In Too Deep: The Castell Brothers, #1

By Izzy Williams

The Virgin and the Gangster.
It was supposed to be three weeks of fun in the sun.
Can the Spanish God she meets be too good to be true?

Ibiza was supposed to be the holiday of a lifetime but it turned out so much more than that for Elsa, especially as she met Xander there - the dark and dangerous beautiful man.
She discovers that there is more to him than meets the eye. One by one, secrets come to light about the man she is falling for.

The chemistry they have together is electric, but is Xander all he seems?

Elsa embarks on a journey with Xander, but will his secrets and lies taint the love that they have for each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Izzy Williams
• Release date: Dec 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9798201077372

Book preview

Chapter 1

Shit, what have you done?  This . . . this is amazing! I say to Hayley in wonder, looking around the magnificent hotel room we’ve just had the good fortune to be shown into. This is not like the last place I stayed at in Ibiza that’s for sure! 

Hayley turned to me beaming, looking beautiful - like she’s just stepped out of a photoshoot as usual – even though we’d all just got off a plane. 

She shrugged, Hey, if you can’t treat your best buds when you win the lottery, when can you?

Kelly piped up. Hell, I agree . . . this is the life! she throws herself on a sofa in our huge room, putting her feet and stretching to put both hands behind her head - her long blonde hair falling behind her, her big blue eyes taking in our surroundings.  I can understand why men are drawn to Kelly, the ones that aren’t scared of her loud personality are drawn to her because she's just plain hot – and she uses it to her full advantage!

I can't believe we get to live here for the next three weeks . . . it’s so classy – so not us! I say laughing.  Well, maybe you Hayley - but definitely not me and Kel.

Hayley is one of those girls that a lot of other girls love to hate - a natural beauty type that looks gorgeous when they roll out of bed – slim, but not skinny, naturally tanned skin and light brown hair.  Men usually get sent away with their tail between their legs when they approach her, as she is serious with her boyfriend.

Hey! shouts Kelly, Speak for yourself, I can be classy when I want to be.

Oh really? And when will you want to be? Because I have to see that . . . I tease.

She gets up and punches me in the arm. Ouch, I rub the tender area and go to look into one of the two bedrooms, Kel, think one’s ours - we’ll let Hayley have the one on her own, while she’s paid for us.

Guys, come and have a look at this, Hayley shouts from the balcony.

We step out there, wow, I’m speechless.  We could see all of San Antonio bay, right around to where all the clubs were . . . one of the reasons we’d come back here, to check out the clubs. 

I'm so happy you won all that money, Haylz, Kelly says draping her arm around her.  and so happy that you decided to spoil us both with this holiday.

You’re welcome, honey - we’re gonna do all the clubs that we couldn’t afford to go to the last time we were here, and you guys don’t need a penny - it's all on me.  She smiles at us both warmly. My treat for being the best friends a girl could wish for.

Aw, thanks hon, I'm so excited.  We’re so lucky that work gave us both the time off together. Elsa and I are PA’s at a Solicitors in Manchester. I turn to Kelly Us too Kell, we were really lucky to get time off together.

Kelly worked in a factory part-time in the week but spent her weekends working with me at the club where we were dancers - club podium dancers.  We’d asked the other girls to cover for us and they’d agreed, so luckily we’d gotten the time off together . . . so here we are.

Kelly turned to me with a glint in her eye. Hey!  Did you see Mr Dark and Dangerous at reception?  He was totally checking you out.

Had I seen him?  He was hard to miss, strutting around like he owned the place in an expensive suit and talking to the staff in Spanish.  He was sexy as hell - totally out of my league, he didn’t even look my way, I don’t know what Kelly saw. 

I knew I was OK looking  - my slanted green eyes usually got me more attention than I probably deserved.  My eyes, mixed with my olive skin and dark brown curly bobbed wild hair got me my fair share of male admirers - but not in this guy’s category.  Trust man-mad Kelly to spot him.

I snorted.  Yeah right, I wish . . . he was gorgeous, but don’t think he knew any of us existed.  Still, nice to know your radar is up and working for hot men. Kelly used and abused men. 

Oh my radar is working just fine, stick with me girl and I’ll sort you out.  You never know you might get rid of that pesky virginity on this holiday to a God-like creature, like that guy in reception.

She found it highly amusing that while I wasn’t exactly a novice with men, I had never let one get close enough to have sex with.  Great move that was Elsa, waiting for that special man - seemed like a good idea at the time, but I’m still waiting. . . it’s gotten a little silly at my age – and a big talking point with the girls.

We quickly unpacked and then made our way down to the pool area for a drink, to get a feel for the place.  The bar area had palm trees all around and couches everywhere, making it look like the Garden of Eden.  With drinks in hand, we went to sit on the loungers around the kidney-shaped pool.  It was getting late in the day but it was still warm, I sipped on my Pina Colada with my face upwards towards the sun and relaxed back.

I  sighed. This is the life . . . I can’t believe we have three weeks of this!  Sunbathing tomorrow is gonna be awesome, with all my new bikinis, my iPod and my kindle, bring it on.

You’re such a geek Elsa, I bet you’ve done a holiday playlist and everything for your iPod haven’t you? Kelly asked.

Oh yes, I nodded. One for getting ready to . . . one for chilling around the pool and one for winding down when we come in from clubbing. Hayley and Kelly both shake their heads at how organised I am – they think I'm a geek, but they’ll want me for my playlists.

We stay for a while, idly chatting before going to get something to eat in one of the restaurants. 

We’re all on a summer holiday high.  I'm so busy at home, working at the solicitors, dancing at the club and visiting my dad at the home, where he lives with dementia - I don’t get much time to relax, this is just what I need.

I’ve got a feeling that this holiday is one I’ll remember forever.

Chapter 2

Our first full day consists of lounging by the pool, drinking, chatting and reading . . . bliss.  It’s so relaxing here – I don’t feel like I’m in the clubbing capital of Europe – this hotel is purely for the rich and beautiful . . . so elegant, everything was done so professionally, no British lager louts allowed. 

We’re going to Passia tonight, one of the biggest clubs on the island  - we got tickets from the staff here - ninety euros each – they’re VIP entry that allows us full access to the club.  Passia was one of the clubs that we couldn’t afford the last time we were here, so it feels like such a privilege that we get to go.

After eating our evening meal we choose what we’re all going to wear.

Hayley has a gorgeous dress from Top Shop, a multi-coloured linen mix one, shortish.  The oranges and browns suit her skin tone perfectly . . . gorgeous.

Kelly steps it up a notch, she pulls her long blonde hair in an up-do, wears an electric blue tank top showing off her boobs and white shorts.  She knows how to sex herself up.  The blue in her top makes her big blue eyes stand out. 

I have on a strapless black fitted body con dress which finishes mid-thigh with flat sandals; no one goes dancing in Ibiza with heels.  It doesn't have lots of flesh on show - but doesn’t leave much to the imagination either, but I’m not one to dress modestly.  The dancing keeps me in good shape, I feel good tonight, we all look hot. 

We stay around the hotel drinking until around midnight and then head out to the club.  We bypass the long queue at Passia and head straight to the VIP area.  I feel so special.

It's one am, we’ve had a nap this afternoon to save ourselves for in here.  Café Mambos before here was awesome - everyone was sat out and on the beach, it was a great atmosphere. 

I was itching to dance, I could see Kelly was the same too.  I won't be going near a podium tonight though.  I'd been working at the club for just over a year now.   I’d always done gymnastics and dance from a young age, in my teens trained around twelve hours a week on them both.  I’d given them up when I left school, but my love of dancing was still there. I loved the atmosphere of the clubs.  It was safe and it wasn’t dirty like most people thought, it was just club dancing.

Hayley orders us Champagne while we watch the madness below us from the VIP balcony.  The music and the DJ are amazing. 

We dance on the balcony, looking down into the crowd when Kelly hits me. 

Ouch! What was that for? I scowl at her, rubbing my arm.

OH MY GOD, remember Mr Dark and Dangerous from our hotel?  He’s here and totally watching you! 

I look around to see if I can see him - when I spot him he takes my breath away.  Jesus, he is gorgeous.  He oozes sex.  He looks important, he has an aura of authority.  He has short-cropped hair, jet black with stubble - like he needs a shave - but I bet he looks like that all the time.  He’s tall . . . around six foot three with broad shoulders and toned muscles, you can see enough of them through his fitted top that makes you want to touch them, this guy must work out every day.  He has a tattoo which you can see under the sleeve of his t-shirt on his right arm, but I can’t make out what it is – hmm . . . I'm a sucker for a man with tattoos.  After raking my eyes down his body, I look up to his face to meet his eyes and something jolts through me - this man is very attractive and the nickname Kelly has given him is right - Mr Dark and Dangerous is spot on.  He’s sat with a group of important-looking people, who don’t look like they’re here to party, they all look serious.  This guy just looks like trouble.  He’s leant back on a sofa with his foot laid across his other leg, looking relaxed and arrogant.  Everyone is talking around him, but he’s just staring at me and making it blatantly obvious.  I feel naked.

He stands up and starts to walk over towards us, his eyes still on me.

Fuck!

Shit guys . . . he’s coming over.

They look at me and grin, Hayley says, I say go for it . . . he’s bloody gorgeous.

He reaches us at the balcony - we're all silent waiting for his next move. 

He leans forward to speak in my ear. You are staying at the same hotel as me, yes? his gravelly voice sends shivers all through me, it’s so sexy.  He has a thick Spanish accent, but his English seems quite good.  I look at him - he has the most piercing blue eyes I have ever seen.  They’re mesmerising blue.  I find myself staring at him, then remember that he’s asked me a question. 

I clear my throat.  We’re staying at the Bellemar.

He nods and doesn’t say anything just holds my gaze and smiles at me - when he smiles the corners of his eyes crinkle up and he has the longest eyelashes.  I feel like he’s thinking dirty thoughts - I don’t know how I know this, but I do.

Kelly clears her throat and says Right . . . well . . . I’ll introduce us all then, shall I?  This is Hayley, I’m Kelly and this is Elsa, and you are?

He looks at Kelly and smiles and I feel bereaved that he’s turned his attention away from me, which is just stupid. 

I didn’t need to worry, he soon shifts his focus back onto me.  My name is Alexander but everyone calls me Xander.  How long are you staying in Ibiza? His eyes are breathtaking, and they’re focused on me - it’s like Kelly and Hayley aren’t there.  I get butterflies.  He has the sexiest voice I’ve ever heard, deep and thick.  I imagine him muttering to me in Spanish when he’s in bed.  I blush when I look at him, he smirks at me - I swear he knew what I was thinking.

We’re here for three weeks, we only arrived yesterday. 

He nods.  I would like it if you will have a drink with me later? I am just in a meeting and then I will come and find you?

I don’t know what to say, was he asking or telling?  We’re going down for a dance shortly. I shrug, It’s a big club. He’d never be able to find me in all these hundreds of people.

He smiles at me and his eyes crinkle again, he leans into me so that only I can hear.  You will not be hard to miss, you are by far, the sexiest woman in here.  I feel his breath on my ear and his words send a shiver down my spine.  I so want him to find me later.  I want to listen to him talk and look into those blue eyes of his all night.  I just nod dumbly.  Way to be sexy Elsa!

He turns to leave and Hayley and Kelly grin at me. Well . . . that’s you sorted for tonight. Kelly says and they both laugh at me as I pretend to be all flustered, fanning myself with my hand.  Hell, who’s pretending? I am flustered!

We go down to the main club area to wait for the main DJ to come on.  The Champagne goes to our heads, we must dance for an hour or so, when  I notice a group of guys start to circle us.  I look around a few times to see if I can see Xander, but can't see him anywhere.  Maybe someone else distracted him.  I feel a pang of envy at that thought.  The guys that are hanging around us are typical English lager louts, one of them comes to dance close to us, then backs away and then another one moves up.  They’re off their face on drugs, I start feeling uneasy.  I see the boys keep looking at each other and one of them is dancing with Kelly, his arms all over her, there are five of them in total. 

I grab Kelly’s arm, pulling her towards me These guys are dickheads Kelly . . . let’s move somewhere else.

She looks at them and the guy dancing with her.  No!  I’m enjoying myself.  She turns around and starts to dance very close to the guy, who’s leering at her – she’s too drunk, it's clouding her judgement, as per usual.  I look at Hayley and she looks as uneasy as me. 

One of the guys starts to dance real close behind me and grabs my bottom – I spin around, Hey!  Get your hands off me.  Piss off!  We’re not interested. I shout. 

He doesn’t seem to want to take no for an answer and starts to put his hands around my waist, the other guys are still circling us.

I start to properly panic, so does Hayley, I look at Kelly but she’s now kissing the guy - she has no idea what is going on.

I spin around to see if I can see any security when I come face to face with Xander.  His eyes are blazing and his face is like stone.  He gets hold of the guy who is trying to maul me and throws him across the dance floor with one hand, two of the security men then pick the guy up to throw him out, there are other security guys now surrounding us, making the other guys leave.  I wonder why they’re not bothering Xander?  He was having a meeting upstairs - maybe they know him.

He circles his arm around my waist protectively and his touch sends tingles all through my body.  He waits for the other guys to go and then rests his gaze on me.

Are you ok, Elsa?

My heart is racing because your arm is around me, but apart from that fine.

Yes . . . yes, I'm fine . . . thank you. Thank you so much, they were horrible - I hope you won’t get in trouble for that?

He smiles and shakes his head, No, they cannot throw me out of my own club. 

I look at him shocked.  He owns this club?  Well, that explains why he looks so important. He leans into me, his arm still around my waist.  You will have this drink with me now?

Oh Jesus, his accent is so sexy - I really want to accept. 

I look at Hayley and Kelly, Hayley is talking to Kelly with her arms around her - she needs to go home. 

I lean towards Xander, I have to stand on my tiptoes to talk in his ear and put my hand on his shoulder.  I need to get Kelly back, it’s not fair to expect Hayley to do it on her own . . . so I better not.  Thank you so much for helping me out with those guys.

He shrugs, It was nothing . . . what if I come back with you? I am done here.  Would you be good with having a drink with me in the hotel bar, would this make you feel safe?

Aw, he’s worried I think he’s a weirdo or something.  It’s so weird . . . I know I don’t know him, but I wouldn’t be worried about being left on my own with him at all.

I smile at him.  That would be fine with me . . . I could get you a drink to say thank you.

He smiles at me and holds my gaze . . . I can’t look away.  This man gives me butterflies.  I need to be careful here . . . it’s ok having a bit of holiday fun, but this man oozes danger and sex.

I will get a car out front to take us to the hotel, yes? Meet me outside in five minutes with your friends. He turns and walks off. 

When we get outside the club there’s a Mercedes parked up and Xander is casually leaning against it with his ankles crossed, smoking a cigarette.  When he sees us he stands up straight and throws his cigarette away. 

Kelly being Kelly, and being hammered shouts. Fuck me!  You.  Are.  Hot!

I turn to her. Kelly shut the hell up!  You’re an embarrassment.

He doesn’t acknowledge that she’s said anything, he makes me feel like I’m the only one there when he looks at me.  Ready? he says raising his eyebrows and smiling.

I nod and he holds the door open for us to get in.  I get butterflies at the thought of being alone with him back at the hotel.  Why is he interested in me?  I don’t know . . . but who am I to question it?

When we get back to the hotel I say goodnight to the girls.

Hayley whispers Be safe and don’t be late or I’ll worry.

I shake my head. "I won’t, I promise - I’m just gonna have