Page 31 of Paradise Ties

“Okay, then you best get moving before he sees.”

Drew leaned in and kissed her forehead before smiling and stepping away.

Lauren watched him walk towards Dane and pick Aaron up from his bed. Her son instantly nestled against his uncle, knowing with the innocence only a child had that he was safe.

For the first time since the accident took his leg, Lauren felt like she was getting her brother back. A feeling of rightness settled over her. It was going to be okay—he was going to be okay. She sensed the weight that had been hanging over her lift.

* * *

Tipping her head back, Lucy let the hot water wash the dirt and grime and fear from her body. Lathering her hair in coconut shampoo, she let the smell of sunshine and relaxation seep into her body and let go of the day’s tension.

Lucy had never really considered how Jace felt when she put herself in danger. He had never asked her to not go on a mission or to step back from the constant threat she faced. Her family hadn’t known she worked for Roz until after the fact, so it’d never been a consideration. When she signed on with Fortis, her skills had evolved, and her jobs had been less dangerous.

When she and Jace got together, they’d never discussed it. He supported her and she supported him. They were a team but today was a mirror that showed her how her being in danger affected him. Watching the man she loved prepare to sacrifice himself to save her had broken the dam, and now she saw things clearly. She’d desperately wanted to protect him, to stand between him and danger. That was how he must feel every single time she put herself in danger. Yet he’d never said a thing, never asked her to step back or not to go. He’d stood beside her as the bullets flew.

Stepping out of the shower, she wrapped a towel around her body. Dragging a comb through her wet hair, she left it to air dry in the evening heat. Jace was on a day bed by the pool, whisky in hand and watching the lights from the yacht out at sea.

He heard her move and tipped his head back to look at her. “Hey.”

She sat down beside him, and he lifted his arm so she could crawl beneath it. His body felt warm beneath her hands. His naked chest had the scent of his shower gel, and it comforted her and turned her on at the same time.

“Feel better?”

Lucy nodded. “Yes, a shower always helps.”

They lay in silence, peaceful as their bodies settled against each other, minds a thousand miles away as they watched the waves roll in and gently hit the shore. “Are we going to talk about it?” she asked finally.

Jace took a sip of his drink, his body tensing beneath her. “Nothing to talk about.”

Lucy pulled away and looked at him. “Don’t do that, Jace. Don’t shut me out.”

Jace got up and went the bar to pour another drink, lifting the bottle to offer her one. Lucy shook her head.

Jace retraced his steps and sat on the edge of the bed, facing her. “What do you want from me, Luce? I can’t apologise for wanting to protect you. I spend my life trying to make sure I’m not treating you like you’re weak or incompetent. I know you’re more than capable, probably more than most men I know. But up here,” he said, tapping his head, “up here, you’re mine, and I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t want to raise hell just to keep you safe. That’s me, that’s who I am.”

Lucy leaned forward and grabbed the hand that had been tapping his head, bringing it to her lips. “I know that, Jace. I love the man you are, and I love how you support me every step of the way. Today made me realise that perhaps I don’t always appreciate that. The man I love and want to spend my life with is a protector, and it’s time I started letting him be who he is.”

“What’re you saying, Luce?”

“I’m saying that although I don’t plan to change my job, which I love, or be someone I’m not, I will take your feelings into account and talk with you before I take on jobs or go running into danger. Watching you on the ground today, knowing there was the genuine possibility that you could die, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But it made me realise that you feel that tenfold.”

Jace stroked her cheek with his hand. His eyes seared into her soul with all the love she knew he felt for her. “I love you, Luce. You’ve owned my heart since the day we met, and I don’t want it back, not now and not ever.”

“I love you too, and I promise that no matter what happens in the future, I’ll always be by your side.”

“That’s all I ask, babe.”

He leaned down and placed the glass on the ground before moving over her, pushing her body flat against the day bed. His hand flicked open the towel, exposing her needy body to his hungry eyes. Luce let her legs fall open, allowing him to settle against her where she needed him most.

“How about we make the most of our last night together as single people?” His grin was sexy and suggestive as he twirled a fingertip over the tight nub of her nipple.

“I say…what’re you waiting for?” Her voice was husky with desire. His returning smile made her want to moan, he was so devastatingly handsome.

“That’s my girl. What do you need from me, baby? Hard and fast or long and slow?”

Luce didn’t need time to consider. “Long and slow.”

“You got it, baby.”