That’s when the twinge breaks into the most sacred and intimate parts of my soul.
“I can see it all over your face.” His voice deepens, reminding me of the authoritarian lurking in the power of his hands. “You want me, Novalee.”
I can’t argue with him, can’t even pretend to hide behind a facade of fear…even though fear should be a natural response to someone beholding the trait of tyranny.
But I’m not afraid. I’m ashamedly aroused.
My heart breaks at the realization, guilt and sorrow fracturing me down the middle. I thought my heart made its choice, and maybe it did, but my body feels differently. The intense moment snaps, and Liam backs away, allowing me a sigh of relief.
A reprieve until the next time he corners me in the trap of his desire.
“We should get some sleep,” he says, turning down the covers. “Tomorrow, I have plans for you.”
“What kind of plans?”
“The kind you’ll need a good night’s rest for.”
So cryptic and vague.
And it’s such a Liam Castle type of answer.
5
White sand beaches, cobalt skies, and a gorgeous half-naked man glistening in the sun. If I know nothing else about this isolated oasis, I can’t fault the views.
Any of them.
“Are we almost there?” I ask as sweat drips between my breasts. We’ve been hiking for the past two hours under the blazing sun.
“A few more minutes.” With an excited smile, Liam helps me over the root of a rugged tree. “The hike will be worth it, trust me.”
As we descend between mountainous rocks and thick vegetation, my cotton shorts stick to my skin, and I begin day-dreaming about a long shower to wash off the hot trek. No sooner than the thought enters my head do I detect the roar of rushing water. We appear at the mouth of a clearing.
“It’s gorgeous.” I gape at him. “How did you know this was here?”
“I researched the island months ago.”
I return my attention to the view, overwhelmed with awe. A waterfall cascades down the cliff face before crashing into a lagoon surrounded by rich flora. It’s an oasis, a paradise cove, and utterly intimate and romantic.
Liam’s smile is contagious. We exchange wordless grins as we dress down to our swimwear. I’m not sure who makes the first move, but suddenly his arms wind around me, and we crash as one into the turquoise pool. Separating in the deep, we kick until we break the surface.
“So was it worth it?” he asks, shaking the water from his hair.
“Very much so.” I fling my soggy braid over my shoulder, glad I had the foresight to secure my hair for the day. After a morning of French toast in bed, Liam told me to dress for a hike and choose comfortable shoes. I found the walk-in closet off the bedroom stocked with a variety of clothing in my size, most of it designed for hot weather. Thinking about the collection of lingerie sends a different kind of heat down my neck.
We swim toward the waterfall, where the lagoon is shallow enough to stand under the flood of nature’s refreshing shower. I tilt my head back and close my eyes. The last time I felt this content…
A fist encloses my heart as I remember Sebastian’s beach cottage and the perfect day we spent there. But torturing myself with the things I can’t control won’t improve the situation now. It won’t change a thing. Somehow, I need to find the courage to make the most of this time with Liam.
Because short of stealing his boat and seeking help in an unfamiliar country, I’m stuck.
My lids drift open, and through the mist I find his hooded gaze on me, studying every angle as if he’s in the presence of a masterful work of art.
He urges me out from underneath the spray and slides a palm along my cheek, those deep brown eyes still studying me. “I’d give anything to kiss you right now.”
My breath hitches. “What’s stopping you?”
His eyes widen the slightest bit. “Is that an invitation?”
With a shrug, I lick the water from my lips. “Just curiosity.”
“Your hesitancy is the only thing stopping me right now.” As his attention lowers to my mouth, I avert my gaze.
But I can’t fight the feel of his smooth hand against my cheek. I lean into his touch, unable to stop myself as the rush of water thrusts us into a magical realm of unbroken hearts and innocent, lustful dreams.
“God, you’re exquisite. I could get intoxicated from the sight of you.” Slowly, he drops his hand from my cheek, trailing down the column of my throat. My chest rises and falls too fast, nipples hardening against my wet bikini top.
“Liam,” I warn, but his name is lost to the waterfall and the thundering beat of my heart.
“I see it in your eyes.” His desire smolders as he steps closer. “Say the words, and I’m yours.”