Gwen crawled over Leo, then rolled onto her back. Serenity flowed through her while her inner walls contracted. She breathed deeply and cooled as the breeze brushed over her body. Slowly, the tension in her limbs and muscles dissolved.
“That was exactly what I needed.” Gwen turned her head to look into Leo’s eyes.
He twisted and planted a kiss on her lips. “Sì. We all needed it.”
Paolo moved to her other side and lay on his back, his leg touching hers. “Let’s drink before we make love again.”
Leo propped his head up as he leaned on his elbow. “A drink sounds good. Yes?”
“Mm. Yes. I could use something cold.”
He widened his eyes. “Could you use something thick and hard?”
“No.” She shook her head. “But I could use some vitamins.”
A playful smile spread across his face. “Vitamin D perhaps.”
She nodded. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
He pressed his lips to hers. “I’m sure Paolo and I have just what you need.”
“I’m quite certain you do.”
Leo rose and his shadow fell over her. “I’ll clean up first.” He dashed toward the water before another word could be spoken.
“Shall we join him?” Paolo sat upright and watched his brother. Then he pointed to the water. “We could have sex where the sea hits the beach.”
The picture of them together on the sand with water splashing around them aroused her carnal appetite. “It’s a great idea.”
Paolo stood.
“Go ahead. I’ll be there in a moment,” she said.
Paolo gripped his shaft. “Your vitamin D waits for you.”
Gwen watched her lover walk toward the water. His butt cheeks jiggled slightly and she grinned. Leo stood half in the sea. His solid chest pleased her eyes. Both men were incredible lovers and she was glad she had more time to spend wedged between their hard bodies.
A wave of happiness flowed through Gwen. She’d met two wonderful and handsome Italian men. She’d never thought she’d end up in a ménage a trois situation, yet she had and the pleasure had been utterly mind blowing. No question about it, she’d miss Leo and Paolo. The odds of finding another duo willing to share her were astronomical. She highly doubted she’d get another chance for sex with multiple partners. Taking her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Paolo and Leo had paid off in spades. Yes, she’d made the right decision to spend time with them. They’d definitely given her a lasting memory.
Gwen stood then strolled toward the shore. Tomorrow would be a new day and she’d find herself in another country. Until then, she had all night to enjoy with her two favorite hotties. She had to get her fill of vitamin D while she could.
Excitement coursed through her as she headed for her naked lovers standing on the beach. She couldn’t wait to be in their arms and gazing at the sunset during her last night in Italy. She’d make sure to jot in her journal about her adventures with the two men. She’d also note their phone numbers in case she decided to visit Italy again. After all, she couldn’t resist vitamin D.
Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:
Diary of a Free Woman: Passion Blooms in Paris
Diane Thorne
Excerpt
Chapter One
Gwenevere held her purse in one hand and her cell phone to her ear as she stood in a long line outside the Louvre. She’d chosen the rue de Rivoli entrance on the side of the museum and had arrived early for the opening so she could spend the entire day browsing all the magnificent art. The morning sun shone brightly and not a cloud decorated the blue sky. Dressed comfortably, she wore a spring sleeveless dress that tied around her neck and reached her knees. She’d slipped two-inch sandals on her feet before she’d left the hotel to avoid tired and achy feet from standing all day. A light sweater covered her arms and kept her warm from the slight chill in the air. If she grew too hot, she could easily tie the garment around her waist.
“I’m waiting for the Louvre to open,” Gwen said into the phone to her oldest daughter Krystal. “This place is incredible, sweetie. I wish you could see it.” A slight breeze lifted strands of her hair and tossed them in front of her face.
“Bring something back from there. A book would be nice,” her oldest daughter said.
“I’ll look for a book at the shop inside since I doubt I’ll get to see everything. I hear it takes days to go through the entire museum.”
“Did you visit the Eiffel Tower yet?”
“No. I’m going to go there tomorrow. I still have another day left in Paris.”
The older woman in front of Gwen twisted and smiled at her. A tall man stood to the white-haired lady’s right while a younger female, a teenager, was on the left. Given the age difference, Gwen guessed the adults were grandparents and they’d taken their granddaughter on vacation.
“So you’re having a good time,” Krystal said through the phone.
“Yes. The trip has been wonderful.”
“And you enjoyed London.”
“Oh, yes. Very much so.”
The words slipped out of her mouth quickly, hinting at her enjoyment. At the same time, she couldn’t stop from smiling.
“Oh, really?” Suspicion laced her daughter’s question. “What did you do? Meet anyone?”
A smile spread across Gwen’s face as she recalled her stay in London. She’d met Phillip Connor—a sexy billionaire—on the flight and had sex with him on the plane. She’d thought the mile high fling would be the end of her relationship with Phillip, but that hadn’t been the case. At his urging, she’d ventured to his hotel room in the heart of the city and had sex with him in his hotel. The multiple orgasms she’d had, thanks to him, left one hell of a memory.
“I did meet a man and we had fun. I’m not sure I’ll see him again, but our time together was nice,” Gwen said softly.
A touch of melancholy swept through her as she said the words. The time she’d spent in Phillip’s loving embrace had been fun, exciting and certainly pleasurable. But since they’d parted, she’d noticed a longing within her. Was it for Phillip or sex? She wasn’t certain. Either way, she felt a loss, something missing. The more she pondered about it, the more she realized her hungry need was for a man. She wanted to find passion again—heart thumping, blood-rushing, mind-blowing passion. Fortunately, she had four more destinations to stop at in Europe. She was single, free to explore and hopeful she’d find another handsome and charming member of the male species to satisfy her yearnings.
“That’s great, Mom. You should enjoy yourself,” Krystal said. “Have all the fun you want.”
Gwen swallowed the laughter bubbling inside her. She’d done exactly what her daughter recommended. And she hoped to do more.
“I plan to, sweetheart. I’m having a wonderful time,” Gwen said.
“I’ll be sure to tell Kristy you called and let her know you’re enjoying your trip.”
“Thank you. I’ll call you in a couple of days.”
“Be careful, Mom. I love you.”
“I love you, too. Hugs and kisses.”
“Bye, Mom.”
“Bye, dear.”
Smiling, Gwen lowered the phone and slipped it into her purse. Pride filled her as she thought of her two grown daughters. They were in college and supporting themselves. Gwen had given them all her love and brought them up to be respectable adults. They were now leading their own lives. She couldn’t be happier for them.
“Where are you from?”
Gwen lifted her gaze. A white-haired woman, standing in front of her, smiled.
“We’re from the States, too. Raleigh, North Carolina,” said the female stranger.
“I’m from the Midwest,” Gwen said.
“We’re not too far apart. Are you on vacation?”
Gwen nodded. “Yes. While I was raising my two daughters, I saved up vacation time from my job and funds for a rainy day. They’re grown up now and fortunately, I didn’t have to dip in
to those funds for major expenses. I’ve always wanted to travel abroad. Here I am.”
“That’s wonderful. Are you alone, then?”
“Yes, but I’m having a great time.”
“My name is Carol, and this is my husband, Jimmy.” The woman twisted and gestured toward the older man who had his attention focused on the entrance of the Louvre. “We’re retired five years now. It was his idea to visit Paris and Normandy. My daughter is too busy working, so we brought our granddaughter. She’s in high school and they closed for fall break.”
Gwen turned to the young lady. “Well, lucky you. Are you enjoying your trip?”
“Yeah, I love Paris.” With a wide grin, the teen tucked her long, dark hair behind her ears. The girl’s bright and innocent smile reminded Gwen of her youngest, Kristy.
“Did you plan where to go and what to see inside the Louvre?” Carol asked. “I’ve read so many reviews that recommend preparing. I guess the Mona Lisa and several other works of art attract large crowds.”
“I’d heard about the crowds, too,” Gwen said. “But I’m going to start at the top and work my way down. It’s impossible to see everything.”
“You’re welcome to join us if you’d like. We’re spending the day here.”
“Thank you for the offer, but I’m okay on my own.”
The line in front of Carol started moving. “If you change your mind and see us—”
Before she’d finished, Jimmy had tapped his wife’s shoulder. “The line’s moving, Carol.”
“Enjoy the rest of your stay,” Gwen said.
Carol reached for her granddaughter’s arm. “Thank you. It was nice talking to you.”
Gwen followed the trio as they slowly walked toward the entrance to the Louvre. While they chatted about their excitement to explore the museum, Gwen took a glance behind her. The line had tripled in size. Visitors were a mixture of young and old from various nationalities. Although the crowd appeared large, she doubted she’d have difficulty seeing the sights inside the massive structure. As Carol had pointed out, the Mona Lisa and other top attractions would gather the most attention. People would stop at them first. Not Gwen. Since she wanted to check out as much as she could, she decided to head for the upper floor first. Her goal was to peruse as many exhibit rooms as she could and savor the beauty of all the pieces of art. Then, by the end of the day, perhaps the mass around the main artworks wouldn’t be as large. She hoped.
A few feet from the door, Gwen fished a ticket from her purse. She held it patiently as she drew near the entrance.
Inside, security guards stood near metal detectors and machines several feet away. Gwen waited as a uniformed employee scanned tickets. Visitors without passes went to another line while others who’d had their passes checked continued to the machines. Men emptied their pockets and placed the contents in bowls. Women laid their purses on the conveyor belt. Each person walked through the big x-ray scanner then collected their belongings. Gwen followed the herd. After she’d passed the screening, she gathered her bag and headed for the information desk.
Gwen collected a map from the counter and stood out of the way to review the document. Holding the pamphlet open, she surveyed the floor plans and compared them with her current surroundings. The escalators were close by as were a set of stairs. Guests were walking in clusters toward the escalators while others proceeded to the halls leading to the main part of the museum. To make the best of her time, Gwen decided to take the route less traveled. She folded the brochure and headed for a staircase.
Voices and claps of shoes remained the predominant sounds as Gwen strode away from the masses. A few people walked ahead of her, including a couple carrying backpacks. The museum appeared solid, cold, filled with history and clean. She almost found it difficult to believe she was inside such a magnificent building with so many valuables. Excitement stirred within her. She’d made it to the Louvre. What a dream come true.
She drew closer to the staircase and noticed a man dressed in a uniform. His attire resembled those of the ticket takers who stood by the entrance. He watched each person pass. When Gwen reached the employee, she smiled and he gave a nod.
Her shoes clacked on each marble step as she ascended to the top. She held her purse in one hand and the map in the other. Looking up, the wide staircase reminded her of the fancy ones she’d seen in movies but without the carpet and hard wood flooring. She reached the top, then turned the corner and climbed another flight to reach the second level. Although she was healthy and in shape, she’d needed a minute to catch her breath after the first long staircase.
Nearing the end of the stairs, she lowered her head and stuffed the map in a side compartment of her bag where she could access it easily. After the last step, she turned the corner and stayed close to the rail. Two seconds later her right shoulder bumped into a solid object. She came to a quick halt and lifted her gaze.
“Oh, my. I’m so sorry,” Gwen said immediately.
She widened her eyes as she acknowledged the handsome man standing in front of her. He had to be one of the pieces of art. He was slightly taller than her and had an average build. His short black locks held waves and he had a thin layer of hair covering the lower half of his face. Dressed in a nice suit, he had a professional and prestigious persona. His blue eyes intrigued her and she couldn’t look away. It was as if they were inviting her to peer deeper into them, move closer and press her body next to his. He was pure man, handsome and definitely fuck-me quality. Her pulse accelerated as he spoke in French. The words made no sense since she didn’t know the language, but from the gentleness of his tone, she suspected he wasn’t too angry about her colliding with him.
“I apologize. I should’ve been watching where I was going.” She took a step back.
He tilted his head slightly and spoke again in the foreign language. The softness of his voice soothed her sudden anxiety from running into him. When he curled his lips into a smile, her body warmed. Dear lord, she was getting hornier by the second as she stared at him.
“I don’t speak French. I’m sorry for hitting you. Please forgive me.”
With a smile, Gwen walked away from the sexy stranger and headed up the next flight of stairs. She hurried to the top, her shoes clapping on each step.
The image of him remained in her mind and kept her warm. As she debated if she should turn around to follow the Frenchman, she slid her sweater off her arms. Could she even look at old pieces of art now that she had a living gorgeous dark-eyed man in her thoughts? She doubted the artwork would provide the same kind of tingly and rousing sensation she’d felt in his presence. Yet, men would come and go. The world had plenty of fine specimens to fulfill her carnal needs. She had one opportunity to visit the Louvre and it was here and now. She decided to proceed with her exploration of the museum instead of pursuing the man.
Reaching the floor, she then paused to survey her surroundings. Long halls on each side of her contained pieces of art. She tied her light sweater around her waist then withdrew the map from her purse. After a quick review, she turned and headed in the direction that would take her deep into the museum.
Paintings in various sized frames decorated both walls. Immediately Gwen slowed her pace and moved closer to the left side. The centuries-old artwork was exquisite with vibrant colors. The artist’s precise attention amazed Gwen. She examined one picture after another and quickly scanned the information cards near the art. Eventually, she found herself in a room full of more canvases. She briefly checked out the self-portraits and those with food items then spent more time studying landscape drawings.
From one gallery, she entered the next and continued on her journey. When she was gazing at a Baroque painting with a half-naked woman as the focal point, she heard the soft creak of the floor somewhere in the distance. She paid no attention to the others in the room and kept her focus on the artwork.
“Beautiful,” said a deep, soft voice.
It was one Gwen had heard before. The wo
rd was in English, but the accent was clearly French.
Gwen swallowed and gripped the handle of her purse tighter as she tried to ignore the excitement stirring within her. “Yes. Beautiful.”
Hearing gentle taps on the floor behind her, she twisted and looked over her shoulder. The sexy stranger she’d bumped into near the stairs came to a stop next to her. He tilted his head as if he were staring at her legs. Slowly, he lifted his gaze. “Exquisite.”
Blood rushed to her face. Her heart thumped faster. Was he referring to her or the picture?
He shifted his attention from her to the painting. “Her skin is fairer than yours and breasts are smaller.” He glanced at Gwen’s chest. “Yes, much. Yours are better.”
Holy hell, Mr Sexy had observed her breasts and complimented them. Moisture seeped between her legs and dampened her panties. Her temperature skyrocketed. She fanned herself with the map.
“You’re American, yes?” he asked.
“I am, yes. I don’t speak French.”
He smiled and gestured to shake her hand. “Pierre Devaux.”
Gwen quickly shoved the map in her bag then accepted his greeting. “Gwenevere Stratten. You may call me Gwen.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” he said.
Gwen’s hormones were on fire. His eyes, his voice and that damn sexy accent were too much for her. Merely being around him could cause her to have an orgasm.
“Nice to meet you, too,” Gwen said and smiled.
He let go of her hand. “Is this your first visit to Paris?”
“Yes. I’m on vacation here for a few days then I leave for Italy.”
“And your first trip to the Louvre?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“Would you like a personal guide? I’ve visited many times and know my way around here.”
“Really?”
He smiled and offered his hand. “I would be honored to escort such a beautiful woman around the Louvre.”
Gwen couldn’t refuse the opportunity to get to know Pierre more. Her body would hate her if she did. She placed her hand in his.
Passion Sails at Sea (Diary of a Free Woman) Page 6
