Page 82 of Sweet Poison

“I’m safe with him,” I blurt out before I even think.

Uncle’s grin widens. “I know you are, Willow. But I’m still your uncle, and he’s still got a dick.” He winks and heads off to get dressed.

He’s always given me more space than my other uncles— or even dad—ever would, but I know he’s always been closed by, watching over me without me even realizing it. That’s just how my uncle is, and I appreciate it more than he knows.

With a smile on my face, I turn and head off in search of my sweet, dark Romeo.

I wanderthrough the resort’s garden, looking at all the tropical Christmas decorations. Strings of twinkling lights drape like stars caught in the palms, and oversized ornaments sway gently in the ocean breeze.

I’m still in awe that this paradise belongs to Madden. Pride swells in my chest for all he’s accomplished, for everything he’s built.

I scan the garden, searching for him, but I don’t see him—only a few other guests, lost in their own holiday activities.

As I walk deeper into the garden, the sounds of laughter and soft holiday music fill the air, mingling with the scent of fresh blooms.

I pause for a moment, hoping to catch sight of him, but there’s still no sign. A small twinge of disappointment tugs at my heart as I move deeper into the garden, where the laughter of the guests fades, and the world becomes quiet.

Then, as I round a corner, I find it—a secluded nook, glowing softly with fairy lights.

Suddenly, without warning, a cascade of bubbles bursts from hidden machines nearby, filling the air with shimmering orbs that dance and float around me. I burst into laughter, completely surprised by the magic of it all. The bubbles catch the lights, sparkling like round stars, and I spin in delight, reaching out to pop a few as my laughter rings through the quiet garden.

As I twirl among the bubbles, a sense of wonder fills me. What is going on? Who did this? Did he…? I pause, breathless, and look around. That’s when I see him. Madden stands a few paces away, leaning casually against a palm tree, his black eyes locked on me and a soft smile on his lips.

My heart gallops in my chest as I take him in. He’s so handsome that at times it hurts to look at him.

He’s standing there, looking like every woman’s fantasy and my wildest dream. His tailored black shirt and gray slacks fit him just right. He’s honestly the sexiest man alive but what makes him more charming to me is the way he’s looking at me as if he’s never seen a more beautiful sight.

I can feel the warmth and tender gaze wash over me.

“Are you happy?” he asks, his voice steady and soft. Butterflies stir in my stomach, fluttering wildly as I search for words. The garden, the music, everything else seems to disappear, leaving just the two of us, suspended in this single, perfect and magical moment.

I manage a soft whisper, “Yes.”

The word feels small, but it holds everything— everything I feel down in my soul for this man. A flicker of relief crosses his face, and he smiles.

“Good,” he says, and before I can fully grasp what’s happening, he pulls me into his strong arms and kisses me senseless.

I kiss him back with the same intensity wanting him to know just how much I really want him—want this.

Us.

He swallows my moans as I melt into the kiss, feeling like I don’t ever want to find out the taste of someone else’s lips. Only ever his.

The butterflies take over my stomach as his kiss turns wild while everything else stays in the background of this moment and it’s just us.

Willow and Madden like it was always supposed to be.

When pulls back, his breath feels warm against my skin, and my heart still races. He reaches behind him and, with a cocky smile, reveals a flower crown made of wildflowers. It’s beautifuland…perfect. My heart goes crazy as if wanting to escape my body and fall at his feet as he gently places the flower crown on my head.

I swallow nervously as I look up at him, overwhelmed with emotions. “Are you happy, Madden?”

He looks thoughtful for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly, and my breath catches in my throat. But then, his black eyes meet my blue ones, and I know the answer without him having to tell me.

But he still does.

“With you, I am.” he replies, his gaze locking onto mine. “With you, I’m always fucking happy, fairy.”

“Magic…” I whisper, almost to myself.

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