Page 85 of Scarred Heir

Cuddledon an oversized lounge chair in front of a roaring firepit overlooking the ocean as the sun set couldn’t have been a more perfect way to end the day.

The safety of being in Milo’s arms brought me comfort, but being in Puerto Rico came with its own set of problems. This wasn’t a vacation. Milo came here because there was trouble. What did that mean for us?

“I really like Lissia.” I traced the tattoos that spread along Milo’s neck. “I’ve never met anyone like her.”

“She’s one of a kind.”

I gazed up at the stars. “She’s upset with you because you didn’t bring Ricardo to visit her.”

“This is an in-and-out trip.” He twirled my hair around his finger. “She and Chello are supposed to be in hiding. This isn’t a party.”

“It feels like a party.” I snuggled closer to him. “Thepool, the amazing dinner, being here by the ocean with you. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“I’m glad you came with me.”

“Seeing your brother makes you happy,” I said. “I know it’s difficult not being with your family.”

“This has been a strange time for us. We’re used to doing things together. Seeing one another every day. Checking in.” His chest muscles tensed. “I’m not the type of person who wishes. I’m more of an action guy, but if I could ask for one thing, it would be to have my father and brother standing by my side.”

“Will it happen soon?”

“Our enemies are making it difficult, but we’re stronger.”

“I’ll wish for you, on all of these stars, that your father and brother can come home with you soon.” I kissed his jaw.

“That’s sweet of you.” He sat up, swinging his legs over the side. “What else would you wish for?”

“A few months ago, I would have wished for so many things.” I scooted over and sat next to him. “Food, rent, heat, a job, for my brother to get it together.”

“That’s a reasonable list.”

“You made it so I don’t have to wish for any of that.”

“Let’s talk about what you would wish for tonight.” He took my hand and brushed my knuckles along his lips. “What you mentioned were necessities. What can I give you?”

“You’ve already given me so much.” The light mist from the ocean sprayed my face. “I don’t need anything else.”

“I do.” He kissed the inside of my wrist, sailing his lips along my arm until he reached my shoulder. “I want to give you the world.”

“You already have.”

He circled his lips across my collarbone as he swept my hair to the side and kissed my neck. “I have something for you.”

“I can guess what it is.” I smirked as I ran my hand down his chest.

“I always havethatfor you.” He reached into his shorts pocket and took out a light blue box. A box like the ones in the windows of stores on Fifth Avenue. Those expensive stores that I never dared go inside. “This is for you.”

“What is it?”

“Open it.” He handed me the box.

A burst of excitement fluttered in my stomach when I took the box from him. My hands trembled in anticipation as I lifted the lid. When I saw the delicate diamond bracelet, my mouth dropped open.

“Milo.” The silver band sparkled against the glow of the firepit. “What is this for?”

“Does there have to be a reason?” He plucked the bracelet from the box and clasped it on my wrist. “You don’t wear jewelry, so I wasn’t sure if you didn’t like it.”

“Who doesn’t like jewelry?” Other than the cheap stuff I picked up here and there when I was younger, I had never really owned much of it. “This is too much.”