by Tamsin Baker
He tilted his torso and supported his head on his bent arm. His face came alive with a small smile. “Do you greet all men with such a kiss?”
Amy slumped into the sand, her limbs weak from relief, shock, and outrage. “I was trying to save your life.” She fisted trembling hands by her side. “I wasn’t kissing you.”
“True. If we were kissing, we wouldn’t be talking now.” He winked. “We’d be doing more enjoyable things.”
His sexy, French accent sent tingles through her. She shivered. You’re cold or in shock. “What were you thinking, jumping into the ocean like that?”
He shrugged. “Why not? I enjoy a midnight swim.”
Churning waves crashed into the cliff face and matched her pounding heart. “You should be dead.”
The man sat up, his face a dark mask. “Maybe I am.”
What a strange response. “Are you hurt?”
“No.” He stood, brushing the sand from his body. “Who are you?” He offered his hand and pulled her to her feet, stepped closer and brushed a strand of damp hair from her face.
His cool fingers sparked shivers. “Amy.” Her voice shook. “I’m staying at the resort.”
“Weren’t you told this area was off-limits?”
Amy nodded.
“Ah, oui. A rule breaker.” He closed the distance between them, caressing her face and neck.
“Not usually.” Shivers of bliss forced her eyes to close for a moment. Don’t stop. “I should go back.” I don’t know his name. She leant into his electrifying touch. “That’s if you’re feeling better.”
“I’m fine.”
He is. Damn fine. Moonlight covered wide shoulders and muscled arms. Hold me. His chest was strong, smooth-skinned with a sprinkling of black hair. A wide, puckered scar covered his left pec, close to his heart. I want to touch him.
The man slowly lowered his head and his grey, piercing gaze held hers.
Yes, kiss me. He pressed his nose against her skin and a deep groan escaped from his mouth. Is he smelling me? He swayed, his legs buckling, and she grabbed his waist. “Are you okay?”
He nodded, licking his lips. Swayed again.
“If you’re going to faint, sit down.”
He braced his legs and stood tall. Amy supported him, a hand going to his chest. Hard, cool. What the hell? No heartbeat.
His plump lips curved upwards. “I like you touching me.”
Damn, that accent. “S…sorry.” Amy raised her hand. He splayed his own hand over hers and returned it to his chest. She flexed her fingers over the bronzed skin, tight over healthy, static muscles. He’s not breathing.
“Never apologise for taking what you want.” He traced a finger over her mouth. “I never do.”
Amy opened her mouth to ask him what he meant, but he slowly shook his head. His hands clasped the back of her neck, and he covered his mouth with hers.
His soft lips grazed her mouth. I want more. Her hands moved over his skin. Everywhere she touched, he did the same to her, his kisses deep, his tongue dancing with hers. I need more. So much more.
Amy gasped for breath, her mind fuzzy, her blood buzzing through her body. He placed his mouth on her neck, groaned, and slowly released her. He traced her lips with a slightly shaky finger. His face radiated satisfaction.
“Nice. Very nice.”
“Yes, it was.” His mouth. Her breathing sounded loud between them. I want… His short, black hair, damp from the sea, capped his skull. His jaw was dusted with dark stubble. Gorgeous. His tanned smooth skin and sharp cheekbones made her hungry. I want to taste him, lick the salt from his skin. Heat flared inside.
“I want more too.”
Did he read my mind? “Maybe.” She stepped away, trailing her fingers down his chest to his flat stomach. His scent—salt-tinged and something she couldn’t identify—set off pleasure arrows inside her. Why can’t I? Her nails caught on the edge of his wet jeans. I want to see him naked. She tugged at the material. All of him.
“The night is still young.” He lifted his face to the dark sky. “We have a few hours until sunrise.”
So tempting. “Who are you?”
“Etienne.”
A sexy, French name. But no surname. “Do you work at the resort?”
He grinned. “Sometimes.” He pulled her closer. “No more talking.”
Etienne clasped her arse and slammed their bodies together. He kissed her again and again, his lips pressing, caressing. His tongue licking, his teeth nipping. She couldn’t breathe and didn’t want to.
She gasped as he kissed her neck, first one side then the other. His groans filled her ears, fuelling her own desires and moans.
Etienne palmed her breast through her wet sundress and squeezed. Jolts of pleasure shot through, bowing her torso against his, trapping his hand between them. He flexed his fingers over her flesh, punched his hips forward and ground his cock into her.
Don’t stop. Amy grabbed his hip with one hand, his head with the other and wrapped herself around him. I’m going to explode. She danced her body against his. I’ve never felt this way before. Etienne returned his lips to hers, his tongue with hers. I’ve never wanted to be touched so much. She groaned as he teased her nipple. Not even with Simon before my surgery. And he didn’t want me after.
Etienne’s fingers traced her sundress strap from her shoulder, down her arm. The cool air on her upper breast shocked her away from his hand. His arm at her back stopped her retreat. “Let me see you.”
He waited until she nodded, then tugged the wet triangle of burgundy material to reveal her breast to the moonlight. To him. “Beautiful.” He cupped her, squeezed and caressed.
Amy’s body arched as he played with her body. His intense gaze watched her as he flicked her nipple, her skin shivering in response.
His mouth opened, his tongue licking his lips. “So beautiful.” He lowered his head and took her into his mouth.
Amy’s legs folded. He caught her and held her close.
His mouth sucked. He twirled his tongue around her nipple, over the scar-puckered flesh. He groaned, the vibration setting her aflame, yet bringing sanity to her clouded mind.
Amy cupped his face and pushed him away.
He released her breast—his gaze hot, impatient, confused. “Don’t you like it?” He fingered her wet, rippled skin, tracing the tattoo covering it. “Lovely.”
“Yes, but—”
Etienne cupped her breast and squeezed, clasped the back of her neck and brought her mouth to his. His kiss made her toes curl into the sand. She gasped for air when he finally lifted his mouth away.
“Your lips are made for kissing.” He squeezed her breast and pushed her body into his. “Your body is made for loving,” he growled. “I want to do both. Many, many times.”
“Yes.” He wants me. I hunger for him. Alarms bells sounded in her head. This is too fast. Amy stepped back on shaky legs. “But not tonight.” Why did I say that? Isn’t that why I’m here?
He released her. “As you wish.”
Enough. “Yes.” Stop thinking about the past. Simon wasn’t worth the years you gave him.
“I will take you back.” They walked in silence until the resort lights came into view. Etienne kissed her lips. “Don’t keep me waiting.”
Amy nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yes, after dark. I prefer the night.” He brushed his mouth on her brow. “Bonsoir, my lovely Amy.”
Amy headed towards the resort. Silly woman, letting your hang-ups stop you from having amazing sex. She couldn’t see Etienne but she knew he was there, in the darkness. Watching her. Her body tingled from an overload of adrenalin and lust-filled hormones. I’ve only just met the guy and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.
She stepped onto the resort’s gravel pathway. I feel like I’ve known Etienne all my life. She shook her head. This is crazy. We barely spoke. Her body spasmed, primed for an orgasm. She’d have to rectify that situation when back in her room. Damn,
he’s a good kisser. And everything else.
Amy headed to her bungalow. I wanted fun. Well, I found it. She sucked in a deep breath. I’m about to have the time of my life with a very seductive, slightly secretive, and totally hunky guy.
CHAPTER THREE
Amy yawned again, then blinked several times to keep her eyes open. She headed towards the dining area, past several bungalows with windows closed and silence from the occupants. Not like last night. She massaged her tender neck. They’re probably sleeping off the fun they had. When she’d gone back to her bungalow—all flustered and annoyed with herself—hearing the obvious and loud sounds of sexual revelry didn’t help her own frustration. They didn’t say no. I can’t believe I rejected Etienne.
She shook her head. Serves me right not sleeping a wink last night, thinking about Etienne. Even after a cold shower and giving myself an orgasm.
She entered the dining area and sat at an empty table—one of many. Tonight, I won’t hold back. Tonight, I will say yes to Etienne. If he still wants me. She shuffled in her seat, tingles of heat prickling throughout her body. It was centred on a place too long empty, needing what only he could give. Don’t think about his thick, hard cock. Don’t remember how good he’d thrust and rocked into me, even with clothes between us.
Amy went to the buffet, filled a glass with cold juice and pressed it to her cheek. How am I going to survive the day? She searched for a handsome face. I’m ready to go now and he’s not around. Her mind replayed last night, time and time again. His face and body, his skilful hands and mouth. Stop it. “Excuse me.”
A waitress cleaned a nearby table. “Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m looking for a staff member.”
“We have many. What can I get you?”
“Nothing. I met him last night and wanted to catch up with him today.”
The tray of dirty glassware in the woman’s hands tinkled as she hurried to clear the table. “Sorry, I don’t know the night staff.”
“No problem.” Amy frowned. Strange. “I’ll ask around. His name is Etienne.”
The woman backed away. “We have a lot of staff. I don’t know him.”
I think you do. Amy sipped her juice. Why doesn’t she want to talk? She filled her plate and returned to the table. Damn, I have to wait another twelve hours to have him.
The staff bustled around, serving the few guests awake and needing food to recharge. Offering to help in any way they could. Amy grinned. Not sure they’re offering the same services the night staff did.
Amy emptied her plate. I definitely need to do more exercise this week. Two women stood at the buffet, their whispering loud. Amy’s brow rose as each described the night they’d had. One giggled and gestured to her patch of red skin on her neck. The other leant closer, pointed to her inner thigh and whispered about her partner’s mouth and teeth.
The women then moved to a table, their heads bowed as they continued their x-rated conversation. Amy sat back, sipping her juice. Yep, everyone had sex last night except me.
Bird song filled the air and sunlight peeked through the overhead palm fronds, bathing the area with golden rays. A soft warm breeze fluttered across her skin, bringing with it the scent of damp jungle and salt water. I could get used to this. She closed her eyes, lifted her face to the warm sunshine and breathed deep.
“Hi, how are you?”
Amy blinked, sheltering her eyes from the sunlight. She recognised the man from the charter boat. “Hello. I’m good. And you?”
“Great. I’m Roger.” He sat beside her.
“I’m Amy.”
“Isn’t this place something?”
“Yes, it is.”
“And last night. Wow.”
Amy nodded. Another one who had sex last night and he wants to brag about it.
“I’m going to do an article on the resort.”
“That’s great.”
“Yeah.” He shuffled in his seat. “I want to find out what’s special about this place that people rave about it, yet can’t specifically say why it’s better than other places they’ve visited. And why people can’t come back.”
“Sounds interesting.”
“I hope so.” He leant closer. “I’ve heard a few guests never left.”
She angled her body away from his. “Can you blame them for wanting to stay in this tropical paradise?” I’d stay here. Especially if it meant I could see Etienne. Amy’s throat seized up. Only six days left. Don’t think about leaving.
“Where’s your friend?”
“Probably sleeping in. Like many other guests.”
“Yeah. Can I interview you?”
Amy tensed. “Excuse me?”
“For my article. I’d love to hear your thoughts on your stay here.”
“I’m not—”
“No need to make a decision yet.” He stood. “Your friend is here. I’m starving.” He headed to the buffet.
Amy shook her head. The man filled a plate and spoke to staff and other guests as he made his way to a table. He’s a bit weird.
“What’s with the face?” Olivia dropped into a chair.
“Nothing. A guest is doing an article on the resort and wants to interview me.”
“Another conquest already?”
“Hell, no.” Amy shook her head. “There’s something odd about him.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to participate. Give the place a good rating and you might be allowed to come back.” She sighed. “Me, I’d love to stay here forever.” She glanced toward the buffet. “I’m so hungry, I’m going to have a bit of everything.”
Olivia returned with a heaping plate and attacked her food. “This is good.” She winked. “But not as good as last night.”
Amy chuckled. “I assume you’re going to tell me all about it.”
“Yes. It was mind-blowing.” Olivia fanned herself with her hand. “Thierry was…”
Amy laughed. “Olivia lost for words. That’s a first.”
She nodded. “You know I’ve not been shy with my sex life, but what Thierry did was beyond any other man I’ve ever had.”
“Spare me the details. Please.”
“If I must.” Olivia grinned. “He didn’t say much, but damn… what he did with his mouth.” She twitched in her seat and raised a hand to her neck. “I have a love bite.” Olivia turned her head, revealing the small, bruised area on her neck.
Like the other woman. Amy leant forward. What the—? Her brows creased. “That’s not a love bite. There’s two points in the middle, more like an insect bite.”
Olivia sat up straight. “I can tell the difference between a mozzie bite and Thierry sucking my skin.” She grinned again. “I can’t wait to see him again tonight.”
“Where is he now?”
Olivia shrugged. “No idea. He prefers to work nights.”
“Yeah.” Strange how all the hunky men are night owls.
“What did you get up to?”
“I went for a walk on the beach.”
“And.” Olivia’s eyes opened wide. “You found someone to clear those cobwebs?”
“Maybe.”
“Tell me about it. Did you have sex?”
Amy shook her head.
“Why the hell not?” She scowled. “Was he ugly? Can’t he kiss?”
Amy’s body heated, her skin tingled remembering Etienne’s hands and mouth. No problem there. A puff of air escaped her lips. “Oh, he can kiss.”
“Please don’t tell me you let the past interfere with having fun.”
Amy shrugged. Her hand moved, splaying between her collarbone and left breast.
Olivia followed the movement. “What did he do? Did he say something?”
“Nothing bad.” She shook her head. “He touched and kissed me.” She gestured to her breast. “Even here. Said I was beautiful.”
Olivia smiled. “I like him already.” She sat back and drank her juice. “He’s not like Simon, who wasn’t man enough to cope with a scar or two. I told you,
he was an arsehole even before your surgery.”
Amy laughed. “True.”
“Tell me more about your mystery man. How did you meet? What’s his name?”
She won’t believe this. “Etienne threw himself off a cliff and I rescued him.”
“Ha, ha.” Disbelief clouded Olivia’s face. “Now, give me the real story.” She sipped from her glass.
“It’s true.”
Olivia choked on her juice. “What?” She coughed for a few minutes.
Amy patted her friend’s back. “Yeah, it was an interesting night.”
“Do tell. What else did you do?”
“Not enough.” She sighed. “I’m still kicking myself for not inviting him back to my bungalow.”
“Are you seeing him today?”
“No, tonight.”
Olivia frowned. “What’s with these men only working nights?”
“My exact thought.” They both chuckled. “Come on, let’s get more food. Must keep up our stamina.”
“Amy, promise me you won’t back out tonight.”
“Promise.” I can’t keep Etienne from my mind and my body is aching for him. No way will I reject him a second time. Tonight is the night.
Etienne reclined in an armchair and sipped the red fluid in his wine glass. Comfortable couches and side tables dotted the cavernous room as the two enormous screens at each end transmitted the tropical landscape of his island home in all its breathtaking, sunlit glory. The area resembled an elegant, French sitting room. The other rooms leading from this one were also furnished in the same style. An ancestral French mansion situated deep underground in the island’s mountain range.
He clicked a remote towards a wall covered by large monitors, bringing them to life. Images flickered through a never-ending sequence from discreet cameras set up around the island. He focused on one screen—the dining area—and two women enjoying the feast provided. Amy.
Etienne hit another button on the remote and the camera zoomed closer, until the display was filled with Amy’s face, laughing with her friend. Beautiful, both day and night.
He massaged his brow. I can’t stop thinking about her. Her smell, her heat. He clenched a shaking hand on his thigh. Her curves, a perfect fit for me. His mouth salivated, the spear of hunger hitting again, shocking him as it had done last night. I haven’t wanted to bite for centuries, yet I want to now. I want to devour her until she explodes with pleasure and screams my name.