Page 75 of A Promise For Tomorrow

“If Madison and I are late for dinner, you can blame her,” Diego announces to everyone.

The grandest of smiles is spread across his face. He’s so at peace, so carefree right now. I stare longingly at him.

This is exactly where I belong.

Diego swims up next to me, circling my waist and pulling me flush against him. “Are you mad?”

“No,” I say, wrapping my arms around his neck.

“I bet you’re just dying to know what I have planned.” He lowers his forehead to mine.

“I am,” I admit.

“A few more hours and you’ll find out…” He waggles his eyebrows.

A little while later, we get out and dry off. I slip on a pair of black mesh pants and a camisole. Everyone gathers around the table set up by the pool. Drinks are served and salads are placed on each of our charger plates.

I dig in, enjoying the delicious flavors bursting on my tongue. Leafy greens and fresh fruit tossed in a Dijon balsamic dressing. Candied pecans and blue cheese crumbles top it off, adding a nice crunch.

Lainey may not be my favorite person in the world, but she is a damn good chef.

Diego gapes at me as my eyes practically roll. He silently chuckles when I look back at him innocently.What?

Liam’s chair screeches back against the stone pavers as he stands. “I have an announcement.” He uses his knife to tap against his beer bottle.

Everyone quiets down, turning their heads to look at him. “Tonight after dinner I have a special event planned. One I think you all may enjoy. My tattoo artist has agreed to fly out tonight and join us. He’ll be doing tattoos at the main house for those of you who wish to add to your collection. Couldn’t have a bachelor and bachelorette party without the availability of a drunk and impulsive decision to get inked.” Excited chatter fills the space around us.

“Wow. That’s fun,” Lexi speaks up. “Maddy and I are deff getting inked.”

“Yeah…we’ll see…” I say wryly.

We spentthe rest of the day playing sports on the beach—Madison, not so much. She, Lexi, and Selena tanned, gossiped, and played some raunchy truth-or-dare game. Lainey was supposed to join but never did. She’s avoided Liam at all costs.

Madison and I just got back to the bedroom. Her skin is literally sparkling. The sunscreen she uses has a shimmer to it.

She plops her beach bag on the chair at the foot of the bed. “I can’t believe Liam got his tattoo artist to come down,” she says incredulously. “He never told me anything about that.”

“Are you considering getting one?” I purr, hooking my chin over her shoulder and pulling her to me from behind.

“Maybe…” Which means yes.I wonder what she’ll get?

“It is time to collect,Mariposita. I’ve been patient all day,” I tut. I collect her hand in mine and guide her back out of our room and down the hallway.

I navigate her to the room next to my office. Pressing my thumb to the doorknob scanner, it unlocks, granting us access. I twist the metal knob and use my foot to open the door, all while watching Madison’s reaction.

“I figured you wouldn’t want to go down to the basement…”

She steps around me, looking around the room. Her eyes have grown wide as she nibbles on her lower lip.

“Sothisis what is hidden behind the mysterious door. In the six months I lived here, never once was I able to open it.”

“You’ll have access to it now. But I can’t imagine why you would be in here without me…”

I walk over to the chains hanging from the ceiling and tug, bringing the cuff down and opening it. Madison steps closer. Her breathing accelerates as she looks at the fur-lined cuff.

“Give me your hand.”

She does, placing her right one into the cuff. I secure the padded leather and walk behind her, pulling back her left elbow. My fingers trail down her arm to place her left hand in the other cuff. I circle back around to greet her exhilarated amber eyes.

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