CHAPTER FIFTEEN
NOT THIS TIME
The following night…
Wailea, Hawaii
The gorgeous beach was quieter now, and the ceremony was over. Kong, Moose, Inari, and Ayla had all gone to their rooms inside the villa Mozzi rented once they had dinner and drinks. Coast had no complaints. Although she knew they were all happy for her and Mozzi, it was obvious there was still tension among the pairs. Watching the sun dip low enough to paint the sky a soft orange and yellow, Coast stood barefoot in the sand. She’d traded her white lace off the shoulder gown for something lighter. A white mermaid style dress with a lace covering flowed around her in the breeze. One hand instinctively rested on her stomach, and she exhaled. For once, there was no chaos. She wasn’t running from or toward anything or looking over her shoulder. It was so still, peaceful.
She heard his footsteps behind her. No words, just his presence while his hands settled on her hips, careful now. Always careful with her these days. Not just her physicalwell-being. Mozzi fed her emotionally and spiritually. It was something she wasn’t used to, but he was determined to make her happy in every way. Pouring into her was a huge part of it. His chin rested lightly on her shoulder.
“You disappeared,” he murmured, breath minty fresh with a tinge of the alcohol he’d indulged in not long ago.
“I needed a minute,” Coast said softly.
Mozzi nodded against her. “Fair.”
For a moment, they stood there like that, watching the tide roll in and absorbing the beauty in front of them. He was glad she chose Hawaii. The trip had been pretty much perfect aside from their guests and all the tension they had between them. Coast examined her hand, adjusting the diamond on her finger before slightly tipping her head.
“You really married me.”
Mozzi released a quiet laugh and hugged her tighter.
“Crazy as fuck, right?”
Coast turned in his arms, studying him in his linen shorts and nothing else. His chiseled, inked up abs were something to admire. She rested her hands against his torso.
“Unexpected,” she responded.
“For you or for me?” Mozzi’s arms fell on her waist.
“For both of us.”
“Speak for yourself, baby. I been knew.” He smirked faintly, his hooded eyes lingering in hers amorously.
“You didn’t even believe in relationships.” Coast rolled her eyes but hid a smile. “Out here bouncing between three women.”
“Aye, I kept it clean, though. You saw my test results.”
He was right. Weeks ago, he insisted on being tested for everything just to reassure her and himself. He’d never been careless with his dick, but you never know.
“And I didn’t… believe in relationships. You right about that.”
“And now?” she challenged.
Mozzi shrugged, but his gaze remained locked on her.
“Now I believe in you.”
Those words landed in a way Coast didn’t expect. Her expression softened, and the wind picked up slightly around them, brushing her hair across her face. Mozzi reached out, tucking a few loose strands behind her ear, his fingers lingering longer than necessary in her hair.
“You nervous?”
Hesitant, she nodded, and her eyes fell on her French tip toes in the soft sand.
“A little bit,” Coast admitted.
“About what?”
