Chapter 29: Sleeping Beauty

Tanaga strode up to the yacht carrying his sleeping beauty in his arms. Actually, Ashley had woken moments ago. But she was savoring the joy of the moment, and thrill of being a newlywed. So, she continued pretending to be asleep, clinging tightly to Tanaga's neck.

Tanaga noticed her grip tightening and realized she was now awake. He pretended not to notice, enjoying the moment. He also didn't want his nosy butler to have any more reason to meddle.

The yacht crew was in line watching Tanaga board, bowing in his honor, as was their custom. When he reached the end of the line, the crewmen cheered out, "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Jones!" Offering a round of applause afterward.

Feeling proud, Tanaga turned to the crew, "Thank you, all of you. I hope you don't mind my rushing off, but as you can see…" he said, motioning down with his head to the lovely cargo he carried in his arms. As Tanaga looked at her, her soft lips were the first thing he noticed. They were so inviting and enticing that he couldn't help but stare for a minute.

The captain noticed the sweet moment between the newlyweds and began chanting, "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!" The crew, in their excitement, joined in. "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!!!"

Their chants made Tanaga grin. He adjusted Ashley in his arms so that her head was solidly resting on his strong shoulders. Slowly, he leaned down and kissed Ashley in front of the entire crew. The crew erupted in applause and cheering at the sweet scene before them. Their enthusiastic reaction inspired Tanaga as he continued kissing his bride.

The kisses grew more prolonged and intense until Ashley couldn't stand it anymore, and she opened her eyes. She saw him with his eyes closed as he took his time ravishing her lips. As he teased her tongue with his, his desire to completely devour her grew.

"Hmmm, Sir…Boss…" Ashley murmured as his tongue moved inside her mouth.

Hearing Ashley's words, he left the crew behind in a hurry as he headed to their quarters, Ashley still tight in his arms.

"Boss, you can put me down now. No one is watching anymore." Ashley spoke in a whisper, knowing where this was going.

But Tanaga did not put her down. When they reached their quarters, a crew member stood to wait. He opened the door for Tanaga and then closed it behind them. Before leaving, he hung a sign on the doorknob that said, "DO NOT DISTURB."

Inside the room, completely alone and safely out of the view of the crew, Tanaga still did not put Ashley down. She was becoming uneasy and began squirming to get down. His hold was too tight, and her attempts to get down failed. Unable to do anything else, she stared back at him and asked, "What now?"

Tanaga had no idea what he should do next. Should he put her down? As he contemplated, Ashley could see his hesitation. She realized that he'd found himself in trouble, feeling as unsure as she was.

"Sir, relax. Could you put me down so we can talk?" Ashley gently pleaded.

Tanaga put her down carefully, his arms still holding her in an embrace. Their eyes locked in silence, the clock's tick-tock the only noise in the background. They couldn't hear the clock over the sound of their own hearts pounding; their heartbeats resonate in their ears.

Ashley's heart fleeted like she was dancing to a rapid tempo. This was the first time in Tanaga's life that his heart was beating fast and furious like this for a woman. He couldn't help himself and stare at her beautiful eyes.

As they stared, their eyes worked like magnets, pulling them closer and closer together. The invisible force slowly closed the distance between them until finally, Tanaga's lips met hers.

In the next chapter…

Do you think things between them will progress this time? What do you think the butler has prepared for the couple that had him smiling like a fool?