by Kira Archer
Constance tightened her arms about him and leaned her face against his back. Hmm, this form of transportation did have its benefits, she’d say that much.
Luca kicked the bike on and revved the engine. It vibrated between her legs and Constance gasped, pressing her thighs closer to Luca. She couldn’t really hear him over the sound of the bike, but his laughter rumbled against her chest. Okay, so she could definitely learn to enjoy certain aspects of riding the thing.
He hit a button on a control dangling from the keychain and the garage door opened. “Hold on,” he yelled back to her.
Before she had a chance to respond, he released the throttle and they were off. She sucked in a breath, squeezed her eyes tight, and held on for dear life. Luca didn’t take it slow, either. He flew out of the garage and through the narrow space in the barely opened gate. He must have hit the button again once they were through because when she looked back, everything had started closing. He cranked a hard right onto the main road, and they were gone. She squeezed her eyes shut and held on for dear life.
After a second, once she realized they were still moving and had not died in a ball of twisted fiery metal, Constance opened her eyes and risked a glance behind them. Three of the cars that had been parked in front of the house were following them, photographers hanging out the windows of two of them while their fellows drove.
“There’s three of them following us!” she yelled to Luca.
He nodded and patted her hand, squeezing it tight. “Hold on!” he yelled back.
She renewed her grip on him and held on while he weaved in and out of traffic, gunning ahead when no one was in front of them and zooming around anyone who got in their way. The cars behind them kept up for a few minutes but gradually they began to drop back. They couldn’t weave around the other cars the way Luca could.
“We’re losing them!” she yelled, adrenaline rushing through her.
“Wahoo!” Luca shouted, giving the bike a little extra juice.
The motorcycle flew, pulling ahead of everyone else and finally leaving the congested, narrow streets of town behind them. Constance laughed, and shouted, “Wahoo!” along with him. Exhilaration pumped through her, igniting every cell in her body. The huge machine beneath her still vibrated with power and so did the man between her thighs. Her breath caught in her throat, a wave of desire rolling through her so strongly she moaned aloud.
She pressed closer to Luca. As always, he seemed to know exactly what she wanted. He reached a hand back, dragging it up her thigh, his nails lightly biting into her skin. She gasped again.
“How much farther?” she yelled at the vicinity of his ear.
“We’re almost there!”
Thank God, because if he didn’t touch her soon she might explode from the pressure building inside. She spread her legs wider, trying to get as close to him as she could without upsetting the delicate balance of the bike. She was wearing a sundress and they were flying over asphalt. The last thing in the world she wanted was to make him wreck, but if he couldn’t touch her just yet, maybe she could have a little fun with him. Carefully.
She let her hands trail down his belly until they skirted the band of his jeans. She knew the exact moment he realized what she was going to do. He sat up straighter, every muscle in his body that was pressed so tightly against her tensed and she was pretty sure he held his breath. His back no longer expanded and contrasted with each breath.
She let her hands dip farther until they found the hardening bulge straining against the seam of his jeans. She pressed against him, her fingers caressing the contours of his rigid length. The bike swerved slightly, and she stopped tormenting him so she could renew her death grip around his waist. Okay, so that had been a bad idea. Sort of. Excitement still thrummed through her. She’d never been so alive, so aware.
Luca turned the bike onto a narrow dirt path with trees overhanging so far it was almost impassable. He had to reduce the speed of the bike to a near crawl to get through the growth unscathed. He reached behind him and Constance gasped when his hand gripped her thigh, squeezing it and pulling it slightly over his own leg as far as he could. She draped herself around him, her hands reaching around to find him hard and straining for release.
Her fingers trailed under his shirt, reaching up to caress the hard lines of his abs, tracing every ridge and cord. His hand squeezed her thigh again and then he had to use both hands to keep the bike steady as it crawled down an incline. She pulled her attention away from Luca long enough to see where they were.
A little house, more like a hut really, stood nestled among the trees. Down a short, rocky path, a small expanse of beach stretched before it, the turquoise waves gently lapping at the shoreline. No one else was around. No neighbors. No boats. They were secluded in the beautiful, tiny cove. Constance sighed with pleasure but didn’t get a chance to do much more.
As soon as Luca parked the bike and cut the engine, he ripped off his helmet and pulled her around so she sat in front of him, straddling his waist. Everything else on her radar disappeared. Everything but him. He yanked her helmet off and then his lips were on hers, his hands cupping her face as their tongues tangled together. She fisted her hands in his hair, dragging him closer, trying to bring him deeper.
She fumbled with his zipper and he reached between them and jerked it down. He grabbed a condom from his back pocket and quickly rolled it on. Then he hooked one of her legs around his hip, yanked her panties to the side, and plunged into her, his mouth muffling her cries.
Oh yes, this is what she wanted, what she needed. She wrapped her other leg around his waist and lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. The pleasure that had been building inside her since the moment he’d kicked the motorcycle on built to a crescendo and her legs tightened around him. One more thrust and she was over the edge, shattering into a million pieces, pulsating around him as he poured his own pleasure into her.
They clung together for a moment, struggling to catch their breath. Constance looked up at him with a shaky laugh. “I’ve never ridden a motorcycle before. I think I liked it.”
Luca’s laugh rang out, sending little ripples through her where their bodies were still connected. She sucked in a breath and he leaned down to kiss her again. He stirred inside her again and she pressed closer, wrapped her arms about his neck.
He chuckled again. “Let’s take this inside. I want to take my time with the next one.”
“Yes, sir,” she said.
He quickly adjusted their clothes and then moved off the bike, keeping his arms wrapped around her, holding her in place against him. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind carrying her in, which was a good thing because she wasn’t all that sure her legs were in proper working order just yet.
Once inside, he let her slide down his body until her feet touched the floor. She still didn’t let go of him, instead rising on her toes to kiss him. He groaned against her, exploring her mouth until she was breathless and trembling. When he pulled away she gave a little moan of protest. He grinned at her and took her hand.
“Hold on to that thought,” he said, pulling her farther into the room. “I want to show you around first.”
She gave him a mock pout but followed him into the center of the room. The bungalow was a circular structure, mostly made of the whitewashed stone that prevailed on the islands. A large arched doorway took up one section of the curved space. A tiny kitchen area took up another side. Nothing more than a sink, a short countertop, and a small refrigerator. A door to the left closed off what she assumed was a bathroom. A large, comfortable-looking couch took up the space on the opposite wall. Other than a low coffee table, there was no other furniture in the room.
“There’s no bed,” she said with a slight frown.
He grinned again and led her to large double wood doors. He pushed them open and she gasped.
“Oh Luca, this is beautiful,” she said, pure joy filling her.
The doors opened onto a wood terrace covered with a latti
ced trellis dripping with vines and flowers. A large circular recliner hung from chains in the center of the terrace. Well, it wasn’t a recliner. It was a bed really, or large enough to be one anyway. It reminded her of those DIY shows that took old trampolines and converted them to hanging beds. It was piled high with a soft looking cushion and large, fluffy pillows, and Constance just wanted to jump right in and cuddle down. And steps away, the ocean lapped softly at the tiny sliver of beach that they had all to themselves.
“What is this place?” she asked him, her voice quiet. “It’s so peaceful here.”
He nodded, his face as relaxed and content as she’d ever seen it as he looked around. “It’s my little hideout,” he said. “I come here sometimes when I can’t stand the circus anymore.”
Constance shook her head. “I think I’d stay here all the time. It’s amazing.”
She bit her lip, briefly wondering how many other women he’d brought here. But she pushed the thought from her mind, not wanting anything to spoil the amazing moment.
“You’re the only one I’ve ever brought here,” he said softly.
Constance’s gaze shot to his, her eyes widening. “Really?”
He stepped closer. “Not even Joe knows about this place. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted to share it with.”
“Oh, Luca,” she murmured, bringing her hand up to caress his cheek.
He wrapped his arms around her waist and began to sway with her.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
“Dancing.”
“Hmm,” she said, draping her arms around his neck. “But there’s no music.”
He leaned down to gently kiss her. “I don’t need music when I’m with you.”
Her eyebrow rose slightly. “Are you getting a little corny in your old age?”
“No, Miss McMurty. I believe you are being a disruptive influence on me.”
“Oh, I am, huh?” He was being completely silly, but her heart swelled with every word. She liked silly Luca. Hopefully he’d stick around for a while.
“Most definitely.” He pulled her in closer. “I haven’t had a thing to drink except for that one small glass of wine with dinner last night. I’ve cleaned up my language. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I said a fucking swear word,” he said with an impish smile.
Constance’s laughter rang out and Luca gave her a delighted grin and continued on with his checklist. “I’ve worn clean clothes to dinner every night and even washed my hands before sitting at the table, and I haven’t been to a proper party in more weeks than I can count. You’ve turned my life upside down, madam.”
“That sounds like quite an ordeal, Mr. Vasilakis. My profound apologies.”
“No need to apologize at all, my dear Stanzia. Despite my better judgment, I’ve enjoyed every moment. Well…maybe not every moment. But close.”
She smiled, happiness bubbling up from deep within. “I am very glad to hear that my presence hasn’t been an undue hardship.”
“I didn’t say that. It’s been downright brutal at times,” he said, laughing. “But I think I might be the better for it.”
Was it possible to die from happiness? Could she really believe what was coming out of his mouth? She wanted to, desperately. She gazed into his eyes, searched for any sign of subterfuge, for the fake Luca that was on display for the public, but there was no one else there. Just the two of them, no one to put on a show for.
She rose on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
In answer, he just smiled and walked backward, gently pulling on her hands. She squinted at him. “Luca, where are we going?”
“It’s hot, don’t you think? We could use a refreshing swim after our escape from the evil vultures.”
She giggled and followed him down the rocky path to the shore, but resisted when he tried to pull her closer to the water. “A swim sounds lovely, but we didn’t pack anything. I don’t have a bathing suit.”
He yanked hard on her hands and she fell against him with a surprised yelp.
“Who says you need a suit?” he said, leering at her.
“I am not skinny-dipping.”
“Why not?” he asked, pushing the straps of her dress off her shoulders. “You have beautiful skin, and I want to see all of it.” He kissed her collarbone and she stopped trying to pull her straps back up, frozen at the sensations his lips created. “Have you ever been skinny-dipping before?”
“Of course not!” she said, horrified at the thought.
He laughed. “Well, it’s far overdue then. You can’t imagine how good it feels. With the water touching every inch of you.” He pushed her dress farther down. She clasped her arms around her breasts, glancing around in panic.
“There’s no one here but us, Stanzia. Just you and me and our own little piece of heaven.”
She looked into his eyes, searching him for any hint that he might be teasing her. “You promise me no one can see? There is absolutely no way anyone might stumble on us?”
“I swear to you, my word of honor. I bought this place years ago under a fake name. Like I said, even Joe doesn’t know about it. I’ve never brought anyone else here, ever. I have no neighbors. We’re surrounded on all sides by cliffs. No one will see you but me. And I am dying for the sight of you.”
He brushed his lips across her shoulders, trailing down to the top of her breasts. She sucked in a breath, her head thrown back to give him better access.
“Come swim with me, Stanzia.”
Chapter Seventeen
Constance looked at Luca, her eyes turned dark with desire. He wanted to see her bathing in the crystal waters of the sea, his own personal Aphrodite. His loins ached with the need for her. But first he wanted to see all of her, touch every inch, worship her from head to toe.
He gave her dress another little tug. This time, she let her arms drop. She kept her gaze on him as he slowly pulled the garment from her and let it drop to the ground. Her panties quickly followed and she was left standing on the shoreline in nothing but the gold sandals he’d bought her.
“You are a goddess, Stanzia,” he said, her beauty taking his breath away.
Her cheeks flushed under his scrutiny but she didn’t turn or try to hide herself. She stood tall and proud and he wanted to drop at her feet and worship her like they’d done in the olden days.
She kicked off her sandals. “Your turn,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips.
He grinned, only too happy to oblige. He whipped his shirt off and tossed it to the ground, his jeans quickly following. Luca walked backward into the sea, crooking his finger at her to beckon her along. She didn’t take her eyes off his, not even when the water lapped over her toes. She shivered a little at the cool touch of the water as it rose up her legs. When it reached the juncture of her thighs, she paused, her mouth dropping open in a little O of surprise. He could imagine how the cool water felt hitting her surely overheated sex.
He couldn’t resist her anymore. Luca closed the distance between them with one step. He grabbed her around the waist with one hand while the other buried deep in her hair. Her arms wrapped around him and her mouth met his in a desperate kiss. His blood roared, desire for the woman in his arms burning through him. But he wasn’t done worshipping her yet.
He dropped to his knees in the surf, the water still gently splashing her. His hands moved up her thighs and slowly spread them apart, giving the sea, and himself, better access. She gripped his shoulders, her body already trembling just from the waves moving against her.
Oh, baby. You haven’t felt anything yet.
He leaned forward and licked her, his tongue lapping at her heated center in the same gentle motion as the waves. The saltiness from the ocean mixed with her own special taste and Luca delved in deeper. He wanted her to come screaming, so he could feel her quaking against his tongue. His hands gripped her waist even as hers tangled in his hair, imprisoning him against her hungry body. He licked and suc
ked, gently nibbling at her swollen clit until she arched against him, rocking against his mouth as she sought release. Every few moments he’d retreat, letting the cool waves of the sea wash against her, only to instantly replace it with the heat of his mouth.
Her legs trembled and tensed beneath his hands and he increased his tempo, mimicking with his tongue what he so longed to do with his body. Her fingers tightened, pulling his hair until he grunted in pain, and she came with a warm rush against his tongue. He caressed her a few more times as the aftershocks swept through her. When she released his hair with a tremulous sigh, he kissed his way up her belly, his lips dancing over her breasts until she quivered against him. “We need to go back to the cottage. I don’t have any condoms out here,” he said with a gruff laugh.
“I’m still on the pill.” She captured his mouth, kissing him greedily.
The thought of being with her with nothing between them nearly brought him to his knees.
She tangled her hands in his hair. “What I want is for you to be inside me. Now.” Her voice broke off as her breath hitched in her throat.
“Up,” he commanded, his voice rough with need.
She didn’t hesitate but gripped his shoulders and jumped, wrapping her legs around his waist. He drove into her, groaning as she sheathed him in silken heat one slow inch at a time. When he was fully buried inside her, he waded farther out into the water, deep enough that the water splashed against her tightened nipples as they moved.
He let the waves set their rhythm, pulling back to let the cool water rush between them as they sucked back into the sea and then plunging into her heat as the waves rushed toward the shore. With the desperate edge taken off their lovemaking, he took his time, his gaze burning into hers. They moved together and he captured every moment, every gasp, every delicate flutter of her eyes, every moan. Every detail burned its way into his memory and he knew he’d never be able to be with another woman without remembering this moment. He wasn’t all that sure he’d ever be able to be with another woman at all.