Page 63 of Atlas Uncharted

“No,” I said firmly, trying to sound more convincing than I felt.

“Then I’ll drag this divorce out. Make it public. ‘Husband leaves wife for her best friend, the bestselling author.’ You think your little love story will survive that?”

I clenched my teeth. “Okay, Ashlen. Have it your way.”

“Thought so.” Her voice was triumphant. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer. Tell Kairi I said hi and that I hope she’s enjoying my leftovers.”

I hung up before I could say something that would escalate things. She thought she’d won, but she hadn’t. I had a contract to sell my app—a platform that allowed users to trade rare or hard-to-find books. According to my lawyer, the money would be mine alone, since the deal was finalized after she filed for divorce. She was playing checkers, and I was playing chess. I wasn’t going to let my son’s future hang in the balance, even if I knew Kairi would ensure he never wanted for anything. It was my responsibility.

I went back to packing, pushing away the remnants of that conversation. Just as I zipped the last bag, the door burst open. Ebony, Lu, and Kairi returned, arms filled with bags.

A bellboy followed behind them, carrying an antique chair.

I stared at it. “That had to be expensive,” I commented, eyeing the intricate detailing.

Ebony shrugged nonchalantly. “That’s why I paid for it.” She handed my card back.

Kairi walked up to me then, her eyes soft. Before I could say anything, she leaned in and kissed me—long, slow, and hard. I forgot about Ashlen. I forgot about everything except the feel of Kairi’s lips. My chest swelled with a happiness I hadn’t let myself feel in years.

Lu made a loud, exaggerated cough. “Alright, lovebirds, break it up. I’m starving. Can we eat before we leave?”

Kairi pulled away. I looked at her with pleading eyes, hoping she’d say no, but she nodded.

“Yes,” she answered, much to my chagrin.

I sighed.

Chapter 45

Atlas

Dinner ended up being longer than planned. By the time we got back to the suite, it was clear we weren’t going back. Too many drinks, too much good food. We weren’t fit to drive.

I helped the girls to their room, and Kairi followed me back to mine. Just walking side by side, our arms touching. I was thinking about Ashlen.

We slipped into the room quietly, almost on autopilot, our steps in sync. Without even thinking about it, we headed straight for the bathroom. Clothes dropped here and there, and soon we were in the shower, moving around each other like we’d done it a hundred times before. There was no rush, no words. I wondered if Kairi realized how living together had already put us in this groove where it felt natural.

By the time the shower was over, I’d sobered up a bit, and I knew I needed to tell Kairi about the divorce—about Ashlen dragging it out and the ugly parts.

After drying off and climbing into bed, we both got in without bothering to search for clothes. Kairi lay next to me, her eyes already half-closed, calm and relaxed.

“There’s something I need to tell you,”

Her eyes opened slowly, meeting mine, tired but steady.

“It’s about Ashlen,” I admitted.

“Not tonight, Atlas. We had a good few days; leave me to live in blissful ignorance for a few more hours.” She curled into me, laying her head on my chest, the ocean’s steady rhythm filling the space between us.

Then came her question—the one I didn’t expect.

“Where do you see us in five years?” she asked, her voice low and laced with a hint of fear. “With everything we’ve been through... do you think we even stand a chance at lasting that long?”

I ran a hand through her hair, taking my time. “In five years, I see us somewhere warm, maybe on vacation. Dion is eight, our daughter is four. We’re on the beach, in a house that’s ours. Dion’s running around in the yard, you’re writing your next bestseller, and I’m making breakfast. We’ll have what we’ve never had before—peace.”

Kairi tilted her head up, her eyes searching mine, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You really think we can get there? Be that happy?”

I held her face in my hands, brushing my thumb across her lips, feeling the softness I’d come to crave. “Kairi, we’ve already been through the worst of it. This is our chance to finally get it right. I believe it—because I believe in us.”

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