Rum Cay, Sweet Surrender (Rum Cay, Sweet Surender) by Hallie Collins

Rum Cay
     
    My Sweet Surrender
     
    Chapter I
    The future of any man or woman can be molded to fit the expectations of all who show respect for the present. But without ultimate control, the future may illustrate a bleakness that overshadows lustful desires or needs, revelations that pour indelicately into one’s soul. To be presented with unwavering love, only to have life invert itself, can alter the mind of even the most ardent romantic optimist. 
    Filtering out the inner trappings of insecurity and despair can be a difficult prospect to say the least, but Liliana had no choice in the matter. Her relationship with Garrett, the protection he availed her, even her very life, could all be in jeopardy, if he were to ever make the connection between Angelo Barchano and the Father that she never knew…. and never wanted to know. Could Garrett ever forgive her if he were to discover the truth? At first, Liliana was skeptical and afraid, but knowing she had little choice, she convinced herself that he would find it in his heart to separate her from the villainous monster that raped her Mother and left her for dead so many years ago. But there was no guarantee that Garrett would ever feel the same and protect her from Stagnoli and his men from finding her. Just when it looked like she found her champion, she thought, a horrific past re-enters her life, haunting her with the utmost irony. How is she to function, now that she knows about her dubious connection to Garrett’s life, and the tragic evil that turned it all inside out?
    Liliana woke with a start to the bright and rising sun bursting through the huge glass windows of Garrett’s bedroom. At first she thought, maybe this was all a dream, maybe she was still back in Miami with her family looking after her sister. But instead she quickly realized that those thoughts were clouded feelings from missing her home and the simplicity of it all before the nightmare took hold.
    “What’s the matter Lili? You jumped up so fast, it startled me; and that’s usually pretty hard to do.”
    “Oh yes, sorry Garrett. I was just, I uh, I was having a terrible nightmare about Stagnoli coming after my family, then I was suddenly running from him in a wide open field, but he kept catching up, no matter what I did or how fast I ran. Then, out of nowhere, I saw the edge of a cliff but could not stop running until the ground disappeared under my feet. I felt myself falling, looking down at jagged rocks below, hitting them with such force… I thought I was dead!”
    “Slow down, slow down, everything’s alright. You’re not being chased, and you’re not falling on any jagged rocks, not while I have you in my life. I probably scared you too much with my descriptive plans to fake your death. I’m sure I was too graphic when relating them to you. Your subconscious can really do a number on your mind, and it looks like yours really got a hold of you. Here, let me rub your shoulders and relieve all that stress.”
    Liliana could not stop from hyperventilating, as her mind swirled with thoughts of Garrett finding out who her Father really was. There was no longer a clear path. But she had to remain calm as if there was nothing to worry about, except for the obvious concern with Stagnoli. She had to pretend that nothing has changed. As she calmed herself, Garrett sweetly stroked the back of her neck, kissing her cheek gently to further calm her nerves and put her into a soothing state… he was so good at that, she thought.
    As she felt herself begin to relax, Liliana allowed herself to be immersed in Garrett’s considerate touch. “My my, you seriously better stop what you’re doing to me Mr. Ross, or it may lead to something much much more.”
    “That’s what I’m hoping for young lady… I would think you would know me better than that by now.”
    “Yes, but I can’t let you just have your way with me any time you want, now can I?” said Liliana with a nervous smile as she finally