Deadly In Stilettos (43 page)

             
Demi nodded in agreement. Palm trees lined both sides of the road they traveled, with the ocean in the distance. The sky was bluer than she had ever seen. The fresh air was delightful as she breathed it in. She knew that when the time came to leave this wonderful place, it would be bittersweet.

             
When they arrived at their private bungalow on their private beach, the entire bowl of fruit was gone. Demi sipped the last of the champagne, feeling a light buzz. Makei laughed at how giggly she suddenly became. It touched his heart to see her so happy. He promised that he would do everything in his power to keep her that way. They would stay as long as she wanted. Christmas was in two days, and he had purchased several gifts for her. He didn’t expect anything in return. Makei only wanted to please Demi unconditionally, doing everything in his power to keep her happy.

             
As the driver took care of their luggage, he and Demi walked inside the bungalow. She looked around in awe. “This is amazing,” she said. “How did you find this place?” He could have told her he had connections, but smiled. It was his getaway house. When his father passed away years ago, Makei needed someplace to go to grieve and where the media could not locate him. A friend of a friend told him about an exclusive island just off the coast of Florida. Makei made arrangements to visit. Once he stepped off the jet, the sunshine hit him, instantly soothing his mind and body. After being on the island a few days, he knew he could not leave without purchasing a home on the island, someplace where he could come and go whenever he needed. Now was one of those times, and he was glad he made the investment. Seeing the smile on Demi’s face touched his heart. She had been through entirely too much. Some relaxation, meditation, and good company would help get her mind and body back to where they should be.

             
Demi was speechless. The bungalow was something straight from a magazine. The mahogany floors sparkled so brightly underneath her feet, she was able to see her own reflection. A huge glass door leading to a sunroom that looked down to the ocean called to her. The simple furniture was decorated in different shades of blues, greens, and beiges. Huge throw pillows lined the floor in front of one of the largest yet most elegant fireplaces she had ever seen. A huge rug of matching colors covered the floor between the oversized sofas and plush chairs. Live plants gave the atmosphere a livable and fresh feeling that Demi loved when she took a deep breath. Paintings that complemented the room and the flow of colors hung on several walls throughout the living and foyer areas. She loved her condo, but if she could have called this place home, she would have packed all of her clothes, shoes, and other collectibles and moved right in.

             
The furniture, décor, accessories, and ambience of the space embraced her, captivating her inner soul. In that very moment, Demi did not have a care in the world. All of the terrible things she had gone through in life did not matter. Her spirit was at peace. She was happy that Makei brought her here. “Demi, you okay? You seem a bit overwhelmed with all this. If you like we can go somewhere else.” She turned and stared directly into Makei’s eyes. “This place is wonderful! I love it here already, even though we have been here five minutes. The atmosphere is breathtaking. Why did it take you so long to bring me here?”

             
Makei laughed. “You like it? We can stay as long as you like.”

             
“Makei, I feel so at peace here. I feel like I belong for once in my life.” Sliding the glass door open, Demi stepped outside, feeling the cool air coming from the beautiful turquoise ocean. The sand was so white and smooth, it looked like silk. The sunroom was grander than the inside of the house. The stained wood was flawless. The patio furniture was oversized, with massive pillows and cushions. The décor carried throughout the inside of the house flowed onto the sunroom perfectly. Matching tables, side chairs, and lamps created a serene sanctuary, where a good book and glass of wine would be the perfect date. Demi made a mental note of that as she continued taking in the spectacular view. She had not brought any books, so the first chance she got, they would have to go find a book store, if once existed on the island.

             
There was a barbeque pit, Jacuzzi, and fountain. Beyond that was a stone path. When Demi followed it, she found a gigantic swimming pool with indigo blue water. Beyond that was a secluded area that resembled a paradise oasis. She gasped in delight, taking in the beauty of everything. Another stone path led to the white-sand beach and the crystal clear waters of the ocean. On the edge of the beach, built up high, was a lovely white gazebo that overlooked the majestic scenery of the bungalow, ocean, and sparkling swimming pool. Demi could not believe that this place existed. God had truly kissed this part of the earth, perfecting every aspect of it. She also knew that she would enjoy every waking moment there. She turned to Makei with tears in her eyes. She was so grateful he had thought enough of her to bring her there. She ran into his waiting arms, squeezing him tightly. He was truly her Prince Charming. With him, Demi was never afraid. Something inside her soul leaped. At that moment, she fell completely in love with Makei all over again.

             
The sun was setting, and the sky cascaded shades of lavender, orange, and a pale pink, creating another level of beauty. The sky looked like true love was peeking from the clouds, giving them a taste of what to look forward to. God was creating heaven on earth at that very moment. Tears of joy fell from Demi’s eyes.

             
“Let’s go inside,” Makei said. “We have to get dressed.”

            
 
‘What is he talking about?
’
she wondered. Demi wanted to stay at the house and lounge out by the pool, maybe even take a dip in the warm ocean before going to bed later. The flight had been tiring. She needed to relax. Makei grabbed her hand, pulling her with him as he walked back up the stone path to the house. He took her a different way, not past the pool but by an amazing herb garden. The scents of the different herbs mixed together in the warm air and ocean breeze, creating the perfect aroma. Demi took several deep breaths, enjoying the pleasing fresh air. She saw huge clusters of sage, lavender, thyme, basil, dill, and many other herbs she often cooked with at home.

             
A thought passed through her mind. She would cook for Makei as a sign of her undying affection and appreciation once they returned to Las Vegas. She would invite him to dinner. Maybe she would cook for them while they were here. Her thoughts were interrupted by his hand caressing the small of her back. “Let me show you the rest of the bungalow, and then we can change,” he said. Just as she thought, the rest of the bungalow was beautiful and inviting. Long hallways separated the two master suites from the guest quarters, which Demi thought wonderful. She would have the privacy she needed to finalize her plans for Sidney and Greg. Sadness overwhelmed her, but she pushed that emotion away. Right now, she was having a great time, with a great guy, in a great place.

             
The walls were decorated with fabulous artwork from Italy, Paris, and India, all complementing one another. The wood floors continued throughout the bungalow, covered with small Italian rugs. Her room was huge with glass windows from floor to ceiling. The king-sized canopy bed had silk fabric draped across it. Her favorite colors, purple and green, covered the bed and the throw pillows that dotted the white furniture. She had never felt carpet as soft as what she was standing on. It tickled her feet. As she walked around the room, she noticed two others doors. One led to a bathroom as big as the bedroom. It was incredible. A huge, round spa tub sat in the center of the room with steps leading up to it. The shower could easily fit five people. His and hers sinks claimed one side of the room, while a sitting area claimed the other.

             
The vanity housed every kind of lotion, oil, perfume, and makeup product she loved
.
‘Makei is really spoiling me
,
’ Demi thought, smiling as she picked up a bottle of her favorite perfume. The green-and-purple- color scheme continued in the bathroom in the towels, rug, curtains, and other accessories. Demi prided herself on her decorating skills, but this bungalow outmatched her. She made a mental note to ask Makei who his decorator was. Maybe she would treat herself with some remodeling and redecorating to her own place once they returned. Before leaving the beautiful, spa-like bath room, Demi turned to survey it again. She was at peace. Nothing seemed bad in her life.

             
As Demi opened the second door in the room, she almost fainted. It was a walk-in closet, bigger than the one she had at home. She walked in, noticing several items hanging in there. Several dresses, business suits, jumpsuits, capris, cardigans, leggings, and other items lined the closet. She was truly lucky and blessed, she thought, admiring the beautiful colors, textures, and patterns of everything. There were shelves of all sizes for any and everything she wanted to put inside. A big island sat in the middle of the closet with a few accessories on it: big and small purses, scarves, hats, sunglasses, and belts. Demi was almost too excited to stay in the room, until she saw a hidden door in the back of the closet.

             
She slowly walked over to the door and pushed it open. What she saw caused her to lose her footing. Thankfully, Makei was watching her, and rushed over to catch her. Another room filled with the most beautiful shoes captured Demi’s heart. She rushed from Makei’s grip, eagerly exploring. There were shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Kate Spade, Report Signature, Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada, Jessica Simpson, and L.A.M.B, and there were others she did not recognize, but they all looked beautiful. She touched each pair, smiling and saying how much she loved them. Makei laughed. Demi couldn’t stop squealing.

             
She ran over to him, hugging him and kissing him with such intensity, he was surprised but kissed back with more. They held each other for what seemed like forever. He gazed into her eyes. “I love you. But we have to get ready. I’ll let you get dressed.” He kissed her passionately again and walked out of the room, leaving her to bask in all the excitement. Demi screamed as she found the perfect pain of stilettos, and then went to look for the perfect outfit. An hour later, she looked in the mirror and approved of what she saw. She winked at herself.

             
A light knock on the door startled her. She opened the door and Makei stood before her looking as handsome as ever. “Makei, you look amazing. Wow!” The chocolate-brown double-breasted Prada suit looked great paired with baby blue shirt with French cuffs. His tie in shades of browns and blues combined to create a polished, bold, and masculine finish. The brown Prada loafers completed the distinguished look she knew Makei was going for. He was handsome. He was a gentleman. He was hers at that moment. Nothing else mattered. He cleared his throat bringing her out of the trance he had put her in. “Sorry.” She smiled. “You are beautiful!”

             
Makei could have said the same. Deminis Bradshaw was a breathtaking woman. She knew how to wear stilettos like no other, and the dress she chosen looked amazing. The scarlet halter dress fell upon her body like paint on a canvas. It gave her an exotic look, especially when combined with strappy, bejeweled stilettos. The V-shaped neckline of the dress gave just the right peek of cleavage, classy and elegant. Her makeup was flawless, lightly applied, with just the right amount of lip color. Makei wanted to kiss her, but knew better than to mess up a woman’s lipstick before the evening began. She’d swept up some of her hair but left the front pieces to fall in natural waves, framing her face. Makei loved to see her with her hair that way. It reminded him of the many evenings they once spent together. He missed those times and hoped they would soon have them again.

             
“Demi, you look beautiful! I’m glad you like the clothes and took advantage of the shoes I picked out for you. I am truly blessed to have you here with me.”

             
She smiled with pleasure. Grabbing the matching scarlet shawl, Demi took Makei’s arm. They walked together like two lovers embarking on a night of passion, with the promise of sensual pleasure at the end.

Chapter 33