Page 150 of Lost Paradise

The delivery truck that’s just parked out front catches our attention.

“I’ll handle it,” Byron says, already moving toward the entrance.

I step back onto the wooden platform, slipping into my sandals before ducking behind the bar to deal with the plastic cups. Last summer taught us the hard way—these clear cups are far better than glasses.

Byron grunts as he hoists a heavy beer keg over his shoulder, his muscles straining against the weight. He makes his way across the bar's backroom, his shirt sticking slightly to his back from the exertion. I stand by the open door of the lower fridge, my eyes following his every move with a mixture of appreciation and amusement.

"When you finish setting up the keg, you can load up the lower fridge with the beer bottles, babe," I instruct, my tone playful. "We’re gonna need everything stocked for tonight."

"Got it," Byron replies and pushes his glasses up his nose. He bends down to place the bottles inside. As he does, I can't help but admire his ass. I bite my lip, a sly smile playing on my lips as I watch him work.

"Nice view down there," I tease, my voice a low purr.

Byron chuckles, turning his head slightly to catch my eye. "Enjoying the scenery, are we?"

"Very much," I admit, giving him a wink.

Just as Byron finishes loading the last case, a staff member bursts into the backroom. It’s Sam, our eager and somewhat frantic bartender.

"Hey, guys, sorry to interrupt, but we need you at the bar. The cash register jammed again," Sam says, his eyes darting between us.

Byron stands up, brushing his hands on his shorts. "Alright, Sam, we’ll be right there. Just give us a minute."

I nod, closing the fridge door and straightening up to face Sam. "We’re stepping out for a couple of hours and will be back before the big crowds show up. The guys will be helping out too. Don’t worry if it gets a little busy; we’ve got the extra hands."

As Sam nods and hurries back to the front, Byron pulls me close for a quick kiss, his hand lingering on my waist. "Shall I meet you by the motorbike?”

I giggle, “Motorcycle, babe. Motorbike sounds like one of those bikes you cycle to start the engine.”

“Firebug, the correct term for what you’re referring to is moped.”

I roll my eyes at him. “Go, nerd!” I nudge him away playfully. “I’ll see you outside!”

He chuckles, and I steal a lingering glance at his ass in those faded khaki cargo shorts. But it's his sculpted, ripped-back muscles and powerful, rounded shoulders that truly make my pulse race, my breath catch, and my panties wet.

I grab the keys from the counter, walk outside where the motorcycle is parked, and take my phone out of my back pocket.

Me:Is the house set with all the lights and stuff?

Astro:Is the pope a man?

I huff a laugh.

Me:We’ll be there in twenty.

Astro:See your sexy tits in a bit. The other two should be here any minute.

I smile, looking forward to Byron’s 21stbirthday. We've planned a small surprise bash for him before we head to work at the bar this evening.

This year marks a significant birthday for Byron—he's officially stepping out from under his father's shadow. Not that he ever actually was, but as the illegitimate son of England’s most prominent royal figure, who has been kept hidden his whole life, he harborsdeep resentment for it. And yet, he holds considerable leverage over the monarchy's reputation.

Years ago, Byron agreed with his father to officially forfeit his claim to the throne. Technically, as second in line to it, he could have secured his position as England’s future king. However, Byron, true to himself, never desired any of that. In exchange for a substantial lump sum in the form of a trust fund, he agreed to sever all legal and biological ties with his father.

Today, Byron is a wealthy man. I don’t know the exact amount, but we're probably talking about tens of millions of dollars.

But none of us really care about that.

That day, we were rescued by the fishing boat, and I decided it was my one chance to do something I’d always dreamed of doing but never had the guts to do.

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