Page 49 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

“Finally,” he said, straightening and turning to face me. His eyes roamed over me as he slowly treaded water. For a moment, I thought I saw something flicker in his expression—something hungry. There was no way he was looking at me trussed up like a turkey, feeling vulnerable, and thinking I looked good. But he had that glint in his eye that suggested otherwise.

“Jump in,” he beckoned with a wave of his hand, as if it were the most natural request in the world. The water shimmered under the moonlight, and for a split second, the idea of cooling off didn’t seem so bad. But stepping closer to the pool’s edge, I hesitated.

I crossed my arms over my chest. “I feel ridiculous.”

“You look amazing,” he said simply, gesturing for me to join him. “Come on. The water’s perfect.”

I dipped a toe in, then eased my way down the steps, hyper-aware of his gaze on me the entire time. The water was nice but it did little to calm the nerves buzzing under my skin. I couldn’t believe I was virtually naked in front of him. Talk about blurring the lines of our agreement.

Roman swam to the edge of the pool and picked up his phone. He started snapping pictures. “Just relax,” he said. “Pretend it’s just us.”

“It is just us,” I pointed out, though I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped.

“Exactly,” he said, his voice softer now. “You don’t need to worry about anything.”

Easier said than done. But as the minutes ticked by, I started to feel less self-conscious. Roman guided me gently, asking me to lean on the edge of the pool or let the water ripple around me. His compliments came freely.

“That’s perfect.”

“You look stunning.”

“You’re a natural.”

I started to believe him. For the first time in a long time, I felt… attractive. He made me feel pretty. And the lighting was flattering. I took comfort knowing my butt was under the water. My bit and boobs were mostly hidden.

At one point, he moved closer, lowering the phone to adjust the strap of my bikini, which had twisted awkwardly. His fingers brushed my skin as he straightened it. I found myself face to face with his chest. His skin was warm and damp, the ridges of his muscles so close I could feel the heat radiating off him.

My hand moved before I could think better of it. I placed it gently on his ribs, marveling at the firmness of his body. I supposed part of me was still wondering if it was all real. If there had been airbrushing, it would have melted away. His body was just as hard as it looked, like granite wrapped in silk. He stilled, his gaze dropping to where my hand rested. Emboldened by the fact that he didn’t pull away, I placed my other hand on him, just below his collarbone.

He put the phone down on the edge of the pool. His body was so close now. He cupped my face in his hands and looked into my eyes. There was a silent question in his gaze. I didn’t know how he understood, but he did because, a second later, his lips crashed into mine with a force that stole the breath from my lungs.

I sank into him, my hands sliding up to his shoulders as he pulled me closer. The kiss was desperate, all-consuming. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that sent heat coursing through my veins. One of his hands slipped to the small of my back, pulling me flush against him, while the other tangled in my wet hair.

“Roman,” I gasped when we broke apart for air. My heart was pounding, my chest rising and falling.

“If the world thinks you’re mine, then fuck it,” he growled. “You’re mine.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine that wrapped around and landed right in my lower belly. I barely had time to process them before his mouth found mine again. His hands roamed my body, slipping under the thin fabric of my bikini to caress my skin. I felt like I was on fire, every nerve ending alive with sensation.

“Should we really be doing this?” I managed to pant between kisses, though my body betrayed me by pressing closer to him.

“I don’t care,” he murmured, his voice rough with desire. “I need you, Kaira.”

His words undid me. I melted into him, letting myself get lost in the moment. The contract and the expectations faded away until there was nothing left but the feel of his hands on me and the taste of his lips. The water lapped against our bodies as he deepened the kiss. My hands slid down his chest. I groaned at the contact. He truly was a magnificent creature.

Roman’s hands slid down my back and cupped my ass, pulling me against him. I could feel his erection against my belly. A thrill raced through me—I was making him hard. It was intoxicating. I wrapped my legs around him, pulling him closer as we bobbed in the water.

His tongue swept into my mouth. I moaned against him, the sound muffled by the hungry press of his lips.

The smooth tile of the pool edge pressed into my back as he pinned me there. Roman’s kisses trailed down my neck, each one sparking fireworks behind my closed eyes. I tilted my head back, giving him more access, lost in the sensation. His hand moved from my hair, tracing a searing path down my spine and then around to cradle my breast. His thumb brushed over my nipple. I arched into his touch, a sharp gasp escaping me.

My body was wet in more ways than one. I could feel heat spiraling in my very core. Every touch set me on fire.

18

ROMAN

Icouldn’t pull myself away. The feel of Kaira’s soft skin under my fingers, the taste of her lips, the way her body responded so eagerly to my touch was overwhelming. I had seen beauty in numerous forms, but nothing compared to the electric connection that surged through me in that moment. My body was screaming with need. My dick was throbbing with want for this woman.