We clung to each other, acknowledging the glorious miracle of being alive.
“Let’s go check on Sierra,” I said.
“Call the police,” Damian said to Rafael. “And an ambulance. I want to make sure Sierra’s all right. Victor sedated her.”
“I’m on it,” he replied. “Go look after your girls.”
“I will. And Rafael?” Damian turned to him. “Are you all right?”
Rafael nodded and dropped the gun. “I’m just glad I got here when I did.”
“I owe you one. Big time.”
“You saved my life twice, Damian. I simply returned the favor. Two for two. Accounts balanced.”
“There were three of us. Don’t tell me this screwed up your brain cells, Mr. Mathemagician.”
Rafael attempted a smile, but were were all too shaken up. “Tell Sierra I want a rematch when she’s ready.”
“Game on, Rambo. But I have a feeling she’s still going to kick your butt.”
DAMIAN AND SIERRA WERE TOSSING peanuts into each other’s mouths.
Crunch. Crunch Crunch.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
“Oh my God. Would you two stop that? It’s driving me insane! We’re never going to get this place ready.” I swept up the stray peanuts rolling on the floor.
We were at Damian’s island retreat, getting it ready so Rafael and his fiancée could honeymoon there.
“You know you don’t have to lift a finger.” Damian took the broom from me and set it aside. “I can have a crew come in and fix up the place in no time.”
“The man saved our lives, Damian. It’s the least I can do.”
“Clean is clean whether you do it yourself or hire someone to look after it.”
“You used to insist I do the chores around here.”
“That’s when I thought you were a self-entitled princess.”
“And now?” I linked my arms around his neck.
“Now I want you fully focused on other tasks.” Lifting one hand, he slipped his fingers under my shoulder strap and kissed the small, puckered scar.
I nudged him gently and motioned to our rapt audience. Sierra was watching us as if we were her favorite movie.
“Sierra—”
“I know, I know.” She cut Damian off. “Go read a book. Do you know how many books I’ve read this week? You guys arealwayskissing.” She made a face, but I caught her grin before she left.
“This bedroom is way too crowded for the three of us.” Damian went back to nuzzling my neck. “I’m thinking we could use an extension. Maybe a second storey.”
“Or you could sleep in the shack.” I trailed my nails down his back.
“Keep doing that and I’ll carry you off there right now.” One large hand tightened around my midriff.
“Not now,” I said, extracting myself from his grip. “When she’s napping.”
