AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I played Bryce’s words repeatedly in my head:“My father won’t know a thing. He’s being arrested this afternoon, Chloe. He can’t hurt you.”Did my husband know Gene had threatened me? If so, how? And if Gene was being arrested, what did that mean for me?
Bryce slept the whole flight, which was for the best. If he was awake, I’d start yelling at him again, and then it would be duct-tape city.How dare he!
I sat, glowering, as we began our descent. Once we broke beneath the clouds and saw the sparkling turquoise water, I knew where we were going: Exuma.Bryce had brought me back to the Bahamas, where we’d spent our’ honeymoon.’ But it wasn’t really a honeymoon because we weren’t really a couple. We’d been married in name only.
Until that trip. I shivered as the memories washed over me. It was on the remote, gorgeous island that my husband had finally taken me—body, mind, and heart.
I stared out the window. When I turned, I found Bryce awake, watching me. I raised my hand, and he arched an eyebrow. “Yes, Chloe?”
I swallowed hard. “Why did you bring me here?”
“Because you and I have a few things to work out. We can talk about it at the house.” He closed his eyes again. I went back to fuming.
We landed, and Bryce motioned for me to go first. He didn’t say a word. He slid his sunglasses back on, effectively shutting me out.
How. Dare. He!I was his prisoner, and he wouldn’t even look at me. WTF? As usual, it was Bryce’s way or the highway.
I’d take the highway, but it wasn’t an option as we were on a remote island in the Caribbean.Grr.
As soon as we got off the plane, I called Dale. “Is Noah okay? Where are you? I’m so sorry, Bryce made me leave—”
“Chloe, hey, of course, he’s okay,” Dale interrupted, soothing me. “We’re still off-island. I won’t bring him back to the house until Gene’s gone and the press follows him. You don’t have to worry. I’ll keep him safe.”
“You knew about this, didn’t you?” I seethed. “You knew he was taking me somewhere?”
“What’s that? You’re breaking up. Sorry, let’s talk later!” Dale hung up, how convenient.
Bryce didn’t say a word to me as we went through customs. All the locals were warm and friendly, greeting us with smiles and wishes for a happy visit. As if!
His driver waited with the Range Rover, a warm smile on the man’s face. “Mr. and Mrs. Windsor, we are honored you’re joining us again. Sit back and relax—vacation begins now.”
“Over my dead body,” I hiss-whispered.
Bryce snorted, then stared out the window. He didn’t touch me.
I didn’t know what to think.
We drove in silence through the island’s small downtown, then pulled up to the Windsor’s private gate. The driver punched in a code. “The staff prepared some special treats for you.” He winked at Bryce in the rearview mirror. “Perfect for a second honeymoon.”
I scowled. Bryce remained expressionless, his sunglasses impenetrable.
The Rover maneuvered down the long private drive. Finally, we reached the enormous stucco house, the turquoise ocean winking directly behind it. I remembered every inch of the home—the inside was gorgeous. It opened into an outdoor living space with a stunning infinity pool that overlooked the white-sand beach. John, the driver, carried our bags inside. At least, I hoped one of the bags was mine. I had nothing but the clothes on my back.
The security team followed him inside, and Bryce turned to me. “We should go for a walk while they make sure everything’s okay.”
I frowned at him. “Do I have a choice about that?”
Bryce glanced back at the driveway, which was about a mile long. “There really isn’t any way out of here.”
I put my hands on my hips. “Kind of like the plane.”
“Kind of.” He didn’t sound sorry as he headed down toward the beach. I begrudgingly followed, and we stopped to remove our shoes. Once the cool sand was between my toes, I started to feel a little bit better. I ignored Bryce and went down to the water, moaning in pleasure as the warm, pleasant surf washed over my feet.
Bryce rolled up his dress pants and did the same, keeping some distance between us. “That feels good.”
I grunted in answer.
Next thing I knew, he’d stripped out of his sunglasses, dress shirt, and pants and did a perfect—of course, it was perfect—dive into the water. When he came up, he wiped his face. He looked better, refreshed. “I know it’s a cliche to say it, but come on in. The water’s fine.”
