“Maybe I should have left you tied up.”
“Just considering my options. You have to respect that, right?”
He grunts. Whether in agreement or frustration is anyone’s guess.
I am unceremoniously plucked up and find myself slung over his shoulder for the rest of the hike up the side of a slumbering hillside.
Sunset washes across the sky and frankly, it is fucking beautiful and I hate how much I love the view. Birds sing and the air smells like a divine combination of fruits and flowers.
Several feet later the slap of leaves opens up to reveal a jewel hidden amongst the dense leaves.
“Wow.” What stands in front of me is not just elegant, it’s freaking heaven worthy. Glass covers the expanse of the front and the infinity pool that spreads out at the base of the residence is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Cool marble meets the bare pads of my feet.
Maxim leans in close and I swear my pulse burns hot just by the sheer power of his presence. “Are you going to run anymore?”
An eyebrow shoots up. “Probably.” I like to pride myself on not being a quitter. I also don’t like to settle for what others think is best for me. “Unless you convince me you’re worth staying with.” Issue the challenge and his answer is a kiss rivaling the heat of the rising sun.
When he breaks away, I’m left breathless.
“Good to know,” he rumbles in that panty-melting accent I can’t quite get enough of. “I’ll make sure to have more rope on hand.”