Prologue

      Costalegre, Mexico

      The wedding plans had changed, and quite suddenly. The bride and groom had opted for an event with a lot less flash and dazzle than the bride’s mother would’ve liked. Still, no one could argue that the ceremony hadn’t been a perfect one.

      Santigo Rodriguez and Sophia Hail had spoken their romantic and heartfelt vows amid tropical breezes scented by the variety of exotic flowers adorning the environment. The change in venue and time had been a gift of sorts from the bride’s sister and brother-in-law-to-be. Viva Hail and her fiancé, Rook Lourdess, had arranged a breathtaking escape that the bride and groom had eagerly accepted.

      Flora of such splendid hues looked to have been skillfully shaded, as if from the colors of an artist’s palette. The flowers, brilliant as they were, simply enhanced the sky. To call it magnificent just didn’t seem to do it justice.

      Paula Starker didn’t think there were any words that could describe the presence of something capable of instilling such an intense sensation of serenity. And she could use a little serenity just then. The vivid blue, dotted by blindingly white and puffy clouds, infused her bloodstream with calmness like a drug. Paula was eager to let it have its way.

      Serenity—as much as she could get—would remain a necessity if she was expected to make it through the rest of the day. She hadn’t thought to ask Sophia how long a maid of honor was expected to hang around once the nuptials had concluded, especially when she had two. Viva had stood up with her sister as well.

      Of course, such questions hadn’t occurred to her until she’d realized who else she’d be sharing the ceremonial stage with. She’d actually been enjoying—or at least relatively enjoying—herself. The ceremony, its locale and the weather were all beautiful. Here were the good things of life—love, beauty, relaxation—all rolled into one. Who could ask for more?

      Well, for starters, not having the man she almost married watching her throughout the entire occasion might’ve been nice. It should’ve been easy to ignore him. Seriously though, what woman with working eyes could truly ignore Linus Brooks? Especially when he stood just over thirty feet away? One of the groom’s two best men, he epitomized tall, dark and stunning in linen trousers and a shirt as blindingly white as the clouds dotting the magnificent sky above.

      He watched her with an unerring intensity that came across as just enough amusement and certainty. The look told Paula that he knew damn well the effect he was having on her. It didn’t take a psychic to know the direction of her thoughts when her eyes lingered on his shirt billowing against the strong breeze.

      Linus Brooks was well over six feet of taut, licorice muscle. His lean frame flattered every stitch of clothing he wore. This shirt was no different in the way it beautifully contrasted with his skin tone, and accentuated a sleekly sculpted chest.

      Oh, he knew what he was doing, alright. Paula focused on keeping her brooding to a minimum, which helped to keep her eyes off the man who’d once held her body and soul in the palm of his hand. The heated reminder almost knocked the wind out of her. Surprising, since it was a truth never all that far from memory. Regardless, it was a truth that evoked a reaction when in the presence of the one it involved.

      Linus Brooks had been that one—the only man she had ever wanted. Standing within sight of him then, Paula feared he always would be.

      * * *

      Costalegre’s vibrant flowers and sky were rivaled strongly by its waters. Unending turquoise ran alongside the Pacific and had the ability to mesmerize onlookers with little effort. Paula was no exception. She had abandoned the lively beachfront reception not long after it had gotten underway. Though the sun was setting, it took nothing away from the brilliance of the day—in fact, it enhanced it. She’d already strolled along the shoreline, smiling as the water worked its way between her toes.

      The maids of honor had been decked in linen, same as the best men. Sophia had selected baby doll dresses with capped sleeves and lace hems that were perfectly suited to the climate. The dress code forbade shoes, and Paula couldn’t have been happier. She moved into the water until the tranquil waves lapped the backs of her knees. Serenity had found its way deep into her bloodstream, such that she wasn’t too unsettled when his voice resonated above