Page 96 of Heart of Frost and Scars

The vibe between us flows effortlessly when we focus on machinery, technology, and weight-lifting.

Or maybe we just get along better when Frankie’s not around.

I hit the gym with him every day, where we release our anger on the punching bag rather than on each other. Sometimes Kody and Frankie join us. Kody’s leg isn’t fully healed enough for heavy lifting, but when she runs the trails, he runs with her.

Monty and I haven’t sorted out our differences since that first morning over breakfast. Every so often, I catch him glowering at me with murderous jealousy in his eyes. But outside those unguarded moments, we seem to have a temporary truce.

We’re a lot alike. Same hot-headed tempers. Both natural leaders with a knack for learning how mechanical things work.

Doesn’t mean I haven’t checked every inch of this yacht for cameras, weapons, and recording devices.

I trust him about as much as I trust Doyle.

But she asked Monty to accept us, and he’s making an effort to do that by teaching us the nuts and bolts of this new world.

“Hey, which one is for the bilge pump?” I scan the board of switches, attempting to test the electrical systems, but I need a diagram. “Monty?”

No response.

Stepping onto the deck, I find him standing on the starboard side, his hands clenched around the taffrail, his attention rapt on the path that leads to the estate. Something akin to eagerness etches his face.

I follow his gaze, squinting.

Then I see her.

Holy fuck.

As Frankie steps onto the path, the world slams to a stop.

A form-fitting sundress clings to the feminine shape of her body, leaving little to the imagination. The deep emerald green fabric complements her striking eyes and pale skin. Red hair falls in loose waves over her shoulders, catching the light and shimmering like fire.

I can’t breathe. All the feeling in my body rushes to my cock as I drink in every detail. She’s so beautiful it hurts. So fulfilling I’ll never be thirsty again.

I’ve seen her in leggings, snow pants, threadbare jeans, designer trousers, skimpy little panties, and gloriously nude, but never in a dress.

She looks ethereal. A goddess come to life. Fucking radiant.

I want to pull her close and tell her how much I love her. I love her inner strength, her intelligence, her compassion. I want to shout it across the Sitka Sound and tattoo it on my skin. She would make fun of me for that, but I love that she calls me out on shit.

I love that she calls me hers.

But right now, it’s her outer beauty that has me mesmerized. Every step she takes toward me is a promise, every glance a challenge. And I’m helplessly sucked in.

Beside her, Kody walks with a possessive hand on her back, his eyes darting between her and her surroundings. He knows exactly the effect she has on everyone, including the security team scattered around the perimeter.

I’ve met all the guards. They’re blank-faced and professional. But they’re also male.

Monty hasn’t taken his damn eyes off her, his expression awestruck.

The flames of jealousy burn in my chest, pushing me forward. I hop off the yacht and meet her on the dock.

“Morning, handsome.” She smiles up at me.

“Morning, love.” I steal a kiss that leaves me wanting more. “You look fucking lush.”

“Thank you.” She rises on tiptoes and whispers in my ear, “I shaved my legs.”

“Why?” I lean back, examining her bare skin beneath the dress. “What’s the purpose?”

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