Twisted Together

by Pepper Winters

  Tess’s frame shivered as tears dampened my chest. “You almost left me, Q. I hated you for leaving.”

  I held her tighter, letting her release everything she’d lived through. “But I didn’t leave. I found a way to be with you. You found me in time.”

  Her voice was watery with sadness. “I never want to feel that way again. Promise me.”

  Rocking her, I let her cry. “I promise, esclave. I promise to never leave or keep things from you again. Je suis à toi.”

  Franco had told me briefly about the arrest. About what she’d gone through. I wanted to smash the cop’s face in for detaining my woman, but that would have to wait. Right now I would be the sponge to soak up Tess’s tears, and tomorrow I would stand by her side. We would speak the binding words of eternal vows.

  Tomorrow all of this wouldn’t matter.

  Tomorrow the future was ours.

  Stepping into the solid wall of heat deleted our sorrows, giving us happiness instead.

  The air-conditioned flight had taken us away from Spain, the hospital—away from what Lynx had done.

  Seychelles at midnight was almost mystical in its paradise. The airport twinkled with lights, creating a buzz of anticipation while a welcoming blanket of relaxation descended. All my angst and stress from the past few weeks melted away, leaving me weightless for once.

  This was the place I would marry Tess. The place where true happiness began.

  The ten hour flight had given us time to rest, but the trade-off for sleep was stiffness. No matter how I forced my body to move, it’d lost the smooth power, replacing it with jerky tiptoes. The stitches in my legs tugged uncomfortably, the tenderness in my thigh throbbed, but nothing would stop me from being here—or marrying Tess tomorrow.

  “Bloody hell, it’s hot,” Franco muttered limping down the plane steps. The moment he hobbled away from the stairs, I turned to take Tess’s hand as she stepped carefully onto the tarmac.

  “Wow,” she said, glancing around. “It’s beautiful. I missed the heat.”

  “I agree—”

  My phone rang, vibrating against my ass. Letting Tess go, I pressed the receive button, bracing myself for the torrent of exclamations I knew was coming. I’d avoided talking to her at the hospital but couldn’t avoid it now.

  “Bonsoir, Suzette.”

  “Mon Dieu! You’re alive. Thank the heavens. I’ve been going crazy! Franco wouldn’t let me talk to you. He banned me from upsetting you. Then Blair said you were in hospital. Hospital, Q! I tried to call the doctors and find out if you’d be okay for the wedding. I contacted everyone I knew for information. But no one told me anything. Do you know how frustrating that is! People said you died! Q—” Tears filled her voice. “You—are you—”

  I jumped in. “I’m alive—as you can very well hear. We’re at the airport. And you’ll be able to see for yourself that I’m in one piece if you let me get off the damn phone and into the helicopter.”

  I’d been informed of the location when we checked out of the hospital. Suzette had done a great job arranging a chopper transfer, but I still didn’t know the name of our final destination.

  Tess smiled beside me, enjoying the one-sided conversation.

  “By the way—which island are we flying to?” My mind flicked through the atolls and land masses making up Seychelles. I’d never been tempted to buy property on this side of the world but I’d visited once or twice. The diving was incredible thanks to the crystal clearness of the reefs.

  “It’s called Cheval De Mer.” She cleared her throat. “And I’m not saying any more until you get here. The other guests have arrived, but they’re separate from where you and Tess are staying.”

  Anger sprung with rushing fire, bringing gushing pain to extremities. “Guests?” Shit, who the hell did she invite? “Suzette! You knew I didn’t want anyone there.”

  Silence.

  “Suzette,” I growled.

  “You put me in charge. So…I took charge.”

  I rubbed my temple, cursing the shooting pains in my heart. Tension heightened the aches in my body. Fuck. “If I find there are a bunch of people I don’t want, or if there are news reporters bobbing in the fucking ocean trying to photograph us—I won’t just fire you, Suzette—I’ll—”

  “Threats and more threats. Don’t you know they don’t work on me?”

  Tess placed a hand on my arm, granting me some serenity. Ordinarily, I would’ve grinned at Suzette’s comment, pride filling me for her snarky strength. I’d given that to her. I’d saved her. But this time, I was pissed.

  I wanted to scream. But my energy level was too low. “Don’t make me regret this wedding.”

  She sombered, answering softly, “You could never regret it. You’re marrying her.” She hung up, leaving me glowering at the phone.

  “Everything okay?” Tess asked. Her blonde hair was coiled upward, loose strands dancing in the hot breeze.

  I pinched my brow. I didn’t know how intelligent I’d been putting Suzette in charge. Who knew the catastrophe she might’ve orchestrated. But it was done now. I had no way of controlling whatever she’d put into action. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to kill her for disobeying.

  “Probably not, but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

  This was why I wanted to elope to Volière.

  You’re marrying her.

  Suzette was right. Nothing could stop the knowledge that Tess was mine completely. No matter if she’d arranged a circus or a fucking Mardi Gras, having Tess sign her name beside mine would make everything else fade into oblivion.

  I wrapped an arm around Tess’s waist. “Ignore me. Been a long day. Let’s go.” Nodding at Franco, I added, “Time to leave reality behind.”

  Franco grinned. “Damn right. Had enough reality for a lifetime. I’m ready to pass out on a lounger and drink cocktails until my body doesn’t hurt anymore.”

  Sounds like a great fucking plan.

  Together our trio made our way toward the helicopter glinting in the starlight. It wasn’t a Bell Relentless but it was still a nice machine with clean lines and blue and silver paintjob.

  “Good evening, Mr. Mercer. Ms. Snow.” The pilot nodded, shaking my hand. “Please, come aboard and make yourself comfortable. The flight will be approximately twenty-five minutes.”

  Tess climbed in, turning to give me her hand which I flatly refused to take. I wasn’t a fucking invalid. Sure my heart had stopped a few times under torture. Sure my legs held more stitches than I wanted to count, but I wasn’t dead. I could climb into a goddamn helicopter unassisted.

  That didn’t stop a shove from Franco on my ass as I bent forward. I stumbled inside, swallowing my groan of pain. Everything heated, flaring with discomfort. Steadying myself, I muttered, “You obviously don’t like having thumbs. Do that again and I’ll make it an even missing pair for you.”

  Franco laughed. “Just helping an old man. Doing my civil duty.”

  Asshole.

  Grabbing his arm, I yanked him unceremoniously into the cabin. He landed with a thud, cursing.

  “Oops. Didn’t know you were so delicate. Just repaying the favour.”

  Franco looked up, his emerald eyes sparking with laughter. “Not as delicate as you. You know, I’m getting over seeing you naked, Mercer. Hanging upside down like that. I have to say, I wasn’t impressed.”

  The joke barbed, but I knew what he was doing. He’d been in charge of finding me alive—not just because it was his job, but because he genuinely cared for Tess. No one wanted a grieving wife on their watch.

  The sparring was a way of unwinding—dispelling the anxiety of the past few days. With my lips twisted into a smile, I pulled my leg back—fully intending to kick him.

  Tess looked at us in horror. “Are you trying to send yourself back to the hospital? Stop it!” Her blue-grey eyes flashed as she sat down in one of the eight chairs situated much like an airplane cabin. “Both of you.”

  Franco smirked, climbing to his fee
t. “Better listen to your woman, boss. She’s got you on a tight leash. Don’t want to disobey.” He smacked me on the back. My eyes watered with residual agony from the baseball bat injuries.

  Repaying the favour, I planted a heavy hand on his healing shoulder. “Least I have a woman. I feel sorry for your cock. Which hand did you use to jerk off? Left or right? Guess not having a thumb is going to be a bitch for that.”

  Franco swung, missing my jaw as I ducked. We were both breathing hard with pain, but broke into laughter.

  Tess rolled her eyes, muttering under her breath, “I don’t get it. Does everything have to be a competition between you two?”

  We answered together, “Yes.” Franco added, “Just giving him payback. He owes me a thumb and until he pays up, his ass is mine.” His chest puffed, lowering himself carefully into a chair. “He’s alive because of me—he owes me. Big time.”

  I chuckled. We’d survived a lot in the past few days. If we couldn’t laugh about it what was the fucking point.

  Tess held up her finger, pointing at us as if we were incompetent children. “You’re forgetting I killed Lynx. If anyone owns Q’s ass, it’s me.” Standing, she crossed the small distance between us and blatantly grabbed my left ass cheek with her fingernails.

  I jolted under her hold; my cock—who’d been too much of a fucking pussy to twitch till now—thickened under her intense gaze. I’d wanted her in the hospital but this was different. My system wasn’t layered with drugs. I didn’t care about my pain—all I cared about was sinking inside her.

  “You’re mine. Are we clear?” Her lips parted, recognising the paralyzing cloud of lust between us. I wanted her. Naked. Screaming. Coming.

  Dropping my hand, I grabbed her in the exact place she held me. Dragging her close, I whispered, “If we’re still on the topic of whose ass belongs to whom, esclave, don’t forget—this…” I trailed my fingers possessively to her crack. “This is mine. And I’m taking it the moment you’re my wife.”

  She bit her lip, eyes sparking with grey fire.

  The captain and co-pilot finished their pre-flight checks, turning to look down the small gangway. “Eh, are you ready to leave?”

  I let Tess go, never taking my eyes off her. She wobbled a little, sitting back down. Turning to face the flight deck, I nodded. “Yes, we’re ready.”

  The rotor blades kicked into gear. The turbines went from silent to screeching.

  “Great. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.”

  There would be no relaxing, not after Tess’s tease.

  Wait till I get you alone, esclave.

  I was ready to embrace my future.

  Twenty-five minutes later, a small island in the shape of a horseshoe came into view. Even at night it looked like utopia. Subtle lighting illuminated one side of the island, while a few less brightened the other side.

  An island. Away from world news, doctors, or traffickers. If Suzette hadn’t already done so, I would demand a security crew to man the waters surrounding us—keeping all of us safe. I didn’t plan on leaving this place until I’d healed. As far as I was concerned, our crescent moon was over—our honeymoon had just begun.

  No one spoke as we soared toward land, skimming over the black ocean in a whirl of rotors. At least this time we flew. I would’ve had a fucking fit if we had to travel by boat.

  Never again.

  The helicopter landed gracefully on a helipad built into a large jetty. It seemed whoever owned this place valued high class amenities such as yacht moorings, seaplane dockings, and helicopter pads.

  My kind of place. I might have to buy it if the rest was this perfect.

  Tess made eye contact, her cheeks flushing in happiness. “It looks amazing.”

  I softened a little toward Suzette. So far, she’d done well.

  The helicopter shuddered as the engines were cut, slowly silencing, allowing the gentle slaps of waves against the jetty and cicadas in the trees to welcome us with an island serenade.

  The captain and co-pilot climbed out first. They opened the cabin door, positioning the steps for us to disembark. Moving after sitting hurt like a motherfucker. It seemed to get worse not better. I needed some relief. I needed Tess in my arms and painkillers in my veins.

  Franco climbed down, turning to help Tess onto the platform. “Crap, it’s even hotter out here,” he grumbled. “Suzette better have packed some shorts for me otherwise count me out from your wedding. I’ll be a fucking puddle.”

  Tess laughed quietly, patting his chest. There was a deeper closeness between them that hadn’t gone unnoticed. They’d been through things I hadn’t been privy to, but instead of jealousy, I was relieved. Relieved that the two facets of my life were knitting together seamlessly.

  Tess was no longer an outsider. She’d been initiated into my world—earning her place by my side and no one could ever deny it.

  A noise made my eyes travel upward, locking onto a sprinting figure wearing white trousers and a pink top, flying down the jetty. Suzette.

  Joining Tess, I kissed her cheek, avoiding the dried blood on her skin. I wanted to clean it off her. I hated seeing something so barbaric smearing her innocence—but it was her right to wear the blood of the enemy she’d defeated. And she wasn’t innocent. Without her, I wouldn’t be alive. If she wanted to get married filthy and blood-covered—I wouldn’t stop her.

  I moved out of the way as Suzette bowled toward us, wrapping her arms tightly around Tess. “I can’t tell you how amazing it is to see you.”

  Tess buried her face in Suzette’s neck. I didn’t catch what she said, but Suzette grinned. “You have to tell me everything. And I do mean everything.”

  Her hazel eyes landed on Franco. Shyly, she untangled herself from Tess, going to stand in front of the mangled body of my trusted staff and friend. “Are you okay?”

  Franco shrugged. “Just a normal day at the office.”

  Suzette flinched, noticing the bandages, slings, and walking stick. “The doctor and nurse you sent arrived about an hour ago. Do you want me to get them? Do you need anything?” She looked at me. “And you! Oh, my God, don’t ever do that again. I prefer you alive—as do a lot of people.”

  I chuckled. I’d never been good vocalizing my emotions—not like Suzette—but I hoped she knew how much I valued her.

  She stepped closer. I opened my arms, smiling as she walked into my embrace. Her body was smaller than Tess, less curvy but no less strong.

  Her eyes welled with tears. “I’m so glad you’re okay. All of you.” Her arms tightened. I gritted my teeth against the flare of bruises and cracked rib.

  “We’re here. All alive.”

  She pulled away. “Don’t do that again. Ever.”

  “I’ve already told him that,” Tess said, her eyes soft on mine.

  My heart stuttered, filling with need. I dreamed of a soft bed and painkillers. I hankered for nakedness, gentleness, and maybe even a spa. I would give anything to lie beneath the stars and let hot water bubble out the kinks in my body. Tonight was the eve of our wedding and I wanted to spend it with Tess. Only Tess.

  “Yes, well. You’ve been warned.” Suzette planted a finger in my chest.

  I couldn’t stop the flinch giving away my soreness.

  Tess came closer, pressing her shoulder against mine. “I’ll tell you everything, Suzette. But be prepared for a long story. Q’s idea of a crescent moon is something that shouldn’t be repeated.”

  “You’re not telling her everything I hope.” I glared at Tess. She couldn’t be serious? After everything I’d done? Almost raping her. Then drugging her to bring her back? That was strictly between us.

  But Suzette no longer cared. Her shoulders straightened with decision, wrapping her arms around Franco.

  His eyes met mine, perplexed.

  Tess’s face softened, looking as if she witnessed something she’d wanted to see happen for a while.

  Franco hesitated, then his arms went around her, squeezing tig
ht. After an awkward second, he released her.

  Suzette wiped away a few tears. Clapping her hands, she said, “Come. I’ll show you where to go.”

  Travelling the distance down the pier took longer than normal with two men not in their prime. By the time we arrived on the sandy path of the island, a few staff members dressed in cream shorts and t-shirts came forward with icy towels and welcome cocktails.

  Towel. Motherfucking towel.

  I flatly ignored it. I would burn every fucking towel that ever came near me. The irrational fear latched onto my throat and I grabbed the drink. My mouth thirsted for alcohol—anything to dull the intense reaction and my thundering heart.

  I’m afraid of a goddamn towel. How fucking embarrassing.

  I turned to Tess, clinking my glass to hers. I couldn’t just throw it back. I didn’t want her to know I had other things to work through—not just external injuries but mental scarring as well.

  Her gaze melted me. “To surviving,” she whispered.

  Franco clinked his glass to ours. “To you. To the best couple I’ve had the privilege of knowing.”

  The sincerity in his voice made me pause. The moment became serious and poignant. Franco and I had been linked after Rio, but we’d all become closer thanks to Lynx.

  A family.

  I may be alone in the world, with no flesh and blood relatives, but I had the best family anyone could wish for.

  “To winning.” I threw the fruity concoction down my throat. The sickly alcohol stung my raw mouth; I craved proper liquor.

  Tess and Franco did the same, depositing the empty glasses with the staff. Together we followed Suzette into the hushed mangroves and palm trees of Cheval De Mer. Seahorse Island.

  The bushy vegetation canopied a boardwalk which lay beneath a fine lashing of icing sugar sand. Lanterns swung in the trees, guiding our way. There was nothing but whispers of waves, a gentle breeze, and idyllic stars above. It was dreamlike. It was heaven.

  “After everything we’ve been through, I can’t believe we’re here,” Tess murmured, her eyes darting from the hanging lamps to the stencils of leaves above us.