Page 60 of Wed to the Devil
“What, you didn’t find that inspirational?”
He flashes me a smirk. “Can’t say that I did. The worst part was that he wanted to meet with you, too. After twenty minutes, I ended up telling him that you’re the only one that I give a damn about. So in ninety days, I’m going to put your name on my life insurance beneficiary form. Honestly, I almost chewed my own arm off because he had a grip and wouldn’t let go until he was done dispensing his advice.”
“So you give a damn about me?”
Dare frowns. “You know what I mean. It’s just some official mumbo-jumbo.”
“Oh. I get it. You can’t even look me in the eye and tell me that you’re glad that I am your wife.”
“Talia,” he intones. “Be reasonable.”
I throw my hands up in the air, only partially serious. “I don’t know what you expect me to do.” He comes closer, picking up my hand. Squeezing my fingers, he looks down at me.
“I’m glad that you’re my wife. Okay? Does that make you happy?”
I struggle out of my seat and then smooth down my dress. Then I wrap my arms around him and turn my face up, offering him my mouth. He kisses me then, long and slow and oh so passionately that my toes curl up inside my white high heels. Then he pulls back and takes my hand.
“Are you ready to go cut the cake, Mrs. Morgan?” Dare asks.
My heart thuds in my chest as I look at him. I don’t know what to say so I just nod and kiss the back of his hand. We share another long look and then he guides me out of the house to the waiting crowd.
ChapterNineteen
TALIA
“Oh my god.” I step out of the SUV, bringing my hand up to shade my eyes. The sun is warm against my skin, like I’ve just stepped into a warm coat. Below me, a number of bright white buildings with distinctive red roofs clustered on a gently sloping hill that eases right into the bluest sea I’ve ever seen. Palm trees dot the rocky terrain, leading suggestively to the beautiful tan stripe of sand that marks the start of the beach.
“It’s a tropical paradise, straight out of a dream,” I whisper.
“I told you I would surprise you.” Dare comes around the SUV to grab my hand, a grin on his face. “Welcome to St. Barts.”
“You really went all out.” I kiss the back of his hand as he tugs me down the hill toward the bright blue front door to the sprawling villa. “Are there other people staying here?”
Dare opens the door, standing aside for me to enter and giving me a little bow. “The whole villa is all ours.”
I walk into the villa’s living room, my eyes widening at the beautifully clean light gray floors, cream colored walls, and blue slate overstuffed couches. This space looks like an art gallery and just shoutsmoneyto me. It has one wall made entirely of glass and looks out on a panoramic view of the beach.
“Wow.” I feel a little out of breath just looking at the dark blue ocean swirling just below the window. “This was definitely worth the long plane ride.”
Behind me, the chauffeur brings in the lightweight travel bags we brought on the plane. Dare throws his sunglasses on the teak coffee table and looks over at me.
“Want to check out the bedroom first?” he suggests. There is a playful kind of mischief in his gaze as he looks me up and down. “I’ve heard that the sex is better now that we are husband and wife. We can see for ourselves whether that’s true.”
I slide him a sly grin. “Can we eat first? I’m starving.”
He nods. “It’s important to fuel up for an extended sex session. I can call the private chef.”
“I need somethingnow.” I scrunch my face up, feeling more than a little ridiculous. But my stomach is rumbling and I feel like if I don’t eat right this second, I’m going to die.
“I’m sure there is something for you to nibble on in the kitchen.” Dare jerks his head toward the back of the villa. “Let’s go see.”
I follow him into the kitchen, which is a masterpiece in its own right. This space is bright white. White countertops, white wood cabinets, white appliances, white pine on the floor. The only color in the room is the panoramic view that wraps around half of the room, looking out at the sandy walking path winding down beside the house and spreading out to the beach.
“What a view!” I say, a little awestruck. “Damn. This villa has got to be expensive. I know we don’t really talk about money, but you have to tell me how much this costs per night.”
Dare walks over to the refrigerator and pokes his head inside.
“I don’t think it works like that. It belongs to a friend.”