CHAPTER 69: THE SURPRISE (2)

Nick’s POV

We reached the spring faster than I expected. And the moment Georgia spotted what was waiting for her, shampoo, soap, fluffy towels, and a pink pair of Crocs, her entire face lit up like the sun had just risen for her alone.

That reaction... it was priceless.

She gasped, childlike awe dancing in her eyes. Over soap and pink Crocs, of all things.

Vicky had picked them out for her, insisting Georgia would love them. I thought she was being ridiculous. Georgia was a grown woman, not some giggly teen.

But watching her now, spinning the bottle of shampoo in her hand like it was gold, I mentally made a note to thank my sister and buy her whatever the hell she wanted later.

They arrived earlier than planned, which worked in my favor. I managed to set everything up without Georgia suspecting a thing. Though I didn’t expect Vicky and Liam to decide to treat this island like their private little getaway.

I can’t believe those two brought a whole camping gear and equipment, totally excited to stay here for a few more days.

I shut that down quickly.

I don’t care how "fun" they think this is. I’m not letting Georgia spend another night here, not after what she’s been through. She deserves warm blankets, clean sheets, a soft bed... my bed.

Hell, maybe I should buy this island. Build a proper vacation home where we could come back and make new memories, ones that don’t involve running for our lives or sleeping in caves.

"Oh my gosh! Strawberry vanilla scent!" Georgia squealed, her voice bursting with excitement as she popped open the shampoo and soap like they were treasures.

That sound, so unfiltered and happy, pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Nick! Come here! There’s one for you too, inside the box!" she called, holding it up like it was a prize and flashing that bright, genuine smile that never failed to unravel me.

I walked toward her, letting the energy of the moment sink in.

When I opened the box, I chuckled. Old Spice.

Not my usual brand. But after more than a week of dirt, sweat, and saltwater? It smelled like heaven. I lifted the bottle, took a deep breath, and nodded.

"Smells good," I said, meeting her eyes.

God, the way she looked at me. Like I’d hung the moon just by showing up with a bar of soap and some plastic shoes.

And right then, I decided, I’d do anything to keep putting that smile on her face.

Every damn day of her life.

Georgia stood and let the blanket fall from her body, revealing every inch of her bare, tempting skin, and I went completely still.

She moved so casually, like being naked in front of me was nothing now. Like I should be used to it by this point.

But I’m not. Not even close. I am totally affected!

Every time she strips in front of me, it’s like my system resets and short-circuits all over again. Just being near her gets me hard, but seeing her like that? So open, so damn beautiful? I felt my cock twitch and rise with zero shame.

Shit!

I turned away, yanked my clothes off faster than lightning, and sank into the water before she caught sight of what was happening between my legs. Because knowing Georgia, she’d tease me with that wicked little grin of hers, and if she did, I swear to God, I’d pin her to the rocks and lose myself in her all over again.

I know I overdid it yesterday. I pushed her past her limits, and yet... I still want more. I always do. The hunger I feel for her isn’t normal; it’s primal, obsessive, relentless.

I used to think I was in control. That sex was just sex. Women came and went. None of them stayed. None of them mattered.

Then she showed up, Georgia. And now she’s etched into my bones.

She doesn’t even know the hold she has on me. I don’t want other women anymore. I don’t even think about them. It’s her. Only her. My entire world has been rewritten in the shape of her name.

And now, as she slips into the water beside me, smiling like she isn’t aware of the war going on inside my chest, I try... really try, to keep my hands to myself.

But I can feel it rising again. That ache. That storm.

God help me, if she touches me first... I won’t be able to stop.

She’s the only one who could weaken my resolve like this.

Thankfully, she got lost in her own little world, delighting in the shampoo and soap like a kid in a candy store. It gave me time to focus on scrubbing off days of sweat, sand, and restraint, and to remind myself why I needed to look sharp today.

Today isn’t just part of an agreement for me. It’s my wedding.

Even if she only sees it as a formality, I don’t. I’ll carry this memory for the rest of my life... even if one day she decides to walk away. If that day ever comes, I won’t stop her. I won’t cage her. But God, I pray she’ll one day choose to stay, and see me in her future, too.

"Nick, why are you so slow? Do you need help?" Her voice snapped me from my thoughts. "We need to hurry. It’s embarrassing to make them wait!"

I blinked and looked at her, hair soaked, water glistening on her bare shoulders, hands running through the shampoo, rinsing her hair, like she was born to be worshipped. That’s when I realized I was just standing there, absently lathering my arms.

Before she could come closer, I stepped back. Fast. "No need. If you’re done, go ahead. Just leave everything, I’ll take care of it."

I couldn’t let her touch me. Not now. I was already rock hard, just watching her. One more second too close and I’d take her right there, against the rocks, under the trees, in the damn water. And we’d never make it to the shore.

"Are you sure?" she asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Yes," I said, keeping my voice steady. "You still need to dry your hair. I’ll be right behind you. I’ll dress, then call Vicky to help with your hair and makeup."

That made her smile, soft, radiant, real. "Alright, but don’t take too long. I might need help with the zipper. It’s on the back."

I nodded, silent, already bracing myself.

Then she turned and walked out of the spring.

And I was done for.

Water traced every curve of her body, cascading over the dip of her lower back and the perfect curve of her ass—the same one I’ve marked, spanked, and kissed too many times to count. It bounced with every step, taunting me.

She reached for the towel, bent slightly—and my breath caught. A glimpse of her breasts, so full and soft, flashed into view like a cruel tease.

Fuck me... gods...

My hands clenched into fists, jaw tight. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think.

If I wasn’t careful... this wedding might start with her dress halfway off and her legs wrapped around my waist.

And honestly?

I wouldn’t even regret it.