I raise my shoe, and the crowd responds with “awwws.”
“Who has a better sense of style?” Rick asks, and I hesitated before raisingNickoi’s shoe.
He raises his too. “Nahmal a lie?”
I smile.
“Who made the first move?”
I raise Nickoi’s shoe.
Once we’re finished playing, it’s time to leave. We say our goodbyes to everyone then Nature stops us on our way out. “Congratulations again on your wedding day. Wishing you love today and always.”
“Thank you so much,” I reply with a smile.
“Respect enuh, fadda,” Nickoi says as he hugs him.
He touches my arm before handing us two boxes of Richard Mille watches.
“Congrats, my son and daughter.”
Richard what? Nosah, mi fren rich out!my subconscious exclaims.
“Thank you,” I beam and Nickoi adds with a grin, “‘Preciate it, fadda, fadda.”
***
Hours later in the Maldives…
As I follow him up the wooden steps of the private overwater villa, he slides his keycard and opens the door. I lean against the wall, silent.
“You good?” he asks, looking down at me, and I’m here mentally getting ready for what he is going to do to me.
“I’m uh… a little tired, but I’m alright.”
He pushes the door wider. I step inside and… damn. We’re really in the Maldives.
The scent of the ocean drifts through the wide open glass doors, and the room? Pure luxury. White linen, soft lighting, andMr. & Mrs. Jacobsin elegant gold script over the bed. My lips curve into a smile.
“This is nice,” I murmur.
He says nothing.
I glance at him andwhew. He’s watching me with a stare so dark, so hungry, I almost forget how to breathe.
Chileee we inna trouble and we cyaaa run.
He kicks off his shoes, slowly but every move pulls me in. I look away, slipping off my heels just to calm the heat rising inside me. It’s our honeymoon. This is what people do.
“I loved our we—” My voice cuts when he suddenly steps forward, grabs my throat, and throws me down on the bed.
The silky sheets feel cool against my back, a contrast to his fire. He climbs over me, parting my thighs just how he’s done it a thousand times. His finger traces the inside of my leg, and my dress slides up on cue.
Perfect.
I got a surprise for him.
“Man lock yuh down fi life,” his voice rasps against my neck, his finger gliding higher. “Yuh tek mi out a eh’ game.”
