Sully's Fantasy - Pepper Winters Page 0,43

whistle again, this one piercing and long. The signal to hunt.

The raptors dispersed and vanished, winging out in all directions, no leash, no belonging, just absolute freedom.

Jethro huffed and put the scissors back into his pocket. “Thanks to you, I could no longer keep them tied up in the mews. You and your strong opinions about animal welfare are a battering ram to someone like me, Sinclair.”

I chuckled. “I didn’t mean for you to release your entire flock.”

“No, you didn’t. But you’re right. It’s not fair to them. If they choose to live in the mews and come back, then fine. But if they leave, they should be protected by my identification and can go about their lives.”

I held out my hand, waiting until he put his inside mine. “You’re a good man, Hawk.”

He shook his head, his scowl still present. “No, I’m not. But I’m trying to be.”

Breaking apart, he scooped up Emma and placed her on his hip before grabbing the hand of his son. “Let’s go for a walk.” He bowed in Eleanor’s direction before cocking his chin at me. “You owe me that after making me free my prized hunters.”

“Fine.” I grinned. “But then we have a plane to catch.”

“Oh yes, the urge to chase heat and humidity. It’s a constant hum inside you, Sullivan. It must be exhausting being you.” He matched my grin. “Fine, yes. A walk and then you’re free to leave. Free to return to your islands.”

“In that case, a walk would be great.” I took Eleanor’s hand and let him lead the way.

We fell in step behind Jethro, heading toward the woodland and orchards.

Four adults.

Two children.

And one black horse, following as a friend because he wanted to.

Chapter Fifteen

I SNUCK INTO THE sunny drawing room at the front of the hall as Nila, Jethro, and Sully stood on the stoop, waiting for Radcliffe and his security team to bring the car around so we could return to the airport.

Our suitcase had been brought down from our room.

My ball gown and Sully’s tux hung neatly on hangers with a thank-you note beside them. Our masks placed carefully on our bed that we’d barely slept in. The ballroom cleaned by excellent staff so no hint of a large event showed.

Our time was over here. We were ready to go.

It’d been a trip to remember, and I intended to keep a promise that I’d made to Nila as we walked back from the stables last night.

Sully and I had indulged in a different dimension. We’d travelled to a jungle and swung from vines in ecstasy. We had plenty of vials of cinta back at home, along with dozens and dozens of sensors to play in a virtual reality world.

The remaining two sets of eye lenses and earbuds that I’d brought weren’t needed and the mostly full bottle of cinta could perhaps give Jethro and Nila a few memorable nights in this place like Sully and I had enjoyed.

Placing the box of Euphoria sensors on the crystal side table complete with a lamp in the shape of a tulip, I quickly scribbled another note.

Dear Nila,

Please accept this gift as a thank you for letting us attend your incredible masquerade and stay in your wonderful home. The sensors are to be worn by each of you, so you can see and hear within the VR creation. I’ll send you the app you’ll need to download on your phone so you can activate certain fantasies.

I’ve also included a bottle of cinta.

It’s potent if you already feel lust for each other, and after watching you two together, I have no doubt there’s much lust and love between you.

One drop should be enough to start.

Make sure you have no interruptions.

To end the fantasy, pinch your wrist for a few seconds or fall asleep.

If you have any questions, my inbox is always open.

I hope you have as much fun in Euphoria as we do.

Thanks again and stay in touch.

Eleanor.

Folding the note and tucking it under the unassuming box that granted such ecstasy, I glanced around Hawksridge Hall one last time, caught the flash of kestrel feathers as a freed raptor shot past the window, and headed back to my husband.

I looked forward to another adventure.

Another memory.

And smiled in joy, knowing we would go home soon.

Together.

Back to Pika and Skittles.

Back to tropical heat and turquoise seas.

Back to absolute paradise.

I SAT IN BED, waiting for Needle to finish putting Kes and Emma to bed.

I’d attempted to help—we always did the bedtime routine together.