The officiant began, but I hardly heard a word because my eyes were concentrating on Nathan’s. Nothing could tear me away from his gaze—we were caught in our own little bubble.

I was lost in him as I recited the standard vows—in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do us part. He already knew all of that, as I’d long ago pledged all of that to him. When it was his turn, I caught the panic that flashed across his face when he spoke about death.

If I could help it, I would do everything in my power to make sure he died before me. The thought of him in despair as he watched another woman he loved die was gut-wrenching. I didn’t want him to feel that pain again.

“I do,” he said in closing, a waver of emotion in his voice.

I didn’t wait for the officiant to pronounce us before launching myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him as hard as I could. Laughter was heard from the crowd behind us.

“Well, I guess I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride!” the officiant said, snickering with everyone else.

I pulled back, heat flooding my face as I looked at her. “Sorry.”

Nathan chuckled and pulled me closer. “Can I kiss my bride?”

“Please.”

His lips met mine, soft but with an intensity that zinged through me.

My husband.

Following the ceremony was a whirlwind of photographs and congratulations that left my head spinning. I was happy when we all sat down to dinner in a secluded area of the resort. It was beachfront, but with bushes and trees on the sides for privacy.

Since our party was so small, we were all able to fit at one long banquet table. There were small tables set up around us for mingling.

As dinner was served, Teresa tapped her fork against her champagne glass to gain everyone’s attention.

“I just wanted to say a few words about mi niña Lila. From the moment she stepped into our home, I knew it would take a strong, unrelenting man to gain her heart. I’m so happy to see her finally get the love she deserves.” Teresa blew a kiss at Nathan. “And I’m incredibly happy that I could be here to see it.”

I blew her a kiss and reached across the table to take her hand. “Thank you for showing me kindness and love.”

A tear fell from her eye as she patted my hand. “You are so welcome. And thank you, Nathan, for making her happy.”

Nathan smiled at her and looked at me. “She makes me happy. I’m the lucky one here.”

Jack stood up and raised his glass. “And you owe everything to me. If it wasn’t for me, we wouldn’t be on this beautiful island.”

Everyone laughed and took a sip.

Dinner was excellent, and afterward we sat around talking and drinking. I was happy I’d gone for the lighter dress, because the heat and humidity was stifling. Our only saving grace was the ocean breeze, which made it manageable.

Nathan had forgone the traditional tux, which I was more than okay with. He didn’t even have on a suit jacket. All things considered, I understood. None of that mattered, though, because it was exactly what we wanted. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and he’d lost the tie. The top buttons were undone and inviting me to touch the skin that showed.

I licked my lips and leaned forward, placing an open-mouthed kiss on his neck, my tongue peeking out to taste his skin. A low rumble sounded in his chest, and he squirmed in his chair. It seemed he was still worked up from my teasing the day before.

Nathan took my hand and pulled me from my seat. “Come on, Mrs. Thorne, we need to have our first dance.”

I blinked up at him. “I don’t know how to dance.”

“That’s okay. All you have to do is move with me. You’re good at that.” He winked at me.

As we stepped onto the small dance area, he drew me to him as the music started up. We moved in slow steps.

“With me.” He reminded me.

I took a deep breath and let him take over my senses.

It didn’t matter what was playing. All I cared about was the man standing in front of me, holding me close as we moved around the dance floor. I’d never seen him so lit up. His smile was blinding—happiness pouring out of him and infecting me.

He leaned his head down and rested his forehead against mine. “Be mine forever,” he whispered.

“Yes.” There was no other answer.

“Love me forever.” His voice cracked as he spoke.

Tears swelled in my eyes. “Always.”

A few hours later, we headed up to our suite where I expected him to tear me out of my dress. Instead, his fingers lightly caressed over my collarbone, drifting over the lace.

“I forgot to tell you how absolutely beautiful you looked today. You take my breath away. This dress…it’s perfect.”

My cheeks heated as I looked into his eyes that held nothing but love and warmth with a splash of growing desire.

“Thank you.”

He looked back down at my body and sighed. “I almost don’t want to take it off you.” His fingers continued to roam around my body.

“There are photos.”

His eyes flickered back to mine as he latched onto the zipper and began pulling it down. “I said almost.”

I tingled with excitement as the teeth of the zipper slid down inch by inch. His lips met mine, soft and lingering as he slowly explored my mouth with his. I gasped when his hand slipped into the opening he’d made and our skin made contact. His lips ghosted mine as he moved up and swept over my nipple.

“I’m going to spend all night devouring you, inch by delicious inch.”

I flicked my tongue out against his lips. “How about moving a little faster then?”

He shook his head and nipped at my lip. “Oh, no, Mrs. Thorne. I’m going to savor you.”

I pouted at him, my thighs clenching. “You mean torture me.”

He smirked at me. “That’s one way of looking at it.”

His fingers worked the buttons on my shoulder and the fabric flipped away, exposing skin that he immediately began kissing and licking. A small tug on my other shoulder and the dress slipped down, catching on my elbow. My ni**les tightened as they rubbed against his shirt. He moaned as he kissed his way down, taking one into his mouth, sucking on it while he palmed and pinched the other.

I couldn’t stop moving. My body was begging, searching for the friction it desired. Taking was his usual style, and I craved it. Loving was pure torture, but the reward was worth the frustration.