Page 97 of The Relentless Hero

Slipping his hand in hers, Julian led Mena down a short trail through a copse of hibiscus bushes until the shrubbery gave way and revealed a thin stretch of black sand beach leading into the water.

“Amazing,” Mena said, kneeling to run her hand through the grainy black sand. “I can’t believe we have the place all to ourselves.”

“It’s more popular for sunrises, but the ridge up there blocks the area from the magnificent sunset views that you can get on the other side of the island. So, for right now, this is our own private space,” Julian explained.

“And what’s so magical about it?” Mena asked. She stood and stepped toward him, wrapping her arm around his waist.

“I was told that this is the only black sand beach in the Palmchat Islands outside of St. Felipe. The locals tell stories that over the decades, hundreds of people have come here and had all their troubles washed away. Floating in the water and drying on the black sand is supposed to cleanse you from all the pain and burdens in life. You emerge with a clean slate, ready to live life again without the challenges you’d faced before,” Julian said. “But there’s a sort of ritual to get the magic to work.”

“A ritual?” Mena giggled, lacing her fingers within his as he pulled her closer.

“Yes and after everything we’ve been through, I think we should do it. Couldn’t hurt, right?”

“I don’t know,” Mena said, a teasing glint in her eyes. “You haven’t told me what this ritual is …”

“It’s simple. First you need to take these off,” Julian said, pointing to her clothes.

“You know what happened the last time you lured me to go swimming in my underwear. I’m not sure about this …” Mena said, hesitating.

“Stop it. All of that is in our past,” Julian said, pulling the shirt over his head. Turning, he reached into his pocket and slipped the small box out, concealing it in his fist, then allowed his pants to fall to the sand.

Mena inhaled sharply as her eyes, smoldering with desire, trailed down his body, making him rock hard.

“Your turn,” Julian asked.

Mena slowly pulled her tank top over her head, careful not to cause any discomfort to her arm. The smooth brown skin of her flat stomach beckoned him and he dipped low, placing a flurry of kisses around her navel.

“Oooh! That tickles,” Mena squirmed, then rested her hand on his shoulder.

Julian unbuttoned her capri pants and pulled them down over her hips to the sand.

Stepping away from their discarded clothes, Julian grabbed Mena’s hand and led her to the water’s edge.

“Are we going in?” Mena asked, a playful hint in her eyes.

“Your hair might get wet. Don’t want you to be mad at me,” Julian teased.

“I don’t care. Let’s wash all our burdens away,” Mena said, squealing as she splashed through the water.

Standing alone on the beach, Julian watched her. His heart swelled with love for that woman. Opening the lid, he slipped the ring onto his pinky, then dropped the box onto the sand and chased after her.

“Took you long enough,” Mena said, floating over to him.

Julian caressed his hands down the sides of her face, then kissed her gently. Their mouths moved in harmony with each other, sending a blaze of heat straight through his body. The kiss grew hotter with each passing second.

Pulling away, Julian stared into her sensual brown eyes.

“Did you mean it when you said you were all-in with me, with us?” Julian asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Of course, I did. I love you,” Mena said, blessing him with a thousand-watt smile.

“Good. So, now I have one more little question,” Julian said, slipping his hand out of the water. The three-carat round brilliant diamond ring sparkled between his fingers. “Will you marry me?”

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