"Do you think I'm enjoying it?" I had wanted the words to come out more forcefully, but instead, they lacked oomph. I was tired and wary; I just couldn't fight anymore.
Self-doubt had plagued me from the moment I made the plan to come to Mexico to learn the truth about Noel and the mother of his child. But now I felt like an idiot.
Like some silly schoolgirl, I let myself believe fairy tales were possible. That I could have what my brother and Ann had. Or Lane and Archer.
It was apparent that if happily ever after was in my future; it wasn't with Noel, and I was a fool to have come down here.
"Just go. I'll fly home tomorrow. Hell, I'll even put my house on the market and move so you won't ever have to see me again." I meant the words even as I was filled with guilt that by following through on that plan, Noel wouldn't know his child. Having seen him with Mo, I knew that whatever type of man Noel was, he was a good father and loved his son. But clearly, he was incapable of loving anyone else.
"If that's what you want, to never see me again, then why the fuck are you down here?"
I whirled on him. "I didn't say I didn't want to see you again. You're the one who doesn't want to see me. You're the one that thinks I'm not very bright. The one who thinks I'm just a spoiled heiress." I hated that tears were falling down my cheeks. The last thing I wanted was for Noel to know that he had gotten inside me. "My brother Bran could be dismissive, but he was never mean to me. You, Noel, you're a cruel man."
He flinched, almost as if I'd slapped him. That didn't make sense. The man was a dark, emotionless hole. Why would he care if I thought badly of him?
He stepped toward me, his expression softening from the scowl he'd been maintaining. "Then why are you here?" The anger in his voice had dissipated.
"Because I'm an idiot. Even you think so."
He shook his head, and he brushed the backs of his fingers over my cheek. I wanted to lean into him, but instead, pulled away.
"I'm sorry that I said that. You're an intelligent woman, Harper. But it wasn't wise for you to come down here. If you knew the truth of things, you wouldn't have come."
I laughed derisively. "If I knew the truth of things, I wouldn't have wanted to come. I'm so tired of the secrets and the lies."
He gathered me in and at first, I stiffened, not wanting to be swayed by his embrace. But it was impossible not to be pulled in by the strength of his arms, the warmth of his body, and I sank against him, helpless to do anything else.
"I'm sorry, Harper." He murmured as he kissed the top of my head. "I don't mean to hurt you. The last thing I want to do is hurt you." His hands cradled my face, tilting it to look up at him. His eyes stared down at me, and he looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn't.
For long moments, our gazes held, our bodies pressed together. I knew I should pull away and make him leave. I needed to pack my bag and leave Mexico, leave Noel and these silly dreams of happily ever after behind.
But then our lips touched, and everything disappeared, leaving only him and me.
In a swift move, he scooped me up and carried me to my bedroom. No words were spoken as he set me down and undressed me. How pathetic was it that I'd do it with him again, even though nothing had changed?
He was still secretive. Even as we had sex, he wouldn't let me in.
And yet, I couldn't stop craving his touch.
He laid me on the bed and quickly undressed. His eyes were filled with intensity and passion as he lay over me, his lips fusing to mine again.
We could barely say two pleasant words to each other, but like this, when we gave free rein to our bodies, we communicated in perfect harmony.
He tore his mouth away from my lips, cascading kisses along my jaw, my neck, my collarbone as his hands kneaded my breasts. I surrendered to him, knowing I'd regret it later.
Right now, I just wanted to feel his touch.
His lips wrapped around my nipple, tugging slightly, making me feel it straight to my pussy. My hips gyrated, wanting more. But it would have to wait as he sucked and licked my nipples.
I arched to him, offering myself. My body. My love. I knew he'd only take the former.
His lips skimmed down over my belly, over where our child grew.What would he do when he learned he had another child on the way?
He pushed my thighs open, settling between my thighs. He inhaled and groaned. "So fucking wet."
Before I could respond, his mouth was on me, driving up and up towards ultimate bliss. What the man could do with his tongue was beyond erotic.
My hips writhed and bucked, wanting more, more, more.