I can’t see her eyes behind the big sunglasses, but a smile curves her lips as she catches my drift. “It does. I think it’s going to be a scorcher.”

“Mercedes.” Judge’s voice is a low growl in my ear that I ignore.

“I could almost use a dip.” I lean into him and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek before I’m up on my feet.

I can hear his muttered curse from under his breath as I walk toward the swim deck, unknotting my sarong and letting it fall away. Underneath, I’m wearing a black bikini. The result of a lot of time in the aerial studio. My body probably won’t ever be the same, considering I have hips and an ass now, but I’m happy in my skin, scars and all, and nothing can take that away.

“Hey, Philippe.” I wave up at the deckhand with a dazzling smile.

“Hello, Mrs. Montgomery.” He dips his head politely, but his gaze lingers for a minute.

That’s about the time an arm catches me around the waist, and I let out a squeak of feigned surprise.

“What are you doing, little monster?” Judge whispers in that low voice full of dark promises.

“What?” I return innocently.

“You know what.” He slaps my ass in front of everyone, and heat flushes my cheeks.

“I don’t know. I rather like seeing you this way.” I turn his earlier words around on him.

He offers me a devilish grin, sliding his tongue over his teeth. “Is that so?”

I nod.

“Well, in that case…” He scoops me up over his shoulder, and I squeal for real this time as he carries me off caveman style toward our room. “I think it’s time to remind you who you belong to, Mrs. Montgomery.”

A secret smile curves my face as I bob up and down, waving goodbye to the laughing faces at the breakfast table. “As if I could ever forget.”

What to read next

Requiem of the Soul

Requiem of the Soul is the first book set in the world of The Society. If you enjoyed this book and are new to The Society, you can continue your journey here.

Welcome to The Society…

The lace of my dress scratches my skin. I shiver. It’s cold, a wet cold as soft mist turns to rain. Rain on your wedding day is good luck, right? Isn’t that what they say?

Candles protected inside glass lanterns line the stairs leading up to the double front doors. I stare up at them, remembering the last time I stood here. It’s been a while.

The doors are opened. Organ music and incense pour out.

I close my eyes, listening to the sound, and take a deep breath. The scent and sound combined are dizzying.