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We’ve been here now for two days, and I’m getting messages asking me where I am. But there’s no other place I would rather be, and it’s the best type of recovery. I’m not one for holidays or adventures. I usually stick to my routine but watching Billie in a bathing suit lounging by the ocean, happily drinking margaritas, is something I could very much get used to. She’s beautiful and everything I’ve ever wanted.

When it comes time to leave, to head back to our new reality and go to the wedding, it’s bittersweet that we have to leave this place. I know we have to move past some things. What we went through that day in the cellar terrified her to the bone. But together, we’ll work through it.

I expected her to sleep on the plane ride back, but she watched a movie, chewing her nails and bouncing her leg. She’s nervous about facing everyone after everything that happened, but we’ll get through it. We always have. Somehow, someway, as long as I have her fueling me, I know I’ll die a happy man.

“Are you ready?” I ask, grabbing her hand as we walk off the plane. I smile to myself when she doesn’t pull away. Instead, she leans into me. A car is already waiting for us, and it takes us straight to the wedding venue. I can’t help but find her nervousness cute as we make our debut at her brother’s wedding. And hopefully, this time, no one is pointing guns at each other’s heads.

The ceremony is beautiful, and I can’t help but smile when Bentley walks down the aisle in his little suit. And I swear, I fucking swear, there’s a tear in Dutton’s eye when he sees Posie in her dress, and I’m sure as shit going to make sure I never let him live it down.

Hawke laughs as she walks down the aisle, and I have to nudge him to stop. Billie stands across from me, trying her hardest not to laugh. I wonder if she and I will do this someday. I know there’s no other woman for me, but I think we’re both content with the boyfriend-girlfriend title for now. The thought feels so foreign that I want to gag. But for her, I’m willing to subscribe to “normal” titles.

The party is in full swing and Hawke’s nowhere to be found, most likely fucking God knows who. I just hope she’s not married to anyone here, because with this type of crowd, someone will definitely kill him for it.

Billie’s sipping a vodka soda. She looks beautiful in her deep-red bridesmaid dress. I smirk when I notice the bracelet with the charms I got her. It’s true that I’m not a man who needs much, but I’m happy I can spoil her because of it.

Ivy comes to a stop in front of us. “Well, a killer and an accountant. I never thought that would be a pairing I’d ever see.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” Billie says quietly, almost ashamed.

“Oh.” Ivy looks between us. “You thought you two were good at keeping that a secret? I knew a year ago.”

“What?” Billie snaps.

Ivy laughs.

“Was it Hawke?” Billie asks, because my brother does have the reputation of having the biggest mouth. But I don’t think he would share something like this.

Ivy arches a suggestive eyebrow. “I have my ways. Besides, I’m happy for you two. But I swear, if you hurt her, I’ll kill you myself.” She directs the last part at me. “That’s a promise.”

“I seem to be getting a lot of those threats lately,” I say, adjusting my uncomfortable suit.

She chuckles, then wanders off as Billie leans in. “Should we sneak out and head to your place?”

I arch an eyebrow, surprised. “I thought you’d want to stay longer.”

“We’ve taken the family photos already. Besides, I miss Felix.”

“It has nothing to do with my bed?” I whisper into her ear.

She chuckles, raising to her tippy-toes and pressing a kiss to the corner of my lips. “Well, it always has something to do with that, doesn’t it?”

My cock twitches, and I’m already leading us toward the door. We sneak out, certain no one sees us, and wait for the driver to bring my car around. As the car comes to a stop, a voice calls out from behind us.

“Hi, excuse me. You’re Billie Taylor, right?” a guy almost the same size as my brother asks.

I immediately shove Billie behind me and square up with him. I don’t know who the fuck this guy is, but he oozes complications. And he looks like a fucking cop.

“You don’t have to feel threatened by me,” he says, trying to sound nonthreatening but failing.

“Says the man who approached us from behind. What do you want with my woman?” I growl.

“I just have a few questions about Hope Ivanov. You’re close with her, aren’t you?”

“What are you, a detective or something?” Billie bites back, stepping to my side.

“Sure am.” The man shows us a badge. “I have a few questions about Ms. Ivanov and her potential connection to a recent murder.”

“That’s nice. But we’re on our way home,” she tells him.

“Your cooperation would be appreciated,” he says, trying to throw on the charm.

“And so would a warrant,” I say, opening the door and helping Billie in first. “But we don’t all get what we want, huh?”

He’s pissed, and I make a point to memorize his features. I don’t know what trouble my cousin’s found herself in, but this man is bad news. Anyone who starts sniffing around our business is.

I get into the car, and the driver takes off. I have a woman to please, one who has an insatiable appetite.

“Don’t let it bother you,” I tell her as I pull her against me in the back seat, though I know it will. Hope is one of her best friends. So I’m surprised when she turns to me and slams her lips to mine, the thread of her control snapping. I fall into rhythm with her, devouring her, the driver be damned.

I will never get enough of this woman.

No matter how many hits of her I have, she will forever be my addiction.

And I will die a happy man.