“It’s actually a girl puppy, Luce. Her name is Frenchie.”
“I love her. Oh Max, this is the best present anyone has ever gotten me.” I leaned over and gave him a small kiss, careful not to disturb Frenchie. “I always wanted a dog, but since Jessica was allergic we could never get one. How did you do this? I haven’t seen any other animals since I’ve been here.”
“There is a special place where animals are kept. It’s a huge sanctuary where they can freely roam and play; it’s not on this realm. Domesticated animals, especially pets, are met by their owners in the Alpha’s realm, not here. So we usually don’t get to see them unless we go to earth for something. But, I pulled a few strings and got a rule changed. Frenchie’s the first. Patroni are now allowed to adopt dogs or cats to keep in their apartments as pets. You’re the first to get one.”
“This is amazing. I’m the luckiest girl in the universe, ya know that? I don’t even know how to begin to thank you.” Max came and sat behind me, his legs straddling me where I sat. I leaned my back into his chest, turning my head to kiss him. It was a long, sensual kiss. I put everything, all my feelings of love for him into the kiss. I wanted him to feel how much I wanted him.
He cupped my face, tracing a finger back and forth over my jaw. I parted my lips slightly in invitation, and it was all he needed to deepen the kiss, searching and exploring my mouth with his tongue.
I was about to lay us both back on the floor when someone cleared his throat. I sat back up and looked at Cassie and Adam sheepishly. “Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away. I actually forgot you were still here.”
Adam chuckled. “We can see that. All right, we’re going to go. Gotta pack for our trip. You two enjoy your afternoon.” He took Cassie’s hand and helped her stand up. She came over and gave me a quick hug before scratching Frenchie behind the ears.
“She is really cute. I can’t wait to take her with us on runs. She’s gonna love those woods.”
I laughed in agreement. “Yeah, until she stops to sniff a twig or chase a drifting leaf. I can see our runs being a little more chaotic now.” I leaned over and kissed the soft fur on the top of her head. “Totally worth it though. Look at that face!”
Cassie and Adam left, and Max and I were alone with Frenchie. She woke up a few minutes later and was excited to play. I found an old tee shirt that I twisted up into a tug of war rope and Max took the ends of two turkey basters and turned them into a bouncy ball for her to chase. We took her on a long walk, stopping every few feet for someone else to come up and pet her, cooing about how cute she was. I knew whoever people requisitioned to get a pet would be bombarded by morning.
Eventually, we made it back to our apartment where the three of us snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. We made a doggie bed for Frenchie, but she seemed quite content burrowed in my side and I was too much of a pushover to make her get down.
“Thank you again for today. It was the best birthday ever.”
“Better than your thirteenth when you got your first kiss?” He teased me, poking my ribs playfully.
“Absolutely.”
“Better than your sixteenth when you got a car?”
“One hundred percent better. Because no matter what I got any of those years, I didn’t have you.”
I took his face in my hands, staring into his clear blue eyes so he knew I was serious. He leaned in slightly so our noses touched. I could feel my heartbeat quickening, and closed the distance between us.
Luckily, there was no one left in the apartment to distract us and I planned to make good use of our alone time. Until Frenchie woke up, running over to the door and scratching it to go out.
I sighed into Max’s mouth, not wanting to get up and leave his warm embrace. “I guess I’ll take her out. Don’t move.” I slid my feet into the flip flops by the door and reached for her leash quickly. “I’ll be back in five minutes, and then we’ll continue this,” I promised Max.
He nodded, closing his eyes in frustration and leaning his head back on the couch. By the time I got back, he was fast asleep.
Chapter Five
“So, how are we going to spend four days all alone?” I asked Max, giving him my most sultry smile.
“Um, we’re not going to be alone. Well, not the whole time. I thought we all could head over to Tasnim.”
I took back my pout at not getting Max all to myself when he mentioned our destination. Tasnim was an exclusive island on a separate realm. Very few ever got to go there, and it was rumored by most to be where the Garden of Eden had been relocated after the fall of man. It was the oldest place still in existence, and now used as a meditation spot for very high-level angels. It took a lot of ass kissing and red tape to even get permission to go.
“How did you manage that? I’ve heard it’s amazing, but exclusive to only senior level Patroni and angels like Marco.”
“It is. I was fortunate to go once a few years after I became a Patronus as a guest of Marco. It’s on another realm, and it’s absolute perfection. Tasnim has been a sought-after vacation spot for Patroni not just in the Florida division, but all over. There are requests put in to the inter-dimensional securities and travel department all the time for people to visit, but few are actually granted permission. I pulled a lot of strings, but we’re going!”
“How in the world did you manage that so fast?”
“I’d actually been planning this for months. Granted, my original plan was only for you and I to go, but while you slept yesterday I amended my request. We’re all exhausted and need a break.”
“Should we go somewhere so far away right now? I mean, what if we’re needed? Or there’s an attack somewhere?”
“Elizabeth and Marco are staying behind. They’ll let us know if we’re needed, and we’re only a realm door away.” He brushed his lips lightly across mine. “Don’t worry so much.”
I smiled up at him. “You’re right. And it does sound amazing!”
“There are only two getaway spots like this on earth, one here in Florida and the other in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, so space was limited. The island is pretty tiny. It only has about twenty five cabins total, nothing posh or over the top, but it is extremely relaxing.”
I squealed in delight. “I am so excited! Okay, when do we leave? I have to pack.”
Max held out two bags in his hands. “Already taken care of. And don’t worry, I didn’t pack. Cassie did.”
I took the bag from him and set it on the floor. “Okay, but let me double check that she packed—”
Max snatched it back before I even finished unzipping it. “It doesn’t matter what she packed you.”
“And why is that?”
“Because if I have my way, you won’t be wearing any of it anyway.” He turned and scooped me in his strong arms, kissing that spot just below my ear that drove me crazy. Oh, this was going to be a fantastic weekend away!
*****
Two hours later, Max, Cassie, Adam, Zander, Lola and I were all on the beach. The island didn’t have a lot of amenities, a few basic cabins and a giant central pantry stocked by lord only knows who, but the view more than made up for it. The cabins skirted the edge of the island, each offering panoramic ocean views.
Ever since I stepped foot onto the warm, soft white sands, I felt a connection to this place. It was like a caffeine high while taking that first plunge down a roller coaster. I was more energized than I’d ever been. I squeezed Max’s hand as he grabbed our bags and we walked toward our cabin.
“Do you feel that?” I asked him, not quite sure how to describe what exactly the “that” was.
“Yes, I do. I’ve been here before, but the feeling’s never been as strong. I think it’s because you’re here with me now.”
“I don’t ever want to leave,” I confessed. My gaze feasted on all the bright, colorful plants and fruits around me. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before.
Because the island wasn’t actually on earth or accessible to huma
ns at all, it was different than the tropical Keys I’d visited with my family. There were flowers and fruits that had long been extinct on earth, all growing lush around us. Max picked me a vibrant yellow fruit that was slightly prickly to the touch.
“It’s delicious, try some.” He conjured up a pocket knife and sliced the fruit down the middle, watching the green juices run down his fingers. “This fruit hasn’t been on earth in over a thousand years, and even then it was only in the dense jungle where few ventured. It’s sweet like cantaloupe, but has a hint of tartness like lime at the end.”
I bit into it, and my taste buds zinged. The flavor was amazing. Sweet and tart, and the juices had an effervescence like soda, causing little bubbles to explode in my mouth. It was amazing and I wanted to eat it every day. “Oh, wow!” I said, wiping the juice running down my chin. “I love it! I wish they served this at breakfast every day.”
“I know, right? Maybe I should put in a request.”
Max picked me another fruit and we sat on the porch to our cabin in duel hammocks that swung gently in the breeze. Exotic birds with bright, beautiful plumage flew from tree to tree. A Dodo bird even toddled by, off in search of who knows what. Monkeys howled in the distance, and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore lulled me. I couldn’t help but sigh contentedly. This was relaxation.
“I could really get use to this,” I said to no one in particular. Every stress from the last six months melted away as I listened to the tide roll in and out, the sound lulling me. Having been a Florida girl all my life, the beach was my Mecca.
“And this is only the beginning.” My eyes drifted up Max’s chest, gleaming with sweat, as he handed me a fruity drink in a coconut shell.
“How did you do this?” I knew there wasn’t a bar on the island, so to create something like this must have been done by hand. Max didn’t answer my question, but lay beside me with his own drink in hand as we swung in the gentle breeze.
“You deserve this, my love. You’ve been under so much stress recently; I’ve been so worried about you. It’s not healthy. Immortal or not, you need to take care of yourself. And this weekend, I plan to do exactly that: take care of you. So enjoy your drink and enjoy the view.” He kissed my temple and entwined our fingers. I didn’t know how long we sat there placidly, but the next thing I knew the rest of the gang came up to us clad in their swimsuits.
“Up for a rowdy game of beach volleyball?” Zander spun the ball on the tip of his index finger as he spoke.
“I’m in! Sounds fun. Let me put my suit on. We’ll meet you there in five.” I stood up and put my now empty coconut on the counter, excited for some fun in the sun.
Ten minutes later, we were all arguing over how the teams should be divided as Zander tossed the ball in the air. Of course, Adam wanted it boys vs. girls, but we protested adamantly. We split the teams as evenly as possible, which was hard because Zander was practically a pro and Lola was 5’2” and could barely reach the bottom of the net. We kept it a friendly game, but after the score was 14-3, Adam’s competitive nature got the better of him and his aggravation was clear.
“What’s amatter, baby?” Cassie taunted after he took another face plant in the sand trying to rescue the ball from where Lola ducked and covered her eyes. She may have been a fierce fighter, but the girl did not like sports. “Havin’ a little trouble there? Or were you trying to catch a little sun?”
Adam scrambled off the ground and sprinted toward Cassie with a mischievous gleam in his eye. “You’re mine now, girly.”
Cassie squealed and ran behind Zander, hoping he’d protect his teammate. But when Zander chuckled and stepped aside for Adam to get to her, she dashed off toward the ocean instead. None of us could stop our laughing when he caught up to Cassie and threw her over his shoulder, walked them both in the ocean and tossed her in the water where a splashing battle began.
“Well, I guess our game is over.” I turned to Max. “Now what do you want to do?”
“We still have a few hours before dinner.” The look in his eyes told me that Monopoly with Zander and Lola was not what he had in mind. “We’ll catch up with you all later. Z—you’re going to build a fire on the beach for us to make dinner, right?”
“Yep. Lola and I will take care of everything. I’ll do the cooking and she’ll do the cleaning.” He smiled at her, intentionally baiting her.
“If you even think that because I grew up in the 50s that I’m gonna be some kind of June Cleaver you’ve got another thing coming.” She threw a hand on her hip and wagged a finger at him. “I ain’t your momma and you won’t be gettin’ any of that outta me.”
Max and I laughed as she continued her women’s lib rant. We knew Zander found her adorable when she got all riled up, but she fell for it every time.
“Come on,” Max whispered in my ear, and scooped me into his strong arms as he headed back to our cabin. “We’ve had enough socialization. Now I want you all to myself.”
Chapter Six
The door slammed behind me with a heavy thud, and the metallic click of the lock echoed past the faint rhythm of heartbeats that pounded excitedly in my chest. Soft lips fused against mine, parting slightly so I could taste the faint traces of the sweet fruit on his breath as our tongues found a rhythm of their own. His warm body pressed into mine, fueling the heat inside my soul as his fingertips skimmed up and down from just under my breasts to the ticklish skin on my stomach, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. No matter how many times he kissed me or touched me, I could never get enough. My body was made for his, and we melded together perfectly.
The longer he touched me, the more on fire my body became. I could feel his heartbeat in my own chest, his desire deep in my gut, and his love in my soul.
His hands left my back, reaching up to cup my face as his beautiful blue eyes stared into mine. His pupils dilated, making the crisp blue of his eyes almost invisible, like looking into an eclipse. “You are the most beautiful and perfect person I could have ever asked for. Every minute I spent alone, waiting for you to come into my life was worth it. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to make you happy.”
“I love you so much.” I said breathlessly, tears threatening at his words.
He caressed my face, brushing his rough thumb over my soft cheek and down against my warm lips, pulling my bottom lip slowly as his thumb drew down. His breath was moist against my cheek as he spoke. “You are my everything. My love, my soul, my reason for being. I love you so much that my heart sometimes feels like it will burst from my chest. When I look at you, it’s all the proof in the world I could need that perfection exists.”
“I know exactly what you mean.” I reached my hands up, running them through his thick hair and pulling his lips toward me once more. Hearing his declaration of love made my yearning for him a hundred times stronger. His hot lips pressed against mine and made me moan, but the sound was swallowed in our kiss. When he nipped my bottom lip, my knees buckled and a flood of heat and need shot straight to my core.
Max scooped me into his arms and led me to the bed. He laid me gently down on top of the soft, plush comforter and my heart pounded with anticipation. He lay beside me on his side, and enjoyed taking his time. His eyes drank in my body, sliding up my long, lean legs, caressing over the curve of my hips, and pausing over the swell of my breasts with a mischievous grin on his face.
His fingers ran down the side of my face, tracing my jaw causing me to shiver. My skin sparked to life with every touch of his rough fingers. Every hair stood on end as he lightly grazed my skin. He continued for several minutes, repeating the pattern from my temple to my jaw as his eyes gazed upon me. I sank deeper into the mattress, completely content having him so close. My eyes fluttered closed and I took a deep breath, my nose tingling at his musky, spicy scent.
Max’s fingers began trailing lower, first along the tie of my bathing suit behind my neck and then reaching around to my collar bone, and then to the tiny triangle-shaped pink fabric that started
high on my breasts and ended at that sensitive place right near my ribs. My heart raced and my stomach clenched as wanton desire enveloped my body. I loved the feeling of his hands on me, because I knew with each touch and each embrace, he was focusing his every thought on me, like he was Picasso and I was his masterpiece.
“I have been waiting to be alone with you for far too long. And tonight, I intend to show you in every way possible how much I love you. How much I crave you.”
“Oh Max,” my voice froze, refusing to let any more words come out. I wanted him, I’d always wanted him, but knowing now that he planned on showing me how much he wanted me too left me speechless. My head was overwhelmed with so many emotions rushing through me. All I could hear was the whooshing of my own heartbeat. I’d waited and wanted this moment since I’d first laid my eyes on him, and now that it was here, I couldn’t think of any words that would express the parade of emotions running through me.
“I love you, Lucy Donovan. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anything in my entire life. You were made for me, and I for you.” As he spoke, he closed the distance between us, the last word vibrating on my skin as he spoke it. His lips kissed the hollow of my collar bone, his tongue licked the curve of my throat. His kisses continued, light butterfly ones that he peppered across my shoulders, neck and chest.
My hands explored his body as he kissed me, tracing the contours of the taut muscles on his arms, back, and chest. My fingers knotted in his hair, pulling him closer to me as I became more desperate with need.
“I love you too, Max Kensington,” I breathed, yearning for more of him. He moved his body, rolling me over slightly so he hovered above me, his arms keeping his weight suspended. His lips found mine once more, his tongue plunging in my mouth and swirling with mine. He was no longer controlled and gentle. This time his movements told me exactly how much he craved me. I arched up, needing to be closer to him and his right hand moved behind my shoulders, gently pulling on the string that tied my bathing suit. I shivered with anticipation, no longer wanting to be patient.
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