Page 185 of The Vacation Mix-Up
Riley tucks his shirt into his jeans, collects his belt, and turns in my direction, the leather sliding along his hand before he pulls it taut with a snap.
My body startles at the intimidating sound. “What are you do?—”
He snaps it again, a fiendish grin lifting his sinister lips.
Backing up, I place myself behind the bed and hold my hands up. “Put that down.”
“Why? Don’t you like the idea of me tying you up?”
No! Well… maybe. Okay, fine. Yes. Yes, I do.
“W-We don’t have time.”
Before I can form a convincing defense, he leaps across the bed, secures me in his arms, and loops the belt around my wrists. “I did warn you, sweetheart.”
I try not to laugh as I fight him off but happily give up. What’s the point? I want what he wants, and more. Much, much more.
Gently laying me on the bed, he lifts my arms above my head,my T-shirt following, his stubble tickling a trail down my chest and over my stomach.
I shudder, my body compliant to his every whim.
I guess we’re going to be late.
And quite frankly, for the first time in my life, I could not care less.
“Nice of you to join us,”Ben says as Riley pushes me in at the table.
My cheeks flush with embarrassment as all eyes settle on my face. “Sorry. I was doing my hair.”
Ben rests his hand on Riley’s shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “I bet you were.”
Pressing my lips together, I second-guess whether I will, in fact, miss the impudent buffoon.
“So when is everyone flying home?” I ask, diverting the conversation.
Hugo smirks behind his wine glass as if he too doesn’t believe my excuse. “We’re staying in France for a week. And then we’re heading to Italy.”
I sigh. “That sounds amazing. I’d love to visit Rome one day.”
“Perhaps you will.” He tips his glass to me and then to Riley. “Sooner rather than later.”
Blushing again, I pick up my menu and try to focus on this evening’s dishes.
“When are you flying home?” Manny asks.
“Tomorrow night.”
His eyebrows hitch. “So soon?”
“Yes.” I pout. “No rest for the wicked, I’m afraid.”
Riley huffs and fidgets in his seat, prompting Manny and Hugo to glance at one another.
“And you, Riley?” Manny asks. “When are you flying home?”
“Same as Riles.”
He smiles fondly at us. “You’re both still young. Plenty of time to see the rest of the world.”
