The Wrong Fiancée: A Billionaire Second Chance Romance (Marriage by Contract Book 3)
The Wrong Fiancée: Chapter 24

I felt alive!

The air was thick with the scent of rain-soaked earth, and the lush greenery enveloped us as we entered Wailua River State Park. Towering ferns and tangled vines lined our path, while the canopy above cast soft, dappled light onto the forest floor. The trail, worn but serene, wound deeper into the heart of the rainforest, where the only sounds were the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds hidden high in the trees.

When I suggested a hike, Dean had been all in. I loved to hike, and so did he. We’d talked about it in Honolulu, but there hadn’t been time or opportunity to indulge.

I had invited Tate, but he had meetings and shooed us away to have fun. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he was helping Dean and me spend time together. Eye roll!

We were quiet as we hiked, taking in our surroundings—because there was so much beauty here to soak in. We took our time. We weren’t in a rush. There was no agenda, no need to fill every moment with conversation. I had not had this with anyone before.

I glanced over at him, catching him mid-thought as he stared at a vine-covered tree. His profile was softened by the natural light, and I had the urge to look inside him.

‘What are you thinking?’ I broke the silence without shattering it.

Dean turned to me, a slow smile pulling at his lips. ‘I was just thinking how different it feels being here with you. I’ve been to Hawaii a dozen times, but with you it feels different. More.’

I felt my chest tighten slightly, not with anxiety but with something warm. He was right. This was not our norm. It wasn’t about old memories or unfinished business. This was us, starting fresh, taking a chance on each other in a way we hadn’t before.

We kept walking, the path narrowing as we neared the ancient petroglyphs, which was our destination. I wanted to share with Dean the carvings, hidden deep in the park, etched into large rocks by native Hawaiians centuries ago.

‘My God!’ Dean exclaimed. ‘Is this what I think it is?’

I felt pride blossom inside me that I’d surprised him and excited him.

Dean stopped beside one of the petroglyphs, crouching down to study the symbols. His fingertips hovered over the smooth stone, not touching it, but close enough to feel the energy that I knew radiated from the ancient artwork. It sounded fanciful, but I was of the islands, and the spirits of our ancestors were everywhere.

Dean smiled at me. ‘You grew up in Hawaii just as Felicity did, but she probably would never dream of bringing me to a place like this.’

I didn’t like that he brought up his ex, and neither did he, but I understood what he was trying to say. He was telling me that experiences like this fed his soul, something she hadn’t recognized—but I did. He was trying to make amends for the cruel remarks I’d overheard all those years ago. He wasn’t comparing Felicity and me, he was judging himself—acknowledging that he’d made mistakes with both of us.

I nodded and then shrugged. ‘I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope,’ I said, and when he raised his brows, I translated, ‘The future is in the past. We must learn from the past to move forward but not dwell on it. In Hawaiian culture, the past stands in front of you to guide you, and the future is behind you, out of sight, encouraging mindfulness of the present moment.’

‘That’s beautiful,’ Dean acknowledged. ‘Is that a Hawaiian saying?’

‘Yes. It’s wisdom our ancestors have passed down through generations, teaching us to live in the present, take lessons from the past, but not let it define our future.’

Dean went back to look at the petroglyphs etched into the ancient, weathered stones, their shapes worn smooth by centuries of wind and rain. Carved into the dark lava rock, the petroglyphs told stories of a time long past with representations of human figures, canoes, and sacred symbols of Hawaiian life.

Some of the figures had long, outstretched arms, perhaps warriors or chiefs. In contrast, others seemed to depict families and ancestors immortalized in stone.

‘I have read about these…but standing here, I feel…I feel small in the best possible way—like I’m part of something much bigger.’

I felt that exact same way when I was in the presence of the petroglyphs. I squatted next to him.

‘They’re amazing,’ he murmured with reverence.

‘You can feel the history here. The connection to the people who made these. My ancestors.’

We straightened, and he slid an arm around me. ‘I’m stunned. Really. I didn’t expect these to be so…I have no words.’

I leaned into him. ‘I feel that these rocks are alive with history, each petroglyph holding a piece of the island’s soul. The carvings are not deep…more like whispers from the past rather than shouts.’

‘And yet they speak loudly to those willing to listen.’ Dean kissed the side of my head. ‘You know, I’ve been to the Lascaux caves in Dordogne…those are similar. Have you been?’

Son of privilege, I thought, amused, like everyone could just take off to France. ‘I’ve never been off the island,’ I confessed. ‘I’ve never had the time or, you know, the funds to explore the world. Between work and….’ I didn’t need to say it. He knew about Noe and all the responsibilities that had kept me tied to Kauai.

He nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful, but there was no pity in his eyes. Just understanding. ‘The Lascaux caves,’ he started again, ‘they’re incredible—prehistoric art, these massive bulls and horses, all etched into the walls of these deep caves. It’s like stepping back in time. But these petroglyphs feel more alive.’ He glanced back at the carvings on the stone, his voice softening. ‘Maybe because of the way they’re surrounded by all this—by the forest, the river. You can still feel the connection to the people who made them. The Lascaux paintings are powerful, but they’re distant…in the sense that we actually don’t go into the actual cave but an exact rendering to protect the real thing.’

‘A replica?’

‘Yeah, they made caves so tourists could see.’

‘So, no one sees the real caves?’

He grinned. ‘I have, but that’s when I was doing my PhD and used my connections.’

I repeat, son of privilege!

‘When I’m here, I feel like all my ancestors are still here like they never left, and are watching over us.’

‘One day,’ Dean took my hands in his, ‘you’ll get to see the Lascaux caves and Paris and wherever else you want to go.’ He kissed me softly, and I soaked him in.

He pulled back. “You don’t need to leave Hawaii to know something sacred when you see it.’

There was a warmth in his words, an unspoken understanding that no matter how far he’d traveled, he knew that this island—my island—had its own magic. One that couldn’t be compared. I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

‘Their stories are still alive, even after all this time,’ I paused, cupping his face with my hands. ‘That’s what art does, doesn’t it? It keeps things alive.’

Dean looked down at me, his eyes softening in a way that made my heart beat a little faster. ‘Yeah, it does. And so do we. Keep things alive, I mean. Moments, connections. Even what we thought we’d lost.’

He dropped his lips to mine, and I opened for him. His tongue swept inside my mouth. My hands dropped to his shoulder and then wrapped around his neck while he cupped my ass and lifted me so he could nestle his erection between my thighs. It was sexual, heated, but slow, so achingly languid.

He nibbled on my lips and traced my jawline. ‘I want you,’ he murmured.

We were, I thought happily, letting lust cloud our minds. This was healthy lust—there was nothing wrong with it, at least, I didn’t think so.

He lifted his head and smiled cheekily at me. ‘Fuck, but you’re potent, baby.’

‘Nuh-uh. It’s you.’

He brushed his lips against mine, his eyes bright with arousal. ‘It’s us.’

I stroked his cheek. ‘I like this,’ I conceded softly. ‘Being here with you. It feels…right.

Dean’s gaze stayed with me. ‘I messed things up before. I know that. But I want to get it right this time.’

The vulnerability in his voice, the way he was laying himself bare, caught me off guard. This wasn’t the Dean who thought I was subpar because I cleaned hotel rooms; he was the one who made sure I had breakfast every day before I left for work. I’d seen both sides of him—the one he showed me and the other I’d seen inadvertently.

People were never one thing but layered—he could be kind and gentle and an arrogant son of a bitch, all at the same time.

‘I’m in no rush,’ he assured. ‘We’re gonna do this slowly, yeah?’

I cocked an eyebrow. ‘Is that your way of saying I’m not going to get lucky anytime soon?’

He laughed then, and I knew I’d lightened the moment as I had meant to.

‘Come on,’ I urged him, ‘I want to show you something.‘

The path narrowed further as we made our way deeper into the jungle, the sound of the world around us slowly fading until all that was left was the distant hum of nature and the soft crunch of the earth beneath our feet. Dean followed close behind, his breath steady, but I could feel his curiosity building with every step.

I smiled to myself. He had no idea what was waiting for him.

‘Are we almost there?’ Dean asked, his voice light, almost playful, after we’d walked for nearly fifteen minutes.

‘Patience,’ I replied with a grin, brushing aside a low-hanging vine as I stepped over a moss-covered rock.

We hiked for another thirty minutes, leaving the main trail far behind us, cutting through a path only a handful of locals knew. It wasn’t a place you’d find in a guidebook, and that’s what made it special. When I first stumbled onto this piece of paradise in Kīpū Ranch, I knew it was mine. I’m sure everyone had their own secret place on the island. But this was mine, and I was sharing it with someone for the first time.

The sound of rushing water reached us before we could see it, a low rumble that grew louder with each step. Dean’s pace quickened behind me, and I felt a small thrill run through me as I imagined the look on his face when he saw what lay ahead of us.

We rounded the last bend and laid eyes on Kīpū Falls, shimmering in the late afternoon light.

The waterfall cascaded from a cliff about twenty feet above us, pouring into a crystal-clear pool below. The water sparkled as it splashed against the rocks, creating a fine mist that hung in the air like tiny diamonds. Around the pool, the jungle pressed in, wild and lush, the leaves and flowers vibrant against the dark rock. And the best part? We were completely alone.

Dean stepped beside me, his eyes widening as he took it all in. ‘Holy fuck,’ he breathed. ‘I’ve been to some beautiful places, but this…is something else.’

I smiled, pride for my island swelling in my chest. ‘Welcome to Kīpū Falls.’

The waterfall wasn’t large. It was intimate and…perfect. The sound of the water rushing into the pool, the chirping of birds hidden somewhere in the trees, the scent of blooming plumeria carried on the breeze—it all made the world feel softer.

I slipped off my sneakers and dipped my toes into the pool. It was cool but not cold, just enough to refresh after our hike. I glanced back at Dean, who had dropped my backpack, which he insisted on carrying, next to him. He stood at the edge, his hands resting on his hips as he looked around, taking in every detail.

I slipped off my shorts and T-shirt, revealing the one-piece swimsuit underneath. Dean let out a low whistle.

‘I came prepared.’ I grabbed my backpack and opened it, pulling out towels.

I had packed lunch for us. I set it all out on a large towel, smoothing out the edges, the sun warm against my skin.

‘Are we having a picnic?’ he asked excitedly.

I reached into the bag. ‘A swim first to work up our appetite, and then food?’

‘Sounds good.’

I got into the water. ‘You coming in, or are you just going to stand there looking impressed?’ I teased, wading a little further in, the water lapping gently at my calves.

He laughed, finally shaking off his awe. ‘I’m just enjoying the view, baby.’

Then, it was my turn to do the same. He took all his clothes off and, without thought, naked, stepped into the water, which was waist-deep for him.

He looked fucking amazing, and I really wanted to get lucky.

The cool mist from the waterfall brushed our skin, making everything more alive. He reached for my hand, and I let him take it, the warmth of his fingers grounding me as we looked up at the rushing water.

‘This is perfect.’ His voice was low, almost drowned out by the sound of the falls.

‘It is,’ I agreed, my voice quieter now, the deliciousness of the moment sinking in. ‘I used to come here when I needed to clear my head. But it’s been a while.‘

Dean squeezed my hand, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. ‘Thank you for bringing me here, for sharing this with me.’

A warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the sun or the water. ‘You’re welcome.’ I gazed into his eyes, letting him see how aroused I was.

‘Fuck, Elika.’ He yanked me close.

‘You’re naked.’

‘And hard.’

I shimmied against him so I could feel him. ‘Yes.’

He slid the straps of my swimsuit off my shoulders and looked at my naked breasts. He cupped them reverently. ‘You’re so beautiful.’

He squeezed a nipple and then leaned down to suckle. I felt like everything was floating away, disappearing—and we were the only two people left in the world. In this part of the forest, we were, and it was magical.

I sighed in pleasure as his hands pulled down my swimsuit, and then went up my thighs. He continued to nibble on my breasts as he slid a finger over my pussy. ‘God, you’re warm.’

My hips moved on instinct, wanting to feel his hands, wanting him inside me. It had been a while since I had sex—and forever since I’d been with Dean.

He raised his head and rested his forehead against mine. He grasped my hand and put it on his thick erection. ‘Can you feel what you do to me?’

He had one hand caressing my folds, arousing, exciting, playing.

‘I thought you didn’t want me,’ I admitted. ‘I…when you were with her, I⁠—’

‘Shh.’ He kissed me, taking my words away, giving me back, with action, what I needed to feel, which was to be desired by him. ‘There’s only you. Only you.’

I stroked him as he slid two fingers inside me. His inexorable assault was too much, and I felt my thighs begin to shake.

‘Harder, baby. Please,’ he begged, thrusting his hips against my hand.

I wish I could taste him, but we were in the water—but there were advantages. I floated closer to him and wrapped my legs around him, wanting his penis, not his fingers.

‘Baby, no.’ He moved his hands to my hips, holding me still.

‘Why?’ I whined.

He smiled and kissed me. ‘I’ll take care of you, baby. I’ll take care of you.’

He smoothed a hand down my body as he held my waist with the other. His eyes were on mine, soft, aroused, affectionate, hungry, all at the same time.

He ran his fingers through my slippery flesh, and when he touched my clit, I threw my head back, closed my eyes, wanting to savor.

‘Look at me, baby.’

I felt like my eyelids were heavy, and it took an effort to open them.

‘Yeah. Like that. You have these honey-brown eyes that I feel like I’m going to drown in,’ he breathed, his fingers stroking in and out of me as his thumb stayed on my clit, putting pressure on nerves that were screaming for release.

His fingers on my waist dug in as he held me.

I wanted him inside me, but this was as far as he would let this go. I knew that, and a part of me, the one who wasn’t mad with arousal, even understood him. We were dating—we were learning each other—and this was part of it. Necking in a waterfall.

My orgasm built up slowly, and when he pinched my clit, I began to spasm around his fingers.

‘Fuck yeah.’ He kissed me, devouring me, his hips snapping against mine, his hand a barrier between us. ‘You look so fucking beautiful.’ He bit my bottom lip and pulled his hand away from my slickness.

He rubbed his cock against me, and each time he touched my sensitive clit, I moaned, feeling it all the way deep inside me. I grabbed onto him, held him, and kissed him. When he came on a growl, I leaned my head on his shoulder and let go of the past.