Epilogue
T hree months later…
Fallon
Perfect.
That’s what the day was, the moment in time. The weather. The company. The lights. The atmosphere. Everything was perfect.
Except for one tiny thing and it pissed me off.
The caterers had yet to arrive with the single thing I’d asked for on the menu. The rest of the menu hadn’t mattered in the least.
“You look like you’re going to froth at the mouth, my sweet falcon,” Navarro chuckled.
I poked him in the stomach with my elbow before glancing at my watch for the tenth time. “Everything has to be perfect. Why am I suddenly a sweet falcon and not a seductive one?”
He turned me around, wrapping both arms around me. “You are the most seductive woman in the world. But you can also be sweet.”
“I’m not sweet! I’m a business owner. I’m professional. I’m an angry woman. If the goddamn caterers don’t return soon, I swear to God I’m going to go ballistic. No, I’m going to rip out their throats and do much worse. I’ll?—”
His way of stopping me? He captured my mouth, pulling me onto my toes.
As he pressed the full weight of his body against mine, I shivered in his hold.
His cock throbbed, the full length driven between my legs.
The taste of his lips was far too sweet, peppermint and chocolate.
The man had been into the candy bowls, treats waiting for guests to arrive.
As always, he dominated my tongue, sweeping his back and forth across mine. I was lightheaded and every muscle tingled from his firm hold.
“You have at least one hundred fifty people waiting outside yet you’re making out? Now? Really?”
Hearing Brooke’s voice forced me to push him away, but only by a few inches. I giggled as he rolled his eyes.
“Your sister is a slave driver,” he growled.
“As my executive vice president, she keeps the gallery and the entire business under control.” I shoved him away and he pretended as if he would topple to the floor.
The moment was light, tickling against the excitement I’d felt for days.
My gallery, a beautiful location in the heart of Barcelona.
We’d spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating the space with Navarro serving as the general contractor.
He’d been meticulous in the design work, hiring the best architects and contractors. In truth, in his retirement, he’d driven everyone crazy.
Including me.
But I’d never seen him happier.
Brooke clapped her hands. “We have the children ready in the back, Maya leading the day’s class.” She grinned and I noticed the look of surprise on Navarro’s face. I’d gotten close to his sister in the last few months, discovering she had not only a love of art but a talent.
And my baby sister was excelling in her job, using her training as a teacher to parlay that into art classes for both underprivileged children and those with devastating injuries or illnesses.
“I had no idea,” Navarro said.
“I do like to keep you on your toes,” I told him.
“Unlock the doors. We’re ready. Come here,” I told him, beckoning with my finger.
“I want to show you a beautiful piece that I expect to sell for several thousand dollars.” With him handling the majority of construction, I’d been allowed to paint.
I’d felt more creative than I had in years.
We also had guest artist canvases throughout the gallery. With invitations sent to the hundreds of people, including many considered in the upper echelon of society in several countries, the day was anticipated to be a success.
I led him one of the walls highlighted by the perfect lighting, allowing him to enjoy the work of art.
“That’s beautiful. One of yours?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Maya’s. Your very talented sister painted such a gorgeous depiction of your home.”
He blinked several times, a brief sadness drifting into his eyes. “I had no idea.”
“She wanted it to be a surprise. She’s been amazing to work with and just adores you. I just don’t know why.”
“You’re a very bad girl. Thank you. She’s…”
“Flourishing. Stop worrying so much, Navarro. Your sister is much stronger than you think.”
“So are you.”
“Women are the stronger sex.” I winked, which returned the smile to his face.
Just then, we heard several giggles coming from the training room. He shifted his gaze to his sister, who was actively teaching a little girl how to hold a brush. With a slight shrug, he walked to the doorway, leaning against it.
“What’s wrong?” I asked and crowded his space.
He wrapped his arm around me, pulling me tightly against him. “Not a damn thing. Have I told you lately that you’re amazing?”
My sigh was exaggerated. “Not in days. I was going to talk to you about that.”
After a quick glance over his shoulder, he smacked my bottom with his hand several times. “You need a lesson in who your master is.”
Huffing, I took a purposeful step away. “I am. Something you should remember.”
His laugh was deep and as usual, sent a thrill through me. We both heard footsteps and turned.
Brooke had opened the door allowing the public into the beautiful space.
Jago and Genevieve headed in our direction, Genevieve beaming as she approached.
“This is amazing,” she said.
The girl was also glowing in her pregnancy. And as usual, looking like the formidable woman she’d become.
“I couldn’t have done it without Navarro.” I noticed Silvio had left his protective perch outside the front of the store, making a beeline for Brooke. How could I not smile seeing budding love? I’d warned him that if he hurt Brooke, he’d have me to deal with.
He’d taken my warning seriously.
Jago held out his hand, Navarro accepting immediately. “You did a great job with this incredible space.”
“Thanks, my friend,” Navarro answered. “It’s been interesting working with contractors. A pain in my ass.”
“You did your best to whip them into shape.” Now I rolled my eyes on purpose for Genevieve to see.
“How’s the gallery in Santa Barbara?” Jago asked me as he laughed at the banter.
“Coming along. We’re headed there next week. Call it a little pre honeymoon.” I shifted my gaze toward Navarro and his response was to offer a stern look.
“So when is the wedding?” Genevieve asked, winking as she did. “We need to start planning.”
“Hold on,” I said. “Not so fast.”
When I yawned on purpose, Navarro offered his husky, purposeful growl.
“She refuses to set a date,” he told them.
“Just keeping my options open. There are so many handsome men in Spain.”
“I won’t hesitate to lock you in the house,” he told me.
Everyone laughed and I noticed the caterer had finally returned with my special request. About damn time. Just then, Kruz and Christine moved through the crowd, Christine breaking away and rushing toward me.
Her squeal was just one of the many things I adored about her. She was bubbly and every time Kruz was around her, he lit up like a Christmas tree.
“We have our eye on several pieces,” Christine said. “For the office.”
“Absolutely,” Genevieve added.
“When are you coming back to work?” Jago asked Navarro, his grin indicating he knew the answer.
“I’m perfectly happy in retirement. Besides,” Navarro mused, “I need to keep this one in line.”
“Never going to happen,” I told him in a singsong voice.
As the group chatted, I took the opportunity to reflect as I noticed the happy faces on customers or those just here to appreciate art. Or perhaps to be a part of what one Barcelona newspaper had called the event of the season.
I meandered away from the group, shaking a few hands and answering several questions of curious customers. All the while, I sensed Navarro watching. Every time I caught his gaze, heat shifted across my jaw.
There was so much chemistry between us, a connection that had grown even stronger over the last few months. Were we still a bit like oil and water? Of course, but that added to the spice and excitement.
As I headed for the small kitchenette, I felt him right behind me. Before I had a chance to head inside to check on my special treat, he pulled me back against him into the shadows.
“You keep trying to run away from me. You should know better.”
His voice was like smooth velvet sliding across my naked skin. Tingles erupted everywhere, tiny prickles dancing across my skin.
“What will you do if I escape your handsome clutches?”
He nuzzled against my neck, his whisper dark and dominating. “I don’t think I need to answer you.”
“Mmm… No, you don’t. I might need to escape just to see what you’ll do.” I pulled his arms around me, intertwining our fingers. “Thank you for this and everything.”
“I should be the one to thank you.”
“Why?”
“Because you gave me a reason to live.”
I melted into the man, holding the seconds of together time as long as possible.
“Have you spoken to your father?” he asked.
“This morning. He’s going to try and drop by later.”
“Working with Rafael on making fake diamonds?”
A single snort left my mouth. “All records of the formula were destroyed. He’s enjoying retirement.”
“We’ll see how long that lasts.”
“I don’t know. I think he’s excited to do absolutely nothing. But golfing. Can you believe he took up golfing?”
The sound of a blender grabbed our attention.
He slipped around me, heading toward the door. I pulled him back. “Boat drinks?”
“Something better, but you’re going to need to step back, buddy.”
“Buddy?” He smacked my bottom again. “I think I need to teach you some manners.”
“You can try, but you’ll fail.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Hey!” I elbowed him again before giving him a playful shove. “Go stand in the corner. If you’re a good boy, you might get a treat.”
He acted offended, huffing before turning away.
I watched him heading toward the group, still tingling from his touch. From his kiss.
And from the way he looked at me. It was a cross between wanting to tear off my clothes and have his way with me and wanting to turn me over his knee for a thorough spanking.
Maybe that was why I felt like the luckiest girl around.
Would our life be perfect? Of course not. Were there any fairytales without drama tossed in every once in a while? Of course not. But I knew in my heart being with Navarro was the right thing to do.
I bit my lip and entered the kitchenette. “Are they ready?” I resisted chastising the timing.
“First batch,” the owner of the catering company said. She shook her head, muttering in Spanish. She’d told me quite bluntly this wasn’t appropriate for such an elegant event.
Since when had I ever played by anyone’s rules?
“Which one is the nonalcoholic drink?”
The woman pushed one glass closer.
“Perfect.”
I grabbed the first tray, delighted in my selection of cups I’d had printed for the event. Even the bright pink straws added to the festiveness of the gallery opening. Balancing the cups carefully, I headed toward the group.
My family.
We might not all be blood related, but there was something very special about the term ‘found family.’ As I approached, I did my best to keep from tripping. Navarro was the first to notice me, a single eyebrow shooting up.
“Oh, drinks,” Christine called. “I know exactly what this is.”
“Shush,” I told her. Christine was from the United States, Kruz snagging her attention in Miami.
She mimed zipping her lips.
“Here’s one for you, Genevieve. A special one.”
“Why special?”
I shrugged.
“What are they? Pina coladas?” Genevieve asked.
“Something better,” I answered. “This is something very American, only I did adult the drinks with vodka. Except for yours, mama to be.” I laughed as they grabbed a cup, handing one to Navarro myself. “Drink up, darling. Go ahead. Take a nice, long suck on that straw.”
He eyed me carefully, but did as I commanded.
The entire group followed my instructions while I tried to keep from laughing.
Within seconds, his brow was furrowed as he winced. So did everyone else.
“Holy crap, that’s cold,” Kruz snapped.
“My head is killing me.” Jago rubbed his forehead.
I took my drink, sipping carefully. For about a million reasons, I couldn’t keep from grinning.
“Is that…” Navarro winced again.
“A brain freeze? You got it, big boy. I told you that you weren’t living unless you had at least one in your life. You’re drinking my version of a Slurpee.”
“Perfect for such an incredible day,” Christine cooed. “But I admit I do like the vodka.”
We chatted, interrupted every few minutes by customers and Brooke bugging me to mingle, but I was content, something I hadn’t been in years.
People were responding to the art, several pieces already sold.
When Navarro found me alone close to an hour later, he immediately rubbed his fingers against my face. “Do you know how beautiful and special you are?”
“Why don’t you tell me.”
“Alright,” he said quietly, the sexy two-day stubble driving me crazy. “ El tesoro más hermoso es el amor de una mujer que te recuerda cada día que vale la pena vivir .”
The most beautiful treasure is the love of a woman who reminds you every day that life is worth living.
There were no other words needed. Well, with a single exception.
“Do you love me now?” he asked.
“Let me think.” I tapped my lips. “I do enjoy being with you.”
“Uh-huh. What else?”
“I might like your touch,” I purred and rubbed my hand up his chest.
“Is that it?”
“I might even adore your scowl and how incorrigible you are. At least from time to time. But I’ll need to continue training you.”
He swatted me on the butt again and I yelped, biting my lip immediately as I looked to see if anyone had caught us.
“You better love all of me,” he insisted.
I held his gaze. “The truth is, I do and will until the end of time.”
He took a deep breath. “Until death do us part. Or… until you remember why you wanted to kill me.”
As he crushed his mouth against mine, the pitter-patter of my heart created tingles. As I shifted in his arms, my legs rubbed together and I was reminded I’d strapped the knife to my thigh before leaving that morning.
I’d hunted down a predator.
Instead, I’d found my prince.
The End