The last thing I remember is hearing Kayne’s jagged lungful of air, seeing shadows move on the ceiling, and then darkness sucking me under.
I WAKE UP IN Atangle of bodies.
“Ellie,” Kayne whispers, nudging me with his nose.
“Hmm?” I respond lazily, realizing I’m sandwiched between him and London.
“Come on, baby. Let’s go,” he speaks softly.
“Go where?” I open one eye.
Early dawn is just peeking over the horizon. It’s still mostly dark, but a crack of light is allowing me to see.
Kayne slides out of bed first and shrugs on his pants. I reluctantly follow, as he moves me away from London and drags me up into a sitting position. I then follow suit by sleepily searching for my shorts and top as London and Jett lay soundlessly in bed. Her hair is a mess of red against the white sheets, his hand over her stomach almost protectively.
“Oh.” I put my hand on my head once I stand up straight. “I think I’m hung over.”
Kayne laughs quietly. “That’s what happens when you drink three bottles of Prosecco yourself,” Kayne whispers.
“We were celebrating.”
“That we were,” he says happily, picking up my shoes.
“Did you like your engagement present?” I ask, knowing I look like a hot mess.
He nearly burns a hole straight through me with a blistering glaze. “What do you think?”
“I think I need medical attention because someone tried to gnaw through my neck.” I touch the sore spot right above my necklace, where I’m sure I have a bruise.
“It was a love bite.” He takes my hand and leads me out of the bedroom, through the living room, and into the warm morning air.
“A love bite by a crazed man with a loaded erection.”
“That’s what happens when you feed my addiction.” He puts his arm around me and draws me tightly into his side as we walk back to our bungalow.
“I like to feed the beast,” I tell him lasciviously.
“So I’ve noticed.” He kisses the top of my head firmly and cuddles me tightly. “Brat.”
“It’s all your fault.” I giggle accusingly.
We continue to walk while the sun comes up. It’s a showy display of golden rays over the aquamarine water and clouds colored different shades of orange and blue.
“Ellie?” Kayne says tentatively. “I’ve sort of been thinking.”
“Yeah, about what?” I reply dreamily, a mixture of exhaustion and happiness.
“What if we did it?”
“Did what?”
“Got married while we’re here. Just the two of us.”
I stop walking. “What?” I stare up at him, and he stares back. I open my mouth to say something then close it again.
“You’re being serious?” I finally muster.
He nods like he’s holding his breath.
