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‘Who are you?’ I ask, laughing nervously. ‘Robin Hood? Steal from the rich and give to the poor?’
I’m hit with a half-smile. ‘No, princess.’ He reaches up and kisses the tip of my nose. ‘I steal from the rich and sell to the richer.’
I blow out my disbelief. There’s no shame or signs of a conscience. Does he have one?
‘Jesus,’ I go all floppy, my brain hurting. He knew I had found his secret hiding place, yet he didn’t remove the leather-bound book. He actually added to it, putting the blue file in there, too. He wanted me to know this. He wanted me to find out. Then why didn’t he just tell me? I frown to myself. Yes, because I can imagine that cropping up in general conversation. Oh, princess, by the way, I’m a gentleman thief.
‘The other treasures in the folder.’ I look at him, crouched before me. He looks like the world has been lifted from his shoulders. He looks relieved. I’m happy for him. For Christ’s sake. ‘You stole them all?’
‘I can’t take the credit for all of it. Dad and Gramps contributed, too.’
My eyes widen. ‘Fuck . . . me,’ I breathe out my stunned words.
‘Oh, good. You’ve found some more fucks.’ Becker rises and gives me a light tug, pulling me up and positioning me in front of him, my back to his chest, his arms curled around my waist, his chin on my shoulder. He walks us to the glass wall and stops at the foot, like he wants to remind me of the beauty we’re immersed in. Releasing me, he leaves my wobbly form to hold itself up and admire the view.
‘Look down there, Eleanor,’ he orders softly. ‘Take it all in, and then look at me.’
I follow his instruction, despite being unsure of his point, taking in the treasure. It doesn’t take me long. Besides, everything down there is imprinted on my mind, branded there. A bit like Becker. Since the moment I stepped foot in this place, I was placed under a spell. I felt like an enchanted child discovering excitement and adventure. I craved it, willed it on, begged for it to lure me in and blow my mind. Then I met Becker Hunt, and I found myself following a similar pattern. I wanted him. As much, if not more, than I wanted to be immersed in The Haven and its spectacular history. Everything he had, everything he wanted to throw at me, I willed it all on. I wanted him. Now I have him. Every part, every secret, every lie, every tiny piece – the good, the bad, the ugly, and the illegal.
‘Are you okay?’ Becker breaks into my hectic thoughts.
‘Yes.’ I frown, my lips pouting. I’m not going anywhere. That I just have to accept. I look up at him, seeing peace and calm glowing back at me.
He smiles. ‘This is my legacy, princess. It’s written for me. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather. It’s inbuilt. It’s my destiny. It’s who I am, and I so want to share it with you.’
My skin prickles with tiny stabs of love, fierce loyalty and . . . exhilaration.
‘All or nothing, baby.’
My teeth grit, like my mind is forbidding me to say it. But nothing isn’t an option. Being without him isn’t an option. My God, what’s happened to me? ‘All.’ I nod as I speak, in case the forbidden word doesn’t make it past my clenched teeth.
‘All?’ he asks, taking my hand and feeling my ring.
‘All,’ I confirm again, watching as his lips slowly stretch into a bright smile, his eyes glimmering madly behind his glasses in wonder.
‘Come here, my beautiful corrupt little witch.’
I don’t waste a moment. I dive into my shady, criminal of a fiancé’s arms. ‘Tell me that’s it. Tell me there’s no more for me to find out about you.’
‘I do drug-running in my spare time.’
‘Not funny.’ I nudge him, and he laughs, forcing himself free from my vice hold.
‘I’m so lucky to have found you,’ he whispers, grabbing my cheeks. ‘So fucking lucky.’
I smile mildly through my squeezed cheeks, and he mirrors it, searching my eyes before hauling me into him for a cuddle. ‘I didn’t get to tell you earlier.’
‘Tell me what?’ I ask, settling into him.
‘You needn’t have the keys to your dad’s store delivered to the agent.’
My forehead bunches. ‘But they’ll—’
‘I bought it.’
I dive out of his arms. ‘What?’
‘I bought your dad’s store.’ The corner of his mouth twitches. ‘I know it’s hurting you, the thought of saying goodbye to it, and I know your mum needs the money.’ He shrugs. ‘Everyone wins.’
I stare at him. Just stare at him. Cash buyer. Paying full asking price. Can move quickly. ‘I . . .’ I can’t believe he’s done this for me. I don’t know what to say.
