Page 74 of Reluctant Rebel

Jinx opened her eyes and gasped in wonder. They were standing in a lush, verdant paradise unlike anything she had ever seen. Vibrant flowers in every hue imaginable bloomed all around them, their sweet perfume filling the air. Towering trees with leaves of gold and silver swayed gently in the warm breeze.

But what truly took Jinx's breath away was the magnificent waterfall before them—a cascade of crystal-clear water surrounded by smooth rocks and delicate ferns. "This is incredible," Jinx breathed, unable to tear her eyes away from the stunning scenery. “Wait …” She began to walk across the grassy field, her gaze fixed on the waterfall. “Is that water flowingupinstead ofdown?”

Mikhail smiled, clearly pleased by her reaction. “It sure is. It seems to defy gravity, doesn’t it?”

Jinx squinted, noticing the pool of water on the ground was, in fact, feeding the stream of waterupto another body of water that appeared to hover, suspended by an invisible force. Therewere steps leading up the side, and as she watched, a golden mist swirled around the edges of each level, giving them an ethereal, dream-like quality.

“How is this possible?” she asked, stunned. “What is this place?”

“Heaven,” Mikhail replied, far too nonchalantly for her liking.

Her mouth fell open, and she dragged her eyes away from the incredible sights in front of her to stare at Mikhail. “I beg your pardon?”

Mikhail had the audacity to laugh at her, nudging her mouth closed with his knuckle. He swept his arm out, gesturing to the endless beauty around them. “These are the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In Heaven.”

Jinx could hardly believe her ears. “You brought me to Heaven?”

He shrugged. “I had to beat Sabre’s gift somehow.”

It was beyond anything she could have imagined, and its sheer absurdity made her giddy. “The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, huh?” she murmured in wonder. “Are we even allowed to be here?”

Mikhail gazed around, the gentle breeze ruffling his brown hair. “I come here often. Whenever I need time alone to think or justbe, I open a portal and whisk myself to these gardens. I’ve yet to encounter anyone else, and I’ve never been told I can’t. There are some curious critters here, but nobody to ask permission from. I assume it’s fine.”

“This is your special place,” Jinx said quietly, letting the knowledge sink into her heart.

Mikhail smiled, a hint of vulnerability in his usually confident demeanour. “It is,” he confirmed. “This place has always been a source of peace for me.”

Jinx felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all, by the beauty around them and by the lengths Mikhail had gone to share something important to him withherof all people. Feeling humbled, she rose on her toes to press a chaste kiss to his smooth cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” he said, touching his fingers to his cheek. “Heaven suits you.”

Jinx scoffed at that. “Hardly.” Before he could argue, she grabbed his hand. “Come on. Show me around.”

They walked through winding paths and over delicate stone bridges that spanned small pools filled with colourful fish. The aroma of blooming flowers filled Jinx's nose, mingling with the waterfall's fresh scent and the surrounding forest's earthy undertones. She saw more wonders everywhere she looked: glowing fireflies fluttering among shimmering crystals, miniature mushrooms in neon colours, and even a tiny purple frog snoozing atop a bed of emerald moss.

As they neared the edge of the lower pool, the air grew warm and humid, causing her skin to glow with a light sheen of sweat. Her tiger chuffed happily in her mind; she loved to swim. She wanted to jump in immediately. But … “If I jump in, will I fall up?” Jinx shook her head, a joyful laugh falling from her lips. “I can’t believe I just asked that. You can’t fallup.”

Mikhail’s answering smirk was sinful. “Let’s find out.”

“I don’t have anything to swim in,” she pointed out.

Mikhail turned around, rummaging behind a large rock. He retrieved a cooler bag, holding it aloft proudly. “I spoke with Sabre. She packed a swimming costume for you, as well as a towel and a change of clothes if you need them. And there’s food and drink in here, too, thanks to the royal kitchens.”

Jinx took the one-piece bathing suit that he passed her. “You really thought of everything, huh? Sabre didn’t wonder why I needed one?”

“Are you kidding? She was thrilled. Apparently, swimming will be helpful for Operation Cupid,” he informed her with a roll of her eyes.

“That isnota thing!” Jinx immediately retorted.

Mikhail chuckled with a shake of his head. “Unfortunately, it is. They’re all in on it. I overheard Eric begging Sabre not to make him flirt with you or hit you with random objects ever again.”

Jinx groaned. “They are ridiculous.”

“They are,” Mikhail agreed, pulling his shirt up and over his head in one smooth motion. “I’ll help you get back at them.”

“Promise?” Jinx murmured, her eyes locked on Mikhail’s bare chest. Corded muscles rippled beneath bronzed skin as he shifted his weight. His broad shoulders tapered to a narrow waist, creating a V-shape in which she wanted to rest her head. His abs were a sculpted landscape of ridges and valleys, tensing and relaxing with each measured breath. Veins snaked beneath the surface of his skin, a roadmap of vitality pumping life through his formidable frame. A wolf head tattoo was branded over his ribs, adding to the overall package.

Mikhail cleared his throat loudly. “Jinx?”

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