Page 177 of This Woman Forever

“I’ve got it.” I rake a hand through my hair roughly. “Thanks.”

“Honeymoon?”

“Kind of,” I reply, looking down at Ava, wondering if she’s going to wake up any time soon.

“It was quite a surprise,” she goes on quietly. I don’t need to ask what she’s talking about.

“I’m sure it was.” I feel Ava stir, peeling her way out of my chest. I smile at her hair stuck to the side of her face as she looks up at Kimberly, squinting.

“Welcome to Malaga, Mrs. Ward,” Kimberly chirps.

“Thank you.” She looks disorientated, confused, still so bloody tired. Is this normal?

“My beautiful girl’s back,” I muse, pushing the hair from her cheek and kissing it. “Enjoy your flight?”

She blinks at me, eyes on my head. “Do I yank your hair in my sleep?”

“You do a lot in your sleep,” I say, letting her pat it down, looking out the corner of my eye to Kimberly. She’s watching. Brash. “I could watch you forever.”

“I need to stretch.” She tries to stand, pulling the belt across our laps taut.

I unclip us, freeing her. “I needed to belt you in.”

Her top lifts when she stretches. “Aren’t I supposed to be belted into my own seat for landing, with my seat in the upright position, my table stowed away, and all of my belongings tucked neatly under the seat in front?”

“Yes. I very nearly had to trample the lovely lady.” Jesus. My body creaks and yells as I stand, and I reach to pull Ava’s top down as she groans, still stretching. “Done?”

“Yes.”

Great. Let’s go. I take her hand and walk us off the plane, and the sunshine and heat that greets us makes me instantly smile. As I descend the steps, I turn my mobile back on, watching as a few missed calls land. One from Dan. And a message asking why I didn’t tell him we’re out of the country. Like I owe him that information? I’ll deal with him later. I also have a message from John to call him when I land. And I’m alone. I slip my mobile into my pocket, uneasy about what he might have to tell me, then take the keys being handed to me, giving the guy a scribble.

“Really?” Ava says, taking in the Aston. “We couldn’t have taken a taxi?”

“I don’t do public transport, Ava.”

“You should.” She laughs. “It’ll save you a fortune.”

I can’t expect her to comprehend my wealth because she’s only seen some of my bank statements. But money is something she definitely doesn’t need to worry about. And hopefully one day, she’ll get comfortable with that.

I put her in the car, get behind the wheel, and slip my shades on. “Are you ready to be binged on for the next three days?”

“No,” she says, smiling coyly. “Take me home.” Leaning across the car, she plants a kiss on me. Easy affection. Perfect.

“Not a chance, lady. You’re all mine, and I’m going to make the most of it.” My tongue has a mind of its own and plunges into her mouth, and before I know it, we’re in the midst of a passionate, full-blown kiss.

“I’m always yours,” she practically moans.

“Correct. Get used to it.” Ripping my mouth away before I rip her clothes off—gently—I get the car into gear and pull off as soon as I hear the boot close, our luggage onboard.

“I am used to it,” she sighs, getting comfortable.

I put some music on and reach for her hand, squeezing, feeling annoyed. Because my focus isn’t now on me, Ava, and this much-needed mini break.

It’s on why John needs me to call him—when I’m alone.

31

I sensed her anticlimactic state as I rolled carefully down the bumpy, dusty track toward the villa. The grass outside the boundary was scorched and the trees looked sad, but the smell of honeysuckle? It brought Paradise back to me with a vengeance.

---