Page 85 of The Last Resort
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
The cool night breeze gently kissed Rachel’s bare legs as she and Matthew walked hand in hand down the stone path which led away from the main house. The New York members of the Royal family were having dinner in a private annex which overlooked the sea. A moment of family time before the wedding weekend officially kicked off tomorrow.
The Caribbean evening air coupled with the lustful glances from her companion had Rachel’s nipples turning to hard pebbles. A gentle throb pulsed between her legs.
The mixture of nerves and barely controlled lust set Rachel worrying her bottom lip with her teeth. By the time they’d reached their destination, all she wanted was to find a bathroom to fix her makeup.
For heaven’s sake, just chill. Meet his other family members, then deal with your makeup.
At the entrance to the villa, Matthew stopped and pulled her to him. “Don’t be worried about tonight. This is my immediate family. They are very laid back.”
That was easy enough for him to say, he came from theworld of billionaires and maxi yachts. She might have grown up around wealth, but this was next level.
He kissed her mussed lips and whispered, “You look absolutely gorgeous. I want you to know how proud I am to be able to introduce you to everyone this weekend. You are a special woman, Rachel.”
She was ready to offer him her body here and now. Let him steal her away somewhere and do with her what he wanted.
I can’t control myself when I’m with him.
“Just promise me it won’t be a long night. I’m not sure if I will be able to keep my libido under control for more than an hour or two.”
He brushed his hand over the front of her dress and gave one of her nipples a teasing tweak. “Let me know if things get too hard, and we can excuse ourselves for a few minutes between dinner courses. This island has plenty of private spots where we can go.”
Rachel swallowed deep. “You are incorrigible, Matthew Royal.”
She might find him devilishly wicked with his offer, but it was tempting.
Once inside the villa, Matthew ushered Rachel into a casual but elegant dining space. One entire wall of the annex opened onto the beach. It took her breath away. This was beyond beautiful. Like something out of a movie set. The only thing missing was a sweeping musical score.
Beyond the sands of the beach, the golden sun was slowly heading down the early evening sky. Traces of pink tinged the scattered clouds. This really was the perfect place for a romantic wedding.
Why do I suddenly feel the need for a tequila sunrise?
In the center of the room was a long hardwood table, which had been set for eight people. Bryce and Vivian werealready seated together at one end, along with another tall brown haired man, whom Rachel didn’t know. As they approached, he rose from his chair. Matthew’s hold on her hand tightened a little. This other man had to be Matthew’s other brother, Jordan. Not only was the family semblance striking, but she sensed her lover was nervous about this introduction.
“Hi, I’m Jordan Royal. And yes, I know what you are thinking. I’m the most incredibly handsomest brother of us three. Welcome to my wedding weekend,” he said with a grin.
Matthew chuckled. “This is Rachel, andsheknows who the most handsome one of us is—and that’s why she’s with me.”
Brotherly teasing. It was fun to see the Royal brothers together. The banter reflected a warmth and love shared between them. A functioning family.
Rachel offered him her hand, but Jordan pulled her into a gentle hug. “Family doesn’t shake hands. And if you are with my pain-in-the-ass brother, then you are family.”
“Where’s the bride?” asked Matthew.
Jordan pointed toward a door on the other side of the room. “She’s in the bathroom, fixing her hair. I may have messed with it a little earlier. Not that it got me any complaints.” He raised his eyebrows and Rachel felt heat flush her cheeks. The Royal men all seemed to have the same sinful way with their women.
“Speaking of bathrooms, I might go and touch up my lipstick,” said Rachel.
If she was going to meet the bride, and possibly make a fool of herself, she’d rather do it somewhere private. With no witnesses.
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
Rachel slowly pushed the door of the bathroom open. As she stepped into the room, her gaze landed on the back of the woman who was standing to one side of the mirror, fixing her long dark hair.
“Hi, I’m Rachel, Matthew’s date for your wedding.”
Well done, Rach, you got a whole sentence out, and didn’t throw up.
