Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3)(145)

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 f*ck was she kidding?

Not going to f*cking 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 f*cking 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 f*cking 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 f*cking 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.