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PROLOGUE
EDEN
The energy of waves flows through the ocean from one side of the globe to the other.
Wind whips over the surface, carrying droplets in the icy atmosphere. The blustery force encircles my body with the power of a tsunami crushing ribs and forbidding air to my lungs. A usual winter’s day, only it’s exacerbated after Samuel bursts through the office door.
The door slams closed.
I suck air into my lungs, needing a moment before taking the stairs to my parents’ penthouse.
Samuel tightens his hold on my hand. “Hey, are you okay?”
I stare deeply into those blue eyes for the first time now we’re alone. The hues of his eyes remind me of the sea in summer, unlike the stormy, gray Southern Indian Ocean mere feet from the back door. There are many questions loaded on my tongue, only I need to focus on breathing, and all I want to do is feelhim.
“Not really,” I murmur. “You’re so calm, and I feel electrified from the shock.” I shake my head still in disbelief.
“I’m not calm, Eden,” he says gently. “My heart is racing, and I’m trembling internally not knowing how this would go down.”
He tilts his head, and for a second, I see sadness in his eyes. Just as quick, his expression changes, distracted by Rose touching his shaven head. His face lights up, and he kisses Rose’s cheek, then leans in, and his lips crush mine. I touch him, taste him, and inhale his forest scent. He may have escaped the jungle, yet the aroma surrounds him as though ingrained into his skin.
Our lips part, he leans his forehead to mine, his eyes close, and I sense this is painful as is the overwhelming joy of us being together after what has passed.
“Let’s get upstairs,” I whisper. “I need to feel you.”
He spins, not letting go of my hand. Each step feels like twenty when all I want to do is fall into his arms and never let him go. I let go of his hand to unlock the door and shove it open, the impatience building. I make a beeline for the couch before my shaky legs give way. Samuel balances Rose on his hip and slides next to me, kissing my neck and cheek. Tiny kisses and then his mouth is on mine, reminding me how much I have missed him.
Rose slaps our cheeks as though it’s a game, and I laugh, breaking the kiss.
As much as he wants me, he’s not letting go of his daughter. She stands on his thighs, and he balances her with the other arm that’s not curled around my shoulders.
“Dad-da needs to kiss Mommy,” he coos at her.
Resting my forehead on his shoulder, I can’t hold it in any longer.
I burst into tears.
Tears of happiness.
Tears of relief.
My stomach clenches.
The happiness I have longed for hurts, an ache deep in my chest. A surge of emotions streams through me. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I croak. “At least I could have prepared to not be a mess.”
“I’m sorry.” He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead. “But I’d still be a mess.”
I reach for his shaky hand draped over my shoulder. His body trembles against mine. Silent tears stream down his cheeks. He rests his forehead against mine while we take a moment to simply breathe and allow our bodies to calm some.
Mum walks into the room and finger-combs her windswept hair. “Here, let me take Rose.”
“I don’t want to let her go,” Samuel rasps.
“You both need time together,” Mum insists. “Get some rest. Rose isn’t going anywhere.”
I squeeze his thigh, the boniness prominent beneath the material of his trousers. His face is gaunt. The reality of him fighting to survive the past eight months hits me with the force of a wrecking ball.
“I think that’s a good idea.” My thoughts scramble. A long road of healing—physically and mentally—lie ahead of us. I stand and hold out my hands for Rose and kiss her cheek before giving her to Mum. “Thanks. We appreciate it.”
