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“Don’t lie to your wife. We’re in this together. I need you to trustme if you want me to trust you.”

“I do trust you, but I don’t want to ruin our wedding day with upsetting news.”

“Didn’t you learn anything from our walk in the garden? Life is full of unapologetic events. You can’t stop it in the same way you can’t stop a tree from growing. Look at the issue for what it is, and we go from there.”

I wished I’dmet her years ago.

“It’s news about the man who attacked us on the beach.”

She gasped. “Who is he?”

“A former CIA agent named Ryan Evans.”

“What?” She gaped at me.

“He’s not a simple, unapologetic weed now, is he?” I teased, trying to hold on to the joy and amusement.

She smirked. “Shut up.”

When we got into the car, I said, “I need to do some research on him. And I’m not going to talk about him for the rest of the night. So don’t ask. I just want to have dinner with my wife.”

Her lips formed into a pout. “Okay, Mr. Mount.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

VANESSA

This vacation was exactlywhat I needed. I’d gotten closer to Attikus and found myself wanting more than what was good for me. The contract stated that there was to be no touching or kissing. These weremyrequirements. But the attraction between us was like wildfire, burning out of control. At least for me, it was.

I wanted to kiss him, touch him, and know what it felt like to have his body on mine. Was I just horny since I hadn’t been with anyone for a while? Or was it being in paradise that made me believe anything was possible? That I could live out my fantasy and not deal with the consequences?

Attikus was busy setting up the food outside while I stared at the silky dress Natalie had given me as part of the For Your Heart Only mission. She also got me a set of bridal lingerie I didn’t think I’d ever wear. I held up the ivory sheer lace bra, wondering how the cups would ever cover my breasts. I didn’t have large breasts, but they weren’t tiny either. The thong was just a floral patch. My core tightened as I imagined this evening with Attikus.

I couldn’t believe he’d agreed to wake up at dawn for an adventure with me. He didn’t know the dangerous adventure was for tonight, not tomorrow.Surprise.I held onto my courage and put on the bra and thong before I chickened out. I was breaching the contract and hoped he wouldn’t say anything about it.

I glanced in the mirror, loving the new version of myself. The sexy lingerie enhanced my curves and made my breasts look bigger than they were. I slipped on the silky short dress with narrow straps and bows on the shoulders. The heels I’d worn during the wedding ceremony also worked with this dress. I added gold dangling earrings, sprayed perfume, straightened my spine, and prepared to seduce my fake husband.

This was my escape. When I returned to Providence, reality would come knocking. Our fake marriage would be announced, and the dark world would resume. I deserved a moment of fun with a man who also seemed to want me.

When I walked out to the backyard, Attikus stood at the table with his back to me. He’d changed into a sage T-shirt and athletic shorts. Strings of light glowed all around us. My heart warmed, knowing he’d prepared the serene ambiance. I’d discovered so much about him in the past few days. I feared I could travel down a dangerous path that would shatter my heart. But I couldn’t help it. Did that make me stubborn or stupid?

I shoved that negative thought aside and focused on the present moment. Things could change tomorrow, and I’d deal with them then.

In the distance, the horizon glowed a warm pink as it said goodnight to the world. Nerves thrummed in my body. A sliver of mischief and happiness slid down my spine, making me release a sigh. Attikus turned, and our eyes locked. My heart quickened as his gaze slid up and down my body.

Smiling, he walked over. “You look lovely. I’m underdressed compared to you.”

I looked down at his right leg. “How is your knee and ankle?”

“Fine.”

“Where’s your cane? Are you supposed to be walking around without it?”

“I don’t need it when you’re around. So don’t go anywhere.”

“Are you trying to be cute?”

“Do I need to try?” he asked without a hint of sarcasm.