by Bella Jewel
They’re epic.
Grinning, I turn and open the door, only to run straight into Finn. He’s standing there as if he was waiting for this very moment. I open my mouth, but he moves quickly, stepping in and forcing me back, shutting the door behind him.
“Everyone on the plane just saw you attack me and shove me into the bathroom, Finn Knight!” I snap, crossing my arms. “Now they all think we’re in here joining the mile-high club.”
“Curtains were closed, no one saw, and we’ll get to that.”
What? We’ll get to what?
The mile-high club.
I do not think so.
“What do you want that you couldn’t speak to me outside a bathroom for?” I say, trying to shuffle back, but there really is no room.
Finn puts a hand up on the wall behind me, trapping me in. Then, he leans down close and growls, “I don’t like bein’ ignored.”
“Yes, and?”
“I’d like to know why you’re not fuckin’ answerin’ my calls. You got a good reason?”
“Yes, and?”
He growls, leaning even closer. His breath smells like beer. Lord, I want to eat his face off. He’s so fucking gorgeous, damn him.
“Don’t be smart with me, Erin. I know what you’re doin’. Out there, talkin’ about other men. I don’t share.”
I burst out laughing and say, “Oh, you don’t share? But I have to? I don’t think so, Mr. Knight. In fact, you can just step out of my way right now so I can go and think about all the men I’m going to let rub their sweaty, bronze bodies all over me in a few days.”
He growls and reaches around, grabbing my ass and hauling me close. “Over my dead body.”
Then he’s kissing me.
Why does he have to kiss me?
Drunk me wants to be kissed. To be ravished.
Sober me is going to beat the ever loving shit out of drunk me in the morning.
But hell, he tastes so good, and I’ve been craving him. Though I will never, ever tell him that.
I kiss him back, loving the way his hand is kneading at my ass.
“Don’t get around in a tight little dress, with that perfect fuckin’ ass, if you don’t want me to fuck you. I will fuck you. Every single time.”
“What if I don’t want to be fucked?” I pant.
But I do. I really do want to be fucked.
So sue me.
“Baby,” he murmurs, nuzzling my neck. “We both know you do.”
He’s right.
We both know this.
His hand moves to my dress, pulling it up. His other hand makes light work of his jeans, jerking them down, and then he’s rolling on a condom, putting my leg around his waist, and sinking into me. It happens rather quickly, too quickly for me to protest, not that I was going to. Let’s face it, this man is hardly someone you say no to.
God, I’m getting weak.
What’s wrong with me?
The cock pumping in and out of me making my body come to life and my whole world explode is what’s wrong with me.
The man grabbing my ass, jaw tight, eyes locked onto mine is what’s wrong with me.
The sounds of his rough, husky growl is what’s wrong with me.
Finn Knight.
Finn Knight is what’s wrong with me.
1
ERIN
“You had sex with Finn,” Ellie says, narrowing her eyes in that scrutinizing manner.
“Don’t judge me, Ellie, I couldn’t help it. I was just in the bathroom, and then suddenly he was in me. It’s hardly something I could stop.”
Ellie rolls her eyes, and Shania chuckles. Lucy grins big and nods at me like she’s completely thrilled with my poor decision. But damn, I couldn’t say no even if I tried. It’s the alcohol—I know damn well I’ll regret this when I sober up. I know I will because I know that I’m not the only one seeing that side to Finn, and I really should just be done with him.
But the memory of his hard body against mine makes it very hard for me to do that.
“Ladies,” I sigh, rubbing my face, and glancing at the three of them. “I have a huge problem.”
“What’s the huge problem?” Ellie asks, crossing her legs and turning slightly so she can face me, she’s sitting right next to me.
“The problem is that I’m getting caught up by Finn Knight.” I glance at the rest of the group, making sure no one is making an effort to listen in, even though I’m being as quiet as I can. Shania and Lucy have turned around in their seats and are peeking through the back.
I look over to Indiana. Thankfully, she’s asleep.
So is Amalie.
And most of the men.
Except Finn and Lincoln, they’re discussing something, and when they feel my eyes on them, they both look to me. I flush and lean back into my group, talking a little quieter.
“Well,” I tell them, “here’s the thing. I’m super chilled when it comes to men. I’ve never dealt with bad behavior, never played games, never taken any crap from them. I’m what you’d call a high value woman, I know my worth, and I simply do not accept any less. Until Finn. See, before I would have never slept with a man who wasn’t being honest with me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he told me it was just sex and I agreed, but I also made it clear that I don’t do games, and if he is thinking of sleeping with someone else, he needs to let me know. He didn’t. In the past, I would have just run from that, no hesitation, so why can’t I now? I’m whipped. Dick whipped.”
Shania snorts, and Lucy giggles.
“That’s a new one,” Lucy says, “I’m going to try it out. And girl, I hear you. I’m the same when it comes to men, and so far, I’ve not had the problem you’re having, but I do know how I’d feel about myself if I let something continue to happen when I know it isn’t good for me.”
“It is a problem if you’re not okay with him sleeping with someone else,” Shania points out. “If you were okay with it, I guess it doesn’t matter so much.”
“I don’t think Indi would be okay with it, either,” I whisper, nodding in Indiana’s direction. “Which is why I feel even more shitty.”
“I think you should tell her.” Ellie shrugs. “Stop her wasting her time, too.”
I frown. What if I told her and she confronted Finn, found the balls I am lacking, and he decided to choose her and stop sleeping with me? I’m not sure I actually want that.
Oh, God.
I really am dick whipped. This is bad. So, so bad.
“I’m screwed,” I whine, dropping my head into my hands. “I’ve lost all my feminine power, and I’m sinking into a pathetic nothingness where a man will forever rule my life and I’ll be nothing more than a sex toy.”
Shania laughs again, “Honey, you’re being a touch dramatic. I think you just need to tell him you know about Indiana, tell him you’re not into sleeping with a man who has multiple partners, and be done with it. Let him do what he wants. Go find a hot island man to make you all sweaty and forget Finn Knight.”
Can one truly forget any of the Knights?
I doubt it.
But she’s right.
“I still think Indi has a right to know, too,” Ellie points out once more.
“I’m not going to ruin her life; he might have been honest with her, and she might already know he sees other women. It isn’t really my business,” I tell Ellie.
“But she might really like him, too …” Ellie raises her brows, pursing her lips.
Probably a look she learned from me.
“I think Ellie has a point,” Shania says. “Wasn’t really my place to tell you either, but I knew I had to. It isn’t fair …”
“Dammit, why are y’all making me be a good person? Can’t I just play with an island boy like you all suggested and forget it?”
They all give me a look that tells me no, no I can’t do that.
Indi has a right to know.
Especially since Finn just took his fix of me.
Will he go to her n
ext?
Douche. Douche bag. Douche bag of the century.
Dammit.
I shouldn’t even care.
So why the hell do I?
~*~*~*~
“OH. MY. GOD!” I scream, barreling into the hotel room.
Not only is the island we’re staying on absolutely gorgeous—with white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, and luxurious thick trees—but the resort right in the middle of it just about seems unrealistic, it’s so amazing.
Pools, bars, clubs, massage, restaurants, mini golf, you name it.
It’s all here.
And we get to spend ten, long, awesome days here.
Lucy, Indi, and I are sharing a room, because we’re single and nobody else likes us. Not really, but everyone else is taken, so we’re stuck together. When we step through after checking in, we all make the same squeal of delight. Our three-bedroom, sea view room is something out of a damned movie. Big double doors that open up over a deck that looks out over the ocean, huge beds, furniture that looks so expensive it almost hurts to consider sitting on it, a spa bath, huge shower, everything.
It is everything.
And we get to spend all our time enjoying it.
“This is incredible!” Indi breathes, staring around. “I’m so overwhelmed, I don’t even know where to start.”
“Let’s all pick a room, and then we’re supposed to be meeting everyone back downstairs at the bar, for some drinks and dinner.”
It’s midafternoon, we arrived later than expected. So we all decided we’d spend our first night drinking – more – and eating all the awesome food provided. I’m excited. So excited. Not about the alcohol, because dammit, I don’t need more of that, but … it is a vacation, right?
I’m allowed to drink as much as I want.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
“Sounds good to me,” Lucy says, and then runs toward the biggest room. “Claim this one!”
“You awful woman.” I laugh, running to the other one.
Indi claims the last.
Lucy got the biggest room, but we both got our own balcony and a view of the ocean. Suck that, Lucy. I unpack my things, lie on the bed once, okay three times, and then have a shower and get changed. I’m on an island, so I’m opting for looking as incredible as I can. I pick a pair of short denim shorts, my emerald-green bikini which makes my eyes pop, and my flip flops. I pull a black, light, knitted sort of shawl over my shoulders, brush my hair, and then head out.
The other girls are both waiting.
“Damn, woman,” Lucy says. “You have a rockin’ body. I wish I could pull that off.”
I stare at her. She’s absolutely gorgeous. I mean, out of this world gorgeous. “Lady, you absolutely could.”
“Nope, I’m way too white. Someone would get me confused for paper …”
Indi chuckles. “That’s not true at all.”
We all laugh and then grab our things and head downstairs. I can’t help but stare at Indi as we walk, wondering if maybe I just don’t stand a chance. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I know I’m attractive, I don’t need a man to tell me that, but maybe I’m not the kind of woman he wants to settle down with, you know? I mean, if I was, Finn would probably make me a priority, right?
“So, Indi,” Lucy asks as we walk, “how’s your love life going?”
Cheeky woman.
Lucy knows Finn is somewhat playing us both, and she also knows I’m debating whether or not I should tell Indi about my relationship with Finn, so I know for a fact she’s asking the question because she knows deep inside I’m curious. I’m curious but I’m far too chicken shit to ask, so she’s doing it for me.
Thanks, Lucy.
I think you and I will become best friends in no time.
Indi exhales in response to Lucy’s question, and I shake my still half-drunk head and pay attention. “I’m not sure, the man I’m seeing is hard to read. But I think it’s going really well, we’re getting along great …”
She’s not about to jump out and tell us it’s Finn.
She has no idea we know.
So, is she telling the truth? Is it going really well?
Am I ruining a potential relationship here?
“I noticed Finn looking at you on the plane, is it too forward if I ask what’s going on there?”
Well played, Lucy.
Well played.
Indi flushes, and dammit, I can see she likes him, which just makes me feel so much worse. Poor girl, she thinks they’re building something. He has been kissing her, after all. Probably even telling her he’s interested. And all the while he’s been sleeping with me. Dammit, I just slept with him again, to make matters worse. Like a weak, drunk … tramp! I shake my head, angry at myself, but listen to Indi’s answer anyway.
“Is it that obvious?” Indi says, smiling. “I don’t know what Finn and I are, to be honest. We’ve been spending time together. He took me out to dinner the other night. We’ve also been sleeping together on and off for a few weeks …”
I blink.
What?
Wait. What?
They’re sleeping together?
No.
Shania told me she saw them kissing. I thought it must have been a once off, but he’s … sleeping with her. Taking her out to dinner? Which means it has been going on a lot longer than one or two kisses. Was I honestly stupid enough to believe that Finn Knight would just kiss someone? Just like that? No, of course not. He isn’t the kind of man to sweep a woman off her feet, kiss her, and be done with it.
Of course he was sleeping with her.
Am I so stupid as to think he wouldn’t be?
Idiot.
“Oh,” Lucy says, “It does sound complicated. Are you sure you’re not just being used for sex? It kind of sounds like it. You deserve better than that, honey. All women do.”
She throws a look over her shoulder at me, and I pout.
My head is still spinning from the last revelation.
Indi sighs, running her hand through her gorgeous locks. She’s stunning, of course Finn would want to sleep with her. Who wouldn’t? Hell, I probably would given half the chance.
Okay, now I’m just trying to make myself feel better, but all the same …
“I know,” Indi finally says, shrugging her shoulders, “but why would he take me out if he wasn’t interested? He calls me. It seems to be more than sex. I know I probably sound pathetic…”
“You don’t sound pathetic,” I tell her, because she absolutely doesn’t.
If she’s pathetic, I’m pathetic.
And I know neither of us are pathetic.
Finn is pathetic.
Pathetic douche.
“I feel it,” Indi admits. “I think he might, too. He’s just so hard to read. I’m sure he’ll come around. This vacation might be a nice chance for us to spend some time together…”
Oh man. She has no idea he just slept with me.
I had no idea he is actually spending quality time with her.
Dammit.
Damn you, Finn Knight.
Now you’re ruining lives.
I have to step away.
I can’t let myself get caught up in this kind of drama. I take great pride in not letting myself become one of those women who get all cut up and upset over men. No, I’m better than that.
I’m not going to see Finn Knight again.
Woman code, and all that.
Indi doesn’t deserve to get hurt. I’m going to step back.
Dammit, why does that feel slightly soul crushing?
What is it about Finn Knight that makes a woman go batty?
“Honey,” Lucy tells her, but I don’t miss the quick glance she gives me as if to say, this is for you, too, “men like Finn don’t deserve you to be worrying about them like this. You hear me? If he wants you, if he truly wants you, he’ll take you without the sex. So, it’s really easy to find that out, isn’t it? Take the sex away, stop sleeping
with him, and see if he still comes around. If he does, then he was in it for more, if he doesn’t … well … then you know he wasn’t.”
Indi sighs. “You’re right. It is hard, though. Being around him. I mean, I really like him…”
“There are plenty of other men to distract you,” Lucy grins. “I’m sure we can find one, or ten, here … Finn will step up if it’s meant to be, until then, you should be enjoying yourself and not waiting for him.”
Indi grins. “You’re right about that.”
Yes.
She.
Is.
Goodbye, Finn.
Pffft.
Yeah right.
Who am I kidding?
2
FINN
“Yeah, ten days, then I’ll be back,” I mutter into the phone, just wanting Brody to get the fuck off the phone already so I can get back to what I was doing.
“You know I need the money,” he replies, gruffly. Brody doesn’t say much. Never has. Not in the last few years I’ve known him. But he’s a good man. The best, really. “Got shit to sort out.”
“And as soon as we’re back, we’ll get you in the ring. Get the money flowin’ in. Lincoln is cool with it, it’s only ten days.”
“I gotta finish this. Gotta fix my past. Gotta move forward. Can’t do that without money, because without money, I can’t remove the bad.”
“Hear you,” I mutter. “Ten days, Brody.”
He hangs up. He always hangs up. Brody only speaks if Brody has to speak. If he doesn’t have to speak, he simply will not. End of story.
And he has a fucking long and winded road ahead of him. An ugly fucking past, a woman he doesn’t speak about, and a lot of shit to fix. Fighting isn’t just for money, it takes away his broken spirit and makes it stop hurting for a second. Brody is damaged. More so than even me. Which is saying something.
I toss the phone to the side, and I grab hold of my cock, which is still aching. I stroke and stroke, eyes closed, jaw tight, thinking of Erin’s sweet pussy and the way it gripped around me only hours earlier. Or the way Indi’s ass moved in those jeans. Or the way the hostess showed a fucking good lot of cleavage when she leaned over to give us our drinks.
Women.
Fucking wild.
They drive me wild.