Turks and Caicos Treasure
"Marine archaeologist Dr. Raven Baptiste is searching for shipwreck treasure—but diver Marcus helps her discover that the real riches are found in each other's arms at day's end."
The research vessel bobbed in turquoise water. Dr. Raven Baptiste reviewed the sonar data for the hundredth time.
"You'll find it."
She looked up at her dive assistant, Marcus. The man was built like he belonged in the water—strong, capable, patient.
"Is not about finding," she sighed. "Is about proving."
"Then let's prove it."
They dove together, searching the reef for signs of the Spanish galleon she'd spent years hunting. Her thick body moved through water with practiced ease, and Marcus found himself watching her more than the search grid.
"Eyes on the sand," she laughed through the comm.
"Hard with you in front of me."
Silence. Then: "Find the treasure first. Then we talk about distractions."
Day twelve. They found it. Cannons first, then coins, then artifacts beyond imagining.
On the boat, champagne and elation. Raven's thick body crashed into his arms.
"We did it! We actually did it!"
"You did it. I just helped."
She kissed him, tasting like salt and triumph. "Help me celebrate."
Her cabin was small but they made it work. That thick body finally his to explore, her curves like the treasures they'd found—rich, endless, precious.
"Been wanting dis since day one," she gasped.
"Why wait?"
"Professional. But fuck professional. Yuh earned this. We earned this."
They earned it over and over.
The discovery made her famous. The book deal, the documentary, the university position—all came from that dive.
But Marcus came first.
Now he dives with her everywhere, official partner in work and life.
Turks and Caicos gave them treasure.
They gave each other everything else.