Page 5 of Surrender Your Heart (Surrender #2)

I w a s u p early, like crack-of-dawn early, and for once, I didn’t even mind.

The anticipation was thick in the air as I packed.

My bedroom floor was a war zone of lingerie, swimsuits, outfits, heels, and sandals. With Legend, though, I probably wouldn’t even need half the shit. Just me… naked.

I’d been pacing, biting my lip, holding things up to my body in the mirror, tossing them down, and then picking them back up again.

Tyrae was on FaceTime, stretched out on her bed, cackling at my indecisiveness.

“Bihhh, you acting like you tryna impress your future husband,”

she joked, twirling her satin bonnet like it was a crown.

I smirked.

“I’m trying to impress the same demon dick that had me floating last year.

Don’t play with me.”

“You need to chill,”

she laughed.

“But also… take the black thong with the gold chain details.

That’s the one.”

“You’re right.”

We spent the next hour bouncing outfit ideas, bag organization, and “What if this happens?”

scenarios back and forth.

I hung up on her to call my wax lady, my nail tech, and my hairstylist to confirm everything was still running smoothly.

Hair appointment? 8AM.

Nails and feet? 10AM.

Brazilian wax? 11:30 sharp.

And the jet? Taking off by 1:45.

Honestly, I was shaking a little.

By one o’clock, my deep weave sew-in was flawless, and my mani and pedi were perfectly done.

Creamsicle Orange.

Oh, and my wax lady left me silky smooth. I had that freshly pampered glow. I was ready.

Pulling up to the private airport, I wore a white two-piece set with a tight ribbed tank and matching shorts.

The gold anklet shimmered under the sun, and the white Hermes sandals I wore completed the outfit.

My suitcase rolled beside me as butterflies crept in my belly.

I barely got my name out before one of the airport staff smiled warmly and said, “Right this way, Miss Lake.

You’re expected.”

He led me down a marble hallway to the VIP lounge, where a chilled flute of champagne and a small plate of sliced tropical fruit waited for me.

I blinked in surprise, picking up the folded black note card beside the glass.

“I hope you’re ready for me.

If not, get ready, sweetheart.”

—Legend

I bit my bottom lip with a shake of my head.

This man didn’t miss.

The jet itself was immaculate with white leather seats, wood grain finishes, and gold-trimmed everything.

It even smelled rich like vanilla tobacco, bergamot, and money.

I curled up near the window with the glass of champagne in hand, letting the clouds roll by as my mind wandered. When we landed, the heat kissed my skin before the breeze could cool it. A staff member opened the jet door and handed me down, the sunshine melting over my skin like honey.

And then I saw Legend standing in front of a matte black luxury SUV with the sleeves of his black linen shirt rolled up, arms folded, sunglasses raised, salad and pepper beard perfect, and that smooth dark skin gleaming.

He was still everything but maybe even more fine, more commanding, still exuding the kind of presence that made you want to beg for it.

My God…

His eyes tracked me like he’d been starved for a year.

And when I got close enough, he reached for my luggage with one hand and pulled me into his chest with the other.

His voice dropped low against my ear, smooth and thick with something I hadn’t heard in a man’s tone in a long time. Ownership.

“I should’ve sent for you sooner.”