Franco hesitated, then his arms went around her, squeezing tight. After an awkward second, he released her.

Suzette wiped away a few tears. Clapping her hands, she said, “Come. I’ll show you where to go.”

Travelling the distance down the pier took longer than normal with two men not in their prime. By the time we arrived on the sandy path of the island, a few staff members dressed in cream shorts and t-shirts came forward with icy towels and welcome cocktails.

Towel. Motherfucking towel.

I flatly ignored it. I would burn every f**king towel that ever came near me. The irrational fear latched onto my throat and I grabbed the drink. My mouth thirsted for alcohol—anything to dull the intense reaction and my thundering heart.

I’m afraid of a goddamn towel. How f**king embarrassing.

I turned to Tess, clinking my glass to hers. I couldn’t just throw it back. I didn’t want her to know I had other things to work through—not just external injuries but mental scarring as well.

Her gaze melted me. “To surviving,” she whispered.

Franco clinked his glass to ours. “To you. To the best couple I’ve had the privilege of knowing.”

The sincerity in his voice made me pause. The moment became serious and poignant. Franco and I had been linked after Rio, but we’d all become closer thanks to Lynx.

A family.

I may be alone in the world, with no flesh and blood relatives, but I had the best family anyone could wish for.

“To winning.” I threw the fruity concoction down my throat. The sickly alcohol stung my raw mouth; I craved proper liquor.

Tess and Franco did the same, depositing the empty glasses with the staff. Together we followed Suzette into the hushed mangroves and palm trees of Cheval De Mer. Seahorse Island.

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**k was she kidding?

Not going to f**king 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**king 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 c**k 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**king 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.