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We’d have secluded privacy. It was what I wanted. Our own little oasis away from everything and everyone. The driveway to the house was about a hundred yards, leading to a roundabout where the driver parked. I grabbed her hand before opening the door to step out onto the limestone pavers that led all around the private estate.
I could smell the salty breeze coming off the water as I led us up to the house while the driver brought in our luggage behind us. I opened the courtyard doors and typed in the code to reveal grand, angled stairs that led us inside a coastal-themed home.
Her jaw dropped, turning in a full circle to take in her surroundings. The sunlight streamed through every window in the wide-open space, illuminating the space. I paid the driver and thanked him, closing the door behind him after he left.
“I can’t believe you did this! This place is gorgeous, Jace.”
I smiled, kissing her lips. “I’d do anything for you.”
I followed her out to the balcony, setting my elbows on the railing as I inhaled a deep breath, looking out at the sun reflecting off the water. It was truly breathtaking, everything was.
Including her.
I felt Hope come up behind me, wanting to embrace the broken man in front of her with her son between us.
“I’ve never seen such an incredible property in all my life. I can’t wait to experience this island with you.”
For the next few days, we did exactly that. We spent our days relaxing, talking, and swimming in the pool or sightseeing around the island. Everywhere she wanted to go, I made sure I drove her to it. Our nights were spent lying together out on the lounger in the patio, staring out at the bright stars.
Hope was wrapped in my arms. We gazed up at the night sky, watching the full moon over the horizon and above the water. Sometimes we would talk, and other times we wouldn’t. There was no need for words since our connection spoke for itself.
She passed out in my bed every night, and I’d try to find sleep that never came for me. I’d watch her rest. The way her chest would rise and fall with each breath, or how her pouty lips would part, and her hair cascaded all around her face.
She was so content.
Happy.
Fucking picturesque.
It brought me great joy knowing I was the cause.
Late into the night, I would slip out of the room, leaving her alone. I’d go out on the balcony and watch my life play out in front of me, trying to find peace in this heaven. Silently hoping that Tony’s soul was resting and he was pleased with me taking care of his girl and not rolling over in his grave because of it.
I couldn’t bring myself to be intimate with her. The guilt was too heavy.
Every morning the sun would come up, and Hope would wake, knowing where I was. She’d lay with me, setting her head on my lap as I ran my fingers through her soft brown hair.
She was only an angel in the house with me.
Tonight, we were once again lying out on the lounger, both of us lost in our own thoughts while her head rested on my chest as I caressed the side of her arm.
“Do you want your own children?” she asked out of nowhere.
“Where did that come from?”
“I’m just wondering.”
“You know I’m going to take care of both of you, Hope.”
“I know… but you haven’t touched me this entire time, and we’ve already been here four days.”
“I’m touching you right now.”
“You know what I mean. It’s Tony, isn’t it?”
I didn’t reply. I didn’t have to.
“He loved you, you know? He thought of you as a brother.”
“Which only makes what’s happening between us that much harder.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t give you what you want.”
“It’s hard for me too, Jace, but if it wasn’t for you, I don’t know where I’d be after losing him.” Her eyes rimmed with tears. “I miss him every day. Sometimes I wake up and I think he’s still alive, and then I remember I’ve lost him.”
I nodded, understanding how she was feeling. I felt it too.
“You were his world, Hope.”
“Where does that leave us?”
I didn’t waver in admitting, “We’re just living in the moment. It’s all I have left to give you.”
She nodded in understanding.
I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d still feel the same way about me if she knew…
I killed her fiancé.
Twenty-Three
Jace
Now: The next morning
She woke up to the smell of bacon and coffee, walking into the kitchen as I cooked breakfast.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
I turned to find her messy bedhead.
Her pouty pink lips swollen from sleep.
She was still wearing my shirt, making my cock twitch at the sight of her.
There was no taking my eyes off her beauty. She was fucking stunning, standing there with her bright blond hair that shined in the rays of the sunlight coming in through the bay window. Her soft, creamy skin was flawless.
