Wicked Sunshine

by Justine Winter

  Why am I telling you this? I’m giving you the chance to run. Save yourself. Don’t worry about me, I’ll have a mission to get to, people that’ll need eating. I have plenty of enemies in the business world that need a good chomp to the neck. Sa-long fuckers!

  Wait, does that sound like pre-meditated zombie-ism manslaughter? Is that a crime in the eyes of our law system?

  Oh, who cares? I’ll be undead anyway. You’ll probably find me crawling along the streets of London with my guts hanging out, checking out the up-skirt view of the zombie women dragging their ankles nearby.

  What? My junk may be flaccid, but I’ll still be Grayson Rush somewhere in my defunct brain.

  “Sunshine!” I yell, shaking harder as her screams enter canine territory. Her eyes burst awake as she sits up, and the whole thing is like Dracula rising from his coffin. It’s still not easing me away from thinking she’s dead. There’s just too much coincidence circling around here.

  What if she’s a succubus? A wily sex-pest demon come to have her wicked way with me? I told you I hit the jackpot, didn’t I? Honk-honk.

  Now, this is unfortunate. My cock is levitating to the occasion, and Maya is clearly terrified from whatever nightmare she’s just endured. If there’s ever an inappropriate time for a boner, this is it. Just kidding. Inappropriate and boner don’t belong in the same sentence. Not unless you put never before it.

  “Grayson?”

  I have a choice here. Distract her with sex or comfort her like a decent man. The question is, which one of those guys am I?

  “You were dreaming, sunshine. Come here.” I pull her into me, wrapping my arms protectively around her. She’s fast asleep within minutes.

  You might think I’m being chivalrous, but in this spooning position my excited bellend has instinctively found her arse, where I’m positive it’ll nest all night.

  Perhaps a good shagging might’ve been the lesser of two evils after all.

  ~ £ ~

  “Clear your schedule? Sir, is anything wrong?”

  I chuckle into the phone. “Not at all. I just think it’s about time I take a break.”

  “I’ve been telling you that for years,” Olivia croaks.

  “I know, I guess I’ve finally found a reason to be away from the desk. Listen, I’ll have my phone, but I won’t answer unless the company’s about to sink.”

  “I understand, Mr. Rush. Everything will be fine here, go have fun.”

  “Thanks, Olivia.” I finish up the conversation, and turn to text. There’s no chance I’m risking a call to Cam this early in the morning. Have you ever woken a bear from its hibernation too early? No? Well, Cam’s reaction is generally as good as it gets.

  Cam, taking the ball and chain away for a few days.

  Keep an eye on Rush House progress for me.

  “You’re up early considering you have a guest,” Layla smirks, waltzing into my home office all sweaty in her neon blue workout gear.

  I look at the time. It’s barely seven thirty. “So are you. Been out already?”

  She nods. “Had to get a run in before I head back to Uni. What are you doing in here anyway?”

  “Maya’s still sleeping, I want to surprise her when she wakes.”

  “By not being in the bed? ‘Cause I’m telling you, Grayson. That won’t bode well.”

  “No, smart arse. I’m taking her away. Just dealing with the last of my plans.”

  “Are you sure you can leave work long enough to do that?”

  I snigger. “Trust me, it’s going to be the last thing on my mind.”

  She frowns. “I walked into that one, didn’t I?” She turns to the door. “Thanks for the lodging. Let me know when you get back.”

  “Anderson can give you a ride in, Layla. Stay safe,” I call to her disappearing form.

  I’m finishing up on the last details when Cam replies.

  You’re insane, but don’t forget my souvenir.

  I’ll miss you, buttercup. ;-)

  Gotta love a good bromance, right?

  I’m heading back into the bedroom when I’m rewarded with the cock-happy vision of Maya’s naked body star-fishing across the entire bed. Talk about easy access.

  Oh, this isn’t some necromancy fuck-her-whilst-she’s-asleep crap. She’s awake. She’s waiting like this for me on purpose.

  The little minx.

  “Good morning, Grayson.”

  Do you think she’s enticing me on purpose with that devilish smile gracing her face?

  “Good morning, sunshine.” I shed my boxers and join her, the sheets are cool against my burning skin.

  I take her lips, marvelling at the softness of her body in my hands. This is what I call a good morning wakeup call.

  “Mr. Rush. Breakfast is served.”

  I pull away from Maya long enough to press the intercom button on my nightstand. “Thank you, Chef Anne.”

  I turn to resume our seductive game of tonsil tennis, but Maya’s smirking, her brow’s raised.

  “Your chef calls you when food is ready?” She’s trying hard not to giggle.

  I’m puzzled here. What’s wrong with that? “I hate it when my food gets cold,” I say, leaving the bed to find my slacks.

  Maya stands in all her naked glory, making me forget my train of thought. Here comes her womanly powers again. Never mind the fact I’m always distracted by her diamond-studded belly, and star-tatted hip.

  “Isn’t it like having your mother call you down when food is ready?”

  I shrug. “I don’t remember.” I was only ten when my dad died and my mother entered her selfish state of catatonia. Since then it’s always been down to me to put food on the table for my sister and I. And before, when both my parents were alive, I can’t seem to remember what happened at mealtimes.

  Who knows? Maybe this is some way to regain some of the childhood I’ve lost. I’m sure psychologists would have a lovely time giving it some fancy terminology, but I don’t care for that. I’m just grateful I can afford to have someone make my meals for me now.

  I can feel your heart breaking for me, chin up. This highly horny animal is only partly wounded. Nothing a good shaft stroke can’t fix.

  “Don’t even think about putting your underwear back on,” I scorn, my tone demanding.

  She pauses with one leg raised. “I’m not going out there naked if you’re wearing clothes. Double standards, Grayson.”

  I smirk. “You can wear this.” I hand her my shirt from last night, and the sight of it on her body amuses my soldier. Maya is the flag pole to my conquered vessel.

  She surprises me by inhaling the fabric. “It still smells like you.”

  You know how dogs piss against everything to mark their territory? I’m not too ashamed to admit that’s exactly my intention with my shirt. It looks great on her too, stopping mid-thigh.

  For once, I’m considering letting my food go cold. I’ve become hungrier for something else entirely.

  “Grayson, you know I’m a food first kind of woman,” she admonishes, rushing out of the room to stop my advances.

  Isn’t that fucking sexy? Christ, she’s making it hard for me this morning.

  I follow my nose to the dining room where the largest arrangement of breakfast awaits. It smells divine to which my nostrils are granted their very own orgasm.

  “Are you trying to make me fat, Grayson?”

  “Nope. Just making sure you have plenty of energy.”

  “You’re going to put me in a food coma. I have no restraint, Grayson. Portion control is not in my vocabulary.”

  If she keeps talking this way, I’m going to get down on my knee and ask her to marry me with a doughnut for a ring. I don’t care what you think. Guys like women that eat. Well, this guy does anyway.

  A bit of advice? Toss those fucking leafy greens out the window, and eat the steak you clearly want. Hungry women get grouchy. Grouchy women end up dateless. Is that harsh? Sorry, it’s true. Men hate naggers. Besides, if I’m with you I
don’t give a shit if you eat more than me (though that’ll be difficult). It’s not a deal breaker. I’m more interested in your mind. And body. Well, most of the time it’s just your clunge. Mmmm. . .

  So next time make sure you buy the whole fucking cow and I’ll be right there with my knife and fork to join you.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll give you the kiss of life.” I wink, sitting down and digging in.

  I’m munching my way through a pancake covered in chocolate sauce and strawberries when I’m overcome with the need to yawn. Nice timing, body.

  “Tired already?”

  “Well, someone woke me up screaming.”

  Maya ducks her head, her cheeks flush. “Sorry.”

  “What were you dreaming about?”

  She shakes her head, finishing her bite of food. “I never remember. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of it, sometimes I don’t.”

  “It happens often?”

  Her lips thin to a line, the tell-tale sign she’s thinking. “When I was younger it happened nightly, the older I became the less they frequented. Last night was the first time in a while.”

  “Do you know why you get them?” Isn’t it odd for adults to get nightmares on a regular basis?

  “No. I’ve googled about sleep terrors, but I’ve never really found the time to do anything about it. I’ve gotten used to moving on and dealing with it myself.” She shrugs.

  Doesn’t that say a lot about Maya’s capabilities? Her strength is always amazing me.

  Also, it hasn’t escaped my attention that she was in bed with me when her nightmare played out again. Please don’t let this be a bad sign. I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.

  “It’s why I got this.” She points to her hip.

  “Your tattoo? Is this where you tell me stars only shine at night?”

  She smirks. “No. It’s when I say there’s beauty in darkness, too.”

  Bloody hell. Isn’t that poetically deep? I’m actually a little lost for words here.

  “Grayson, as much as I’m enjoying myself, shouldn’t you be rushing off to work right now?”

  Ahhh, time for the good stuff. “Do you have a passport?”

  She frowns. “Yes, why? What’s that got to do with work?”

  I shrug. “I’m not going in today, or tomorrow, probably not the day after that either.”

  “What?” Her eyes are wide, uncomprehending. Is it really that big of a deal when a guy doesn’t go in to work? Is it like this for all people or just the billionaires?

  “I’m taking you away. Somewhere warm. Somewhere secluded. Somewhere where clothes are optional.”

  Her mouth hangs open. “Are you joking?”

  “Not at all. Our flight leaves in two hours.”

  She visibly gulps. “Where are we going?”

  I smile, realising this had been my dream. I kiss her quickly, tasting sweet syrup on her lips. “I’m not telling you, but I promise it’ll be paradise.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  ~ £ ~

  “Holy shit! You have your own jet?”

  I’m almost certain there’s an unwritten law that suggests all billionaires become masters of transportation. What’s the point in having all this money if I can’t jet-set on a whim? There’s no fun in that. It’s practically mandatory. Right?

  Also, worldwide business meetings. I promise I’m not just tainting the earth with my carbon footprint without finding some way to give back. I’m not that much of a monster.

  I cock my head to the side. “Did you really think I wouldn’t?” I leave Anderson and the crew to deal with our luggage, tugging Maya towards the jet. Did I mention it’s pink? Just kidding, it’s black. Can you imagine me rolling up in a pink jet? I mean, really?

  ‘And here comes Grayson Rush, chasing down the runway in his pink sparkles.’

  No.

  “Wooooow.” Without giving me warning, Maya pauses in the entryway, and I’m right behind her on the step below. Which is great, my face is practically on her arse, but if she decides that now is a good time to fart around me, I’m doomed. Can you say pink eye?

  Try laughing your way out of that one.

  “This is the five star luxury version of first class.”

  I’m finding it amusing watching Maya as she swoons all giddy over the plane’s interior. She’s sashaying between the three-sixty leather recliners, trailing her hands across the fabrics as she ventures further.

  She passes the small dining area, enters the sofa lounge section, and stops at the black, glass partition. She turns, and raises a brow. “That’s a bedroom in there, isn’t it?”

  I touch the button above her head, the glass door slides open to reveal a large double bed and en-suite. Did you doubt me for a second? Of course there’s a bed.

  I may be in a relationship now, but let’s not forget who I am.

  Sex God. Billionaire. I’m practically Zeus if you think about it, minus the unwanted children. Everyone wants a piece of my lightning rod.

  “Are you expecting to make use of this bed?” Maya turns, glancing up at me.

  I smile mischievously. Even if our journey only lasted half an hour, I’d make use of that bed. You feel me? “We have four hours to kill.”

  “And you’re still not telling me where we’re going?”

  I pull her closer, slipping my arm around her waist. “Nope. . .”

  “Mr. Rush. We’re all set here, good to go. Looking to be a smooth ride, we should arrive at Arrecife as scheduled.”

  I touch the intercom buzzer located above, keeping my gaze on Maya. “Excellent news, Captain.”

  She hangs her head , almost as though she’s been defeated. “I have no idea where Arrecife is.”

  I smirk. “Good.” The pilot just caught a lucky break. “Come on, let’s get seated. The sooner we’re up in the air, the faster I can get you in bed.” I wink, pulling her back to the leather recliners.

  “You’re such a charmer, Grayson.”

  ~ £ ~

  One of the best things about going abroad has to be the heat that whacks you in the face the second you step off the plane. Basically, the country is instantly slapping you with a congratulatory high five. The weather is bragging, practically whipping its lengthy rays out to prove it’s bigger and better. Don’t get me wrong, sun can be great in London providing you get past the two layers of smog first, but it’s not like this. Coddling, enveloping. Begging me to strip.

  The ride from the airport to the villa I’ve rented takes around an hour, which apparently is long enough for Maya to fall asleep on my lap. I promise it’s safe, Logan’s Spanish alter-ego is driving the limo I’m renting. Who knew there’s more than one Rock-looking guy out there in the world? Do they breed these men in some military lab?

  He doesn’t speak much either, maybe it’s a language thing. He’s got a grunt and nod going for him though. Not entirely rude, not entirely pleasant either. It’s that grunt I’m greeted with when we finally arrive. I’m blaming the heat on his attitude for now, but if he keeps this up, we’re going to butt heads. I don’t tolerate disrespect, especially when I’m paying a decent sum for his services. That’s not asking much, is it? Or am I being a snobby rich man expecting too much?

  I’ve learnt that waking Maya up can sometimes feel like waking the dead, like last night, so you can understand my reluctance to do so now. Cross your fingers for me.

  “Sunshine, we’re here,” I say, rubbing my hand along her arm in a soothing manner to wake her slowly. I don’t fancy a head bash to the groin.

  She bursts awake, full of energy and excitement, and pretty much leaps out of the limo, barely giving me a chance to catch up before grunt-face, Spanish-Logan closes the door on me. I mean, he does realise I’m the one with the bulging wallet, right?

  Maya’s rushing off into the afternoon sun, and as I step on the pavement I’m blinded by the beauty of her silhouette.

  Fuck me, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this, seeing how radiant and joyful she
is. It’s highly contagious. She’s making me extremely happy.

  “Come on, Grayson!”

  I laugh at her eagerness. “Do you know where we are yet?” I yell, knowing there haven’t been any location signs for her to see since we disembarked from the jet and took the five steps maximum to our waiting limo. That’s the benefits of flying private, no hanging around.

  Maya shrugs mightily, glancing at her surroundings. Besides our villa there isn’t much else building-wise, I chose this private area on purpose. There’s an array of different cacti planted in the black, sand-like soil, and there’s the man-made road. I know it doesn’t sound like much of a spectacular view, but this place is a gem on the other side, and that’s where it’ll count anyway. That’s where I imagine us spending our time.

  “I have no idea, Grayson. Tell me.”

  “Lanzarote,” I say, sweeping her up in my arms.

  “Canary Islands?”

  I ‘mmm’ in agreement, all the while carrying her up the slight incline of the driveway, by-passing the front door, and taking the stepping stone trail to check out the back.

  “Thank you, Grayson.”

  I look at Maya perplexed. “What for?”

  “For bringing me here. It’s. . . Oh. . .” I release my hands from her legs, helping her stand as she takes in the scenery.

  There’s a large pool and separate hot tub, both are outlined with lights in the ground, as well as sun loungers and a barbeque area. It’s all there, but it’s not what she’s looking at because the balcony looks onto a private beach. It’s empty, and the sea is glistening in the sunlight. It’s enticing. Breath-taking. Downright makes me want to dive in head first.

  And it’s all ours. Mwahahahaa.

  “Welcome to paradise, sunshine.”

  ~ £ ~

  It turns out that I’m not very good at keeping Maya out of the bedroom. I wanted this trip to be one big romantic gesture, but if I don’t keep my dick down long enough I’m never going to get around to it.

  God knows how the guys in those gushy rom-com movies my sister forces upon me do it. I mean, Maya takes a step out of the bathroom in her bikini, and I’m instantly overcome with desire, dragging her back to the bed like a caveman.