We pause, waiting for him to continue. His dark eyes dance—eyes exactly the same shade as Ryder’s—and he grins. “I hope you find the rest of that diamond, son. And when you do, I’m going to make sure your success is shared by every news outlet around the world. And then maybe I could come visit you in Denver and the three of us could have a celebratory dinner?”
“Sounds like a plan.” We turn to leave, but Ryder pauses and glances over his shoulder. “Do you wantto meet my friends?”
My heart hiccups at the expression on Ryder’s face. He looks so much like a little boy, exceedingly hopeful, and so happy to finally have the approval he’s wanted for so long.
His dad nods, eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’d like that.” He swipes at his misty eyes. “I’d like that very much.”
Arthur meets Addie, Knox, Linc and Brighton, and we decide to hang out just a little longer. What’s another hour or so after so many years? The mine isn’t going anywhere.
Wanda sends a sour look our way and then abruptly disappears. Once she’s gone, it feels like a real party. Knox calls Hunter and fills her in, offering to pick her up and bring her back to the party, but she tells him she already showered and is hunkered down in bed with room service and watching the newest Top Gun movie. He sulks for a minute then starts making kissy face sounds over the phone. Of course, everyone rolls their eyes and gives him shit. We drink more champagne, eat more food and eventually we all wind up on the dance floor. Even Linc lets loose and is a surprisingly good dancer for being so big and grumpy.
I’m having so much fun, and what had originally felt stuffy and unwelcoming, now turns into a night I’ll never forget. All thanks to the man who’s making my world and my heart spin faster.
A high-energy Cuarteto begins and Ryder lifts me off my feet, twirling me around in a circle. I throw my head back and laugh, surrounded by the fast-paced rhythm ofthe song and his citrus amber scent. It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself to have fun like this, and I’m going to savor every moment.
Maybe it’s the festive atmosphere, or the idea of being one step ahead of Adam Voss and feeling safe here in Argentina, but everyone seems to be on the same page, and we agree to spend the night at the hotel and not rush off to Africa right away. And that’s absolutely fine with me. Spending another night with Ryder? Yes, please!
By the time we return to the hotel, it’s late and I’m buzzing from more than the champagne. Anticipation fills me and I can’t wait to get my hands on my sexy man. As we take the elevator up to the seventh floor, I lean into the crook of his arm.God, you smell so good.
“Thank you,” he murmurs.Oops.Guess I said that out loud. “So do you—that sultry jasmine does things to me.”
“TMI, McKay,” Linc grumbles, and everyone chuckles.
“Le Labo Jasmin 17,” I say, even though I think I may have already told him what perfume I wear. Eh, who cares. I’m in a sharing mood, apparently.
Across from us, Brighton claps her hands. “Oooh, I love that fragrance! But I’m a loyal Chanel girl.”
Of course she is,I think with a drowsy smile, unable to imagine the exquisite French woman wearing anything but such an iconic perfume.
The moment the doors open, we all step out, and I wobble slightly in my high heels. I’m about to slip them off when Ryder scoops me up, tossing me over his shoulderlike a caveman, and heads straight toward his room. “Goodnight, everyone!” he calls cheerily. “See you in the morning.”
Laughter and a wolf whistle trail behind us, and I slap a hand against his back. “You know you just announced to everyone that we’re sleeping together.”
He opens the door, strutting inside like a damn peacock. “Damn straight. You’re mine, Delaney Marquette.” He tosses me onto the bed, takes his jacket off and unbuttons his cuffs. While giving me a searing look, he rolls his sleeves up, exposing his strong forearms.
So damn sexy.I rub my thighs together, and my panties are absolutely drenched already.
With an insolent smirk, he sits in the chair, legs sprawled, and in a low, husky voice, he demands, “Now strip out of that dress and walk over to me in your pretty black heels.” He sends me a scorching look. “And nothing else.”
Liquid heat pours through my body.
Yessssir.
Ryder and I don’t get as much sleep as we should considering we have to be on the jet and enroute to Africa by eight o’clock the next morning. But I’m not complaining. I might be absolutely knackered and sore between my legs because of all the delicious things he did to me, but I’venever been so satisfied in my life. He’s a consummate lover, unselfish and vigorous, and I love it. Especially since he’s the only man to consistently blow my mind in the bedroom, delivering orgasm after orgasm.
There’s a reason for that, and I’m reluctant to think too hard about why it is. Because that would mean admitting how strong my feelings really are and how this is about more than mere release. Clenching my back molars, I sink into the plush leather plane seat and try to deny I’m falling for him.
Yeah, it’s not working.Dammit.
In fact, all I want to do is jump him right now and pick up where we left off last night. I don’t know how he possesses the power to light me up like he does, but every time I sneak a look at his handsome profile, I grow wetter. The slickness between my thighs is growing harder to ignore, so I excuse myself and get up.
The loo is at the rear of the plane and I’m halfway there when strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against a warm, firm, very hard body. Ryder’s scent envelops me as he nuzzles his nose against my neck then licks the shell of my ear. “Want some company?” he murmurs. His low voice, so seductive, nearly makes my knees give out.
“You want to join me in the loo?” I ask, leaning my head back against his shoulder, not really meaning to extend the invite, but he enthusiastically accepts.
“Hell yeah.”
Before I realize it, he’s pushing me inside, right on my heels, and locking the door behind us. “Ryder! Someone might’ve seen—”
