Page 30 of Theirs to Treasure

The duvet has been turned down, and the snow-white pillows are propped against the headboard.

At the foot of the mattress, ruby-red rose petals are strewn about. Just like in a storybook.

Chocolate-covered strawberries, nestled on delicate doilies, have been placed on each nightstand.

This room also invites lounging, with its wingback chairs and reading lamps. At the far end, floor-to-ceiling windows beckon me.

Taking everything in, I wander over.

I’m stunned to see that one of the windows is actually a sliding door that opens onto a covered terrace.

I glance over my shoulder, and Forrest nods, encouraging me to explore, which I do.

There’s a private hot tub, lots of potted plants and palms, and seats for relaxing. How I wish we were here for days instead of hours.

I gaze skyward, feeling lost, and yet connected at the same time.

“Idyllic,” Zev observes, coming to stand next to me.

“I’ve always loved stargazing.” Why am I telling him this? “It was one of my only ways to escape my reality and imagine a different life.”

Something like this.

“It’s pretty special,” he agrees.

By unspoken accord, we return to the living room, where Forrest is waiting. He’s poured a glass of sparkling water, and he offers it to me.

“There’s no need to ever leave this suite,” I say as I accept.

He grins. “That might be the point.”

As I watch, mesmerized, Zev loosens his tie and tucks it into the pocket of his jacket, then he shrugs out of that and tosses it over the back of a nearby chair.

Then he removes his cuff links. As he tosses them onto a side table, something glitters, ensnaring my attention.

I dart my gaze in that direction. I see tiny emeralds and owls, just like on the ring that Forrest wears.

With great deliberation, he turns back his shirtsleeves, revealing his strong, powerful forearms.

Then with a slow smile he crooks his finger. “Come to me, Anna.”

I’m just as helpless to resist him as I am Forrest.

When I reach him, he plucks the drink from my hand and sets it down.

“I need to taste you.”

Yes.

His touch is much gentler than his brother’s and every bit as devastating as he feathers his fingers into my hair and imprisons my head.

“Tell me that you want this.”

Silently I nod.

Not satisfied, he shakes his head. “I need the words, sweet princess.”

“Will you kiss me, Zev?”