Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  “Yes. Yes, please.”

  ***

  CHAPTER TEN

  I say there is no darkness but ignorance.

  Shakespeare

  Ignorance is sweet and deep; its darkness bright.

  Myra Crow

  Kai guided Olivia up a narrow trail. In the darkness, she wondered how he could see anything, or if he just knew each ridge and hollow by heart. His bare feet were steady on the slippery rock as he helped her up, the quiet only broken by the faint whisper of a breeze in the desiccated grasses.

  Her shoe slipped in the dirt and he grabbed her before the gasp had even left her lips.

  “Sorry,” he murmured. “I never bring anyone here. Didn’t think.”

  She turned her head, and below lay the sea, the setting moon streaking it with silver. “Don’t be sorry. It’s beautiful.”

  “Yeah.” He tugged her up to the dark shape of a cabin. He threw the door open, no keys or locks, and stepped into the dimness. “Just a sec.”

  He let go of her hand and she stood, disoriented and lost for a moment. There came a crackling sound and a small flame appeared, illuminating the fine lines of his face. He approached it to an oil lamp and yellow light bathed the hut.

  It really was a fisherman’s hut, with old nets hanging at the two windows, sand on the floor and a cot pushed against the wall. The roof was thatch and the walls made of local stone.

  “Welcome to my palace,” he said and came to her, pulling her close. The flame of the lamp danced in his eyes.

  “You really live here?”

  “Mm. It’s quiet.” He dragged his lips on her jaw, pressed them to the corner of her mouth, making her shiver.

  “Must be cold in winter.” She laced her hands behind his head, tangling her fingers in the soft curling hair of his nape.

  “I don’t want to think about winter.” He stepped back, kissing her closed mouth, leading her to the cot. “You’re warm like summer.”

  They fell on the narrow bed, facing each other, and his lips were on hers, hot and hungry. She slipped off her shoes, and they thumped to the floor.

  He rolled over her, supporting his weight on strong arms, pressing down, letting her feel how aroused he was. Sliding his fingers under her blouse, he lifted it over her head, and she wriggled out of it, letting it fall.

  A soft groan left his lips and he reached down to adjust himself. Sweat ran down his bare chest in glistening trails, and in the lamp light he was made of solid gold.

  “I want to see you naked,” he whispered and his hardness pressed against her stomach, more insistent now. He bent over her, kissing her mouth, her chin, a trail of hot kisses down her throat. His hand slipped under her back, seeking the clasp of her bra.

  “Wait, Kai.” She shoved against his chest, her throat closing.

  He stilled. “What is it?” His eyes were very dark in the faint light.

  “I don’t know. Too fast. Give me a minute.” She sat up, lifted her hand to his arm, tracing the thick biceps.

  “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “People probably don’t do this so soon when they’re dating.”

  “Are we dating?”

  “I...” He sat back and pushed dark hair out of his eyes, his lips compressing. “I don’t know what the hell we’re doing.”

  She swallowed down the fear and stroked his arm, reaching for his hand. “We were kissing.”

  He gave her a tiny smile. “Right.” Then he frowned. “You’re shaking.”

  Was she? “I’m okay.”

  “You’re afraid of me.” He shook his head. “Why?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m not afraid, I just... don’t know you well.”

  Damn, this was embarrassing. Maybe it was her near death experience not so long ago, or this strange place, this hut on the cliffs with the wind puffing through the cracks and the sound of the waves crashing below, and this man, so handsome and yet a mystery.

  “Ask me.”

  “What?” Her hand moved to her breast, the soft mound of flesh over her lacy bra, and his eyes followed the movement.

  He licked his lips. “I’m not good at talking about myself. I’ve been trying to work up the courage but I can’t... Not yet.”

  “Then what are you...?”

  “Ask me questions. To get to know me. I’ll answer those I can.”

  “Like, what ice-cream flavor is your favorite?”

  “Strawberry,” he breathed, his hands clenching on his thighs. The lamplight played on his chest, on his muscled arms. “And yours?”

  “Dark chocolate.” She licked her lips. “Do you have siblings?”

  He exhaled loudly, closed his eyes. “No. You?”

  “No. What’s your favorite food?”

  “Madras curry. Very hot.” He opened one eye. “Like you.”

  She turned to hide a smile. “Favorite color?”

  “Blue.”

  Figured. “Favorite music?”

  He leaned over her again until she lay back, staring into his hooded gaze. “Do you mind if I touch you while you ask me things?”

  “Uh... Okay.” Her thoughts were unraveling. “I don’t...”

  He nuzzled her throat, kissed her collarbone. “Ask me.”

  “Why are you here? Are you running away from something?”

  He stopped, his breath hissing. “No. I told you. I live here.” He stroked her breast with his mouth, placing kisses over the lace, and her next question died on her lips. She couldn’t think. Her mind buzzed, and electric shocks went through her body with every shift of his lips on the lace. Heat rolled in great waves inside her, and she arched her spine, silently pleading for more.

  Panting hard, he undid the button of her shorts and slipped his hand inside. He glanced up, searching her eyes, and smiled. He touched her, then, his fingers sliding under her panties, rough and sure. Oh god, another wave of heat burst inside her, towing her under, and it was light and fire and unbearable pleasure. She drew up her knees and when he pressed down, she cried out, coming undone under his touch.

  He kissed her neck, waiting for her to catch her breath. She felt his lips draw into a grin against her skin. “You liked it,” he said.

  Wasn’t it obvious? She laughed. “Yeah.”

  He rested his forehead on her shoulder, gazing at her, his eyes crinkling with his faint smile. “Not scared of me anymore?”

  She shook her head, floating in the lingering haze of pleasure. Her pulse throbbed deep inside her belly. She reached up and tangled her fingers in his salt-stiffened hair, tugging lightly. He rose up on his elbows, shifting closer, and his belt grazed her leg.

  Pain flared, making her gasp and twist away.

  “What is it?” He scrambled back, frowning.

  “My leg. I hit it on the rocks this morning.” She winced as she sat up to check it. “It’s nothing.”

  “Let me see.” He stood up and brought the lamp closer, placing it on the floor by the bed. He knelt at her feet, his hand gentle on her knee. “I hurt you.”

  “It was your belt. Wasn’t you.” She tried to see where his fingers poked and prodded. “I think it’s mostly bruised. And a little scraped.”

  “Why did you go to that beach?” His head was bowed, so she couldn’t see his face, but his voice was strained. “I told you not to.”

  “I wanted...” She sighed. “Panos said the mermaids go there. I wanted to see.”

  “The mermaids?”

  It sounded so stupid now. “Yeah. I mean, I wanted to see if there was anything there.”

  His grip on her leg tightened. “Why?”

  “Because... I don’t know what happened to you, why the locals treat you like that.” She shook her head, her mouth twisting. “Nobody will tell me what convinced them you’re of the sea, but...” She reached down to touch his hair. He hadn’t moved at all. “I want to know. I want to help.”

  “I put you in danger,” he said, his voice gone so soft she barely heard it.

  “Not your fault.”


  “Yes, it is. Because I haven’t told you about me, and you went looking. I was going to tell you, and I am. I just...” He moved back, sitting on the sandy floor, his hands hanging between his knees. “I needed time, and now...”

  She slid down next to him and put a hand on his leg. “It’s okay.” Now he was the one shaking. “Kai?”

  “You were injured.” He reached down, stroking the Band Aid on the sole of her foot. “You don’t know how scared I was this morning. When I saw your bag on the beach but not you, I thought...” He swallowed hard, his breath hitching.

  “Hey.” She touched his face. “Nothing happened.”

  “You don’t understand.” He still stroked her foot.

  “Maybe I do. Maybe that’s why everyone leaves,” she said, desperately trying to break the dark mood. “Your foot fetish.”

  Okay, what a dumb attempt at a joke.

  Kai made a strange sound in the back of his throat, as if he was choking. He let go of her foot and slumped against the bed, dropping his head back.

  “Kai?”

  A snort escaped him, and then his shoulders began to shake.

  He was laughing.

  She reached for his hand, but he jerked back, hitting the side of the cot — still laughing, a harsh, hacking sound.

  “Can’t believe this.” He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and shook his head. “Christ,” he muttered, shot to his feet and strode out of the hut.

  The door slammed behind him.

  “Kai!” She threw the door open to run after him and stopped right outside. Cool wind hit her face and she remembered they were on a cliff over the sea. “Kai, come back.”

  It was dark outside, the moon distant on the sea. The cliffs gleamed dully, like tarnished silver, and the waves crashed down below, angry.

  She shouted his name until her throat was raw. Numb, she stumbled back inside and flopped on his bed. It smelled of him, his salty-musky scent.

  It was too much, all the emotional ups and downs, the fear, the relief, the desire, the confusion. Hugging his pillow, she stared at the shadows dancing on the wall for what seemed like hours.

  He’d run again. It was as if the sound of his own laughter had frightened him. That wasn’t normal, was it?

  Unless it was something that never happened, as Panos had said.

  It was some time before she heard steps outside. The door creaked and Kai entered. He was breathing hard and his legs were scratched as if he’d been running through the thorns and bushes. His eyes were dim and haunted.

  She sat up, covering her mouth with her hand. “Are you all right?”

  “I’ll tell you everything,” he said without preamble, lifting a shaky hand toward her, as if not sure she was real. “Give me one more day. Promise you won’t go to that beach again.” He seemed to be tittering on the edge of a chasm, uncertain and afraid and frustrated. “Promise me.”

  “I promise.” Because what else could she do?

  He nodded, some of the tension leaving his shoulders, and lay down beside her, drawing her close. “I’m beat. Let’s get some sleep.”

  She thought she wouldn’t be able to, with all that had happened and the emotions still swirling inside her, but exhaustion drew her under before she knew it.

  *

  Early morning light slanted through the open window. A bee buzzed on the sill. Outside, a bird trilled.

  Olivia raised herself on one elbow.

  Kai was stretched on his back, an arm thrown over his eyes, fast asleep. He looked beautiful and peaceful. He also sported a bad case of morning wood.

  She leaned over him, fascinated by his body. Stronger than any other she’d seen, tanned golden. Salt crystals caught on the smooth skin of his chest sparkled in the sunlight.

  He shifted with a soft groan. Those pants looked constricting, stretched over his crotch. She cupped his arousal and he arched a little, his breath catching. His arm dropped on the pillow, the silken tassels of his hair tumbling on his face.

  So hot. Just looking at him made her want to throw off her clothes and rub herself all over him. Mark her territory.

  She frowned. Did female cats do that, too?

  He murmured something, his fingers clenching on nothing. His dark brows drew together and he puffed a tiny moan. His eyelids fluttered.

  God, he was so beautiful, and with the dawning light, the darkness had dissipated, leaving behind hope.

  And desire.

  She slid over him, straddling his hips, loving how he felt pressed against her.

  “Oh god.” He grunted, opening his eyes and squinting. “Liv?”

  “Morning.” She bent over him, kissing his jaw.

  “I’m in heaven,” he whispered, sliding his hands up her sides, then forward to cup her breasts in their lacy bra. “I must have done something good.”

  “Lots of good,” she agreed, rocking her hips, and was rewarded with a strangled moan and an answering jerk underneath her.

  “Do that again,” he ordered quietly and she did, feeling his reaction through her shorts. “Fucking hell.”

  “I thought it was heaven?”

  “Depends.” He panted. “On the outcome.”

  She grinned and sat up, undoing his belt and buttons. “Let’s see what I can do.”

  “Liv...” He caught her wrist, his eyes clearing. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “Do I look like I’m being forced?” She winked and slipped her hand inside his pants, under his briefs, finding his hardness. “Besides, turnabout is fair play.”

  “You make it sound...like a punishment.” He gasped and a tremor started in his legs. “Liv...”

  She firmed her grip, loving the feel of him in her hand, and stroked him fast and hard. “As you said, it all depends on the outcome.”

  The outcome arrived swiftly and with a bitten-off cry he spent himself, shaking hard.

  “Damn,” he breathed, his chest heaving. “God. You’re amazing. And I haven’t even seen you naked yet.”

  “Is that a request?” She chewed on her lip not to laugh at his wide-eyed expression. She was feeling rather proud of herself for putting it there.

  “Yeah. Shit. Not now.” He sat up, wiping himself on a dirty shirt and then grabbing her around the waist. “I have to go to work.”

  “It’s still early.”

  He shook his head, kissing her throat. “I have to swim first.”

  “No, you don’t.” She mock-punched him. “You have to make out with me first.”

  “Ow.” He chuckled, sending shivers down her spine. “You’re really not scared of me, are you?”

  “Why should I be?”

  “The girls here are scared. Their parents tell them I’m dangerous.”

  “And are you?” She’d meant it as a tease, but he frowned.

  He pulled his legs from under her and turned. “I have to go.”

  “Kai, wait.”

  He stopped in the process of getting up. He raked his fingers through his hair, mussing it more. “I’m not a very good guy, Liv. I didn’t drop out of college. I was expelled.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Failed the year, then I showed up drunk and naked at the graduation party. I was trouble. Drank, partied, fucked around and did drugs. I was dangerous then, but this...” He shook his head. “This is different.”

  “You think the sea dragged me in because of you, don’t you.”

  He rubbed his eyes and nodded. “She wants me.”

  “The sea? If it wants you, why is it trying to take me?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t understand it. All I know, this isn’t coming from me, and I can’t control it. It’s goddamn magic and I don’t know how to stop it.” He snorted. “I know it sounds crazy.”

  She thought of the sea pulling her down and she clasped in her hand the cool stone of her pendant.

  He believed it. Hell, she was starting to believe it, too. Which was mad. She didn’t believe in superstitions. Didn’t believe in mermaids.
Or magic.

  She’d get to the bottom of this. Somehow she’d help him be free.

  *

  In the bright morning light, the path down to the beach didn’t look so steep. Or maybe it was Kai’s arm around her, shoring her up, steadying her. He led her to the beach of the hotel and stepped back. He’d changed into his swim trunks and tearing her eyes off him required serious physical effort.

  “You know where to find me,” he said, stroking his thumb over her cheek, looking much calmer than the night before. “Just be careful.”

  She didn’t ask what he meant. No need. The sea whispered below, stretching and curling like a vast blue dragon, snorting in the caves under the rocks and flicking foam all the way up at her feet.

  She shivered when he drew her close and kissed her, his mouth hard and demanding, then softening until his lips barely touched hers.

  “Don’t go,” she said. “Not today. Stay.”

  “She’s calling me.” There was blue in his eyes again. How could there be blue in his dark chocolate eyes?

  Fear tightened her insides. “You hear her voice?”

  He looked away. “I feel her. Like this morning, when I knew she had you.”

  Holy shit. “I thought that guy warned you. Laurence. Now you say you felt it?”

  His mouth flattened, as if he was angry at himself for saying too much. “Gotta go.”

  She watched him skid down the path to the sea, his soft dark hair flying. He’d said everyone left eventually. That they were scared of him. That he knew it sounded crazy.

  Did it?

  He stood on the rocks, outlined against the blue, and she thought she saw dark forms swim in the waves, silvery fins flashing.

  What was she seeing?

  Kai glanced over his shoulder at her — checking if she was still there? Then he dived into the sea and the mysterious forms scattered, vanishing in the depths.

  Her mind awhirl, she trudged to the hotel, hands in her pockets, wondering. Had she really seen that?