But my mother is still out there. I can’t pretend like she doesn’t exist. I’ve been writing letters to her and to my half-siblings, but I doubt I’ll send them. The money will be good enough. They’ll be taken care of for the rest of their lives.
I try to concentrate on the remaining documents, but it’s difficult. The sea’s gorgeous and the salty air smells just right. I manage to sign a few more pages before another shadow falls across my lap.
“Time for a break,” Gabriel says.
“Hell yes.” I drop the folio and hop to my feet, knocking a tube of paint into the sand. “I’ve been waiting for someone to give me an excuse.”
He grins broadly, deeply at ease, and it’s a look I love on him. Shirtless, wearing light chambray shorts, sunglasses and messy hair. His muscular chest is incredible, his skin sun-tanned and darkened, the scars and tattoos making him look terrifying, like the Dragon he is. I kiss him and slip my fingers into his.
We walk along the beach together.
“This time next week, the foundation will be up and running.”
“You’re still sure about that? I don’t need it anymore, you know.”
“I know, but are you really going to pretend like more money is a bad thing?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“Besides, I have some pet projects I’ll play around with.”
“Such as?”
“You’ll find out.” I pat his arm playfully.
We keep walking into the wind. I feel every step, because they’re all mine. Nobody’s telling me to go this way, to stay with this man, to give my life to his cause. Nobody except for me.
I’m rich enough to walk away and to start over.
I don’t want to.
“Have you spoken to my cousin recently?”
Gabe grunts, staring off at the water. “He’s not my biggest fan.”
“You two aren’t going to war though?”
“Dragons don’t fight. Mutually assured destruction.”
I tighten my grip on his hand. “But?”
He cuts me a glance. There’s a small smile on his lips. “But he’s a pain in the ass.”
“You thought he was going to be a little more grateful for his position.”
“At least amenable to working together. Unfortunately, not so much.”
“He’ll come around.”
“I’m not as optimistic.” He stops and pulls me against him, kissing me softly. “Tell you what though. Let’s make a bet.”
“Oh yeah?”
“If he reaches out about a joint venture in the next twenty-four months, you win.”
“Stakes?”
“I’m thinking ten million.”
