Twisted Together - Winters Pepper - Страница 99
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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 surpassee, 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.
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