Page 56 of The Broken Keys

She laughs, leaning back against me. “When was the last time you took a real vacation before this?”

“Probably when we went to the vineyard.”

“Well, this will be as good as that trip was.” She turns in my arms, scanning my face with those eyes that take my breath away. “Or we can make it even better. I have a full week with you to give you everything you desire.”

“I like the sound of that.”

We anchor in a secluded cove near Monaco. The crew retreats to their quarters, leaving us alone on deck under stars that seem close enough to touch.

Livianna has changed into something silky and midnight blue that makes her look like she’s been carved from moonlight.

“Tell me something.” She curls up beside me on the outdoor lounge, her bare feet tucked under her thighs.

“What do you want to know?”

“Something you’ve never told anyone else.”

I’m quiet for a long moment, staring at the lights of Monaco glittering across the water. There’s so much I could tell her.

I could tell her about Julian Everhart and the family I lost. I could tell her about the enemies who hunt me. But those truths would destroy this moment and would make her understand why loving me is the most dangerous thing she could do.

I give her part of the truth. “I’m terrified.”

She pulls back and studies me.

“My king fears something?” She places her hand on my heart. “What are you afraid of?”

“Of this.” I gesture between us. “Of how much I want this to work when everything in my life says it can’t.”

She sits with that for a few beats. My stomach twists because I think I’ve said too much. She intertwines our fingers together with a certainty that makes my throat tight.

“What if it can, Jax? What if we make it work despite everything else?”

I kiss her with meaning and full of all the words I can’t say. She tastes like champagne and dreams. When she whispers my name against my lips, I almost lose myself and tell her how I feel about her.

As the night deepens, we move inside. The yacht rocks us as we make our way to the main stateroom. The room is bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the portholes, casting a silver sheen over everything.

Livianna’s eyes meet mine, filled with a hunger that matches my own. “I want you, Jax.”

“Then take me. Tonight, you lead.” My voice, rough with desire.

She steps closer, her palms exploring my chest, tracing the lines of my muscles. The heat of her body and the softness of her skin drive me wild.

I wrap my arms around her. My mouth finds hers in a fierce, passionate kiss. Our tongues dance, exploring each other’s depths, tasting and teasing.

Livianna’s hands move lower, unbuttoning my shirt. Her fingers graze my skin and send shivers down my spine.

I groan against her lips. I pull her hips forward, flush against me so she can feel the hard length of my arousal.

She breaks the kiss, her breath ragged, and gazes up at me with a smirk. “I think you’re wearing too many clothes, Jax.”

“Is that so?” I chuckle and find the edge of her dress.

I take my time and lift it over her head. She stands before me in a lacy black bra and matching thong. Her body is a work of art.

I reach out, cupping her breasts. My thumbs brush over her hard nipples through the fabric.

Livianna’s head falls back, a soft moan escaping from her.