Page 12 of Seasons of Sin

He shook his head but he returned to the punishing pace. Saphire exploded. Her cry was loud, almost animalistic, as an orgasm unlike anything she’d ever experienced made her body weak and heavy.

He held her tight, running his hands over her flesh, as she slowly came back to earth. And then, when her breathing had slowed a little, he began to move again, this time slowly, tenderly, teasing her towards the edge rather than forcing her over it.

She murmured low and slow in her throat; the noise was addictive. He saw her face contort, and he knew that she was only seconds from another climax, so he finally gave into his own body’s needs and joined with her. Their oaths mingled together as pleasure erupted between them.

“Saphire,” he laughed throatily as his body still shook from the force of what they’d shared. “You are quite the surprise package.”

“Am I?” She shook her head, her smile ghost like. The tears had been smothered by passion.

“It is unusual for a woman who offers such promise to fulfill it.”

He was experienced. Very experienced. Whereas she had only been with one man before. She flushed. It didn’t matter. That didn’t matter to him. He’d enjoyed being with her, and God, she had almost died from the delirium he’d invoked.

“And not a hint of vomit,” she said, trying for humor.

He padded a thumb beneath her eyes. “Perhaps. But you must be exhausted,” he muttered, disappointed that he hadn’t been able to stay strong in the face of her charms.

“I’m fine,” she said more tartly than she’d intended. “Stop treating me like some kind of child,” she tacked on for good measure, wondering if she should have said as much to Jordan years earlier. Maybe if she’d demanded that he treat her like a woman, her husband wouldn’t have become bored and decided to look elsewhere.

“I am treating you with respect and courtesy,” he corrected, his words laced with frustration.

She nodded. “I just want to do that. More of that.” How many times until she screwed away her husband’s infidelity?

CHAPTER 4

“Idon’t believe you.” She pushed up onto her hands and stared at his perfect naked body. The crisp white sheets were tangled beneath him, giving drama and depth to his tan.

“It’s been three nights. Why would I lie?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think you’re lying.” Guilt cut through her gut. “I just didn’t realize …”

“Because,” he pushed up off the bed and brought his mouth to hers, “We have either been doing this, or sleeping, and time seems to have lost all meaning. How long did you think we’ve been on the island for?”

“A day!” She shook her head. “I can’t explain it. That sounds ridiculous, I know.”

“A little,” he agreed. He curled some of her dark black hair around his finger and brought it to his lips. “I am not complaining. I don’t think I would ever get sick of being with you.”

The compliment found its mark, though a horrible sense of being a terrible, terrible person made it difficult to appreciate.

“Still. I can’t hide out here forever.”

“Why not?” He propped up on his side.

“You want me to stay forever?” She teased, shaking her head. Though he was right, they’d done very little talking since she’d come toL’isola Ourana, she somehow just knew that he was hardly the commitment type.

Thad chose his words carefully. Saphire had a strange effect on him. In her presence, he found it hard to remember exactly what he felt and wanted. He knew only that he couldn’t comprehend the thought of her leaving. “I want you to stay while I am here. And for as long as this is pleasing to us both.”

She dropped her head forward. “I want that too. But … I can’t.” She thought of Jordan and Anita and a fever of anxiety swelled her veins.

“How long?” He said curtly, his eyes scanning her face.

“I don’t know.” She sighed. “Three days? You’re serious?”

He nodded. “Very.”

“Wow. I really should have called my … friend … by now.” Would he be worried? Undoubtedly. Jordan, on the partner track at her father’s prestigious law firm, Jordan who had political aspirations, Jordan who cared about what everyone thought of him, would be in a panic. But about her, or about the damage she could do to his career and his reputation?

“Call your friend then,” he said, flopping back against the pillows. “Tell her that you have found a slice of paradise with a man who treats you as a sex-slave, and that you wish to stay as long as you are able.”