The mattress dipped, marking Jonas’s return. He molded himself to my side, placing his arm around my waist. I took the warmth and comfort of his arms.
I rested for most of the 17-hour plane ride to Seychelles. I ate when Jonas encouraged me and stretched outside the plane when we stopped to refuel, all the time meditating on my memories. Some memories felt like grooves were being carved into my heart. The pain was intense and part of me wanted to shut it down, run, or try to numb the feelings away, but from what I went through up until now, I knew that wasn’t the answer.
I believed I would reach the other side of grief.
I was strong and I would be stronger still.
This became clear as the hours passed on the flight. I found that I had to put effort into finding the painful memories. They were being broken apart by the support from the amazing man I fell in love with, Jonas Crane. He talked about nothing and everything with me. He encouraged, held, and caressed me. I thought I couldn’t love him more, but he showed me I could and did. I loved him utterly.
“We are almost there,” Jonas said, kissing me awake.
“Do I have anything I can change into?” I asked.
He rolled my trolley case from the side of the bed and set it down.
I opened it up and my nerves frazzled as I eyed the bikinis. I lifted the strings and tiny fabric and let out a short laugh. “I doubt I can fit these, have you noticed I’ve gained weight? Dr. Steinman will be amazed when I go back to see him.”
Jonas lifted one the tops. “I’ll judge if it’s too small. And our villa is secluded, so you could easily wear nothing,” he replied with a roguish grin.
I searched through the bag and was pleased to find a light blue, full-piece swimsuit that I held up. “Thank you, Kate.”
“Actually, Mary helped,” Jonas said.
My lips parted. “Thank you, Mary. She didn’t tell me. How did you get her to keep a secret?”
“I think Ian helped with that,” he said, and we both laughed. Ian certainly kept her attention. I went into the bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth. My eyes were still rimmed red, but I felt better and said as much to Jonas on my reentry to the bedroom.
“Good,” he said and kissed my forehead. He had a carry bag open and was rummaging through it. “Samuel prepared what he called an essential travel pack.” He held up a box with a video camera, underwater camera, and a digital camera.
“We can capture the whole vacation,” I said. He picked up the digital camera, turned it on and took a picture of me.
“Come here,” he said and I came closer. He put an arm around me and held the camera out and took one of us together, then kissed me. New memories. I exhaled and sat down on the bed. “I’m not familiar with North Island.”
“This should help.” He reached inside the side pocket of the case and handed me a brochure.
North Island Honeymoon Escape. I sat down on the bed and gazed at the glossy photos and images dreamily as I looked through the brochure. It was a wish of my heart and born from the love and care that grew every day I shared with this wonderful man. I wanted it to be us getting married. I wished I could spend the rest of my life with him.
“Find something you like?” Jonas asked.
My gaze shifted to him before I had a chance to cloak my expression. He took in a sharp breath and I quickly turned over on my side. “The place looks like a tropical paradise.”
“We both know that’s not all. Please turn around and tell me what’s on your mind,” Jonas said, abandoning the suitcase and moving closer to me on the bed.
I sighed and did as he asked, though I chickened out and stared at his chin. “I love you and you love me. I know that. I just…” I licked my lips. “I mean it’s all good for now. But we’ve never really talked about, or I haven’t shared, what I hope for in the future.” I took a deep breath and then continued. “I loved my family. And I want a family of my own.” I stopped babbling long enough to catch my breath and peered at him through my long lashes.
His face was blank and he folded his arms, which had my heart beating faster.
“I knew—” He got out, but I interrupted him by saying. “I don’t expect you to marry me.”
He lifted the corner of his mouth. “You don’t want marry me?”
“I do. I would if you do, but if you don’t that’s fine,” I sputtered. I took a breath and tried again. “I love you very much and I’m happy being your girlfriend. I just thought you should know, as part of our relationship, what I hoped for in the future.”
After a minute, Jonas asked. “Can I speak now?”
I nodded.
“I knew you wanted a family before you told me. As for marriage, as you know, I wasn’t planning to get married again after my divorce.”
I swallowed and nodded, then flipped back over. “I understand. It’s fine.”
“Tiger Lily. I’m not finished speaking. Would you turn around for me?”
“Just give me a minute,” I said, my voice thick.
He crawled on the bed and turned me over, pinning me on my back. His eyes glimmered. “First, I was in my early twenties when we had Paul. He wasn’t planned, but I love my son. I believe I’ve grown in the fifteen years since he was born. I don’t think you were listening. I said I didn’t plan to. I didn’t say never. I can’t say never to you. I tried to make you my sexual companion and you’ve leapt to an exclusive, live-in girlfriend. If I had your track record with me, I’d relax.”
I could only blink. My heart pounded in my chest. He pressed his lips to mine and moved to break our contact apart, but I deepened it. My tongue slipped inside his mouth and tangled with his, giving him my own brand of a claiming kiss.
When I broke away, we caught our breaths and he grinned at me. “You ready to relax and enjoy our vacation, Ms. Salomé?”
“Yes, Mr. Crane,” I said. He pecked my lips and got up. “We have a short helicopter ride and then we get to enjoy our break.”
I grimaced. “Helicopter ride?”
“It’s fifteen minutes. I’ll be right by your side,” Jonas assured and gave me a quick kiss. He got up and took out a video camera. “We can take turns filming.” I held the camera and he zipped up the case. We then made our way back to our seats for the landing in Seychelles.
We exited the plane and I squinted against the bright sunlight. A warm breeze billowed our shirts as we finished our arrival clearance. Once done, a male representative from the hotel greeted and directed us to a buggy. We rode a few yards away to a small helicopter. And without a moment to spare, we were strapped into the leather seats and given noise-canceling headphones.
My pulse sprinted as the pilot closed the doors. I stared out the curved plexiglass windows. “The weather is perfect today. You should have a clear view of the island,” the pilot said.
The helicopter’s lift was surprisingly smooth and it eased with an almost vertical glide to the ocean. Still, my hands shook as I took the camera from Jonas. Taking pictures was a welcome distraction, in conjunction with the pilot’s discussion of island life. I panned around to film the islands. They appeared to pebble the vast breadth of azure water and were lush with greenery and large granite rocks. It was breathtaking.
I turned the video camera to capture Jonas’s excited face. It was as alluring as the ocean view.
“We’re approaching North Island,” the pilot announced.
Jonas took the camera from me and the helicopter hovered close to where the blue ocean met a shallower turquoise water with reefs. It expanded up to a white sandy beach. A single palm frond-covered hut seemed to be the only pause in the scenery.
We stepped out on the stone helipad and quickly followed our representative down the beach. The closer we reached, the more there was to see of the hut. It stretched into a modern, spacious villa.
The representative unlocked and eased back a glass framed retractable door at the side of the villa for entry into an open, spacious bedroom. The décor included a rec
laimed wooden desk and woven chests, brightly colored lamps, and lounge chairs situated around a silk and mesh curtained four-poster bed.
My face lit up and Jonas rubbed my back. He took my hand and we walked through a curtain of shells to follow our guide, passing natural, furnished lounges, wood-carved tables, and colorful daybeds.
“We will use every one of them,” Jonas said and kissed my neck. He moved us outside to a plunge pool with a cascading waterfall. Farther out was a finished hut with silk netting and a large day bed out on the water.
“Would you like to discuss dinner?” the attendant said with a wide grin.
“One second.” Jonas turned to me and said, “I’ll handle it and lunch. Go explore and relax.”
I wanted to sit out in the hut, but something else tempted me more. I turned and walked through the kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom was dominated by glass windows and a large, sunk-in stone tub. Turning on the tap, I filled the basin, pouring in a selection of scented flowers and oils from a slate and bamboo tray next to the tub.
“Starting without me?” Jonas said, walking into the room.
“This is beautiful,” I said, gaping at the panoramic ocean view. He came up behind me and circled my waist, his hands resting low on my stomach.
“Not as beautiful as you.” The air seeped out of my parted lips. I shuddered as the jolt from his touch spread through me at his contact. I felt his chest expand against my back as he kissed the top of my head. He then turned me around and removed my clothes, like he was unwrapping a precious gift. He seemed to revere every piece of skin revealed. His gaze amorously lingered.
When he was done, I stood tall and naked with my hands at my sides, unashamed. I believed myself to be just as beautiful and special to him as he claimed. He stood back and the pleasure on his face warmed my heart. He hugged me and I hugged him back. “My Tiger Lily.”
I helped him remove his clothes with all the care he had given to me.
A sensual light passed between us as we stepped down into the bath. We dipped our heads back, dampening our hair. He picked up the pomegranate shampoo and massaged it into my scalp.
“They are bringing dinner in a few hours. They brought a tray of fruits, cheeses, and fresh fish for us for lunch.”
“Are we the only ones here?” I murmured as his hands massaged down my neck and back.
“In this villa and beach, yes. I thought we could use some privacy before we lose more of it with the book.”
“Is the book mostly about your life, going up the ranks?” I asked.
“Partly. Along with some of the things I have learned that would hopefully benefit those who want to grow their business. Some of the passages are taken from some of my presentations I’ve given over the years, too,” he answered. Filling a loofah with a lily scented scrub, he washed over my body without hesitation or question. I yielded, surrendering to his will. And once again, my insides warmed at the tender glide of his hands as they took loving possession of me. It was as if he wanted me to know just how much he honored having me as his own.
When he was done, I sought to do the same and we exchanged places. I put my feelings in my actions, and again, seeing the joy on his face made my heart constrict. I wanted to keep the happiness on his face forever. He turned his head, but I cupped his face, moving it back to me. His eyes shimmered and he shook his head. I pressed my lips to his and said, “I love you so much.” Taking his hand, I climbed out. We didn’t speak as we dried off, but we both knew where we wanted to go together next. So hand-in-hand, we stood and went into the bedroom.
Jonas moved ahead of me and pulled back the mesh curtain. I crawled on the bed and laid on my side, waiting for him to follow. Our eyes found each other and the world stood still, as if it was giving us a chance to capture the moment. I took it frame by frame in my head and heart.
“I love you,” Jonas said and kissed me. My heart expanded so much I was overcome. He had shown me his love in many ways, but hearing his profession meant more. It was a balm that soothed the abrasions on my soul, the deep parts where I felt left behind, lost and alone. Unloved.
“You’re mine,” he said, adding on another layer of protection. I absorbed his words and his meaning. I was his to love. I was his to keep.
I wanted him now. I wanted him forever. I went into his arms. “My beautiful Tiger Lily. Whatever you want, it’s yours,” he said.
“You,” I answered without hesitation.
“You have me,” he said quietly and kissed me passionately on the lips.
Laying me back, Jonas went slow, kissing over my face and down to the hollow base at my neck. Filling his hands with my breasts. Light teases with his fingers, tender tugs on the taut peaks of each nipple. I moaned softly as my body heated and I arched into his caresses, my hands petting his dark silky hair. I followed the line of his beautiful sculpted cheekbones and placed my hands on the stubble on the sides of his face as he sweetly suckled and cherished me. His touches were like a message to my skin. You are precious. You are loved.
Jonas kissed over the curve of my hips. My eyelids fluttered, my chest rising and falling. He looked up the line of my body at me and I spread my legs right under his gaze. Once more, the pleasure of my response was evident on his face, but he went further and said, “I love that you have become comfortable with me.”
I smiled down at him. I could see he was aroused by a glance in his eyes. The set of his jaw. His erect cock. But there was more. We had built this intimacy together. I was certain he wanted me.
He nuzzled the smooth skin at the top of my mound and a tingle went through me. He moaned as he slowly licked up and down my slit, then gently with his fingers he opened me wider and rolled his tongue around my clit. I shook as I tried to remain still, wanting nothing to stop the glorious sensation of his mouth on me. He paused and lifted my fingers and kissed their tips, then placed them on his head. I love you, I mouthed.
“I know,” Jonas said and went back to pleasuring me. I gripped his head as he lapped through my slick folds and suctioned my clit. He was right where I wanted him and I broke apart, crying out as I came fast. But a taste wasn’t enough for Jonas. He was there to consume. He added two fingers and struck the spot that had me coming again.
“I can’t take more,” I hissed, twisting away as my muscles contracted over and again. The dark look on his face let me know he was up for the challenge.
Jonas kissed my thigh. “Come back over here.” His deep tone worked as its own aphrodisiac. I moved back and gapped my thighs the way I knew he wanted me to.
He kissed each thigh and started all over again, this time pushing me right over into madness. I came and wanted away. But the second he was gone, I wanted him back. Jonas met both with love. He pushed me over the edge just to catch me. He had the skill and confidence, but he still studied every quiver and tremor in my body. He loved and cared enough to try to find more ways of pleasuring me.
With that thought, I cried out his name, writhing as he fucked me with his tongue. When I came down, this time, he slid his body up mine and kissed my damp forehead.
“Seeing you come is addicting.” Then, examining my face, he offered, “I can wait until later if you are too tired.” His words ignited me once again. Truly, I couldn’t get enough of him.
I gripped his firm ass. “I need you,” I rasped.
He kissed me tenderly, stroking his tongue against mine. Giving me a taste of myself. I felt his need too. He rolled on his back and, while I wanted to take my time, I knew Jonas wasn’t one to enjoy waiting. I laved over the head of his cock and sucked it in my mouth, tasting his pre-cum. He was throbbing in my hands, vibrating with need. And I sought to sate him, gliding him across my tongue to the back of my throat.
He gripped my head, stilling me, and let out a loud moan. From there, he set the rhythm and I aimed to please. My mouth moving up and down his cock. Stroking and squeezing his sacs until his breath was jagged and he asked me to stop. I still couldn’t help but add a few
licks and strokes with my hands.
Jonas kissed me and moved us to our sides and we faced each other. He lifted my thigh and I wrapped it around his back. He moved his leg between mine and with a long, deep thrust of his cock, we were pressed together. We looked at each other and an electric current surged through my body. Our bond.
This close, it was like we were molded to each other. Our hips grinding against each other. He gripped my ass and I held him tighter as we reached and took our bliss. We cried out as we erupted, clinging to each other. We gasped for air with our foreheads touching, our hearts hammering in our chests, neither one of us wanting to let go. Trying to stretch the moments of ecstasy into the infinite.
It was Jonas who finally broke us apart with a tender kiss on my lips. I turned over and he spooned me and we rested together.
I woke up on the bed tangled up in the sheets sometime later to find Jonas sketching. “What are you working on there?” I asked.
“My favorite muse.” He said, lifting the paper for me to see. It was of me sleeping on the lounge.
“Should I stay still?” I asked.
“No,” he replied, placing his work down as he stood. “I can get back to it later. I thought this was a good time to get back to things that we enjoy, though. I haven’t sketched since the hotel, but I’m hoping to do more when we return. There are things in the bag, too. Music, books.”
I got up and padded over to the bag and found a bikini to put on. I started putting my clothes away in the dresser and a couple of dresses in the closet. When I got to the bottom, I discovered the paperback Peter Pan from the bedside table.
“You brought this?” I gave him a wistful smile and walked over and sat on the bed.
“Yes. I had hoped we could continue before…” Jonas paused.
Tiger Lily: Part Three Page 26