Page 43 of Midnight Torment

A sad smile curved her full lips. “They feel real to me.”

“Real rings would paint a target on your back.”

Megan trailed her fingers through my hair. “I don’t think the men hunting you care if I have a ring or not. They didn’t look at my finger when they dragged me out of your car.”

I’d been so busy thinking of protecting her that it never occurred to me that I was depriving Megan and me of a future. Although, it all felt a bit too much to be contemplating right now.

“I booked us in for a safari,” I said, diverting her attention. “We’re in Masai Mara, I thought we may as well add in a few touristy activities while we’re here. I always did want to learn how to take my enemies down on all fours.”

I grinned when she pushed me with her hands. “I’m going to strangle Flynn for telling you that!” Megan’s nose wrinkled up in annoyance. “He’s supposed to be on my side since I nearly got killed on his watch.”

“Come on.” I stood and lifted her by the ass. Her arms and legs wrapped around me as I wandered into the villa. If I’d been here alone, I would have booked into one of the venues with tents, but a dagger easily opened a tent, so bricks and mortar were a barrier for my enemies to overcome if they’d tracked me here. We’d worn fake glasses at the airport, but that didn’t fool the facial recognition programmes on the computers if anyone was searching for us.

Megan was the ultimate tourist the next day, taking photographs of the scenery and animals and asking questions. She grabbed me and pointed when she saw lions, tugging at my arm. Her excitement was infectious, her enthusiasm refreshing, and I relaxed for a few hours and allowed myself to be something I had never been before.

Normal.

Grampa claimed an heir and honed him into a weapon. Xavier and Ash came from the same world as me, and we were taught to take what we wanted because we had the wealth to pay for whatever we craved. Megan taught me to enjoy the simple pleasures in life that were free because they were given through love.

She snapped photos of us with scenery and wildlife behind us, never once trying to make herself the centre of attention like society women in search of a rich husband. This safari changed my life because I finally realised what I wanted, and it wasn’t revenge and hatred. Xavier fiercely defended Cassandra and their unborn child. Could I dare to wish for the same for myself?

“Thank you so much. We really enjoyed the safari, and were delighted to have spotted all of the Big Five.” Megan chatted to the tour guide back at the resort. The man wore a smile that said she’d bewitched him with her natural charm.

She turned to talk to another woman who had been on the tour with us.

“You’re a lucky man,” the tour guide said, nodding in Megan’s direction. “Her beauty isn’t just on the outside and that’s rare.” He patted my shoulder and walked into the main reception.

She spread beauty wherever she went. It was the reason her clients loved her. She didn’t just do a job. She cared.

I wandered over to her, my hand finding hers, and she glanced up and smiled. “This is my husband, James. He always knew I’d wanted to go on safari and booked our honeymoon here.”

The other woman smiled and said something in reply, but I wasn’t paying attention.

“Are we free for dinner tonight?” Megan asked, her brow wrinkled in a frown.

“Unfortunately not. We have other plans and then we’re travelling south tomorrow.”

“I’m so sorry, but it was lovely meeting you.” Megan waved at the woman as I tugged her away. “What are we doing tonight?”

“I’m doing you,” I replied with a salacious grin and lifted her around the waist with my arm.

She squealed, her arms snaking around my neck so she could cling to me. “I don’t think Daphne would want to join in. She seems a little reserved.”

“I didn’t invite her,” I quipped. “She seems a very pleasant woman, but I prefer a vixen in the bedroom.”

I set Megan down and we walked through the reserve together. “I need to buy gifts for Cassandra and they had the cutest babygrows in the main reception of the hotel.” She stopped. “I suppose I should buy Gargamel a present since she’s been reorganising my schedule.”

I rolled my eyes at her. “That’s her job.”

“I know, but she always hates me. Why does she hate me?”

I pressed the tip of my finger to her nose. “Because you are a happy little Smurf and she’s Gargamel.” I’d heard her saying it so many times that I couldn’t help my response.

“Exactly!” Megan nodded as if she’d just won an argument. “And Gargamel just wants to spoil the happiness of the Smurfs.”

Maybe I should have a quick look into Kerri’s past and find out what her problem really was? A blonde probably stole her boyfriend when she was in school. She never frowned or complained around anyone else except Megan no matter how much she did for her or how nice she was to her. Some people were just miserable and wanted to drag others down to their level.

I typed on my phone and watched Megan out of the corner of my eye as she lifted touristy tat that no one ever wanted but felt compelled to buy. I was sure that Xavier would be somewhat bewildered by the baby outfits that made his spawn into a creature from our safari.

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