Page 144

He slipped the ring on her finger, and her eyes clouded as tears fell.

Just then, a thought hit her. She pulled the chain around her neck out, with their original engagement band hanging off it, her finger hooked in the necklace.

‘What shall we -?’

Riv reached for it and held it for a significant time. ‘Keep it against your heart, my love, for it signifies what we had back then, which was precious. This new ring signifies our future. A reborn reality we’re about to create for ourselves. Both are still valid.’

Élisa nodded as she took Riv’s beautiful face in her hands and leaned in for a sensual kiss.

As XTC 846285 kept throwing prisms of light over them, they indulged in their decadent dinner for two.

‘Mirage has gone all out,’ Riv murmured as he popped an oyster in Élisa’s mouth.

‘What? You didn’t make all of this?’ his woman teased.

‘Best I can do are fluffy hotcakes and synna berry syrup,’ he quipped.

They laughed, remembering his cooking on the trail to the Räk House.

‘It was delicious, and you know what, I miss Ribau,’ Élisa announced, ‘he was a great guy. I was starting to fall for him.’

‘Fokkoff.’

‘Hand on heart. He had a charm about him, a wit, and even though he wasn’t my type to start with, he became even more sexy as time passed.’

Riv gave Élisa a warning glare. ‘Did he love you like I do? Hold you like I do? Rock you like I do?’

She muffled a laugh at his indignant face. ‘Only you would be jealous ofyou!’

His eyes narrowed even further. ‘Woman, I’m all you need. I have all the love you need and more. Now shut thefokkup and eat so I can soon show you what I mean.’

Élisa laughed out loud, diving into the platters of caviar, finger lobster, and roast chicken. They finished their feast with fresh fruits, a chocolate soufflé, and a delicious creamy custard.

There was plenty of red and white wine on the table, so after dinner, they had a silent toast. Riv raised his glass to his lovely wife-to-be.

‘To you and us.’

Élisa gave him a saucy smile. ‘And to the loving we’re about to share.’

Seconds later, she was in his arms as he strode across the Phantasm to his stateroom.

He threw her across the surface of his ready-made bed and pounced with a growl.

His hands roamed over her body, caressing her with abandon.

She moaned as Riv’s lips kissed her neck, and his fingers cupped her breast, licking and sucking the swelling tip of her breast.

‘I will never get enough of you,’ Riv murmured.

‘I never want you to.’

‘You are mine forever.’

Élisa sighed, a contented smile on her face. ‘I am.’

‘And I love you, adore you, cherish you.’ He captured her mouth in a smooth, sinuous move.

Her hands gripped his shoulders tight. She kissed him back, her lips hard against his, hungry and demanding.