She drew back and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t trust you.”
“That’s smart.”
It killed her to turn down the offer, but her first rule remained: trust no one. She shook her head.
“Your loss.” He slipped the flask back in his pocket.
The moans from the nearby cabana reached a crescendo.
Peter looked at the other cabana longingly, then hopped off the bed. “I’ll tell you what. You kiss me for five minutes, and I’ll show you where the closest safe zone is.”
“Or, you could just tell me.”
“No way. I’m not that nice of a guy.”
He also wasn’t entirely horrible. As she debated, he removed his mask.
“One kiss. Five minutes.” He stepped closer.
When she stepped back, he captured her wrist. This time, when she tried to pull away, his grip tightened.
“Gotchya.”
What an utter fool she was for allowing him this close. She met his stare with pleading eyes. “Peter…”
The side of his mouth kicked up, curving with dark satisfaction. “Yes?”
“Please.”
He tugged her closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, “Please, what?”
“Please don’t do this.”
He tipped his head and pushed the beaded strap of her gown down her shoulder. “Time to lie down, little doe.”
“You said a kiss.”
“I’m a hunter. I can say whatever I want.” He waved a hand to the cabana, not releasing his hold on her arm. “Go on.”
The playful, childlike glint in his eye was gone, now replaced with predatory intent. He nudged her toward the bed, guiding her to the cushion.
“Lie back. Arms over your head.” He said, climbing over her.
The cushion was damp with dew. The moment her skin touched its cold surface, she shivered. Slowly, she lifted her arms over her head.
He leaned lower, but paused, cocking his head curiously to one side. “What’s this?” He pulled something from her hair, and her heart stopped.
Her locket. She feigned indifference. “I don’t know.”
Then he lost interest and tossed it aside. He pushed up her mask and smiled. “Found you.”
Her lips trembled. It had been years since anyone kissed her.
Sliding a hand down her hip, he gathered her dress in his fist, tugging it up as he settled his weight between her legs.
A jagged breath trembled from her lips. He was hard. “Peter?—”
He grinned. “Yeah?”
