Ashes(76)

"Yes, he seemed angry that you were hurt and he wants to be sure that whoever's behind the attacks will soon be dead."



"Aw, that's sweet."



"I asked him if Nora had any warnings to deliver. She said that when it's time to kill the child, we shouldn't hesitate. For a moment, I thought she meant our child. But I think she meant McCauley."



Frowning, Harper swallowed. "The kid creeps me out, but I don't want to have to kill him." Just the thought made her stomach churn. Even her demon wasn't keen on the idea.



Knox rubbed her thigh. "Neither do I, baby. Neither do I."



"You said it was a beach hut."



"It is."



Hut, my ass. "Knox, aside from having a thatched roof, it is nothing like a hut." The white, two-story building was more of a luxury villa. Situated on a beautiful tropical beach, it was surrounded by tall palm trees and white sand. The sun glittered off the rippling turquoise-blue sea, and she just wanted to dive right in it – it was seriously freaking hot.



It had only been a short walk from the jet to the "hut", but already her skin was sticky and sweat was trickling down her back. As they'd walked along the man-made path through the jungle, she'd seen lots of colorful birds, a few snakes, and heard what she suspected were monkeys in the distance. Not a big fan of monkeys, she hoped they remained in the distance.



She almost sighed in relief as the cool breeze swept over her and ruffled her shirt. "Did you ever rent out the island?"



"No. It's mine."



He said it with such finality that she smiled. "And you don't share what's yours."



Knox drew her close and spoke against her mouth. "No, I definitely don't share what's mine." Neither did his demon. He licked at her lower lip and then gave it a sharp, possessive nip. "Come on, let's go inside so I can show you the place."



Knox first introduced her to the housekeeper and maintenance guy – both of whom were natives of a neighboring island but also belonged to their lair. It was clear to Harper by the way they chatted to Tanner and Levi that the sentinels had accompanied Knox here plenty of times.



The interior of the spacious, stylishly furnished villa was beautiful. Bright walls, gleaming floors, and high windows that took advantage of the idyllic ocean view. The bedroom was her favorite part of the villa. It had a hot tub, a canopy bed with white drapes that kept out the mosquitos, and a gorgeous balcony that overlooked the sea.



Each of the sentinels had their own room at the other side of the villa, which gave Harper and Knox plenty of privacy. She was glad of that, because she could be kind of noisy in bed and the sentinels would no doubt immaturely tease her about it.



Dressed in a neon-pink bikini, she'd just finished applying sun lotion when Knox walked into the bedroom. His eyes darkened as they roamed over her, and her demon stretched languidly. Harper let her own gaze explore his powerful build, lingering a little on the growing bulge in his shorts. "I'm happy to skip the swim and take care of that, just so you know."


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Knox stalked over to her and trailed his finger over the swell of her breasts, inhaling the fruity scent of her sunscreen. "Very magnanimous of you," he quipped.



"I'm all heart."



He dropped to his knees and kissed her stomach. "I don't know why it turns me on knowing that I put a baby in you. I really don't."



She swallowed. "I'm not complaining, in case you were wondering."



He stood, mouth curved. "Come on." He linked his fingers with hers and led her downstairs and out onto the deck, facing the beach. Tanner and Levi were already sprawled on sun loungers, soaking up the sun.



Harper almost winced at the smothering heat. "That sand's gonna be hot."



"Want me to carry you to the water?"



Pride made her spine snap straight. "I can manage."



Knox's demon chuckled. "If we run, it'll hurt less."



"Then we run. Ready?"



He nodded. "Go."



Harper took off and, God, it was like stepping on hot coals. She rushed to the shoreline and pretty much sloshed into the sea rather ungracefully. She'd braced herself for the shock of cold water, but the water was surprisingly warm as it lapped at her body.



She watched as Knox dunked himself and then stood straight. Water poured off his head and slid down his body in a way that made her mouth dry up. "You should do that again. And again." Chuckling, he guided her deeper into the water and pulled her against him. He kissed her gently, softly …  then dunked them both, the bastard. She coughed as their heads broke the surface. "You could have warned me!"