for most of the day, surely dealing with another work emergency. When we left for Hawaii, he promised me he wouldn't deal with work while we're here, but I've barely even seen him since our arrival. Left to my own devices, I've been walking around the beach aimlessly and reading more than I do at home.
But everywhere I go, I feel a pair of eyes on my back, gone as soon as I look over my shoulder. The feeling is so overwhelming; I've chosen to stay in our suite most of the time, too afraid to venture outside for fear of that gaze on my back. I'm reading a book in the window seat when I hear Kade walk in our suite. He walks over to me, setting his laptop on the coffee table and giving me a sweet grin. Even though I don't want it to, it manages to melt all of my insides into mush, making me remember just how much I love this man... my stepbrother, my once-tormentor, now-lover.
"Got a surprise for you," Kade says, and his smile widens. "Know you're a sucker for those."
He's full of surprises lately, and as much as I try to fight my expression of glee, a smile eventually appears on my face as I set my book down and join him on the couch. He wraps me in his embrace, and I settle in his arms, the only safe place I've ever known. I've lost my father, my mother, nearly lost a brother... And Kade is the only one who can comfort me. He produces a brochure from his bag and puts it in my hands. My eyes scour the colorful pages, the words on the thick paper jumping out at me.
Secluded... Romantic... An adventure... Beautiful and unforgettable.
"What is this?" I ask Kade, the excitement easy to hear in my voice. I thumb my opal butterfly pendant between my fingers and look at him expectantly. I've worn the necklace every day since he got it for me. He chuckles and smoothes my hair down.
"I wanted to apologize for being such a dick." I look at him, waiting for him to admit it was really him I saw down at the beach with that woman, but no such luck. "I've been working a lot, and I promised you a vacation. Thought we could spend some time really alone, just you and me, if you want?" His eyes are hopeful, but I can see the mischievous grin hiding right under that expression. And I can't help it—my gaze mimics his, and I grin widely, nodding at his question.
"Awesome," Kade says, kissing me deeply and affectionately. He shows me the brochure again, explaining what we'll be doing.
"There's an island off the shore, you can see it from our balcony. The hotel has two houses on it, each on one side of the island. They suggested this retreat—they have electricity, but no internet signal. The receptionist assured me it was all very luxurious, but a unique experience to be on your own there. One house's already taken, but I got us the second one."
Clapping my hands excitedly, I meet his grin with one of my own. "Can we go now?" I ask excitedly, and Kade laughs at my happy face, grabbing me in his arms and pulling me down on the couch. And as soon as his hands start roaming my body, I'm gone—going down that rabbit hole again.
The next day, we land on the shore of the island. We're taken there with a yacht that belongs to the hotel, and the beauty of nature here stuns me. Last night, I didn't sleep again, but at least this time, it was because I was so excited and not plagued by nightmares. I take my sandals off when we land on the shore, burying my toes in the warm sand. A blissful smile brightens my face, and Kade’s expression mirrors my own.
"You will find everything you need on the island," the guide explains to us. "The food pantry and fridges are stocked, and I believe you will truly enjoy the beauty of the island. Our yacht will arrive in a few days, and there's a direct telephone line for the hotel in your kitchen."
We nod enthusiastically, our thoughts already preoccupied with exploring the beautiful island we've landed on. When the guide finally finishes, Kade is quick to tip him and walk me to the house where we'll be staying. Though it is small, it's still luxurious