She shook her head. “There are some I’m fond of and care about. And there are times I get turned on in a session. But the pleasure for me is in the power exchange and seeing how my sub responds to it. Knowing I can provide them with something they so desperately ache for makes me feel . . . valued. But there’s not this burning desire to sleep with my submissives.”
He cupped the backside of her knee, bending it and tugging her closer to him. “I can’t say I feel the same way about my submissive.”
Her lips curved as the boat pulled out of the harbor. “Or I about my dominant.”
“Hmm, good to know.” He dragged her onto his lap, loving how she offered absolutely no resistance, and then tucked her between his knees, letting her lean back onto his chest. He brushed his fingers along her bare arms. “I told Johan to take the slow route, so the trip will be about an hour.”
“The slow route?” she asked, her voice going soft and pliant, like she was already sinking under his command. His blood heated at the thought.
“Yes. I have plans for you. But for now, love, enjoy the pretty view.” He brought his fingers to the curve of her neck, caressing. “And I’ll enjoy touching you.”
And maybe, just maybe, young Johan would get more of a show than he anticipated.
* * *
Kelsey stared out over the expanse of sapphire water, watching the ripple of white-tipped waves the boat was causing in the rolling surface. “I’ve never seen water this color. The only beach I’ve ever been on is Galveston Island.”
Wyatt sat his chin atop her head, his arms still wrapped around her from behind. “Yeah, this is no Gulf of Mexico, that’s for sure.”
The sky was turning shades of pink and orange as the sun tracked its way lower toward the horizon, making the island they’d left in the distance look like it was gilded with fire and diamonds. Everything was so bright here, so clean and vibrant, like slashes of paint had been thrown everywhere. She could almost feel all that color seeping into her skin and bleeding into the dark corners that lurked inside her, chasing out the grays. It was hard to believe that some people got to see all this beauty every day.
But even with the stunning view, she was having a hard time concentrating on anything but the man behind her. Wyatt’s fingers were drifting over her skin, absently caressing her arms, her neck, the tops of her thighs. The touches were simple, but each one was stoking the embers that had been burning in her since the car ride. His promise he’d made on the dock hung heavy between them. He had plans, illicit plans, and all she could do was wait to see what those were.
She knew there was a cabin on the other side of the wooden doors at the base of the steps behind them. And undoubtedly Wyatt had paid for full use of all the boat’s amenities. She’d seen the wad of cash that had passed hands. But Wyatt didn’t seem to be in any hurry to get up and go down there.
His touch traced along the collar of her blouse, teasing at the top button, then plucking it open. Without concern for the guy steering the boat a few feet behind them, Wyatt dipped his hand inside and fondled her with a teasing touch. “You have far too many clothes on, love.”
“Maybe you should take me inside, then, sir,” she said, leaning her head back against his shoulder and relishing the little threads of anticipation that drew her nipple tight against his palm.
“And miss the breathtaking view? Not a chance.” His lips pressed against the shell of her ear. “Take your shirt and panties off, Kelsey.”
A spark of disbelief shot through her, a knee-jerk response, but an achy oh hell yes was fast on its heels. “Right here?”
“Are you questioning me, love?” he asked, that smooth, dark edge of dominance lacing his deep voice.
She dragged her teeth over her lip. “No, sir.”
“Then get to it.”
Her heartbeat climbed up into her throat, but she went to work on her remaining buttons. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been naked in front of strangers before. God knows it should be second nature to her by now. But knowing that Wyatt was commanding it, that he wanted her exposed for him regardless of who was nearby, sent hot, hungry desire pulsing through her. He’d promised her he wouldn’t share her, so she trusted he didn’t have that in mind, but he’d never promised not to share the sight of her.
She spread the blouse open and off her shoulders, leaving her in her demi-cup lace bra. Then she slipped her hands beneath her flouncy knee-length skirt, hooking her fingers in the sides of her panties and tugging them down. She had to get to her feet to work them fully off and when she stepped out of them, the warm ocean breeze swept beneath her skirt, kissing and caressing all the warm, wet parts of her. Shivers tracked across her skin. She turned toward Wyatt and caught sight of Johan sneaking a peek over his shoulder.
When he realized she’d seen him, she gave him a pointed look and he lowered his gaze and turned back toward the wheel. That’s right, she thought with satisfaction, her own dominance simmering at the surface. You haven’t earned that look yet, pretty boy.
Wyatt gave a chuckle there at her feet, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took her hand and guided her back down to him. “I have to say, love. Dominance looks hella sexy on you. After a look like that, that poor kid’s either terrified or hard as a rock, depending on his persuasion.”
She settled down on Wyatt, straddling his legs and examining his expression, surprised by what she saw there. “Well, look at you. You like the idea that he might be turned on, don’t you?”
He drew his big hands up along her waist, skating them up her sides until he was cradling the lace cups of her bra. “I may have a bit of an exhibitionist streak, truth be told.” His thumbs circled her nipples, teasing them. “But I have a feeling you share that inclination.”
She curved her back, pressing into his touch, her bared sex rocking against his soft linen pants. “Would’ve never survived dancing if I didn’t, but I wouldn’t have suspected it of you. You’re so private.”
He slipped his hand behind her bra, unhooking it with a quick flick of his fingers. Her bra fell away, and he scraped his stubble over her tender pink points. “I’ve lived my life always being aware of my family’s position, of who was watching, who would gossip. I don’t have the luxury of being indiscreet. But if it wasn’t for that, I’d have no problem spreading you across my conference table and fucking you right in the middle of a board meeting.”
She rubbed her lips together, the image both filthy and enticing. Who would’ve ever thought that the quiet businessman could shock her? “Wyatt Austin, how did I ever miss seeing this side of you? You are one down and dirty pervert.”
He laughed and nipped at the soft underside of her arm. “Guilty as charged. You probably don’t want to see inside this head.”