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It had never been likethat.
I needed more. Not that I could say that.
Circumstances would demand a caress or kiss from time to time, but the last three days were proof this would be a torturous three-year sentence. She justhadto be the most breathtaking creature I’d ever laid my hands on.
The text thread still lit up my discarded screen, and guilt had set in my bones for the second time since this began. Because most of her siblings seemed legitimately pumped about the union, but it brought my focus back to what she was saying.
“They’ll be quiet for weeks at a time and then randomly pop off like this. El, Pax, and I talk a lot, but the rest…” she trailed off, looking more than a little guilty.
It was already challenging enough to keep a regular-sized family informed.
We had all the necessary resources, and I still couldn’t fathom electively having a dozen children. “I’m suddenly glad it’s just me and Ollie.”
She shrugged, an endearing little smile on those full lips. “Eh, they’re not all bad. Chaotic, but they come through when it’s needed. Nobody can rally like a Rhodes.”
“Kinda like your sister cornering me Friday night to threaten everything I love?” When Alessandra blanched, turning to me with horrified eyes, I chuckled. “She certainly loves you. Don’t take that for granted.”
“Shedidn’t,” she gasped.
“You just said you two are close.”
“Well, yeah, but she?—”
“Promised to destroy me if I hurt you, so you’ll have to dump me and run off with the love of your life when this is over and save my balls, alright?” When her gaze fell to her lap, brows tight-knit, I reached over to hook her chin with a finger. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she echoed back weakly.
“You were phenomenal this weekend.” My words elicited the prettiest little flush in her neck and face, some pathetically male part of me wondering if I’d feel the heat of it against my lips. “Perhaps consider an acting career. I know a few directors I could introduce you to.”
She blew out a disbelieving breath. “That sounds like hell.”
“Millions per film, adoring fans. Justawful.”
“Haters scrutinizing every aspect of my existence from my hips to my home.”
I ground my teeth. Because that was the reality for those of us in the public eye, no matter what arena we played in. The price of great privilege was disproportionate attention and the judgment that followed. There are no right answers when the internet feels entitled to the details of your life.
Deducing where my mind went, she chuckled morbidly. “They already are.”
“So far, they’ve mostly wondered who your sun dress was designed by.”
She snickered, looking sheepish under that pretty pink tint. “2017 Target?”
“The socialites will hate that.”
If anything, that idea seemed to please her. “But the middle class won’t.”
“True.” I sat pensively for a long moment before adding, “You can be whoever you choose to be at my side, Alice. Shake upthe status quo if that brings you joy, or blend in if you’d rather. I think there might be more than one reason our paths have collided.” Somewhere along the way, her mouth popped open, something between confusion and awe on her face. Equally curious and concerned about where I’d befuddled her in that statement, I asked, “What?”
A gentle, feminine slant pulled on her mouth a beat before she tucked her lower lip between her teeth. My weekend had been occupied by tryingnotto imagine the feel of that pillowy bottom lip between mine. Of trying not to cross our boundaries and scoop her into my arms after she fell asleep. Instead, I’d just studied her as she rested, away from the scrutiny of her family. Where the focus lines faded from her forehead, and her dark lashes rested against high cheekbones. Her beauty was suffocatingly captivating, like a flame before it consumes you.
On a heavy inhale, eyes on her lap, she murmured, “You called me Alice.”
Secrets, Sand, and Sunset Vows: Inside Greyson and Alessandra Hart’s Intimate Elopement
Aside from theextra day off on our family island and the predicted social media storm that followed our exclusive four-spread wedding coverage, the next few days went smoothly.
Better than that, actually.