Page 101 of Redemption

It wasn’t long before Jackson joined me, stripping out of his shirt before slipping beneath the water. It was warmer than I’d realized, and the sight of a shirtless Jackson made me even hotter. I took a sip of my wine, hoping it would cool me down, but I was beginning to perspire. My sexy seduction was turning into a sweaty one.

Jackson rested his arms on the back of the tub, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Hot?” I nodded. “I was surprised you chose the hot tub.”

“It sounded nice for my sore muscles.”

He regarded me with a bemused smile over the top of his wineglass. The waves crashed in the distance, and I pushed my hair away from my face, clipping it up.

I stood and sat on the edge of the hot tub, my legs still dangling in the water. Jackson made a choked sound, and when I glanced up, he looked like a cartoon character whose eyes were bulging out of their head—comically so.

“You okay?” I asked in a sweet tone.

“What—” He wheezed. Coughed. “What the fuck are you wearing?”

I glanced down at my suit, and yep, it was completely sheer. The material clung to my nipples like I was in a wet-T-shirt contest. “A swimsuit,” I said, being deliberately obtuse.

“It’s—” He started to say, and I stood and turned to grab a towel to dab at my face. “Oh, holy fuck. You’re trying to kill me.”

I smiled to myself, pleased that my plan was working.

“Damn, hayati. Your ass looks fine as fuck.”

With my back still to Jackson, I smiled and took my sweet-ass time bending forward to get the towel. When I turned to face Jackson, he was gripping the edge of the hot tub so hard I thought he might crack the tile.

I was desperate for him to touch me. My nipples were hard points against the material, and I knew he could see them. He swallowed hard, his breath quickening.

He smoothed his hand up his chest and over his throat. “Spread your legs,” he commanded. “I want to see you.”

I bit my lip, considering. “Not unless you show me something.”

He stood, his cock bulging against his swimsuit. He pushed his suit over his hips and sat on the edge of the hot tub. “Does that work?”

“Definitely,” I said as he took his cock in hand, reminded of that night on the boat not so long ago. His muscles flexed with the movement, the entire thing so freaking sexy.

If I’d thought I was hot before, I was molten lava now. I knew we were skirting the rules, but I didn’t care. I needed him more than I needed my next breath. And if this was the only way I could have Jackson right now, then I’d take whatever I could get.

I took my time, spreading my legs, the water sliding down my skin. His jaw dropped even lower. “Touch yourself,” he rasped. “Slowly.”

I did as he’d asked, circling my clit in lazy movements. I could feel his eyes on me the entire time, his blue irises dark with desire. He started pumping his cock, and I wasn’t even sure if he realized he was doing it.

He stood and inched closer to me, splashing water as he did so. “I really—” he took few more tentative steps “—really want to kiss you.”

“I really want you to kiss me.” But I waited on my perch, letting him look his fill. Basking in his attention.

“I…” He swallowed, his eyes scanning me. “You…” He inhaled a shaky breath and let it out slowly.

“It’s okay. You can touch me,” I panted, silently begging him to do just that.

“If I do, I won’t be able to stop.”

“Would that be so terrible?” I wasn’t above begging. I needed this man.

And at this point, I wasn’t sure what difference it would make. Yes, he was technically still my bodyguard, but there was little reason to be concerned for my safety in a gated resort. And I knew Jackson would never willingly put me in danger.

“No. And yes.”

I stood, and he placed his hands on my hips, smoothing them over my ass. He groaned. “I love this swimsuit.”

“And I—” I gave him a quick peck “—love—” another kiss, slower this time “—you.” The words came out unbidden, but they were true. It was so easy. So simple. So…right.

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