The time on Sean’s bioware said it was late afternoon. They’d left Boston midmorning after waking up in their hotel, having spent the night after their wedding just sleeping. The festivities had lasted until well after midnight, with the younger crowd staying up to celebrate, and they hadn’t gotten much sleep between arriving at the hotel and needing to leave again.
“What do you want to do first when we land?” Sean asked.
Alexei arched an eyebrow. “You.”
Sean rolled his eyes, refusing to acknowledge the faint flush that hit his cheeks. “You think you’re funny.”
“Am funny.”
“You’re something.”
“Still married me.”
“And I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, but we still aren’t having two weddings.”
Alexei’s smile was blinding. “Best.”
They settled in for the rest of the flight, the descent choppy as they left cloud coverage behind. It smoothed out on their approach to the island. The biodome that surrounded it meant bad weather was never a worry, and choppy seas were negated through shields, sea barriers, levees, and a skilled captain. The island wasn’t stationary and drifted along the coastline to be near different ports. Their location might change every day, but pilots always knew where to find the island.
The jet flew through the wide entrance that slid open on the biodome, their scheduled flight falling within the afternoon block of arrivals. Sean peered through the jet window at the island below them as they banked toward the landing sight.
Luxury resorts were scattered around a manmade tropical park, several golf courses, beaches that were fed by water from the sea through heavy-duty filters, and a nightlife that never seemed to sleep. Sean wasn’t really a gambler, but they had money to spare here, and he knew Alexei was itching to play cards.
Their landing went smoothly, and they waited in their seats as the jet taxied to the private terminal Sean knew only the extremely wealthy were offered the use of. It meant a direct tarmac pickup by a chauffeured limo, and their bags were unloaded before the jet door was even opened.
“Efficient,” Sean murmured as they walked down the jet stairs.
Alexei dropped his sunglasses on his nose, making Sean wish he had thought to bring his. The false sunlight shining down from the biodome gave off the illusion that it wasn’t a dreary winter day beyond the edges of the island.
“Good. Want to get to resort and eat,” Alexei said.
They traded the jet for the limo, allowing themselves to be whisked through island streets braced on either side by expensive resort villas. The buildings grew in numbers and size until they drove through gold-plated gates toward a main building decorated with more gold-leaf and marble than any one resort needed.
They were greeted by the manager on duty when they finally arrived, who welcomed them with a wide smile. “Mr. and Mr. Dvorkin. We’re so happy to have you join us for your honeymoon. At the request of Mr. Callahan, we have the Palace Suite ready to accommodate you for your entire stay. Anything you want, we will provide for you.”
The gleam in Alexei’s eye told Sean his husband was going to put Jamie’s line of credit to work.
“Thank you,” Sean said. “Right now, we’d like to get settled.”
“Then please, follow me.”
Sean reached for Alexei’s hand, linking their fingers together. The resort was over-the-top luxury meant to wow a guest who wasn’t easily wowed. Sean took in the grand reception area, with its discreet desks and multiple concierges, the artwork on the wall that was probably all originals, and the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. He hoped Alexei didn’t get any ideas for their own home.
They were led to an elevator bank and instructed to key their prints to the private elevator linked to their suite. The Palace Suite was on the top floor, a grand, three-bedroom space that came with a private chef and butler, a balcony overlooking the sea, and an infinity pool Sean wouldn’t mind swimming in.
Alexei’s attention was taken up by the charcuterie and cheese board on the dining table, along with a bottle of champagne their butler had already opened and poured from. He wandered off, leaving Sean to handle the niceties.
“If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for it,” the manager said once he finished giving Sean the tour while Alexei snacked.
“Thank you. We’ll call if we need you,” Sean said with a polite smile.
“Of course.”
The manager and their butler left, the AI locking the door behind the men. Sean let out a quiet sigh and paused long enough to toe off his shoes before going to join Alexei.
“Did you leave some for me?” he asked.
Alexei looked up from rolling a slice of prosciutto around a wedge of cheese. “Always share with you.”
