My eyes widen in horror. “What the hell are you doing? Stop it!” I cry as my eyes flicker between the two of them; they grip each other by the shirt.

Ben pushes Brock off him and he goes flying back.

“You fucking married her?” Brock screams in outrage. “You married her without her family knowing??”

My face falls. “Brock.”

Ben’s chest rises and falls as he sucks in air. His eyes hold Brock’s and his face falls with disappointment at what Brock just said.

“What… you…?” Brock screws up his face. “You just thought you would sneak it in after being back for two fucking minutes?”

The boys come running out of their house to see what the commotion is all about. “What’s going on?” Ethan calls.

“Go inside,” Ben calls.

“I can’t fucking believe you,” Brock sneers.

Ben keeps his eyes firmly on Brock. “Bridget. Go inside,” he commands.

Oh, no. “Stop it. Stop it, the both of you.”

“Go inside!” Ben yells.

“Don’t you speak to her like that,” Brock sneers.

Ben glares at him. “I’ll do whatever I want with my wife, and you’ll have no fucking say in it.”

My eyes widen. “Ben, cut it out!” I cry. “Stop it! The both of you.”

Brock walks up to Ben so that their noses are almost touching. “Say that again, prick.”

“Stop. Stop it now!” I push my way in between them, and I face Brock. “Brock, this was me. I’m the one who wanted to get married. I pushed for it, not the other way around.” I turn to Ben. “Why did you tell him? I told you not to tell anyone.”

“I’m not going to lie to him, Bridget,” Ben growls, and he takes one long last look at the two of us, and then storms inside. The door slams with a loud bang.

Brock is so mad—furious—and the other boys all watch on for a moment to make sure Ben has stayed inside. Eventually, though, they disappear inside.

Brock’s angry eyes turn to me. “You got fucking married?” I can hear the hurt in his voice.

My eyes fill with tears. This is not the way I wanted him to find out.

Damn, Ben.

“Let’s go for a walk down to the ledge.” I sigh.

His eyes hold mine and I link my arm through his. “Come on. Please.” I pull him.

We walk over to the back of the pool area and open the metal gate. We head down the stone steps that hug the cliff. There is a natural rock ledge about the size of a tennis court. It has an antique handrail and three large trees. There are a few day beds down here, too. It’s peaceful, and one of my favourite places on Earth. Our own personal lookout to Heaven.

We get to the bottom and he leans on the handrail, looking out to sea. I do the same beside him.

I exhale heavily and frown as I try to articulate my wording. “Have you ever had a sense of urgency about something that…” My voice trails off.

“That what?”

“That doesn’t make logical sense, but makes you so happy you can’t stop yourself?”

He looks at me flatly.

“I’m going to tell you exactly how it happened. It wasn’t planned, and I never expected it… but I’m so happy that it did.”

He rolls his eyes.

“Ben and I are in love. You know that bit.”

His eyes hold mine.

I shake my head. “Like, so in love, Brock. So in love that nothing else matters. He’s not like us. He’s… damaged.”

A frown crosses his face.

“How much do you know about Ben’s childhood?”

He pauses for a moment. “Not much.”

“I’m going to tell you something, because I want you to understand why I did it. And I want you to know how much it meant to me to be able to do it the way I did.”

He purses his lips and rolls his eyes. “Go on.”

“Ben is a twin.”

He frowns.

“His twin sister, Meika, was murdered when he was twelve.”

He listens.

“His father committed suicide a year later, and his mother enrolled him in the army when he was fifteen, because she was dying of cancer.”

He drops his head, already affected by the story.

“Ben’s never had a home, Brock.”

His eyes meet mine.

“He’s never celebrated his birthday since the day his sister died. He said that if Meika doesn’t get a birthday, neither does he.”

He frowns, because he and I are very close, and I know he gets that sibling bond.

“I found out it was Ben’s birthday and I wanted to give him something wonderful to celebrate on that day every year. Myself. So I took him to New York and we went to the top of the Empire State Building, and I asked him to marry me.”

He frowns.

“He said no at first. I had to talk him into it.”

I grab his hand in mine as my eyes search his.

“We were going to tell you that we got engaged, and then have a wedding at home for everyone.”

He drops his head again.

“I don’t know why he just told you the way that he did, but I’m fucking furious with him. That wasn’t his place to tell you,” I murmur.

“He can’t lie,” he replies flatly. “It’s not in his DNA.”

“I was going to marry Ben anyway, Brock.” I smile. “And then have the big reception with everyone.”

His sad eyes hold mine. “I feel cheated. I wanted to be at your wedding.”

I smile through tears. “And you will be, because nobody will even know about our first wedding. It was an intimate thing that I wanted to give my husband. I wanted to do it alone with him, because he was alone.”

I wipe a tear as it breaks the dam. “This is something special between him and me, and I just wanted the two of us there.”

He watches me and exhales deeply.

“I would have probably told you anyway.” I sigh as I turn back to look over the sea.

He bumps me with his shoulder and I bump him back.

“When you meet the one, Brock, you’ll understand.”

He stares out to sea. “What about all this crap? How do you feel about it?”

I shrug. “I’m not sure, to be honest. They tried to kill Ben in Prague, and then he was sent some information with a code on it from that diplomat who got murdered. He’s been dragged into it. You know he would never have come back for me if he knew this was going to happen.”

His eyes flash to mine.

“He hates that I’m caught up in this, and he’s frantic with worry that something is going to happen to me,” I continue. “He’s acting like he’s fine, but he’s hardly slept since the threat came through. I need you to help him.”

He frowns as he watches me.

“He’s terrified that something is going to happen to me,” I whisper.

He puts his arm around me and kisses my forehead. “It won’t,” he murmurs. “We’ll make sure of it.”

“Can you just go and make up with him, please?” I plead. “For me?” I jig on the spot. “You know what he’s like. He’ll be upset with the thought that you didn’t want me to marry him. He’s a deep-thinker.”

“It’s not about you marrying him, Bridget. I love Ben. He’s the one I would want you with. It’s the way you fucking did it on the sly.”

“I know that. But he doesn’t.”

“He shits me.” He sighs.

I smile sadly. “He shits me, too.” I exhale heavily. “I’m so angry with him for telling you like that.”

“I asked him straight out because I knew he wouldn’t lie to me.”

I roll my eyes. “Fucking Buzz Lightyear, goody-two-shoes.”

He smiles, and shakes his head. “Come on, let’s go.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and we walk back toward the steps.

“Brock, can you do me a favour?”

“What’s that?”

“Can you not say anything about Ben’s childhood to anyone, please? Just let him tell you in his own time.”

“Yeah, I guess.” He sighs as we start to walk up the stone steps.

“And can you do me another favour?” I ask.

“What now?” He sighs as he turns back toward me.

I smile up at him. “Can you give me away at my wedding?”

His eyes twinkle in delight. “If I’m not busy that day.”

I punch him in the stomach and he laughs.

“You know I will.” He smiles. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

We hug and I smile against his chest. Even with his alpha, controlling ways, I love my brother dearly.

We make our way back into the house. Ben is sitting at the table and stands as we walk in.

My heart hammers in my chest. I hold my breath as Brock walks in behind me.

Their eyes lock.

“You fucking look after her or I’ll kill you,” Brock growls.

“With my life,” Ben replies coldly.

They stare at each other for a moment, in some kind of silent stand-off, and then finally Brock puts out his hand. “Welcome to the family.”

Ben smirks, and shakes Brock’s hand, and I exhale in relief.

I need a stiff drink.

There is way too much testosterone in this room.

The sun’s rays beam down on me and I smile up at the sky. We have been in paradise for three days, but I’m starting to get cabin fever. The boys have been going into town one at a time. Brock had the duty of buying me clothes, so my entire wardrobe consists of sarongs all in different colours. Oh, and he bought me two bikinis.

Ben won’t let me leave the compound at all. In fact, he hardly lets me out of his sight. Their guns are everywhere in the house, and the worse part is, I’m beginning to get used to it. The boys are all getting along famously and talking about contingency plans, conspiracy theories, and what they’re going to do if something does go down. I honestly thought this would all be over by now.

Joshua nearly has the code cracked and can read parts of it, but not the entire thing. I think he must be really worried, because he’s calling us three times a day.

HQ has been in constant contact, but the two men in question have had their microchips removed, so we have no idea where they are. And I’m quite sure they don’t know where we are, either.

I lie on a towel on the ground as I sunbathe and read on my phone. Ethan and Matt are playing ball in the pool. I smile as I watch them. They are both hilarious, and so hot.

Abbie would give her left arm to be here with them. Jed is sitting with Ben and Brock on the deckchairs as they talk quietly amongst themselves about war stories or something boring. Jed is a lot like Brock and Ben: strong and quiet.

I was surprised when, this morning at breakfast, Brock offered the three of them jobs at his firm Marx Security, back home in Australia.

They were all really interested. I don’t know what will happen when their contracts with the army are up.

Every now and then I look up to see Ben watching me with hunger in his eyes. It’s as if he can barely keep his distance throughout the days.

We just want to be alone.

I pick up my coconut oil sunscreen and reapply it. I glance over and Ben is watching, transfixed. I smile sexily.

I know what he’s thinking. I know that look.

As if it’s too much, he gets up and walks into the house, and I smile to myself and lie back in the sun. Minutes later my phone vibrates with a text and I check it. It’s from Ben.

I smirk and glance up at the large window just in front of us. It’s double- sided glass, so I can’t see in at all. But he can see out clearly.

Our bed is on the other side of that glass.

I’m going to have a little fun with you.

I pour the oil onto my hand and smear across my stomach and up over my breasts. I take my time and rub it in, knowing he’s watching me.

Is he touching himself?

Arousal starts to pump between my legs at the thought of it. I put more oil into my hands and then rub it into my chest area, and underneath my bikini top. I glance at the other boys, who are all oblivious, carrying on with whatever they’re doing. I drizzle the oil down over my legs and slowly rub it into each one. I can feel Ben’s eyes on me, and it’s fucking turning me on.

My phone beeps a text.

I inhale sharply. I’m married to a fucking god. I stand and another text bounces through.

My insides begin to melt. Oil means one thing and one thing only… and, God, I’ve been waiting for it. I pick up my towel and the oil and head inside.

I slowly open the bedroom door to find him on the bed, on his back, naked with nothing but an erection in his hand. Large towels are laid out across the sheets and pillows.

He has a plan.

“I had a two o’clock appointment,” I whisper.

His dark eyes hold mine, and he strokes his hard cock. “That’s right. Pants off. On my face.”

I look up to see our friends only feet away through the glass, unable to see us, and totally oblivious. It only amplifies the tension between us. This is so naughty.

It’s then I notice that the bed is pulled out slightly from the wall and I slip my bikini bottoms down. He holds out his hand and takes the oil from me, pouring some into his hand. He then taps the pillow next to his face.

“Put your knees here,” he commands.

I go to remove my top and he holds his hand up. “Leave it on.”

I realise that I’m playing out one of his fantasies right now. How many times has he imagined this?

I hold my breath as I walk over and put one knee of one side of his face and then the other on his other side.

“Lean over the headboard,” he whispers.

Holy shit, this is hot. I lean slightly forward and put my elbows onto the headboard. His breath quivers as he tries to control his desire, and he rubs oil into my behind and down over my back entrance. His hands slide up my back and down around my breasts, underneath my top.

Every touch is so intimate.

His lips dust over my sex and I lean forward just that bit more.

Taste me… taste me, I chant to myself.

He kisses my inner thigh and my eyes close. I glance back over my shoulder and see him flat on his back, knees slightly parted, and his thick cock hard up against his stomach.

He kisses my other thigh and then licks it. My sex clenches in anticipation.

“You have no idea how many times I’ve watched you across that pool and imagined this,” he purrs.

My eyes close. Just the sound of his deep voice with that accent could get me off. I rock forward again. I desperately need him to touch me. He gently kisses my sex, and I hold my breath as I lean forward onto my elbows.

God, just fucking touch me already.

His tongue gently swipes through my open lips and I sigh. He licks softly again and again, and I can’t breathe.

His hands are on my behind, guiding my hips to move over his face.

Back and forth, back and forth he rocks my body, his tongue going deeper and deeper.

“Don’t come,” he growls into me. His hands squeeze my ass cheeks as he uses force to push me down onto him.

He growls into me, as if losing control, and I begin to pant as my body starts to move on its own.

Oh, this is so fucking good. My mouth hangs open.

“Ben,” I moan as my hips rock. “Ben.” My head falls back and I let go of the headboard and sit up. “I need you deeper. Please,” I beg.

His eyes flicker with arousal that’s almost frightening, and he lifts me off him to lay me on my side, facing our friends.

I close my eyes as his lips drop to my neck. “Watch them,” he whispers darkly. “Feel me while you watch them.”

My sex clenches as he lifts himself snug behind me and slowly unties my bikini top, tossing it to the side. His lips drop to my neck and he bites me hard. I cry out, and then he rubs the oil into my breasts. He lifts my top leg over his forearm and his hard cock rubs between my cheeks.

“You know what I want?” he breathes against my neck. His breath dusts my ear and goose bumps scatter down my spine.

“Take it,” I pant.

He smiles against the side of my face. “I wasn’t asking for permission, angel.”

I smile as my eyes close.

He lines himself up at my back entrance. “Kiss me,” he breathes. I turn my head and kiss his beautiful lips as I taste my own arousal. He pushes forward and I wince in pain.

“Ouch,” I whimper.

“Kiss me,” he growls. His fingers drop to circle over my clitoris, and within moments I loosen up and he slides in deep.

Our kiss turns frantic and he pulls out, and then slides deep again.

Oh, God, this is so intimate. It’s too much.

He grabs the oil and pours it over the place our bodies meet, then throws it off the bed, losing control.

“I need this so fucking bad,” he breathes into my ear.

“So do I,” I pant as his open mouth slides up and down, over my neck and jawline.

He lifts my leg higher and begins to ride me. Long, deep pumps.

My eyes roll back into my head and the sound of our skin slapping together echoes around the room.

I look up and see his friends only feet away, oblivious to what he’s doing to my body, and that’s it… I can’t take it.

I lose control.

“Ben!” I cry out as my body contracts around his.

“Fuck,” he growls. “Fucking hell, Bridget,” he cries and I feel him quiver deep inside me. We move slowly, our bodies completely in sync as we ride out the waves of pleasure.

We are covered in perspiration. I smile against his face as he holds me close. “You’re a dirty man,” I whisper.

He kisses me. “That makes you Mrs. Dirty.”

The alarm echoes through the house.

“Fuck!” Ben snaps as he jumps up.

I sit up, half asleep, and glance at the clock next to the bed. It’s 2:00 a.m. He turns the light on and drags on a pair of shorts.

“Get dressed,” he barks as he grabs his gun from the side table.

I hear a door bang in the distance. Then another bang, as if something hits the wall. I grab my robe from the floor and the lights go out.

“What happened?” I whisper.

“The power’s been cut.”