Somehow I felt it deep in my bones.
By the end of this trip, Laila and I would be together.
I was sure of it.
30
LAILA
As I slid onto the back seat of the chauffeur-driven car next to Gabriel and our knees brushed, I swallowed hard and goosebumps erupted across my skin.
Gabriel’s words, when he said he wasn’t going to chase me because he knew things between us would happenorganically,kept swirling in my head.
I wanted to tell him that he was wrong. But the truth was much scarier because I was worried that he might be right.
There was some kind of magnetic force pulling us together.
Throughout the short flight to Nice, I’d tried to read, but my mind wasn’t focused on the pages of my paperback. It was just replaying all of the delicious things that Gabriel and I had done last night and this morning.
The way he knew exactly how to touch me, the feel of his mouth as he licked and sucked literally every inch of my body, the way his ginormous and extremely talented cock had stretched me wide open.
At one point I’d even considered dragging him to the plane toilets for a repeat performance. Joining the mile-high club would’ve been a cool thing to tick off the fantasy list. But then I pulled myself back to reality. Sleeping with my best friend’s son was bad enough. Imagine getting arrested for doing it.
Luckily, soon afterwards we’d landed and my thoughts were downgraded from rated X to PG. Well, that was until Gabriel just said he knew we would end up shagging again and somehow his confidence sent a flood of anticipation rocketing through my body.
Maybe I was worrying over nothing. The party tonight meant we’d spend less time alone in the villa together, which meant less temptation. And it was even better that his friends would be there too. I was sure they’d want to catch up, which again, would make it easier for us to keep our distance.
Gabriel started talking to me about the various places he’d visited in the South of France and before I knew it, we were pulling up in front of a large golden gate.
‘We have arrived,’ the driver’s voice sounded on the intercom.
As we cruised down the huge driveway, my mouth fell open. I didn’t think it was possible but it was even more glamorous than the Paris resort.
On either side of us there were lush manicured gardens with an array of gorgeous colourful flowers.
Tall palm trees lined the paths and swayed gently in the breeze.
When the driver opened the door and we stepped outside, the first thing that hit me was the salty sea air. I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes. We hadn’t even stepped into reception yet or explored the surroundings, but I already felt like I was in paradise.
A tall black woman walked towards us with a warm smile across her face.
‘Laila and Gabriel, welcome!’ she said. ‘I’m Jasmine.’
‘Sammie’s friend!’ I said quickly.
‘That’s right! I’m a Love Empress here. I don’t normally get to greet our guests any more, which is a shame, but when Sammie called and told me about you two, I had to make an exception! Congrats on winning the competition, by the way.’
‘Merci,’ Gabriel smiled.
‘Come, follow me!’ Jasmine said before leading us to the grand reception which had huge white columns and cream marble tiles that were so shiny I was surprised I didn’t slip on them. ‘We’ve already checked you in so let me give you a little tour and then I’ll take you straight to your villa. You’re going to love it!’
As Jasmine showed us around the hotel and the grounds which had elaborate water fountains, fragrant rose beds and colourful flowers, my jaw trailed along the ground so much I was lucky that no one stepped on it.
My head swivelled from left to right as I took in the sight of the sun-filled terraces, huge infinity swimming pool, outdoor jacuzzi and panoramic views of the stunning Mediterranean Sea.
The hotel was perched on a peninsula, so Jasmine had to lead us down to the beach.
‘Wow. It’ssandy!’ I gasped. ‘I thought all the beaches in the South of France had pebbles or rocks?’
