Bliss's POV

What is Shane doing at the door?! I know he was coming to Hawaii. But he is in the same neighborhood?! I need to text mom Adrian.

I peeked through the hole, and Shane was still standing there. I heard Grayson yawning, meaning he was getting ready to wake up.

"Good morning, Bliss. Who was at the door?" Grayson asked me as he wrapped his arms around me and kissed my cheek.

"If I woke you up, I'm sorry for slamming the door. But, take one guess as to who it was."

I know Grayson was irritated, but he didn't show it. "What do you want to do - stay here or go to a hotel?"

"I want to stay. Shane knows not to come over here again. It is bad enough I had to leave New York because of Alexander. I could care less if Shane was next door. Let's go back to cuddling." I grabbed Grayson's hands and went back into the living room.

"I really am tired. My body is telling me to rest."

"Bliss, before we cuddle, it's time for us to eat breakfast. You didn't touch your dinner last night. So, march into that kitchen, missy."

"I like an authoritative man. It's sexy. To the kitchen we go. First, can you grab my phone? I need to text Adrian."

"Sure. I'll go get it."

***********

Adrian's POV

I was just about to read a text from Bliss until I heard Sir Shane slam the front door. "What is your problem?"

"My problem is who the next-door neighbor is." Then, he stormed off somewhere.

I looked at my phone to read Bliss's message.

Bliss: "Hi, I hope you guys are okay. Sorry we haven't talked in a while. Can I ask where you all are staying in Maui?"

Adrian: "Hi, sweetie. I'm not sure of the street name, but we are right next to a beautiful yellow house. Shane just came back in, slamming the door."

Bliss: "We are staying in the yellow house. When I opened the door, I saw Shane and slammed it in his face. I miss our chats. Can you come over sometimes?"

So that is why he slammed the door.

Adrian: "I would love to. I'll come by later."

Bliss: "Thank you. I will see you later."

Adrian: "See you later."

*******************

I went to find my husband because I had a feeling Shane was going to leave the house. My husband was in the kitchen.

"We need to speed up our plan. Shane will not like it, but he has some explaining to do. Find something to do the deed."

"Okay." While he did that, I went to find Grumpy.

Shane was coming down the stairs with his luggage. "Shane, you are not leaving this house. Sit down."

"Try and stop me."

He had a look on his face of anger. I tried to do this the easy way, but he just had to be stubborn.

"Okay, I will stop you." Well, my husband will. He walked up behind Shane and knocked him out.

"You knocked Shane out with that?" He did what Mr. Spock from Star Trek does to people.

"Adrian, remember Shane is our son. We want him to talk to us, not hate us," he says as he drags Shane to a room with no windows.

******

Shane finally woke up after three hours.

"Why am I tied up in ropes? Did you both seriously kidnap me?"

"Answer this, were you going to volunteer why you hurt Bliss?"

"No, I was not!"

"Shane, we are out of view of those goons following you. Yes, I know they are following you. And you slipped up and said you and Bliss couldn't be in the same room together. Now, start talking! We will have you tied up all night if need be."

We left Shane's hands free, so he sighed and ran them through his hair. "What I am about to say can't go beyond this room. I want you to promise me. Bliss's life is at stake."

Both my husband and I said, "We promise."

"The day Bliss left for Milan, I received several threatening messages on my way home from the airport. How they got my number, I really have no clue. They said Bliss would die if I didn't break up with her. They told me how I was to even break up with her. Someone also planted a hidden camera in my office and her office. There is a person in my building working with whoever is blackmailing me. Those two goons are following me to ensure that if I see Bliss, I am rude or ignorant to her. They will kill her on the spot if I am not rude. And I was not with Mikayla in Barbados. Somehow Mikayla must have known or heard I was traveling there. I can't stand her." Shane had tears falling from his eyes while speaking.

"I knew there was a reason." My husband untied the ropes. "Shane, I'm sorry. Now we both understand. I'm sorry for tying you up. I don't want to see my only son broken anymore."

I hugged Shane. I never saw him cry before. This situation is eating him alive.

"I had to do what I did to protect Bliss. We should have been in Barbados, soon to be married. I love her, and that is why I did it. I had to miss her photoshoot. I didn't have a choice. I have no clue as to who is behind this. That's why I was going to a hotel, so those guys following me don't know that Bliss is next door. I'm sorry for the way I have been treating everyone. And, please tell Gabby I sincerely am sorry for screaming at her. I'll find another position for her. It hurts like heck to watch Bliss dating Grayson. But I will do what is necessary to ensure that Bliss is safe. I am the one that should be protecting her from Alexander. I want you both to know that I still and ALWAYS will love Bliss. I don't want to date or marry anyone else. There is no woman alive who compares to her. And, yes, I have seen her billboards with Marco and with Grayson. They turned out great. She will be an amazing model, and I am proud of her."

"I want you to stay as strong as you can, Shane. Are you taking the truck with you?"

"I called a car rental place, and they have a truck waiting for me. I'll leave the keys for you. A taxi is coming for me."

"Okay. Stay safe, Shane. And call us when you get to your hotel."

"Mum and dad, thank you for sticking with me."

"You don't have to thank us. That is what parents are supposed to do. And, we promise not to tell a soul."

Shane looked out the window and saw the cab approaching. We watched him get into the cab and pull off. Sure enough, the two goons pulled off after Shane.

After closing the door, my husband and I plopped on the couch. "What are we going to do? Shane is hurting too. And I know Bliss had to see Carly's engagement ring. We just have to find out who is doing this."

"Where would we even start?"

"How about we find the weasel at the company first."

"Sounds like a plan."

********

Narrator's POV

Shane called as promised. He gave Adrian and Brently the resort he was staying at and his room number.

For the most part, Shane stayed in his room for the next few weeks. Even when he did venture out of his room, women would constantly try to hit on him. He shot them down really quickly.

Meanwhile, Bliss and Grayson spent their time together on the beach and cuddling.

Layla and the family were coming for a visit the first week of December. Kam and her family are doing the same thing.

Bliss also talked to her agent about still doing the fashion show. Ashton told Bliss that he would make sure the event was heavily secure for her.

Bliss also met Kalani's family, who adore her. Kalani was serious about adopting the Sanders Crew. He researched the process. Then, Kalani took a flight to New York to get the proceedings going. He promised to be back in time for the luau.

Speaking of the luau, it's about that time!

************

Saturday, December 7th, 2019

Bliss' POV

We traveled safely to Nana Luana's house. That is what Kam's grandma told us to call her. She even taught us to fix Hawaiian food for the luau.

I fixed Pineapple Salsa and Hawaiian Fried Rice. We fixed so much food that I can't wait to eat it. The guys were grilling chicken Kababs, grilled pineapple, and fruity grilled shrimp skewers. I couldn't eat the shrimp, but I could eat the chicken.

Kalani and his brothers also made Kalua Pig in a Hawaiian imu or steamed underground oven. We also fixed Hawaiian pineapple meatballs, sweet rolls, Hawaiian chicken bites, Hawaiian Poi, Hawaiian potato salad, baked sweet potatoes, and Pipi Kaula, which is Hawaiian-style jerky made with flank steak strips. And that doesn't include the drinks and desserts we made.

"Kam, what is up with your cousins, Lisa and Leia? Both of them tried hitting on Grayson, and it is getting on my nerves. They had the audacity to try right in front of my face like I wasn't there."

"Ugh, girl, both of them tried with Cris and Marco at the repast for my mom."

"Seriously? That is pathetic. They remind me of my cousin, Chloe. Neither one of them has respect for anyone."

"Speaking of Grayson, how are you guys doing?" Layla asked.

"I had a breakdown when Andrea and Mason got engaged, plus when I saw that Julian and Carly were engaged. I assumed Grayson would be mad at me, but he wasn't. He was sweet about it. Since then, everything has been great. And it has been a month already."

"Time sure does fly. I am happy for you guys."

"The main course is now ready!" Kalani yelled out to everyone.

*********

"Oh my gosh, I am stuffed. Everything was delicious. I had so much fun cooking with you, Nana Luana."

"Ua hauʻoli wau i kaʻoluʻolu iāʻoe a ua hanaʻoe i kahiʻoihana maikaʻi loa. (I'm glad you enjoyed it and you did an excellent job.)."

"Bliss, Nana said she is glad you enjoyed cooking with her and did an excellent job."

Okay, I know one Hawaiian phrase. "Mahalo. (Thank you.)" Everybody turned and looked at me, shocked.

"I learned it from watching Lilo and Stitch as a kid."

"It's dancing time, fellas." Marco and Grayson, we're okay with dancing. Cris, Austin, and the rest of the guys sighed. Layla, Noeli, and the rest of the girls chuckled.

"Yes! I have been looking forward to this part. Once again, Kam is a great teacher."

"Before we dance, I just want to say thank you to Bliss, Jessica, Andrea, and Julian. You just don't know how happy I am that you agreed to me adopting you. Jayde and I always wanted more children. You all are giving my family what we always wanted, and I love you for it. I know you all are grown adults, but losing a parent is tough. I lost my father as a teen. My stepfather took steps to make me and my siblings his kids. I know I can't replace your dad. But I wanted to follow in my stepfather's footsteps. To have a son and three more beautiful daughters is special. It still needs to be officially announced, but I did go to New York to officially start the process. Welcome to the Palu family."

"Yes! Welcome to our family, Bliss, Julian, Jessica, and Andrea. Noeli, now we have a brother and three sisters. Bliss, now we really are sisters!"

Kam and Noeli came over and hugged us. Then we all went to Kalani and gave him a big hug.

"When Kalani came to me about the idea, I didn't hesitate to say yes. I missed my dad so much. But, to know I have Kalani as my father figure is something I will cherish forever. And I have to thank Cris for coming to New York in 2018. Kam and Noeli are not only my best friends but will be my sisters. Thank you for having us in your beautiful family."

"Now, Cris, Marco, Julian, Ryan, Mason, and Grayson, get your butts up here with us to dance. Mr. Landes, please join us."

We all chuckled at how slowly they were walking to the stage.

Kalani, Koa, and Keoni were amazing. Marco and Grayson are dancers, so they did a good job too. But Cris, Austin, Brently, Ryan, and Mason were hilarious!

Once they were done, we did give the guys a round of applause for their effort.

Then Kalani says, "Kami, it's your turn."

Kam, Layla, myself, Andrea, Noeli, Jessica, Braelyn, Día, Adrian, and Carly took our turn dancing.

Grayson's POV

All of the ladies are in sync, even the kids. Kamea is even dancing with her daughter in her arms. She is a very talented person.

It has been one month since Bliss asked me about dating. Watching her dance and the way she moves her body is hypnotic. I could watch her beautiful smile 24/7.

Anyone can tell Bliss loves to dance by how good she is. I saw it at two weddings. I am going to enjoy every moment we spend together.

Once the ladies were done, we gave them a round of applause, and then they exited the stage.

"I had fun, daddy," Austin's daughter said to him.

"But your daddy and the guys were funny, right? Marco and Grayson, we're the best ones," Bliss said while laughing.

Bliss's laughter is contagious.

I whispered to Bliss, "Let's go for a walk on the beach."

Bliss nodded to say yes. "Grayson and I are going for a walk on the beach. We'll be back."

I grabbed the gift bag from under my chair, and then we walked to the beach.

"Grayson, why do you look nervous? You're very confident, but now you're blushing. It's too cute."

I handed Bliss the gift bag. "I bought you a gift to celebrate one month of dating. I hope you like it."

"Aww, you didn't have to get me anything," Bliss said while opening the jewelry box.

"I wanted to get you something."

"It's a diamond locket necklace." Bliss then opened the locket.

"It's the picture we took at Starbucks. Thank you, Grayson."

I took the locker out of the box and put it on Bliss.

"You're welcome, Bliss."

"Hmm, I just thought of something to give you."

Bliss grabbed my shirt to pull us back onto the sand. We made out on the beach. It was hot and heavy, as well as passionate. Our mouths were in sync with each other as Bliss ran her hands through my hair. I remembered Bliss said no sex, so I had to reign in my urges to pleasure her on this beach because I wanted her.

After what seemed like forever, we broke apart for air. "Happy one month of dating. I'm not shy, as you just have seen," Bliss says while trying to catch her breath. I was flustered.

"Uh, I can tell."

"Before we go back, it is selfie time."

I rolled off Bliss and laid back on the sand. Bliss scooted close to me and took out her phone. I stole a kiss while Bliss snapped the picture.

"We better get back before someone comes looking for us." I got up first, then gave Bliss my hands to help her up. After wiping off the sand, we walked back to the party.

**********

Narrator's POV

Bliss and Grayson had no idea that they were being watched. Shane had no idea they would be there until he spotted them kissing in the sand. His heart broke knowing he could not have Bliss in his arms for the past two months.

Meanwhile, Bliss and her family partied all night and had a great time. Everyone, including Nana Luana, is going to attend Bliss's fashion show in a week. They are going to travel back to New York on the 12th and stay in a hotel suite not too far from where the fashion show will be held.

After the fashion show, Bliss and Grayson are flying to Italy to spend time together.

*****

Thursday, December 12th, 2019

Bliss' POV

There was a massive amount of security as our plane landed safely in New York. The security grabbed our luggage, and we went outside to a black Hummer limo that whisked us away to our hotel. I may only be 27 years old, but all of this flying recently has tired me out. So, Friday is going to be a relaxing day.

By the time we reached our hotel, the media and paparazzi were everywhere. Grayson and I got out and headed into the hotel lobby, where Ashton was waiting for us.

"I already have your suite keys. Come on. Let's get you settled." The security had our luggage and followed us to our suite.

"Sorry you guys, but they only had the honeymoon suite left. And, sadly Mikayla is staying in this hotel," Ashton said to us.

"I'm okay with the room as long as Grayson is."

"I'm okay with it too."

"Bliss, here is a checklist of what will happen tomorrow. A limo will pick you, Grayson, Layla, and Marco up. Layla's husband and Marco's wife will also be permitted to ride in the limo. You will need to be ready to leave the hotel around noon on Saturday. Natalie Duncan wants to interview you at the show. That will be around 1:00 pm. For safety reasons, there will not be a studio audience. The interview will air on her show on Monday. Representatives from Sapphire Couture will meet with you, Grayson, Layla, and Marco after your interview at 2:00 pm. I would suggest you eating something before leaving the suite because you won't be able to eat anything until around 5:00 pm. The show then will start promptly at 7:00 pm and will last until 11:00 pm. Then, there will be a reception for the models and their families afterward."

"Thank you, Ashton. I'm going to start relaxing."

"You're welcome, Bliss. Get yourself plenty of rest so you can be fresh and full of energy on Saturday. Make sure she gets that rest, Grayson. And, security will be right outside your door. See you later." Ashton left our room.

"Well, time to get some rest." Grayson and I flopped on the bed and dozed off.

**********

Alexander's POV

Thankfully no one knows about this place. Fortunately, I was able to disguise myself. I had to convince my neighbor that I was a relative. Otherwise, they would have been suspicious.

I need to find a way to get my hands on Bliss Sanders for ruining me.

I am going to end what I started in court. And, this time I will succeed.

*************

Thank you for reading chapter 41.

The hula dance videos are courtesy of YouTube.

Thank you all for the votes and comments. 😘