Page 109 of Ruthless God

His grin is wicked. “And yet, here you are.”

I roll my eyes, but my chest feels lighter. “When do you want to leave?”

Claudius tugs me closer, lips brushing against my ear. “Whenever you’re ready.”

I hum, tilting my head as I meet his gaze. “You’re making it hard to want to leave.”

Claudius smirks, eyes glinting with amusement. “Then hurry.”

His hands slip away, giving me space, but his presence lingers. It’s that quiet, powerful pull that always keeps me on edge.

I take my time, grabbing a hat and sandals to go with my shorts and top. And I purposely leave the swimsuit behind.

When I straighten, he eyes me. “Is that what you’re wearing?”

I arch a brow. “Is that what you’re wearing?”

He follows my gaze down, as if just now noticing he’s still in slacks and a button-up.

“Give me two.”

I nod, sitting on the edge of the bed as he disappears into the closet.

A grin plays at my lips as I wait. But when he steps back out…

My. God.

I feel my breath catch, my pulse jump. I knew he was handsome. Hell, I’ve seen every inch of his body naked. But seeing him in black board shorts, low-slung on his hips, and sandals, his shirt nowhere to be found?

My libido is officially in overdrive.

His muscles are lean and cut, golden skin stretching over every hard plane.

I try not to stare and fail miserably.

His smirk widens. He knows exactly what he’s doing.

“You ready?” His voice is smooth, as if he doesn’t notice the effect he’s having on me.

I swallow, forcing myself to focus. “Yeah.”

I stand, brushing past him closer than I need to. His fingers skim my waist, just for a second. A tease. A challenge.

And just like that, the game has officially started. And I can’t wait.

23

Cecely

The walk to the beach is silent but charged.

Each step on the sand, each brush of his fingers against mine, each lingering glance… it all builds.

By the time we reach the secluded spot Claudius has set up, I feel like I’m walking a tightrope of hormones that are about to spill over.

A blanket is spread out beneath the shade of a tall palm tree, a basket beside it. The view is breathtaking. Crystal-blue water stretching endlessly under a golden sky.

But I can’t focus on any of it.

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