Page 33 of Cruel Existence

“No, I mean past Ciro and Joey. You shouldn’t be here.”

I sat on the lounge chair next to her. “Joey? That the goon with the huge scar across his nose?” I had expected to see Ciro, but instead, it was only the one guy who looked like a hockey player.

She sighed. “He’s self-conscious about it. We don’t mention his nose. Ever.”

“Odd choice for a bodyguard then.” I glared at her. “Why haven’t you answered your phone?” I asked. If I could have picked her up and thrown her over my shoulder then, I would have.

The beads of perspiration rolled between her breasts. Damn. She looked incredible in her bikini. She pushed forward in her seat.

“Because you want me to get on a plane to Bali. Or where was the last place? I think you said you had tickets for Amsterdam.”

“Youarelistening to my messages. The plane tickets are just piling up. When are you going to choose our spot?”

“Of course, I listened, but I can’t go anywhere with you. Stop buying first-class tickets. That costs a fortune.”

“I have a fortune,” I retorted.

“I told you. This isn’t going to work.” There was defeat in her voice.

“You’ve given up before you even tried. At least enjoy a few weeks with me. I know you want those Russian lessons.”

Her legs swung in my direction. My palms skimmed over her knees, planting her legs between mine. She tilted forward. I could smell the coconut on her skin. Smell the sun on her body.

She sighed. “If my father sees you…”

“Is he home?” I asked.

She nodded. “He’s in his study working. I don’t know who is with him today. This isn’t safe for you.”

I laughed. Sometimes it was cute how naïve and innocent she was about my background. To be fair, she didn’t know the truth. I had kept my secrets as far from her as I could. I was about to let her in on a big secret that had major consequences. I had to hope she could handle it.

I brought my hands to either side of her face. “I keep thinking about your lips.”

She smiled. “You do?”

I nodded, drawing her mouth close to mine. I pressed against the warmth of her mouth, soaked in sunlight. I parted her lipsas my tongue twined along hers. Amara’s hands wrapped around my neck, and I wanted to untie the string on her bikini. I wanted to worship her curvy body. Admire her breasts. Tease her clit with kisses. I explored her body, gliding over it easily. The oil was a guide. My fingers curled to the inside of her thigh.

“Shh,” I warned her.

Her eyes whipped open, but I tugged the bikini bottom out of my way and grazed her roughly with my thumb.

She bit her bottom lip. Her eyes locked on mine as I added another finger between her legs. I swirled her clit and eased inside her. She gasped when my fingers curled inside her.

“All summer,” I growled. “Like this.” I kissed her. “Free to do this.” I nipped at her throat. My fingers taking on more territory. Her hips began to rock. I pushed deeper. The straps on her suit strained around my hand.

“I-I can’t. Not here,” she pleaded. Her breath was ragged. Her eyes glazed over. “We’re. In. The. Courtyard.” She panted hard. “He could find us.”

“Take me somewhere I can touch you,” I commanded her.

She eyed a changing room, much like a beach tent in a 1920s movie set up across the pool.

“Over there,” she whispered.

“Come with me now,” I directed. As soon as I pulled my hand away, she whimpered. But within seconds, I had draped the heavy canvas curtain closed and tied the rope that held it together. It was a sturdier structure than it appeared from the outside. I pinned Amara to the wall with a kiss that made my cock ache.

She clung to me as my hand reached inside her bikini. She moaned when my fingers returned to that sweet spot. Her tits jutted toward me as she arched against the wall. I plunged into her heat. My fingers were at work to make her come hard in my hand.

“Be quiet.” I bit her bottom earlobe. She squeezed my fingers. Fuck. Her walls were strong. Tight. I didn’t expect to be matched by her bursts of rhythm.

---