“Well, he’s not here. And you don’t own me,” I remind him. “I can do what I want. So move your hand, and let’s go.” I stare him down, just daring him to challenge me.
Kayne glares back at me with an ice-cold expression, the blue in his eyes as vibrant as a winter sky. He can try to intimidate me all he wants. I’m not backing down. It’s my body and my life. After a few long heated beats, he gives in. “Fine.”
Victory, I sing to myself. He really is a smart man. He knows if he argues with me it’s going to get him nowhere fast. I was curious to see just how serious he was when he said he wasn’t interested in controlling me. I will admit his jealousy kind of turns me on. I love how protective he is.
Although I won’t tell him that.
Yet.
Kayne removes his hand from the door. “Can you please wear your cover-up at least?” he asks, straining for composure.
“Okay.” I slip the loose fitting shirt over my head and cover myself.
“Happy?” I ask.
“No,” he replies sourly.
I giggle uncontrollably. This is gonna be fun.
We climb into the golf cart where Matias is already waiting behind the wheel. I snuggle up next to Kayne in the tiny seat. I don’t want him to be upset, but I do want him to know that I’m through taking orders and following commands. He immediately puts his arm around me and nuzzles his nose into my hair. It makes me tingle. Matias glances at us and smirks as he drives off. We’re a far cry from the couple who first climbed into his cart nearly twenty-four hours ago.
“Kayne?” I whisper in his ear.
“Mmm hmm?” he answers, holding me tightly.
“What happened to your house and the business?”
He looks quickly at Matias before he answers me. Maybe I should have waited until we were in private to ask, but our conversation this morning has me wondering.
Kayne drops his head, pressing his lips to my ear. “Gone,” he murmurs so only I can hear. “Everything was liquidated.”
“Oh,” I reply surprised, and he shakes his head sternly. I take the hint. This conversation is over.
“Later,” he whispers while skimming my neck with his teeth.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be.” He drops a kiss on my lips just as Matias pulls up to our destination. The resort’s private beach—complete with crystal-blue lagoon, cushioned lounge chairs, and tiki bar.
“Ring when you need me, sir,” Matias says to Kayne as they shake hands.
“Will do.”
Kayne and I walk the short distance to the bar when I suddenly spot a familiar face dressed in board shorts and a smile heading our way.
“Jett!” I nearly jump into his arms. “I didn’t think we were going to see you.”
“I’m always around.” He hugs me.
“Thank you for last night,” I whisper in his ear right before he releases me.
“Anytime. You know that,” he whispers back.
“Ellie, do you want something to drink?” Kayne asks from behind me. It’s such a simple question, but his flat tone implies something so much more. Is he jealous of Jett? I couldn’t fathom it. He was the one who took care of me all that time. The only one he trusted me with.
“Yes, please.” I turn and walk over to him. I can’t see his eyes behind those brown aviator sunglasses he always wears, but I can see the curve of his lips, and the way they’re turned down.
“Downing a dozen, remember?” I slide up against him.
