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“Ah, but if I’d carried you, I’d have missed out on some truly excellent, free entertainment!”
I half-gasp, half-snort a laugh, and I can even hear the up-to-now silent Ford, who’s trailing behind us, having piloted us here in that blasted chopper once again, exhale mirthfully.
“That’s right. Laugh it up, pretty boy! Lita always said karma’s a killer!”
He presses a smiling mouth to my forehead as he grinds to a halt. “I’ll remember that the next time I screw up.”
His arms tighten around me for a split second before he gently places my feet back on the ground. The hiking boots he’d insisted I wear have actually been a godsend, though the heat of the day is making me itch to take them off and immerse myself in a cold shower.
“Okay, we’re here.”
He rests his chin on my shoulder, wraps his arms around my waist as his chest draws up flush with my back, and I can’t help but deadpan, “Whatever gave that away.”
He snorts. “You’re in top form today, I’ll give you that. Maybe we should skip the surprise so that I can take you back to the casa to fuck the sass right out of you. Hmm?”
I bite my lip, my nostrils flaring at the imagery that flashes before my darkened vision. He barks a laugh. “Clearly, that’s precisely what you want, my dirty fucking girl.
His teeth nip playfully at my ear, sending goosebumps dancing across the surface of my skin despite the heat of the day.
“Instead, you’ll getthis.”
And at that, he tugs away the blindfold with a flourish.
I blink heavily, ramming my eyes closed forcibly to block out the sudden invasion of bright light. It takes several long moments before my vision begins to clear, and when it does, my breath catches in my throat at the beauty before me.
“May I present to you…theRio Celestewaterfall.”
We’re standing at the top of a beautiful stairway, looking down on a stunning waterfall that’s surrounded by the greenery of the forest. It’s cascading down into a beautiful turquoise pool of water, and it takes a hot minute before I can tear my eyes away.
I find Alex watching me in silence. The edges of his mouth quirk upwards when my eyes meet his, and his gaze travels across the planes of my face in an almost reverential silence until he whispers, “Simply breathtaking.”
My stomach dances as we continue to watch one another until Ford clears his throat behind me, drawing our joint attention.
“They’re here, Alex.”
Suddenly, the sound of voices reaches my ears, and I pivot on my heel to look back into the forest, my eyes following the path we must have taken to get here.
Several men and women descend, each bearing large black cases while amicably chatting among themselves.
I twist my head back to Alex. “Who are they?”
His face takes on an almost sheepish look, but he doesn’t shy away, choosing to answer me outright. “Remember I mentioned the photo shoot we were booked to do with those media outlets on our wedding day?”
My brow furrows, taking what feels like forever to remember back that far, but eventually, the lightbulb comes on. “Yes…what has that got to do with—”
“Everly Events and Keller Media are two of DeMarco Holding’s largest media competitors. They have sent representatives to shoot ushereinstead, and in exchange, when we return home, they will see to it that we are left in relative peace, for the most part, owing to the simple fact that they own most of the smaller outlets who peddle in meaningless gossip. The ones that buy the photos from the freelancers who pester us.”
He smiles hesitantly, and I can see that he’s concerned that this surprise is falling a little flat. While it’s not ideal, I can see the merit behind it, and so I close the gap between us to wrap my arms around his waist.
My chin rests on his chest, and I smile softly when I look up into those whiskey eyes thatseeall the way down to the very deepest parts of my true self. “It’s wonderful, Alex. Andkindagenius, too!”
His face brightens, that crooked smile dominating his entire face, making my heart literally skip a damn beat before he plants a kiss on the tip of my nose. “I’m glad you agree, wife. Now, let’s get changed!”
He extricates himself from my hold, leaving me with a furrowed brow as I call after his departing back. “Changed? Why?”
* * *
ALEX
