“I’m glad.”
His hand slid around the back of my neck, and he drew me down for a long, lingering kiss.
“He congratulated me on, and I quote, ‘my feisty, forthright girlfriend’. Said you were a keeper.”
“And what did you say?”
He grinned wickedly. “I said, I suppose she’ll do.”
30
Upton
Belle turned onto her front, unclipped her bikini top, and handed me the bottle of sunscreen. “Would you rub some of this into my back?”
I set down the spy thriller that I’d tried to get into all week, but it hadn’t really caught my attention. “If I must,” I said, squeezing a dollop into my palm. “Although it’s such a chore.”
“Jackass,” she muttered.
I massaged the cream into her soft skin, taking my time. Touching Belle was my favorite pastime. Well, apart from being inside her. That took the number one spot. With a quick glance around to check no one was watching, I slipped both hands underneath her and squeezed her tits. She giggled.
“That’s not my back.”
“No, it most certainly isn’t. This, or I should say, these, are your gorgeous tits, and as soon as we return to our room for an afternoon nap, they will find themselves up close and personal with my mouth and my tongue.”
“You’re such a man.”
I tugged at the waistband of my swim shorts and peered at my hard dick. “Yep. Definitely a man.”
She laughed again. “Kiss me.”
I pecked her lips, but as she deepened the kiss, I drew back. “You’re playing a dangerous game. I’m hard, you’re virtually naked, and Zak’s nowhere in sight. We’re practically alone.”
“Except for the butler fetching our drinks.”
“I’m sure he’s seen worse.” I reached for her hand and shoved it inside my shorts. “Go on then, as you insist. Just a quickie. It’s your fault I’m always hard. You’re too damn beautiful.”
With a glance over her shoulder, she satisfied herself that we were, in fact, quite alone. And we had a good view. If anyone wandered over to check on us, we’d have enough time to make ourselves decent.
Her hand wrapped around my girth, and she pulled three times in quick succession. I groaned and joined her, covering her hand with mine. I dictated the pace, conscious we could be interrupted at any time, and I needed to come. Being around Belle gave me a constant itch I just had to scratch.
“Turn over,” I murmured. “Let me see your tits.”
“We can’t.”
“Yes, we can. I’m shielding you with my body. No one will see.”
“It’s against the law to sunbathe topless in Antigua.”
“You’re not sunbathing. You’re having sexy times with your boyfriend. A boyfriend, I might add, who’s rich enough to bribe the local police to turn a blind eye.”
“If sunbathing topless is illegal, I’m absolutely sure that having sex in public isn’t on the list of ‘can do’s’.”
“We’re not having sex.”
She gave me one of her scolding looks but accompanied it with a headshake that had capitulation written all over it.
“If I end up in jail, you’d better come bail me out.”
“Done.”
She shifted onto her back. Her nipples were hard, begging for my tongue, and I bent my head and sucked one nub into my mouth, simultaneously encouraging her to rub me harder and grip me tighter.
“God, I’m close,” I moaned.
“Fuck,” she expelled.
“I know.”
“No. Upton.”
She removed her hand from my shorts and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around her body and stealing my view.
“Zak’s coming.”
“Lucky bastard.”
She glared at me. “I mean he’s on his way over. He’s with that dolphin woman.”
Despite my irritation at having an incredible orgasm ripped from me at the last moment, I chuckled. “You mean Shara.”
The resort I’d chosen for a couple weeks’ vacation catered specifically to disabled guests, involving them in all kinds of activities, one of which was swimming with dolphins, which Zak adored. All bets were off as to whether Zak’s keenness to participate in that activity more than any other was solely down to the dolphins, or their trainer, a local Antiguan that Zak had taken a particular shine to.
Then again, if my hand were forced, I know where I’d put my money.
“I might have known you’d know her name,” Belle groused.
I didn’t have time to answer before we were no longer alone. Luckily my swim shorts were on the loose side. Just as well considering Belle’s embarrassment had only served to make me even harder.
“Hey, Zak, Shara,” I said. “Good swim?”
“Yeah.”
Zak glanced up at his companion, and they shared a secretive look. I suppressed a grin. Swimming wasn’t all they’d been up to.
“Um, listen, you guys,” Zak began. His face reddened, and it wasn’t because of the burning Caribbean sun. “I’ve asked Shara to have dinner with me tonight.”
“Oh,” Belle said. “I guess that’s okay. Just let the butler know to set the table for four.”
“Ah, yeah, no. I mean, we’re going out for dinner. Just the two of us.”
Belle’s jaw dropped a good few inches. Her gaze lowered to where Shara’s hands rested possessively on Zak’s shoulders, and slowly it dawned on her.
Her brother had a date.
I chuckled and reached for her hand, drawing it to my mouth. “I’m sure your sister and I can keep ourselves busy in the meantime.”
“Dude!” Zak exclaimed. “I’m begging you. Stop.”
“I have to go, Zak,” Shara said with a squeeze of his shoulder. “I have a couple of clients this afternoon. But I’ll see you later. Eight, yeah?”
Zak’s eyes softened as he looked up at her. “Can’t wait.”
“Me neither.”
She hovered, almost as if she wanted to kiss him, but wasn’t keen on the peanut gallery witnessing her private moment.
“Bye.”
She waved, then ran off down the beach. Zak’s eyes followed her until she disappeared from sight. Belle still hadn’t found her voice, so I thought I’d help out a bit.
“Remember to take some condoms.”
“I can’t believe Zak’s on a date,” Belle said. “Ever since his accident, he’s shown no interest in women.”
“Maybe he was waiting for the right one to come along,” I offered as I topped off her wine. “Like me.”
She smiled lovingly. “That’s a very valid point.”
“Besides,” I added, “you might be twins, but I’d lay odds on the fact he doesn’t tell you everything. For all you know, he could have a ton of secret girlfriends.”
“No, he doesn’t,” she said, looking more than a little annoyed that I dared to suggest such a thing.
I laughed. “You do realize that when he finally settles down, it’ll be his wife that gets first dibs on his thoughts and feelings. You’re going to have to learn to take a back seat.”
“Don’t.” She groaned. “I can’t bear it.”
“He’s had the same issue with us. Yet he’s not nearly as put out as you seem to be. The glare you gave Shara when you realized they were going on a date.” I swept a hand over my forehead. “Phew, the poor woman.”
“Stop teasing me,” she begged. “Goddammit, you’re right. I hate the thought of my brother finding another confidant. Ugh. I’m a horrible sister.”
“It’s just as well he’ll be living close by then,” I said. “Where you can keep an eye on his comings and goings and vet any prospective future sister-in-law.”
She wrinkled her nose. “What are you talking about?”
“I’ve bought a house down the street from ours. The workmen should have almost finished the alterations needed to ensure that it’s suitable for Zak. When we get back, you can break the news.”
&nbs
p; “What?” She shook her head as if to eject water from her ears left over from our earlier swim. “Oh my God. You really bought them a house?”
“I told you when I asked you to move in that I’d make sure your family wasn’t left behind. I’m aware how close you all are, and nothing makes me happier than when you’re happy.”
She jumped up from her chair, sat on my lap, wrapped her arms around my neck, and kissed me. “I love you so much.”
“Enough to have sex on the beach?”
She laughed. “At the tenth time of asking, the answer remains no. I don’t want to have to fish sand from a multitude of crevices for the next three weeks.”
“Worth a try. The balcony, then. You owe me an orgasm from earlier when your brother interrupted us.”
She got to her feet and extended her hand. “That I can agree to.”
My phone rang before I took a step. I glanced at it. Sebastian. He could fuck off. A choice of talking to him or screwing my girlfriend? No contest.
But when it rang for the fourth time, Belle insisted I answer.
“If this isn’t an emergency, I will kill you,” I greeted him.
“How’s the vacation?”
“Great. What do you want?”
“Okay, I get the hint. I’m calling about next week’s board meeting.”
“Fuck’s sake, Seb. Can we worry about that next week?”
“Yeah, I need to give you a heads-up before Ryker calls you.”
“About what?”
“Elliot.”
I stiffened, sensing an undertone. “What about him?”
“He’s off the rails, Upton. We lost the Saunders deal because he fucked up big time. Too busy chasing a ghost, and Ryker’s patience has run out. At the next board meeting, he’s going to motion to have Elliot removed from ROGUES, and he’s made it clear that anyone who votes against him is effectively tendering their resignation. Technically he can’t do that, but I think he said it to force us to take this seriously and back him. Elliot needs to wake up and smell the goddamn coffee before he takes us and the company we’ve worked our asses off to build down with him.”
My heart plunged to the weathered wood beneath my feet, fear for Elliot, for ROGUES, for our years-long friendship stealing the air from my lungs.
“Oh fuck.”
Thank you so very much for reading Upton and Belle’s story. A definite favorite of mine.
Up next is Enthralled. Readers have been asking me when Elliot’s story is coming and, well, it’s almost here. I really can’t wait to share it with you. Elliot is one of the trickiest characters I’ve ever shared head space with. Complicated doesn’t even begin to describe him! You really won’t want to miss the penultimate book in the ROGUES series
CLICK HERE TO PREORDER ENTHRALLED
Interested in reading a sports billionaire romance? Winning Ace tells the story of a philandering tennis pro with a career-ending secret he’s buried for years brought to his knees by a tenacious reporter with a point to prove.
CLICK HERE TO START THE WINNING ACE SERIES TODAY
Fifty Million Dollars.
That’s how much my sister’s freedom cost.
She’s moved on. I haven’t.
I think about the horror of her kidnapping every day. Every hour. Every goddamn second.
Someone has to pay.
Yet despite my relentless searching, each road leads to a dead end.
Until a chance meeting with my secret high school crush changes everything.
She promises answers where I only have questions.
She vows to support me on my quest for justice.
Except I’m on a path to self-destruction, and if she’s not careful, I’ll take her down with me.
***
A lot can happen in a decade and a half.
I’m no longer the shy, awkward girl who blended into the background. And he’s no longer the guy who excelled at everything.
He’s bitter and angry and filled with a thirst for revenge.
Yet despite the intervening years, those suppressed feelings of lust reappear.
But he’s dangerous, and if I allow myself to become embroiled in his desire for payback, I might just lose myself.
PREORDER ENTHRALLED TODAY. YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT
Tennis heartthrob Cash Gallagher is undefeated both on and off the court. But beneath his superstar playboy image, he’s hiding a painful secret. When a headline-busting exposé hits a little too close to home, he’s determined to match the feisty journalist swing for swing.
Tally McKenzie is one story away from launching her career into the big leagues. But when her unauthorized tell-all triggers his infamous competitive streak, she’ll go toe to toe with the man of her dreams for a shot at fame and a fantasy of her own.
As their flirtatious rivalry heats up, can Cash and Tally drop their defenses and let love in or will old doubts and dark secrets ruin their perfect match?
CLICK HERE TO START THE WINNING ACE SERIES TODAY
Books by Tracie Delaney
The Winning Ace Series
Ace - A Winning Ace Novella
Winning Ace
Losing Game
Grand Slam
Winning Ace Boxset
Mismatch
Break Point - A Winning Ace Novella
The Brook Brothers Series
The Blame Game
Against All Odds
His To Protect
Web of Lies
The Brook Brothers Complete Boxset
Irresistibly Mine Series
Tempting Christa
Avenging Christa
Full Velocity Series
Friction
Gridlock
Inside Track
Full Velocity Boxset (Books 1-3)
ROGUES Series
Entranced
Enraptured
Entrapped
Enchanted
Enthralled
Enticed
Stand-alone
My Gift To You
Draven
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Acknowledgments
I owe so much to my wonderful team who cheer me on, encourage me every step of the way, and challenge me to dig deep to make every novel I release the very best it can be.
I love you all - and in no particular order…
To hubs - thank you for supporting me in following my dreams. I know it’s not always easy, especially when my mind wanders when you’re trying to talk to me. Your patience with how much my characters overtake me at times knows no bounds. Love you to bits.
To my critique partner, Incy… Thank you so much for your critique. You really force me to take a second look at things and while we don’t agree on everything, you know and I know that I’ll have thought long and hard about your advice. I’d hate to do this without you.
To my amazing, funny, kind, generous, wonderful PA, Loulou. Thank you for always being in my corner.
Emmy - thank you for your brilliant editing as always. I appreciate the heck out of you and am so glad you’re my editor.
Katie - gah! I love you and appreciate you so much. Sorry about the cliffy (again)! Zak says thank you for the job!
Jean - I love you. Love love love. Sorry ab
out the habit I’m forming (LOL). But it’s just so much fun! Remember to send me a pic of that Eton Mess.
Jacqueline - Thank you for reading, as always. I appreciate you so very much.
To my ARC readers. You guys are amazing! You’re my final eyes and ears before my baby is released into the world and I appreciate each and every one of you for giving up your time to read.
And last but most certainly not least, to you, the readers. Thank you for being on this journey with me. It still humbles me to think that my words are being read all over the world.
If you have any time to spare, I’d be ever so grateful if you’d leave a short review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews not only help readers discover new books, but they also help authors reach new readers. You’d be doing a massive favor for this wonderful bookish community we’re all a part of.
Enchanted: A Billionaire Romance (The ROGUES Series Book 4) Page 20