“We’re out of the storm, lovebirds,” Joely called out cheerfully.
Max cursed the pilot under his breath and treated himself to another longer, more thorough taste of Lucy before forcing himself to pull back.
Lucy stared at him, dazed. “You kissed me again.”
“Kept you from panicking,” he said, then, not wanting her to yell at him or set boundaries he’d have every intention of crossing, he changed the subject. “So did you read over the information on Savage in Soho? Damn, I love that name, don’t you?”
“Nice ego.” Her navy eyes flickered in amusement, and her tongue swiped over her lips. Lips damp from his kiss. He shifted in his seat.
“Yes, I’ve read through everything, and I love the tapas concept,” she said, relaxing into her seat. “I still can’t believe you snagged Sebastian Del Toro.”
He was damned proud of the fact that he had. Friendship or not, Sebastian had other choices.
“How’d you manage it?” she asked. “Was it just the friendship?”
“Hell no.” Max folded his arms across his chest. “I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.”
She rolled her eyes. “You aren’t the Godfather.”
“No, but I offered him all the control he wanted. You see, the one thing I’ve learned is that as long as I can control the business end of things, giving my creative types the illusion of control everywhere else makes them happy. In other words, I get what I want.” He held her gaze for another beat.
She shivered, and he knew she got the meaning behind his words.
“I hear they call him the playboy chef. Any truth to the rumors?” she asked.
Max groaned. She’d just hit on the one drawback to hiring Sebastian. “They’re true. He actually got caught fucking one of the stagehands. The only reason they kept him on the show was because of the great arguments between him and Anthony Abbadon. The ratings were too high, so they gave him a stern warning, and the show went on. Lost his current girlfriend in the process. Not that he treats any woman well enough for them to stick around, but I hear this one was in for the long haul. She made a huge scene and got herself thrown off the lot where they were shooting.” Max shook his head. “Damned eccentric and temperamental chefs,” he muttered. And he ought to know, because he had to work with them.
He glanced out the window just as a stone castle came into view. Rumor had it the owner of the island and resort had imported the building directly from Ireland. With the sun lighting up the sky behind it, the castle presented a beautiful, if imposing, view.
“Feel better?” he asked her.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and nodded. “If you’re asking me if your distraction worked, the answer is yes.” Her cheeks flushed pink at the reminder.
Or should he say, turned pinker? Her skin was still as rosy from that kiss as he was hard inside his shorts. “Then take a look outside.”
He pointed to the incredible landscape of the island itself, the sky varying shades of blue, the clouds pure white, no sign of the storm that had frightened her.
“Oh, Max.”
He wanted to hear that sound while his dick was buried deep inside her soft flesh. He shook his head hard to dislodge the visual.
“No matter how many times I come here, the view always captivates me,” she said in awe. “Speaking of, did you know the island is reported to hold magical qualities? Because it’s located near the Bermuda Triangle. Visitors claim their wishes and dreams have been answered here,” Lucy said.
“Come on.” Max cocked an eyebrow. He’d heard mumbo jumbo about the island, but he didn’t believe in magic.
“It’s true,” Joely said, joining the conversation. “People who come here always leave changed in some way.”
Max didn’t have time to answer or think more. Joely brought them to a smooth landing, and before they knew it, they deplaned, their pilot insisting all their bags would be brought to their rooms.
“Wait until you see the rooms here,” Lucy said, her eyes lighting with excitement. They’re so luxurious… and the view is incredible.”
Max nodded. The view would be incredible, all right. It just wouldn’t be the view she thought.
* * *
As soon as Lucy set foot on the island, the scent of salt water mixed with island flowers assaulted her senses. The sun blazed overhead, and all the tension in her muscles drained away as her body recognized the relaxation represented by the smells and sights around her. That sense of calm didn’t last long.
The last few times she’d been to Eden, Lucy had walked up the stone pathway and stairs, ending up in the main hotel, but now she found herself riding in a golf cart driven by a hotel employee… and sitting way too close to Max. His masculine scent overrode all the other island aromas, working her body into a heated frenzy. It was almost as if being on the island had turned her awareness of him into overdrive.
She forced herself to focus on the foliage-laced path that led to the beach instead of on him. “Where are we going?” she asked. “Because I know the hotel is in the other direction.”
“Patience, Grasshopper,” Max said.
She shot him a dirty look. “I don’t like surprises.”
“I figured that out,” he said, looking mighty pleased with himself.
“And you don’t know the island, so what gives?”
He leaned an arm behind her and turned, his strong, bare thighs aligning with hers. The short sundress had clearly been a bad idea, allowing for way too much body contact.
“We’re staying in a bungalow on the water,” he said.
“We?”
“That’s what you took from my explanation? You’ve got four sun-filled days directly on the beach, and you’re worried about who’s staying where?”
“We can’t be staying together.” Her heart fluttered in panic at the thought.
“Actually we’re in the same bungalow, but there are separate rooms.”
She shook her head. “No. My brothers wouldn’t have booked me in a cabin with you.”
“You’re right. They didn’t. This is my way of making sure we get alone time.” He smiled, his teeth white against his tanned skin, his grin extra sexy. “Now take a deep breath, chill, and enjoy the scenery.”
She tried. Gripping the side of the cart hard, she breathed in the warm, humid air, exhaled slowly… and asked herself why she was still fighting him so hard.
She was single. So was he. She was beyond attracted to him, and this trip presented her with the chance to get Max out of her system once and for all.
As for her fears, Lucy wasn’t looking to get attached, and by his behavior and history, neither was Max. He’d married once, true, but not only had his wife passed away, according to Decklan, there’d been issues between them. Cindy had wanted more than Max had been willing to give. And in the years since, he’d never had a serious relationship. In fact, she knew he’d frequented the same sex club Decklan and Amanda had, something she tried not to think about too hard. Because why would she want to know about her brother’s sex life? And because the notion of Max in leather pants, exercising his strong will over her, appealed to her. Too much.
She still couldn’t believe he’d changed up their accommodations for the wedding weekend. “My brothers won’t kill you for this move?”
“As a matter of fact, I have their approval,” he said, his voice smug.
“Seriously?”
“I’m a good guy and they know it.”
Lucy couldn’t help it. She snorted in laughter. “More like you box and they know it.”
“I’m sure it helps.” Max folded his arms across his chest, flexing his ample muscles.
Her mouth watered, and she found herself unable to look away. He was toned, tanned, and so freaking good-looking. She’d be a fool to turn down what he was offering, something she wanted just as badly.
“Okay, Max. Guess what? I’ll chill and enjoy what the island brings.” And what happens on Eden stays in Eden.
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She could live with that.
The look of surprise on his face pleased her. She liked taking him off guard for once.
The driver stopped in front of the cabin. There was a good distance between the bungalows on the beach, giving each privacy, but there were people within walking distance. Once their bags were inside, they were left alone. The cabin itself was small but clean and decorated with an easy beachy feel. No carpets that would get mildewed from the sand and water, light wood furnishings, and a fully stocked kitchen.
Lucy knew there were restaurants at the main hotel and room service wherever and whenever you wanted to be served. The island catered to comfort and amenities, and she loved it here.
The two bedrooms were identical, and she unpacked in one. Since it was just a little after noon, she had the whole day ahead of her and changed into her favorite bathing suit, a lavender bikini that showed off a lot of skin. If she had to face Max, she was glad she’d taken the time to work out at the gym back in L.A.
She walked through the cabin and out onto the deck, looking over at the glistening blue water in the near distance, and sighed in pleasure. The quiet struck her immediately. It was so peaceful here.
“Where are the other guests?” she asked aloud.
“I don’t know. I requested seclusion.”
Max’s husky voice sounded from behind her, and she trembled at the low tenor of his voice. “You were very sure of yourself,” she said as she turned to face him.
“Not really.” His cocky façade cracked for a moment, and she saw the uncertainty in his gaze. “I want you, Lucy. All I can do is show you how much.” He stepped closer, his hands grasping the railing as he bracketed her against the porch.
She raised her hands to his bare chest, her palms against his warm skin. “If you want me, come get me,” she said in a teasing tone, then pushed him away. Using the element of surprise, she ducked around him and ran for the water.
Struck by her sudden playfulness, Max took off after her, his gaze on her sexy curves and tanned skin as she ran. He reached out, intending to wrap his arm around her waist and pull her against him before she reached the water, but he missed a full-body grab and ended up pulling the back string on her bikini top instead.
She spun around at the same time her top dropped down, revealing her bare breasts to the sun and his heated gaze. Dusky nipples and creamy white skin had his mouth watering. He was dying to pull one of the tight buds into his mouth and suckle hard until she was squirming and begging for relief.
Before he could move too far too fast, he scooped her up in his arms and kept heading for the water, hoping it was freaking cold enough to cool him down. Because one look at her sexy tits and he was hard as a rock and ready to blow.
“Max!” she squealed and wrapped her legs tight around his waist, which did nothing to help his current state of arousal.
His legs hit the warm water. So much for relief, he thought wryly. Torturing himself further, he slid her down the length of his body, her hard nipples grazing his chest until her feet hit the water.
“I’m glad you’re in a playful mood, princess.”
“I decided to enjoy what the island has to offer.”
“The island? Or me?” he asked.
“You, Max.” She threaded her fingers through his hair, her nails scraping along his scalp. He barely managed to stifle a groan. “While we’re here, I’m yours.”
Her words stunned him, and though he didn’t like the time limit she set, he wasn’t about to turn his back on a gift he wanted badly. He preferred to look at it as time to convince her about how good they could be together.
“But I am going to make you work for it.” Laughing and not the least bit self-conscious about being naked on top, she dove beneath the blue water.
He shook his head and went after her. What ensued was reminiscent of when they were kids, a water fight, splashing and all. Except this time, they weren’t children. By the time she ran out of steam, she came up from the water like a mermaid rising from the ocean. Head tipped back, she brushed her hair away from her face, her perky nipples pointing skyward, as she’d long since lost the bikini top to the waves. Playtime was over.
Their play had ratcheted up his desire, and he hooked a foot around her leg, causing her to trip forward. He caught her as she crashed against him, sliding his hands up her naked back, tracing the bones along her spine. She arched into him, purring like a cat.
He couldn’t resist and tipped her face up, kissing her salty lips and sliding his hands up her tapered waist, brushing his thumbs beneath her breasts, feeling her desire swell as her nipples puckered into his chest. He drank from her mouth, and she let him, opening, meeting his tongue thrust for thrust, swept away in the passion they generated. And this time, she wasn’t pulling back. Instead she was rocking herself against him, her soft sighs and moans lost inside his mouth. He breathed her air; she inhaled his. Grabbing her ass in his hands, he pressed her lithe body into him, letting her feel his hunger for her.
She broke the kiss, gasping for much-needed air. “Max, please.” Her hips gyrated against his, and he understood what she was asking for. A glance around the sandy beach told him they were still very much alone. He could draw out her pleasure and luxuriate in all that was Lucy.
She wanted relief. He wanted time.
“First things first.” He reached for her breasts, cupping them in his hands. They were small but made to fit in his palms. “I’ve waited a long time to see you like this… my big hands on your fucking perfect breasts.” He palmed each, then moved to her nipples, plucking them with his fingertips. “Let’s find out how sensitive you are.”
She moaned at the idea, and when he squeezed her nipple hard, she leaned against him, her soft body cushioned against him as he continued to play. Her sighs and the shifting of her body showed him how responsive she was and worked him into a state.
He gritted his teeth and slid his hand into the band of her bikini bottoms, coming into contact with smooth, bare skin. He sucked in a shallow breath, his cock very much aware of the fact that he wouldn’t be the one getting relief. And he didn’t care.
“Hold on to me,” he instructed, and she responded immediately, grasping his forearms tightly. Her sex was slick with arousal, his fingers drenched. “You’re so wet,” he said, a low groan of satisfaction ripping from his throat.
“Are you going to do something about it?” she asked.
At her teasing attempt at control, he squeezed one ass cheek in his hand. She gasped, her brown eyes opening wide, followed by a renewed wetness coating his fingers.
“I will when you let me call the shots.” He watched her carefully. Normally Lucy would give him hell about his need to dominate, but right now? Her brown eyes softened, and she spread her legs wider and waited.
He loved that his gut was right, that she would like submitting in the bedroom. Inside and out, she’d push his boundaries too, and damned if he didn’t get off on that. Right now, though, his focus was on getting her off.
He kissed her cheek, slid his tongue along her soft jawline and down her neck. Her head tipped back to give him better access.
“Mmm, that feels good,” she murmured. “You feel good.”
He nipped at her jaw. “And you taste delicious,” he murmured, tasting the salt on her skin. He was more than happy to make a meal of her right here and now.
Meanwhile, his fingers worked her sex, sliding back and forth across her soft, slick flesh, and he clenched his jaw against the sensations rocking his body at the feel of her juices and heat. He kept up the pressure and rubbed his fingers along her slit, spreading the moisture around before pressing his finger directly on her clit.
Her hips bucked, and she began circling against his hand. He dipped lower, easing one finger inside her while continuing to stimulate her clit with his thumb. It didn’t take long before he found the spot inside her that, combined with the insistent external pressure, had her coming apart in his arms. And what a s
ight it was, the sun on her face, her body flush against his, trembling as her lips parted with pleasure he was giving.
He held her until she came back to herself, then, without a word, scooped her into his arms and carried her back to the bungalow. They’d had fun. And she’d come hard. Mission one accomplished.
Chapter Four
Lucy showered, aware that Max was in the next room, probably doing the same thing. Her body still tingled from that amazing orgasm, yet funny enough, her climax wasn’t the main thing that struck her about today. She’d spent so long changing and muting herself to suit someone else’s needs, she’d surprised herself with her game of catch me if you can. They’d played in the ocean, splashing and frolicking, both well aware of the sexual undercurrents between them. It had been a very long time since Lucy had allowed herself to relax and enjoy life. Too long, if her enjoyment and reaction to today was any indication.
Knowing her tendency to peel from sunburn, she lathered her body in coconut moisturizer before pulling on a white sundress that tied like a halter on top. She knew too well what had happened the last time she’d worn a string tie around Max. Her nipples were deliciously sore from his calloused fingertips, and her sex still felt achy and wet. Shower or not, just thinking of Max got her juices flowing all over again.
She drew a deep breath and walked into the living area, where Max was pouring himself a glass of Avión tequila on the rocks. His bare feet peeked out of a faded pair of jeans. He hadn’t yet put on a shirt, and his hair was still damp from the shower. He was muscular, masculine, and hot. She was dying to lick every inch of that gorgeous body and let him do the same to her. Gone were her reservations when all that awaited her was fun and pleasure. She just needed to keep perspective, and she’d have the vacation of a lifetime.
He turned, as if he’d sensed her. “Hey, beautiful.” His eyes roamed over her appreciatively. Again, it had been so long since any man had looked at her with such blatant longing and admiration for the woman she was, it was a heady feeling. And one she could get used to.
Dare to Seduce Page 5
