Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“Ready?” he asks, pushing his glasses higher onto the bridge of his nose. It’s part of his disguise—the hat, jeans, clean-shaven face, and those glasses he doesn’t need for the purpose of improved vision. I’m amazed how such a simple change can transform someone’s appearance.
Inhaling a nervous breath, I take his hand and exit into the hall on his heels. It’s the first time we’ve ventured out of the cabin in over two weeks, and my head swims with the sudden activity flourishing around us. Crewmen pass without acknowledgment, too busy with their jobs to pay attention to civilian passengers.
I keep my head down, peeking through my fake bangs as Liam’s mysterious contact leads us through a labyrinth of halls until we’re exiting into the hot and humid air. After an arduous walk off of the docks, we’re escorted into a waiting SUV, the windows tinted for privacy and the air conditioner on full blast. The man behind the wheel doesn’t give us a single glance. He just drives—without instruction. For the next six hours, the air teems with nervous energy. Liam has his guard on high alert, his muscles in a constant state of fight-or-flight. We only stop once for food and to use the restroom.
After the sun sets, a speedboat takes us the rest of the way. I’ve reached critical mass—emotionally and physically exhausted from the long day of travel in the humidity—and as Liam ushers me onto the private island he obtained in secret, I don’t have the strength to fend off the hand he places at the small of my back. He leads me up a sandy path toward a bungalow nestled in a backdrop of majestic bluffs. A half moon hangs in the sky, illuminating the area in surreal wonder.
I catch a familiar whiff of plumeria. “How far south did we travel?”
“Far enough to not worry about cold weather.”
“You still won’t tell me where we are?”
“We’re off the coast of South America.”
Well that’s a broad answer, and one I’d already guessed, but at least it’s progress.
“Are we near other islands?”
“Yes. I’ve hired someone to bring supplies when we need them.” With a gentle push, he urges me up a wide staircase and onto a wraparound deck. “And as you know, we’re not far from the mainland.” Giving me a pointed look, he opens the front door. “However, the island is completely private. Not another soul on it, my sweet girl.”
There’s an underlying threat in that promise, driving home the fact that I’m at his mercy. But there’s also a sense of sanctuary in those words, because with Liam, I’m safe.
Flicking on a light, he drops our sparse luggage by the door. “I know it’s not as luxurious as you’re used to, but it’s completely isolated.” He reaches out and palms my cheek. “We’re free to be ourselves here.”
Under the rim of his cap, I spy truth in his gaze. He believes every word. Part of me wants to yank that hat off and get a better glimpse of those warm, caring eyes.
Instead, I pull off my wig. “It’s been a long day. Can you show me to my room, please?” I just want to crawl into a comfortable bed and sleep for a week.
Clearing his throat, he picks up the duffle bag and gestures toward a short hall on the left. But at the end, there’s only one door...and one bed.
“Is there another bedroom?”
He shakes his head. “I intend to marry you, and that doesn’t include sleeping in separate quarters.”
“You said you would wait.” Nervousness loops my words together, resulting in a mantra that won’t quit.
“I’ve had to wait five months since you left the House of Aries. I can wait a while longer, but until then, I want to be close to you.”
“Because you don’t trust me?”
He frowns. “I’ll trust you more once you’ve made a decision.” Dropping the duffle, he steps closer, eating up the inches between us. “Until that time comes, I plan to keep you very close to me.” His chest grazes the tips of my breasts, setting off a shiver deep in my bones.
“You’re touching me,” I say, breathless.
“This isn’t touching.” Placing a hand on the wall, he leans in, his hooded gaze full of longing. “Trust me, my sweet girl. You’ll know when I’m touching you.”
And that’s when I can no longer deny that I want him. The need snuck up on me in the way spring gradually shifted into summer on Zodiac Island. It’s a subtle but consistent awareness that it exists whenever Liam gets too close.
It being a twinge. A quick, heart-skipping throb between my legs—one that I shoved down to lie dormant until suddenly…
It’s not dormant anymore. That twinge flares and erupts, refusing to be denied.
Every time his hand brushes my back.
Every time the spicy scent of his skin reaches my nostrils.