Page 31 of Tainted Tempos

Over the past few days, we’ve eaten breakfast on our balcony overlooking the beach.

Mckenna hesitates by the door, and I pause, watching her. While things have been good, she’s been a touch skittish. Unsure. I hate seeing her struggle, especially when her vibrant confidence seemed unshakeable a few weeks ago.

But it all came crashing down when her mind caught up with her. When she recalled Branson’s actions with perfect clarity. Remembering that night, in its entirety, has affected her in other ways. It’s made her question her trust in herself.

That makes me hurt for my girl.

“Do you want to have breakfast at the restaurant this morning?” Her voice is steady, but I hear the hope threading through it. While we’ve stayed mostly out of the public eye, with Mckenna keeping to herself to avoid being photographed, it seems she’s ready to resume some aspects of her life. She’s dipping her toe back in.

I smirk. Does she think I’d deny her anything? “I’d love to if you’re up for it.”

“I am.” She squares her shoulders.

“Great. Get dressed, and I’ll call down for a table.”

She beams, and my chest tightens. Is that all she needs? Someone to support and love her and want to spend time with her?

Thanks for believing me, Mav.

She’s gonna break my goddamn heart.

I give Mckenna time to dress while I reserve a table. When she’s ready, stunning in a wrap dress that hugs her curves and causes my mouth to drop open, I take her hand and lead her out of our suite.

We’re seated at a little table beside the beach, and Mckenna looks relaxed. Vibrant. Happy.

“Tell me more about our adventure.” She plucks up a menu.

“Well, the Jeep is picking us up in an hour,” I murmur off-handedly.

Mckenna beams. “And then?”

I grin, her zest for adventure infectious. It’s so out of character for her usual, type A, studious persona that I love learning about her carefree side. The girl who throws caution to the wind. The woman who loves the outdoors. The heart that gets mesmerized by the stars and sea.

Allegra told me there’s more to Mckenna than meets the eye. I’m finally seeing her depth, and it’s everything. An entire cosmic shift.

“It’s a surprise.” I tap the tip of her nose.

“Okay. I’m turning off my mind that needs to know our full itinerary and letting you lead the way.”

There she is. My little organizer. “I got you, Mckenna. I promise today is going to be epic.”

She nods as a server approaches our table. “I know, Mav. I trust you.”

Whenever she confides in me, I feel a kick behind my breastplate. My chest squeezes and my organs shift, until my heart feels too big for the space it’s allotted.

Is she saying it for my benefit? Because she needs to believe it?

Or because it’s a simple truth.

She trusts me. I believe in her. And we’re together.

God, I don’t ever want to leave the Azores. Not when I can have this honest, beautiful, carefree side of Mckenna with me. Not when I can keep her safe, protected, and away from the man who hurt her.

Not when I can be the man who makes her laugh, plans our days, and holds her at night.

Not when our marriage can be this good. Feel this right.

NINE

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