Page 207 of Fiery Romance

“Let you go? Island, I’m never letting you out of my sight. You’re it for me. You are the woman I’ll spend the rest of my life with. And no matter what you do from now on, I’ll be right there with you. Making sure you remember that you are my world. Making sure that no one can take you away from me.”

“No one can.” She brushes her mouth to mine. “I’m not marrying Taz.”

“It took you long enough.”

“You knew?” She pulls back.

“Not long. Rosie told me.”

Her smile is pensive. “I hate that I disappointed her.”

“I don’t hate that at all.”

She pushes at my chest and rolls her eyes. “As long as you get to have me, that’s all that matters?”

I shrug. The truth is the truth.

We’re smiling at each other like idiots when the courthouse door bursts open.

“You!” Genevieve totters over to us.

Cody is right behind her. He catches my eye and makes a cutting gesture over his neck.

Genevieve’s intentions are clear and I move on instinct. Shoulders square, I pull Island behind me just as Genevieve launches at her. Surprised by my move, the older woman loses her balance and her nails scrape into my shirt.

I don’t even flinch.

My voice cold and sharp, I warn, “Try that again and you’ll regret it.”

Hair a stringy mess and makeup running in the rain, Genevieve scowls at me. “You think this is over? Not a chance.”

I stare her down, ignoring the water dripping in my eyes. “I have been respectful and accommodating to you for Anya’s sake, but you’ve returned my kindness with spite. If you come after me, Island, or my kids again, I will make sure that every last one of your secret off-shore accounts are investigated to the full extent of the law.”

Genevieve gasps.

“I suggest you don’t test me. Mr. Vanderweih might be sickly, but he can still scribble on divorce papers and that prenup you signed will leave your bank account very disappointed.”

Her face pales. “How did you know about that?”

“Andre’s handiwork, I’m guessing?” Island murmurs, moving away from my protective stance and standing beside me. She looks smug rather than frightened.

At that expression of pure confidence, something inside me quakes. I want to drag her into a dark alley, bunch that tight skirt to her waist and claim her hard and fast. Can she be any sexier, any more appealing than she looks right now—rain-soaked hair, skin dewy and brown, lips moist and tempting?

Island steps ahead of me. I try to keep her back—Miss Gen is still unpredictable—but she holds out a hand as if to say ‘I’ve got this’.

Gritting my teeth, I hold myself still.

Island speaks gently, “I lost my parents when I was young. Even so, I can’t imagine what it must feel like to lose a child.”

I coil my muscles, ready to step in and protect Island if Miss Gen gets violent.

“But my grandmother always told me that my brothers and I are here for a reason. We’re the legacy our loved ones left behind. We’re their last imprint on earth. Is what you’re doing right now the legacy Anya would want? Is this the imprint she hoped to make?”

Genevieve’s bottom lip trembles.

For a second, I think she’ll see the light.

But her face hardens, wrinkles tightening under her eyes. She wrenches her arm away from Island. “Screw you. Screw all of you!”

---