Page 30 of Natural Temptation

I accept a piece and bite into the tender, flaky flesh that melts on my tongue. Its buttery, slightly sweet flavor is divine. For a moment, I forget about Ryan's teasing, lost in this simple pleasure. But as I catch his eye across the room, I know our day of erotic teasing is far from over.

Next, we visit Thurston Botanical Gardens. As we step through the wrought-iron gates, the lush greenery envelops us. Ryan's powerful voice rallies the group to attention. "Feel free to explore at your own pace. We'll meet back here in an hour."

I breathe in the heady scent of orchids and frangipani, which reminds of of Heirani Motu. But the gardens here lack the wildness of that island. As the others disperse, Ryan settles a hand on the small of my back, guiding me down a secluded path.

"God, Meredith, I've been dying to get you alone ever since the museum."

"I've been feeling the same way."

He brushes his thumb over my lips. "You bring out the raunchy side of me, Meredith, and I love it."

We round a corner, and suddenly we're in a hidden alcove, surrounded by vibrant tropical flowers.

Ryan slings his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against him. "You are so beautiful, Mer. But when you come, you're like a firework bursting in the sky."

I barely have time to process his words before his lips claim mine. The kiss begins gradually as a gentle exploration, but it swiftly ignites into conflagration so hot it could melt granite. My fingers tangle in his sandy hair as his tongue teases mine. A moan spills from my lips.

His answering growl sends a warm shiver up my spine. As our kisses grow even more intense, more passionate by the second, I lose all sense of time and place. There's only Ryan, his strong hands roaming my body, the intoxicating taste of him on my tongue. Just when I think I might combust from the rising tension, Ryan reaches into his pocket. With a wicked smile, he presses a button, and suddenly the vibrator nestled between my thighs comes to life.

Despite the gentleness of the vibrations, I gasp and jerk. My knees nearly buckle at the unexpected sensation. I cling to him, my human anchor. "Ryan, oh god..."

He holds me steady. "Don't go off yet, baby. We're just getting started."

The world slowly comes back into focus as Ryan and I cling to each other. The humid air makes find beads of sweat trickle down my skin. My body trembles with unfulfilled desire while my every nerve sings from the lingering vibrations. I press my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent—a mix of salt, sun, and something uniquely him.

"You okay?" Ryan asks, tracing his fingers on my back in soothing patterns.

I nod, not trusting my voice just yet. My mind races. I struggle to make sense of what's happening between us becausethis feels like more than just a holiday fling, more than the wild adventure I'd initially wanted. There's an intimacy here that both thrills and terrifies me.

"Ryan, what are we doing?"

"I'm not entirely sure. But I know I don't want to stop."

Neither do I. But before I can respond, we hear voices approaching. Ryan steps back, his professional mask slipping back into place. But his eyes...they tell a different story.

Later, as the group settles in at Eden Bistro & Bar, Ryan appears at my side. The mischievous glint in his eye proves he's not done teasing me yet. "Care for a change of scenery?"

I raise an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"

He leads me to a swanky restaurant just down the street. Once we're seated, I can't help but tease him. "Special treatment for the troublemaker, huh?"

Ryan stares down at his men, clearing his throat. "I just...wanted some time alone with you."

"Oh?" I lean forward, enjoying his momentary discomfort. "And why's that?"

He takes a deep breath and finally looks up at me. "Because you're not just someone to fuck and play with, Meredith. You're...becoming important to me."

My heart skips a beat.

"I know it's complicated," he continues. "But I can't deny what I'm feeling."

While I process his words, a realization slams into me. I don't want this to end when my vacation does. The thought of returning to my old life, leaving Ryan and Heirani Motu behind, feels impossibly wrong.

"What if..." I start, surprised by my own boldness. "What if I didn't go home after two weeks? Maybe I'd like to stay after that."

I feel a delicious tingle as Ryan's fingers brush my thigh under the table. He's been teasing me relentlessly with that damn toy all afternoon, and I'm about ready to combust.

"You're killing me, Ryan."

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