“I’m up for making it two.” The right side of his mouth twitched into a half smile.
“Is that all you think about?”
He laughed, a deep chuckle. “No, actually, what I’ve mainly been thinking about is finding ways to make you smile.” He tipped his head. “You have a great smile, open and honest. But…”
“But…?”
“But I get the feeling it hasn’t been on show much lately.”
She pulled in a deep breath. “Sometimes survival is the best you can hope for.”
“Sure, I’d agree with that, but not for you.” He raised his eyebrows and set his hands on her shoulders. “You should spend most of your time smiling.”
“I’ll try to do it more often.”
Again, he studied her.
“What?” she asked, forcing herself not to squirm under his scrutiny.
“You’re a legit club member, and I’ll trust you to tell me the truth, unless you break that trust, then it’s gone,” he said. “But you’re not like that, not anymore, are you?”
She said nothing.
“With you, trust has to be earned. It’s not there from the get-go.”
“I can’t help that.”
“It’s okay. It’s just how we’re different, that’s all. But I promise I won’t break that trust. When you’re with me, you’re safe, and I’m not just talking about the fact I’ll always protect you, because I will.” He paused and slid his right hand to her sternum. “I mean your heart is safe too.”
“Wow, you think I’m in love with you already.” She laughed, a high-pitched expulsion of emotion. “Presumptive.”
He didn’t match her humor. “No, I think it will take a lot for you to love again.” He leaned closer so their noses were almost touching. “But you could start with trusting again.”
“Trust you?”
“Yeah,” he murmured. “Trust me.” He slanted his head and pressed his lips to hers, a soft touch with a gentle stroke of his tongue.
She leaned into him, a small moan catching in her throat.
This seemed to spur him on, and he slid his cool hand into her bikini top, cupping her right breast.
“Wyatt,” she whispered.
“You’re so fucking gorgeous,” he said against her lips as he tweaked her hardening nipple. “I’ll gut that bastard who hurt you if ever I meet him.”
“How romantic.” She smiled.
“I try.” He kissed her again, pulling her tight to his body.
The Jet Ski bobbed and the sun beat down, but Belle was lost to Wyatt and his expert kissing technique. Her entire body was alert, sensitive, and for a moment, she wondered if they could fuck right where they were, out in the ocean.
“Damn it.” He pulled back. “You’ve got me so hard it hurts.”
“Aww, poor baby.” She brushed the back of her hand over his tented shorts. “Want me to do something about that?”
He groaned and fluttered his eyes closed. “I do, but not here. When we get back to the compound.”
“That can be arranged.”