Page 21 of Bear to be Wild
“It’s not,” I declared.
“How do you know for sure?”
Because my bear knew from the first moment we met. “Let’s not worry about that now. Tonight, we should have some fun. Not work, not deal with the stress of undoing the spell.” I was about to remind her that I’d called tonight a date but didn’t want to add any more stress, so I kept it light. “Just…fun.”
“Fun?” she repeated with arched brows.
“Yeah, I’m new here and would love to have you show me around. What do you do for fun?”
“Not much,” she admitted and finally took a bite of her dinner. After swallowing, she said, “I work a lot at the spa. And then try to unwind.”
“How?”
She snorted. “Anything that doesn’t involve working. I’ll see what’s going on or just take some time for myself.”
“So let’s see what’s going on tonight.”
After dinner,we wandered the entertainment decks, navigating through the crowds of others looking for things to do. I took her hand with the excuse of not wanting to lose her in the traffic. We avoided the bright lights and garish sounds of the casino. She chose a battle of the sexes show.
“Want to join?” I asked her.
“Nah, it’s fun to watch. Trust me.”
We ordered drinks and squeezed onto the last available seat. It was barely large enough to fit us both, so our bodies touched. Perfect.
We sat back and watched the participants on the stages, embarking on all kinds of ridiculous challenges, such as moving balloons from one person to another without using their hands. I barely paid attention with Maribelle’s body so close to mine. My heart thumped as her scent filled me with longing. And I looked forward to returning to her cabin tonight, sharing her bed.
After the show, we wandered up to the Celestial Lounge, where the soft sound of piano spilled out. A woman with a beautiful voice crooned. A handful of older couples in fine clothing danced while others sat in comfortable seats, many with great vantage points to gaze out to the night sky and rolling sea that surrounded us.
The urge to hold her took hold, and I found the perfect opportunity. “Dance with me?” I suggested, attempting to keep my tone neutral, but heard the low edge in my voice.
Maribelle exhaled slowly, a sign she was about to turn down my invitation. But then she said, “Okay,” surprising me.
I led her to the edge of the dance floor so we wouldn’t be the center of attention. She was stiff at first, her hand light on my shoulder, but when I drew her closer, she relaxed. Her body softened into mine, her curls brushed my chest, and her scent wrapped around me. My bear rumbled, content in a way he hadn’t been in years.
I could stay there holding her forever.
We stayed there for the rest of the night, swaying together, until the band stopped playing.
She pulled back, her cheeks flushed. “I guess it’s time to go to my cabin.”
The walk downstairs was charged with heat. Her cabin was dim when we stepped inside, the hum of the ship’s engines providing a low backdrop.
Maribelle turned to face me, lips parting as if to speak—but her gaze dropped to my mouth. Hungry. Full of longing.
Reflecting my need.
I moved toward her and cupped the back of her neck before I kissed her. Harder and deeper than before, fueled by hours of restraint.
She melted against me, and her fingers clutched my shirt. I removed it and walked her backward until she reached the bed. She gasped softly as I moved her onto it and covered her body with my own.
“Roan—”
“Yes?” I murmured against her throat, kissing down to her collarbone.
She let out a breathy sigh. “Don’t stop.”
Never. I moved down her body, marking her with my mouth and lips as I undressed her. When no clothes remained, I caressed my beauty, worshipping her, tasting her, discovering what she liked.
