Page 46 of The Summer We Lie

"I don't think I can do that," I admit, bringing my hands to her hips, pulling her back gently until she's pressed against me fully, until she can feel exactly what she does to me. Her body fits against mine like it was designed to be there, the curve of her ass nestling perfectly against my hardness.

She gasps, the small sound nearly lost in the breeze but I feel it reverberate through her body into mine. The vibration of that tiny intake of breath travels straight to my core.

"I'm sorry about last night for being drunk when I told you I wanted you," I whisper against her skin, my lips barely grazing the shell of her ear, breathing in the intoxicating scent of her, "but I'm not sorry for telling you."

The water laps gently against the jet ski, rocking us slightly, creating a rhythm that's almost hypnotic. Neither of us has even thought about starting the engine. Harper is probably already at the caves wondering where we are, but in this moment, time seems suspended.

"This is not a good idea," she whispers, but she doesn't move away from me. If anything, she settles more firmly against my hardness, her body betraying her words as she melts against me.

"I know," I say, my hands still on her hips, thumbs brushing small circles against her bare skin where her bikini bottom meets soft flesh. "But I can't stay away from you."

The confession hangs between us, honest and dangerous. She's silent for so long I think maybe she's not going to respond at all. I can feel her heart racing, or maybe it's mine.

Finally, she asks, "So what exactly do you want?" Her voice catches slightly on the last word.

Her question is direct, brave in a way I wouldn't have expected. No games, no pretending. It makes me want her even more, this flash of courage in someone so young.

"I want your virginity," I tell her plainly, the words heavy with promise. "I'll still pay the 1.2 mil for it, but I want it my way." My voice drops lower, rougher with desire.

She stiffens slightly, but doesn't pull away. The muscles in her thighs tense against mine. "What is your way, exactly?" she asks, her voice surprisingly steady despite the slight tremor I can feel running through her body.

I trail my fingers over her thighs, feather-light touches that leave goosebumps in their wake. Her skin is still damp from the ocean, smooth under my calloused hands, a delicious contrast that makes me want to explore every inch of her.

Chapter Twenty

Skye

My mind reels at his words, each syllable sending electric currents straight to my core. His hands haven't moved from my hips, but they might as well be everywhere at once. I'm hyperaware of every point where our bodies touch—the heat of his chest against my back, his thighs bracketing mine, his fingers pressing into my skin through my swimsuit. The scent of him—expensive cologne mixed with salt air—fills my lungs with each shaky breath I take.

"My way is you submitting to me," he continues, his voice a dark rumble against my ear, his lips so close I can feel the warmth of his breath stirring wisps of my hair. "It's rough. There will be pain but more pleasure than you could ever imagine." His fingers flex against my skin, digging in just enough to make my breath catch. "I want to tie you up and spank that perfect ass of yours."

He groans then, low and primal, the sound vibrating through his chest into my back. "God, I love your ass."

My pussy clenches with need at his words, at the raw desire in his voice. I've never heard anyone talk to me like this before—like they're starving and I'm a feast. It's terrifying and thrilling all at once. My heart hammers against my ribs so hard I'm sure he must feel it, and heat floods my cheeks, spreading down my neck and across my chest.

I think I want all of that too, but it scares me. I've never even had sex at all—it would be crazy to jump into the deep end with him for my first time. The rational part of my brain is screaming warnings, flashing danger signs like a crossing gate, but my body isn't listening. It's already decided, melting against him like I was made to fit here.

"Just the one night," he says, interrupting my thoughts, his tone shifting to something slightly more controlled. "I don't want to hurt Harper, so this has to be a one-time thing."

I agree with that point at least. Harper is the one person who's always been there for me. The thought of hurting her makes my stomach twist with guilt. But maybe...maybe if it's just once... One night with someone who's practically a stranger. One night that Harper never has to know about.

I just need to get him out of my system. And the upside is I'll lose my virginity and make more money than I need. Money that could help Mom with bills, help Justin with therapy, help me finish school without drowning in debt. The practical side of my brain latches onto this logic, using it to justify what my body already wants.

His fingers inch closer to my pussy, tracing a tantalizing path along my thigh, and I'm fucking panting with need. I can feel myself getting wetter by the second, my body responding to him in ways I never knew it could. My nipples harden beneath my bikini top, and I fight the urge to squirm against him.

"Does that sound like something you want?" he asks, his breath hot against my neck, sending shivers down my spine despite the summer heat.

"Yes," I moan, unable to hold back the desperation in my voice. The single word comes out breathy and needy, almost unrecognizable to my own ears.

"Good," he says, sucking my earlobe into his mouth and biting before letting go. The sharp sting followed by the soothing heat of his tongue makes my eyes flutter closed.

I swear I'm going to leave a wet spot on this seat when I get up. My whole body is thrumming with anticipation, nerves and desire battling for dominance. Every cell in me feels alive, electric, hypersensitive.

Without warning, he moves his hand and turns the engine on. The sudden vibration beneath me only intensifies the ache between my legs. I bite my lip to stifle another embarrassing moan.

"I'll show you how to drive this thing," he says, his voice returning to something more normal, though I can still feel the hardness of him pressed against me.

He begins explaining the controls, and I'm surprised I'm able to pay any attention with how turned on I am. His hands guide mine to the right positions, showing me how to accelerate and turn. Every touch is casual yet deliberate, educational yet seductive. His fingers linger a moment too long each time, a silent promise of what those skilled hands will do to me later.