by Sadie Grubor
"Ouch, dude, that hurts," Elliott feigns, pressing his hand to his chest.
Collecting our carry-on luggage and other items, we each exit the plane.
Gwen and Nic are first, followed by the rest of us.
Una excuses herself since she’s staying in San Pedro and not on the island.
I don't miss the way Jimmy watches her until she disappears into the airport crowd.
"It's so warm," Kat revels, stripping down to a tank top.
"Are we on the island?" Lucas' question is so full of excitement, it causes me to grin.
"Not yet," Jack answers. "We've got a short boat ride to get there."
"When's Liza coming?" Sean asks, much quieter than Lucas.
"Tired of hanging with me already, huh?" he teases.
Seeing and hearing Jack with the boys makes my chest warm. It's so great to see him come so far in such a short amount of time. He's bonded with both boys, and Liza's brother, Kel, almost as fast as he fell for her. Jack's a natural and from overhearing some comments he's made, I know Jack is ready for more—more commitment, more kids, more of anything and everything Liza will give him.
"A staff member is waiting to transport us to the marina. There, we’ll board the boat for the island," Kara announces over our loud group.
Giana and Andrea collect the kids, getting them fed and letting them burn off some energy in the airport while our luggage is loaded onto a transport bus. After an hour of waiting and killing time, Elliott, Ryan, Lucas, and Sean all own at least ten Mexican jumping beans each.
"Really?" Serena fights smiling at Elliott.
"Babe, this one is a champion," he boasts, holding up a black bean.
"You cheated," Lucas claims.
"My dad doesn't cheat," Ryan argues.
"Okay," Jack says, quick to diffuse the situation, "let's get to the bus.”
At the bus, a very blonde, very tan woman greets us.
"Hello, my name’s Lisa. I'll be escorting you to the island."
She motions to the bus entrance in a silent request to board the bus and we do as requested.
Another hour passes and we finally make it to the island.
"It's gorgeous," Gwen gasps, walking along the wooden slats of the dock.
"Dude," Elliott draws out the word, glancing around at the scenery.
"Chris," I whisper, reaching back and taking his hand.
"It's all for you, baby. I'd give you the fucking world if you'd let me."
His fingers lace with mine and tighten.
Spinning around, I grip his shirt and plant my mouth to his.
"Hey, we aren't to that part yet," Jimmy teases, walking past.
"They have houses over the water," Laney says, excited.
"We saw that online," Kat reminds her.
"But it looks so much better in person," Laney retorts.
"True," Kat concedes.
Holding out her fist, Laney bumps it with hers.
"This way," Lisa, the island staff member, calls, waving us to follow.
Kara is first to step away from the group. Clipboard in hand, she sets to task, joining Lisa and speaking in hushed tones.
"Okay, everyone," Kara announces, looking away from Lisa. "Let's go get properly checked in so luggage can be distributed."
Inside the main building, we meet three other staff members. The check-in is smooth and fast, given we're the only group expected.
"The villa over the water," Leeann says, handing Chris a map.
"Thank you," he grins, leaning down and kissing her cheek.
Leeann's face burns bright red before she quickly turns away to hand Elliott and Serena their map.
"Chris, I don't think a place over the water is a good idea for Maggie," I say, leaning in close and pressing my hand to his chest.
"Maggie will be with me in the main building," Giana touches my back, rubbing.
"But that's so far from—"
"You two should have alone time," she says, cutting me off. "This is couple's time."
Pulling away from Chris, I open my mouth to argue, but Gwen interjects.
"She's right, dear." She captures my face in her hands. "Giana, Andrea, and the kids are in a room next to ours," she informs.
"Gwen, you shouldn't be taking care of the kids."
"Giana and Andrea are there, but I want to be a real grandmother," she pouts.
"You are a real grandmother," I assure her, leaning forward and kissing her cheek.
"We'll be there if anything is needed," Nic adds, wrapping an arm around Gwen's shoulders.
Next to him, her gaunt frame is much more noticeable. She definitely looks better than a few weeks ago, but her full weight has yet to return and the short wig she wears still doesn't compare to her naturally beautiful locks.
I wonder if she’ll ever get the same hair back.
"Thanks, Nic," Chris says, pulling me from my morbid thoughts.
"Your parents’ room is across from ours," Nicholas states. "Are they still arriving tomorrow?"
"Yes." I nod, smiling. "Dad couldn't get away from work until then."
"It will be like vacationing with them." Gwen smiles.
"Everyone, if I can get your attention before you take off to your rooms and villas," Kara shouts over our noise. "Once you are settled in and freshened up, please join us near the pool. I have a dinner planned for everyone."
Turning to Giana, I take Maggie out of her arms and squeeze her. She squeals in delight as I plant kisses all over her face. Swooping her into his arms, Chris lifts her in the air over his head. She giggles wildly and he plants a loud kiss on her chubby cheek before handing her back over to Giana.
"Thank you, Kara," I call out as Chris tugs me away from the crowd.
Christopher
Finally, I have her on the island and all to myself. No parents, no kids, no siblings, no planners, and there's no fucking way we are going to the group dinner.
Outside the main building, a line of golf carts sits with drivers waiting.
"Hey," I call out, getting their attention, "can one of you take us to the villa over the water?"
One of the drivers steps out of his cart and walks toward us.
"That would be me, sir. I'll be driving you to the dock," he says, motioning to his cart.
Pulling Mia closer to my side, I guide her toward the cart and we climb in.
The driver maneuvers out of the line, down a sidewalk, and then onto a dirt path.
"Your bags have already been taken to your villa," he states. "They were brought to the appropriate location after you arrived."
"Thanks," I say, grasping the back of his seat when he takes a sharp corner.
Around the bend, the villa comes into sight. The sun is low in the sky, casting a tropical glow around the villa.
"I can't believe we get to sleep over the water," Mia says cheerfully.
"Here we are," the driver says, getting out of the cart.
Slipping from the back seat, I hold my hand out for Mia. She takes it and pulls herself out onto the plush grass.
Releasing my hand, she squats and unties her shoes. After toeing them off, she picks both up in one hand and wiggles her black-polished toes.
"That feels incredible," she sighs.
"Please," the driver motions with a wave of his arm for us to follow the dock out to the villa.
As we walk toward the villa, our heads twist back and forth, taking it all in.
Inside, the interior is made up entirely of polished wood, white linens, canopy style bedding with mosquito net style draping, and large glass panels in the floor.
"I can see into the water." Mia releases my hand and squats down.
Placing a hand on the glass, she leans forward, peering into the water. The look on her face at this moment has made every goddamn dollar spent on this place worth it. My angel is so happy, she practically vibrates.
"There's a fish!" she exclaims, pointing.
"Another panel is located in the bathroom,
"It's all so amazing," she sighs, glancing away from the floor and around the bungalow-style room.
"If you need anything else, there is a phone on that table." He points to a small wooden table near another open doorway. "Dial star to reach the main building. Someone is always on call."
"Good to know." I nod.
"If you won't be needing anything else, I'll let you settle into your room." With a nod, he backs toward the door.
"Thank you," Mia calls to his retreating form.
He smiles and slips back out of the villa.
My attention goes back to the second open doorway and my feet carry me over.
Outside is a covered wooden deck with deck chairs and a small table.
"I'm going to change," Mia calls out.
"Me, too," I say, grinning.
Twenty minutes and one phone call to the main building later, I'm in a pair of black basketball shorts and a white t-shirt. Having found a hammock strung up in the far right of the covered deck, I cocooned myself in the soft beige material.
Fifteen minutes later, Mia emerges.
"Chris?" Mia steps out of the villa.
For a brief moment, I just take in the view of her. Mia, in a pair of shorts and a flowy top. The setting sun puts her in a warm orange light.
She's fucking gorgeous.
"Over here." I give away my location and reach out for her.
With a smile on her face, she walks to me and takes my hand.
"You took forever," I tease, and she visibly stiffens.
Tugging on the hand she gave me causes her to stumble forward. I catch her and pull her into the hammock with me. It swings gently.
"We should probably head back for dinner." She cuddles in close to me.
"Just think, in a day and a half, we'll be married." Wrapping my arms around her tighter, I press a kiss to her head.
"Do you think it will be different?" she asks, picking at the white cotton over my chest.
"What do you mean?" I place my hand over hers, stilling her fingers.
"I don’t know, being married. Do you think it will change things after it's official?"
"Are you worried it will?" I furrow my brow, even though she can't see it.
"It's hard to explain," she breathes out. "I'm not worried or scared, just nervous. Does that make sense?"
Internally, I scream, "No, it doesn't make fucking sense! Why are you so worried about marrying me?"
Doesn't she want to get married? Maybe she just doesn't want to marry me.
"Chris?" Mia lifts her head, looking up at me.
"Yeah?"
"I made you mad," she says with a groan.
"I'm not mad," I mumble. "I just don't understand."
"Christopher, I want to marry you. I am marrying you. I just feel really nervous about the wedding and marriage in general."
In the dimming light, I can't see her face, but I feel her shrug.
"Your parents have a great marriage, and so do Gwen and Nic. It can be pretty fucking amazing, Mia." Reaching up, I cup her face.
"Chris, you only know Dad and Linda," she says, then hesitates.
"What do you..? Your mom." Realization slams home. I've only ever known John and Linda Ryder. I don't know a damn thing about John's marriage to Maxine, Serena and Mia's mother.
"Things weren't good for them," she confesses.
"You never said anything." I can't keep the accusation out of my tone. It hurts to know she's never shared this part of her life.
When does she have time to share? It's always about your bullshit.
She sighs.
"I was young when Mom died. I don't remember everything, but I know Dad and Mom weren't in a good place before she got sick. Honestly, I think the illness was a part of it, but Dad won't talk about it."
Her fingers resume twisting the cotton of my shirt.
"Serena and I have talked. She remembers fighting for a year before Mom’s diagnosis, and even a time when Mom packed bags and drove us to grandma's house. We both remember a huge argument about keeping secrets. We're pretty sure she knew she was sick, but didn't tell anyone. I guess those bad moments surface pretty fast when I travel down memory lane. They're right up there with her illness and death."
"Baby," I coo, pulling her into my chest, "I think I understand, but that shit won't happen to us. I mean, fuck, Mia, after everything we've gone through, together and apart, and where are we?"
Silence is my response.
"Where are we, baby?"
"Here, together," she chokes out the words. Sniffling, she continues, "But what if something changes? I mean…" she hiccups, "sometimes things can't be controlled."
"Don't cry, please," I beg. "We know how to survive the bad, the crazy, and—"
"And what?" she sniffs.
"And we have Dr. J," I add, teasing. "He'll get my shit in order pretty quick."
Her chest shakes with silent laughter before snorting.
"I love you," she says, the heat of her words seeping through my t-shirt.
Squeezing her, I respond, "I worship you."
She presses on my chest and props herself up.
"We should really get going."
"No need, I called up. Dinner is coming to us," I confess.
"But our family—"
"Will have us all fucking day tomorrow and the next. Tonight, I just want you—us."
Gliding my fingers over her cheek and into her hair, I pull her face to mine and take her mouth. She tastes of mint and Mia. Her tongue gravitates to my piercing and I fucking love it. Sliding my other hand down to her ass, I grip and pull her up my body.
Chest to chest, mouth to mouth, her right hand in my hair, the other fisting my shirt, I squeeze harder.
Inching her body down, she rubs her clothing-covered pussy against the raging hard-on in my shorts.
Fuck, I hate clothes. New plan, spend the entire night naked. We're far enough from everyone else.
Bells chime, startling us apart.
"Mister Mason," a voice calls out from the front of the villa.
"The food," I growl, giving her ass one more squeeze before maneuvering out of the hammock.
I almost flip the damn thing, planting us both on the deck floor.
"Fuck. That was way easier to get into."
Mia giggles, following me.
"Come on in," I call out.
Two men in island staff uniforms push a cart inside and begin to unload trays, baskets, a bucket of ice, and bottles onto a two person table near the glass floor panel.
"Will there be anything else?"
"No, thank you," I respond, my eyes on the full table.
"Have a good evening," they say in unison and exit.
"Chris, we need to talk."
Looking from the food to Mia, the soft glow from the lamps reveal the nervous lines on her face and furrow of her brow.
"Mia," I reach her in two long steps, "we are stronger than anything that ever comes our way. Will we argue? Of course, we will. You're marrying an asshole, for fuck's sake."
The right corner of her mouth twitches in amusement.
Cupping her face, I continue, "But there will never be anything stronger than my love for you."
She presses her cheek into my hand and grips my wrist, breathing deep.
"Now, let's spend the evening eating and focusing on the good for a change."
Releasing her face, I trail my fingers over her arm and take her hand.
"Think we can do that?"
She nods, using her free hand to wipe away a stray tear.
"No more tears, baby." I lead her to the table. "Unless they're happy tears."
Tucking her into a chair, I take the one across from her, remove the lids from the containers, and we settle in, eating in comfortable silence.
Dinner finished and empty dishes on a pushcart the staff left, we are back in the hammock. Mia lies in my arms. A warm breeze with a delicious tropical aroma swirls around us. The moment is almost perfect, and I'm about to make it achieve perfection.
Running my hand down her side, I grab the back of Mia's leg and pull her on top of me. Without speaking, her mouth comes to mine. She licks my viper piercings before attacking my lips. Her tongue drives into my mouth, dominating.
It's such a fucking turn on.
Her hips start a slow grind against my painfully hard dick and she reaches between us, dipping her hand inside my shorts.
Thank God I didn't put on underwear.
Wrapping her fingers around my length, she slowly strokes, teasing the tip with her thumb.
I palm her thighs, squeeze, and lift my hips, offering myself to her hand.
Please don't stop.
I've never been more thankful for Mia not to be a tight shorts kind of girl. My fingers easily slide inside, finding the fabric of her underwear wet.
She's so fucking ready.
Curling my fingers inside her underwear and shorts, I pull the crotch to the side.
Please…
"Please, what?" she pants against my mouth.
Shit, I said that out loud.
"Put me inside you, Mia."
"Are you mine to do what I want with, Chris?" Her tongue swipes over my lips as her hand pumps harder.
"Yes, take me, use me, fuck me however you want," I beg, pulling the crotch of her shorts as far as they'll go.
She lifts up. My chest tightens. She places the head of my cock against her. I hold my breath. She slides, agonizingly slow, down my shaft. I groan.
Gripping her hips, I pull her down hard.
She moans into the darkness, grinding on me.
Tightening my hold, I move her against me.
Mia slams her hands into my chest, halting the movement.
"Fuck, baby, please," I beg, again.
My balls are so tight, they ache. My stomach is in knots. I need her to fucking move.
"I get to use you how I want, remember?"
Grabbing both my wrists, she pulls them from her hips and pushes my hands to my chest. Keeping her hold on them, she widens her legs just a bit and uses my cock to find her orgasm.
The clench of her pussy as my name falls from her mouth pushes me into my own release. Bucking up into her, as much as the fucking hammock will allow, I empty myself inside her.
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