Chapter 65 : Alone

*Lena*

A ring? There was only one reason Xander would have a ring in his pocket. The air in my lungs felt heavy, and I found it impossible to swallow as I followed him down the stairs and onto the private beach.

The midday sun was bright and warm, and a prickle of sweat formed on my brow as I followed him down the stairs. He dressed smartly in a button-down shirt and trousers, and I was grossly underdressed in a silken shirt and flowing capri pants of the same material. My feet were bare on the sand, which was as soft as powdered sugar.

Xander kept walking, and it was difficult to match his long, quick stride. I walked briskly to keep up with him, occasionally reaching out to grab his arm in an attempt to slow him down.

“Xander!”

But he didn’t turn around until we’d reached the far end of the beach, where the sea cliffs towered high above our heads and the waves were violent against the columns of black rock that lined this particular corner of the protected cove.