by Tia Wylder
Derek shrugged. “I think you could get much valuable experience, but I’m not sure how a potential employer would see it. They might think you weren’t serious about jumping into the workforce right away after college.”
I wrinkled my nose. “Frankly, I’m not sure I am serious about getting a job.” I bit my lip. “This’ll sound so immature, but I’m not exactly in a rush to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life.”
“Trust me, I know how it feels,” he threw his head back and laughed. “That’s why it’s so important for you to find something you’ll enjoy doing. Or, something you won’t hate,” he amended.
From inside the castle, music began to play. Derek took my hand.
“Enough talking about business,” he said. “Come on, let’s dance a little bit.”
I blushed and nodded. “That sounds wonderful,” I admitted.
Derek and I danced most of the evening. The food was delicious – gourmet Italian, as the bride’s family was from Sicily – and I had so much cannoli and tiramisu at the end of the night that I felt like I couldn’t eat for a week. It was one of the most fun nights I’d ever had. And the setting was gorgeous. Even though it wasn’t my wedding, I felt like a princess twirling around in Derek’s arms.
It was so perfect, I never wanted it to end.
“Hey, come with me,” He pulled me away from the dance floor and outside. The evening air was crisp and chill. I shivered. When Derek saw, he took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders. It smelled like spicy, musky cologne and I sighed happily.
Derek took my hand and led me up a steep stone spiral staircase. When we made it to the top balcony, I gasped.
“This is so beautiful.”
From where we stood, I could see all the castle ground. They were immaculately groomed and beautiful. Derek took my hand and pointed towards the horizon.
“Look.”
Just as I looked up, brightly colored fireworks filled the sky. Red and blue and green swirls exploded in front of my vision.
“It’s beautiful,” I cooed.
Derek wrapped his arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. I sighed with contentment as I nestled against his body. Being with him didn’t give me the heart-thumping adrenaline rush of being with Damien, but it was nice and pleasant. Safe, really. Now that I’d gotten to know him a little better, I wasn’t worried about Derek hurting me.
Derek slid his fingers under my chin and tilted my head back. We stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before he pressed his lips to mine. I purred into his mouth and stretched on the tips of my toes, eager for more.
Derek gently guided me backward. The sounds of fireworks exploding filled my ears as my body began responding to Derek’s touch in a sensual, wonderful way. I felt my back meet the stone wall as I wrapped my arms around Derek’s neck and slid my tongue into his mouth. Derek groaned. He nibbled on my lower lip and ran his hands down my body. Goosebumps sprang out over my flesh, even though I wasn’t cold.
When Derek’s hands reached my waist, he hesitated for a moment. I reached between our bodies and took his hand, guiding it between my legs.
“It’s okay,” I whispered in Derek’s ear. “I want you.”
Derek pushed my skirt up with urgency. He kissed me passionately, twisting his face against mine to find the best angle as his tongue explored my mouth. I melted in his arms – his tender passion was so different than Damien but no less welcome.
When I felt Derek’s fingers stroking the crotch of my panties, I moaned and shifted my body, spreading my legs to allow him greater access. His gentle touch made me feel fiery and aroused. Lust flowed through my body like golden wine, and I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the stone as Derek’s fingers slipped inside my panties and began gently rubbing my clit.
“God,” I moaned softly. “Take me, Derek. Make me yours.”
I fumbled with Derek’s belt and trousers, yanking them down his narrow hips. His hard cock pressed against my thigh and I shivered as I thought about how it would feel when he slid inside of me for the very first time.
Derek pulled his wallet out of his pocket and grabbed a foil packet, ripping it open with shaking hands. Of course, he has a condom, I realized. Not because he’s a Lothario like Damien…just because he’s careful.
I kissed Derek passionately and pulled him close, spreading my legs even wider until my thighs were aching from the strain. Derek pushed my panties to the side and steadied himself with a hand on my hip as he slid inside. Delicious sensations exploded in my lower belly, and I moaned loudly. Derek pressed his mouth to mine and kissed me deeply. He bit my lip, and I shivered in his arms. For a moment, he stayed locked inside of me. Then he reached down and grabbed my thighs, pulling them around his waist. As Derek began to make love to me, I closed my eyes and tilted my head back. Pleasure filled my body, and soon I was panting and squirming, pressing my body against Derek’s in a desperate hope for sweet release.
Derek groaned into my neck. He kissed and bit at the delicate skin. The fireworks were still exploding overhead – they matched the explosive, stimulating sensations in my body. We moved together like a perfect, graceful machine and I tightened my grip around Derek’s neck as his cock plunged deep inside of me, again and again.
“God, Emma,” Derek grunted in my ear. I shivered at the sensation of his voice against my hot earlobe. “I’m gonna come.”
I closed my eyes and pressed my body against Derek’s, rubbing my clit against his pubic bone as he thrust deeply inside of me. With a shudder, I felt my own orgasm wash over me like a powerful tidal wave. I gasped and moaned and screamed, biting my lip as I surrendered to the delicious sensation that crashed over me over and over.
Derek plunged deep inside of me, gripping my hips and straining. I could tell that he was close – he arched his back and grunted, throwing his head back. I kissed him deeply, savoring the salty taste of sweat on his lips. When Derek came, I felt his cock pulse and twitch inside of me.
Derek kissed me gently, then kissed my forehead. He lowered me to the ground, and I reached between my legs to adjust my soaked panties. My heart was thudding in my chest – I couldn’t believe that I’d just slept with Derek!
Derek smiled at me and pulled me into a tender hug. He held me close and kissed the top of my head.
“That was amazing,” Derek pulled away and leaned down to kiss me once again, chastely, on the lips.
I smiled. “It was,” I said in a shaky voice.
The fireworks were slowing to a finale, and Derek and I watched as the sky was filled with magical, colorful explosions.
“Wow, this is beautiful.”
Derek kissed my cheek, “You’re beautiful.”
I flushed. I couldn’t believe it – how were Derek and Damien so different, yet equally intoxicating in their own way? Derek had set this whole thing up like a fairy tale. I never expected to be making love on the roof of a castle, with exquisite, costly fireworks in the background and a belly full of tiramisu. But Derek had shown me something completely unexpected – that making gentle, passionate love could be just as thrilling and satisfying as explosive, fiery sex.
With a nervous giggle, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was going to happen between me and the Wilson twins?
Chapter Five
The day after the wedding, I was sitting in the kitchen at home with Mom and Jack.
“So, that must have been fun, sweetie,” Mom said. “Did you have a good time?”
“It was beautiful,” I sighed happily at the memory of the wonderful castle. “I had no idea places like that existed on Long Island!”
Mom nodded. “I always wanted to get married there, but the wait list was so long,” she said. “I’m glad you got the chance to go.”
“Me, too,” I said softly. “It was so nice of Derek to invite me.”
Jack smiled. “Emma, I’m glad you and the boys are finally getting along – I know they’re difficult.”
I laughed, hoping I
wouldn’t blush. “Yeah,” I said. “Derek is really nice.”
The front door swung open, then slammed shut. Seconds later, Damien strode into the kitchen. He was wearing a white t-shirt that clung to his muscular chest and dark jeans that made his tan really pop. Wow, I thought as I tried to tear my eyes away from Damien. He’s even hotter when he’s not wearing a suit!
“Hey, fam,” Damien said with his signature smirk. He sauntered over to the fridge and pulled it open, reaching for a beer. “Emma,” he added. “Busy today?”
Mom smiled. “I don’t think so, are you, honey?”
I flushed. “I have some schoolwork, but that’s all.”
Damien swaggered back to the table and sat down, propping his elbow up on the shiny wooden surface.
“Damien, your brother took Emma to a wedding last night, isn’t that nice? She had such a good time,” Mom said, beaming happily.
A dark look crossed Damien’s face, and he rolled his eyes. “Kenny’s wedding, you mean? That guy was such a jerk.”
“Well, he’s done very well for himself,” Jack said archly. Jack reached for the morning paper and unfolded it crisply. “You could stand to learn a thing or two from your brother.”
Damien rolled his eyes. “Whatever,” he said. “Emma, I have a surprise for you. Get dressed.”
I looked down and flushed. “Um, for what?”
“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Damien said smugly. “But bring sunscreen, and wear something you’ll be comfortable with.”
“Damien, up to your old tricks,” Mom said, but she said it kindly. “Emma, isn’t that nice? You really are getting close to the boys.”
Damien snorted. “About time I made acquaintance with my dear little sister,” he said, yawning and drinking his beer.
My cheeks burned bright red as I got to my feet. “Stepsister,” I mumbled under my breath.
Damien grinned at me. “We’re all family, who cares about labels,” he replied, smirking at me.
Oh my god, why does he automatically know how to push all my buttons, I wondered as I left the kitchen and climbed up the stairs. Just being around Damien made my palms sweat and my heart race. And where is he taking me?
I shivered with pleasure as I imagined being alone with Damien again, having passionate, intense sex until I was too tired to move. Was that what he was thinking, too?
Once I was in my room, I went into the adjacent bathroom and brushed my teeth, brushed my hair, and washed my face. I put on a light touch of natural make-up – just blush and a little eyebrow gel with lip balm – and then got dressed in my favorite sundress. I took a bottle of sunscreen from the counter and slipped it into my purse.
A thrill of excitement ran through me as I skipped down the stairs. With Damien, I had no idea what he was thinking. He was the exact opposite of open, friendly Derek.
I had to admit, it made him so intriguing. I wanted to know everything about Damien.
“I’m ready,” I said, once I was back in the kitchen.
Damien got to his feet. He polished off the last of his beer, then tossed the can into the recycling.
“I’ll have Emma back later,” Damien told my mother, smirking. “She should still be in one piece.”
“Bye Mom, bye Jack,” I blushed. “I’ll be back later.”
Damien guided me outside and into his flashy sports car.
“Where are we going?” I asked as I buckled myself in. Part of me was hoping that Damien would wrap an arm around me and pull me into a passionate kiss until I realized we were still easily in sight of Mom and Jack.
Damien raised an eyebrow. “Come now, Emma. If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise.”
“I guess you’re right.”
Damien smirked as he put the car into gear and shot away from the curb with such force that I gripped the interior handle on my door.
“Oh my gosh, slow down!”
Damien looked over at me and grinned. He made no secret of letting his eyes slide down my body and ogle my breasts. I flushed – I loved knowing that his piercing eyes were on me.
“I’m a good driver, Emma,” Damien said casually. “So, you went on a date with Derek last night? How was that?”
“I don’t know if it was a date, exactly. He just took me a wedding – he said he didn’t know anyone there.”
“Ah, yes, Kenny,” Damien shook his head. “The biggest drip to ever earn his MBA.” He snickered. “That guy was an asshole then, and I bet he’s an asshole now.”
“I didn’t actually meet him,” I said. “The wedding was huge.”
“Yeah, I’m not surprised,” Damien said dryly. “That bastard loved to show off.”
“Oh,” I murmured.
Damien drove on in silence. When he slowed to a stop, I frowned.
“Where are we?” I looked out the window and didn’t see anything.
“We’re pulling up to the yacht club, but don’t worry – we’re not going inside,” Damien said. He smoothly navigated the car inside a large parking lot staffed by uniformed attendants. They looked sweaty and miserable in the late afternoon sun, and I felt a wave of pity. Even though I’d gotten used to having Jack’s money, it didn’t really feel like my money.
“So, what are doing here?” I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand. “It’s so hot outside!”
“Just be patient,” Damien said. “Come with me.” He handed his keys over to one of the uniformed men, then led me along a small path paved with broken seashells. It was beautiful. Women and men passed by in elegant summer clothing, and I suddenly wished that I’d worn something more formal.
“Okay,” Damien said. “Close your eyes and come with me?”
“What? That’s ridiculous,” I laughed. “I’m going to fall and break my ankle!”
“Give me your hand,” he grinned mischievously. “I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”
I flushed as I put my fingers against his. Damien led me down the path and onto uneven grass. I was afraid, and I clutched at his hand, but he kept me steady and balanced.
After a few minutes, sweat broke out over every inch of my body. The sun was relentless. I wished that I’d brought a bottle of water.
“Okay,” he slowed to a stop. “You can look now.”
When I opened my eyes, I gasped. A huge sailing yacht was docked right in front of us. It looked like something from the movies.
“What is this?” I asked in wonder. “Is this yours?”
Damien nodded. “Yep. Twenty-first birthday present from my old man. The Queen of Sails,” he added, pointing to the fancy gold lettering on the back.
“Cute name,” I laughed.
Damien rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I think Dad just wanted to make sure I didn’t forget about my…responsibilities,” he twisted his mouth into a scowl. “Either way, she’s a beaut. Come on.”
I followed Damien up a gangplank and onto the Queen of Sails. The surface was white and gleaming, and I was tempted to run my hand over the smooth perfection.
I’d never been on a boat before – well, not really. After I had graduated from high school, I’d gone on a “dinner cruise” with my classmates, but it had been stormy and rainy that night – the ship hadn’t even left the dock. It had been a colossal disappointment.
But being here – just being with Damien – was already thrilling. And I couldn’t believe how nice he was…it was easily the kindest he’d ever been. I shivered when I thought about him learning of what Derek and I had done the night before.
Would he hate me?
“I thought we could have a light dinner and sail around,” Damien said. “I have staff on board – so I don’t have to sail, I can sit with you.” He ushered me forward and pointed towards a spread of delicious canapes and appetizers. My stomach rumbled, and I blushed as I lowered myself down into a plush deck chair.
“This is so nice,” I murmured.
A smiling man in uniform bent over me with a tray of cocktails and wine. “Drink, madam
?”
I flushed. “Yes, please,” I reached for a glass of white wine. “Thank you.”
The man bowed stiffly, then held the tray to Damien.
“We’d like to sail for about three hours, Charles,” Damien said. “Thank you.”
I wouldn’t have admitted it for all the canapes in the world, but watching the powerful way Damien spoke to his servants made me wet. He’s so alpha, I thought, a chill running down my spine. He could tell someone to do anything, and they’d do it! Something about Damien was terrifying and very sexy at the same time – I couldn’t explain, but watching the way he controlled the world around him was a huge turn-on.
