Page 59 of Release Me
‘Where’s your room?’ I blurt before I can stop myself.
‘Directly across from yours,’ he grins.
‘We’re playing with fire.’ I fold my arms across my chest.
‘I will never burn you.’ His eyes smoulder with sincerity.
‘You already have.’ I perch on the edge of the bed, running a hand over the soft quilted sheets. ‘But in the best and worst possible way.’
‘In that case, let’s get you in the water.’ He winks, twists the brass doorknob and backs out of the room. ‘See you in five.’
I cradle my head in my hands. What the fuck am I playing at? Nerves and guilt gut my stomach, but I can’t seem to say no to this man, even if it’s going to be the undoing of me.
One more night, the devil on my shoulder whispers.Give yourself one more night, and that’s it. Anthony’s away with his mistress, you deserve a bit of fun.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I strip out of my clothes, toss them on the bed and march across the room to find a robe. Low laughter floats from along the corridor followed by the distinct banging noise that sounds suspiciously like a headboard hitting the wall. My money’s on Scarlett and James. Word is, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Envy snakes its way around my stomach, but I chase it away with thoughts of getting into a hot tub with a different Beckett. The one whose face appears every time I close my eyes.
I grab a hairband, scrape my hair up into a messy bun, then step out into the hallway. Rian’s waiting with a grin on his face. His white robe is identical to mine and showcases his tanned skin to perfection.
‘Who needs Pornhub when you’re staying with the Becketts?’ The banging gets louder as we pass along the corridor. ‘I’m just praying that’s James and Scarlett and not my parents.’ He wrinkles his nose, and all the nerves bubbling up inside me dissipate.
He’s so effortless to be around. His smile is infectious. Hiswarmth envelops me like a blanket. Here, with him, I feel safe. I feel wanted. Which is why I’m going to make the most of every single second.
‘Come on,’ he says softly, offering his hand. He leads me down the back stairs, out through a side door and into the freezing Wicklow air. Snow drifts across the wooden terrace, glowing bright beneath the fairy lights strung above the hot tub. Steam curls lazily from the water, blurring the magnificent mountains beyond.
My breath fogs as he steps in front of me, fingers brushing my hip. He catches the tie of my robe, his eyes glinting. My heart rattles against my ribcage.
‘One more day?’
I don’t need to ask what he means. His words mirror my thoughts. I pause as chemistry pulses between us.
‘One more day and one more night,’ I nod. The thought of him holding me again is equally as enticing as the orgasms.
His fingers slowly tug on the tie around my waist until my robe falls open.
Chapter Twenty-Five
RIAN
Her body is every bit as beautiful as my brain remembers. The scenery has nothing on the view in front of me. She shrugs out of her robe. I take it and hang it on the hook behind me without taking my eyes off her. Rosy nipples are peaked with the cold, and goosebumps rise over her skin.
‘Get in before you freeze.’ I motion to the bubbling hot water beside us, and she climbs in cautiously.
‘What if one of your family members comes out?’ She worries at her lower lip as she readjusts herself against one of the jets.
‘They won’t, but if they do, they’ll turn around just as quickly. Don’t worry about a thing when you’re with me—ever.’
She nods, and the trust in her eyes sends a stabbing sensation through my sternum.
‘Do you want something to drink?’ I turn back towards the house.
‘I’ve had more than enough, thanks.’ Her eyes drop to my waist area. ‘Stop stalling and let’s see how big that thingactually is.’ She cocks her head defiantly, a cat-like smile curls her lips.
‘It’s only at half mast,’ I warn her. ‘And it is cold out here.’
‘Sounds like a lot of excuses to me, Baby Beckett,’ she teases.
‘You asked for it.’ I shrug, undo the robe and slide it down my shoulders.
