Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 15867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 79(@200wpm)___ 63(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 79(@200wpm)___ 63(@250wpm)___ 53(@300wpm)
"I can't believe everything that just happened."
"Believe it, wife." He grins wickedly. "You're stuck with me."
"I guess so." I sigh dramatically, glancing up at the driver before staring out the window. "When we're alone, should we … talk? About … you know … before the ceremony."
"No. There's no need." His tone is clipped. "Life is too short for regrets. You're mine now, Maria, and if we behave as husband and wife in all ways, then so be it."
"But, like … you want to? Or was it just a spur-of-the-moment thing?"
Xavier's hand lands on my bare knee, and he lowers his head to my ear, whispering the words, "I want to, Mrs. Romano, and there's something you should know about me." His teeth graze the shell of my ear, and I'm wracked in shudders, my core tightening as I squeeze my legs together. "I get what I want."
Six hours later, we land in Cozumel, and if I thought Xavier was difficult to resist in overcast Chicago, it's going to take an Olympic level of restraint to resist him here in paradise.
That is, if I even want to try.
We're whisked to the resort in under twenty minutes, and I'm too busy taking in the gorgeous view to worry about anything else. When the driver pulls up to the hotel, my mouth drops open.
"Oh, wow," I breathe. The place is gorgeous, crafted from white stone and littered with palm trees, overlooking the aquamarine water of the Caribbean. It's been a long day, and the sun is setting over the water, making it look like it's on fire. Was it really only this morning that he was in my bedroom, making me come apart at the seams?
"It's something, isn't it?" Xavier asks, his voice low. His hand is on the small of my back, guiding me as we walk through the lobby, and the warmth of it seeps through my sundress.
"It sure is," I manage to reply, not quite sure what we're talking about anymore. It feels like every nerve in my body is tuned to Xavier, and he knows it.
We've only got a few days here, and I haven't even questioned why a honeymoon was necessary for a sham marriage, but everything is different now that we've given in to our mutual attraction. It certainly hasn't made our marriage any more real, but it's definitely complicated.
At least it keeps my mind off how bizarre this all is. I'm supposed to still be furious, but I'm having a hard time even being slightly annoyed with the smell of the ocean in the air.
Our suite is a penthouse overlooking the sea, with large windows that open up to let the breeze in. There's a huge bed covered in white sheets that looks like heaven, a private balcony, and an enormous soaking tub. While I lean on the balcony railing and take it all in, Xavier quickly deposits our luggage, and my pulse kicks up a notch when I feel him come up behind me. I swallow when his arms come around me, one huge hand splayed over my stomach while the other traces a path up my ribs.
Suddenly, my breezy little dress feels like way too little fabric to actually separate me from Xavier. But did I even want it to in the first place?
"It's gorgeous," I say, not turning around. "The ocean looks so blue."
"Mm," he rumbles in agreement, his lips ghosting over the back of my neck. The hand on my ribs has drifted lower, gathering my dress up so he can caress the skin of my leg. My thighs clench involuntarily, and I feel my pussy pulse with need.
I swallow hard. "How long did you say we have here?"
"Two days."
"Not very long," I gasp as his teeth graze over my pulse point.
"Long enough for us to consummate this marriage. Over…" —his hand slides forward under my skirt, until his fingers rest over my slit beneath my panties— "and over."
I'm unraveling, and the fact that we're so exposed on the balcony makes it even hotter. "Xavier, we're not—"
"Maria," he interrupts. "We both know what this is. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy this attraction while it lasts."
Xavier acknowledging that this is all fake hurts a little, even though I've been telling myself the same thing. But I push it away, not wanting to lose this moment of delicious connection. "Right."
"So let me get you off against this railing," he whispers in my ear, sending tingles down my spine. "Let's enjoy this honeymoon before we get back to reality."
"I … yes. Yes, please."
His mouth is on my neck again, teeth scraping over my skin as his hands push up my dress and drag my panties down my legs. My breath is coming fast, my skin electric everywhere he touches me. The air smells like salt water and Xavier's expensive cologne, and all I want is to give in.