“That would be lovely,” I confirm.
“No one will come up to the sun deck unless you call for us,” she says.
The implication there is clear, the discretion and privacy appreciated.
With a tilt of her head, she turns and takes off for the lower deck.
My cheeks warm, and not because of the sunshine hitting my face.No, my body temperature has risen because of the creative ideas swirling in my head.
“There you are.”
Alaric ascends the last few stairs, a Greek god rising against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. He strides over to me, looking like sex on a stick with his tanned arms, lean waist, and hair-dusted chest on display.
He’s wearing American-length swim trunks, unfortunately. Though at least they sit low, showing off the muscular cut where his hips dip into his waistband.
When there’s no more space between us, he pulls my bikini-clad body against his bare chest.
Electricity sparks between us, the sensation quickly transforming into a tingly warmth that spreads through me.
On top of that, a sense of security envelops me. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced with another person. In his arms, I am safe. I’m considered. I’m respected and wanted and revered. I wish I could bottle this feeling and keep it with me always.
Planting my chin on his chest, I lick my lips. “How’s your day going so far, birthday boy?”
His brows knit together. “I’m not sure anyone has called me a ‘boy’ in at least two decades.”
“Okay, birthday man.”
His chest rumbles with silent laughter.
I lift a brow. “How would you like to spend the afternoon?”
He smooths a hand up my bare back, pausing momentarily to tease at the knot keeping my bikini top in place, then cups the back of my head, planting a gentle kiss on my crown.
“All I want to do is spread out on that lounge chair with you, angel.”
I pull back, peering up, fire igniting low in my belly. “That’sallyou want?”
Rather than heat, his eyes are full of sincerity. “You. That lounge chair. This moment. It’s all I want.”
My breath catches in my chest. I believe him, yet his earnest desires still shock me.
“Come on.” He releases me, though he quickly captures my hand and pulls me toward the chairs.
He gets situated on one lounger, and as I shift over to the one beside it, he catches my hand, pulling me into his lap.
“Like this.” He repositions me so I’m where he wants me, and whenhe’s done, I’m draped over his front, with my cheek resting on his chest. Our hips are lined up perfectly, our legs tangled.
“You’re going to get awful tan lines.” I laugh.
I shift slightly, clocking his hard length between my thighs. With a sly smile, I wiggle my hips.
He clamps a hand down on my ass. “Settle.”
“And if I don’t want to settle?” I squirm again, planting a trail of kisses along his sternum.
He curls up and rests on his elbows, his abs tensing beneath me. “I have absolutely no qualms about taking you right here, angel. Do not lead me into temptation.”
I peek up, snaking my hand between our bodies and cupping his length.
