Page 4 of Scarred Temptation

I rolled my eyes on purpose. “So dramatic.”

“Around you I need to be.”

“Very funny. So no possibility of tourists wandering on the property?” I turned my head toward the cove, admiring the view once again.

“Only if they are shipwrecked. Why? What do you have in mind?”

Before I backed away, I rolled my fingers across the waistband then down the length of his groin, allowing my gaze to follow. “I was thinking about a lovely swim.” With a step taken, I lifted my head to gauge his reaction.

“I’ll need to bring in the suitcases.”

Very slowly I shook my head before grabbing the hem of my dress and pulling it over my head. At least he’d offered guidance in what I should wear after the layover in Los Angeles. At that point, I’d thought Hawaii. I should have known the islands had been far too commercial for his tastes.

Without hesitating, I kicked off my sandals and slipped my fingers under the thin elastic of my thong. While rolling the lace down my legs, he was slowly shaking his head while lust invaded his vision. His nostrils were flared and even his mouth was partially open while his chest rose and fell.

“Who needs a bathing suit? I’m certain the water is warm and if it isn’t…” I allowed the words to fade before sliding my finger into my mouth and offering an inviting look.

“You are truly a very bad girl.”

After pumping my finger several times, I allowed a popping sound. “I thought you preferred when I was bad. What did you tell me? That my mouth would one day get me into the kind of trouble no one could get me out of?”

He chuckled, nodding in affirmation. “Very true.”

I backed away, mindful of the location of the stairs while beckoning him with the same finger. “Then why don’t you get into some trouble with me. Some good trouble?” I accentuated the offer with a nod of my own before turning and running down the stairs. I knew he’d eventually follow, even if he decided to make me wait under the pretense that he was always in control.

The sand was soft beneath my feet, the sunlight filling my soul while the light breeze kept my skin cool to the touch. But nothing would push aside the wave of heat or the deep throb between my legs. Just before walking into the water, I turned and shielded my eyes from the sun to find him standing at the railing, his hands in his pockets.

Just watching me, keeping me safe as he insisted on doing.

Even when there was no need.

I beckoned him again, hoping the wind carried my laugh as I waded into the water. The ocean was a flawless expanse of turquoise, so clear I could see my own shadow gliding over the reef. There was still a slight chill, but as soon as it passed, I dove into the water, kicking my legs as if a mermaid until I’d swum into deeper water.

As soon as I surfaced, I ran my fingers through my wet hair and studied the depths below. Fish of every size and color captivated my imagination, so vivid and so close that I was certain I could reach out and capture one. The swell pulled me out farther and the movement of the water and the perfect temperature were as soothing as anything had been as of late.

When I stole another glance toward shore, I was disappointed to see him still doing nothing more than watching me. Perhaps I’d lost my touch.

I dove into the water again, thinking of ways to rip the stick out of his ass. He’d brought me to this tropical paradise and planned on standing on the shore the entire time? His grumpiness wasn’t acceptable. Not in my world. While the salt stung my eyes, I couldn’t help taking a peek at the peaceful world under such a turbulent surface.

Metaphorically.

I already sensed we could finally relax if only for a few precious days. With a stream of slow and steady bubbles, I finally made my way to the surface. As soon as I slipped from under the water, massive hands grabbed my arms, pulling me forward with enough force I was shocked.

My gasp turned into a laugh, which mirrored Maxsim’s from his ability to shock the hell out of me. “You bastard.” Unable to help myself, I pummeled my fists on his chest while he spun us around in the water. “I thought you were going to leave me high and dry.”

“Oh, really?” After spinning in another circle, he stopped moving completely.

I traced the tail of the snake, brushing my fingers halfway down his arm while admiring the intricately done scales on the creature’s body. “Yes, really.” Very slowly I lifted both my hand and my head, placing my fingers on his face. While I caressed his skin, it seemed all time stopped. Other than the rolling waves, the only sound came from his labored breathing. “You are so beautiful.”

Months before he’d flinched when I dared acknowledge his scars. Now, every time I traced elements of his mottled skin, he merely watched me as he was doing now. Maybe he was still curious as to why I’d never found his burns terrifying or even disgusting.

“You’re not supposed to call a man beautiful.” His voice dipped to a deep, throaty husk, the tone he knew I adored.

“You know I don’t care about rules.” I rolled one finger along his jaw and around his lips, trailing my actions with my eyes.

He slipped one arm under my bottom, lifting me. While I wrapped my legs around him, he eased his hand between us. With a slow and steady shake of his head, he offered a deep, predatory growl. “Neither do I.”

As soon as he pulled me down, stretching my pussy muscles with his cock, I grabbed his shoulder and threw my head back. “Oh… my…” While my strangled laugh floated into the air, I dug my nails into his skin.