Page 61 of Release Me
Before I know it, she’s leaning over me, scratching at the same snow behind me. I don’t complain because her beautiful tits are in my face. A huge lump of snow smashes over my head before she hops off my lap and ducks back under the bubbles, snorting like a naughty schoolgirl.
‘You’ll pay for that.’ I dust the snow out of my hair and lower myself back into the tub.
She’s laughing too hard to reply. Every time she almost composes herself, she starts all over again. Tears roll down the sides of her face as she clutches her chest, spluttering and wheezing.
‘Careful you don’t choke, there, sweetheart.’
‘At least if I do, I’ll die happy. Something I never dreamed possible.’ She dissolves into another fit of laughter. This time, I can’t help but join her.
Because if I don’t laugh, it’ll be me who cries—at the sheer unfairness of the situation.
Several hours later, my entire family, minus the kids, are congregated around the lodge’s large dining room table. The room glows with lamplight and firelight against the black of the night outside the big windows. Polished silver and crystal gleam from the table, contrasting the dark timber walls lined with landscapes of Wicklow in winter. It’s straight out of a Yellowstone ranch fantasy—only grander, and with a lot more Irish whiskey.
My brothers and I have traded sweaters for tuxedos—my mother wouldn’t have it any other way, even though this is supposed to be a relaxing break. I’m not sure she knows the meaning of the word relaxing.
Across the table, the women sparkle in designer dresses that could give any Paris runway a run for its money. Rebekka sits opposite me in a deep green silk number that dips off her shoulders, exposing inch after inch of creamy skin just waiting to be claimed by my tongue. Who knew clavicles could be sexy?
She glances over at me as the waiting staff glide in, balancing silver domes in each hand. A secret smile curves her mouth—small, and quick, and all for me. Blood courses to my dick, and I’m so grateful for the shelter of the table right now.
‘So, how was the hot tub?’ Caelon asks over the steak au poivre being set in front of us.
He fires a wink at me, and that fucking blush stains myface again. Seriously, I’m going to need to book an appointment with a doctor. I can’t go on like this.
‘Oh, did you go in, Rian?’ My mother asks innocently.
‘Yes, Rian, did you “get in”?’ James stirs from the other end of the table. I suppose I’ve spent years winding them up, I can’t expect them not to get their own back, but I wish they wouldn’t do it in front of Rebekka. Or our mother.
‘Apparentlyyoudid, if the banging of your headboard was anything to go on.’ I lift my glass, hiding the smirk tugging at my lips.
‘Rian, do you have to be so crude?’ My mother pretends to look offended.
‘I suppose we were conceived immaculately, Mother?’ I fire her a wink, and she tuts, then turns her attention to Rebekka. ‘I’m sorry about my son, Rebekka. He thinks he’s a stand-up comedian at times.’ Her voice is overflowing with affection.
‘Maybe he should be,’ Rebekka says with a grin.
‘Thank you!’ I clink my wine glass against hers over the table. ‘At least someone appreciates my humour.’
‘Is that what you’re calling your dick these days?’ Caelon whispers loud enough for Rebekka and I to hear it, but low enough for our parents to miss it.
‘So, what’s everyone’s New Year’s resolutions?’ My mother asks, eyeing each of us in turn with a smile.
‘Mine is to make you more grandchildren,’ James pipes up, nudging Scarlett, who is sitting in a crimson dress beside him. ‘Because I’m good like that.’
My father guffaws. Sean presses his hands over Layla’s ears. ‘I’m sorry about my family,’ he groans.
‘They’re much more fun than mine.’ She beams at him.
Waiters come in to clear our plates again. It’s time for dessert, but the only dessert I want tonight isn’t on the menu—and I’m praying I get a chance to taste it before midnight.
I extend my leg beneath the table until my foot finds hers. Her head whips up and she bites back a smile. And if that’s anything to go by, she has the same plan as me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
REBEKKA
Dessert seems to take forever to get through. The waiters make an entire spectacle of flambéing the baked Alaska at the table. The only thing I want to eat is Rian. My mouth is literally watering for him after our encounter in the hot tub earlier.
We were lucky we didn’t get caught, but as the minutes turn to hours, I find myself caring less and less.
