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“It’s M—Mark.” She’s crying so hard she can barely get the words out. “He died. On our honeymoon. A—a d—diving accident.”
Ice creeps through my bloodstream, frozen fingers plucking at my spine. My mind drifts back to the dark place. An officer from the island putting a heavy hand on my shoulder. His words now echo in my mind.
Ma’am. I’m sorry. There’s been an accident.
This can’t be happening.
My heart chills to a block of ice, my stomach sinks to the floor. I think I’m going to be sick.
This can’t be happening.
Not again.
19
Charlie
I have to leave.I have to go to Shannon. All my other thoughts are a cloudy mess, flashes of my own nightmare honeymoon mixed with the replay of the pain in Shannon’s voice on the phone. How did this happen? Why did it happen? And how can it not be related to my own husband’s death?
Coincidences are events that happen without obvious connections, as if by accident, chance, or fate. Two Bachman men both dying in mysterious diving accidents at the Cayman Islands on their honeymoons?
This is not a coincidence.
I have to go to Shannon, but also, I need to speak with Rockland. I need to know what he knows and how this is connected to my past. I know he’ll tell me as much as he can. I just hope it’s enough to ease my mind.
Shannon’s call not only dredged up all kinds of memories, but also the fact that I’m cursed with men and should continue to keep them all at arm’s length. I have to go to Nikolaos and tell him the truth.
It’s time for me to leave Dark Island.
I have to help my friend.
My gut sinks. It’s time for me to leave…
Him.
We’ve been going back and forth for a full day. “Debating.” He doesn’t want me to go. I can tell by the tone of his voice, the steely set of his jaw, the Beast is sooo not happy with me returning to the Village.
We’re standing on the dock at the boathouse, waiting for the boat. I’m bundled up, wearing a scarf and a heavy coat, winter fighting on her way out. He crosses his arms over his chest, making his biceps look absolutely massive. Like he needed to look any more intimidating than he already does. His booming voice rumbles through the room. “You know you aren’t going unless you agree to my terms.”
I give his arm a gentle touch and offer him a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to talk so loud. It’s just us.”
“Sorry,” he grumbles. “But I mean it.”
“I know. Aiden will be right by my side. All the way to the Village. Then posted outside my front door untilyou’vedeemed it safe for him to return. I got it.” I stressed the wordyou’vebecause he’s repeated this so many times to me now.
Nikolaos is the only one who will decide when I’m safe enough to lose my 24/7 bodyguard. I’ve had one before, after my botched choice in fiancés. A brother was with me for weeks but they’re pretty good at blending into the background and letting you live your life.
As long as you do what they say.
“He’s a good man. You’re in good hands.” He gives another one of those gruff grunting sounds he’s known for. I don’t even think he’s aware he does it. “Not as good of hands as you’d be in if you’d just stay put, here at the castle with me, of course.”
The grunting, his nickname and the mention of the castle makes me feel so much like Belle, I almost have to stifle a giggle. Then I remember I’m leaving him, and any amusement drains from me. I’m going home. To be alone. Again.
“Shannon needs me,” I say for what feels like the hundredth time in the past 24 hours.
He grunts for the hundredth time in the past 24 hours.
The sun spreads out over the horizon, oranges and pinks and reds widening across the waterline, melting across the sky. The boat engine happily hums as the boat makes its way toward us.
