In Your Clutches

Part 27: Making A Mistake

ASHER

I watched her brown hair dance in the wind as the boat glided over the water gracefully. I hadn't been able to take my eyes off of her all day. Not because I was worried about her running, but because I'd never seen her so happy. Never seen that twinkle of excitement in her eyes or this permanent smile on her lips. Her whole face lit up every time we saw something new, and I couldn't get enough of it.

If I could, I would spend the next hundred years traveling with her, simply to ensure this was how she'd feel every day. I wanted her happiness, to always see her smiling. It had grown on me, becoming the most important thing next to destroying her father in my life.

"Are you cold?" I asked when I saw goosebumps pebble across her bare arms.

"A little, but I'm fine. I want to stay out here. I feel so free with the wind in my hair like I can do anything and go anywhere."

"We can stay." I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her into my side.

Eleanor and Cera, the maids, were downstairs, and I'd rather spend time with my wife alone anyway. Security was already set up on the island. I'd had fewer men here than I had around the mansion, but since the island itself was secure, and no one even knew where we were, we didn't need as many men.

"Is that it?" Amelia squealed beside me as the island came into view.

We'd left the beach house to leave for the island. It was less than an hour boat ride from the beach house, but it was far enough away to be secluded. It was not even on a map.

"Yes, that's it. And now this is our home for a week."

"I'm excited...our home." She whispered to herself. She looked out at the island in wonder, and I spent the rest of the ride watching her.

Ten minutes later, we arrived at the small dock at our private beach. I helped Amelia off the boat and walked her onto the shore. Two of my men greeted us and board the boat to get our luggage while I walked to the house with my eager wife by my side. As soon as we stepped inside the house, the aroma of fresh roasted chicken greeted us.

I hired two extra maids, which got here today, to make sure everything was perfect and ready by the time we arrived. She'd said she was fine without maids, but I'd still gotten two of them, just in case she needed help.

"Are you ready to eat?"

"Yes. No. I mean, I'm starving, but I also want to walk around and look at everything."

"Let's take a quick tour before sitting down for dinner, then."

We walked around the house, looking into each room. Amelia acted like a kid on Christmas morning, and every new room was a new present she was unwrapping.

"It's beautiful."

"It really is," I said, looking straight at her.

"Now, let's eat." We walked back to the dining room, which was already set for us. A large flower arrangement in the center of the table, with various foods spread out around it.

"Bring us some champagne," I ordered.

A few minutes later, two flutes and a bottle were brought to us. I opened it with a pop and poured us each a glass.