And then her phone vibrated in herhand.
A new text. Fromhim.
Go to the airport. My plane is waiting.
The choiceis yours.
Jazz didn’t hesitate.
She didn’t pack.
She ran for the plane.
THE FLIGHTseemed endless. The low hum of the engines vibrated through the cabin, asteady rhythm that did nothing to calm the tension constricting her. Her muscles ached from sitting too long, her fingers tightening restlessly in her lap as she stared at the vast expanse of clouds below. Every passing moment stretched unbearably, anticipation and uncertainty warring insideher.
Titus had planned this—every move, every deliberate risk, every downfall. He was always ahead of the game, orchestrating every detail with ruthless precision. It should have unsettled her, how easily he had bent the world to his will, but instead, itreassuredher.
He had done this for them—for her. He had made sure they would be safe. And for the first time in days, she allowed herself to believe it. She pressed a hand to her stomach, drawing in a deep breath. Her heart pounded, not just with uncertainty, but with something deeper. Anticipation. Fear. Love. Whatever awaited her, she had made her choice, and there was no turning backnow.
The plane finally touched down, and as Jazz peered out the window, the view stole her breath. An island paradise unfolded before her—turquoise waters stretching to the horizon, pristine beaches framed by lush green cliffs, and endless blue sky meeting the ocean in a perfect, seamless line. As she descended the steps, the heat of the sun kissed her skin, the scent of salt and blooming tropical flowers filling theair.
A sleek black limo awaited her at the base of the tarmac, its doors held open by a silent, efficient driver. Without a word, she climbed inside, the cool leather interior offering a momentary reprieve from the intensity of herthoughts.
The drive was mesmerizing. Palm trees swayed lazily in the breeze, gardens overflowing with vibrant flowers lined the winding roads, and glimpses of hidden coves and white sand beaches flashed between the towering cliffs. It felt surreal, like stepping into a dream.
As the limo pulled up to a breathtaking estate, her pulse quickened. White-washed walls gleamed under the afternoon sun, cascading terraces and infinity pools stretching toward the sea. Endless glass windows reflected the golden light, capturing the sheer luxury of the place. It was breathtaking, yet secluded—aworld apart, untouched by anything beyond this island.
The moment she stepped inside, the air itself seemed to shift. Aprickle of awareness hit her, her pulse quickening as an unmistakable presence filled the space around her. It was an energy, aheat, apull so strong she felt it in her bones before her gazefoundhim.
Titus.
He stood at the center of the grand open space, barefoot, dressed in linen pants and an unbuttoned white shirt, his dark gaze locked onto hers. The sight of him sent a shiver through her, arush of emotions so strong it nearly buckled her knees. Her heart clenched painfully, the sheer force of her longing breaking through the uncertainty. Without hesitation, she ran to him, throwing herself into hisarms.
His hands caught her effortlessly, his grip strong, unyielding. She buried her face against his neck, inhaling his scent—warm, masculine, familiar. Safe. For a moment, she just held on, the stress of the past few weeks crashing over her. Then his lips found hers, and everything else faded away. The world outside ceased to exist. Whatever had happened, whatever lay ahead, none of it mattered in this moment.
Titus lifted her into his arms. Jazz let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her arms tightening around his neck. Arush of relief flooded through her, washing away the last traces ofuncertainty.
She wasn’t alone in this. She never had been. The steady thrum of his heartbeat against her made her close her eyes for a brief moment, anchoring herself in the warmth and strength of him. She clung to him, her fingers gripping his shoulders as he strode through the sunlit halls.
The master suite was breathtaking—massive glass doors led to a terrace overlooking the endless ocean, sheer curtains fluttering in the warm breeze. The space felt almost unreal, too perfect, too untouched, as if waiting for them to leave their mark onit.
Jazz took a slow breath, absorbing the beauty, but also the sense of isolation. This was their world now—removed from everything and everyone else, asanctuary built just for them. The scent of salt, sun, and orange blossom drifted through the open space, mingling with the golden glow of the late afternoon light.
Titus set her down at the edge of the bed, his fingers brushing down her arms, his touch reverent. Slowly, he undressed her, peelingaway the layers between them with deliberate care, as if savoring each second. His mouth found her breasts, kissing, teasing, worshipping. His hands explored her skin, mapping every curve as if relearning her all over again. Then he moved lower, pausing at her belly.
A single, lingering kiss.
A silent vow.
Her breath hitched, her fingers tangling in his hair as his mouth trailed downward. When his tongue found her, she gasped, arching against him. Pleasure coursed through her in waves, drowning out everything except the sensation of him, of his touch, his mouth, his devotion.
He teased her, building her up, pulling her apart with slow, torturous strokes until she broke, crying out his name. He lingered, pressing one last kiss against her inner thigh before moving overher.
Titus met her gaze as he pushed inside her, one deep, claiming thrust that stole her breath. She wrapped her legs around him, holdinghim close, needing him as much as he needed her. His hands framed her face, his forehead pressing against hers, his breath hot and ragged. He moved slowly at first, savoring each sensation, then harder, wilder, until they were both lost to it, lost to each other.
She tried to speak—to ask, to understand—but he silenced her with a kiss, murmuring against her lips, “Later. We have all the time in the world.”
And in that moment, she believedhim.
