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He moaned softly, closing his eyes. “Let me finish before I end up locking the door and having my way with you.”

“I’m sorry, would you explain to me why talking about your mother is a better option?” I asked.

Mason pulled away to stand, and I instantly regretted my choice of humor. But then he grabbed a small gift box from among the chocolates and flowers on the bed and settled back down next to me on the bed.

“Consider this my promise,” he said, tucking the cigar sized box into my hands.

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously but tugged on the velvety ribbon. When I snapped the lid open, I gasped and my hand fluttered to my chest.

“Remember when I said I wouldn’t ever leave you alone?” he asked. “I said I’d be by your side 24/7.”

I nodded, remembering how Candice and the AI had done their best to both separate us and then torture us for kicks.

“Well, I meant it. I never want to be apart from you again, and this is my promise that we can slay any demons in our path.”

Tears flooded my vision as I lifted the delicate chain with a shaking hand. A tiny silver shark glinted at the bottom along with a golden trident.

“It’s a good start,” I said as he placed it around my throat.

The door opened as Mason leaned in for a gentle kiss, and everyone my mother had listed as waiting to see me came inside.

“You are definitely Bennet Systems material,” Nicole said. “If you get tired of my brother’s company, you’re welcome to work for me at Paradise Atlantis.”

I didn’t respond to Nicole’s offer. I simply clung to the love of my life. I would never take her up on it, but I no longer feared the ocean. It gifted me Mason, and I would never forget that.