That kind of devotion, that private, gentle side from a handsome, wealthy man who would lower his pride just for her, could make any woman lose herself before she even realized it.
Max, Cian, Jeffrey, and Henry were gathered around the table, shuffling tiles for a game of mahjong.
Darin wasn’t with them. He’d gone to play golf with Wyatt and Daniel instead.
The ladies had their own game going too, chatting and laughing over cards.
The weather was perfect, the kind that made you want to stay outside forever.
The kids took a quick break, then ran back out to the grass, ready to kick a soccer ball around again.
Felicia and Kate trailed after them, settling on the lawn to watch.
When the kids finally ran out of energy, they crashed on a bench, snacking and catching their breath.
Felicia’s phone buzzed. Max’s name lit up the screen. She answered, pressing the phone to her ear.
His voice was warm and low. “Babe, can you come up to the room on the second floor?”
The way he called her that made Felicia’s hand tighten around her phone. She frowned. “What are you calling me?”
Max’s laugh was quiet, almost teasing. “We’re married, aren’t we? Can’t I say that?”
Felicia sighed, her patience running thin. “What do you want?”
“Just come up for a minute. I’ll wait for you.”
He didn’t explain, just hung up.
Felicia lowered her phone, still frowning.
Kate must have overheard, because she nudged Felicia with a little smile. “If Max wants you, you’d better go. I’ll keep an eye on Anne for you.”
It was obvious to everyone now. Whatever was in Max’s heart, his actions made his feelings for Felicia impossible to miss.
Felicia hesitated, then nodded. She bent down to tell Anne where she was going. Anne looked up with wide eyes and told her to hurry.
Felicia slumped against him, breathless. Her lips tingled, her eyes shining as she looked up at him. Max’s dark eyes were heavy-lidded, clouded with desire.
Her heart skipped a beat. She could feel the unnatural heat radiating from his skin.
Suddenly, reality snapped back. She pushed at his chest, desperate for space.
“Max, let me go.”
He was sweating, his body burning up, but his eyes stayed clear. Still, he didn’t let her go. “If you don’t want me to touch you, I won’t.”
Felicia swallowed, her voice trembling. “Then let go of me.”
Max met her gaze, steady and calm. “I need a cold shower. Stay here and keep watch for me.”
His tone was steady, but the flush in his cheeks gave him away. If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she might have believed nothing was wrong.
And then, out of nowhere, memories of that night five years ago crashed into her mind.

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