Still can’t get over the Morellis thinking they could interfere with my marriage and get Charlotte to talk, giving up any secrets she might know.
Do they really think I’m that stupid? That I’d give up confidential Halcyon information to my new bride?
Shit, maybe they do.
And that enrages me even more.
Then again, maybe it’s not the Morellis acting as a whole. They’ve already split into factions. Lucian runs Morelli Holdings now, not his father. And word is that Vincent never accepted his brother’s inheritance. Maybe I’m part of some kind of power struggle, and McTiernan is a soldier in that war.
Spending time with her on the beach this afternoon was the distraction we both needed. Though I realized after my surf lesson that I really put her through it, watching me out there on the water. I can admit sometimes I’m a little too reckless. It’s why I stopped racing. It’s why I garaged the Chevelle. Something about that car makes me feel invincible, when I’m not.
I need to remember that.
Being on the surfboard gave me the same feeling. I took to it quick—didn’t bother telling Charlotte I had lessons on another family vacation in Mexico long, long ago, when my father was still alive—and swimming out there, riding those waves, I felt like a goddamn superhero. Such an adrenaline rush.
Almost as good as sex with my wife.
After coming back from the beach, we each took a nap in our respective beds before we got ready to have dinner with a view of the sunset. I decide to dress up a little extra since it’s our last night and we’re eating at the most expensive restaurant at the resort.
I’m going all out. Hopefully Charlotte is too. Seeing her come out in a different dress, bikini, whatever she’s wearing each day has been a worthwhile surprise. One I’ve enjoyed immensely.
Hell, I’ve enjoyed this entire trip. We’ve come to an unspoken agreement. I still don’t fully trust her, and I’m sure she feels the same about me. Sometimes I don’t like how she makes me feel either.
I’d guess she also feels the same.
We’re forgetting all about that today, though. Tonight. We’re just going with the flow and enjoying each other. Reality will catch up with us when we return home, and we can also resume our obvious distrust with each other too.
Can’t wait.
I decide to layer on the rings and the chains. Leave a couple of extra buttons undone on my cream-colored shirt. My hair is looking good. I’ve got a nice tan thanks to all the time I’ve spent in the sun. And despite the lack of sleep last night, I still manage to look rested.
I’m waiting for Charlotte in the living room, checking my inbox when she finally walks in, an unsure expression on her face.
“I’m overdressed,” she says.
I take in her dress. It’s a deep, rosy pink. With flimsy straps and a deep V in the front that shows off her tanned skin—and her tits. The skirt is short and made of three layers of thin fabric and all I can see is her legs and her skin and I immediately want to know if she’s got panties on underneath.
My guess is no.
“You’re not overdressed,” I reassure her as I rise from the couch and go to where she’s standing. I stop directly in front of her, resting a hand on her waist, my gaze eating her up. “You’re fucking beautiful.”
Her smile is small. Pleased. “Thank you. You look nice too.”
“Ready to go?” I ask.
She nods. “Let’s do it.”
This woman is speaking my language.
I hope to be doing it with her all night long.
***
The men inthe restaurant can’t stop staring at my wife and I can’t stop glaring at them. I had no idea her in that dress would cause such an uproar, but I underestimated Charlotte.
She’s stunning, and they all know it.
I didn’t even realize until I was sitting across from her at the table that she was wearing the earrings I gave her as a wedding present. She tucked her hair behind her ear, the diamonds twinkling in the light and a surge of unfamiliar emotion made my chest tight.