Jude Kinkade had made a lot of questionable decisions in his life — getting involved with Zero, falling in love with Zero, marrying Zero — but none of them compared to the catastrophic mistake of thinking they could spend a relaxing, conflict-free honeymoon in Sicily.

It had been less than 48 hours since they'd arrived at the resort, and already they'd managed to piss off one of the richest, most entitled couples on the property. Zero was proud of it — Jude was terrified.

The Sullivans were rich. Like, trust fund babies with offshore accounts and summer homes in Saint-Tropez rich. Jude had seen their type before — the kind of people who were born on third base but insisted they hit a triple. They were polite on the surface but ruthless underneath. And when you crossed them, you were basically declaring war on the entire WASP ecosystem.

And somehow, Zero had declared war on them over a fucking cabana.

But at least tonight, in their private whirlpool, things were starting to calm down.

Or so Jude had thought.

"TURN IT DOWN!" Zero shouted over the balcony.

Daphne and Cameron were still at the pool — their own private pool party still in full swing despite the fact that it was nearly midnight.

Daphne twirled an Aperol Spritz in her hand, her blonde waves bouncing as she laughed. "Oh, you mean like when we were trying to relax earlier?"

Zero scowled. "Don't make me come down there."

Daphne tilted her head. "Do it."

Zero's eyes narrowed. "You don't want that."

"Oh, I really do," Daphne purred.

Cameron's mouth twitched into a smirk. "Come on, tough guy. Let's see what you got."

Jude sat up straighter. "Zero. Don't."

Zero smirked. "Oh, I think I will."

"Zero!" Jude hissed.

Zero untied his robe.

Jude's mouth dropped open. "ZERO!"

But it was too late.

Zero dropped the robe to the ground and stood there — completely naked — arms outstretched like some kind of Roman statue.

Daphne's jaw dropped. Cameron's eyes widened slightly.

Zero spread his arms. "Happy now?"

Daphne's face slowly twisted into a wicked smile. "Well, I guess we know why Jude married you."

Jude's face was burning. "Oh my god."

Cameron let out a low whistle. "Yeah, okay. Keep trying."

Zero laughed. "You sure about that?"

"Zero!" Jude scrambled out of the whirlpool, grabbing the robe from the floor and trying to cover Zero's very obvious situation. "Are you insane?"

Zero grinned. "Just making a point."

Daphne was still grinning. "Oh, honey, I don't think we're the ones embarrassed here."

Jude was fuming. "Zero, put the robe back on."

"But I'm comfortable," Zero said innocently.

Cameron leaned toward Daphne. "He's definitely compensating."

"Compensating?" Zero raised his eyebrows. "You sure you want to go there?"

Jude practically tackled Zero, forcing the robe over his shoulders. "I swear to god, you're going to get us kicked out."

Daphne laughed. "Oh please. You think the hotel is going to kick us out?"

Jude's face twisted. "You think you own the place?"

Daphne smirked. "No, but my father owns a few other properties in the area. And he's very good friends with the general manager."

Jude's heart sank. "Of course he is."

"So unless you want to be sleeping in the airport tomorrow night," Daphne continued, "I'd suggest you mind your own business."

Zero stepped forward. "Or?"

Daphne's smile widened. "Or we'll keep this party going until sunrise."

Jude rubbed his hands over his face. "This is a nightmare."

Zero's jaw clenched. "We'll see about that."

"Zero," Jude said tightly. "Come inside."

"But—"

"Now."

Zero's mouth flattened into a thin line, but he followed Jude back inside. Jude slammed the balcony doors shut behind them and whirled around.

"What the hell was that?"

Zero shrugged. "They were asking for it."

"Asking for it?! You flashed them!"

"Yeah, and?"

Jude groaned. "Zero, this is a five-star hotel, not spring break in Cabo!"

Zero grinned. "You think they'll complain?"

"Yes!"

Zero sighed, sitting down on the bed. "Fine. I'll cover up next time."

Jude pinched the bridge of his nose. "Next time?"

Just then, the music outside got louder.

Jude's mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding me?"

Zero stood up. "Okay. That's it."

"No," Jude said, grabbing Zero's arm. "You are not going down there naked again."

"Then what's your plan?"

"Calling hotel security."

Jude picked up the phone by the bed and dialed the front desk.

"Reception," a smooth voice answered.

"Hi," Jude said. "There's a private party happening at the pool right now — very loud, very disruptive. Could you send security to—"

"I'm sorry, sir," the receptionist interrupted. "But the guests hosting the event are on the VIP list."

Jude's eyes narrowed. "What does that mean?"

"It means they have authorization from the general manager to host private events."

Jude closed his eyes. "Of course they do."

Zero's jaw twitched. "Unbelievable."

Jude hung up the phone and threw himself onto the bed. "We're screwed."

Zero climbed onto the bed next to him. "Oh no, baby. This is just the opening act."

Jude looked over at him. "What do you mean?"

Zero's smirk returned. "They can play dirty. But nobody plays dirtier than me."

"Great," Jude muttered. "Just what I need — my husband getting banned from Italy for streaking."

Zero leaned over and kissed him. "You love me."

Jude rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately."

Zero's hand slid down Jude's chest. "You know how I deal with stress?"

Jude arched an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Zero grinned. "Come here."

Jude sighed. "Fine."

Zero slid down beneath the covers, dragging Jude with him.

"Forget about them," Zero whispered.

"You mean forget about the couple that just saw your dick?"

"Yup."

Jude shook his head. "You are unbelievable."

"And yet…" Zero kissed him, his hand sliding lower. "You married me."

"Stop reminding me."

Zero smiled against his mouth. "Make me."

Jude groaned. "I hate you."

"No you don't."

Jude sighed. "No I don't."

The music from the pool was still blasting, but as Zero slid the robe completely off and pressed his mouth against Jude's neck, Jude decided he really didn't care anymore.

If Daphne and Cameron were trying to ruin their night, they'd have to try harder.

And, honestly?

Jude was confident they'd fail.