Chapter 14

Q

~You are my savior~

~My forever~

The hospital was a necessary evil.

As much as I wanted to leave Spain and never return, I had to endure needles, questions, and doctors.

Hours upon hours of tests, MRIs, and stitching up the slices on my legs frayed my patience, giving time the opportunity to turn my injuries into bone-deep aches.

My head pounded from hanging upside down and everything inside was bruised—my kidneys, my stomach—even my spleen.

My heart was also banged up, but surprisingly fine—despite the rigorous assault it’d endured. My spine was swollen from the baseball bat, but I had sensation in my legs. ~Thank fucking God.~

And the bullet hole was no longer a hole after surgery sewed me up.

The catalog of injuries went on forever but after everything I’d endured the only broken part of me was a cracked rib. That and my heart. Tess had done something irreversible down there.

I’d hung unconscious while she did something I would never be able to delete.

Twisting my head on the pillow, I looked at her.

She hadn’t moved from my side. She’d been there while the doctors numbed my legs and practiced fucking cross-stitch with my flesh.

She’d held my hand while we waited for the results of my heart and blood pressure readings. She screamed at any doctor who tried to remove her from a procedure.

I fucking loved her. I couldn’t stop looking at her—knowing she’d killed for me. She’d willingly crossed that threshold where no human should have to go. She took a life in payment for mine.

She truly was my perfect other.

Tess glowed, a smile spreading her lips. “Do you need anything? Something to eat? Water?”

I couldn’t stop the involuntary shudder at the mention of fucking water. Vile liquid. Killing liquid. I never wanted another sip or to see a bucket or towel again. That had been the worst part.

I didn’t care about the baseball bat or even the cuts on my legs. It was the black wetness that turned my stomach.

It was the breathless horror whenever my mind relived the past. I’d died. I’d given up. And that made me fucking weak. While I’d given up, Tess had become my savior.

It made me proud. It also made me furious. Hospital staff looked at me as if I were a fucking invalid—compounding the emotions I battled. How could I ever thank Tess for what she did?

How could I ever live with myself for being so fucking stupid?

Police had arrived to take my statement and for once I could tell the truth—the whole truth and not fear any repercussions.

They’d left us in peace after the main activities and needlepoint on my legs.

Finally, after what seemed like days, I’d finally been left alone in a private room. Finally able to breathe without disinfectant or antiseptic stinging my nostrils.

The grogginess from the anesthesia wore off, leaving me stiff and sore.

My nervous system had a hard time tabulating it all. One moment an ache flared in my chest, the next my lower back. But despite the flushes of agony, I felt fine. I felt whole. I felt ~content.~

I survived.

Tess squeezed my hand, bringing my scattered thoughts back to her. “Q—would you like a drink?”

I smiled, soaking in her perfect face. “I would murder for a shot of whiskey.” My voice cracked and failed.

According to the doctor, my throat suffered multiple lacerations from either screaming or trying to breathe H2O instead of oxygen.

The fucking bastard really hurt me. But I was alive, and he was not. All because I had people behind me. I had goodness on my side. I had my ~esclave~. My fearless strong ~esclave~.

“You’re not drinking.” Her forehead wrinkled. “Who knows what you’ll get up to if you have alcohol on top of the painkillers they’ve administered.”

I chuckled. “I can think of a few things.” I wanted to try out my cock—make sure it hadn’t died in sheer terror at the threat of being cut off.

I didn’t know how close Lynx came to delivering his final threat. All I remembered was endless water torture, more cuts, more electricity, and welcoming darkness.

I’d been tired. So fucking tired.

Still was, actually, but now it was a sated tired. Satisfied with the knowledge I could sleep with Tess beside me, and we’d both be safe.

Tess blushed, love filling her face with a gentle fire. She carried an inner flame—a torch she’d been missing for so long. After everything I’d done, she was the one to bring back her light.

She’d claimed her own destiny once again and in the same breath handed it over to me.

Her gift humbled me, layering my guilt for what the slave did the night before. Another woman’s lips had been around my cock. How could I ever tell her that? But how could I ever~ not?~

Would the secret fester until it turned me into a rotting cavity? Or would she understand I didn’t do it willingly? My body and soul were hers. Through and through.

~You can’t tell her. Not yet.~

Maybe one day I would—but not yet. Not until I’d sorted through the memories and dealt with them in my own way. Not until I’d talked to the girl and apologised.

Blair came into the private room where Franco, Tess, and I were awaiting the final results.

I’d suffered countless x-rays to find out if the baseball bat had punctured any organs or caused internal bleeding.

“The plane is fueled and ready to go, sir. The flight plan has been lodged and Suzette has been informed of an ETA of twelve hours.”

Blair smiled at Franco passed out on a bed. His snores sailed from the other side of the room. The doctors had reassessed him, given more painkillers, and changed his bandages.

No sooner had they stopped prodding him, he’d passed out cold.

Sleep was a miracle cure, and I wanted some myself.

~I need to sleep so I don’t look like a fucking corpse on my wedding day. ~I honestly didn’t know how I’d function after everything my body survived but I wasn’t waiting another day.

Tess would be mine tomorrow. It would come true even if I had to say my vows in a wheelchair and not consummate for days.

“I’ve also made arrangements for Franco’s future care. It will all be arranged when you return home,” Blair said.

~“Merci.”~ I nodded. “Appreciate everything you’ve done. I’ll leave you in charge of disbanding the team and arranging safe transportation for any women ready to return home. Work with the police.

“Give them any information they need and advise them to contact Frederick if they need more details.”

The blond man, who’d killed beside me in Brazil, grinned. “Will do. I’ve got it under control.

“See you in France, sir.” With a small salute, he left the room, leaving Tess and me alone once again—minus Franco snoring in the corner.

Tess moved, perching higher on the edge of my bed. She smiled, linking her fingers with mine. “Are you sure you’ll be okay to travel? The doctors said you should stay here. Wait a few days at least.”

“They always say that. They’ve done what they can for me. Now it’s my body’s job.

“I can heal in other places than just a hospital.” Hiding my wince as a bolt of agony tore through my thigh, I added, “I wouldn’t miss the biggest day of my life.

“I’m marrying you tomorrow whether you want to or not.” I hoped I looked threatening and not a man very aware of his mortality. “Lynx would’ve had to kill me to prevent that.”

I shuddered, remembering just how close he came—multiple times. I’d never been one to cry for help—but he’d made me scream. Fucking asshole.

“I’ve already cleared it with the hospital staff to bring along one of the head doctors and a triage nurse,” Tess said. “You both need experts if you’re stupid enough to leave before they say.”

Looking over at snoring Franco, I grinned. “I’m not concerned about my own wellbeing, but I agree he’s a bit of a mess. Best to have someone who can knock him out if he gets out of hand.”

Tess clamped her lips together. “They really hurt him. Just like they hurt you.” Her focus turned inward, no doubt remembering the rush to find me and the mess I’d been in when they did.

My heart squeezed as shadows cast over her face. “I’m sorry you had to see me like that,~esclave~.”

Her eyes flickered to mine. “Sorry? What on earth do you have to be sorry about?”

I sucked in a breath. Not prepared to tell her just how much I had to apologize for. I’d been completely reckless. Idiotic. “I should’ve had more security. I knew they would come eventually.”

She sucked in a breath. “I want to ask one question, then I’ll never mention it again.” Her face turned hard. “Will you answer it?”

My temper intertwined with the morphine in my blood, making me wary. ~She knows.~

Goddammit, I wasn’t ready for this. “What is it?”

“You knew something like this would happen. I know why you went with them—to protect me. But, Q, you’re a billionaire. You should~never~ have been in harm’s way. You were reckless.

“Travelling with only one guard. You made it ~look~ like you were protecting yourself with fake names and guns but really—you let them take you—didn’t you?”

Shit. How did I ever think I would get away with it? The way she’d watched me at the restaurant—her hesitation when we first arrived in Rome.

She’d fed off my awareness—searching for the men I knew were stalking me.

My eyes narrowed. “You want the truth?”

She nodded.

“Fine. Yes, I made it easy for them.”

“Why?”

“To use them as an example.”

Franco stirred before falling back into sleep. “I’ve done a lot of bad things in my life, Tess.

“Messed with a lot of men who are just as rich as me and have the means to hunt and kill without ever being seen.

“It was the choice I made in order to avoid dying one afternoon by a sniper rifle and never returning home to you.”

“But you could’ve brought more security. You could’ve—”

“No, Tess. It wouldn’t have worked. They would’ve found a way, and I refused to run that risk. What if they’d killed you by mistake? What if they came after you again?

“This was the logical way—even Franco agreed with me.”

“Agreed with you on what?”

I sighed heavily. “I had to look weak to appear strong.”

Tess frowned. “That doesn’t make sense.”

I shifted against the pillows, already feeling stronger. I was calm—for the first time since the press aired my dirty secrets.

“Not only did I remove Red Wolverine’s operation, but you and Franco took out Lynx. Two major players who others respect. What do you think other traffickers will do?

“Now, I’ve proven twice as hard to kill?”

Tess shook her head. “I know what you’re going to say, but how can you be sure?”

“I can’t.”

Tess fell silent before murmuring, “You think they’ll keep their distance?”

~That’s what I fucking hope. ~“I aim to use Lynx as an example. He came for me. He hurt me. But he died for it.

“And not only did I exterminate his team, steal his women, and disband his business, but I have the law on my side. No one will put me in prison for killing them.

“No one will make me stand trial for saving women.” My body heated with the knowledge I’d built a protection detail better than mere men.

I’d bought word of mouth respect and a reputation for invincibility. I’d done everything in my power to ensure I lived a long fucking life. “They won’t try again—not for a while.”

Tess suddenly stood. Her eyes glittered as she tore off her jeans and sweater. The smear of blood still marked her cheek—her trophy from battle. Her stomach muscles danced, slinking from her clothes.

My mouth went dry, staring at her body. She only wore knickers—no bra—the blush from the candle wax faint on her breasts. “You’re impossibly stunning, ~esclave~.”

My cock swelled, filling with desire for the woman who’d saved my life. She truly owned me. It was undeniable now.

I wrenched back the covers, inching over for her slim body to fit against mine on the small hospital bed. The moment her delicate form pressed against me, I breathed heavily.

“Don’t hate me for accepting pain. It was an insurance policy.”

“To protect me.”

I kissed the top of her head, wincing a little at the ache in my chest. “To protect you.”

“You don’t have to protect me anymore,” she murmured.

I smiled, relaxing against her warmth. “Tess, I will protect you till my last breath on this earth—and even longer if I can. You’re mine. You should expect nothing less.”

Tess’s frame shivered as tears dampened my chest. “You almost left me, Q. I hated you for leaving.”

I held her tighter, letting her release everything she’d lived through. “But I didn’t leave. I found a way to be with you. You found me in time.”

Her voice was watery with sadness. “I ~never~ want to feel that way again. Promise me.”

Rocking her, I let her cry. “I promise, ~esclave~. I promise to never leave or keep things from you again. ~Je suis à toi~.”

Franco had told me briefly about the arrest. About what she’d gone through. I wanted to smash the cop’s face in for detaining my woman, but that would have to wait.

Right now I would be the sponge to soak up Tess’s tears, and tomorrow I would stand by her side. We would speak the binding words of eternal vows.

Tomorrow all of this wouldn’t matter.

Tomorrow the future was ours.

Stepping into the solid wall of heat deleted our sorrows, giving us happiness instead.

The air-conditioned flight had taken us away from Spain, the hospital—away from what Lynx had done.

Seychelles at midnight was almost mystical in its paradise. The airport twinkled with lights, creating a buzz of anticipation while a welcoming blanket of relaxation descended.

All my angst and stress from the past few weeks melted away, leaving me weightless for once.

This was the place I would marry Tess. The place where true happiness began.

The ten hour flight had given us time to rest, but the trade-off for sleep was stiffness. No matter how I forced my body to move, it’d lost the smooth power, replacing it with jerky tiptoes.

The stitches in my legs tugged uncomfortably, the tenderness in my thigh throbbed, but nothing would stop me from being here—or marrying Tess tomorrow.

“Bloody hell, it’s hot,” Franco muttered limping down the plane steps. The moment he hobbled away from the stairs, I turned to take Tess’s hand as she stepped carefully onto the tarmac.

“Wow,” she said, glancing around. “It’s beautiful. I missed the heat.”

“I agree—”

My phone rang, vibrating against my ass. Letting Tess go, I pressed the receive button, bracing myself for the torrent of exclamations I knew was coming.

I’d avoided talking to her at the hospital but couldn’t avoid it now.

“~Bonsoir~, Suzette.”

“~Mon Dieu~!

“

“People said you died! Q—” Tears filled her voice. “You—are you—”

I jumped in. “I’m alive—as you can very well hear. We’re at the airport. And you’ll be able to see for yourself that I’m in one piece if you let me get off the damn phone and into the helicopter.”

I’d been informed of the location when we checked out of the hospital. Suzette had done a great job arranging a chopper transfer, but I still didn’t know the name of our final destination.

Tess smiled beside me, enjoying the one-sided conversation.

“By the way—which island are we flying to?” My mind flicked through the atolls and land masses making up Seychelles.

I’d never been tempted to buy property on this side of the world but I’d visited once or twice. The diving was incredible thanks to the crystal clearness of the reefs.

“It’s called ~Cheval De Mer~.” She cleared her throat. “And I’m not saying any more until you get here. The other guests have arrived, but they’re separate from where you and Tess are staying.”

Anger sprung with rushing fire, bringing gushing pain to extremities. “~Guests? Shit, who the hell did she invite?~“Suzette! You ~knew~ I didn’t want anyone there.”

Silence.

“Suzette,” I growled.

“You put me in charge. So…I took charge.”

I rubbed my temple, cursing the shooting pains in my heart. Tension heightened the aches in my body. Fuck.

“If I find there are a bunch of people I don’t want, or if there are news reporters bobbing in the fucking ocean trying to photograph us—I won’t just fire you, Suzette—I’ll—”

“Threats and more threats. Don’t you know they don’t work on me?”

Tess placed a hand on my arm, granting me some serenity. Ordinarily, I would’ve grinned at Suzette’s comment, pride filling me for her snarky strength. I’d given that to her. I’d saved her.

But this time, I was pissed.

I wanted to scream. But my energy level was too low. “Don’t make me regret this wedding.”

She sombered, answering softly, “You could never regret it. You’re marrying her.” She hung up, leaving me glowering at the phone.

“Everything okay?” Tess asked. Her blonde hair was coiled upward, loose strands dancing in the hot breeze.

I pinched my brow. I didn’t know how intelligent I’d been putting Suzette in charge. Who knew the catastrophe she might’ve orchestrated? But it was done now.

I had no way of controlling whatever she’d put into action. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to kill her for disobeying.

“Probably not, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

This was why I wanted to elope to ~Volière.

You’re marrying her.”~

Suzette was right. Nothing could stop the knowledge that Tess was mine completely.

No matter if she’d arranged a circus or a fucking Mardi Gras, having Tess sign her name beside mine would make everything else fade into oblivion.

I wrapped an arm around Tess’s waist. “Ignore me. Been a long day. Let’s go.” Nodding at Franco, I added, “Time to leave reality behind.”

Franco grinned. “Damn right. Had enough reality for a lifetime. I’m ready to pass out on a lounger and drink cocktails until my body doesn’t hurt anymore.”

~Sounds like a great fucking plan.~

Together our trio made our way toward the helicopter glinting in the starlight. It wasn’t a Bell Relentless but it was still a nice machine with clean lines and blue and silver paintjob.

“Good evening, Mr. Mercer. Ms. Snow.” The pilot nodded, shaking my hand. “Please, come aboard and make yourself comfortable. The flight will be approximately twenty-five minutes.”

Tess climbed in, turning to give me her hand which I flatly refused to take. I wasn’t a fucking invalid. Sure my heart had stopped a few times under torture.

Sure my legs held more stitches than I wanted to count, but I wasn’t dead. I could climb into a goddamn helicopter unassisted.

That didn’t stop a shove from Franco on my ass as I bent forward. I stumbled inside, swallowing my groan of pain. Everything heated, flaring with discomfort.

Steadying myself, I muttered, “You obviously don’t like having thumbs. Do that again and I’ll make it an even missing pair for you.”

Franco laughed. “Just helping an old man. Doing my civil duty.”

~Asshole.~

Grabbing his arm, I yanked him unceremoniously into the cabin. He landed with a thud, cursing.

“Oops. Didn’t know you were so delicate. Just repaying the favor.”

Franco looked up, his emerald eyes sparking with laughter. “Not as delicate as you. You know, I’m getting over seeing you naked, Mercer. Hanging upside down like that.

“I have to say, I wasn’t impressed.”

The joke barbed, but I knew what he was doing. He’d been in charge of finding me alive—not just because it was his job, but because he genuinely cared for Tess.

No one wanted a grieving wife on their watch.

The sparring was a way of unwinding—dispelling the anxiety of the past few days. With my lips twisted into a smile, I pulled my leg back—fully intending to kick him.

Tess looked at us in horror. “Are you trying to send yourself back to the hospital?

“Stop it!” Her blue-grey eyes flashed as she sat down in one of the eight chairs situated much like an airplane cabin. “Both of you.”

Franco smirked, climbing to his feet. “Better listen to your woman, boss. She’s got you on a tight leash. Don’t want to disobey.” He smacked me on the back.

My eyes watered with residual agony from the baseball bat injuries.

Repaying the favor, I planted a heavy hand on his healing shoulder. “Least I have a woman. I feel sorry for your cock. Which hand did you use to jerk off? Left or right?”

“Guess not having a thumb is going to be a bitch for that.”

Franco swung, missing my jaw as I ducked. We were both breathing hard with pain, but broke into laughter.

Tess rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “I don’t get it. Does everything have to be a competition between you two?”

We answered together, “Yes.” Franco added, “Just giving him payback. He owes me a thumb and until he pays up, his ass is mine.” His chest puffed, lowering himself carefully into a chair.

“He’s alive because of me—he owes me. Big time.”

I chuckled. We’d survived a lot in the past few days. If we couldn’t laugh about it, what was the fucking point?

Tess held up her finger, pointing at us as if we were incompetent children. “You’re forgetting ~I~ killed Lynx.

“~I~ If anyone owns Q’s ass, it’s me.” Standing, she crossed the small distance between us and blatantly grabbed my left ass cheek with her fingernails.

I jolted under her hold; my cock—who’d been too much of a fucking pussy to twitch till now—thickened under her intense gaze. I’d wanted her in the hospital but this was different.

My system wasn’t layered with drugs. I didn’t care about my pain—all I cared about was sinking inside her.

“You’re mine. Are we clear?” Her lips parted, recognizing the paralyzing cloud of lust between us. I wanted her. Naked. Screaming. Coming.

Dropping my hand, I grabbed her in the exact place she held me.

Dragging her close, I whispered, “If we’re still on the topic of whose ass belongs to whom, ~esclave~, don’t forget—this…” I trailed my fingers possessively to her crack. “This is mine.

“And I’m taking it the moment you’re my wife.”

She bit her lip, eyes sparking with grey fire.

The captain and co-pilot finished their pre-flight checks, turning to look down the small gangway. “Eh, are you ready to leave?”

I let Tess go, never taking my eyes off her. She wobbled a little, sitting back down. Turning to face the flight deck, I nodded. “Yes, we’re ready.”

The rotor blades kicked into gear. The turbines went from silent to screeching.

“Great. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.”

There would be no relaxing, not after Tess’s tease.

~Wait till I get you alone,~ esclave.

I was ready to embrace my future.

Twenty-five minutes later, a small island in the shape of a horseshoe came into view. Even at night it looked like utopia.

Subtle lighting illuminated one side of the island, while a few less brightened the other side.

An island. Away from world news, doctors, or traffickers. If Suzette hadn’t already done so, I would demand a security crew to man the waters surrounding us—keeping all of us safe.

I didn’t plan on leaving this place until I’d healed. As far as I was concerned, our crescent moon was over—our honeymoon had just begun.

No one spoke as we soared toward land, skimming over the black ocean in a whirl of rotors. At least this time we flew. I would’ve had a fucking fit if we had to travel by boat.

Never again.

The helicopter landed gracefully on a helipad built into a large jetty. It seemed whoever owned this place valued high class amenities such as yacht moorings, seaplane dockings, and helicopter pads.

~My kind of place.~ I might have to buy it if the rest was this perfect.

Tess made eye contact, her cheeks flushing in happiness. “It looks amazing.”

I softened a little toward Suzette. So far, she’d done well.

The helicopter shuddered as the engines were cut, slowly silencing, allowing the gentle slaps of waves against the jetty and cicadas in the trees to welcome us with an island serenade.

The captain and co-pilot climbed out first. They opened the cabin door, positioning the steps for us to disembark. Moving after sitting hurt like a motherfucker. It seemed to get worse not better.

I needed some relief. I needed Tess in my arms and painkillers in my veins.

Franco climbed down, turning to help Tess onto the platform. “Crap, it’s even hotter out here,” he grumbled. “Suzette better have packed some shorts for me otherwise count me out from your wedding.

“I’ll be a fucking puddle.”

Tess laughed quietly, patting his chest. There was a deeper closeness between them that hadn’t gone unnoticed.

They’d been through things I hadn’t been privy to, but instead of jealousy, I was relieved. Relieved that the two facets of my life were knitting together seamlessly.

Tess was no longer an outsider. She’d been initiated into my world—earning her place by my side and no one could ever deny it.

A noise made my eyes travel upward, locking onto a sprinting figure wearing white trousers and a pink top, flying down the jetty. Suzette.

Joining Tess, I kissed her cheek, avoiding the dried blood on her skin. I wanted to clean it off her.

I hated seeing something so barbaric smearing her innocence—but it was her right to wear the blood of the enemy she’d defeated. And she wasn’t innocent. Without her, I wouldn’t be alive.

If she wanted to get married filthy and blood-covered—I wouldn’t stop her.

I moved out of the way as Suzette bowled toward us, wrapping her arms tightly around Tess. “I can’t tell you how amazing it is to see you.”

Tess buried her face in Suzette’s neck. I didn’t catch what she said, but Suzette grinned. “You have to tell me everything. And I do mean ~everything~.”

Her hazel eyes landed on Franco. Shyly, she untangled herself from Tess, going to stand in front of the mangled body of my trusted staff and friend. “Are you okay?”

Franco shrugged. “Just a normal day at the office.”

Suzette flinched, noticing the bandages, slings, and walking stick. “The doctor and nurse you sent arrived about an hour ago. Do you want me to get them? Do you need anything?” She looked at me.

“And you! Oh, my God, don’t ever do that again. I prefer you alive—as do a lot of people.”

I chuckled. I’d never been good at vocalizing my emotions—not like Suzette—but I hoped she knew how much I valued her.

She stepped closer. I opened my arms, smiling as she walked into my embrace. Her body was smaller than Tess, less curvy but no less strong.

Her eyes welled with tears. “I’m so glad you’re okay. All of you.” Her arms tightened. I gritted my teeth against the flare of bruises and cracked rib.

“We’re here. All alive.”

She pulled away. “Don’t do that again. Ever.”

“I’ve already told him that,” Tess said, her eyes soft on mine.

My heart stuttered, filling with need. I dreamed of a soft bed and painkillers. I hankered for nakedness, gentleness, and maybe even a spa.

I would give anything to lie beneath the stars and let hot water bubble out the kinks in my body. Tonight was the eve of our wedding and I wanted to spend it with Tess. ~Only Tess.~

“Yes, well. You’ve been warned.” Suzette planted a finger in my chest.

I couldn’t stop the flinch giving away my soreness.

Tess came closer, pressing her shoulder against mine. “I’ll tell you everything, Suzette. But be prepared for a long story. Q’s idea of a crescent moon is something that shouldn’t be repeated.”

“You’re not telling her everything I hope.” I glared at Tess. She couldn’t be serious? After everything I’d done? Almost raping her. Then drugging her to bring her back? That was strictly between us.

But Suzette no longer cared. Her shoulders straightened with decision, wrapping her arms around Franco.

His eyes met mine, perplexed.

Tess’s face softened, looking as if she witnessed something she’d wanted to see happen for a while.

Franco hesitated, then his arms went around her, squeezing tight. After an awkward second, he released her.

Suzette wiped away a few tears. Clapping her hands, she said, “Come. I’ll show you where to go.”

Travelling the distance down the pier took longer than normal with two men not in their prime.

By the time we arrived on the sandy path of the island, a few staff members dressed in cream shorts and t-shirts came forward with icy towels and welcome cocktails.

Towel. ~Motherfucking towel.~

I flatly ignored it. I would burn every fucking towel that ever came near me. The irrational fear latched onto my throat, and I grabbed the drink.

My mouth thirsted for alcohol—anything to dull the intense reaction and my thundering heart.

~I’m afraid of a goddamn towel. How fucking embarrassing.~

I turned to Tess, clinking my glass to hers. I couldn’t just throw it back. I didn’t want her to know I had other things to work through—not just external injuries but mental scarring as well.

Her gaze melted me. “To surviving,” she whispered.

Franco clinked his glass to ours. “To you. To the best couple I’ve had the privilege of knowing.”

The sincerity in his voice made me pause. The moment became serious and poignant. Franco and I had been linked after Rio, but we’d all become closer thanks to Lynx.

A family.

I may be alone in the world, with no flesh and blood relatives, but I had the best family anyone could wish for.

“To winning.” I threw the fruity concoction down my throat. The sickly alcohol stung my raw mouth; I craved proper liquor.

Tess and Franco did the same, depositing the empty glasses with the staff. Together we followed Suzette into the hushed mangroves and palm trees of ~Cheval De Mer.~ Seahorse Island.

The bushy vegetation canopied a boardwalk which lay beneath a fine lashing of icing sugar sand. Lanterns swung in the trees, guiding our way.

There was nothing but whispers of waves, a gentle breeze, and idyllic stars above. It was dreamlike. It was heaven.

“After everything we’ve been through, I can’t believe we’re here,” Tess murmured, her eyes darting from the hanging lamps to the stencils of leaves above us.

I looped my fingers with hers, sharing a precious moment of perfect peace. “It’s done. We earned this.”

The boardwalk split into a fork. Suzette guided us to the left, stopping in front of a sprawling building made from wood, thatched roof, and tinted glass.

Stepping onto the wraparound veranda, the true beauty of the place was visible.

A courtyard with a white plunge pool, daybeds, private bar, and huge granite slabs looked otherworldly in the silver-gleam of the moon.

Statues of huge seahorses circled the pool, a fountain trickling from each mouth.

“~Tu t’es surpassée,~ Suzette.” You’ve outdone yourself, Suzette.

Tess’s mouth hung open, gliding forward in a trance. “This is beyond what I could’ve ever imagined.”

I agreed. It was magical.

Suzette grinned. “I’m so glad you like it.” Moving toward a large sliding glass door, she pulled it open. “Come, I’ll show you to your rooms. Don’t worry.

“You have this side of the island all to yourself. The guests aren’t permitted to come over here, so it’s completely private.”

Stepping inside, I instantly knew I wanted to recreate a space like this at home. The area was airy with a full glass roof, welcoming the palm fronds to cast shadows on the white porcelain tiles.

The furniture was all oversized, luxurious, looking like a cloud—waiting for someone to throw themselves onto the pale blues and beiges of the upholstery.

Suzette turned to Franco. “Can you take Q to his room? It’s that way.” She pointed to the right. “I’ll take Tess to hers.”

I slammed to a halt. “Excuse me? Separate rooms? Who the fuck was she kidding?

Not going to fucking happen.

“We may not be married, but I’ve had Tess in my bed for months. That isn’t about to change.” My voice deepened with warning.

Suzette planted her fists on her hips. “It’s the eve of your wedding. I’m not letting you see each other until tomorrow. Superstitious or not.

“I think it’ll be good to relax and centre yourself with no distractions.” Waving a finger in my face, she added, “And Tess is a distraction, so you’re on your own tonight.

“Not to mention you need to heal.”

I looked at Tess. Her eyes shot wide, then she laughed. “I guess there’s no arguing.” Her body swayed toward mine, unconsciously willing me to demand her to sleep in my bed. Together. As it should be.

“Don’t ruin the perfection you’ve created so far, Suzette. Tess is sleeping with me.”

~Don’t make me bury you under a palm tree.~

Suzette scowled. “Who did you put in charge of the wedding?” She planted a finger in her chest. “Me.

“I’m the boss of this event, and I say you’re not to see each other until tomorrow.” Waving her hand, she finished, “So, shoo. Franco, escort your boss to his private room.”

I held up my hand, temper bubbling. “I can find my own fucking room.”

Franco laughed. “I’m off. I’m not going to break up another battle.” Heading to the door, he called, “Night all.”

Tess watched him leave. She jumped as Suzette captured her hand, tugging her away from me. “But—”

My cock hardened drinking Tess in. Her unwillingness to leave, the equal need in her eyes. She was so incredible. I didn’t want to be away from her for a second. Shit, she’d~ killed~ for me.

I would lay down my life for her every day for the rest of time to repay her.

“Go.” I glared at Tess. ~I’ll come for you later.~

I couldn’t stand there another second. I couldn’t stomach the thought of being separated. I hoped she got my final message because without a word, I turned and stalked to my end of the suite.

If I didn’t, I would’ve lost my temper, made Suzette cry, and undone the magic of this place.

Half an hour. Then I’d go to her.

Suzette would leave. And I’d sneak like a fucking criminal into the bed of my wife to be.

And then I’d hold her and show her exactly whose ass belonged to whom.

There was no way I would spend the night apart. Last night was the last time we ever did.

Entering the bedroom, I scoured every corner—glared into every shadow. We may be on an island, far away from trouble, but I wouldn’t let my guard down again.

I wouldn’t believe I was strong enough to win another stupid battle.

My luck had been used up. I was alive. And that’s how I wanted to keep it.

The room was the same exquisite openness. The huge bed groaned with mountains of pillows in blue and white, bringing the sea inside.

I didn’t know how long Suzette would spend with Tess. They were women after all—gossip came naturally.

~Damn women.~ I wanted ~my~ woman. Now.

Standing in the centre of the room, my aches and pains took hold. A surge of loneliness squeezed my heart. ~I’m lonely~. How fucking ridiculous. I was lonely for Tess. ~I just saw her.~

I rolled my eyes, but nothing could stop the deserted feeling. I turned in place, intending to stalk across the suite and demand Suzette give Tess back to me. I needed comforting. Ha! Me.

I wanted her—to distract my thoughts from what I’d lived through.

~You can’t.~

It would look fucking laughable. Limping to Tess like some child, begging for a hug. I wasn’t that weak and I damn well wouldn’t show Tess how screwed up I was.

Shit.

Lynx had done more than made me scream—he’d made me weak.

My body creaked as I moved. Considering a spa wasn’t an option, a shower would have to do. I needed to wash away the past. Least it gave me something to do—gave Suzette time to clear the fuck off.

The bathroom was simple but modern with a frameless glass shower and beige tiling. I eyed the shower, hankering for heat on my aching muscles. But getting undressed proved to be a bitch.

Twisting my torso, the borrowed t-shirt made my life a living hell trying to tug it over my head. Every angle felt like another baseball bat to my chest.

Panting hard, I finally untangled myself only to have the same battle with my jeans.

“Goddammit.” I gritted my teeth as the denim slid down, revealing my legs covered in bruises and bandages.

It seemed the longer I was apart from Tess the more I hurt.

Another reason why I wouldn’t let her sleep without me.

I needed her more than any drug.

Turning on the water, I stood like a fucking pussy. Water splashed into the drain, steaming and inviting but all I saw was death.

Every droplet, so innocent, was a silent killer just waiting for me to step under the torrent.

~Get in there, asshole.~

Balling my hands, I stepped under the spray. Every muscle locked; my heart exploded in fear. My eyes stayed wide, terrified my vision would be traded for a black towel.

I’d never had an issue getting over things I’d done or caused. I’d never had a second thought of being shot or torturing others.

But this.

That bastard had stolen the simple pleasure of a shower. He’d taught me how to fear and I fucking hated it.

I threw my head back, drenching my hair and face. My heart went ballistic, my lips locked together, and my nostrils flared for breath.

~You can breathe.

No one is trying to murder you.~

I forced myself to stay under the spray. I locked my legs from running and endured.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears, but I kept my breathing slow and deep. Gradually getting control on my runaway emotions.

By the time I’d washed, rinsed, and soaped away the past few days, my heart rate was calmer and I wouldn’t make a fool of myself next time I needed a shower. It was just water.

Stepping from the steaming facilities, I looked down at the bandages on my legs. Drenched. Probably not a good thing to get them wet but I was past caring.

I was clean. And now I was bone-weary and ready to drop into a coma.

But not in an empty bed.

Not bothering to dry myself—that would require the use of a towel—~not going to fucking happen~—I padded barefoot and naked through the house to the other wing.

I hoped to God Suzette had left otherwise she would get an eyeful. Not that it seemed to matter. Most of my staff had seen me naked—hazards of the job.

A few bedrooms branched off the wide corridor; I peered into each one before I found my ~esclave~.

Her room was shrouded in shadow, making the passed out figure in the centre of the bed look fragile, lonely—so fucking vulnerable.

She’d had a shower too, smelling of fruit and whatever shit was in the shampoo.

Inching into the room, I moved as silently as I could with a mangled body. My heart physically hurt looking at her.

Her features were smudged by the night but her blonde hair glowed like a lighthouse, guiding me toward her.

Gently, I pulled the covers back, hissing between my teeth as I lowered my body from vertical to horizontal. The pressure of the mattress against my back was like a fucking bat all over again.

The fronts of my legs stung as the sheets stuck to cuts not covered with bandages. Every inch of me groaned in agony.

But I didn’t care.

I didn’t care because I was in bed. Safe. Beside her.

Tess’s breathing changed as I shifted closer. Her form tensed into a tighter ball. “Q?”

~“C'est moi.”~ It’s me.

Her body relaxed, radiating heat and welcome. Her hand came up, stroking my damp hair as I settled painfully onto my side. Her eyes met mine. “Are you okay?”

“Turn around, let me hug you. ~Ensuite, j’irai bien.”~ Then I will be.

Tess didn’t utter another word. Obediently, she turned over, pressing her bed-warmed body into mine.

The moment her form slotted against me in perfect synergy, the aches and bruises and cuts all faded into nonexistence.

Nothing else mattered anymore. I was exactly where I wanted to be. For life.

I sighed heavily, breathing in the fruitiness of her hair. “God, I needed that. Needed you.”

She moaned as I wrapped an arm around her waist, trapping her against me. Already it was too hot beneath the covers but an atomic bomb would have to go off to tear me away.

My legs twitched as sleepiness attacked me fast and strong. So much for reminding her who owned who. My libido was in a coma already—tugging me down fast with it.

I yawned. “This. This is what I want for the rest of my life.”

Tess linked her fingers with mine, resting them over her breast. Her ass pressed harder into my cock. My belly fluttered—my cock struggled to rise.

But after everything I’d been through, it just wasn’t going to happen.

Tonight wasn’t about sex or domination. Tonight was about giving and taking. Feeding and sowing. Reconnection with gentleness rather than pain.

We’d both had enough.

The only thing I was capable of was holding Tess while I healed. I’d hit my final limit.

“You have me for the rest of your life, ~maître~.” Tess snuggled closer, her body melting into mine.

Her words were the last things I heard before succumbing to the deep chasm of sleep.

I let go.

I fell into the light.

And this time, darkness didn’t claim me. This time, I soared into the clouds because I held an angel in my arms and she made me deserving.

As long as I had Tess, I wouldn’t go to hell. She made me worthy. She made me better.

I’d won.

~We’d won.~

We’d fought for our happily ever after. Lies had become truths. Tears had become smiles.

Everything was as it should be.

We deserved our triumphs.