Page 8 of Etched In Stone (The Stone Saga #3.5)

The word hit me like a cold wind despite the tropical heat.

Children.

It was a topic I’d successfully avoided thinking about for years, one that brought up complicated feelings I wasn’t sure I was ready to examine. Krystina had only mentioned having kids once—at our wedding reception. But it had been said in passing, having never come up before that.

“I...” I started, then stopped, unsure how to voice the tangle of emotions the question provoked.

Krystina must have sensed my discomfort because she quickly backtracked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to put you on the spot. It’s just something I’ve been thinking about. Being around you, seeing how protective and caring you are, makes me wonder what kind of father you’d be.”

“Krystina, it’s not that I don’t want to talk about it. It’s just... complicated for me.”

“Because of your own father?”

The perceptiveness of her question shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did.

“Partly,” I admitted. “I’m not sure I have a clear picture of what fatherhood is supposed to look like. The way I was raised…”

She squeezed my hand encouragingly. “But you’ve grown beyond that.”

“Have I?” I asked, genuinely uncertain. “Sometimes, I look at how much I value control, and I wonder if I’m capable of bringing another human into a world of uncertainty. I can provide financially, but I don’t know if I can give emotionally simply because I don’t know how.”

“Alex,” Krystina said softly. “The fact that you’re even worried about it tells me you’d be nothing like that. You’re the most devoted, attentive man I’ve ever known. Controlling, yes. But good. You’ve spent our entire honeymoon focused completely on me—on us.”

“That’s different,” I protested. “You’re my wife. I chose you, and I am committed to you. A child would be...”

“What?” she prompted when I trailed off.

“Vulnerable,” I finished quietly. “Completely dependent on me not to screw up their life the way mine was screwed up.”

We stood in silence for a moment, watching the bustling life of the market continue around us. Finally, Krystina spoke again.

“I think about it sometimes,” she said. “What it might be like to give a child all the love and stability you never had. To create the kind of family where children feel safe and valued and wanted.”

The wistfulness in her voice made my chest tight.

“You’d be an incredible mother,” I said, and meant it completely.

“And you’d be an amazing father,” she replied with quiet conviction. “I know how it feels to be loved by you. You love completely. You could never be absent or neglectful. If anything, I think you’d be overprotective of a child.”

A reluctant smile tugged at my lips. “You could count on that.”

“We don’t have to decide anything now,” she said, her tone light but understanding. “I’m not ready to jump into parenthood. I want to be us for a while. I just wanted to know if it were something you’d be open to down the road.”

“It is now,” I admitted. “You’ve made a lot of things seem possible that I never thought I wanted.”

The conversation had taken an unexpectedly serious turn.

These were the kinds of discussions married couples needed to have.

Deep explorations of hopes and fears that built the foundation for a lifetime together were normal.

It felt right, but made me uncomfortable at the same time.

The idea of children was terrifying and appealing in equal measure.

“So,” I said, shifting to lighter territory. “Ready to see what other treasures this market has to offer?”

“Absolutely,” she said, her smile bright and grateful. “And then maybe you can tell me more about this mysterious destination we’re sailing to tomorrow.”

“Nice try,” I laughed. “But that’s still a surprise.”

“I’m assuming we’ll still be in hot weather,” she prompted, fishing for clues.

“Definitely hot,” I said, enjoying the way her eyes lit up with curiosity. “Think tropical paradise, but even more secluded than where we are now.”

“You mentioned a private island. Is it more secluded than our private villa?”

“Much more,” I confirmed. “Picture the most beautiful, untouched beach you can imagine, with crystal clear water and absolutely no one around for miles.”

Her breath caught slightly. “How is that possible?”

“I have resourceful friends. When I want true privacy, I know how to get it.”

Tomorrow, we were set to board The Lucy , cruising toward Enchanted Isle, the private oasis I’d arranged.

The undeveloped land mass was a recent purchase by a friend who owed me a favor.

No building structures were on the island, nor was there electricity or plumbing.

Krystina and I would utilize The Lucy for modern amenities, only returning to civilized land for provisions and refueling.

The island was nothing but palm trees on a white sandy beach.

There would be no other people—and no worries about the press.

I’d been careful with our honeymoon planning, but I’d feel better knowing no intrusive paparazzi were lurking in the bushes.

On Enchanted Isle, I could worship every inch of Krystina’s luscious body whenever and wherever I pleased.

Krystina looked up at me curiously. “You seem lost in thought. What are you thinking about?”

“That I can’t wait until we leave aboard The Lucy tomorrow. I’m anxious to have you all to myself.”

Her eyes sparkled with excitement, but I also sensed a hint of apprehension. “I know we’ve only been away for five days, but time is flying by. I don’t want our honeymoon to end.”

A mischievous grin curled my lips. Pulling her around to the back of a shop stall, I pulled her against me and leaned in so only she could hear my words.

“Trust me, Krystina. We’re just getting started. I’ve only just begun inflicting torture on your body,” I whispered against the shell of her ear.

Just as I’d intended, her breathing quickened, erasing her apprehension. With every breath she took, I could feel her mounting desire.

“Oh, really, sir?”

“I haven’t tied you up yet.”

“Hmm, no, you haven’t.”

“I want you bound and helpless—to own every inch of your body, including your ass. I haven’t claimed that since you’ve become Mrs. Alexander Stone. I’ll need to rectify that soon, angel. You’ll be begging for my cock to take you there.”

She sucked in a sharp breath, but her expression didn’t waver. “Is that so?”

“Don’t be coy, Krystina. I know you too well and know exactly how you like it. I can feel the way your nipples hardened at the suggestion.”

Stepping away, I let her absorb my words. She pulled her arms up, attempting to hide her traitorous breasts. Desire pooled in her eyes, and it was all I could do not to take her back to the villa and fuck her senseless. But there would be time for that later.

Chuckling, I took her hand in mine. “Come on, angel. There’s more to explore.”