Page 116 of Sweet Poison

This man is so sweet.How did I get so lucky?

The whole setup is so magical, it feels like a dream—a dream he’s made come true just for me

Madden straightens up, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. The ocean hums softly behind him, and I can’t help but think how perfectly he belongs in this moment.

He’s a dream come true.

My dream.

“Baby,” he says, his voice rough and smooth, pulling me closer. “You came.”

Of course, I did, sweet grinch.

“You came back,” I whisper in awe. A smile spreads across my face, and I feel a shiver of anticipation as I take another step toward him.

“Of course, I did,” he says, frowning as if my words bother him. “You’re mine.”

I bite my lip, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips, my heart soaring at the weight of his words.

He steps closer, his gaze intense, making my heart beat wildly. Without a word, he kneels before me, his hands slipping beneath my heels, gently taking them off. The cool sand greets my bare feet, sending a thrill through my body, and for a moment, I feel like we’re in our own little world where nothing and no one can touch us.

When he rises, a smirk tugs at the corner of his full lips. Before I can react, he pulls me toward him, his fingers cradling the back of my neck, and leans down to kiss me. Time stands still. His kiss—his love—his devotion. I feel it all the way down to my bones.

His kiss ignites a spark that feels as though it could light the whole beach on fire. When Madden pulls back, his eyes linger on mine, and I’m unable to catch my breath, my heart racing in my chest.

“You’re so beautiful, Willow and this dress… fuck,” he says, his voice low, sending a flutter through my heart. “I can’t wait to get it off you.”

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can, he lifts me off the ground with ease, his arms strong around my waist as he carries me toward the table. I hold onto his shoulders, still feeling butterflies in my stomach. The soft breeze tousles my hair, and for a moment, I feel weightless. That’s what it’s like in his arms—like flying, soaring high on cloud nine.

When we reach the table, Madden gently sets me down, helping me into my seat. The soft linen of the tablecloth brushesagainst my skin, and I look around, trying to see if there are any more people here to join us. “Why such a big table, Madden? Will more people be joining us?”

He settles across from me, his eyes sparkling making my heart flip. “Not yet.”

Not yet?

Just as I’m about to speak, a group of waiters appear, gliding over with trays of drinks and appetizers that smell divine and it makes my belly grumble.

“Happy New Year’s Eve!” one of them chimes, placing a cocktail in front of me. The drink is a beautiful mix, garnished with slices of apples, oranges and a tiny yellow umbrella perched on top. It makes me smile. Madden raises his glass, and I follow suit, clinking it lightly against his.

“Cheers to many nights like this one with you, my fairy,” he whispers, his gaze tender, yet intense, falling on me as if I’m as if I’m the only thing that matters.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

“Cheers, my sweet grinch,” I say, raising my glass.

He rolls his eyes playfully at my nickname for him and smiles.

Waiters begin to serve an array of appetizers, each one more tempting than the last. Tiny tartlets filled with creamy goat cheese and herbs, roasted vegetable skewers glazed with balsamic, and delicate spring rolls stuffed with fresh greens and creamy avocado.

My stomach grumbles, and I swear Madden hears because his smile widens. Without missing a beat, he reaches for a spring roll and feeds it to me.

Now, I used to cringe at the thought of grown people feeding each other, but with Madden, I can’t help but melt at the gesture.

The flavors explode in my mouth with each bite, and I beam at him. “So tasty!” I exclaim, savoring the creamy avocado and crisp greens. “But why no meats?”

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