TONY: Slow Burn (Raging Fire Book 1) by Kallypso Masters (the false prince TXT) 📕

Tony gave her a half grin and shrugged. “I was afraid I’d chicken out before getting here.” His noble side had tried to talk him out of starting anything with Carm so many times on the flights here. He’d expected to come to his senses at any minute and turn around.

And yet here you are.

Right now, he tried to ignore the fact that he was within arm’s reach of the sexiest woman he’d ever met. “Joining you seemed like a brilliant idea this morning, Carmella.” While he still wasn’t sure he’d made the right decision, he addressed a more urgent matter. “You need to lock your doors—and gates—and stay safe. It’s a good thing I showed up.”

Carm rolled her eyes. “I didn’t ask you to come here to be my personal security detail. Providenciales isn’t a den of iniquity. It’s as safe as they come. Besides, I can take care of myself.”

“Not if you leave yourself vulnerable to any beach bum walking by your gate.” Tony glanced around and noticed lots of shadows in the pool area. “This place needs better lighting.” What if he had been an intruder? Tony didn’t want to think about what might have happened if some asshole had come through that gate instead of him.

Carm put her hands on her hips, making her breasts even more prominent. “I didn’t invite you here to be my protector, T.G.”

When she reverted to his initials, it usually meant she was ticked with or teasing him. Definitely ticked this time.

Although he wasn’t being completely honest about why he’d come here, he wasn’t ready to confess the main reason yet.

Carm took a deep, shaky breath. “Well, despite my initial fright, I’m glad you’re here.” When she smiled at him, his chest hurt. So beautiful. “I have a pitcher of drinks in the fridge. I can pour you one before I head upstairs to get dressed. Then I’ll show you where to put your luggage.”

“Sounds good, but why don’t we take care of the luggage first? Then we can enjoy that drink together.”

“Sure. Maybe we can take a stroll down the beach afterward to find a restaurant for dinner.”

He nodded, although a cold shower sounded like a more urgent need. However, Tony welcomed whatever time she wanted to spend with him. He’d missed her. The rest of the week, he’d try to give her space and solitude to spend as she’d originally planned. He didn’t want to intrude on her vacation, although it might be a little late to worry about that.

Tony picked up the duffel bag he’d dropped inside the gate and followed her into the enormous villa and up the winding staircase. They’d live like royalty this week, not that that was something Tony ever aspired to. But Carm was a principessa and deserved this kind of house and so much more than he could ever give her on a firefighter/EMT’s salary.

Aren’t you being a little premature with thoughts like that?

Normally, long-term commitments weren’t his thing, but something about Carm was different.

His room overlooked Grace Bay. As much as he loved the mountains he’d lived in all his life, he could get used to frequent visits to the beach too.

She’d mentioned walking to a restaurant on the beach, so he decided beach attire would be totally appropriate for the laid-back island of Providenciales. Tony shucked his jeans and got into something more comfortable.

Downstairs again, he waited in the living room for her. At the sound of footsteps, he turned around to look up as she descended the staircase with her head held regally high while holding onto the wrought-iron railing. Definitely a princess.

And way out of your league, man.

Carm wore a tropical-flower-print sundress that accentuated her body in a way that made him want to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her closer.

“Beautiful. You look like you’ve lived here all your life.”

Her gaze slowly roamed the length of him from his blue wave-patterned shirt to his khaki Bermuda shorts. “Mmm. Not so bad yourself.”

He wasn’t sure if she was referring to his clothes or his body but chose not to get too arrogant. “Found the island shirt at the airport shop and thought it would help me fit in better than wearing my fire department tees would.”

“Oh, you’d fit right in wherever you go, T.G.” Before he could say anything, she breezed past him and he caught a citrusy scent. “Now, let’s have that drink.”

Tony followed her to the kitchen. From the fridge, she pulled out a pitcher of an orange-colored drink. He didn’t plan on drinking much this week. For one thing, drinking and diving didn’t mix. But the main reason was that his days of using alcohol as a means to numb his pain were over. A social cocktail or two was fine, but Carm had made enough for a party. While he’d rather have a beer, he’d give her concoction a try.

He pointed toward the pitcher. “Did you plan on getting soused tonight?” When she didn’t answer, he wondered if he had interrupted other plans. “Or were you expecting company?” Why had he simply assumed she’d be drinking them alone? A beautiful woman like Carm could be with anyone she wanted.

Her throaty laugh went straight to his heart. Okay, maybe a little lower.

“No, just me. I made enough to last me the week. I’m not planning on drinking too much with all the dives I want to get in. But the less time I spend in the kitchen during my vacation, the better.”

Would she be satisfied eating here with him? He wasn’t sure he had the budget to dine out every night. Besides, he’d love to cook for her. But would she be impressed with his skills when she had a world-class culinary staff preparing meals for her at the resort?

Time to feel her out. “You have to admit that this is an amazing kitchen. Sure beats the one at the station—or in my apartment.” Five-burner gas range, quartz countertops,