by Morgan James
“Really.” I turned slightly and kissed her forehead.
“What do we do now?” she whispered.
I shifted her in my arms so I could see her better. I wanted her to be able to read every emotion clearly in my eyes. “I want you, Eva. I’ve always wanted you. It’s your turn to decide what you want.”
God, I hoped she said yes, that she would stay with me.
“I’m scared,” she admitted, looking incredibly torn.
“I don’t blame you.” I swept my thumb over her cheek. I couldn’t reassure her that everything would be all right. These men and women were desperate to cover up their proclivities and they wouldn’t hesitate to take out anyone in their way. “I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”
“I want to be with you,” she finally said, her words low.
Thank God. I took her face in my hands. “Thank you, angel.”
Her lips lifted into a sweet smile. “I love when you call me that.”
I smiled. Four months ago, she’d had a very different outlook. “You’ll always be my angel, but I’d rather call you something else.”
Happiness sparkled in her eyes before she quickly schooled it and wariness took its place. “What’s that?”
I watched her carefully as I spoke. “My wife.”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out. She blinked once. Twice. Her lower lip trembled, and I stroked one hand down her arm. The gentle touch seemed to jolt her from whatever internal debate she was hosting in her head, because her eyes cleared as she stared up at me. “Really?”
“There’s no one I’d rather have by my side.” I parroted the same words to her I’d said two months ago, and her eyes welled with tears as she threw her arms around my neck.
“Yes. God, yes.”
I pulled her close and took her mouth in a hard kiss. I broke contact, then moved toward my bag and fished out a dark red box. Taking a knee before Eva, I flipped open the lid, watching in fascination as her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth. “What—Did—” her gaze flicked from the box to the bag, then back again. “Wait. You had that with you the whole time?”
“Every single day since you left. It’s been waiting for you.”
“Every day?” Her words were soft, almost as if she couldn’t quite comprehend them.
“Every day,” I repeated. “I would have spent a lifetime tracking you down to give this to you. It’s always been you, Evangelina.”
Tears sparkled in her eyes, then spilled over onto her cheeks.
“Don’t cry, angel.” I stood and enfolded her in my arms. “We can take this as slow as you want. If—”
She shook her head against my chest, then gently pushed away. “No. This... It’s perfect.”
She held out her left hand and I slipped the ring onto her trembling finger. Tightening my hold on her waist, I dipped my head and kissed her hard. If there was such a thing as love, this was it.
Chapter Eighteen
Eva
I woke up alone the following morning, and the cool sheets in the spot next to me told me that Fox was gone and had likely been up for several hours already. I had no idea how he functioned on so little sleep. We’d fallen into bed last night, and I’d showed him my appreciation for the marriage proposal—twice.
I smiled at the feel of the band encircling my finger. Slipping my hand over the sheets, I watched the early morning sunshine filter into the diamond before scattering over the walls and ceiling of the room. Part of me still couldn't believe that this was real. Speaking with both Elle and Fox had helped to calm my fears, and I was now beginning to look forward to our life together with a nervous anticipation.
Happiness bubbled up inside me, and I bounded from the bed. After washing up and using the bathroom, I dressed and headed downstairs. Following the sounds from the kitchen, I practically skipped into the room. Elle turned at my presence and lifted one eyebrow when she saw the elated expression on my face. “Good morning?”
She said it like a question, and I couldn't help but grin. “It’s a very good morning.”
I bounced over to her and held out my hand. Her gaze dropped to my ring finger, and her eyes widened as her jaw dropped open. “Oh, my God!”
I let out a squeal as we threw our arms around each other, talking over one another. A deep chuckle came from the doorway, and I glanced over my shoulder at Fox. A sexy smile curved his face as he sauntered toward us, his gaze fixed on mine. “I assume you told her the good news?”
I grinned back. “I did.”
Sliding one arm around my waist, he dipped his head and brushed a light kiss over my lips. “Good morning, angel. Sleep well?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Elle watched our interaction, a soft smile on her face. “Why don’t you two head outside? I'll finish up breakfast and be out in just a minute.”
“Oh, you don’t have to—” I started to say, but Elle placed a hand on my arm, effectively cutting me off.
“I’m almost done anyway.” She gestured toward the patio doors. “I'm sure you two have a lot to talk about.”
Fox settled his hand on my lower back and guided me outside, holding the door for me as we stepped onto the wide stone terrace. The sun shone brightly overhead, its rays catching and reflecting on the rippling surface of the pool. Fox took a seat next to me at the wrought iron table, then slid a pair of sunglasses my way. I smiled in thanks and shielded my eyes against the bright light.
I glanced over the table at him. “You must have been up early again.”
He grimaced apologetically. “I was trying to get some work done before you woke up.”
I loved that he thought of me, that he didn’t want his work to take away from our time together. “I was kind of hoping to wake up next to my fiancé,” I whispered.
His eyes darkened. “Tomorrow, angel. I promise.”
I smiled. Was it healthy to love someone this much, to be so completely head over heels for them? Probably not, but I couldn’t dredge up the effort to care. I was done fighting this feeling between us.
“Have you given any thought to what I said last night?”
I tipped my head in question. “About what kind of wedding we should have?” He nodded.
We’d spoken of it a little bit last night as we lay curled in each other’s arms after we’d made love, but it’d been late, and I didn’t have a specific vision in mind. As a child, I’d always imagined a large church wedding, the pews filled with family and friends, their eyes on me as I made my way down the aisle in an elaborate white gown. Lately though... I turned to look out over the surface of the gulf. The only people worth having in my life at the moment were Elle and Fox, and now Hossam. I didn't need to put on a show for anyone else. I turned back to Fox. “What about here?”
Behind the dark frames of his sunglasses, one dark brow arched upward. “On the beach?”
The idea probably seemed quaint and immature to him. “It was just a thought. I’m sure you’d probably prefer to have something more elaborate, but—”
“Not at all. A beach wedding sounds nice.” Fox reached over and laced his fingers with mine. “How soon were you thinking?”
Was there any real reason to put it off? I didn't think so. “What's the wait time down here?”
“To be honest, I don't really know,” he replied. “I can look into it. Would you like to have the ceremony while we're here?”
“I think so.”
The space between his brows wrinkled with concern. “Are you sure you don’t want your family present? We can wait,” he offered.
I shook my head. “Everyone I want by my side is already here.”
Fox squeezed my fingers, an indulgent smile on his face. “Whatever you want is fine with me.”
Noise from the doorway drew my attention to Elle, and she delivered a tray of fresh fruit and scones to our table, along with freshly squeezed orange juice and dark coffee a moment later. As she disappeared back into the house, my mind churned. I turned back to Fox. “Ca
n I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” he replied around a bite of melon.
“Elle and Hossam... They’re technically married, aren't they?”
Fox dipped his chin. “When I had their new identities created, it seemed to make sense to make them a couple.”
I knew Elle was in love with Hossam, and she deserved a happy ending after everything she'd been through. I turned my gaze back to Fox. “Would you mind terribly if I asked them to join us?”
“As attendants?” Confusion marred his handsome face, and I shook my head.
“No. I’d like them to have a real ceremony. I was wondering if we could... share?”
He stared at me for several seconds, then a slow smile spread over his face. “I think that's a great idea. Why don't you check with your sister?”
I smiled, pleased he’d accepted so easily. There seemed to have been a definite shift in our relationship, and I felt closer to him than ever. As Elle had said, there would always be doubts and troubles in every relationship, but it was a matter of how you resolved them. I would be missing out on the most amazing man I’d ever met if I let fear control me.
Once we’d finished breakfast, Fox turned to me. “I have some work I need to finish up and send back to my men. Will you be okay out here until I’m done?”
I smiled at his overprotective nature. “I’ll be fine. Elle and I may go to the beach in a bit.”
“Stay close to the house.” He leaned down, and I tipped my head up for a kiss.
His lips brushed over mine in an achingly sweet gesture, and I felt my heart melt a little more. I was so incredibly in love with this man. He pulled back, sent me a wink, then headed into the house. Elle passed him, exiting onto the terrace as the door closed behind Fox, and I smiled up at her. “You don’t need to wait on me hand and foot.”
She sent a sisterly look my way. “Please. I didn’t come out here to clean. You’ve got two good hands.”
Laughing, I balled up a napkin and threw it at her. God, it felt so good to have her back. My chest tightened at the reminder of pain and loss I’d felt without her. My eyes clouded with tears, and Elle immediately reached for me, pulling me into a hug.
“Oh, honey.”
A hiccupping sob left my mouth as I leaned into her. “I’m just... I’m so glad to see you again.” I hadn’t let myself dwell on it for the past couple of days, but now it hit me full force. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” She pulled away, allowing me to dab at my eyes. “Now you know where I am, and you can come visit me anytime.”
I smiled, vanquishing the last of my tears. “Fox offered to let me stay here with you guys.”
Elle grinned. “You should. It’s really wonderful here.”
“I’m sure it is.” I glanced out at the ocean, drawing in a deep breath of the salty air. “But I have to go back. I want to be with him.”
“I understand.” She studied me for a minute. “I’m really happy for you. I’m so glad you found someone who can make you happy.”
It was almost unbelievable. Just a few months ago, I never would have envisioned myself in this position. I shook my head. “He really does.”
“He loves you.” I turned to meet my sister’s eyes, and she nodded. “Even Hossam says he’s never seen Fox like this.”
“Really?” I was intrigued. “How long has he known Fox?”
“A few years, I think, at least in passing. Although Hossam worked for Spencer, they all kind of ran in the same circles. From what I understand, Hossam went to Fox’s club several times when Spencer was gambling.”
Fox’s illicit business didn’t seem to faze Elle, which surprised the hell out of me. She’d always been the good girl, the one who always did the right thing. I knew she felt she owed him in part for saving her from Spencer, but even I worried that his troubles would come knocking one day. “Do you feel safe here?”
“Very.” Her pretty eyes filled with warmth. “Hossam would protect me with his life.”
I smiled, thinking of the two alpha men who would burn down the world and everyone in it to protect the women they loved—us. Once, I’d felt disdain for men like that who felt they were exempt from the rules of the law. Now that I’d experienced it for myself, I was incredibly grateful that Fox was as strong and determined as he was. I knew he would do anything for me.
“I have a question for you.” Her brows lifted in question, and I continued. “Fox and I have decided to get married on the beach while we’re here.”
A huge smile wreathed my sister’s face. “Seriously? That’s amazing! I’m so glad I’ll get to see you two tie the knot.”
“Well, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about.” I rearranged myself in the chair so I faced her. “I know you didn’t get much of a choice when you had to leave the states. Fox told me that your identities are of a married couple out of ease.”
“Basically.” She lifted a shoulder. “We knew we wanted to be together, so it just made sense.”
I smiled at the way she phrased it, just as Fox had said. “I know you love each other. But you never had a chance to actually say your vows.” Elle stared at me intently, trying to figure out where exactly I was going with this. “If you—both of you—are interested, I thought we might have a double ceremony.”
Elle’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped into a small ‘O’ of surprise. “I... I don’t know what to say. That’s...” She shook her head a little. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want—”
“Trust me, it’s fine with us. Talk it over with Hossam and let me know.”
Elle leaned in and hugged me hard. She and Hossam could have technically had a ceremony anytime they wanted. But all of us sharing that special moment was priceless.
Chapter Nineteen
Fox
I lifted my head at the knock on the door, and my eyes collided with Hossam's dark gaze. “Back already?”
“Yes, sir. The women are out by the pool.”
“Thank you.” Eva and Elle had wanted to visit the market again this morning for fresh fruits and vegetables, and they needed someone with them at all times for protection. With their fair skin and pale hair, they stuck out down here like sore thumbs. Though not as dark as me, Hossam’s Egyptian genetic heritage allowed him to better blend in with the natives and secure the women’s safety.
As much as I wanted to join them, I had a few pressing needs to take care of first. I hated that this was taking time away from Eva, but I hoped she would appreciate my efforts in the end. Though we had filed the paperwork with the city earlier in the week, it would be another couple of days until we could have the ceremony. I had reached out to a contact and scheduled an appointment for Friday. The pastor worked in the local village, but he assured me that he would meet me at the villa after work in time for an evening wedding.
Eva, being Eva, had requested nothing, but I wanted to make the day unique—something she would never forget. I wasn’t the romantic sort, but Eva brought out a tender side of me, and I wanted our wedding to represent the beginning of our life together. While she had spent the morning shopping, I'd been on the phone with a local event planner, contracting strands of lights to be brought in along with an archway and other miscellaneous other decor. Although the stretch of beach behind the house was relatively secluded, we’d decided to hold the ceremony on the terrace instead, to cut down on the number of possible distractions. I'd contacted a caterer as well, wanting the women to not have to worry about organizing food on their wedding day. Part of me felt foolish for putting so much thought and effort into it, but she never asked for a single thing. She, just like Elle, deserved the absolute best, and I planned to give it to her.
“Sir, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course.” I waved Hossam into the office and gestured for him to close the door for privacy. Turning my body slightly, I looked out the east window to ensure that the women were still safe by the pool. They lounged in chairs side-by-side, looking almo
st like identical twins from this far away. A smile curled my mouth as I directed my attention back to Hossam. “What do you need?”
“First, I wanted to congratulate you on your nuptials,” he stated.
I dipped my head in acknowledgment. “Thank you. I believe I could say the same to you.”
“That's what I wanted to speak to you about,” he began. “Elle asked me about having a double ceremony. This is a special day for you and Eva. If you would rather it just be the two of you, we would be more than happy to stand up for you. Elle and I are already technically married.”
Absorbing his words, I tossed another look out the window at the women below. I watched them as I spoke. “Do you love her?”
“I do.”
I turned back to him. “It would please both of us if you would share our wedding day.”
He inclined his head. “Thank you, sir. We appreciate it.”
“Before you go, I have a question for you,” I said. “Did Elle ever mention anything about Spencer's business affairs, or did you ever overhear anything?”
Hossam shook his head. “He hired me on for security, but I was kept out of the loop for the most part. Why do you ask?”
“I was wondering how well Spencer and Sebastian Moreau know each other.”
“Aside from being acquaintances, I’m not aware of any joint ventures or business dealings. Moreau never came to the house, so if they were working on anything, it was probably conducted either at Spencer’s office or in private somewhere.”
That’s what bothered me. I needed to find a solid connection that tied them together, otherwise this was all just conjecture. I suspected that both Sebastian and Spencer were involved in the human trafficking ring, but I wasn’t quite sure how. A trend had begun to emerge over the past eight months, and four shipments that we knew of had come across the Canadian border. Sebastian had money and friends in all the right places, and Spencer had plenty of connections politically. Even if they were involved, I seriously doubted they were the ones in charge. They were lackeys—not the person pulling the strings. That didn’t change the fact, though, that there would be dozens if not hundreds of people below them—handlers, transporters, people at airports and shipping ports to assist in the transfer.