The Warmest Winter✓

Thirty-four

Beach walks, swimming, dining out, breakfast in bed, making love at sunrise and sunset, and plenty of goodnight kisses filled our three days schedule since our arrival in Maldives. Jet skiing with my husband turns me into a reckless child, unafraid of anything. And I can't forget our first underwater kiss during scuba diving.

Everything we do turns precious, and my love for him is unmeasured.

Tired after a long day, I lie in bed while watching Liam frowning at whatever he's reading on his MacBook. I need no magic to discern that it's about work, and now I can't help but worry. It's evident how much he's used to foresee every detail of his company, and suddenly, from the summer vacation up to our wedding, he's been too absent.

"Liam," I call gently while getting off the bed. Tip-toeing in his shirt, I reach the couch and sit next to him.

"Any problem?" He stares warily at me, as though he's afraid of my confusing demeanor.

"Not really," I reply. "I just wanted to say that I'm okay if we have to go. I won't mind."

He blinks, surprised. "No, Kira, I—"

"Hush, Mr. Darcy!" I place my index on his lips. "I've had enough of a good and relaxing time already. We went to Vegas, we saw Dubai, and now we are in Maldives, baby. Honestly, I never even imagined I'd do it so easily in such a short period of time—but you made it possible."

He smiles softly, eyes gleaming. He discards his MacBook on the table and hoisters me closer to him. I accept his gesture by sitting across his lap, wrapping my arms around his neck. This is my safe place—right next to him—his breath warm and assuring.

"I want us to stay here at least a week, Kira," he says, slowly running his fingers on my bare thighs.

"It's okay, Liam. We don't need to do that," I rebuke. "Besides, I'm dying to see your home." I gaze up at him, beaming.

The idea of seeing his house excites me.

"Our home," Liam corrects, a small smile tugged on his mouth as he nuzzles his nose into my hair.

"Um, yes. Our home." I blush. "And since my husband is so fastidious, I'm pretty sure he'll be glued to his laptop throughout the day if we continue staying here while there's trouble in Paradise."

"Fastidious? Me?" Liam squints his eyes at me.

"Aren't you?" I giggle, so happy to see him relaxed somehow. He kisses my temple. "My point is, we have a lifetime together, Liam. And I'm sure this place won't go anywhere, so we can come back some other time. I'm ready to leave—even if it's tomorrow."

"No. We'll have tomorrow for ourselves. I have something important for us, so we can probably leave on the day after," he states.

"Intriguing, Mr. Darcy. What are you planning to do?" I raise a dazed eyebrow at him, already excited for the unknown.

"Surprise, my love. Remember how the cat died?" Liam whispers merrily. I chuckle as he bites my earlobe, and then kisses it. "Thank you," he breathes.

"For what?" I mutter.

"Just . . . for everything," he says softly and kisses my lips. "Your understanding, your love, and your countenance. I feel so lucky to have you, Kira."

"As I you, Liam Darcy. And you have nothing to thank me for."

He kisses me deeply and I return with more passion and wildness.

"Let me go and take a shower before I begin doing some inappropriate stuff with you." Liam pulls away as I feel his erection bulging. "In the meantime, I think the Wi-fi signals are strong today. You can download the movie you wanted, or we can just sleep."