Epilogue

Alejandro wrapped his arm around my waist as we stood on the balcony of our home in Mexico—the hacienda where it all began.

"I never tire of this view," I sighed as I rested my arm on his, my head leaning back on his chest.

"This is our first vacation in a year. We could have gone anywhere in the world," he said.

"I know, baby, but I wanted to come back to where it all started for us."

"Well, now that things are less chaotic at Hotel Estrellas, we can start spending a few months a year here."

"I'd love that!" I squealed as I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"I am so proud of you, the way you stood up to the task, took over your seat on the board. You worked so hard. They are so lucky to have you."

"Thank you," I said, feeling my cheeks flush a bit.

Even after a year together, he could still make me blush and feel a little timid.

"It certainly helped that I was able to secure an exclusive contract for wine distribution across our hotels with the best vineyard in California." I smiled at him. He grabbed my chin and kissed me, sending small currents down my spine.

"It was a win-win for both of us."

"I just wanted an excuse to live at the villa with my fiancé," I joked.

"Hmm," he grunted, "I like those words from your lips."

"I love you," I whispered before I took his lips with mine.

"Te adoro, ni?a mia."

Alejandro's hand traveled up and down my naked back, sending shivers through my body, while his other hand cupped my face. I whimpered, frustrated that we had to head to dinner, wishing he could take me here in our room—his old room.

So much had changed since then. I had stepped up to the task of being part of the management of Hotel Estrellas. I had enjoyed every second of it, earning the trust of the board, the officers, and all the employees. I had managed to contribute good and innovative ideas, and between the rebranding Iris had assisted with and the exclusive line of wines from Alejandro's vineyard that I had suggested we add to some of the renewed high-end restaurants, the company had had a great year of profit and ended up not taking a hit from the scandal with Richard. I had thrived, with Alejandro by my side every step of the way.

Alejandro had been on edge for the first few months, insisting that I always had two bodyguards with me, in case Mathias somehow became a problem. He only relaxed when Mathias died in a confrontation with a competitive gang, in a matter unrelated to the diamonds. Even then, it took a few months for me to convince him I no longer needed the bodyguards.

"If you keep touching me like this, we won't make it out of the house," I teased, almost wishing he would cave, the feeling of his thickness against me making me crave the feeling of him inside of me.

I never tired of him. My need for him was unscathed by the passing of time or repetition.

"Hmm, those reservations were quite hard to get," he whispered as he kissed my neck in that specific spot that made my toes curl. "But"—he sucked a little lower—"I think they can wait."

"Hmm, are you sure?" I breathed as he proceeded to lower the strap of my yellow sweetheart neckline dress, leaving a trail of kisses from my shoulder, to my collarbone, to my breast.

"Uh-huh."

He groaned and lifted me, carrying me inside the room. He put me down and turned me around, continuing his exploration of my neck. I ran my fingers through his hair from behind, biting my lip in anticipation.

"Bend for me baby. Keep the heels on."

I obeyed, lowering myself onto the bed. He parted my legs farther and slid my panties down as he hissed out a breath.

"So sexy, so fucking wet for me," he said gruffly as he lifted my dress up, cupping my buttocks.

He positioned himself between my legs, tightening his grasp on my hips.

I moaned as he penetrated me, deep, fast, and efficient, as he pulled me against him over and over again.

"Hold on tight," he said in a hoarse tone as I dug my nails into the bedsheet.

My eyes glazed over as a rush of pressure built up in the lower part of my stomach, my senses heightened, my body enjoying the brutality with which he was slamming into me.

"Oh, God. Oh my god, baby. I'm coming!" I couldn"t help it. I was always so ready for him.

Alejandro grunted, his movements both accelerated and less controlled, almost sloppy in a passionate, need-filled motion that sent me across the edge with an orgasm so strong my eyes blurred as I saw lights.

We were both panting when Alejandro slowed down his rhythm, holding me so I didn't fall, my wobbly knees unable to hold me.