Page 8 of The Mistletoe Promise

"Nothing, huh?" he says, his tone skeptical. "Because it sure as hell doesn't look like nothing."

I meet his gaze steadily. "Look, Jaxon, I know you're protective of your sister. But she's a grown woman who can make her own decisions."

Kieran, who's been quiet up until now, speaks up. "True, but she's also vulnerable right now. After what happened with Aaron and our mom..." He trails off, shaking his head.

I feel a flash of anger at the mention of Amanda's ex-fiancé and her mother. What they did to her was unforgivable. "I would never hurt her like that," I say firmly. I’m not fucking like that. I’d never treat anyone that way.

Jaxon sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I know you wouldn't, Frankie. But you have to admit, this is fucking complicated."

I nod, acknowledging the truth in his words. Not only are we both coming out of relationships, fucked up relationships, there’s also the complication that my step-daughter is her best friend, not to mention there’s a fourteen year age-gap between us. "I know it is. But I care about Amanda."

The brothers exchange a look. Finally, Kieran speaks. "Just be careful, okay? Both of you. We don't want to see either of you get hurt."

"I appreciate your concern," I tell them sincerely. "But like I said, Amanda can make her own decisions. And so can I."

Jaxon nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. Just tread carefully, alright?"

I give him a wry smile. "Always do."

As the brothers walk away, I turn my gaze back to the ocean. Amanda is waist-deep in the water, her back to the shore. The sunlight glints off her wet skin, and I feel a surge of desire so strong it almost takes my breath away.

I stand up, decision made. I've spent too long denying my feelings, hiding behind excuses and obligations. Now, with nothing holding me back, I'm done waiting.

I make my way down to the water's edge, my eyes never leaving Amanda's form. As I wade in, she turns, sensing my approach. Her eyes widen slightly as she takes me in.

"Frankie," she says, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the waves. "What are you doing?"

I don't stop until I'm standing right in front of her, close enough to see the droplets of water clinging to her eyelashes. "Something I should have done a long time ago," I murmur.

Before she can respond, I cup her face in my hands and kiss her. For a moment, she's still, frozen in surprise. Then, with a soft moan, she melts into me, her arms wrapping around my neck as she kisses me back just as hard. The taste of salt on her lips mingles with the sweetness that is uniquely Amanda, and I'm instantly addicted.

I pull her closer, one hand sliding down to the small of her back while the other tangles in her wet hair. The water laps around us.

Amanda breaks the kiss first, gasping for air. Her eyes are wide, pupils dilated with desire as she looks up at me. "Frankie," she breathes, her voice husky. "We shouldn't..."

I lean my forehead against hers, unwilling to let her go just yet. "Do you want me to stop?" I ask, searching her eyes.

She bites her lip, indecision warring on her face. Then, slowly, she shakes her head. "No," she whispers. "I don't."

I smile, relief and desire coursing through me. "Then don't overthink it," I murmur, brushing my lips against hers again. "Just feel."

This time when I kiss her, there's no hesitation. Amanda meets me with equal passion, her body pressing against mine as the waves gently rock us. Her hands roam my chest and back, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

My cock is thick and hard, I can’t hold back any longer. I need her. I slide my hand between us, pushing aside her panties and sliding my finger into her pussy. I groan at the tight wet warmth that surrounds my digits.

"God, you're so wet for me already," I growl. Christ, she feels so fucking good.

“Please,” I hear her ragged whisper. “Please, Frankie.”

I chuckle, loving the way she’s reacting to me. "Patience, Kitten. You’ve been driving me crazy since we arrived here. There’s no way that I’m going to rush this."

My thumb circles her clit as I slowly slide another finger inside of her. She bites her lip, her nails digging into my shoulders as she wraps her legs around my waist.

"That's it," I growl, my voice rough with desire. "Let me make you feel good."

"Frankie," she gasps, she’s close, I can feel it.. "I'm going to-"

"Come for me, Amanda," I growl, curling my finger so that I hit that perfect spot.

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