The private beach was perfection. Golden sand stretched as far as the eye could see, and the turquoise waves lapped gently against the shore. It was secluded, serene, and completely ours-just as Daddy had promised.
I carried Sam down the steps from the villa, her small body cradled in my arms. She was so light, so delicate, and I couldn't bear the thought of her struggling on the uneven sand. She clung to me, her hands gripping my shoulders, her face buried in my neck.
"See, Sammi?" I said softly, pressing a kiss to her hair. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
She didn't answer, but I didn't need her to. I could feel her trembling, her unease radiating through her tiny frame. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When we reached the shore, I set her down gently on a picnic blanket I had spread out earlier. The matching bikinis I'd chosen for us-hers soft pink, mine a slightly bolder shade-looked adorable. I couldn't help but admire her, even as she sat stiffly, her eyes darting around nervously.
"You look so pretty, Sammi," I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her gaze flicked to me, and for a moment, I saw something in her eyes-something that made my heart skip a beat. Was that... admiration?
"You look..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "...really pretty."
The words sent a thrill through me. I leaned down, kissing her softly on the lips. "Thank you, baby," I said, my voice warm with affection.
"You're perfect."
---The morning was spent taking photos-dozens of them. I made Sam pose with me by the water, her arms around my waist, her head resting on my shoulder. The sun glinted off our wet skin, and I knew the pictures would be stunning.
"This is the perfect vacation," I said as I snapped another photo of us. "Just the two of us. Together forever."
Sam didn't reply, but I noticed her gaze lingering on me as I adjusted the camera. Her eyes traced the curves of my body, and I couldn't help but smile. She thought I looked good. ---When the sun climbed higher, I decided it was time for a swim. Lifting Sam into my arms once more, I waded into the warm, clear water.
"My Leg...now that my right leg is gone I can't swim," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"That's why I'm here," I reassured her, holding her tightly.
"You'll always have me, Sammi."
She clung to me, her arms around my neck, her body pressed against mine. I felt a surge of possessiveness, a need to remind her that she was mine. "
Let's go under," I said, smiling as I dipped us below the surface.
Underwater, I pulled her closer, tilting her face toward mine. Her eyes widened in surprise, but before she could react, I kissed her. The salty taste of the ocean mixed with her sweetness, and it was intoxicating.
When we surfaced, her hair clung to her face, droplets of water tracing the curves of her cheeks. She looked breathtaking.
"See?" I murmured, tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear. "You don't need to worry. I'll always keep you safe." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sam's POV
By the time we returned to the picnic blanket, my chest was tight, my breathing shallow. Scarlett's constant touch, her kisses, her overwhelming presence-it was too much.
I tried to focus on the waves, and the sound of the breeze, but I couldn't escape the feeling of being trapped.
Janice sat nearby, her body pressed against Leroy's as he whispered something in her ear. She looked so small, so defeated, and it only made my panic worse.
"I need..." I whispered, my voice shaking. "I need space."
Scarlett frowned, her hands tightening on my shoulders. "What's wrong, Sammi?"
"I just... I can't..."
My chest heaved, and tears blurred my vision.
Her expression softened, and she pulled me into her lap, wrapping her arms around me. "Shh, it's okay," she murmured, kissing my forehead. "I've got you, baby. You're safe." I sobbed against her chest, my panic spiraling as she stroked my hair and whispered reassurances.
"You're mine, Sammi," she said softly, over and over again. "No one will ever hurt you. I'll always take care of you."
Her words did little to calm me, but I clung to her anyway, desperate for any semblance of comfort.
"I love you," she whispered, her lips brushing against my temple.
"So much."
The weight of her affection was suffocating, but I couldn't escape it. I was hers, and there was no way out.
