Page 240 of Titus

I stepped into one of Eterna’s guest suites on this level, where I’d put my things for easy access, and quietly shut the door behind me, the room immediately muffling the sounds of staff bustling around outside.

Exhaling, I welcomed the brief moment alone. I slipped off my heels and glanced around the room. Rich walnut cabinetry, cream-colored furnishings, and soft light cast from sconces mounted along the walls… just another luxury room on this floating palace.

My attention shifted to the garment bag hanging from the wardrobe. Titus had made a habit of surprising me with a gown for every event we attended together, so finding clothing waiting for me wasn’t surprising anymore because, apparently, my life now consisted of beautiful dresses and impossible experiences.

I unzipped the bag, and a laugh escaped me. The man knew me entirely too well. The gown was champagne-colored silk that looked as smooth as butter. It was absolutely elegant without trying too hard.

I gently ran my fingers across the tiny opals lining the simple, feminine neckline. The rest of the gown flowed to the ground, embellished with embroidery that must’ve taken months to complete.

It matched the night I’d created for his yacht event perfectly. It was classic, romantic, and positively timeless. Exactly what I would’ve chosen for myself.

I carefully slipped into it and turned toward the mirror. I ran my hands down my sides, seeing the fabric settle perfectly against my skin.

How swiftly things had changed between Titus and me. Three months ago, I was terrified he might go to prison, and now, I was getting dressed aboard Eterna for another event.

Life was just weird like that. It was beautiful, too, but mostly weird.

A knock sounded.

“Come in,” I said, turning.

The door opened a crack, and one of the crew smiled politely. “Ms. Veléz? Mr. Hawk asked me to let you know the guests have begun arriving.”

I smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”

After the door closed, I slipped my phone into my clutch, straightened my shoulders, and headed upstairs.

The moment I stepped onto the upper deck, I stopped and took in the hundreds of candles arranged perfectly throughout the area.

The glass hurricanes I’d personally selected glowed softly across the deck. White, cream, and champagne roses seemed to spill from arrangements everywhere.

Everything was perfect.

The sunset had painted the sky in shades of gold, peach, and soft lavender. It looked exactly as I’d envisioned.

I smiled. God, I loved my job, and I loved the fact that my job led me to this man.

Movement ahead of me caught my attention.

The guests. Finally, I was about to meet the people Titus had made sign NDAs, making them unknown to me until this moment.

The first guests actually made me laugh as they stepped into the area… Jake and Ashley Mitchell.

“Since when do we not get to drop in on this shindig by helicopter?” Jake asked with a smile.

“Since I had no idea who the guests were, and Titus said you all demanded to be brought in on the tender.”

“Tender my ass,” he laughed.

“You look beautiful,” Ash said.

I glanced down at her chocolate-colored gown. “My God, you look amazing, too,” I said. “I’m so happy to see you both.”

“Us too,” Ash said, following her husband across the deck.

I looked over and saw the next group of guests coming up the stairs.

This is interesting.