Page 78 of Depraved Truths

The man who broke into my house remains an enigma, his identity still a mystery that haunts me. The case has gone unsolved. A flicker of uncertainty remains, yet I hold onto the hope one day the truth will surface, and the pieces will finally fall into place.

Despite all the heaviness, Eli and I continue to grow closer—soulmates—we were destined to be, even when we didn’t believe in it ourselves. We’re leaving soon to go to the local home department store. I have a few more white rose bushes that need to be planted.

Three Months Later

Rolling onto my back, I let the sun’s warmth soak into my skin, the soft cushions of the lounge chair molding perfectly to my body. A gentle breeze plays with my hair. Utter bliss washes over me as I listen to the waves, their soft hiss and powerful roar weaving a symphony along the sandy shore.

A shadow falls across me, and I squint up to see Eli’s silhouette against the bright light. Saltwater drips from his hair, trailing down his tanned chest and defined abs. My gaze traces the sharp v-line that vanishes beneath his swim trunks.

Eli smirks, a self-satisfied glint in his eyes as I lick my lips nervously. “See something you like, baby?”

“Maybe.”

He feigns a wounded look before a wicked grin stretches across his face. In the next instant, he hauls me up and over his shoulders.

Squealing as he tilted me upside down, I gasp, “Eli!” I playfully punch his ribs as he strides toward the water, undeterred, and then—without warning—tosses me in. I sputter as I surface, cool water dripping from my soaked hair.

Laughing, he pulls me close and presses his lips to mine before moving to nip at my earlobe. “Have I told you how amazing you look in this bikini?”

“No, I don’t think you have,” I tease, slipping from his grasp. “Race you to the sandbar!”

Before he can respond, I dive into the waves. With strong, smooth strokes, I swim as fast as I can, but I sense Eli gaining on me—then, effortlessly, he slips past.

Emerging from the water, I shoot him a glare, and he just grins. I’m competitive, and I hate losing.

Moving closer, he murmurs, “Don’t pout, baby. It’s okay for me to be better than you at something.”

Nestling into him, I wrap my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist. “I know a lot of things you excel at.”

I lean in, tracing the outline of his lower lip before biting down gently. His tongue flicks out to meet mine, and they tangle together in a slow, intoxicating dance until we’re both gasping for air.

“We’d better stop,” he says, voice husky, “or I’m going to take you right here, right now, in front of all these guests.”

His expression burns with longing, a deeper emotion flickering beneath it. I feel the hardness of his arousal pressing against me, and though I ache to let him make good on his promise, I’d rather not traumatize the other patrons scattered along the pristine white sand.

Surveying our surroundings, I sigh. “I suppose you’re right.” I rest my forehead against his, willing my racing heart—and the insistent throbbing in my core—to settle.

He rubs slow circles over the small of my back, then meets my gaze with intensity. “I love you, Tessa. Forever and always.”

“I love you, too, Eli.” And I do. More than I ever thought I could love someone. He is a part of my soul now. Without him, I’d be a broken mess.

We head back to shore, and once the water becomes shallow enough, I reach for his hand. Fingers intertwined, we make our way to the lounge chairs.

Settling back, I catch sight of a young family nearby. A little girl and her toddler brother are playing in the sand, giggling as they build a lopsided castle.

“Mommy, look!” the girl calls as their mother, watching with a soft smile, praises their work.

The boy squeals with excitement. “Daddy, Daddy!” He is covered in sand from head to toe as he runs to his father, who is glued to his phone. The child launches himself into the man’s lap.

“John! Look what you did,” the man barks, roughly shoving the boy into his wife’s arms as he scrambles to save his phone, cursing like a sailor. The child’s eyes well with tears as he clings to his mother.

“Henry, you scared him,” she says, her voice wavering. “He’s just a child.”

The man’s face twists with anger and disgust as he leans in close to her. “I’ve told you to handle the kids. Now look at me. I’m covered in sand, and so is my phone. Fuck. I’m going back to the room. Be ready for dinner in an hour. I have a client to meet.”

“I—I’m sorry,” she stammers out. “Of course. We’ll be up soon.” She quickly averts her gaze as he stomps away, heading toward the hotel.

A slow rage boils inside me, and I’m halfway out of the lounger when Eli’s hand clamps around my arm, pulling me back. I shoot him an exasperated look, but he leans in, whispering, “We don’t know the full situation yet. Don’t jump to conclusions, Tess. There are witnesses.”

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