Page 118 of Jett

I pull up my schedule and see something that makes my stomach drop. The polo match. Of course. The annual summer gala. The Knight family doesn’t skip it if we’re on the island—it’s practically a commandment.

But we’re leaving soon for our private island retreat— something I need to talk to Cari about when Brooke’s not around, as it’s a surprise for her. Three nights of bliss. Just me, Cari, Brooke, and the bodyguard.

The small, private island is perfection. A remote strip of white sand fringed by turquoise waters, with a modest villa nestled among palm trees. No infinity pool, no ostentatious trappings of wealth—just raw, untouched beauty. The villa is all smooth wood, glass walls, and salt-kissed breezes. Out there, it feels like the rest of the world melts away.

An alert pings on my phone, snapping me out of my daydream. The polo match looms large. Do I even care?

Before I can dwell, Brooke bursts into the study, running full tilt. “Daddy! Why are you working? You said today was a fun day!” She scrambles onto my lap, her small hands already hammering at my keyboard.

I absently kiss the top of her head, my arms going around her tiny frame. “I’m just finishing up, sprout.”

She leans back, squinting at the screen like she’s deciphering something important. “Well, hurry up!”

Cari appears, looking devastatingly gorgeous in a strappy summer top and shorts. Her hair is loose, catching the sunlight streaming through the windows. She’s the definition of summer, and I have to close my eyes for a moment to stop myself from staring too long.

Focus, Jett. Focus.

“Are you okay?” Her voice is soft but probing.

“Yeah.” I shake off the haze. “The Pinewood deal’s looking good. Everything’s under control.”

“And no reason for he-who-shall-not-be-named to blame you for anything?” she teases.

“Oh, he’ll find something,” I mutter, the thought of my father souring my mood. No doubt he’ll want to talk about the Brazilian heiress soon. Like I have the bandwidth—or interest—for that.

“What’s the plan for today?” Cari asks.

“Blue Hole Park. Brooke’s been begging to go. Haven’t you, sprout?” I gently set her on the floor.

“I like that idea,” Cari says, as Brooke crouches on the floor playing with her beloved Elephant.

“There’s also the polo match,” I add, reluctantly. “It’s a society gala. The whole island shows up for it.”

She arches a brow, clearly unimpressed. “You don’t strike me as a polo guy.”

“I’m not. It’s more about appearances. The Knights always go if we’re here.”

“Well, I’m sure Bryce and Abigail will be there.” Her acid tone drips with sarcasm.

“Probably. They love being seen.” I lean back, studying her. “Do you want to go?”

“Hell no.”

“Good. Because I don’t either.”

She winces. “But won’t your father be angry if you skip it?”

“My father doesn’t dictate my life, not anymore.” I pause, lowering my voice. “The Vanhelm deal was the first time I trusted my gut with a contract. I did what I believed, knowing the old man would hate it. He was waiting for me to fail, and I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction. I haven’t felt the urge to run anything by him since then.”

She cups my face gently, her eyes burning into mine. “Jett,” she whispers. “I knew it was such a big deal for you.”

I take her hands in mine. It’s in this moment that I know I’m falling in love with her. I can’t imagine going a day without her. “What I want is ...”The island, I mouth, not wanting Brooke to hear. I hold up three fingers then motion to each of us. “Three and three. Perfect.”

“It sounds like paradise.” I see longing in her eyes.

“It will be.” The thought of it anchors me. We’ve gone days without being together, with the Florida trip, and tonight I intend to fuck her and feast on her the way she needs me to.

“Let’s start with Blue Hole Park Bay. Brooke’s been waiting, haven’t you, sport?”

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