“Are you okay, dear?” he finally asked. “Did you want to talk about what happened today?”
Alex looked at him with surprise by the question and nearly choked. “What?”
“The incident at the pond,” he replied while fidgeting. “It’s obvious it’s still bothering you.”
She couldn’t help but think what a sweet man he was, but she couldn’t tell him the truth. “No, I’m okay with that,” she replied in a timid tone.
“Did you talk to Damon before he left?” Holt asked with some apprehension.
Alex felt her heart pound at the question, but she couldn’t let Holt sense anything had happened between Damon and her.
“He stopped by the beach,” she announced and only briefly glanced at him. “I know you want me to stay away from him, but I thought it would be rude to avoid him.”
“I know you don’t like or understand it, Alex, but it’s for your own good.”
“We’re bound to run into each other with you trading goods,” she practically insisted. “Maybe you should get to know him, so I don’t have to avoid him.”
Holt rolled his eyes and groaned, obviously not wanting to have that conversation with her. “He’s a prisoner. What more do I need to know?” he remarked with irritation then seemed to tense. “Eventually he won’t seem so bad, he’ll get you pregnant, and I’ll be wondering how the hell I let it happen.”
Alex stared at him with disbelief at the comment and cleverly raised her brows. “There has to be a lot of gaps filled in before I end up pregnant.”
“You have no options,” Holt insisted while staring into her eyes with a strange seriousness as if he were reading her mind. “Believe me. Eventually, he’s going to look good to you.”
Although she was wondering how he seemed to know what she was thinking, she hid her feelings.
“You’re worrying about something that is probably irrelevant, but since you brought it up,” she boldly announced then shifted uncomfortably. “The thought of never having a physical relationship does kind of bother me a little.”
He seemed to tense, drew a deep breath, and smiled sympathetically. “It’s perfectly natural for you to feel that way,” he informed her.
Holt approached the pantry and returned with a bottle. He poured each of them a glass of moonshine and placed one in front of her.
“Sorry, I need to be buzzed to have this conversation,” he remarked.
Alex sipped the contents and immediately made a face. “Oh, that’s foul,” she gasped with horror and set the cup down. Her eyes then met his with seriousness. “I’m not asking you to fulfill that role, Holt.”
“You think Damon might though, huh?” he remarked while raising his brows.
Again, his mind-reading abilities were starting to frighten her. She resisted responding to the question for fear of any recourse.
“I’m sure he’d be willing to violate your body, but I doubt he’d provide the sort of intimacy you’re looking for,” Holt insisted as he took another large swallow of the disgusting substance. “And when you finally realize that, he’ll be impossible to ditch. I understand how you feel, but would it really be worth it?”
“Exactly why you should get to know him,” she again insisted. “You’d be able to figure out what sort of man he is. You understand the inner workings of men.”
“Yes, you’re right. I do understand the inner workings of men. Damon hasn’t seen a woman in eight years,” Holt announced sternly. “He’s going to do or say whatever it takes to get you to have sex with him.”
“I realize I run the risk of disappointment, but I’ll never know if I don’t ever take the chance,” she informed him.
Holt groaned and took another large swallow of moonshine from the glass. He shook his head in disgust. “You’re not prepared to deal with a man like Damon,” he insisted without hesitation. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“I also don’t want to die an old virgin,” she boldly countered.
Holt tensed at the comment, finished his drink, and choked on the foul substance. “God, it tastes like kerosene,” he gasped then met her gaze. “Not exactly a role I’m interested in fulfilling.” He then considered their situation. “Perhaps if we shared the bottom bunk, you’d find the closeness you’re looking for without the need for a sexual relationship.”
She felt her heart sink. “One’s not really a substitute for the other.”
“Please, Alex, it’s all I have to offer.”
She stared at him and didn’t know how she could openly refuse to at least attempt his suggestion. She loved him dearly, but it wasn’t a need for intimacy she craved. Honestly, it was Damon’s body against hers.
“Okay,” she announced with a sigh, reluctantly giving in. “We’ll try it your way.”
Chapter Thirty-one
Alex woke early the following morning after having slept in the bottom bunk with Holt. Holt clung to her from behind while presumably asleep. Monster’s tail and front legs hung down from the upper bunk. At least someone was benefiting from Holt’s ridiculous idea. Alex remained deep in thought. Holt seemed to wake, sighed softly, and rolled onto his back. Alex turned on the bed to face Holt, who stared at Monster’s tail hanging from the upper bunk.
“Sleep well?” she chirped with enthusiasm, already knowing the answer.
She had felt him tossing and turning most of the night. Obviously, it had to do with her.
“Not particularly.”
“Anything to do with my sleeping next to you?” she asked slyly while hiding her smile.
“Don’t be silly,” he announced with little reaction then frowned while scratching his brow. “It had everything to do with you sleeping next to me.”
Alex moved against Holt, clung to him, and placed her head on his shoulder.
He held her while remaining weary and frustrated. “My comfort isn’t important,” he informed her. “I’m doing this for you.”
“I know the sort of sacrifice you’re willing to make, but I’m rejecting the idea,” she informed him and lifted her head to meet his gaze. “If you really care about my happiness, you’ll get to know Damon.”
Holt released her, quickly sat up, and stared into her eyes with alarm. “Did something happen that I should know about?” he suddenly gasped as his eyes widened. “Did he ask you to have sex with him?”
“No, of course not,” she insisted, although she was quite sure she was the aggressor in what did happen. “He’s very respectful.”
“Men can be charming while taking advantage of young women,” Holt informed her. “They’ll say and do anything to get a woman to have sex with them.” He frowned at the thought. “Even I was guilty of being excessively charming when I was younger.”
“Ironic,” she announced. “Why is it everyone else is entitled to make mistakes except me? If we’d never been stranded on this island, I’m sure I would have dated by now, and there’s a good chance I’d have slept with at least one guy too. Why am I being punished for mistakes I haven’t even made yet?”
Holt groaned and held his head. “Can we talk about this later?” he asked while moaning. “It’s too early in the morning to be drinking moonshine.”
“Of course we can discuss it later,” she announced while springing up from the bunk then glared at him. “As long as we actually discuss it.”
“You have my word, Alex,” he replied.
That was good enough for her. Holt always kept his word.
Chapter Thirty-two
Alex entered the clearing to the hot springs with her pole clutched firmly in her hand. Monster could be heard following her from within the trees. There was no sign of Damon, for which she was almost grateful. She was so anxious; her heart nearly pounded through her chest. She didn’t like lying to Holt, but she also knew she had to meet Damon. She had to understand what she was feeling and deal with those emotions. Alex attempted to relax and sat on a large rock.
A mammoth, meaty spider dropped onto the rock near
her. It was such a weighty creature; she actually heard it thump as it landed near her. Alex cried out and sprang to her feet. She didn’t fear snakes much anymore, now that she understood the creatures, but those hairy spiders still gave her a serious case of the heebie-jeebies. Monster pounced onto the rock and snapped up the meaty spider. The spider partially wriggled from Monster’s mouth before he crunched it between his teeth and feasted on its hairy body. Alex felt her stomach turn and made a face at the sound.
“Oh, that is so disgusting.”
Monster suddenly crouched and growled while staring at something.
“You could have left him at home,” Damon announced from nearby.
Alex turned and saw Damon entering the clearing from the path.
Damon smiled almost timidly and seemed somewhat tense. “I was sure you wouldn’t show.”
“I had a long talk with Holt,” she informed him proudly. “He promised to get to know you and give me his honest opinion.”
He chuckled while grinning. “It’s been a while since I had to impress a girl’s father,” he teased. “I’d better start working on my charm.” He eyed her pole and held back his laugh. “How about we call a truce and disarm for our first date?”
Alex set her pole aside as Damon removed his machete and placed it near her pole. He opened his pack and removed a blanket and mangoes.
“The store was all out of wine,” he teased then removed a flower and smiled charmingly. “But I did get you this.”
Alex eyed the flower while smiling at the thought. “That’s poisonous,” she casually informed him. “You’ll want to wash your hands.”
Damon frowned and tossed the flower over his shoulder. “Figures.” He washed his hands with the bottled water then wiped them on his pants. “Care to soak in the hot tub before we dine?”
She eyed him suspiciously then smiled. “As long as you don’t expect me to skinny dip.”
“Undergarments are permitted but not required,” he informed her. “I’m not fond of wet underwear. I’m going commando.”
“I’ll be sure to turn my head this time.”
“Suit yourself.”
Alex avoided watching as Damon removed his clothes and entered the hot spring. She stripped down to her underwear and bra with some insecurity while Damon waded within the hot spring watching her.
“The women’s clothes I’d sent fit nicely,” he announced.
Alex cast a look then joined him in the hot spring. “Why were there women’s clothes in a man’s prison?” she asked while remaining a safe distance from him once in the water.
“There must have been a nurse,” he informed her. “There were nursing uniforms.” He hesitated then smiled. “Now that you know about the prison, I could bring them to you.” He then indicated the back edge of the hot springs he occupied. “There’s a little ledge over here to sit on. You’d be more comfortable.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “I’m debating how close I should get to a naked man.”
“Six inches minimum safe distance,” he teased.
Alex eyed him, not understanding the joke. He laughed at her expense. She uncertainly moved alongside him.
“So, do you come here a lot?” she asked.
“Is that your best pick-up line?” he teased.
“Monster and I come every week, but he doesn’t like the hot water,” she informed him.
“Does he swim?”
“He’s an amazing swimmer,” she admitted. “He bodysurfs in the ocean. I think he must be part reptile or something.”
“I’m surprised Holt hasn’t attempted to dissect him,” Damon muttered.
“Please don’t give him any ideas,” she announced in a tone that was almost serious. “We found him in the stream, but he probably fell in somewhere from the south side of the island.”
“I’ve never seen anything like him around here during my tour of duty,” he informed her.
“I assure you, he didn’t want you to see him,” she remarked, “but if there had been others, Monster would have found them.”
“I’m grateful he’s one of a kind,” Damon announced while eying the large creature where he relaxed on a rock near the hot spring. “He’s a bit intimidating.”
“He’s a pussycat,” she insisted. “He’d never harm a fly.” She then considered the comment. “Although, he doesn’t mind eating the occasional spider.”
Once they’d concluded their conversation about Monster, there was an awkward silence. Alex felt the need to speak what was on her mind and get it out into the open.
“Holt thinks you’re just after sex,” she finally blurted out.
Damon was slightly surprised by her blunt honesty. “Men want sex; it’s a proven fact, but it’s not all we want; he knows that,” Damon informed her. “When you live without female companionship for eight years, you miss more than just the sex. Personally, I miss the intimacy that goes along with it.”
“I think that’s what I’m looking for.”
He chuckled while eying her. “Nothing says intimacy more than sitting on a naked man’s lap,” he informed her. “Although you may get more of an education than you expected.”
Alex moved onto Damon’s lap, surprising him, and nervously placed her arms around his neck. She tensed and appeared embarrassed while staring into his eyes as he held her.
“You weren’t kidding, huh?”
“I wasn’t actually expecting you to take me up on that,” he announced then gently cleared his throat. “I could have given you fair warning.”
“Am I making you uncomfortable?” she asked with concern.
“No,” he announced while groaning. “Quite the opposite.”
They stared into each other’s eyes only a moment before Damon lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her warmly but passionately. Alex immediately returned the kiss with a little more enthusiasm and allowed her hand to run gently along his chest. Damon’s hand moved along her thigh beneath the water but resisted making any bold moves. He gently broke off the kiss then warmly kissed her neck and throat as his hand traveled her back while his other hand aggressively caressed her leg.
Damon groaned and resumed kissing her mouth with more aggression. Alex returned the aggressive kiss while repositioning herself on his lap and straddled his legs so she was facing him. Damon appeared surprised, gasped softly, but quickly returned to kissing her while moaning. He pulled her hips closer to his, melding her lightly clothed body against his naked one. Alex gasped and tensed by the sensation of him pressing against her. Damon immediately broke off the kiss and appeared embarrassed.
“I’m sorry. I thought--” He hid his smile and shook his head. “Never mind. I’ll behave.”
Alex had a difficult time keeping her hands from caressing his bare shoulders and chest while her body was mostly pressed against his. Her heart was pounding, and her body was aching.
“No, it’s okay,” she gasped.
He didn’t require much encouragement. Damon groaned and resumed kissing her with renewed passion. Alex continued to caress his bare chest and shoulders while enjoying the sensation of his arousal pressed against her underwear beneath the hot water. A moment passed, and Damon again pulled her hips against him. She gasped with surprise and broke off the kiss.
“I’m sorry,” Damon announced and loosened his grip on her waist and buttocks. “My brain shut down the moment you put your legs around me. You should probably rethink that position.”
Alex stared into his eyes a moment then moved off him. She tossed her panties onto the rocks behind him and her bra quickly followed. Damon appeared stunned by her actions. Alex moved back on top of him, straddled his legs, and again clung to him. As they kissed wildly, she could feel him pressed against her. Damon slowly pulled her against him. Alex gasped and stopped kissing him. She clung to him and shut her eyes. Damon seemed hesitant then kissed her neck and throat while gently pulling her hips against him. She let out a slight cry as Damon groaned lowly. He buried his head into her n
eck and again pulled her hips against him. Alex gasped as Damon groaned more loudly.
“Are you okay?” he whispered in her ear.
Alex nodded while breathing heavily. “Just don’t stop,” she whispered.
Damon kissed her warmly and with less aggression while pulling her against him. Alex relaxed and returned the warm kiss. She broke off the kiss and clung to him as he gently made love to her. A little while later, Damon held Alex against him. Both nuzzled the other’s necks while breathing heavily.
“I didn’t intend for that to happen,” he gently informed her while hiding his smile. “Of course, now that we’ve set that precedence, it’s going to be expected whenever we see each other.”
She pulled back and eyed him with a curious look. “Says who?”
Damon smiled deviously. “Says me.”
She attempted to relax but remained tense. “Holt’s worried I’ll get pregnant.”
His expression suddenly dropped as if he hadn’t even thought about the possibility. “Oh,” he muttered with some concern. “Had I actually been thinking, I would have considered that.”
“Well, now you have something to discuss with Holt,” she announced while smiling as she patted his chest. “He can tell you what time of month to keep your hands off me.”
“Unfortunately, he’ll kill me just for asking.”
Chapter Thirty-three
After their erotic afternoon picnic, Damon and Alex walked through the woods while holding hands and talking. Both could barely control their childlike grins. Damon stopped near the stream and turned to face her.
“I think this is where we part company,” he informed her while attempting a frown, but his boyish smile still beamed through. “I’m in too good a mood to have Holt kill me.”
“I wish you didn’t have to go back to the prison,” she pouted, allowing her good mood to fade away at the thought of him leaving again. “I wish you could stay with me.”
“That’s a real temptation. You or thirty despicable men--and Bundy. You definitely win that one,” he announced while grinning his approval. “I just don’t think Holt will be nearly as enthusiastic about us shacking up with him. But, if Holt ever warms up to the idea, we could always convert the upper floor into a place of our own, and Bundy could live downstairs with Holt.”
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