Before dawn | Dark romance

Chapter 72 - A yacht of secrets

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As Luca and I step off the helicopter, the salty sea breeze hits my face, a refreshing change from the cool, air-conditioned cabin. The sprawling deck of the yacht stretches out before us, pristine and luxurious, with the unmistakable sound of the ocean gently lapping against the hull.

The group of people on the deck comes into clearer view as we approach. Dante is the first to step forward, his face lighting up in a broad smile when he sees us. "Finally! We were wondering when you two would make your grand entrance!" he calls out, his voice booming with enthusiasm.

"Blame Luca," I tease as we reach the group. "He insisted on taking the scenic route."

Dante laughs heartily, pulling me into a warm hug before turning to Luca with a playful glare. "Always gotta make an entrance, huh?"

Luca shrugs, his grin unrepentant. "What can I say? I don't do normal."

"Happy birthday, Dante," I say sweetly to him.

"Yes, congrats bro." Luca basically pulls me out of Dante's hold. At first, I thought it was because he wants to greet him but Luca only claps his shoulder and keeps me in his steady hold instead.

"Thanks," Dante says as the familiar family smirk creeps up his face but does not comment on his cousin's possessive nature.

Sonny and Amelia are next, stepping forward with matching smiles. Sonny, ever the stoic older brother, offers a firm handshake to Luca before giving me a gentle hug. Amelia, her dark hair blowing slightly in the breeze, pulls me into a tight embrace, her warmth and genuine affection immediately putting me at ease. She is much more welcoming than she was the first time we met.

"You look stunning, Maddie," Amelia says, her eyes filled with kindness. "That cover-up is gorgeous."

"Thank you, Amelia," I reply, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "You look amazing too."

And she does. Amelia is effortlessly elegant in a flowing sundress, her natural beauty accentuated by a light touch of makeup. Sonny, on the other hand, is his usual composed self, dressed in a simple but well-tailored shirt and shorts.

Next I see Vinny and Emily, their entrance is as usual impossible to ignore. Vinny has his arm slung casually around Emily's shoulders, a laid-back posture that matches the easy smile on his face. Emily's excitement is contagious; her eyes are practically sparkling as she takes in the yacht and the sparkling blue waters around us. Her blonde hair is pulled back into a loose, carefree ponytail, a few strands dancing in the breeze. She's wearing a vibrant tropical-print bikini with a matching sarong, the colors bright and bold, perfectly suited to her bubbly, vivacious personality.

"Maddie!" Emily squeals, her voice a mix of joy and disbelief as she bounces on her toes before pulling me into a tight, enthusiastic hug. "This is insane! We're on a freaking yacht! Can you believe it?"

I laugh, caught up in her excitement and returning her hug just as tightly. "I know! This is beyond anything I ever imagined. It's surreal!"

Vinny, still grinning, exchanges a knowing look with Luca and gives him an approving nod. "Good call, bro. This is going to be a day to remember."

"That's the plan," Luca replies smoothly, his voice full of quiet confidence as he tightens his arm around my waist.

Then, of course, there's Enzo, who never misses a chance to make an entrance. He's leaning casually against the railing, his sunglasses perched low on his nose as he surveys the scene with a self-assured smirk. Even from a distance, Enzo exudes an air of effortless cool, his casual posture and easy grin giving him the look of someone who's always in control.