Page 78 of Death

Dress for a walk on the beach.

Crap. No sneakers and socks. Unless I take them off.

Wanting to look pretty, I dig through the clothes until cream fabric with large, tan-colored leaves catches my eye. The pantsare high-waisted and flare wide around the legs, and there’s a matching cropped top.

I set the mug down on the dressing table and quickly change into the outfit. The top has thin straps, so I’ll have to go braless for the day.

Walking to the mirror, I check my reflection. The pants cover the scars on my ankles, making me feel brave enough to wear sandals.

I gather my hair and tie the strands in a ponytail, so it won’t blow in my face during the walk.

Standing in the middle of the room, I glance around me. “Okay. I’m ready.” I pat my hand against the chain around my neck, checking that the ring is still there as I leave the room.

Halfway to the kitchen, I remember my cup of coffee. As I turn around to get it, Santiago comes out of his room. He’s wearing light brown pants and a white button-up shirt.

He glances up from where he’s done rolling up a sleeve, then a grin tugs at his mouth. “Wow. That’s officially my favorite outfit on you. Well, besides your pajamas.”

The compliment gives me a self-esteem boost and makes me feel pretty.

When he holds out his hand, I don’t hesitate to take it. Excitement fills me as we leave the house, and in this moment, I feel a little like the woman I used to be.

After I had a nightmare of running through the field with the chain rattling and Nolan shouting my name, I was scared out of my mind, and the memories threatened to drag me under. But then Santiago held me, and his presence alone was enough to ease the fear in me.

He's become the only thing standing between me and the world.

As we follow a path, the birds chirping in the trees pull me out of my thoughts, and I glance around at the beautiful nature.

Something catches my eye, and seeing a round black table with a gift on it, more excitement pours through me.

“What do we have here?” Santiago says as he pulls me closer to the table. “Mhh…looks like a gift for you.”

A wide smile spreads around my mouth, my gaze darting between his face and the box wrapped in shiny gold paper.

“Open it,” he encourages me while letting go of my hand.

I step closer, and picking up the gift, I carefully peel the tape off before removing the paper. The box is made of black velvet, and when I lift the lid, the smile drops from my face.

I stare at the teardrop diamond earrings, an intense emotion filling my heart.

Santiago steps closer, and picking up one, he lifts it to my ear and gently puts it on for me. He does the same with the other earring, then takes a step back to look at me.

“Perfect,” he murmurs.

I close the distance between us, and placing my hand on his shoulder, I lift onto my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you so much. They’re beautiful.”

His hand grips my hip, and he gives me a squeeze. “Not half as beautiful as you.”

Feeling flattered, I step back.

He takes the box from me and places it on the table, saying, “It will be taken to your room. Come, there’s still a lot to see.”

I hook my arm through his and lift my other hand to my earlobe to touch the diamond.

They match the ring.

The smile is glued to my face as we wander down the path, and when we walk around a bend, there’s another table with a gift.

“Santiago,” I gasp, my eyes flying to his face. “You didn’t have to.”

---