Shadows of Knight: Book 1 of Dark Shadows - a Romantic Suspense Trilogy

by M E Whiter

  “Good girl, now remember, relax. Take a deep breath."

  He moves closer, forcing my body to lean back against the side of the pool. “Now, I want you to close your eyes . . . Rachel close your eyes.” I hesitate for a second, but then I finally close my eyes, knowing I need to show, I can trust him. “Keep your eyes closed. Do not open them, understand?”

  “Yes,” I breathe, my body quivering at the sound of his sexy accent.

  “I want you to listen carefully, when I tell you, your scars are not ugly. Not to me anyway. They show me, how brave and resilient you are, and I don’t want you to feel ashamed, to show them to me. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, Sebastian.” My gosh! Does he really mean what he just said, or is he only saying it because he thinks it's what I want to hear, after I brought it up last night? I must admit, it's an issue that has been at the back of my mind, recently.

  I jump slightly, when I feel his hand slide around my waist, as he moves his mouth closer to my ear. “I’m going to show you, with my hands and my mouth, just how desirable you are to me,” he says in earnest.

  With his other hand, he tilts my head to one side, as his lips move to my neck, just under my ear. He marks a trail of hot wet kisses to the base of my throat, and then back up again. “Mmm, you taste so sweet, Rachel,” he purrs against my tingling skin.

  His warm mouth then presses over mine, kissing me, as he slides his fingers through my hair and grabs hold, to keep me in place. Our mouths grind together, in a hot and heavy embrace, leaving my lips tender and swollen. Oh my! It's feels erotic and pleasurable, adding fuel to the desire, that's been brewing inside me, since I first fell into his lap.

  He slips his tongue inside my mouth, probing and rubbing against mine, as he runs his hand down my throat, stopping at the top of my breasts. Slipping his fingers under the straps of my swimsuit, he eases them down over my shoulders, effectively pinning my arms to my sides. My ample breasts are left exposed, just above the water line.

  The sudden cool air hitting my nipples, causes them to swell and grow hard. Panic sweeps over me, my eyes flying open, as I attempt to push Sebastian away, breaking the kiss.

  "Sebastian, no . . . not out here. Someone might see us . . . ,” I pant breathlessly, embarrassment nipping at the heels of my modesty.

  “Rachel, no one will see us,” he promises, the truth in his eyes, calming my panic. Rubbing his hands up and down my arms, he whispers, "Close your eyes Rachel. Trust me."

  Taking a quick glance over his shoulder, I can't actually see the beach from this angle. When I'm satisfied that no one could see us, if they happen to be walking along, I slowly close my eyes again and try to relax.

  “Good girl,” he says, sounding pleased. “I’ve waited so long to feast my eyes on your breasts. They are truly magnificent and so perfectly shaped.” He caresses one breast with the tips of his fingers, drawing swirling patterns all around the areola, teasing but not actually touching it. "They feel like satin, so smooth and soft.”

  He tugs on my nipple, rolling it between his fingers and thumb until it swells and hardens. “I love watching your nipples respond under my fingers," he comments, over the sound of my moaning, as he repeats the process several times over with both nipples.

  "They look like delicious red cherries," he adds, sliding his hand under one breast, and lifting it up to his mouth. Sucking my swollen nipple into his mouth, he swirls his hot tongue over it. I heave my chest forward, wanting to get closer to his tongue, as he works each nipple in turn, flicking it back and forth, again and again. I cry out in ecstasy, wishing he would never stop.

  Sebastian sighs, kissing my ear. "I cannot wait to explore every inch of your voluptuous body.” Oh God yes, do it now, please?

  His hand moves down my body, and my heart rate soars, knowing exactly where he's heading. I hold my breath, not knowing if I'm ready for it, but I'm so turned on by now, I don't think I have the willpower to stop him, even if I wanted to.

  When he reaches my pubic region, he slides the palm of his hand between my legs, pressing it against my sex. Then suddenly, he halts what he's doing and asks, “Do you want me to stop Rachel?” Is the man crazy?

  “No, please . . . I don’t want you to stop,” I plead desperately, feeling like a wanton woman.

  At this stage, my need is so great, that I don't give a damn, about the fact, we are outdoors or that he's seeing me, in this state of heightened arousal. Hell, he's the one who got me here, so he'd better be prepared to finish the job, or I'll go ‘stir crazy’ from unfulfilled lust.

  “Good answer Rachel. Now, spread your legs for me,” he commands, his deep sexy voice humming against my ear.

  When I move my legs apart, he begins to massage me, through the fabric of my swimsuit. The palm of his hand works over my swollen sex, setting a delicious rhythm, moving back and forth, over and over, again. I whimper out loud, feeling the friction enflaming every pleasure point in my core. My whole body is humming, with the need for release ever increasing.

  He starts kissing me again, as his hand pushes aside the crotch on my swimsuit. When he slips his long slender finger inside me, I moan loudly. His finger pumps in and out of me, over and over again. The friction on my sweet spot, is just the stimulation I need.

  Slipping a second digit inside me, he brings his thumb up and presses it over my clit. He continues pleasuring me like a master, until I'm slick with heat, driving me wild.

  The sweet torture is almost more than I can tolerate. My breathing is ragged, and I can hardly contain the low feral sounds ripping from my throat, as the prickling itch becomes more intense, increasing the pressure on my core, desperately needing some release.

  Sebastian grip around my waist tightens, as he increases the speed, thrusting in and out of me, hard and fast. His thumb continues to work my clit, forcing my breasts to bob about in the water, of their own accord. I throw my head back, gyrating my hips to increase the friction, as my need to climax, becomes unbearable.

  I groan loudly, wishing my arms weren't trapped by the straps of my swimming costume, wanting to grab hold of his strong arms, for support. Suddenly my inner muscles clench tightly around his fingers, when he moves them slightly, so they are rubbing against my sweet spot, in just the right way. It's not long, before I can feel those first thrilling tremors rising inside me, signalling the onset of my orgasm.

  “I can feel you are close, Rachel,” he pants, slightly out of breath. “Let me hear you come.”

  Suddenly, my legs stiffen, as my body arches back abruptly, “Ahh . . . Ahh . . . Oh yes. . .” I cry out, my muscles convulsing wildly, releasing a rush of liquid heat between my legs, as I ride out the most intense orgasm of my life. Sebastian doesn’t stop thrusting, when I let myself go, my body floating on a wave of ecstasy. I finally collapse, my head slumping against his shoulder. I am completely and utterly spent, feeling the aftershocks of my release fading away.

  Before I have time to recover, Sebastian lifts my head and kisses me, deeply and passionately, thrusting his tongue inside my mouth, teasing mine to come and play. When my tongue touches his lips, he sucks on it, tasting my sweet juices, greedy for every last drop. He slowly eases his fingers out of me, and then pulls the crotch of my swimsuit, back in place.

  Without breaking the kiss, he moves positions, so that he's standing directly in front of me. He slips his arms around my waist, crushing my breasts against his naked chest. I can feel the bulge of his erection, pressing against my pelvis.

  When he ends the kiss, his voice is raw and throaty against my ear. “Rachel, I want to be inside you so badly right now, but unfortunately, we don’t have the time." The disappointment shoots through me. Now that I've had a taste of what he can do to me, I'm hungry for more. Much more.

  "I will have to take a rain check for the moment,” he groans, releasing me from his arms. The cold air hitting my sensitised nipples, makes me shiver. But, I keep my eyes closed, not wanting Sebastian to see, the grief I'm feeling, missing th
e intimate physical connection we shared just a moment ago.

  “You can open your eyes now, Rachel,” he says, with a hint of amusement in his voice.

  When I finally open my eyes, he's gazing at me, with a glazed look, and the sexiest smile on his face, that makes my heart melt.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Mmm . . .”, I can’t quite find my voice, as I’m still coming down from the euphoric after-effects of my orgasm.

  “Earth to Rachel?” he sings, running his finger down the side of my face, to capture my attention.

  “It was incredible," I say finally with a shy smile. "It's been a long time since I . . . I guess, I feel a little embarrassed, to be honest.” I shrug, lowering my eyes to his chest. He grabs the bottom of my chin, lifting it up, so I’m forced to meet his gaze. He can read the shame in my face.

  “Rachel, it gave me a great deal of satisfaction, to give you pleasure, and showing you how desirable you are. You looked so beautiful in that moment, when you came. I know you enjoyed it, and that is all that matters. There is nothing for you to be embarrassed about.”

  “I know.” I reply meekly. I had definitely enjoyed the experience and he was certainly willing to give it to me. So, I have nothing to feel embarrassed about, right?

  “I think it is time we got out of the pool. We have to be down at the dock by ten, so why don’t you get changed while I rustle up some breakfast?” He leans over and kisses my cheek, before he turns and wades over to the steps, and climbs out of the pool.

  I hold back a few moments, needing a little time to recover and process what just happened. I felt for certain that something would happen between us, considering the intense magnetic attraction we have for each other, binding us together. I just wasn’t expecting it to happen out here in the pool, in broad daylight. That's definitely a first for me.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  SUNDAY, 24th August

  Rachel

  I CAN’T WIPE the satisfied grin off my face, as stand under the hot shower. I can still feel where Sebastian’s expert fingers have touched me, in my most intimate of places. His raincheck promise of more later, has me already feeling hot and horny all over again. I definitely hope he intends to collect on that promise, and soon.

  When I think about what just happened in the pool and how he makes me feel, when I’m around him, I know I’m in real danger. Who scares me the most, is not the person who’s threatening me that scares me the most, but Sebastian himself. He is an incredibly charismatic and attractive man, with a caring and sensitive nature, and the real threat is, he could easily have me falling in love with him. A recipe for a heartbreak, when my time with him comes to an end, and I have to say goodbye.

  Back in the bedroom, I put on the only clothes I have, resembling a sailing outfit. A white peasant blouse with lace trim, blue washed-denim jeans and white canvas sneakers. I put on my blue denim jacket over the top and then finish the look, by wrapping a pale blue and white paisley scarf around my neck to keep out the wind. When I finish dressing, I fold up my walking cane and pack it away, with my camera, in my small backpack, seeing as I still don’t have my handbag.

  After breakfast is over, Sebastian goes off to have his shower. Later, when I search for him downstairs, I find him collecting his phone and wallet off the hall stand. He looks particularly handsome and very sexy, wearing a navy polo shirt that stretches enticingly across his broad chest; white canvas shorts with a brown leather belt and white deck shoes. His black hair is still damp from his shower, and a few stray strands dangle over one eye.

  He looks up as soon as I approach, “Hi sweetheart. You look very pretty and I particularly like the pink flush on your cheeks. Hmm, I wonder what caused that?” he asks, raising one eyebrow. My cheeks flush even darker, but I avoid responding, not wanting to encourage him.

  I make to leave the kitchen, thinking we are ready to leave, but then Sebastian reaches out and grabs my arm to stop me. In one swift move, he folds his arms around my shoulders, pressing our bodies together, as he kisses me long and passionately. It takes me completely by surprise, not knowing what prompted this on.

  When the kiss is over, "Wow! Not that I don't like you kissing me, but what was that for?" I ask, breathing out heavily.

  "I just wanted to make sure you were fine, after what happened in the pool," he replies, running his finger down the side of my face.

  I give him a dreamy grin, my heart loving that he's so caring, "I'm fine. More than fine, actually. I feel relaxed."

  "I am glad. I like to hear that I can make you feel relaxed. Except, I did not know I could work miracles, where is your cane?" he frowns, stepping back to look me up and down. I give a small chuckle, he's even noticed I don't have it.

  "My knee feels better, so I thought I'd just carry it with me. It's not like we'll be doing that much walking, anyway."

  “Alright then. Are you ready to go?"

  "Yes, I can't wait."

  The downtown marina is a short ten minute drive away from Sebastian's house. With the day quickly growing warmer, we couldn’t have picked a more perfect day for sailing. The sun is shining and the breeze blowing off the lake, is moderate.

  Sebastian parks the car in the carpark, directly across from the marina's main entrance. From here, it's a short stroll along the dock, to where his friend's yacht is moored. Sebastian leads the way, holding my hand, as we walk along the pier, where two sleek-looking yachts are moored.

  “Is that it?” I ask Sebastian, pointing to the first yacht with the name “Iona Two” painted on the side.

  “Yes. It’s a seventy foot sea jet. You can see the fly bridge at the top. Below that is the fully-covered main deck which then wraps around the sides of the boat.”

  “Wow, it’s beautiful,” I remark, as we reach the bottom of the gangplank. Sebastian’s friends come out to welcome us aboard.

  “Hello Matt, Fiona. Good to see you both,” Sebastian says, as Matt waves us aboard. Sebastian shakes Matt’s hand and gives Fiona a kiss on the cheek, when he gives her a brief hug. He then pulls me close to his side, slipping his arm around my shoulder. "I would like you both, to meet Rachel.” He nods towards me, and then adds, “Rachel these are the friends I told you about. Matt and his wife, Fiona. ”

  “Rachel, welcome aboard,” Matt says, shaking my hand. "I must say, after Sebastian told me about what happened, I couldn't believe it, when he phoned and said you were actually here, with him now.”

  I smile in reply to his comment. “Hello, I’m pleased to meet you both.”

  “He must have given you one hell of an apology,” Matt chuckles at his own, not so funny joke. I feign a chuckle, not quite knowing how to take his humour. When I look up at Sebastian, there's an apologetic grin on his face, as he shakes his head at Matt.

  Fiona leans into her husband, placing an arm on his chest. “Rachel, it's nice to meet you, but please ignore my husband," she says, giving me a knowing smile. "He and Sebastian behave like silly school boys when they catch up. They never pass up an opportunity to take the mickey out of each other.

  “I don’t mind,” I reply coyly, shrugging my shoulders.

  "Come with me,” she says, gesturing for me to follow her. “I’ll show you around, while Matt and Sebastian get us under sail.”

  “Yeah sure. You ladies go right ahead,” Matt interjects over his shoulder as he nods for Sebastian to join him. “We won’t be leaving just yet. We have to finish checking the safety equipment first.”

  Sebastian touches my arm, "Will you be alright, if I help Matt out?”

  "Yes, I'll be fine, you go."

  "Alright, see you in a bit." He gives me a peck on the cheek, then takes off to catch up with Matt.

  I follow Fiona through a set of double glass doors, leading inside to a beautifully fitted-out main cabin, where all the interior fittings, are finished in white leather, marble and glossy polished timber. Passing through the salon, with its fitted couches lining each side, we then enter a small hall
way, that leads us past a club dinette and ends up in a fully-equipped galley kitchen. Fiona then leads me downstairs, to look at the equally stylishly bedrooms each with their own bathroom.