Page 59 of When He Hunts

His lips kicked into a half smile. “Just how much champagne have you had?”

“Two glasses.” She put her empty glass down. “And that means I have to stop.”

“A lightweight, are you?”

“You have no idea.” Much more, and she’d probably be snoozing on the table. Embarrassing.

“Oh, I think I’m about to find out.” He wore a white shirt he’d rolled up to his elbows. Dark khakis. His usual watch that perched over the snake tattoo on his wrist. Though parts of the snake—particularly its twisting tail—peeked out. His hair was tousled by the wind, and the faintest hint of teasing seemed to fill his eyes. “Be right back, princess.”

Where was he going? Her head tilted as she followed his stride. Okay, fine, her head tilted as she followed his ass. It was a great ass. It was also an ass that had just gone toward the stage.

She straightened in her chair. She’d ditched her sandals beneath the table and let her feet sink into the sand. How could she not? She was on a beach, for goodness’ sake. If your toes weren’t in the sand, you weren’t doing the beach right.

Ronan was whispering to the singer. Luna was pretty sure she just caught the flash of cash being handed off. Ronan turned back around, caught her watching him, and he winked.

A stupid, sexy wink.

I’m in such trouble. I think I’m falling for my fake husband.It was all too easy to imagine that the pretense was real. If, ah, she forgot about the dead body they’d left in Louisiana and the fact that a hit had been put on her life.

Ronan headed back to their table. Stopped right in front of her. He extended his hand.

Oh. She smiled. “You got him to play a song for us, didn’t you?” Another item on her adventure list. Dancing under the stars and moonlight. How perfect. And crazy thoughtful.

He pulled her into his arms. Eased her into the group of couples swaying slowly. His sandalwood scent filled her nose. His warmth surrounded her. Sure, she’d left her shoes behind at the table. Why not? He seemed extra big and bold and he held her so carefully as they danced. One big hand was on the base of her spine. The other cradled her hand.

“Princess…” His head lowered. “The dance is fun, don’t get me wrong. But I didn’t pay for it.” His breath teased her ear.

Then he bit her ear. A light, sensual bite.

A shiver skated down her body even as yearning spread through her. “I-I saw you hand off money.”

They swayed together. For such a big guy, Ronan was very light on his feet. “Um.”

“Why did you give him money?”

The music slowed. Stopped.

The singer tapped the microphone. “Gonna take a little break,” he announced. “But don’t worry. We’ve had a special request, and someone will be taking my spot.”

Oh, no. No. She pulled away from Ronan, just enough to look over at the small stage. Toward the singer who was now pointing toward her.

As in, pointing dead at her. Just in case she was wrong, Luna glanced over her shoulder. There was only a palm tree behind her.

“Your adventure list is waiting,” Ronan murmured. “Let’s see if you’re all talk…or if you’re gonna start that living you keep telling me about.”

The singer raised his brows and kept pointing at her. Now all the other couples were looking at her, too.

“It’s our anniversary,” Ronan announced into the slightly uncomfortable silence that followed her body freezing. “Five years tonight. Surprise, sweetheart. I thought you’d love to sing your favorite song for everyone.” Then he nudged her toward the stage. “You got this.” Soft.

Luna stumbled forward. She didn’t know if she should be mortified. Mad. Or…

Thrilled?

He did this for me.

Though she did not know if she did, indeed, have this.

The singer took her hand and helped her onto the stage. “Give Cameron over there your song.” He bobbed his head toward the man seated at the piano. “He can play anything.” A soft laugh. “Don’t worry about this crowd. Most have been drinking all night. You could sound like a chipmunk, and they’d still keep swaying.”

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