“I could tell by the look of horror on your face when we passed a few of the rooms. I left everything as my father had arranged it. But I think it’s time for a remodel. There’s a lot I’d like to do to the lair, and I think it’s finally time.”
“I think you’re right, brother,” Jace said as he entered through a different corridor. “Whatever you do, please get rid of the hunter green that father loved and the brass bathroom fixtures.”
“Those are first on my list. Along with any shag carpeting that still exists. So, what did you find out?” Kingston asked.
“Are you sure it’s okay to speak in front of them?” Jace asked.
“They are our mates. They have every right to know what is going on.”
“So be it. The hangar had Stryker’s scent all over it. I’m surprised you didn’t pick it up when you took the plane out.”
“I had other things on my mind. And I have never once considered that the plane might not be safe or that someone would have tampered with it.”
“Wait! Someone messed with the plane? That’s why the engine caught on fire?” Emmy gasped.
“It looks that way. We’ll get to the bottom of this. I promise,” Kingston pulled her into his arms.
God’s, she loved it when he did that. It had been so damn long since she felt safe or like she could trust a man. Though she hadn’t known Kingston for long, his hugs felt right. Like they were supposed to be part of her life. There was nothing awkward about them. Nothing uncomfortable about the feeling of being in his arms with his heat wrapping around her.
“I know you will,” she whispered.
* * *
After Jace and Malia left,Kingston gave Emmy the grand tour of the lair. He wanted her to feel welcome there. After all, if she became his mate, it would be her home as well. Well, one of them anyway.
“This place could be amazing with a little bit of work and some serious cash,” she said.
“I agree. I want to show you something.” He wrapped his fingers around her and led her down a narrow hallway that seemed to slope down.
Sparkly crystals covered the walls the farther down the incline they walked.
“This is amazing. It’s all natural, isn’t it.”
“It is. Just wait. You haven’t seen the best part yet.” He smiled.
The corridor narrowed for a few feet before opening up. Emmy gasped when she saw what lay directly in front of them.
“This can’t be real,” she said over the sound of rushing water.
“It’s real. Do you want to check it out?” he asked.
“Hell, yes!”
The side of the cave had opened up and had a natural waterfall inside with a large pool of fresh water that it emptied into. Sunlight filtered in and created a rainbow effect throughout that area of the cave.
“It’s perfectly safe to swim in. It’s only about six feet deep,” he said.
“It’s amazing. I had no idea that something like this could even exist.”
Emmy drew in a deep breath as Kingston stepped out of his shoes and clothes and into the water. The last time she had seen him naked was for their impromptu swim in the ocean. But then, he had left his boxer briefs on. This time he didn’t bother leaving so much as a scrap of clothing on his body.
She knew she should have turned her head or lowered her eyes or something, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do what she knew would have been the right thing.
“Care to join me?” he asked.
“I’d love to. Is the water warm?” she asked.
“You’ll just have to find out for yourself. I’ll turn away so you can get in if you want me to.”