ｃｈａｐｔｅｒⅩⅩⅩ

The warm, salty air greeted them as they stepped into their private beachfront villa. The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. White linen curtains swayed with the breeze, and the soft sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air.

Giselle walked toward the balcony, her eyes widening at the breathtaking view. "Michael... this is beautiful."

Michael dropped their bags near the king-sized bed and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "Only the best for my wife." He kissed her shoulder, letting his lips linger against her skin.

She sighed happily, turning in his arms. "I still can't believe we're here. Just us... no business, no stress... just peace."

Michael smiled. "Exactly how it should be."

Giselle pulled away playfully. "Well, since we're here... I'm getting into something more appropriate."

Michael smirked. "More appropriate? Baby, you look fine just as you are."

She giggled, grabbing her luggage and heading to the bathroom. "Just wait."

Michael shook his head, running a hand through his curls before stepping onto the balcony. The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the ocean. This was the peace he had been craving—no meetings, no street business, no problems. Just him and his woman.

A few minutes later, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught his attention. He turned around—and his breath caught in his throat.

Giselle stood there in a yellow bikini, her curves on full display, her golden skin glowing under the dimming sunlight. She tilted her head, giving him a teasing look. "What? Cat got your tongue?"

Michael licked his lips, taking slow steps toward her. "Damn, baby..." His hands found her waist, pulling her close. "You tryna give me a heart attack?"

She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I just wanna enjoy the beach. But if you can't handle it, I can change."

Michael scoffed. "Oh, hell no. You're not changing a damn thing." He leaned down, kissing the spot just below her ear. "But you better be ready for what's coming later tonight."

Giselle smirked. "Guess we'll see."

She grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the door. "Now, come on. The ocean's waiting."

Michael let her lead him out, shaking his head with a grin. Their honeymoon had only just begun, and he already knew—this was going to be a trip they would never forget.

-

Michael and Giselle's honeymoon in Puerto Plata was nothing short of magical. For an entire week, they indulged in the best the Dominican Republic had to offer—from private beach walks at sunset to late-night swims under the moonlight.

During the days, they explored the vibrant streets of Puerto Plata, visiting historic sites, lively markets, and hidden beaches. Michael spoiled Giselle with shopping trips, buying her anything that caught her eye, from handcrafted jewelry to flowy tropical dresses. They went on a private yacht cruise, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and sipping on exotic cocktails while basking in the sun.

-

the honeymoon had been a dream come true, but this night was special. Michael had planned the perfect evening, and Giselle could see the effort he put into every detail. After a long day of exploring Puerto Plata's gorgeous beaches and shopping in the local markets, he had one final surprise for her—a romantic dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in the city.

As they arrived at Lumière by the Ocean, the soft golden glow of lanterns illuminated the open-air terrace. The restaurant was perched on a cliff, offering an uninterrupted view of the waves crashing against the rocks below. The warm, salty breeze filled the air, blending with the scent of jasmine and freshly grilled seafood.

A waiter escorted them to their private table, tucked away in a secluded corner with a breathtaking view of the ocean. The table was covered in white linen with a candlelit centerpiece, delicate rose petals scattered across it. Soft Spanish guitar music played in the background, setting the mood for the intimate evening.

Michael pulled out a chair for Giselle, ever the gentleman. "For my beautiful wife."

Giselle smirked as she took a seat. "Hmm, I like the sound of that."

Michael sat across from her, his eyes drinking her in. She wore a sleek, form-fitting red dress, the silk hugging her curves just right. The flickering candlelight highlighted her glowing skin, and Michael felt his chest tighten with admiration.

They started with a bottle of vintage red wine, toasting to their new life together. The first course was an exquisite lobster bisque, creamy and rich, served with freshly baked bread.

"I could get used to this," Giselle murmured, dipping her bread into the soup.

Michael chuckled, sipping his wine. "I told you, baby. Anything you want, it's yours."

For the main course, they indulged in a Caribbean-style seafood platter—succulent grilled shrimp, buttery lobster tails, and pan-seared red snapper, all served with garlic-infused rice and fresh tropical vegetables.

Between bites, they stole glances at each other, fingers brushing across the table. Michael couldn't stop staring at her, and Giselle felt the heat in his gaze.

"You're staring, Mr. Jackson."

Michael smirked, setting down his fork. "Can you blame me?"

Giselle laughed softly, her heart fluttering. "You're gonna make me blush."

Michael leaned in slightly, his voice lower, more intimate. "That's not the only thing I plan on doing to you tonight."

A shiver ran down Giselle's spine at his words, and suddenly, the warm night air felt even hotter.

By the time dessert arrived—a decadent chocolate lava cake drizzled with caramel—Michael reached across the table, gently wiping a bit of melted chocolate from the corner of Giselle's lips.

"Messy," he teased, sucking the chocolate off his own finger.

Giselle exhaled sharply, heat pooling low in her stomach. "You're doing this on purpose."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Doing what?"

She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Let's just say... I think we should get out of here before I jump across this table."

Michael laughed, waving the waiter over. "Check, please."

-

The moment they stepped into their luxurious beachfront suite, the air crackled with tension. The only light came from the soft glow of candles Michael had arranged earlier, casting golden shadows over the massive king-sized bed draped in silky white sheets.

Giselle turned to say something, but before she could, Michael was on her.

His lips crashed onto hers, hungry and demanding, his hands gripping her waist and pulling her flush against him. She moaned into his mouth, feeling the hard planes of his body pressed against her soft curves.

Michael broke the kiss, his voice husky with desire. "I need you."

Giselle's breath hitched. "Then take me."

That was all the invitation he needed.

Michael grabbed the thin straps of her dress, slowly sliding them down her shoulders, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck. The silk pooled at her feet, leaving her in nothing but delicate lace lingerie.

"Damn," he whispered, his dark eyes drinking her in. "You're perfect."

She reached for him, tugging at his shirt, desperate to feel his skin. He chuckled but helped her anyway, peeling it off to reveal his toned, caramel chest.

Giselle ran her hands down his torso, tracing the hard ridges of his abs before reaching for his belt. Michael groaned, loving her touch.

Their clothes disappeared piece by piece as they stumbled toward the bed, kissing feverishly, bodies desperate to be one.

Michael hovered over her, his lips teasing her sensitive spots as his hands roamed her curves, setting her body on fire.

That night, he made love to her slow, deep, and passionate. Every kiss, every touch, every movement was filled with love and raw desire. He whispered sweet praises in her ear, telling her how much he loved her, how she was everything he ever wanted.

Giselle clung to him, moaning his name as waves of pleasure crashed over her, their bodies moving in perfect harmony.

When they finally collapsed breathless and satisfied, tangled in the sheets, Michael kissed her forehead, pulling her into his arms.

"I love you," he whispered against her hair.

Giselle sighed happily, trailing her fingers over his chest. "I love you too."

She closed her eyes, wrapped in Michael's warmth, knowing that this was just the beginning of forever.