Seaside Seduction (Sun Stroked Book 1) (5 page)

A
ir ripped
from Danielle’s lungs as she crashed into a wall of rock-hard muscle. She snaked her arms around the man’s neck, her lips brushed against his cheek as she clamored to right herself. Despite the darkness, she knew it was Ethan by the way her flesh came to life at first contact, by the way his muscles bunched beneath her touch.

As he anchored her body to his, awareness flared through her and her nipples quivered in erotic delight. While her knees turned to mush, she drew a steadying breath and tried to find her balance.

“It’s okay, Dani. It’s me. I’ve got you.” The rich timbre of his voice combined with the masculine scent of his skin aroused all her senses. Her body vibrated, liquid heat rushing to the juncture between her thighs.

Danielle bit back a breathy moan. She inched backwards and worked to formulate a response. “Thank…” Her words died on her lips when she glimpsed the heat smoldering in the depths of his blue eyes. His carnal, wolfish grin triggered a major reaction in her body. The instant flash of desire had her pulse racing out of control.

With her hands slipped around his hard, athletic body, she became hyper-aware of his arms sliding around her, his big palms pressing into the small of her back—big strapping palms made for disciplining.

Her. Right here. Right now.
Oh, yeah.

As sexual energy jetted between them, their chemistry became explosive. “In a hurry to go somewhere?” he asked, without bothering to release his tenuous grip. Possessiveness flashed in his eyes, and she became acutely aware of the way his body and hands trembled as he pulled her in tight.

Pleasure engulfed her, and she wondered whether he noticed the shiver that stole over her flesh. She felt heat and desire flood her cheeks as her body absorbed his warmth.

She tilted her chin and spoke with conviction. “Actually, I was going to find you.”

He looked at her with pure lust. “Yeah?” Ethan dipped his head, his lips coming perilously close to hers. His tongue made a slow pass over his bottom lip, as though moistening, preparing it. Raw, tortured eyes met hers. “Why?”

Danielle drew in air. “I wanted to tell you something.” Need colored her voice.

“So tell me.”

With a sudden burst of boldness whipping through her blood, she pressed into him, her actions conveying without words what she wanted, what she needed.

His sweet breath washed over her face. His hands roamed over her back, and his touch felt erotic and stimulating. Blistering heat exploded inside her, demanding attention.

Heart racing, she arched into him and could feel his hard cock. His hands moved urgently over her body. Simmering blue eyes flitted over her. His tone dropped an octave. “Tell me, Dani,” he said again, his voice rough with arousal as he caressed her all over. “I’m listening.”

“I—” She stopped and stole a glance around the torchlit clearing, noting they weren’t entirely alone. Her hands fell away from him and she eased backwards. Reading her hesitation, he cupped her elbow and tugged.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice full of tortured promises.

Moving deeper into the shadows, she followed Ethan. He guided her along the gravel path that led to the foot of the rocky mountain. With their strides quick and purposeful, moisture soon pebbled her flesh. A refreshing breeze blew in off the water and helped cool her heated skin.

“Watch your step, Dani. It’s damp and the terrain can get rough.” He slipped a warm arm around her waist to support her.

She swallowed, noting that his gesture warmed more than her flesh. He really was a man who’d serve and protect until the bitter end. She pulled in a quick breath. By small degrees her body tightened.

He must have sensed the shift because he angled his head and asked, “You okay?”

“Fine,” she said and offered him a smile. “It’s just that my flip-flops weren’t made for mountain climbing.”

His sheepish smile tugged at something deep inside. “Right. Sorry about that.”

A moment later Danielle found herself cradled in his capable arms. She frowned, worried that her added weight would only aggravate his leg.

Not wanting to hurt his pride, she resisted the urge to tell him she was more than capable of walking. Instead she melted into him, once again enjoying how she felt wrapped in his powerful arms.

She didn’t bother asking where he was taking her, knowing she’d be happy wherever they went just as long as she was with him. A few minutes later, Ethan stopped and set her on the ground.

They stood on a cliff at the top of the south side of the mountain. Danielle gazed at the moonlit ocean, taking in the majestic beauty of the island in all its glory. “Wow, this is so beautiful.” When she twisted around she noticed the private grass hut overlooking the water. She widened her eyes in delight as she moved toward the hut. “I didn’t even know this was here.” The minute she stepped into it, the low, soothing sounds of the night life fell silent and she felt worlds away from civilization. Ethan followed her inside and immediately moved close to her. God, she was so aware of him next to her. A shiver raced down her spine as her entire body responded to his proximity.

Standing behind her, he bent his head forward. “Do you want me to light a torch?” he asked, his warm breath washing over her neck.

“Yeah,” she whispered, glancing around. The hut felt so rustic, so cozy, the atmosphere put her in touch with her primal, animalistic side. “What is this place?”

“It’s called the mood hut,” Ethan answered.

She squinted in the dimness and glanced at the bottles of oils, noting that there were different scents for every mood imaginable. “What else is in here?”

“Candles, blankets, incense, matches…”

“Everything you need to set the stage for seduction,” she murmured.

“If that’s what you’re interested in,” Ethan replied, his voice as shaky as she felt.

That’s exactly what she was interested in.

Danielle grabbed a small vial containing a heady blend of rose, jasmine, and gardenia and handed it to Ethan. “Put some of this in the torch.”

She followed Ethan out into the clearing, where soothing sounds of animals were coming to life. As soon as the torch was lit, an exotic scent filled the night air. Ethan drove the torch into the ground, then turned to face her. Warmth and desire enveloped her.

She glanced out over the water once again. “This place is absolutely gorgeous, Ethan.”

“I thought you might like it.” In a fast motion, Ethan hauled her to him. She held his gaze as his eyes devoured her with raw hunger and his breathing grew labored.

Oh, God, this man did the most wonderful things to her libido. Her hand touched his cheek. “Ethan—”

He cut her off. There was a gleam in his eyes as he focused on her. Without preamble he asked, “What is it you wanted to tell me?”

The torchlight behind him flickered, bathing Ethan in a warm, seductive glow. The magic of the erotic atmosphere, and the alluring scent, seeped under her skin and urged her forward. She tilted her chin and recited Mr. Malik’s cryptic words. “There is no ambiguity in the truth.”

He softened his voice and asked with a puzzled look on his face. “What does that mean, Dani?”

“Those were Mr. Malik’s words of wisdom to me.”

“Go on,” he coaxed. The perplexed look in his eyes prompted her to continue. He caught hold of her hand and tugged.

“I came here to fulfill a fantasy.”

“What fantasy?” he asked, even though she suspected he already knew.

There is no ambiguity in the truth.

Danielle knew if she wanted to experience true passion, she needed to tell Ethan exactly what she wanted. Deep inside she believed he was a man she could tell all her secrets to, and for the first time in her life she didn’t feel embarrassed by her needs. It was time to embrace her submissive side and offer herself up to him. When she looked into his eyes, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was the right man for the job.

The arousing scent of sweet jasmine continued to seduce her senses. The passionate aroma combined with the amazing chemistry between them gave her the courage to go on. “One night. A no-holds-barred affair.”

He nodded. “And?” he asked, encouraging her to continue.

“And…” She paused to study her soldier. Even though he was troubled and restless, she instinctively trusted him in a way she’d never trusted another. She knew Ethan had integrity, character and a fierce sense of protectiveness. “Just once I want to experience the pleasure of submission with a man I can trust.” His nostrils flared, while his eyes darkened. He groaned low in his throat. “With my pleasure and my pain,” she added, and bridged the small gap between them. “And, Ethan.”

“Yeah?”

“I suspect you’re that man.”

He gripped her hips. “You suspected right.”

Without warning, his burning mouth closed over hers and his tongue slipped inside. His kiss was so full of power and passion, it sucked the air from her lungs. By curling his hands around her body, he absorbed the shiver that ripped through her. A moment later he stepped back and spent a long moment looking at her. She stood there, watching the flurry of emotions pass over his eyes. Her body quivered as his gaze tracked her every movement. There was a suggestive edge to his smile.

He cleared his throat and slanted his head. “I checked into island customs earlier, Dani.”

“You did?” Her voice sounded both strangled and excited.

“Yeah, and you were right. Since I saved your life, you now owe me yours.”

Oh. Good. God.

“You are mine to do with as I please, and you must obey me at all times. I am your master,” he said, bringing her fantasy to life. She almost sobbed with pleasure. “Do you understand, Dani?”

“Yes,” she whispered. She had to work to get that one word out as her entire body vibrated with excitement.

Ethan reached out and brushed his thumb over her engorged nipple. “Yes who?” he asked.

She swallowed down a whimper. “Yes, Master.”

“Ah, that’s better.” He placed his hands behind his back and began circling her body. “So you completely understand that I can do whatever I want with you, and you can’t protest. If you do, I’ll have to discipline you.” He pitched his voice low and added, “And trust me, you don’t want any part of my discipline.”

Her body tightened and her thighs quivered in erotic delight. It took great effort to speak. “I understand, Master.”

Standing behind her, he touched the back of her shoulder. “So if I touch you like this, you won’t protest.”

She shook her head as her pussy clenched with need.

He slapped her ass. “I can’t hear you,” he bit out, his voice firm. “Speak up.”

A wheezing sound escaped her lips. “No, Master.”

“Good.” His hand trailed lower, to her ass. He pulled up her dress, cupped her cheeks in his hand and squeezed her to the point of painful pleasure. “And if I touch you like this, you won’t protest?”

Her heart beat in a mad cadence. With her breathing barely controlled, she whispered breathlessly, “No, Master.”

Without removing his hand from beneath her dress, he circled her, his thick fingers inching toward her throbbing pussy. He pulled aside her panties and rolled his thumb over her swollen clit. His gaze slid to her breasts.

Aching to impale herself on him, Danielle bit down on her lip. She felt like her body was going up in flames. She gulped air before glancing into his dark, tortured eyes. She loved that he was playing this game for her.

“
Hmph
.” He frowned, his fingers stretching open her swollen lips while his thumb inched into her slick heat.

Her veins thrummed with impatience for him to go deeper. She flushed. “What is it, Master?”

“I don’t remember giving you permission to get so wet.”

Oh sweet Jesus!

He shook his head and gave a heavy sigh. His thumb purposely pressed harder against her clit, coaxing it to come out to play. “I’m afraid I might have to discipline you for your insubordination, after all.”

Body throbbing with need, she squirmed against his finger without permission. That action earned her a scowl.

“I also think you need to be disciplined for shaking that hot little ass of yours at me and my comrades earlier.” His brow furrowed. “Did you really think you could do that and get away with it?”

His words brought on such a burst of excitement that she nearly erupted right there, all over his hand. Concentrating on the points of pleasure between her legs, she moaned her response.

He pinched her nipple, hard, while his other hand did the most delicious things to her pussy. She adjusted her body, coaxing him to push his finger all the way up inside her. He didn’t, letting her know he was completely in control.

“Answer me, Danielle. Did you think I was going to let you get away with that?”

She took note of his dark tone and the way he used her full name this time. She whispered in an unsteady voice after slipping her lids closed, “No, Master.”

Ethan stepped away from her and bit out, “Look at me.”

She opened her eyes and met his turbulent gaze. He looked so fucking wild, so primal, so sexy. It excited her beyond anything she’d ever known.

His scalding eyes dimmed with desire. “Take your clothes off.”

The authority in his voice thrilled her, but she hesitated and glanced around.

Ethan gave a humorless laugh. “What is it, Dani? Are you worried someone will see you? Maybe you should have thought about that before you shook your ass at my comrades.” He jabbed his thumb into his chest. “If I want someone else to see your body, they’ll see it. That decision is mine. Understand?” Possessiveness flashed in his eyes. “Now, get undressed, and show yourself to me.”

He stood there with a riveted expression, legs spread and hands behind his back as he watched her shed her sundress.

“Keep going,” he commanded.

Silence stretched on as she unhooked her bra and let it fall to the ground. Wiggling her hips, she lowered her panties, certain she heard a low growl crawl out of his throat.

Once she was naked, his eyes softened, warmth flooding the depths of his baby blues. Without warning, he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. His kiss was achingly gentle, full of such tenderness that it took her by surprise.