Dante leaned back in his office chair, running a hand through his dark hair as he exhaled sharply. His mind had been restless ever since the last phone call from his rival, a veiled threat disguised as business talk. He needed to take action-swift and calculated. But before that, there was one thing more important than all the power struggles and business wars: his family.
His gaze fell on the framed picture of Isla, Amara, and little Leo on his desk. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he traced the outline of their faces with his fingers. They needed a break. They needed time away from all the chaos, away from the threats lingering around them like a dark cloud.
He picked up his phone and made a quick call to his personal assistant. “Prepare the jet. We’re leaving for the island.”
A vacation to their private island was long overdue. It was their hidden paradise, untouched by the outside world. A place where there were no rivals, no threats-just the ocean, the sky, and the people he loved most.
—
A Surprise Plan
That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Dante cleared his throat, drawing their attention. Isla looked up from her plate with a questioning gaze, while Amara continued munching on her fries.
“We’re leaving tomorrow morning,” he announced, setting his glass down.
Amara perked up immediately. “Leaving? Where?”
“To our island,” he replied casually, though his gaze lingered on Isla, gauging her reaction.
Isla blinked in surprise. “Dante, what-”
“No arguments,” he cut her off gently but firmly. “We need a break. You need a break. And I’m taking you all somewhere safe and peaceful.”
Amara practically bounced in her seat. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Can we go swimming? And build sandcastles?”
Dante chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Of course, Princess.”
Leo, still too little to fully understand, clapped his hands. “Boat?” he asked with bright eyes.
Dante nodded, pressing a kiss to his chubby cheek. “Yes, little man. We’ll take the jet first, then a boat.”
Isla sighed, shaking her head, but there was a smile playing on her lips. She knew there was no point in arguing when Dante had made up his mind. And truthfully, the thought of escaping with him, away from all the stress, was tempting.
“Alright,” she agreed, reaching for his hand across the table. “Let’s go.”
—
Touchdown on Paradise
The next morning, the jet touched down on a private airstrip near the coast. Dante held Isla’s hand as they stepped out, the salty breeze immediately greeting them. The crystal-clear waters stretched endlessly, and their grand villa stood proudly at the edge of the island, overlooking the waves.
Leo wiggled excitedly in Dante’s arms while Amara ran ahead, already kicking off her sandals to feel the warm sand beneath her feet.
Dante’s men had arrived earlier to prepare everything. The villa was spotless, the pool was freshly cleaned, and the fridge was stocked with all of Isla’s and the kids’ favorite foods.
“This is amazing,” Isla murmured as she turned to look at the view. The sun was beginning to set, casting golden hues across the water. “I forgot how beautiful this place is.”
Dante wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pulling her close. “And you forget how much you deserve this,” he whispered into her ear, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Isla leaned into him, her heart swelling with warmth.
—
Fun and Mischief
The next few days were filled with laughter and relaxation.
Amara and Leo spent their mornings chasing each other along the shore, splashing water at Dante whenever he got too close. Leo, with his tiny hands, tried building sandcastles but kept destroying them moments later, making Amara groan in frustration.
Dante, meanwhile, was more protective than ever. If Amara swam too far, he called her back immediately. If Isla sat under the sun for too long, he made her wear a hat and put sunscreen on her himself. And as for Leo, he didn’t let the little boy leave his sight for even a second.
“Dante,” Isla teased one afternoon as they lounged under a beach umbrella. “You do realize we’re here to relax, right? Not to act like bodyguards 24/7?”
Dante grumbled. “I can’t help it.” His eyes were fixed on Leo, who was waddling toward the water. In a flash, he stood up and scooped the toddler into his arms. “Where do you think you’re going, little troublemaker?”
Leo giggled, wrapping his tiny arms around his father’s neck. “Fish!” he pointed at the water.
Dante sighed, shaking his head. “Fine. Let’s go see the fish.”
Isla watched them, her heart melting.
—
Nightfall and Romance
That evening, after the kids had exhausted themselves and fallen asleep, Dante led Isla out to the terrace. The moonlight reflected beautifully off the ocean, casting a serene glow around them.
A candlelit dinner had been set up, courtesy of Dante’s impeccable planning. Isla’s eyes softened as she looked at him. “You think of everything, don’t you?”
Dante smirked, pulling her chair out for her. “For you? Always.”
They ate slowly, savoring each bite, each moment. Dante reached across the table, intertwining his fingers with hers. “This is how life should be,” he murmured. “Just you, me, and our little troublemakers, away from everything else.”
Isla smiled. “I wish we could stay here forever.”
Dante’s jaw clenched slightly. “Maybe one day, we will.”
She noticed the flicker of seriousness in his eyes. “Dante…”
He squeezed her hand. “I just want to protect you all. And if it means keeping you away from the madness, I’ll do it.”
Isla sighed but leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “For now, let’s just enjoy this, okay?”
Dante’s grip on her tightened as he kissed her back, deep and slow. “As you wish, mi amor.”
And under the moonlit sky, they savored their love, holding onto the peace they had found-if only for a little while.
—
But Peace Never Lasts…
As the night stretched on, Dante carried Isla back inside, their bodies tangled in warmth. Everything felt perfect. Too perfect.
Until his phone rang.
Frowning, he reached for it, irritation flaring in his chest. No one should be disturbing them here.
But the second he saw the caller ID, his heart hardened.
Isla, half-asleep, stirred beside him. “Who is it?”
Dante didn’t answer. He stood up, walking onto the terrace as he answered the call.
A familiar voice greeted him. Cold. Calculated.
“Enjoying your vacation, Dante? I hope so. Because it won’t last long.”
Dante’s grip on the phone tightened. His peaceful escape had just been shattered.
Trouble was coming.