Page 28 of No Escape

Clint stooped to grab a flashlight out of his bag before leading her into one of the dark corridors. She tried to pull back. “Afraid of the dark?” His soft chuckle echoed around them.

Sarah didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. She had the impression they were traveling down a slight incline. The beam of light they followed revealed a narrow tunnel that gradually widened as they went along. By the time they reached their destination, it opened up into another cavity—and a nice surprise. She gasped with pleasure, only getting the chance to appreciate the sight of the natural hot springs briefly before Clint flicked off the flashlight, cloaking them in darkness.

It wasn’t total darkness though. She glanced up instinctively, surprised yet again. Mother Nature had seen to everything. She stared in wonder at the skylight directly above them, letting in the subtle glow of moonlight and stars that created an intimate atmosphere. All they needed was a few romantic candles and wine.

“You coming in or are you going to stand there all night with your mouth open?”

Sarah’s gaze fell on Clint’s dark silhouette, wondering how he saw her. She heard him hit the water, squinting to see if he’d removed his clothes. “You didn’t waste any time,” she snorted, bending to untie her sneakers. “Did you, ah, take your clothes off?”

“Of course. Is there any other way?”

She hesitated a moment before slipping off her pants and shirt, leaving on her bra and underpants. “Yeah, there’s my way,” she quipped with sass, moving into position to lower herself in the water.

“It’s hot!” he warned.

She tested the temperature with her toes. It was hot. Sitting down on the edge of the pool, she swung her legs around and lowered them gradually into the water. First her feet, then her legs. She was up to her knees when she reached behind her to brace herself by flattening her hands along the edge. Slowly, she let the welcoming heat swallow her up.

A long sound of pleasure moved up her throat when she was finally submerged up to her shoulders. It was steaming hot, but felt so heavenly against the stiffness of her sore, abused body. She laid her head back against the rocky edge, closing her eyes and letting the hot liquid seep into every dirty pore.

“Feel good?”

Sarah smiled. “Almost as good as sex,” she said without thinking.

“Really?” he chuckled, the closeness of his voice revealing he’d moved near her. “We can’t stay in long. Water this hot can be dangerous.”

“How can anything that feels this wonderful be dangerous?” She breathed tiredly. She rotated her neck in an effort to work out the kinks. “I could easily fall asleep right now.”

“That would be deadly,” Clint remarked, dropping his hands upon her shoulders. “Turn around.”

Her eyes bolted open. Yet it wasn’t his closeness that unnerved Sarah. It was his hands on her. And the memory of what he made her feel. “What? Why?” she asked nervously.

“I must be crazy getting this fucking close to you.” His husky voice sent her pulse racing, and a pleasant sensation uncurled deep in her belly. “A smart man wouldn’t get within ten feet of you, in spite of your dirty, disheveled state.” He turned her around without much effort.

Sarah wasn’t so sure about this. “Then what are you doing?” She recalled the morning before when his hands had moved over her, massaging the aches away. So much had happened between them since then. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

“Hell if I know. I’m a glutton for punishment. Maybe I just like having my hands on you.” With her back to him, his fingers began digging into her sore muscles.

Sarah was already feeling the effects of the water on her body, but the effects of Clint’s hands on her shoulders messed with her mind. “Lord that feels good!” she said softly, deciding to ignore his admission, and the little thrill it caused. She began drifting in and out of semi-consciousness, praying he never stopped. “How did you know about this place?” She could hardly lift her voice above a whisper.

“I stumbled across it on my way to rescue a maiden in distress,” he said with a trace of laughter in his voice. His hands moved over her shoulders and arms before transferring to a spot behind her neck and finally moving down her back. “You’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”

“We can both use a good rest.”

Clint snorted. “That’s not a luxury I can allow myself until we’re off the island.”

Sarah’s head fell back, praying he never stopped. He had good, strong hands and seemed to know where to touch her to bring instant relief. “Don’t stop,” she pleaded weakly.

“You’re becoming lethargic.” Sarah could hear the smile in his voice. “We won’t have the strength to make it back to the safety of the main cave if we don’t get out soon.” A ripple of desire traveled over her when he lowered his head, letting his lips brush against her ear as he spoke. “How long do you want to stay in?”

“Forever,” Sarah whispered in the darkness.

Clint released a long breath. “Then it’s definitely time to get out.” He gave her a little shake.

Sarah’s eyes opened all the way and she turned to see him pushing himself out of the pool. He turned, offering his hand. It surprised her how effortlessly he pulled her up beside him. Suddenly, they were standing too close. She held her breath, not sure what she was waiting for. She could only make out his dark outline, yet she was very much aware of his silent scrutiny as he stood looking down at her. His warm breath mingled with hers, teasing her lips.

“What’s wrong?” she asked nervously.

“I’m going to kiss you.” He didn’t ask, just stated it like a warning, in a tone revealing he wasn’t happy about it but couldn’t seem to help himself. His hands encircled her arms, pulling her closer until she was flush against his naked body.

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