Page 95 of His Wild Seduction

And really, you should never go for a dip, especially not a moonlight one, without the proper backup or the safety of a lifeguard on duty.

Strong currents had been known to take swimmers out and into the ocean. Especially when the tide was just right.

Even if he could tread water while unconscious, I suspected the blood trickling from the head wound he got when I punched him in the face, and he fell onto the pavement would attract plenty of our local sea life.

The Sound was full of predators from sand sharks to bull sharks, and even the occasional Great White.

Hmm.

I wondered briefly if Meredith would enjoy a trip to the local aquarium.

She used to like things like that. She’d make me drive her to museums, botanical gardens, the zoo back when I knew her before.

I’d have to ask her.

Later.

Right now, I just needed to get her home.

“Josef,” she said, and her voice sounded light, teasing.

“What?”

“Thank you, Husband,” she whispered and flexed her hand.

I looked down, realizing I was squeezing her too tight.

Oops.

“You don’t have to thank me for taking care of you, Little Red.”

I released my hand, loving how she leaned her body into mine.

“But I will,” she replied.

Goddamn. This woman. My wife. My love.

I felt like a piano wire pulled too tightly.

Any moment now, I was going to snap.

“It’s okay,” she said softly, placing her head on my shoulder.

I closed my eyes and just concentrated on the moment. Meredith was okay. She was right there.

By my side. Leaning on me. Trusting me.

I had so much to atone for with this woman. So much to make right. By some quirk of the universe, I’d been given a second chance.

I wouldn’t squander this opportunity to be with her. To show her I could be a good husband.

That prick had come too close to my Little Red tonight, and I wouldn’t let anyone get that close to hurting her again.

I was going to do right by my wife.

I was going to honor her and cherish her for the fucking angel she was.

Meredith was mine now and once more I was consumed with the need to show her what that meant.

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