Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined)

by Gregory, Nichelle

  Pull it together.

  It was damned difficult to do, especially when every move on the hard chair she sat on set off little twinges between her legs. Serene watched Oliver, enchanted by his charm and confidence like everyone else listening to him. God, he had a sexy voice. Who was she kidding? Oliver Banner was gorgeous.

  The things he’d told her to do…

  Serene laughed along with the group at something Oliver had said, not knowing what was funny. She couldn’t stop thinking about where he’d taken her…what they’d watched. Serene suppressed a shiver as she recalled how aroused she’d been the entire night. She wanted to chalk up her wanton actions to the wildness of the evening. Oliver was correct, voyeurism turned her on, but it was more than that. She’d been pushing back thoughts about him placing his hands all over her body since he’d helped her put on that stiletto.

  I let my lust get the best of me and it was fun and exciting.

  Serene lifted her glass as Oliver instructed and toasted her sister and Cameron. She swallowed the champagne as Ava turned to her.

  “You okay?” Ava eyed her closely.

  “I’m fine.” Serene sat back in her chair as a waiter presented her with dinner. “Why?”

  Ava frowned. “I’m picking up some kinda vibe from you, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

  “That’s funny.” Serene shook her head as she poured dressing on her salad. “So, how are things going with NJ?”

  Ava’s face brightened. “Oh, Dios. NJ is something else.”

  Serene chuckled as Ava began gushing over the hunky football player, relieved she’d able to divert her focus from any more talk about strange vibrations. Her mind a million miles away, she had to concentrate on the Latina’s conversation to interject the appropriate phrases.

  Misha’s laughter drew Serene’s attention across the table and her stomach flipped when her gaze locked with Oliver’s. Serene averted her face from his and made a gallant effort to engage in topics being discussed around her. She got up when she noticed Aimee’s lack of enthusiasm and joined her sister-in-law. “Need another glass of champagne?”

  “At least one more.” Aimee shook her head. “Coming here with Kaden was a mistake.”

  “How are things?”

  “Strained as hell.” Aimee twirled her wedding ring around her finger. “Kaden told me he’s going to move out when we get back, that it was wrong of him to ask me to come home before I was ready to truly give us a second chance.”

  “Wow. How do you feel about that?”

  Aimee lifted her gaze from her hand to Serene with tears shimmering in her eyes. “I feel sad, relieved…I don’t know.” Her sister-in-law shrugged. “Confused and guilty.”

  “Guilty? Why would you feel that way?” Serene frowned at the bleak light in Aimee’s eyes.

  “Serene—” Aimee paused as she glanced over her shoulder. “We’ll talk later. Kaden’s on his way back.”

  “Okay. Aimee, maybe the time apart will help you figure out what you want to do.”

  “Maybe. I realize we both can’t keep going on this way.” Aimee gave Serene a tight smile as Kaden joined them and handed his wife her drink.

  Kaden glanced at Serene. “Should I go get you a glass as well?”

  “No. I’m headed over that way.” Serene cast a look between the two of them, dismayed by the tension between them. “I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

  “Cool.” Kaden shifted his attention from Aimee to Serene. “There’s something I want to talk to you about then.”

  Serene nodded. “Okay.” She left them standing silently next to one another with a heavy sigh. She hoped they both could find the right words to reach the other. There was so much pain between them, but the love they shared was still evident to Serene. She stopped to chat with Josie and Jax and their lighthearted banter helped pull her a little bit out of her funk.

  By the end of the first dance, Serene was mentally exhausted. She cheered as Misha and Cameron invited everyone onto the dance floor and laughed when Ava coaxed NJ to dance. She watched the two groove to one of her favorite slow jams, fully intending to find another glass of bubbly and sit back down.

  “May I have this dance?”

  Oliver.

  Serene whirled around to see him and had parted her lips to speak when he took her by the hand and proceeded to take her out onto the dance floor. She stared at him as he wrapped his arm around her back, pulled her close and effortlessly took the lead. Just concentrating on moving her feet proved difficult each time she breathed in Oliver’s heady scent.

  “Do you plan to avoid me for the duration of your stay on this island?” The corners of Oliver’s mouth twitched as he looked down at her.

  “Apparently, that’s impossible.” Serene stiffened when Oliver pressed his fingers against the small of her back.

  “Aw, now that would almost hurt my feelings if I didn’t feel your pulse racing beneath my thumb.”

  Serene glanced at the position of his hand on hers and rolled her eyes at him as he chuckled. She remained silent as he twirled her around the floor, knowing that any retort would only encourage him to say something more outrageous.

  “God, you feel good back in my arms.” Oliver pulled her in closer.

  “Oliver…” Serene subtly tried to put some distance between them, her breath hitching when Oliver deliberately brushed his hard-on against her belly. “Oliver!” She surreptitiously peeked around him see if anyone else was watching them.

  “Relax.” Oliver loosened his hold on her slightly. “All eyes are on your sister.” He spun her around then brought her right back against his body. “This is your last night in Tahiti and I want you to spend it with me.”

  Serene shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “Why not? I know you want to. What are you afraid of?”

  “I’m not afraid. Look, last night happened. I don’t regret it, but let’s not further complicate our one-night stand with another night.”

  “Do you remember the last thing I told you yesterday, Serene?”

  Like she could forget. Just being reminded of what he’d said did funny things to her heartbeat.

  “I meant what I said.”

  “Oliver, I’m not interested.”

  “Bullshit.”

  Serene shrugged. “I know that must be shocking for you to hear. I bet it isn’t often you get turned down, huh, Mr Playboy?”

  “Don’t even try it, Ms Date ‘em and Frustrate ‘em. How many men are you currently dating? I know I saw a Shawn and a Brian—”

  “Brady, and that’s none of your business.”

  “Agreed, but your interest in me is.” Oliver slowed as the song came to an end. “Prove you’re not interested.” He leaned into her. “Go into the bathroom and bring me back your dry panties.”

  Serene baulked. “I will not.” She couldn’t.

  “Why, are they wet?” His cocky grin irritated her and simultaneously made her wetter.

  “No!”

  “Liar.” Oliver released her. “Be true to yourself at the very least, Serene.”

  Serene watched him walk away. “Unbelievable.” Somehow he’d managed to make her feel guilty about not sleeping with him again. Sex with Oliver had been electrifying. She’d enjoyed it even if she hadn’t climaxed. She never had with any man.

  ‘It’s your fault you can’t come.’

  Her last lover Aaron’s disdainful words echoed in her ears. He’d been a jerk and Serene had easily forgotten most of what he’d said to her, except for those six words. Aaron’s frustration with her inability to come no matter his technique had eventually made sex between them seem more like a competition sport. The pressure Serene had felt to orgasm had only exasperated the problem.

  My problem.

  Serene pushed the dark thought from her mind as the DJ announced the cutting of the cake. She joined everyone else gathering around the gorgeous wedding cake, which was decorated with chiffon hibiscus flowers. She cheered when her
sister and Cameron sliced into the dessert. Serene put her hand on her hip as Misha came up to her. “How are you, Mrs Banner?”

  Misha beamed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that.”

  “Me either!” The two sisters squealed. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you.” Misha shifted her gaze from Serene to look at Cameron chatting with Oliver. “I never dreamed I’d be this happy.” Her sister turned to her again. “You’ve been such a big help with everything. That was such a beautiful toast you gave us.”

  “I just said what was in my heart. You know it was a joy to help you in any way I could.” Serene blinked back tears. “That’s what sisters are for.”

  Misha took hold of Serene’s hand. “I love you.”

  “I love you back.” Serene hugged Misha then both women pulled back and fanned their faces.

  “I’m glad I took your advice about waterproof mascara.” Misha shook her head. “I’ve shed more tears today than I anticipated.”

  “Happy tears are the best.”

  “Yes, they are.” Misha leaned in toward Serene. “You okay? I know I’ve been a little preoccupied with this wedding stuff—”

  Serene snickered. “Just a little.”

  “Okay, a lot, but I’d intended to ask you that question earlier.” Misha studied her. “You’ve seemed a little on edge. Is there something going on I don’t know about?”

  Does sleeping with the best man count?

  Serene exhaled as her sister frowned.

  “What’s is it, Serene?”

  Serene opened her mouth to reassure Misha there was nothing going just as Cameron clinked his glass with a fork to gain everyone’s attention.

  “I need my beautiful wife by my side.” Cameron’s handsome face was alight with humor at the good-natured cheers. “Right now and forever.” He beckoned Misha forward as a wave of ‘awws’ mingled with clapping.

  Serene nudged her sister forward. “You better get over there, Mrs Banner.”

  “Right.” Misha giggled then wagged her finger at Serene. “We will talk later.”

  Serene nodded. “Later. Go. Your husband awaits you.”

  Misha kissed her on the cheek with a giggle then pivoted to join Cameron by the half eaten cake. Serene moved to stand by their parents then whistled as the two lovebirds kissed again. They pulled away and Cameron held up his hand for the group to quiet down.

  “Misha and I are so blessed to have you all here to celebrate with us. We want to thank each of you for boarding a plane and traveling all this way to Tahiti to be with us this weekend. We love you all.”

  “We love you too, man,” Braeden called out dramatically and everyone erupted into laughter again.

  Cameron waved him off and looked at his wife. “Misha, falling in love with you has been the greatest surprise and thrill of my life. I look forward to spending my days and nights delighting and surprising you. To that end… I want to whisk you away for our honeymoon in France.”

  Serene gasped as Misha clasped her hands to her mouth.

  “Oh, Cameron!” Misha threw herself into his arms as everyone cheered again.

  Serene turned to her mom. “How exciting for them!”

  “I know.” Grace dabbed her eyes. “What a wonderful gift.”

  “It is. Misha’s always wanted to go to the City of Love.” Serene watched Cameron pull Misha closer to his side.

  “You all are welcome to party on without us”—Cameron looked at his wife—“but Misha and I have some…packing to do.”

  “You heard the man!” The DJ cranked up the music. “The party must go on.”

  Serene’s father rubbed his temple. “Honey, I don’t think I can take a minute more of this music.”

  Serene laughed. “This is a good song, Dad.”

  “It’s not good if I don’t understand what they are saying.” Her father pointed toward the DJ’s table. “I wonder if he’s got any Marvin Gaye albums.”

  “I think a little old school jam fest is just what we need.” Grace rubbed her husband’s arm. “What do you say we go back to our bungalow and relax?”

  Curtis nodded. “I’d say you know just what I need.”

  “I do, but I’ve got to go talk to my baby first.” Her mom smiled at her. “Are you going to stay and dance, Serene?”

  “For a little while.”

  “Have fun. I want to see you before we head to the airport tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Let’s do breakfast.” Serene hugged both of her parents. “Make that brunch.”

  “Brunch it is.” Her mother took hold of her father’s arm. “Let’s go wish our daughter and her husband a safe trip.”

  “I’m coming too.” Serene walked with her mom over to her sister and Cameron and waited her turn to say goodbye. She embraced Cameron first then her sister. “I know you two will have an amazing time.”

  “I’ll call you from the airport in the morning and once we arrive in France.” Misha drew up her shoulders then exhaled. “I’m so excited!”

  “Take lots of pictures.”

  “We will.” Misha glanced at Cameron. “Let’s say goodnight to everyone else and go.”

  “Okay.” Cameron gave Serene a quick hug. “See you when we get back, Serene.”

  “Au revoir.”

  “Au revoir,” Cameron and Misha said at the same time.

  Serene eyed the wedding cake, decided to have another slice then moved toward the table. She picked up another plate with a slice already on it and took a bite. The dessert was divine. The buttercream frosting melted on her tongue, blending perfectly with the white cake, but the baked good didn’t curb her true craving.

  Oliver.

  She sought him out in the room and found him looking at her. Not willing to be the first to glance away, Serene held his steady gaze. She thought she’d gotten her desire under control out of his presence, but within seconds she was right back in the state of need she’d been in before he’d walked away from her.

  ‘But you should know I don’t like unfinished business.’

  Serene averted her face from Oliver’s with his words replaying in her head as her cell vibrated in her mini clutch. She fumbled with the snap closure, retrieved her phone then entered her password to read her text message.

  Come with me to Tiaré tonight. Meet me at my bungalow. 10 p.m. Wear the white skirt and that tube top. Nothing else. O

  Her pulsed raced as she reread Oliver’s message even though she had every word already memorized. She stared at the O on her screen as her stomach twisted in knots. Despite the warring feelings of excitement and uncertainty, Serene calmly stuffed her cell back in her purse, sensing Oliver’s gaze upon her. As much as she might want to consider indulging in another night with him she wouldn’t, especially if he thought he could tie up loose ends with her by giving her that ever elusive orgasm. She didn’t need or want that kind of pressure ever again. Tears blurred Serene’s vision as she turned her back to Oliver.

  Dating… Sex without expectations was just easier, and the only thing she wanted to deal with right now. Serene tossed her empty plate in the trash then headed for the nearest exit, in desperate need for fresh air. She ignored the small voice in her head taunting her that wasn’t at all what she wanted.

  Chapter Eight

  Oliver placed his forearms on the banister of the lanai. The wedding had ended shortly after his brother and Misha had left. It had been a good day—long, but good. Not even his father’s attempt to talk business before his mom had pulled him off to dance could ruin his mood. He’d been waiting with anticipation for the moment he’d have Serene all to himself again. Oliver shifted his gaze from the moonlight shimmering on the water’s surface and glanced at his watch. Ten minutes after ten.

  Maybe she’s not coming.

  Oliver squashed that thought. He was certain Serene would show, despite the fact she hadn’t responded to his text message. No matter how Serene had reacted at first, she’d enjoyed Tiaré. She’d been so wet aft
er they’d come back.

  Damn.

  He couldn’t stop thinking about how wonderful her body had felt against his. He got rock hard every time he recalled how good she’d felt wrapped around his dick. Like now.

  Her hesitancy to admit that the darker elements of eroticism turned her on aroused him, made him want to be the one to show her what she was missing.

  Light knocking drew a smile to his face. Oliver wondered if Serene had followed his dress instructions as he crossed through the open sliding glass doors into the sitting room to the front entry. He opened it and smiled at Serene. “You’re late.”

  Serene didn’t blink. “Hey, I’m here.” She moved past him as he closed the door and faced her. “Surprised?”

  “No. You?” Oliver chuckled when she glared at him then took in her appearance. She was wearing the white skirt, but he couldn’t tell if she wore the tube top with the sarong draped around her shoulders. He pointed to it. “That article of clothing wasn’t part of my instructions.”

  “I didn’t want anyone to see me with this crazy top on.”

  “We’re the last set of bungalows in the row and our doors don’t face each other.” Oliver walked over to Serene. “No one you know would’ve seen you.” He slowly pulled the sarong away from Serene and dropped his gaze from Serene’s as the silky material fell away to reveal that she’d indeed worn the teal tube top as he’d instructed. His eyes lingered on the outline of her erect nipples. “Lovely.”

  “Inappropriate.” Serene balled her hands into fists as if it were difficult to remain still as he studied her.

  “Says who?” Oliver touched her flat belly and Serene quivered beneath his touch. “I say you’re lovely. Come here.” Oliver took hold of her hand and led her to the bedroom. He pushed her in front of the full-length. “Do you see what I see?”

  Serene shifted her gaze from his in the mirror, stared at herself and slowly started to grin. “Not bad for an older woman.”

  “I’m not sure why you do that.”

  Serene lifted her attention off her reflection to look at him. “Do what?”

  “Undermine your sexuality.” Oliver moved to stand behind her. “You are a vibrant, sexy woman and there isn’t a single thing about you that inspires matronly thoughts.”