ST. THOMAS was beautiful and a welcome getaway from Washington. Keyth and I had a huge suite that overlooked the white sand beach. We had just made love, and I opened the terrace door to let some fresh air in. A breeze filled the room and dried the sweat on my naked body. Keyth grabbed me around the waist. “Gotcha,” he said. I screamed a little when I felt his sudden touch, then laughed. “I love you, baby,” he told me.
“I love you, too.”
“So what do you wanna do for fun tonight?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe dance, or maybe we can stay in the room.” I giggled. “Let’s see what Kelly and Simon want to do.”
“They’re probably doing what we just finished doing,” Keyth said, nibbling on my ear.
“Probably. Kelly’s a real sexpot.”
“Like you’re not.”
We stood at the door of the terrace, our naked bodies glistening as the sun set in the distant sky. The glow of it, the beauty of God’s creation, was awesome to behold. I remembered that when I was a child in China with my dad, we’d watch the stars. I tried to count them but never could. The beauty of the midnight sky had fascinated me, as it still does.
The warmth of my husband’s touch, a beautiful sunset, and not a care in the world relieved the stress of being Special Agent in Charge Phoenix Perry. But it didn’t free my mind of thoughts about the Assassin, whose presence I felt even though she was so far away, still on a killing rampage, I suspected.
I was bothered by my inability to let go of the case, even though I was on a romantic weekend with the love of my life. It felt strange. I was starting to become like so many agents who couldn’t separate their personal lives from their jobs. Maybe it was time to leave the bureau.
Maybe I should take my dad up on his offer to come into the business with him. God knows it would be easier on my family, and I’d probably have better hours. I wouldn’t have to feel guilty about leaving Savannah all the time and worrying about her while I was on the job.
Losing focus could mean losing your life or causing the death of a partner. The last thing I ever want on my conscience is something happening to Kelly because I was thinking about my family and not staying alert on the job.
I felt Keyth biting into my neck. Not hard, but hard enough to leave evidence that he had been there. I felt myself slipping into the moment and loving it. He turned me around to face him. I could see more than desire in his eyes. Devotion is what registered. At that moment, I was glad that Keyth and I had waited until we got married before we plundered each other’s bodies. He’s the only man I’ve ever known, and it made me feel special that he was willing to wait and not pressure me. Although I will admit there were times during heavy petting when, had he not said no, I would have given myself to him.
“Keyth?” He was still biting into my flesh.
“Yeah, baby?” He momentarily released the grip his warm mouth had on my neck.
“Do you remember what you told me when we were at the altar? You know, that list of things you loved about me?”
“Of course, I do.”
Playfully, I said, “Prove it.”
“What do I get if I do?”
“Anything you want.” I smiled.
“Okay, here goes. Phoenix Drew, I believe in you. I trust in you, fully and completely. When I’m with you, I want to wrap myself in your virtue—your honesty. I adore your ability to make the people around you feel special. Thank you for coming into my life.” He paused for a second. “Well, did I get it right?”
“Yes, you did. Promise me something, honey.”
“Anything.”
“Promise me you’ll never forget those words, okay? They remind me of what’s truly important.”
“I won’t.”
We kissed again, longer and more deeply. My craving for him was renewed with even greater intensity. I ached for Keyth. I felt him against me. But I wanted to kiss him just a little longer—the best foreplay. A sigh escaped my intoxicated mind and found its way out of my open mouth. I was putty in my husband’s capable hands—he knew all the right spots. I could hardly stand it.
Then he touched me. The exactness of his touch, the precision of it, the timing was all so perfect—I shivered. He laid me down on the floor, and I surrendered willingly, deliberately. I was losing myself more and more. My mind was somewhere between heaven and earth. The world was still; only Keyth and I existed. Then I opened my eyes and saw the stars beginning to shine in the evening sky. It was the perfect ending to an already incredible day.