Chapter 444: My beach goddess
As planned, the entire group arrived at the private beach resort in Sardinia. Layla stood before the mirror in their sunlit suite, wearing a soft baby pink bikini dress that accentuated the gentle curve of her growing bump. A white sunhat sat perfectly on her head, the ribbon fluttering slightly with the breeze drifting in from the open balcony.
She placed a hand on her belly, caressing it tenderly. A warmth surged through her as she smiled softly.
"Layla, are you ready?" Lucius called out, stepping into the room, his phone still in hand.
She turned to face him, her smile widening. He was dressed in a breezy white beach shirt and matching shorts, looking effortlessly handsome.
"You look breathtaking," he said, his gaze lingering on her bump. "Especially with that glow."
He walked over, kissed her gently, and wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her close.
"Everyone must be waiting," Layla murmured, pulling back slightly. She reached up and wiped the trace of her lipstick from his lips with her thumb.
"They’ve already started enjoying the beach," Lucius whispered as he let his fingers trail along her thigh. He brought his knee between her legs, pressing gently. "We could join them a little later... if you’d rather enjoy something more private first."
Layla let out a soft laugh, her cheeks tinting pink. Her fingertips brushed her face as she whispered, "Let’s enjoy the view outside first..."
"Why don’t you enjoy the private moment with your husband? The view and atmosphere are great here!" Lucius remarked, his lips inching lower to her neck.
Layla felt her control slipping. She bit her bottom lip, trying to steady her breath.
"Don’t leave a hickey," she warned in her breathless voice. "I don’t want to—ahhh!"
Her words were cut off as Lucius’s teeth grazed her neck, sending a jolt of pleasure through her.
"Lucius, I told you—mmmh..." Her protest melted into a low moan when he soothed the spot with his tongue.
"Now," he murmured with a wicked smirk, pulling back just enough to admire his mark, "it looks perfect."
Layla narrowed her eyes, stepped closer, and rose on her toes. Her teeth sank gently into his neck, making him groan.
"Fuck, Layla! What are you doing?"
"Returning what you gave me," she replied coyly, stepping back with a teasing smile dancing on her lips.
"Well, now I’m definitely turned on," Lucius said with a low growl, taking a long stride toward her.
Before Layla could retreat, his arms wrapped around her, lifting her effortlessly. Her legs instinctively curled around his waist.
"Lucius, everyone’s probably waiting for us," she murmured, breath hitching as he brought her closer.
"They can wait. You shouldn’t have teased me like that," he whispered against her neck, trailing open-mouthed kisses along her skin.
He moved carefully, lowering her onto the bed. Then, kneeling, he pressed a tender kiss to her bump. Layla’s breath caught as his fingers brushed her side.
"Lucius, this isn’t a good idea," she said softly, but her voice lacked resistance.
"Then let’s test that," he replied, his hand sliding slowly downward. "Let’s see if your body agrees."
She caught his wrist, holding it firmly. "Of course, it will turn me on. And then we’ll end up spending the whole day in bed."
Lucius leaned closer, his gaze smoldering. "I wouldn’t mind that."
"But I do mind," Layla said firmly, lifting her leg to press it against his chest, halting him. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let’s go outside. We’ll resume this in the evening."
Lucius narrowed his eyes playfully. "Promise?"
"Yeah, promise," she replied with a soft smile and kissed his cheek.
He exhaled through a grin, then helped her sit up. Her hat had slipped off during the moment, and Lucius picked it up from the bed. He placed it back over her head, adjusting it just right.
"There. My beach goddess," he murmured.
He then knelt down, searching the floor for her slippers. Finding them tucked under the edge of the bed, he brought them over.
"Wear these," he said, holding them out for her.
Layla raised a brow with amusement. "Taking care of me like a queen now?"
Lucius looked up, his smile softening. "You are. And you’re carrying our little miracle. So yeah, let me spoil you."
She held his gaze for a moment, heart fluttering, before slipping her feet into the slippers. "Alright. Let’s go before I change my mind."
Lucius chuckled lightly, lacing his fingers tighter with Layla’s as they made their way to the door. His grin didn’t fade.
"We could’ve booked this place just for the two of us," he muttered. "Then we’d have all the time in the world, for each other. You and I... we could’ve explored a lot more."
Layla laughed softly, her cheeks still tinted with the faintest blush from earlier. "Maybe some other time. For now, let’s enjoy being around everyone."
Descending the stairs of the resort villa, they stepped out into the warm sunlight.
"Boss! Layla!" Roger called out, waving an arm enthusiastically. He was already halfway buried in the sand thanks to a playful prank, his sunglasses crooked on his face.
Layla laughed as Lucius raised a hand in acknowledgment.
"Layla, come sit here," Varya said warmly, gesturing to a white beach lounger shaded under a large parasol. She wore oversized sunglasses and a flowing cover-up, sipping something fruity from a tall glass. "The men are getting ready for a volleyball match."
Lucius pressed a quick kiss to Layla’s temple. "Enjoy the view, love. I’ll come back with a win."
Layla sat down, smiling as she adjusted her sunhat. "Just don’t trip and fall trying to show off."
Lucius gave her a smirk before jogging off toward the makeshift volleyball court where the others were already forming teams.
Aiden and Demitri were in one team while Lucius and Roger in the second team.
"Whoever will lose has to do what the other team says," Roger stated.
"Well, then we have to win," Aiden replied, looking at Demitri.