Abigail
Rays of sunlight filtered through the large windows of the yacht’s master cabin, painting everything in soft golds and warm oranges, making it look like I was stuck in a Wes Anderson movie.
Except, of course, I didn’t feel melancholic. More like I was floating on a cloud of euphoria.
Jesus holy Christ, what in the intensity happened last night?
The boat was still moving smoothly across the sea, gently rocking as the engines hummed under us. I woke up first, nestled against Finnegan’s warm, solid body.
His arm was wrapped possessively around my waist, holding me close and tightly against him even in sleep.
So fucking adorable. I smiled up at his peaceful sleeping face, then tried to slide out of bed carefully. Turns out he had a sensory trigger because the moment I moved, his arm tightened around me like a steel band.
A low, sleepy grumble vibrated from his chest.
I smiled softly and turned my head, pressing a tender kiss to the hard muscle of his bicep.
"I’m just going to the bathroom, baby," I whispered against his golden skin. "Go back to sleep. I’ll be right back."
His arm relaxed a fraction, and I slipped free. Something was happening to my face.
It took a few seconds to realize a fond smile was stretching across my lips as I watched him settle back into the pillows with a contented sigh. His dark hair was tousled, his lips slightly parted, and gosh, I just wanted to keep him like this.
I scanned the room for my belongings, aka my phone. I didn’t think I brought it along. Well, shit, I would have loved to take a picture of him like this — and then make it my wallpaper.
My heart did a silly little flip. With a soft giggle, I shuffled to the bathroom, and damn, the bathroom was luxurious.
That was an understatement. There was a massive marble tub overlooking the ocean. I filled it with warm water and a generous amount of scented oil, then sank in with a happy sigh.
"This is the life," I groaned, dropping my head back against the rim.
The hot water soothed my slightly sore muscles from last night’s activities. My cheeks heated as memories flooded back — Finnegan’s hands everywhere, his filthy words, the way the whole night had unravelled so completely.
It had been raw and wonderful and I had needed that release so badly after everything we’d been through. Or were still going through.
God, couldn’t I just spend forever in his arms? Without having to worry about his crazy mother and brother trying to gnaw my head off?
So many things had happened — heck, my grandparents would be terrified if they ever got a whiff of any of this. I wasn’t planning to tell them until it all settled down and Gina and her murder-loving son were behind bars for good.
Meemaw would be so relieved, gosh. But then she would whoop my ass for constantly poking the bear.
I glanced at the door leading back to the bedroom. Maybe I could get Finnegan to come join me?
"Caught you," he rasped, dipping his head to kiss me hungrily. His hands slid under the robe, palming my ass as he devoured my mouth.
We played for a long while, kissing, teasing, laughing between heated touches. It was perfect, like we were in our own little bubble of happiness despite all the chaos waiting for us back on land.
Late in the afternoon, around four o’clock, the helicopter brought us back to the house. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by three pairs of accusing eyes.
River stood with her arms crossed, an amused smirk on her face. Annette raised an eyebrow, her lips curled in a playful scoff while Angel bounced on her toes, grinning mischievously.
"Oh, so you two finally decided to come back?" River teased. "You abandoned us here and went off to God knows where to have fun."
Annette crossed her arms. "Do you even know, Abigail?"
I blinked, confused. "Know what? What are you talking about?"
Annette planted her hands on her hips, a knowing look on her face as she turned to Finnegan. "Why don’t you ask your boyfriend?"
Everyone turned to Finnegan. My heart skipped. Oh God, what now?
"Finnegan?" My voice came out smaller than I wanted it to. "What is Annette talking about? Is there something I should know?"

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