Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87967 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 293(@300wpm)
I missed my mother. I missed her now more than ever, but I no longer carried around the irrational guilt that weighed me down. Finally, I mourned her like I should have all those years ago. Times like these, the moments I was alone, I could look back and remember her; her laugh and smile, her strength and devotion. Once I was able to let go of my remorse, I finally gave myself permission to remember her like she ought to be remembered.
“What are you doing up so early?” Daimon said groggily as he stood at the patio door. I looked over to see him wearing nothing but his PJ bottoms; his muscles lean and tight as he held onto the patio doorframe.
“Just sitting,” I said quietly. Daimon came out and sat next to me. “I wanted to see the sunrise.” I faintly smiled at him.
“Then I’ll watch it with you,” he said; his baritone voice was still raw.
“Daimon…” I said softly, watching the magnetic scenery of vivid greens of the trees, the vibrant blue of the ocean and the stunning gold of the half risen sun.
“What is it?” he asked.
“It’s because of you,” I said in a hushed voice, still hugging my knees and looking away from him.
“Me?”
“Yes you. You changed everything in my world. I know the reason why we got together is strange, but I’m glad it happened. Being with you, despite how cruel we were to each other, I’m happy it all happened the way it did. And to be honest, I’m almost guessing we’ll probably be just as cruel to each other in the future, which I’m happy about too. You came into my life and fixed everything without me noticing; with Sofia, my father, my mother and even the restaurant. You did it all. I’m sitting here now, seeing all this, experiencing everything because of you.” I held back the treacherous tears that begged to fall. “Thank you.” Those two simple words scorched my throat.
“Addie…” Daimon breathed but I stopped him.
“Daimon, you’ve changed my life and I know we married for our own reasons, we needed and used each other. I realized we couldn’t be here now without that. I just wanted you to understand that I’m so in love with you, despite you being an ass.” I laughed a little. “You are a beautiful man. You’re strong, protective and your love…it’s powerful and overwhelming, but I know I’m able to withstand it. ”
I looked over to see his face, his remarkable and stunning face. His chiseled cheeks and dark stubble, his long dark brown hair tousled to one side and his eyes almost the color of the ocean that lay at our feet. I let out a breath, losing the battle with my tears.
“I love you, Daimon Evans.”
Daimon’s face fell as he looked away from me. “I don’t deserve you or your praise,” he said quietly, his voice low and rough.
I released my arms from around my knees and stood up. I took two steps and knelt down before him. I reached up and gently caressed his stubbled cheek, turning him to face me. “You may not think you deserve it, but to me, you are my salvation.”
I rose up still on my knees and gently kissed his supple lips. I pulled him in close, smelling his scent, feeling his presence. My lips moving slowly and leisurely, as my tongue ever so gently grazed his. Daimon sighed as he kissed me. He pulled away taking my face into his. He gazed down at me, and said nothing as he kept caressing my face.
“You’re going to miss the sunrise,” he whispered as he lifted me up effortlessly and cradled me into his arms. We sat holding each other, watching the sun finally coming over the ridge of the mountain.
My Scar
“For fuck’s sake, Addie, we’ve been here for about a week and you still haven’t worn the bikini I got you, let alone any of the lingerie,” Daimon said as he sat at the breakfast table.
“I don’t swim, and well, I’m not going to be wearing the lingerie you bought me around the sights you’ve taken me,” I answered, rolling my eyes at him. I was hoping he hadn’t notice how much I avoided showing my scar on my back, but nothing and I mean nothing passed Daimon, ever.
“Fine, today we stay here. Today, you wear the bikini I bought you,” he ordered, crossing his arms as he looked across the table at me. “Daimon, it’s two pieces of string. You seriously can’t expect me to wear that?” I said anxiously.
“Get your sexy ass inside and get dressed. We’re spending the day by our beach area.” He pointed to the patio door.
“But, Daimon—”
“But nothing. Get in there, Addie.”
I groaned as I stood up and begrudgingly made my way to the bathroom with the two-string green bikini he’d bought me.