Chapter 531

"Breakup gift?" Maeve's heart iced over. The beautiful scenery, moments ago a balm, now mocked her. He'd given her this on her birthday? The irony was a bitter pill.

"Should I thank you for remembering my birthday, or your generosity, Mr. McDaniel? A manor? Really?" Her eyes flashed with scorn.

Byron's expression was unreadable, his dark eyes hinting at something cold. "I don't mistreat the women I support," he said, his tone infuriatingly casual.

Embarrassment burned Maeve's cheeks. "Must you be this repulsive?"

"Repulsive? Who knows that better than you, Ms. Reese?"

"When have I ever been repulsive to you?" she demanded.

He ignored her, gazing at the sky. "Follow me."

"No!" Her defiance was palpable. "Take me back. I won't stay."

He lowered his voice. "Swim."

A beat of silence. "You're giving me this island?"

"Yeah."

"Then this is my territory. You should leave," Maeve declared.

Byron's dark eyes held a knowing smile. "We haven't signed the contract. Are you sure you want to continue this?"

His threat hung heavy. Maeve straightened. "I'm leaving."

"Lead the way," he said.

Her bravado crumbled. He clicked his tongue and walked off.

She wanted to flee, but the sea surrounded them. He'd trapped her.

Chapter 581

A panda-faced hot air balloon ascended, absurdly cheerful. Maeve followed Byron, bewildered. Another part of the "gift"?

"Ceremonious, Mr. McDaniel. A breakup by hot air balloon," she mocked, clinging to the railing. He remained impassive. "Ms. Reese, haven't you heard? What money can solve is the cheapest."

Was he mocking her worthlessness? She rolled her eyes, gazing down at the ocean.

The balloon hovered, suspended above the water. A gray whale surfaced, its spout arcing a rainbow. It dove, followed by a pod of killer whales harassing a shark – a chaotic, playful ballet of predation.

Maeve laughed. She'd heard killer whales were ocean gangsters. She wanted a picture, but her phone was gone. The view was breathtaking, the balloon impossibly close to the water.

She stole a glance at Byron, meeting his intense gaze. He watched her, the hunter assessing his prey.

A cedar scent, sharp and clean against the salt air, enveloped her. Byron’s arms were suddenly around her, his breath warm on her hair. She recoiled, her back hitting the railing with a sharp sting.

She pushed against him, but his strength was immovable. "What are you doing?" she demanded. "We broke up. Just now."

"Your comprehension is lacking," he said smoothly. "It's not time to break up yet."

"You gave me the breakup gift. Are you reneging, Mr. McDaniel?"

"You called it that."

She gritted her teeth. He wanted to deny it now? Anger flushed her face. "What do you want? You dragged me here, gave me a 'gift,' and now this?"

He met her fiery gaze unyielding. Leaning closer, he whispered, "Didn't you say I'm so ceremonial? The gift's given. There's still the procedure."

"What procedure?"

"Breakup sex."

Stunned, she stared. Was he insane?

"No!" she shouted. "I won't! Find someone else!"

He was using her as a Molly substitute!

His cold fingers traced her neck. His grip tightened on her chin. "Excellent suggestion. Unfortunately, you're the only one here. Do it with me, or the engagement remains."

He was mad! She saw her skirt billow as he pushed her to the railing, his touch hot and invasive on her ankle.