Chapter 10 - The Vow on the Ocean
One year later.
The Florida sun beat down across the private white sands of the Florida Keys, brilliant, warm, and golden.
A gentle ocean breeze ruffled the sheer white curtains of the private villa terrace overlooking the turquoise water. Palm trees swayed lazily against an azure sky, and the distant sound of breaking waves provided a tranquil melody to a completely peaceful afternoon.
I lay back on a plush sun lounger, wearing an emerald-green bikini and oversized sunglasses, the warm rays kissing my skin. A crystal glass of iced lemonade rested on the small glass table beside me.
Footsteps echoed softly against the teak wood decking.
I lowered my sunglasses just enough to see Damon walking toward me. He wore linen trousers and a crisp white linen shirt unbuttoned halfway down his chest, completely barefoot and utterly relaxed. The tension that had once lived permanently in the lines of his face had completely vanished, replaced by an easy, confident radiance.
In his hand, he held a familiar blue bottle of sunscreen.
I couldn't help the wide, mischievous grin that spread across my lips. ""Are you offering your services, Mr. Cross?""
Damon knelt beside my lounger, his silver-gray eyes gleaming with wicked affection. ""I believe your contract stipulates that only one man is authorized to touch your shoulders, Mrs. Cross.""
Mrs. Cross.
Even after six months of marriage, the title sent a thrilling shiver straight through my core. We had married on a cliffside overlooking the Amalfi Coast in an intimate ceremony with only a handful of true friends, including Marcus, who was now the director of global corporate security for the entirely legitimate, thriving Cross Maritime Holdings.
Damon poured a pool of lotion into his large palms, warming it between his hands before resting them gently against my bare shoulders.
His touch was warm, firm, and filled with deep, unquestionable reverence. I closed my eyes, sighing with pure contentment as his fingers worked the cream into my skin with practiced care.
""Is this what I pay you to do?"" I teased, repeating the exact words he had growled at Marcus two years ago on the Miami terrace.
Damon paused, leaning down until his lips brushed the sensitive curve of my neck, sending goosebumps rippling down my spine.
May you like
""No, sweetheart,"" Damon whispered against my skin, his deep voice thick with absolute love. ""This is what I live to do.""
I turned my head, meeting his gaze. As his lips found mine beneath the brilliant coastal sun, I knew with absolute certainty that every shadow, every trial, and every danger had led us to this perfect shore. We had built an empire of trust and passion—and this time, nobody would ever tear it down."
