Page 24 of The Last Shadow

Jealousy and rage roar inside my body until I’m vibrating. I grab a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and chug it down in hopes it’ll settle my frazzled nerves. It doesn’t work and now instead of enjoying myself, I’m worrying that there will be tension between me and Jess which I can’t allow because she works for my husband, knows him better than I do.

And that pisses me off.

“Hey,” Damien appears in front of me with his brows knitted in concern. “Everything all right?”

I nod. I could tell him what Jess said to me, but I don’t. What did she really say?Be careful who you trust.That’s good advice and she was smart enough to avoid mentioning Damien by name, so I keep it to myself. “Yeah, just a little overwhelmed,” I admit.

“And?” he asks, reading me correctly.

“Kind of missing my mom and dad.”

He pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry they aren’t here, kitten and I wish I could tell you they were watching you from above, but I don’t know that so I’ll just say that I’m sure they both would be proud of the woman you’ve become. Beautiful and kind and successful.”

It’s the most perfect thing he could’ve said at this moment. “Thank you.”

“Let’s enjoy one more dance and then get the hell out of here.”

“Sounds wonderful.” I follow him onto the dance floor and get lost in the music and the lyrics and the feel of Damien’s strong arms around me.

The moment the song ends, Damien grasps my hand and drags me out of the reception area where I catch one last glimpse at the ocean before he tucks me into the waiting limousine. “I can’t wait another minute.” He slams the door behind him before pressing the button to raise the privacy screen. “Finally,” he growls and pulls me onto his lap.

“Are we going back to the penthouse?”

“Nope.” His hand finds my thigh, sliding all the way up to find my panties soaked. He groans. “Francesca.”

“I’m sorry we can’t go on a real honeymoon, but I promise, once we catch this guy, I’m all yours.” I say, looking up at him. “So, where are we going?”

The limo comes to a stop, and Damien smiles. “We’re already here.”

“Where?” I glance out, but the night hides everything from view. I close my eyes and focus on the sound of waves crashing in the distance. The scent of salt fills the air. “The beach?”

“A beach house, to be exact.” He steps out of the limo and offers me his hand. “Let’s go, Mrs. Wolfe.”

A thrill runs through me at the sound of my new name. “I really like the sound of that.”

The beach house is perfect—small, intimate, and tucked away, with the rhythmic crash of waves just outside. String lights are woven along the walls, casting a soft, warm glow. The ocean breeze drifts through the open windows, cooling the air and carrying the salty scent of the sea.

“Wow, this is incredible.”

“Nothing but the best for my wife.”

I turn and give him my back. “Want to help me out of this?”

“Not yet. Leave it on.”

I turnback to him and blink in surprise. “Really? It’s kind of cumbersome.”

“I like to see you in it. You’re gorgeous.”

The bedroom radiates romance. A large, low bed sits at the center, draped in crisp white sheets that shimmer in the softlight. Sheer curtains billow at the windows, swaying with the breeze. Fairy lights wrap around the bedposts, creating a cozy glow. Rose petals are scattered across the bed. Something I thought would make me roll my eyes, but here, it feels perfect.

A woven rug stretches beneath the bed, soft under my bare feet, and the wooden floor beneath is worn but warm, shaped by years of beachside living. A small table in the corner holds an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, the glasses already waiting. Everything is arranged so deliberately, so perfectly. It’s clear that this night has been planned for just us.

Maybe I shouldn’t be so mad at Jess. She did an excellent job. This day has been perfect.

So far.

I step further inside, letting the warmth of the room mix with the cool ocean breeze against my skin. The world outside fades, leaving only Damien and me in this perfect little hideaway by the sea.

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