Page 3 of Scarred Temptation

Hinges creaked as a door was swung open. So did floorboards under his feet. He walked straight in, but instead of putting me down, he continued walking. Another door was pulled open, another wave of humidity as well as the light breeze tickling my face once again.

Only the breeze better carried the scent of ozone, sun-warmed driftwood, and the sharp copper of sea spray. I was already relaxed, my arm casually flung over his shoulder with my fingers currently tugging on his shoulder-length thick curls.

When I was finally lowered onto my feet, I took a deep breath, almost feeling a little unsteady. Or perhaps I simply wished he would wrap his strong arms around me.

He rubbed his hands down my arms, the rough pads of his fingertips brushing against my skin a sensual reminder of everything we’d shared. When he finally untied the blindfold, I closed my eyes.

I was aware he’d taken a couple of steps away as if refusing to interfere with my awakening to the surprise.

“Open your eyes, prednachertannyy angel.”

Taunting him didn’t seem as important as enjoying the moment. When I did as he asked, my breath hitched from attempting to embrace the utter beauty surrounding me. A slight gasp was the only sound I could make.

The ocean stretched out before me like a vast, living canvas of liquid turquoise. Bathed in the golden sunlight, the surface sparkled with millions of dancing diamonds. Lush tropical plants with foliage in vivid hues of tangerine, lemon, and fuchsia formed an arc around a long, lone beach of pearlescent sand.

Gently rolling waves tossed against the shore while coastal seabirds flew across the horizon. There were no other buildings, no other locals or tourists invading the pristine space, just a perfect view of true paradise.

Wherever we were held a fierce, untamable beauty that made me feel wonderfully small, yet entirely renewed.

I inched closer to the railing, peering down at the water’s edge. There were stairs leading to the beach, an invitation to explore the tranquil surroundings. On the lower deck there were a gorgeous pool and hot tub, just begging for two people to indulge in acts of pleasure.

“This is… incredible.” I couldn’t find the adequate words. I’d never seen any place as special. He said nothing, but I could feel the heat of his smile even before I turned to face him. I’d been right. Even his dark sunglasses were unable to hide the twinkle in his eyes. Both corners of his mouth were upturned, the grin highly mischievous.

“You’re not angry with me for not divulging the secret?”

I swaggered closer, swinging my hips as I did. “You still haven’t told me where we are.”

“Fiji. And don’t worry. We are all alone. There is no one for miles.”

The back wall of the house was all glass doors leading to a covered veranda and from what little I could see of the inside, the villa was as spacious as it was gorgeous. Knowing Maxsim, the man had spared no expense.

“So what do we feast on, coconuts? Bananas? Or mangos. Delicious.” I slowly slid one arm over his shoulder then the other, clasping my fingers together.

He slipped his sunglasses from his face, pocketing them in a more festive shirt than I’d seen him wear before answering me. “All I hunger for is you. But to answer your question, the kitchen is well stocked with everything we need.”

“Everything?”

“Mmm… Almost.”

As he lowered his head until our lips were almost touching, more intense electric tingles washed over me. Being held by him was entirely consuming. His fingers traced a gentle, burning path along my spine over my dress, which only further fueled the fire already burning deep inside.

When our lips touched, tiny explosives released in my brain while my core overheated. His touch had always indicated passion, but this time seemed more intense, extremely emotional in ways that were difficult to explain.

The kiss was gentle at first, his lips rolling with mine, but his raging desire and need for control soon replaced the tenderness. And I didn’t mind, especially when he pulled me onto my toes, crushing his full body weight against me. His cock was already throbbing, creating even more of a fiery ache that would only continue building.

He swept his tongue inside, carefully dominating mine. The sinful man was merely biding his time, teasing me in his way while planning his act of seduction. He tasted of whiskey and peppermint, an irresistible combination while the scent of sandalwood and citrus assaulted my senses. The chaotic noise of the world simply evaporated.

This was true paradise, a gift I would never forget.

With my heart thudding erratically, I felt as lightheaded as I’d ever experienced before. How was it possible after hundreds of kisses I could feel dizzy from his embrace?

When he finally pulled our lips free, I was thrilled to see how ragged his breathing had grown. I slid my palm to his chest, fingering the buttons on his shirt. “You said we’re all alone?”

“Yes, we are.”

I took a single step away, crawling my fingers along the line of buttons to the waistband of his light gray trousers. He was even more gorgeous when he was relaxed. “No lieutenants hiding in the trees?”

Maxsim snorted. “Not if they want to live.”