All I could do was laugh. “Anything else?”

  “Champagne. Lots of champagne.”

  “That I can also do.” I wasn’t certain why it seemed the weight had been lifted from her shoulders, but I was grateful nonetheless. Her smile could light up a room, and I needed it to keep the darkness away.

  At least for the time being.

  As soon as the resort came into view, she was out of her seat and through the opening in the roof. “Oh, my God. You had this built?”

  “We did. Painstakingly doing so over several years.”

  “Wow. How much did this cost?”

  I pulled the Jeep to a stop just beside the Las Vegas-style fountain, allowing her to take in the various outbuildings and cabanas. “Do you really want to know?”

  “Maybe not. I’m sure it’s more money than in my trust fund.”

  I laughed and after shoving the gear into park, moved into a standing position as well. “It’s funny. It was a pipe dream at first, my brothers and I discussing something fabulous over way too much tequila but a couple years later, Valerio got wind of a couple island sales and we decided to take a boat to see what all the fuss was about. I will tell you this, camping out isn’t my style. Plus, with the wild boars and other crazy wildlife, it was as if we were taking our lives into our hands.”

  “Wild boars, eh? Do you have a spear so you can keep us safe?”

  I wasn’t planning on mentioning I’d brought my weapon with me. It would likely scare her to death. I acted as if I was strangling something with my hands, shaking the imaginary beast. “With these strong hands, who needs a weapon?”

  “Uh-huh. Whatever you say.”

  “What? You don’t believe me that I can protect you against every demon?”

  She slunk back into her seat, staring out the windshield. “I hope you don’t need to remind me all over again. Tell me about the resort. What do you offer?”

  Exhaling, I placed my hand on her knee. I had a feeling she was just trying to change the subject all over again. As I told her about the various luxuries, she nodded her head.

  “Fabulous. Let’s go to the beach.”

  The woman could keep me in a good mood without trying. “Comin’ right up.”

  As I headed out toward one of the more private roads, she crawled in between the seats, her adorable, rounded bottom suddenly right there. Why did I have the need to bite down?

  “What are you looking for?” I asked as I stared into the rearview mirror.

  “You’ll see. Patience, grasshopper.”

  “I didn’t know they used that phrase down under.”

  “Oh, please.” She huffed and continued digging. When she finally surfaced, in her hands were two bottled beers. After she popped the top, she rolled the bottom down my exposed thigh.

  I growled. “You need to be careful or two can play at this game.”

  “Sure, bad boy. Bring it.”

  I took the beer from her, realizing I’d never driven as much as I did with her.

  As I rolled into the more remote sections of the island, I had to admit the cold brew was exactly what I needed.

  Even though it wasn’t noon yet. Oh, who cared. Valerio was always trying to tell me to live a little. Admitting he’d been right was a tough pill to take but maybe spending time with her was the key.

  As I drove, she asked questions about the various tropical plants, explaining that in her native country, the foliage was completely different. She was animated, not bothering to use her seatbelt. The woman still enjoyed living dangerously.

  Perhaps I’d need to break her of that.

  The drive was spectacular, reminding me of the first time I’d stepped foot on the soil.

  All three of us had had different experiences when we’d done so, what now seemed like a lifetime ago. We were young men with big dreams, acting as if our wealth management firm wasn’t enough. In truth, it hadn’t been for any of us.

  But it paid the bills and offered a huge client list.

  Sadly, the reminiscing also allowed my thoughts to drift back to the dark side. If I knew anything about mafia organizations, Santini wouldn’t take the pushback without doing exactly the same.

  Until the deed was done.

  She was delightfully explaining aspects of her country, making me want to visit the continent, but only with her as a tour guide.

  Maybe one day we’d take a vacation there. Who knows, a honeymoon. The thought brought another laugh.

  I’d known her for what, a week? And I was thinking marriage. Something had been put in the water.

  Or my beer.

  Yet the thought was still delicious.

  It took only a few minutes more before I eased down the mostly dirt road heading toward the private beach.

  She was studying me, even daring to brush her hand up and down my thigh. The little woman had no idea what I had planned.

  All throughout the day.

  The Jeep had barely stopped before she jumped out, laughing the entire time. After grabbing the picnic basket, towels, and the blanket, she bounded toward the ocean water. The way she barely dropped the items on the sand before racing toward the water’s edge kept me captivated. For all the years I’d had access to tropical beaches, nothing and no one had fascinated me as much as her reaction.

  It was funny when I thought about it, rich and often entitled people taking the finer things in life for granted. I was one of those people, never facing poverty or being sheltered away for any reason.

  What Jasmine had endured, the strength she’d developed was heartwarming.

  Even to an asshole like me.

  I took my time heading down to the beach, enjoying the way she was frolicking in the water, kicking the small waves with her feet. She stopped a few seconds later, facing the depth of the ocean and throwing out her arms.

  As soon as I came up behind her, she slowly tipped her head over her shoulder. “You act as if you’ve never been to a beach. I thought Australia had some of the best beaches in the world.”

  “We have the most incredible sea life, but for the most part my father was too busy. Besides, there’s a huge difference in where I lived and finding a secluded beach in the middle of absolute paradise.” She took a deep breath, turning all the way around to face me. Just the way she lifted her sunglasses, eyeing me with the same critical look I’d seen so many times was about to drive me crazy.

  “Well, I’m certainly glad you see something different here.”

  She inched closer, the coy smile I’d grown to love on her face. When she reached down quickly, scooping as much water into her hands as possible and splashing me, the laugh I issued was completely devoid of angst.

  As water soaked my face and shirt, I closed my eyes. “I’ll get you for this.”

  “Only if you catch me first.” She took off sprinting, turning around to face me seconds later. The way she beckoned me with a single finger pushed my cock into full arousal.

  The light breeze was blowing through her hair, the sun bright in the sky and at that moment, I’d never been happier.

  But of course, I refused to allow her to win a single competition with me. I took off running, finding myself laughing in the process.

  “I’m going to catch you and when I do…”

  “Bring it, boy toy.”

  I had to admit, the girl was fast. However, I’d run track in high school. I thought it would help until she was a couple hundred feet down the beach and I’d yet to catch up to her. I sucked in my breath and willed my adrenaline to kick into overdrive.

  And I managed to wrap my arms around her only seconds later, swinging her in the air as I headed deeper into the water.

  “Don’t you dare,” she yelped. “If you do, so help me God.”

  “Oh, yeah? Challenge accepted.” I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had this kind of fun. When my brothers and I were kids, we did play football occasionally in the backyard, much to the chagrin of our landscaper. We’d felt free, acting like kids. Now I better understood that some of the simplest actions in life were the most joyful.

  When I lifted her higher into the air, she continued kicking and wiggling but I managed to toss her out by several feet. Just watching her drop and splash did my heart good.

  Nothing seemed to daunt the woman. She’d righted herself and flung her body at me seconds later, somehow managing to bring us both down to the sand. As water splashed all over us, she tried her best to dunk my head under water.

  We both had to fight to keep our sunglasses from falling and floating away, which continued to make us laugh.

  I was having none of it, pulling us both to our feet. We were soaked but what did it matter? We were together. As our laughter died, passion rushing to the surface, there were so many things I wanted to say to her but had no idea where to begin. When had I ever been stymied for words?

  As I crushed my mouth over hers, the intensity of our combined emotions was more powerful than before. Even the taste of her was more profound, keeping me so turned on I wasn’t certain I could stop.

  Sweeping my tongue inside, tasting her glorious essence was electrifying.

  She was the one who pushed me away, shaking her head as if admonishing me. “We have a picnic to feast on. I did not slave away making my delicious food to have it spoil. Come on, big boy.”

  As I watched her walk away, I couldn’t help but remind myself this wasn’t real life.

  And as with all fantasies, it could eventually end. Now it was up to me to keep that from happening.

  If only I could be Superman.

  CHAPTER 26

  Jasmine

  There wasn’t a girl alive who didn’t believe in heroes and fairytales.

  At least until their dreams and hopes were crushed.

  What little girl hadn’t been devastated by a boy who’d acted as if she didn’t exist or worse, making fun of her just because he was with his friends? What woman hadn’t tried dating, finding frogs not princes? And why were there so many entitled people in the world?

  Maybe that’s why I’d taken very little of what had occurred with Braxton too seriously. I knew the bubble would eventually be burst, the glass house shattered.

  But I’d finally allowed myself to relax just as he had, laughing at silly things, enjoying the warmth and sun. The food I’d prepared for the picnic had been incredible, perfect for the day. It was funny to me how frolicking in the water could stir up a huge appetite. We’d pigged out on fruits and cheeses, seafood salad and deviled eggs.

  We’d played in the water before taking a little nap under the shade of the palm trees.

  And we’d made love.

  I’d consider it one of the best days of my life.

  I hadn’t thought anything could top the incredible afternoon but the shopping trip I’d insisted on was almost a perfect match and we’d just started.

  “Mr. Royal. What can I do for you?” the salesclerk asked.

  We were still in our beach attire, likely smelling to high heaven from sunscreen and saltwater. She’d even given me that look of disdain, acting as if I wasn’t good enough to be in the posh store. My guess was my experience would suck if he wasn’t standing right there with me.

  The sexy man had tousled hair and a mild sunburn, but it didn’t matter one bit when you were the owner.

  “Yes, you can, Margaret. Do you see this beautiful woman over here?” He turned his head in my direction.

  Her look of disdain was cut off short. “Yes, sir.”

  “Well, I want her to enjoy a fabulous shopping experience on my tab. We’re going to be spending an obscene amount of money.”

  His eyes were twinkling while hers were open wide, her brow furrowed. It was almost impossible to keep a straight face.

  “Obscene?” she repeated.

  “Filthy obscene. I think we understand each other. Don’t we?” As with everything about the man, his authoritativeness and power weren’t lost on anyone.

  “Absolutely, sir. We have some gorgeous clothes that I think will make you smile.” She kept her attention toward him and he didn’t seem amused.

  “It doesn’t matter what I like, Margaret. It’s what this very special and beautiful lady finds attractive.”

  Margaret felt appropriately chastised, immediately turning in my direction. “Absolutely. Let’s get started.”

  That began the fabulous and unexpected shopping trip, a dream for so many. Yes, my father had earned enough money I’d been able to purchase some nice clothes as a teenager, but this was entirely different.

  Before she led me away, I blew a kiss toward Braxton. I’d seen a completely different side of him, more of a happy go lucky man.

  The very one I was already hopelessly in love with.

  Braxton

  I couldn’t remember the last truly memorable day I’d had.

  Sure, there’d been good ones—from graduations and holiday events, to the opening of the two resorts. But I couldn’t tell you much about those days.

  Somehow, I had a feeling this one I’d remember for a long time to come.

  The atmosphere was festive, the guests unusually flamboyant including with their dress for the evening. Yes, we preferred suits and ties, and lovely dresses for women at a minimum, but we’d learned over the years to relax the code every once in a while.

  That allowed for what could only be described as costumes to be worn.

  What should I care?

  They were spending copious amounts of money to enjoy themselves. The Royal boys had developed a true fantasy island twice. However, my lovely companion had chosen to wear one of the spectacular dresses she’d selected, the deep purple bringing out the color of her eyes.

  I’d never seen her so relaxed or happy, which in turn had made me that way. We’d had an intimate dinner of filet and lobster tail. Now we were inside one of the casinos where she was chomping at the bit to gamble.

  I pulled her around to face me, giving her one of my stern looks. “You do realize if I agree to this that you cannot cheat. If I find out you are, I can’t tell you how harsh the punishment is going to be.”

  “You do know that bad behavior is difficult to put a stop to. Right?” She adjusted my bowtie, giving me a mischievous look.

  “Think of it this way. I’m here if for no other reason than to keep you in line. And I am damn good at it, if I say so myself.”

  “That’s funny. I thought you were here to be my personal plaything. You know, a sexual god?”

  “Well, there’s that.” I laughed as the waiter brought us our drinks. “But I’m serious. I know you too well. If I find out you conned anyone tonight, there will be hell to pay.”

  “Party pooper.”

  She took a sip of her drink, but I sensed she was eager to use the chips I’d gotten for her.

  That’s the moment I noticed Jack out of the corner of my eye. He was standing in the doorway, obviously looking for me.

  “Come on,” she said. “Let’s play a little blackjack.”

  “Why don’t you get started and I’ll be right there.” I was aware she’d also noticed Jack, a slight frown appearing on her face, but she nodded.

  “Don’t take too long.”

  “I don’t plan on it.” The night was also intended for us. I waited until she’d settled herself around the table before walking toward him. The last thing I wanted was for her to overhear what was being said.

  Jack would always have a difficult time blending in given his six-foot six-inch muscular body, the ink covering both arms he refused to hide, and the fact he refused to pay an actual tailor so his suits would fit him correctly. He also had a surly look, which is what he’d told me was the fault of being in the Marines. In his hand was a glorified iPad, although I knew it was a special device created for the most elite Marines, the thin yet powerful system able to bypass various security systems without being detected.

  They’d been mere prototypes eventually abandoned, which was one reason he’d been allowed to get his hands on one.

  However, he was worth his weight in information and security.

  We stood in prime position, so I could keep Jasmine in my sights as well as the other guests on the casino room floor.

  “You found something,” I told him after a full minute of silence.

  “I’m certain you remember what I said to you. I haven’t heard about anyone of power who doesn’t have a closet full of secrets. Justin Sinclair is no different, although unlike some,” he purposely lifted his eyebrows as he studied me, “who were born with silver spoons in their mouths, he came from a meager background, his father and grandfather both cattle farmers. They’d fought with the government over various regulations that had nearly destroyed them not once but twice. That’s why Justin went to law school and began early on to run for politics.”

  “Now that the glow and show highlights are finished, I need the dirt.”

  “Can’t you just let shit go?” he asked gruffly.

  “A buddy of Justin’s came into his daughter’s room and almost raped her. He would have if a guest hadn’t stumbled onto the wrong floor.”

  He eyed me, having obviously learned every detail about the bullshit he’d been able to find. “That wasn’t his fault.”

  “No, but he way he treated her afterwards was. You are right in that we all have good and bad traits.”

  “Yeah, you do.” Jack grinned at me. “I know you care about the girl and there is no doubt from what I found her life was in lockdown mode for a long time, but Justin had good reason. They were almost killed not once but twice.”

  “Tell me something I don’t already know.”

  “God, you’re a hard ass.” He shifted around to face me. “When he was a young man, he came close to facing a manslaughter charge because of an incident that occurred with his sister. His father had to pull in a huge favor from one of the few politicians whose background was in law enforcement and from what I could tell, it cost the family a lot of money, which forced the ranch into foreclosure.”