Twisted Together - Winters Pepper - Страница 98
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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 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.
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