Epilogue
brIA
Two Months Later
“Good luck dragon me out of here, dragon,” I teased Darius as I spun around to take in his island.
The breeze rolled in from the ocean, a gentle caress on my skin as I stepped barefoot through the sun-kissed sand.
The warm grains soothed my feet. The sun simmered low on the horizon, draping orange and pink over the surface of the turquoise sea, and the faint scent of sugarcane lingered in the air.
My panther purred her approval, ready to explore the hidden wonders of the isle.
“Like it?” he murmured as he wrapped his arms around me from behind and nuzzled my neck.
“Mmm, I like that.” I sighed as heat simmered beneath my skin. When I tilted my head to give him greater access, I gazed over at the cozy cabanas nestled between palms. Behind us, a trail led into the lush greenery.
“What’s not to love? Sun, sand, and one incredibly sexy dragon who’s great with his hands.” I turned to face him and cupped his cheeks in my hands. “Your island is an absolute paradise, Darius.”
He curled into my hand and kissed my palm. “Our island, mate.”
Mate. I’d never get tired of hearing that.
Taking that gigantic leap with Darius had been the best decision of my life.
I’d thought I might miss the cruise life, but now that my contract had ended, I’d chosen to come here with Darius to take a break and figure out our next step together.
But what I discovered here took me by surprise—it already felt like home.
Darius had remained on board the Moonlight Siren with me during the past two months, running his business from the ship.
He’d said he could sell it all and we could stay here if that was what I wanted.
He’d give everything up, everything he’d built, for me.
He’d also made a sizable donation to the foundation that had saved me when I was young.
We’d had some great times on the ship, and he’d joined me on stage once a week.
Now that I knew how my dragon sang, I loved to do so with him.
“No, you’ve seen my world. I want to see yours,” I’d said. And now I was glad I’d made that choice.
Our new home, my panther purred. She stretched her paws, anticipating the sweet discovery of hidden secrets.
Home, I echoed. With Darius, I finally felt like I’d found my other half, where I belonged, where I could thrive.
“You know, I have another opportunity we might want to explore,” I said, my voice lilting higher.
“Oh? What are you up to, kitten?” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
“You see, Marlene and I got to talking.”
His brows shot upward. “Cedric’s wife?”
“Yes. And we’ve been in contact since they left the ship. She loved our performance on Christmas Eve, and after we had a drink or two, I revealed the way we’d met. The whole fake relationship you’d concocted. She laughed, thought it was hysterical the things men do to pursue what they want.”
He grumbled. “Maybe it was a bit foolish.” Then grinned and took me into his arms. “But look what it led to?”
“Indeed,” I agreed with a warm smile. “Anyway, let’s just say that thanks to yours truly”—I pointed to myself—”that proposal is back on the table. I told Marlene I’d reconnect with her once we moved to the island.”
He beamed down at me with pride. “You’re full of wonderful surprises.”
I raised an index finger. “But only if Marlene and I are involved. We have some great ideas.”
Darius chuckled. “A brilliant negotiator, I see.”
“I’ve learned from the best.” I flashed him a half-smile.
“Of course, my brilliant, beautiful mate. Anything you want.” He lifted me off the ground and spun us. When he put me back on my feet, he said, “Come on, there’s so much more to see.”
“Yes, my panther is eager to explore.”
His eyes twinkled. “And my dragon is eager to show you the view of the island from above.” He bent down and kissed me.
Our lips lingered as the golden sun brushed our skin. Waves kissed the shore and birds sang in the distance. When we broke apart, I gasped for breath.
“Oh yes, show me everything you’ve got, dragon,” I said in a sassy tone and wedged my hand onto my hip.
“How about we start with a tour of the house?” His amber eyes darkened with hunger. “In particular, our bedroom.”
He scooped me into his arms and I squealed and laughed. As he carried me up the beach, I leaned into his warm, solid chest, smiling at what was to come.
We were off to a brilliant start.