Aria pulled away from me with widened eyes. "What?"

I reached in my pocket and pulled out a sterling silver bracelet. There were three charms on it. The key and lock charms were silver as well, but the third charm, was a real diamond cut into the shape of a heart. "I love you," I said again while dropping the bracelet in her hands.

Her large eyes peered into mine.

"I'm certain of it," I reassured. "You fascinate me everyday, pretty girl. You can handle every situation that comes your way with ease and you've always got my back. I admire your bravery. I love you."

Aria looked from the bracelet and back up to me while I spoke. She was quiet, she was shocked.

"I appreciate you a lot," I continued. "You keep me grounded and... calm, even when I'm about to snap. Today alone... You've been flawlessly saving the day," I eyed her as she blushed and looked down at the bracelet in her hands. "You're my girl, I love you so much," I said with awe.

It felt like ages before she made a single sound.

My thumbs traced little circles on her leg while I waited for a response. I should be nervous, but I wasn't.

"I love you too," She whispered with rose colored cheeks and a timid smile. Her eyes were beaming, more vibrant than usual.

"Yeah?" I smiled, reached over and held the sides of her face and neck. I brought her into a kiss which she didn't hesitate to return. I kissed her multiple times over before I let her face go. She was smiling, as usual.

"Wow," She cooed while holding the bracelet in her hands. "This is beautiful. Put it on me?" She asked and let the bracelet dangle over her wrist. I wrapped it around her and fastened the clasp before she snatched her hand away again to admire it again.

"I hope you like it," I played with the lock charm before dropping my hand.

"This is the best gift I've ever gotten," She said with a fascinating smile. "I love it. I love you."

I was loved back.

It was a better high than any drug I've ever taken. A feeling I haven't truly felt since a child.

"I'm glad," I murmured quietly.

"Elias Kingsley, falling in love, hm?" She smirked while looking up to me from her eyelashes. "Who would've thought."

I chuckled. Certainly not me.

The sky was setting into a beautiful array of colors. Orange, pink, yellow, blue, and purple. The way they collided together made it look like a painting, it was almost unreal. The sun met the horizon where the waterline rested, making it into a semi circle. The sun cascaded towards the boat, hitting the side of her sun kissed skin, while I remained in the shadows.

"Beautiful sunset isn't it?" I asked. "I've never really noticed them before."

"My favorite time of the day," She murmured. Suddenly, she stood up, which startled me. Why? I almost pouted. "I'll be right back," She said with a soft smile.

I watched her walk away from me and into the sleeping quarters of the boat underneath. I let her take her time, having a few moments to herself while I took the opportunity to stare at the sunset. Each minute, the colors changed, fixating a whole new mood. This felt unreal.

A sudden shift of senses spiked and I turned around.

Holy motherfucking christ.

Aria was standing there in the setting sunlight, wearing a dangerously seductive red bikini. No wonder she didn't take her clothes off in front of the family.

"What do you think?" She asked with an enticing voice.

I let my eyes travel up and down her body, taking in her beauty. The bikini was held together by a silver hoop on the sides, her top had the same hoops on the strings that attached to the back of her neck. The fabric was... limited. How in the hell did I end up with someone like this?

I blew out a gust of air. "Damn." As if I didn't know what to say. "I think you should wear that more often. Come here," I demanded.

She did what she was told and walked over to me, slowly, painstakingly. She was trouble. I strided, meeting her half way to avoid my impatience. I captured her mouth with mine, wasting no time. She tasted of vanilla mint. Her hands found their way to my hair rather quickly while my hands cupped her ass, squeezing tightly. She squealed under my touch which ever so slightly echoed over the water.

She could be as loud as she wanted, and no one would hear her.

Her hands traced down my arms delicately while her curious eyes found mine, investigating. "My girl," I murmured, pushing my hand against her back to press her body against mine.

She giggled. "Who would have thought when we first met... That we would end up here. On this boat, just the two of us," she motioned toward the waters. "Sharing this beautiful sunset. Sharing each other instead of hating each other." Eyes never broke mine. I felt exposed, but I enjoyed it with her.

"I didn't think I would even be alive at this age at one point in my life," I admitted. "You give me a reason everyday." Since when was I such a cheeseball? I was losing my edge around her. She was turning me soft.

Her eyebrows pulled together, seemingly affected by my darkening words. I offered a smile and pressed my lips to her forehead. I haven't ever cherished something so much in my life.

I picked her up by her ass and she wrapped her legs around my waist on instinct. The sunset was beautiful, but I had my eyes set on something else, I had my attention span focused on getting her out of the minimal clothing she was wearing. It shouldn't be difficult.

I practically broke the door down of the under compartment of the boat which led to a convenient bedroom. The room was small, but it was perfect for us. I laid her down on the bed and climbed overtop of her, devouring her soft skin with my mouth. My hands taking advantage of the length of her body. Her legs were upright and spread apart, letting my body maneuver in between her. My hands slowly trickled down her stomach, making her squrim until I found one of the strings tied around her hip and started playing with the loops.

I undid her bathing suit which wasn't difficult in the slightest and took gave no warning before I was inside of her, hard and swift. She cried out, a pleasurable sound but I didn't give her a chance to adjust to my size like I normally did. I began moving in rough thrusts while her hips matched me each time. With one of my hands, I propped hers above her head and kept them in place while I moved harder and faster against her.

Her head dipped back and her mouth opened while she started moaning out loud. She didn't hold back her noises, seeing as we were alone in the middle of nowhere, and it was driving me wild.

Groaning at the tightness of her body, with my free hand, I began circling my thumb around her clit in quick circles while biting and sucking underneath her collarbone.

"Fuck, you feel good," I muttered.

She moaned as I lifted her leg up for better access to get deeper inside. Her breathing sped, her chest moved up and down in the rhythm of my thrusts. I pushed her bathing suit top above her breasts and captured her nipple in my mouth.

Her moans quickened and matched the strength of my drilling her. It wasn't until she whimpered my name out that she started to stiffen against me and squeezed her eyes shut. Her mouth formed a perfect O shape while she started to shatter from underneath me and cry out.

I released her hands and she tugged on my hair with great force while she trembled from her orgasm. I gave a few quick rocks against her body before I released myself into her, filling her, proving that she's mine.

I pulled out which gained a sweetened noise from her and laid beside her. She was still breathing heavily, and I felt her eyes on my skin where they normally were when I pretended not to notice.

Finally, I turned over and let my eyes gaze into hers. Her cheeks were flushed while a sugary smile fell onto her lips.

"May I help you?"

"I think you just did," She said breathlessly. "You know, technically this is James' bedroom."

I raised an eyebrow at her statement. "Indeed it is."

"So we just had sex on his bed."

"We did."

"How does that feel?"

"Satisfying," I smirked.

She grinned and rolled over so her chest was over mine. "I thought you might say that."

I narrowed my eyes and investigated her face. Her facial expression melted into deviation and it clicked. She wanted to fuck on his bed. There was just something that said Fuck You about banging someone in their own territory. She gave me the reward, purposely.

"Kinky girl," I kissed her. "Have I ever told you that I love you?"

"Hm," She kissed back. "Once. I look forward to hearing it a lot more though. It'll give me an opportunity to say it back a whole lot easier."

She propped herself up and extended her hand. "Now that we've defiled the sheets-"

"Something that I doubt he could provide in his own marriage," I cut in.

She smiled. "I think it's time we get back to the mansion before they think we've crashed the boat and sank."

My lips tilted down into a pout. "Or we can just sleep here tonight."

"C'mon." She pulled at my hand as an attempt to get me off the bed. I whined and got up. While she tied her bikini back together, I made my way to the boat to set up for going back to the docks.

When we arrived back to hell, it was dark out. It wasn't hot like the sunlight gifted us with earlier, but instead the night breeze was cool and refreshing. It was a great excuse to put a sweater on her to cover the hickeys along her collarbone and shoulder.

We talked hand in hand towards the doors and I could already feel the tension. I was thankful that she was keeping a light conversation with me filled with laughter and random nonsense as an attempt to distract me. When we opened the doors, the smile started to fade from my face as the sound of the sink in the kitchen was going off and the smell of food was fading.

Aria gave me a widened look as we slowly entered the dinner. "Uh oh," she whispered.

Little family was piled in there, while the other half seemed to have disappeared. Margaret was washing dishes while James was putting the leftover food away in containers. Tyler was sitting in the open dining room that was beside the kitchen, talking to Emma. The living room and the dining room may be beside each other for viewing purposes, but it was unlikely anyone could hear each other from each room, the place was that large.

I cleared my throat which sparked Margaret and James to turn around. Each shared different expressions as I figured. "Hello, Dears," Margaret smiled while turning around to continue her dishes.

"You're late, Elias. You've missed dinner." James voice was dry, disappointed, usual.

"We lost track of time," I replied. Although he was giving me a distinct tone, I was happy we missed dinner and the awkward conversations with it.

"My wife made a great effort into the dinner and it's disrespectful-"

"-Oh, dear. I've made plates for you and Aria," Margaret chimed in. "The boat must have been lovely at that time of day."

Aria left my side and walked up to Margaret. "Let me help you with those," She took a dirty plate and a sponge out of the soapy water.

Although Margaret denied, Aria was persistent and ended up winning as she usually does.

I left the kitchen and walked over to Tyler who had elephant ears. "Hey kiddo," I nodded to Emma to which she smiled. She was getting so big now, must have been about eight years old. "Where's everyone else?"

"Upstairs in the loft," She grinned. "Daddy's upset with you."

Tyler let out a chuckle.

"I'm sure he had plenty to say," I queried.

"He said you're irresponsible and hopes Aria rubs off on you."

I narrowed my eyes while Tyler bit his thumb to hold back any statements. "Is that so?"

"Uh huh! In front of everyone. He said he doesn't know how she puts up with you cause you can be..." she looked around "a D," she whispered.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?" I joked and poked her sides which made her squeal. When I wouldn't let her go, she got up from her seat and ran away.

Tyler looked at me and I smirked. "What held you up?" He studied.

"I was distracted."

"You're always distracted," He muttered. "Did she have fun on the boat?"

"Yeah," I absently responded. There was silence for a few moments. "I told her I love her."

Tyler stared at me dumbfounded, eyes wide and expression unreadable. I played his staring contest and won when he snapped back into reality. "Are you serious?"

I shrugged and gave a nod. "Yeah, man."

"Holy fuck," He said and sipped his beer. "What did she say?"

"She said it back," I smiled and took the extra beer sitting on the table.

"So that's why you took so long. You were celebrating," He smirked.

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry I missed dinner," I matched his smirk.

"Don't sweat it man, I wish I could have missed it too."

I nodded. "Still fighting about the wedding?"

He sighed and took a frustrated sip out of his beer. "He really wants her to sign the papers. She's offended and hurt by it. He said it right in front of her, it was really awkward and uncalled for. I ripped him a new one but he insists she signs or he doesn't approve."

I frowned. "Do you want her to?"

Tyler shook his head and matched my frown. "No. I find it ridiculous, I don't blame Lace for being insulted over it. I am too. She's my future wife, our families have known each other since we were in diapers."

I rubbed the bottom half of my face with my hands. "Are her folks at least happy?"

"Yeah, they are. They're ecstatic actually. They won't be when they find out my father wants her to sign papers."

"It'll work out."

"It will start a war," Tyler corrected.

I could see it in his eyes, the stress and betrayal. It wasn't hard to spot, and I felt bad. "It's your day and her day. Don't let family get in the way of something beautiful, Ty. It's going to be a great wedding, without bullshit papers getting in the way. Do what you feel is best and right, not him. Lace isn't after your money."

Tyler cracked a smile on his angered face, looking like how I'm used to him looking. But it was faded. "I just never thought he wouldn't come to my wedding day. But you're right."

I didn't hate the thought of his absence.

I grabbed his shoulder for comfort. "Who knows what the future holds. Maybe he'll change his mind, maybe he won't. Either way, you'll have everyone who loves and supports you attending the wedding and that's all you'll need. She deserves that, you deserve that."

"I can't believe you told her you love her," He said, giving me an interesting facial expression. "She sure is something special. If she's able to catch your interest. Wow, I just can't believe it."

"Is it that hard to process?" I mused.

"You have changed, that's for sure. I'm liking this new side to you Eli. You deserve this." Tyler was readable, easy to notice when he was untruthful. Only honesty gleamed in his eyes as he spoke, and I was grateful for it.

"Maybe," I muttered. "Sometimes it doesn't feel that way."

He shook his head in utter disbelief while sipping his beer. "If you asked me a year ago, let alone even a few months ago, if I could ever see you in a committed relationship, let alone in love with the girl, I'd have pissed myself laughing."

I narrowed my eyes but smiled. I didn't care tonight. I was still high from our boat ride.

"She's really good for you, E. I'm happy you settled down with her, I think she's perfect for you."

I blew out some air and sipped my beer. "She's too good man, that's just it. I'm shocked I haven't fucked it up yet."

"Me too," Ty joked. "But honestly, I see the way you are with her. Im glad you brought her tonight. She was your own bottle of Xanax."

I smiled and took another swig.

I clinked my beer with his and walked off to the rest of the house. He would catch up when convenient, but I knew when he needed the time to think about things. He was hit with a heavy ultimatum.

I made my way upstairs to the loft where I heard loud voices and ruckus. There sitting on comfortable couches with sprawled out board games was Jessica, Emma, Lacey, Kimmy, and Zoey. I was out numbered.

I caught the eye of the girls who were in a competitive state on who will win Trouble. Lacey was leaning against the wall with an arm crossed over her chest, clutching her other arm and glossy eyes. I walked up to her and matched her stance against the wall.

"Hey," I mumbled.

She didn't look away from the girls. "Hi."

"You okay?" I asked.

"I'm sure he told you." Her eyes were glossy and her fingers grazed along her lower lip - a habit she possessed when she was stressed, captivated by her ongoing thoughts.

I nodded. "Yeah."

"I thought I was part of this family but now I feel exiled. I'm not a petty girl, I don't want the money. I don't care about it. A perk sure, but I am after happiness." As she spoke, her chin trembled. It wasn't often that I saw her upset; I hated the sight.

"Don't worry, Lace. It's going to work out. I've got your back, so does Ty. He loves you, he won't let this stop your plans."

I didn't know what to say. The truth? Life blows and I can't say I didn't see this coming. But I knew one thing, she wasn't alone with her emotions. I'd have her back for the rest of my life.

She nodded continuously, like a bobble head, eyebrows creased together. "Thank you. Where's Aria? Where, where is he?"

I shrugged. "Downstairs. He wants to be with you right now, I think you should go talk to him. He's feeling just as bad." Ease her mind, relax his.

"I just can't... I can't believe it. I thought James and I were close," she sniffed as a tear fell off her cheek.

"Lace," I suppressed a sigh. I couldn't understand why so many people confided in me. I was a stone wall when it came to emotions. "Ty would never let you sign, ever. You know this. The guy is crazy for you and you've proven yourself time and time again that you love him for him and not his money. Fuck James. Go spend time with Tyler and talk things out. He needs you."

The guy was going to have a nervous breakdown.

She gave me a light hug and nodded. "Thank you," She said again. I hugged her back, someone I fully trusted. She disappeared out of the room and left me alone with the wolves.

I met eyes with the teenager who was nonstop looking at me since I've been up here. I've been ignoring her presence while quietly talking to Lacey but it didn't make my observations any less. She had to say something - I didn't want to listen.

I gave the slightest of smiles which indicated her permission to come up to me.

"Hi," She said, timid.