joking. He laughed and gave her hand a squeeze before releasing her. Shiela's fear that she might die of embarrassment if ever these rivals of her heart would end up fighting, outweighed her worries for them. Anyway, they were all adults and perhaps, they would kill each other just because of her.
She went up to Ryan's room and found, indeed, her things there and a lot more stuff that she may need. He took care of her most simple needs and even shared his room with her. But why was he afraid to be seen with her by Jullien? She already confessed that she loved Andy. And, perhaps their room sharing was not too discreet that Jullien wouldn't have the chance to find it out. There were certain inconsistencies that she could never thoroughly explain.
At times, Ryan was too loud about his affection for her even with Jullien's presence but at times, he was too conscious that Jullien could hide him under her skirt. She then remembered Andy. She realized that all throughout their island adventure, he stayed inside the yacht. He only came out for their early dinner. Her time and attention shifted to Richard that she forgot about him.
After changing into a set of leggings and shirt, she lay down on the bed for a nap. Only then she realized how exhausted she was. Just as sleep was about to drag her, the door opened and Ryan's head popped in. She let out a weak smile at him then curled back to sleep.
"Not yet, sweetheart."
"Why?" her lazy tone brought a smile to Ryan's lips.
"I'd been holding back the whole day. How I wish I could drag you for myself only," Ryan's voice became husky right away as he hovered over her.
Shiela threw her arms around his neck right away, as with a single touch or word from him would easily tear up her defenses. Their lips wrapped up together in passionate kisses until all the barriers of their bodies came flying into the floor.
"Though how much I want to, I cannot promise you anything yet. But always remember this, I want no one else in this life but you," Ryan said after he took them both into the heights of pleasure, where both their souls and body unite. "And always remember this, 'if there's a will, there's a way'."
Shiela felt a lump on her throat that she took a slow, deep breath to hold back her urge to cry.
"I love you, Shie, if only you know how much."
Instead of replying, Shiela threw herself at him for a tight embrace, relaying her full affection in that hug. Ryan held her for a moment before he picked up another clothes and helped her with it.
"Wear this one. It's going to be very cold later on. The material inside has an insulation property," Ryan said as he put on a black windbreaker over her.
Just then, a ring on Ryan's phone made him go out of the room. The room was not locked as Ryan seemed to be hurrying. Shiela could hear his voice but she could not figure out what he was saying. All of a sudden, her curiosity set in and she walked towards the side of the door to listen. Luckily, the door to the bathroom stood next to it. She looked around and suddenly, she got an idea and then she tiptoed towards the bathroom so as not to catch Ryan's attention. The exhaust fan was placed above the toilet bowl so she climbed in it and to her relief, she saw him through the holes of that tiny window.
"Dad, as I said leave it to me. I have my own, discreet way..."
"Dad, I don't need a backup. Joey is enough. Not one of them is thinking that I can do them harm."
"No dad, everything is a pretension. I swear, I will marry no one else but Jullien. And I agree with the change of the wedding date, What is there to wait for so long?"
"I get them all to believe everything is real. Their fate is all at the tip of my fingers. All we have to wait is tomorrow."
Shiela's heartbeat began to pound louder than her own breathing. Even if she was only listening to Ryan's side, it was not difficult to understand their whole subject. Her heart started to ache. Ryan was too real just a few minutes ago.
She could never believe her ears. Ryan was only wearing a cloak of pretense after all? And that he was going to fire out his revenge towards them the following day? She must warn Allie. No, she must warn them all. She had to hurry up!
Allie, Hayri and Mr. Dioko were their primary target but since they were all bound to them in many ways, Ryan's family was not going to spare them. Their people should be their enemies' people, and their enemies' revenge should be tasted by all of them.