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As the night stretches on, we take our wine glasses and head to the cozy lounge area on the terrace. The stars above us sparkle brightly against the black sky, like diamonds scattered across dark velvet. We sink into the soft cushions, and Gemma nestles against me as I wrap an arm around her.

I brush my lips against her forehead, and she tilts her face up toward mine. Sensing her gaze on me, I turn to her, unable to keep the smile from playing on my lips. “Enjoying yourself?”

“It’s been a perfect day.”

“Agreed.”

But then she frowns slightly. “I feel bad ditching Lil like that.”

“I don’t think you have to. As if they’re not at it as well.”

“You might be right about that.”

“Only a matter of time. And I owed him one, anyway.”

“I hope Lil’s okay, though. She seemed a bit unsure.”

“She’ll be fine.” I swirl my wine. “Bash may be an arrogant ass, but he cares about her.”

Her eyes narrow slightly. “You didn’t see them in college.”

“You really care about them.”

She nods, leaning her head against my shoulder once more. “Lil, Mary, and I have been best friends for a long time. We’ve been through everything together.”

I trail my fingers up and down her arm absently. “Hmm, I suppose Bash and I are similar in that way. Though we’d never admit it aloud.”

Gemma raises an eyebrow at me. “Oh, really? I always pictured you two as the stereotypical bros, talking about cars and women.”

“It’s a part,” I scoff. “But, Bash and I... we’re willing to do whatever it takes to protect our family.”

Gemma reaches up and runs her fingers along my jaw. “I like this protective side of you.”

“It doesn’t scare you?”

“No, it makes me feel safe.”

“You’re the first person outside my family I’ve felt protective over in a long time.” I press a kiss to her forehead.

Yeah, I’m one lucky bastard. With her by my side, I’ll never need anything else.

Chapter 28

“How about we get into the whirlpool?” He tips his head toward it.

With a nod, I follow him, the water lapping at our skin as we settle down, and his muscular arms surround me.

Elijah’s fingers trail a scorching path along my arm. “The only one who matters.”

With a sharp inhale, I turn around and lower myself onto his lap, my thighs bracketing his. The sensation of his hard cock against my sensitive clit is maddening. My nipples harden beneath the thin fabric of my swimsuit, aching for his touch.

“Is this what you want?” I roll my pelvis, grinding down hard.

Another growl rumbles in his chest as he digs his fingers into my hips. I love the effect I have on him.

“You know exactly what I fucking want.” He yanks me closer, guiding my movements to increase the pressure and pace.

“Tell me.”

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