Page 110 of Sweet Poison

I edge closer, my heart pounding. As my fingers brush the surface of the water, a ripple cascades outward, and I gasp again. The sensation is cool and invigorating, sending a thrill up my spine. “This is unbelievable. It’s like a hidden paradise!” I exclaim, turning to Cianne and Lincoln, my eyes wide with wonder. “Uncle are you seeing all this?”

“I see it, sweetheart,” Cianne adds, his voice filled with awe. “Madden really knows the way to your heart.”

He sure does…

I look around, absorbing every detail. Blue butterflies flutter overhead, occasionally dipping low to skim the water’s surface. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting a magical glow on the lagoon, and I can hardly believe I’m standing here, in a place that feels so alive and vibrant.

“This can’t be real,” I sign, shaking my head in disbelief. “It’s too perfect.”

Lincoln steps beside me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He signs, “Dive in,” while saying the words aloud, his enthusiasm infectious.

I glance back at the lagoon, the water inviting me with its shimmering surface. My heart races with anticipation. “Can I really?”

He nods, encouragingly, the corner of his mouth quirks up in a smile. “Yeah! It’s the best way to experience this place.”

With a burst of exhilaration, I quickly slip off my cover-up over my bikini, letting it drop to the ground. I glance back at Lincoln and Cianne, both encouraging me with soft smiles, and then I dive into the lagoon, the warm water welcoming me with open arms.

As I surface, I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, and I can't help but laugh, feeling completely free. I swim toward the edges, where vibrant flowers bloom, their petals bright against the turquoise water. I splash around, letting the water envelop me, and then I stand, my feet sinking into the soft, sandy bottom.

I look up at the sun and let it soak my skin loving the warmth on my skin.

I twirl around, dancing in the shallows, my arms stretched wide as I spin and kick, sending droplets of water flying. The colorful flowers sway gently with the movement, and I feel like right now I'm part of something truly magical. Above me the butterflies fly above as I splash water happily.

Uncle Cianne’s voice cuts through my silent laughter. I turn to see him holding up my phone, a mischievous smirk on his face. “Prince Charming is calling, sweetheart!”

I pause mid-dance, raising an eyebrow as I splash toward him, water glistening on my skin. “Madden is calling?” I ask, a grin breaking across my face. The thought of Madden always brings a flutter to my stomach especially after he did all of this for me— for my mom.

Uncle Cianne nods, still grinning, and gestures for me to come closer. I wade through the water, and take the phone from him.

I swipe to accept the video call, and suddenly, Madden’s face fills the screen. He looks genuinely happy to see me, his smile warm and bright. “Wild One,” he says, his voice laced with tender affection.

He looks so handsome that I can’t help but blush.

But then his eyes drift down, and I see the moment his expression shifts. They narrow slightly, and a frown begins to form on his lips. I follow his gaze and realize my bikini top has caught his attention.

“Madden?” I ask, a teasing smile playing on my lips. “What’s wrong?”

He tries to mask his irritation, but I can see the grumpiness creeping in. “You’re in a lagoon… in a hot as fuck bikini. Are the nuisance and your uncle close?” he replies, crossing his arms looking all grumpy and sexy.

I turn the phone toward my uncle and Lincoln, and I whisper so only he is able to hear. “Be nice.”

“No.” he grumbles, making me laugh. I turn the phone towards me again and smile.

“For me?”

“Fine.”

I smile wide as he agrees to be nice to others for me.

I feel emotion bubbling inside as I think of everything he's done for me and now to find out about what he did for my mother it just makes me feel like I was right all along. Madden has a heart that is too big for his chest. “You’re the most wonderful man. What you did for my mom… it was beautiful.”

His expression shifts, a hint of surprise in his eyes. “Lincoln has a big mouth.”

I notice Lincoln rolling his eyes and I smile, I cut him off, needing him to know this. “She would love this place. I can almost see her here, laughing and dancing among the flowers. You made this happen, and it means the world to me.”

“Good because you mean the world to me, baby,” he replies, his tone tender.

I melt at his words and start to feel all gooey inside.

---