“I shouldn’t be missing you, but I do when I can’t be with you,” he said.
Yasmin briefly closed her eyes to soak up the wistful note in his declaration.
“I was wondering if I was the only one feeling that way.” She turned within his embrace to face him.
His arms hung low and with hands clasped and resting on her behind. Her fingers splayed along the solid planes of his chest. The steady thump of his heart under her hand was like a drumbeat marking their time.
Softly together she kissed his chest just above her fingers. The thin fabric of her clothing was no barrier as she pressed against the hard length of his body. The sudden thought that she could be satisfied with this startled her with its vivid possibility.
“You’re so quiet. Are you sad?” Dane asked softly.
“No,” she answered promptly. The sadness wasn’t supposed to surface or linger so that he’d notice. And he certainly could never know the root of her turmoil about what she had to do with what she wanted to do. “Quite the opposite, really. I’m incredibly happy.”
“This house, this village deserves the credit. It’s like existing in a bubble.”
“Finding the perfect place was important for what I wanted for this weekend. A hotel in a busy city was too much of the norm. Our personal lives, along with our role as business people have been spent with others always around us, tending to our needs or trying to get our attention for their benefit. I desperately wanted a special place like this tiny secluded cottage to indulge ourselves if only temporarily.”
The house contained three bedrooms and one bathroom. Clearly built for a small family. There wasn’t any staff to help with the day-to-day tasks or waiters to sweep in with food and sweep out with the dirty dishes. For a couple of days, they’d unwind without being influenced by the outside world.
Both of their phones remained on the dining table in silent mode. A mutual decision to prevent outside intrusion.
The only other intrusion was her secret that would right wrongs for her father’s sake. But the dark side loomed over her happiness made her Dane was the collateral damage that wasn’t planned for, but she couldn’t be afraid to face.
“I’ll be back,” she said reluctantly pulling out of Dane’s arms.
“Breakfast is on the way.”
“I’m a good cook.”
“Nope. You can deliver on that promise another time.” She tiptoed and pressed a kiss. “Relax and enjoy the view.”
Yasmin headed for the kitchen. The cool tiles felt good under her bare feet as she bustled around the open space to make breakfast. She’d shopped earlier with the necessary ingredients in mind.
Pulling out the cutting board, she sliced feta cheese and a few slices of watermelon and arranged on a plate. Then she ran the water over the cluster of grapes, popping loose ones into her mouth. The sugary juice was refreshing. Finishing the meal, she shelled a handful of walnuts, clearing away the shell and inedible inner bits and added to the laden plate.
On a baking tray, she laid out pita bread and slid it into the preheated oven to warm up. Next, on the menu, she opened the assortment of fruit jams and poured each into small bowls and added a teaspoon.
While the kettle boiled water for tea, she placed all her items, including the now warm pita bread onto the tray and took it into the bedroom.
“I’m out here.” Dane’s voice drifted in from the balcony. “Let me get that.” He approached and took the tray from her. “This looks delicious.”
He set it on the table between two lounge chairs.
“Be right back. Hot water for the tea is ready.” In the kitchen, Yasmin gathered the cups and poured the water into the teapot to infuse the teas. A few minutes later, she rejoined him on the balcony.
“Need any more help?” Dane took the tray from her.
“We’re all set.” She chose the lounge chair closer to the food, so she could prepare the plates. “Our classic Persian breakfast awaits.”
“My stomach is growling.”
She smiled and had no control over her blushing under his sincere appreciation.
“I feel special,” he said.
They munched in silence. Dane’s delight over the various flavors made her laugh. Persian food wasn’t only the clash of flavors on the palette but was also about the texture from the soft cheese to the crunchy walnuts to the sweet jams.
“More tea?” Dane hovered with the teapot.
“Thank you.” She slid her cup closer for his precise aim.
They sipped the tea and entertained small talk as the golden fiery ball rose above the horizon slowly across the sky.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dane’s hand outstretched toward her. She looked questioningly over to him.
“Join me. Over here.”
She didn’t need further prompting and scooted off the lounge chair. By then, Dane had pulled the cushions off the frame and then went into the house and returned with large bath towels, which he laid over the cushions, and pillows that he’d snagged from the bed.
“We can lie out here together, eat, and enjoy the sun’s continued rise.” He fidgeted until comfortable and then patted the empty space in front of him.
She placed a plate between them and then carefully handed him his teacup. She’d left hers on the table. Instead, she scooted into the line of his body and laid her head against his arm. The top of her head rested against his chin. While she succumbed to the peaceful surroundings, her arm encircled his torso.
He sighed. “This place is dangerous for the workaholic. I could stay here for a long time.”
She laughed, as his voice sounded drunk with happiness. “I know your limitations even if you don’t want to acknowledge them. You live and breathe Laurent Holdings. This place is special and has the right vibe to restore your energy. But you live for out there, not for yourself.”
“And you’re different? Where do you think you belong?”
Yasmin popped in a grape and took her time chewing the juicy pulp. “I choose not to belong. Therefore, wherever I go becomes my home, my way of life, my life lesson.” True for the most part, except for Monaco.
“You’re a nomad.”
She turned her head to listen to the rhythmic thump of his heart. “Yes, I like that comparison. A nomad.”
“Have you ever revisited a place?”
“Never have.” She turned and propped her chin on his chest. “But now I may have reason to do so.”
“I hope so, Yasmin. I dearly hope so.”
She stretched up and kissed him. “I’m here now with you. Let’s not waste another minute.”
“You’ve been tempting me in this see-through undershirt all morning.” He growled at her, chuckling as she feverishly worked his shirt over his head.
“I could walk around like this all day.”
His eyes darkened and the easy smile left. Raw hunger and a devilish gleam radiated from his gaze.”
He rolled her over until she was under him. His mouth delivered kisses on each nipple before his tongue swirled around her aureoles. Her nipples were so tight and damned sensitive. She arched up hoping that he’d provide relief with his mouth. Instead, he dragged out the agony teasing with kisses and taunting with his tongue.
She wiggled out of her panties with his assistance. He scooted down to face her sex. His hand slid under her behind and lifted her hips.
“Drop some honey on my tongue.”
She obliged with a generous dollop on his extended tongue. She was so damn wet. Her anticipation almost sent her into a faint.
He gently nudged opened her legs and dived in with a big sweep of his tongue.
“Oh shhhhiiiiiittttt.” The word died in midair as she fought to catch her breath, her sanity. Something to keep her anchored to the chair.
But she’d lifted off into a space that had no reality or no limits. She felt turned inside out to respond in ways that she’d never done.
The man had expert handler next to his name for
making her sex into a meal. The honey felt slick against her sensitive folds. His tongue bathed her into a writhing mess.
“I want you in me.” She groaned as his fingers slid into her cave. “Now!”
He looked up and wiped his mouth before covering hers, effectively shutting her up. They kissed with the flavors of honey and her juices mixing under the powerful stroke of his tongue.
He slid on a condom that she hadn’t noticed on the tray.
“I’m always ready.” He winked.
Yasmin had never made love with the sun bathing her naked skin. But once tried, she was willing to enjoy the pleasure of outdoor sex. The sun’s rays warmed her face as Dane heated the sweet spot between her legs.
She hooked her legs over his hips and sealed herself to his body in the intimate dance. Her hands grabbed his hair to hold on to the passion. Every part of her body was sensitive and tuned in to his slightest movement.
He lifted her without disconnecting to sit astride of his legs.
She rode him in a slow grind loving the rough ride against her sensitive sex.
Her moans grew as his hand slid over her backside.
His kisses branded a path along her chest. Upward along her neck to the tip of her chin.
She kissed and sighed from the deep-seated joy of having him all to herself.
She rode him. Picking up her speed. She slapped her sex against his cock dragging the sensitive flesh for prolonged contact.
Her breaths were harsh. Guttural. Raw.
When she hit her peak, the cry rose from deep down, bursting out of her lungs, escaping from her chest in an emphatic wail. Her pulse hammered. Her breathing matched a sprinter’s after a rousing victory. Every part of her felt charged and alive.
His release pumped in her.
She held on tight to his shoulders for the return to firm land.
“Do you think they’d start a missing person’s report if you didn’t go back?” Yasmin asked with her chin resting on Dane’s head. She remained in the fog of post-coital delirium.
“Damien might want to wait a few months, before filing.”
Yasmin giggled. “Brotherly love.”
“Dallon would want to dissect every possibility before calling the police. He wouldn’t want to waste their time. You know…just in case.”
“Ah…the careful one. Yet, he is the one who encouraged you to come to my room. He’s a good guy in my book.”
Dane kissed her shoulder. “And my father … well, it might depend on his mood. He’d figure that my missing has something to do with him.”
“You’re probably more like him than you think.” Yasmin playfully tapped at his chin. “It’s why you’re in the position that you’re in.”
“You mean having you sit on my lap while we bask in the afterglow of sunrise sex.”
“Way to go for sliding off the subject.” She kissed the tip of his nose and decided not to pursue further questions about Philippe.
After another round of lovemaking, Yasmin took a leisurely shower while Dane volunteered to clean up. Dressed and ready to enjoy the rest of the day, Yasmin sought out Dane when she didn’t see him in the kitchen. His back was to her. He was looking out over the mountainside.
“Feels like we’re both doing a lot of gazing of our fabulous surroundings,” she said at his side.
“It’s serene.”
“With a touch of magic.” They sat on the low stone wall. “Where did you go?” She’d heard him leave in the car.
“A wine-run for you.”
“Ah … I approve. And I’m ready for a glass.”
She slipped her arm through his as they walked back into the house. The gesture felt cozy and comfortable. The homey atmosphere toyed with her imagination. Romance was more than in the air. It was everywhere.
She poured out lemonade for him. They tapped glasses and enjoyed their drinks.
“By the way, I rented bicycles for later.” Yasmin headed for the small sitting room with its big comfy couch. She patted the spot next to her.
“Sounds like a good activity…for tomorrow.”
“Wimp.” She chuckled as he stretched and groaned to help make his point.
“I’m looking forward to sitting or lying on my ass for the rest of the day with you. This is a real treat to be able to do nothing.”
“I vote for tomorrow.” Yasmin raised her hand. “This is supposed to be a stress-free weekend. That’s why we have the phones on vibrate.”
He sighed. “Would love to turn them off. But we can’t be totally unreachable.”
She nodded to agree with his sentiment, but said, “We can, but we’re both scared to turn our backs on what has brought us this far.” That fact rang true and so close to her present predicament.
__________
Dane thanked his luck that his brothers couldn’t see him riding this bike. Been a while since he rode one and his steering was a bit rocky. With Yasmin leading the way and less than a mile down the road, he managed to stop wobbling and started to pedal smoothly.
“Hanging in there?” Yasmin briefly looked over her shoulder at him when he caught up.
“How much farther?” Dane asked. The bike seat wasn’t the most comfortable.
“Nearly there.” She grinned at him and accelerated her speed.
Dane groaned his disbelief. This torture wasn’t going to end soon enough. However, he had to admit that watching her behind move on the bike seat with each strong push of her legs could be accepted as a consolation prize.
A few cars whizzed past with the honking of a horn or two to warn him that they were overtaking him. At first, his nerves were a bit frazzled between watching the graveled shoulder of the road and the bracing for impact when vehicles passed in hairsbreadth proximity to his bike.
Gritting his teeth, he’d kept his focus on the road straight ahead and gave way to the driver’s abilities to share the road with him. He didn’t need inept bicycle rider to his established label as the bad guy.
Yasmin slowed and when he was riding alongside her, she pointed to a clearing before steering in the direction. Nothing stood out. And Dane wondered about the place’s significance to Yasmin. He got off the bike and hit the kickstand.
“And we’re here because …? He turned completely around to make sure that he hadn’t missed something important.
“I discovered this space when I was exploring.” Her smile promised too much suspense.
“Looks like an open field. Flowers on a carpet of green. Oh, and I just saw the reddish-brown roe deer making a quick escape.”
She held out her hand and he took it, interlocking his fingers with hers. “Come with me.”
They headed toward the cluster of hills that were rocky and increasingly steep. To keep their balance, he cupped Yasmin’s elbow as they both managed the unpredictable terrain.
“I would abandon your adventure if I didn’t believe I could make it back down and ride my way back to the house without breaking my neck. Not that your company would stop any of that from happening.” Dane grunted on a particularly wide leg stance to get to higher ground. “I may need someone to call the ambulance.”
The land flattened and extended to its jagged edge that overlooked the principality. Nature provided a convenient bench with a smooth wide slab of rock that protruded from the grassy overlay. It was the perfect place to enjoy the view.
Dane sat next to Yasmin. Her attention was straight ahead. Her smile was now soft and reflective. Once he was seated, he understood why this hideaway was special.
They reached the area that Yasmin wanted to show him. The view from the house onto the land was scenic and stirred an appreciation for the surroundings. This place, on the other hand, presented a landscape of natural ethereal beauty. The mountain covered in various shades of green and colored with spattering of wild flowers was awe-inspiring.
“Wow. I’d never have known of this.” Dane didn’t bother to mute his wonder. “What made you come up here, anyway?”
&nbs
p; “Sometimes I like to find space that speaks to me. Most times I find that space while enjoying nature. Long walks, bike rides, hiking. And I came across this place.”
“This is my home and I didn’t know about it.”
“Sometimes it works that way. We take our lives for granted, especially where we live.”
“So true. I lived here until college. My parents tried boarding school in England. And I hated it.”
“Your brothers also went to boarding school?”
“Damien lived with his mother and our dad. Dallon mostly lived with his mother, but then I’d see him on holidays. There was a bitter custody battle over him and Philippe won. But Dallon after a few years insisted on living with his mother.” Dane never witnessed any of it, but he’d heard a lot from his mother.
“That must have been awful for Dallon.”
“Well, my brother is tougher than he looks. He packed his bags and went to live his mother. He told our father if he ever wanted to see him again, he wouldn’t fight it. I think that’s why by the time he’d divorced Damien’s mother, there was no custody battle.” He realized too late that he’d kicked open the door to the private lives of his family.
“From where I’m sitting, your father doesn’t sound like a nice man.”
“Funny. I’m used to him. We all are. The mothers have formed this impenetrable unit to deal with him.”
“But you’re putting up with his dominance in order to get the company.”
Dane looked out over the land. He wasn’t sure if she’d meant it as an accusation. “I think what he’s done to build the company, the family’s legacy, has made a difference to Monaco.” He took her hand. “Aren’t you doing the same for your family?”
She didn’t answer at first, but then said, “I want to make my father proud.”
“As do I.” He kissed the back of her hand and scooted closer to her on their tiny perch looking down on the principality that was this special place.
Dane saw his present life in this land, but now he wanted more for the future. And he was going to work hard to prove that he could take the helm and lead the business into the next phase of the Laurent legacy.
“I wish if we never had to return to …,” Yasmin started.
To Tempt A Billionaire (Men of Monaco Book 2) Page 10
