Bound By Her Ring

by Nicole Flockton

  She watched as his eyes went from dark to light. An inner fire had been lit behind his eyes. Her nipples peaked in anticipation of his touch.

  “Exquisite,” he tapped the pearl lightly. “Just as I knew it would be.”

  She melted against him as he pulled her close and as his lips crashed down on hers all thought of delving into the past were gone. All she wanted was the here and now.

  Jasmine held onto the pearl for a moment longer before placing it safely back in its box. She wasn’t going to risk losing or damaging it by wearing it on the picnic.

  She twisted the dial on the room safe and placed the box reverently in the dark confines; closing the door she gave the dial another quick twist, locking the treasure inside.

  She still couldn’t believe Lukas had bought her the beautiful piece of jewellery. Nor the effort he went to, arranging for it to be sent to the resort and held safely until it was delivered with their breakfast. Would he have given it to her if they hadn’t spent the night making love? Perhaps he would’ve but it wouldn’t have been as special.

  Jasmine shivered at the memory of how he’d worshipped her and the necklace. It had to be a sign he was starting to develop feelings for her again. There was no way he could have bought the gift, nor made love to her the way he had if he didn’t feel something.

  Her feelings for him had only deepened and she’d had to stop herself from blurting out her love for him when she’d climaxed.

  Jasmine roamed around the suite, waiting for Lukas to return. She’d organised everything and all they needed to do was call past reception to pick everything up. At that moment, Lukas walked back into the suite. She turned to the sound of his footfall.

  “All sorted?”

  He held up an envelope, “Everything is in here; we can go over it tomorrow.”

  “You want me to go through the contracts with you?” She was shocked, she’d never expected him to share anything about his business dealings with her.

  “Yes, your insight yesterday at the farms proved invaluable.” He tossed the papers on the coffee table. “You saw shades of grey, not the black and white of men.”

  Lukas’s compliment washed over her, delight filling her blood. “I’m glad I have been of help. It was a total different ball game to the hotel industry but the same principles apply.”

  “Not quite. What I wanted was for the hotels, yes, but who would we be targeting with expanding into exclusive jewellery? Women. Your knowledge and insight will be valuable.”

  “Because I’m a woman?” All of a sudden his earlier comments didn’t seem so complimentary now.

  “Yes, because of that but also because of your marketing expertise.” He took her by the hand and started to lead her towards the door. “We can discuss this further over lunch, if you like, but I would like to spend some alone time with my wife, where business is not discussed.”

  His words weaved a sensuous picture. She rather liked the idea of being the object of his total attention.

  She scooped up her handbag as they passed the hall table, “That can definitely be arranged.”

  They stopped at reception and collected the blanket and cooler bag which had the drinks and food she’d organised. Lukas also made arrangements for them to participate in the evening’s camel ride along Cable Beach. Jasmine had a feeling the day was going to be a journey of romance.

  They arrived at the beach and deposited the bag and blanket under the shade of a tree. The water a crystal aquamarine blue, sparkled under the late morning sun, beckoning her to sample its delights.

  “You ready for a swim?” she asked Lukas.

  “Definitely,” he said as he stripped off his white knit polo shirt. Her mouth dried at the expanse of bronze flesh he’d just exposed. She’d explored every inch last night and this morning. She wouldn’t mind doing some more exploration later on.

  As his hands went to the band of his trousers a thought struck her. “Did you bring your swimsuit?”

  A dangerous glint entered his eyes and she knew the answer before he even uttered the word. “No.”

  “I’m almost too afraid to ask what you plan on swimming in.”

  As he peeled his trousers down, Jasmine had her answer. She spluttered briefly at the impact of his naked body. If she thought it glorious in muted light, it was beyond description in full sunlight.

  He wasn’t even embarrassed when he started to get aroused under her gaze. “Are you going to join me, cara?”

  She shifted uncomfortably as her body responded to the question. The liquid heat between her legs intensified. She ached for the release that only Lukas could bring her.

  “I’ll meet you in the water.” He turned and walked towards the shore, the soft waves lapping on the bright white sand.

  Her hands and fingers started working before she engaged her mind. Within seconds she had stripped off all her clothing, swimsuit included.

  Her nipples tightened into tight buds as a gentle breeze brushed over her, like the caress from a soft feather. Her feet sunk into the warm sand as she walked towards the water. She could see Lukas had already dived in and had swum a short distance out.

  Like the other night, the water was warm. She waded out deeper and the liquid engulfed her like a fluffy blanket.

  She dove in and swam underwater for a few metres. She surfaced and pushed her hair out of her eyes. She was able to stand as the water only reached to just below her breasts.

  The sensations of swimming naked were indescribable. Water against heated skin only increased her need and want. Impossible as it seemed, gooseflesh bubbled her skin and she could feel the moisture pooling between her legs, and it wasn’t the water. She felt wanton and carefree. As if hearing her siren call Lukas came up behind her, cupping both her breasts in his hands, the evidence of his desire a hard ridge against her back.

  Sensations sizzled through her blood as he bent his head and nipped at the erogenous zone between her neck and ear lobe. She leant back further into his strength, and he continued kissing her neck while squeezing her breasts softly.

  He trailed one hand down her stomach until he found the heat between her thighs. Her legs buckled and Lukas tightened his hold, stroking her to a mindless state.

  “Now, Lukas, take me now.”

  His answer was to enter her from behind. The friction he created with each stroke had her reaching her climax in seconds. He reached his release on his next stroke into her pulsing centre.

  Moments passed before she felt able to speak. “I think I might enjoy swimming like this.” They broke apart and floated lazily on their backs.

  “Only with me, and only here.”

  She flipped over and swam over to him, entwining her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

  “Always only with you,” she raised her lips and caught his up in a kiss. They sank beneath the surface momentarily before both coming up for some air.

  Water streamed from his dark, black hair, humour lacing his eyes. “I think it might be a good idea to get some food, before we sink.”

  They swam back to the shore and dried off. Instead of getting dressed in her clothes, Jasmine popped on Lukas’s top while he pulled his trousers on, they hung low on his hips, tempting and taunting her.

  With economical movements Lukas had the blanket spread under a shady tree and the food removed from the cooler bag. She sat down and helped herself to delicious array of meats and salads the kitchen had organised. They ate leisurely, holding out morsels to feed each other.

  On the private beach, with the swish, swish of the waves as they rolled lazily up the shore, Jasmine felt as if they were the only people on earth. They had their own little piece of paradise and she wanted to stay there forever.

  The thought of returning home scared her. Would Lukas be the same there as he was here in this paradise? Or would they lose the magic they had created these past few days? Would he turn into the cold, businessman she’d first met at the opening? So many questions, and no knowledge
of what the answers would be.

  “Do we have to go back?” she murmured as she rested her back against Lukas’s chest.

  His arms closed about her and contentment rippled over her. He was her home, she belonged in his arms, but did he feel the same way about her?

  “As much as I’d like to stay here, the real world will beckon us back.”

  “Can’t you sell up? We can live like hippies? Swimming naked and living in a hut on the beach, you and me.”

  He laughed and the rumble of his laughter echoed up and down her spine. “You’d get bored after a while. You enjoy working as much as I do.”

  “For the time being, but when I’m a mother I’m going to be a fulltime mother, not farm my children off to a nanny.”

  All of a sudden Jasmine felt she was sitting in front of a wall of ridged rock. Lukas had gone so still. She twisted slightly so she could look at his face. It looked as if it was carved from granite.

  What had she said wrong?

  She quickly thought back over her words, children. She’d mentioned children. Yesterday’s scene came rushing back, where he had quickly dismissed any talk of children.

  “I think it’s time we headed back to the resort,” his words where clipped and precise.

  The romantic atmosphere that had surrounded them like a fog from the moment they’d arrived had been destroyed by some misplaced words.

  With a heavy heart she stood. “Don’t you want to have another swim?”

  She asked in the hope that if they swam together she could somehow recreate their earlier mood.

  He glanced at his watch. “If we want to make the camel ride its best we head back now.”

  As lies went, it was a pretty good one. They hadn’t been down the beach long enough for them to have to rush back to make the night ride.

  She stood her ground as Lukas started packing up around her. “I don’t believe you.”

  That stopped him. “What exactly is it you don’t believe?” His tone might have sounded mild but there was steel underlying it.

  “Look, Lukas, don’t treat me like a fool again,” she walked towards him. “There is no possible way we’ve been here that long. So tell me the real reason why we need to leave right now? Is it because I mentioned children?”

  “No it’s not because you mentioned children, as I told you yesterday I don’t have a problem with children.”

  Frustration bubbled up inside of her, threatening to explode. “Don’t lie to me. The moment I talk about our children, you freeze and push me away. Then in the next breath, declare we’re heading back to the resort.”

  She poked her finger in the middle of his chest. “So don’t tell me, me mentioning children isn’t a problem.”

  He took hold of her hand and pressed it flat against his chest. She could feel the steady rhythm of his heart, and it annoyed her. How could he be so calm when that was the last emotion she was feeling.

  “Look, I want children and am happy to talk about them, but just not now.” He ran a hand over her head and pulled her to him, his fingers caressing her scalp. “The time isn’t right and I don’t want to promise things that can’t be fulfilled.”

  He released her and started to undo his trousers again. “Maybe there is time for a swim again.”

  His complete switch in attitude didn’t sit right with her. Lukas was avoiding the real issue and she didn’t know what to say or do to get the truth out of him. Perhaps she never would. But his offer of a swim was an attempt to put the argument behind them and recapture their earlier closeness.

  “Sure,” she replied as she pulled off his shirt. It was easier to give in than try and argue the point.

  The water temperature hadn’t changed; it was just as warm as it was earlier. She didn’t attempt to seduce him and neither did he. They stroked out for several metres before turning back.

  Not far from the shore Lukas swam up behind her and pulled her under the water, turning her as he did so, so she faced him. She kicked so she surfaced, spluttering because of the water she’d swallowed.

  She flung water at him. “What was that for?”

  His answer was to slide through the water until their bodies connected, chest to chest, hip to hip, head to head.

  “For this.”

  He captured her lips in a kiss. The kiss was full of apology and seduction. It teased and taunted and tempted and all she could do was surrender to the intense passion he aroused within her. They slipped under the water again, still kissing, floating in their own water paradise. She should’ve been afraid but Lukas kept his grip tight and with a quick, lightning fast kick had them above the surface again.

  As their lips parted she looked into his eyes. She could see the apology there. Words weren’t needed. What needed to be said was communicated silently between them. She nodded in agreement.

  They had reached an understanding.

  Chapter 9

  The gentle sway of the camel was hypnotising. When the tour had started, her heart had leapt into her throat as the big beast lumbered to its feet. At first she’d felt she was about to tumble out of the saddle. Now, she let herself relax and was enjoying the ride. But the end of their journey was near and she would be glad to get off the large creature.

  She looked up ahead to where Lukas was riding. He was chatting intensely with the guide. As if sensing her scrutiny he turned and locked his gaze with hers. The smile he sent her way was full of sensual promise.

  Her fingers gripped the reins a little tighter.

  “Newlyweds, I remember those early days of married life.”

  Jasmine laughed softly at the lady who spoke the words. If only she knew the truth, they were hardly newlyweds.

  “What is that smile for, tesoro mio?”

  She started at Lukas’s voice, how did he get back to her so quickly? She turned towards him. “Nothing really, the lady in the blue shirt commented on us being newlyweds. I was just thinking how far from the truth that was.”

  “You know, it’s more accurate than you think,” he mused as he pulled his camel to a halt.

  Copying the action Jasmine did the same, waiting until the guide came to get her off. “Why?”

  “Well, when your accident happened we’d only just married.” Lukas had slid off the animal and came to help her off. He let his hands loop loosely around her waist. “We haven’t been together for many weeks. This could, in fact, be our honeymoon.”

  “Why Lukas, I never would’ve guessed you to be a romantic?” she teased, although even that wasn’t true. Everything he’d done on this trip had been designed for romance.

  She wondered whether that had been his plan when he’d all but ordered her to accompany him, or had his plans changed after they’d arrived.

  “You’ll find I can be quite romantic when it’s called for.” He took hold of her hand and led her over to where the rest of the group had congregated.

  A short discussion ensued and it was decided they would all drive to the local hotel and have a drink. She looked at Lukas, the last thing she wanted to do was socialise. She just wanted to go back to the resort and lose herself in his arms.

  Her desire was obviously evident in her eyes, as Lukas told the group they’d only be able to stay for one drink.

  “Then you’re all mine,” he whispered to her.

  She shivered and it wasn’t from the cool evening, it was from the knowledge of what was going to happen after that ‘one drink’.

  The next half hour passed so slowly. She made idle chit chat with the other women in the group, not taking in half of what was said.

  Finally Lukas said the words she wanted to hear. “It’s been lovely but we have to be going, we have an early flight to catch. Good night.”

  She mumbled her goodbyes while assimilating the fact that Lukas mentioned they were flying somewhere. Did he just lie or was he telling the truth?

  They got into the car where she blurted out the questions that were burning on her tongue. “Lukas, were you telling t
he truth when you said we had an early flight to catch, or was it a convenient lie so we could leave the party?”

  Lukas steered the car safely onto the main road before answering. “I got a phone call while you were in the shower. Something’s come up with one of the Regent Hotels. We need to head back to Perth tomorrow.”

  “And just when were you going to tell me?”

  “As soon as we returned to the resort.” He reached over and taking her hand so it rested on his thigh. “I didn’t want to spoil the trek for you. I wanted us to enjoy our last evening here.”

  She could see his point. If she’d known they would’ve been leaving before the trek she wouldn’t have taken in the whole sensory experience of a sunset camel ride.

  “I think you like to bend the truth to suit you, Lukas Morelli.”

  “Sometimes it’s better not to know.”

  His reply was cryptic and she couldn’t help but wonder if he was referring to their argument about children at the beach. She didn’t want to rip open that wound again.

  “Maybe you’re right,” she murmured.

  She left her hand on his leg the rest of the journey. Upon arriving back at the suite she found out that Lukas had arranged for housekeeping to come and pack their bags for them. His intention clear…he wanted to focus solely on her. He didn’t want to be distracted with the menial task of packing. When he scooped her up in arms the moment the door shut proved her thoughts correct.

  She really felt like a new bride. A jittery sensation took up residence in her stomach, like someone had set loose hundreds of butterflies.

  How would she be able to hold back from telling him she loved him tonight?

  No words were spoken as they undressed each other slowly, each coveting the other.

  “You are so beautiful,” she whispered as she ran her hands over Lukas’s chest. “So strong, you make me feel so safe.”

  Her words humbled him. How could this woman who was speaking from the heart, he was sure, be so callous as to take his child from him?