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  “How am I doing?” she whispered. “It feels weird doing it with my left hand.”

  “You’re doing…just fine,” I replied. “Just keep going like that. It won’t take me long—risky and public sex has always done it for me. Especially since it’s such a rarity.”

  “Because of being recognized?” she asked softly, sensing it was a sore point.

  “Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about my career, but it can be a bit difficult to do certain things for fear of someone seeing and blabbing to the press. At least the clubs, although full of people, are still private—no one there would blab. Admittedly though, it’s the danger of truly public sex that ramps my libido up so high.”

  “Just the danger?” she asked, nipping my shoulder.

  I couldn’t help it, I let out a groan, which I hoped would be covered by the sound of the boat rushing through the water and the other people onboard. “Of course not. You, Marie, are hotter than the surface of the sun, and I’d really like to sink your sweet little pussy onto my cock right now. But having your hand wrapped around me is proving a pleasant second best.”

  “What about my mouth? Wouldn’t you like to have that on you?”

  “Okay, okay. Your hand is third best. But you, as a package, you’re first best.”

  “First best? That doesn’t even make sense.”

  “What do you expect? You’re wanking me off right now. My brain is addled. It can’t be trusted to produce any sense.”

  “Fair enough.” With that, she picked up the speed at which she stroked my cock. Faster and faster until I was sure we must be displaying signs of our misdemeanor to potential onlookers. But I was too far gone to care—I couldn’t stop now, not for anything. I felt my balls draw up tight to my body, an intense tingling at the base of my spine, then Marie yanked her hand from my shorts and pulled them back into position. I was just about to ask what the hell she was playing at when a voice came. I opened my eyes.

  “Mind if I join you?” Peter asked, glancing from one of us to the other.

  Marie had shifted a little farther away from me so it looked as though I was just resting my arm along the rim of the pool rather than holding her. But we were still pretty damn close to each other, especially since we’d been the only people in the hot tub. She could have sat anywhere.

  His sudden appearance had snapped me out of my pre-orgasm lust and I worked hard to put a grin on my face.

  Marie glanced at me and, no doubt realizing that my blood was still powering my dick rather than my brain, replied, “Of course not. Hop in. It’s lovely.” I noticed her tug her hair over the faded hickey on her neck. Covering it completely.

  Well, it was lovely until we were so rudely interrupted. Bloody awful timing, mate.

  “Thanks,” Peter said, kicking off his shoes and removing his t-shirt. I peered at Marie in my peripheral vision to make sure she wasn’t salivating at the sight of him shirtless. The guy had a good body, I gave him that, but I didn’t want Marie looking at anyone that way except for me. The sooner she told Peter she wasn’t going to date him anymore, the better.

  “So,” he said, his eyes narrowing as he looked between us, no doubt realizing just how little space there was separating our shoulders, “you havin’ fun? I just got away from Curtis who wouldn’t stop talking business, so I’m glad to relax in this tub. He’s yakking away to Lampani now.”

  I was busy willing my hard-on to go away so I was glad when, once again, Marie stepped into the breach and answered Peter’s question. “We’re having a wonderful time. Thank you so much for inviting us.”

  “Glad to hear it. And you’re welcome.” If I wasn’t mistaken, his words were forced and his smile wasn’t quite reaching his eyes. I pressed my lips together to stop myself smirking. He’d clearly clocked just how close together Marie and I were and spotted my arm resting behind her back. I resisted the temptation to pull her so she was sitting right next to me again. I suspected she wouldn’t appreciate a show of possession and would tell me so in no uncertain terms. I didn’t want to lose face in front of Peter, so I kept my mouth shut and my body still.

  Mercifully my cock was very nearly flaccid again, so I no longer had to contend with the trauma of having an erection that had not reached its natural conclusion. Bloody Peter and his shit timing. I’d literally been on the very edge of coming and only the shock of his arrival had prevented me. My willpower certainly hadn’t.

  Damn, I had to find a way to get Marie to myself and finish what we started. Having her sit so near to me in barely any clothes was definitely not helping my situation. I didn’t get another hard-on, thank God, but thoughts of pressing my cock into her hot, wet mouth distracted me sufficiently that I had no idea what Peter and Marie were talking about. I barely realized they were speaking at all until she poked her finger onto my shoulder.

  “Ow! What was that for?” I glared at her.

  “Peter asked you a question.”

  I turned to the other man. “Sorry, mate. I was miles away. I think my blood sugar’s dropped. I could do with something to eat.” I had no idea where that lie had come from, but it tripped off my tongue with no effort whatsoever. I heaved myself from the Jacuzzi and held a hand out to Marie. “You coming for a drink and something to eat?” I widened my eyes just a touch so she’d get the hint that I wanted her to come with me.

  I helped Marie exit the pool, and with that we moved away and took turns rinsing off under the showerhead that was mounted on a pole several feet from the tub.

  “I’m surprised he didn’t try to follow us,” I said, jerking my thumb back toward Peter and propping my wet shades on top of my head to dry.

  “Wow, you really weren’t listening to a word he said, were you? Lampani was on his way to join him in the tub. That’s why he didn’t come with us, he was waiting for him to escape Curtis.”

  “Oh, right. Well, I don’t care if it was the Queen joining him in there. I’m just glad it means I get you to myself again.”

  “God, you’re insatiable.”

  “Yes, I am, but that’s beside the point. I just like spending time with you. Particularly without other men drooling all over you. Come on, let’s grab our stuff and see what we can see.”

  “In the sea?”

  “See what we can see in the sea? God, try saying that after a few glasses of champagne.”

  “I think the sun’s gone to your head.”

  “No, Marie, it hasn’t. You’ve gone to my head.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  I felt like a bitch to Peter. Hell, I was a bitch but I couldn’t help it. Travis just made me feel giddy with excitement, high on life, raring to go. There was just something about him that was bare-boned and honest, and also so raw and masculine, and when all of his attention was on me I felt as if I were the only woman in the world.

  My mind kept drifting back to the club, that spanking, then later at his house and him taking me to new levels of bliss, just like he’d promised. Then in the shower yesterday, I’d been mad as anything about him interfering with me and Peter, yet still, one command from Travis and I was putty in his hands. Or rather he was a rod of hot steel in mine.

  There was something glorious about feeling him come so hard. Orgasm until his knees buckled and his big, tough body shook in my arms. I didn’t think I would ever get enough of that feeling. Certainly when these “lessons” were over I would never forget the sensation of holding him together as he pulsed through ecstasy.

  I glanced at him now, his acres of damp skin shimmering in the sunshine, the droplets of water hanging on him like diamonds. He took two flutes of champagne and stepped up to me with a smile. He was looking considerably more comfortable in the groin department than he had earlier and I couldn’t help but feel both relieved and sorry that we’d been interrupted.

  Perhaps I’d get the chance to make it up to him later. I certainly hoped so.

  “Here,” he said, handing me a drink and touching the rim of his glass to mine.<
br />
  “What are we toasting?”

  “Lampani letting us off the hook.”

  “Ah, okay.” I grinned and took a sip.

  “So have you seen any dolphins yet?” Travis asked, dropping his shades from his head back onto his face and staring out to sea.

  I scanned the hazy horizon. The sky was white hot, the sea a dense navy. Small white crests burst on the surface and behind us a meandering trail displayed our recent path.

  “No, not yet, but I guess there’s still time.”

  “Let’s go down there.” He gestured to the lowest section of the boat that stuck out from the stern. “To the swim deck.” He downed his drink and handed it to a passing waiter.

  Suddenly the boat slowed, the noise of the engine dissipating along with the breeze our forward momentum had created.

  “Time to hit the water everyone,” Curtis said loudly, rubbing his hands. “Feel free to cool off on this wonderfully sunny, Californian Fourth of July.” He pointed at the swim deck we were already eyeing.

  “Oh good idea,” I said. Now that we’d stopped, the full power of the sun was scorching onto my shoulders. I’d need some more protection soon.

  Peter suddenly joined us, his cheeks glowing, his hair damp. “Are you swimming?” he asked me.

  “I think so. But I’ve never swam in the Pacific before.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Travis said, taking my glass and setting it aside. “I’ll look after you.” He rested his hand on my upper arm.

  Peter laughed, the sound a little harsh, a lot forced. He shoved his shades onto the top of his head. His blond hair fanned out around them. “Trusting Travis is like trusting a shark.”

  I felt Travis bristle. He sucked in a breath and tilted his chin. The flash of irritation in his eyes was unmistakable, as was the way a small muscle flexed in his cheek. He too lifted his sunglasses.

  “Yeah, well, you should remember, Peter, that sharks have a tendency to bite…hard.”

  “Sharks might bite, but perhaps the smaller fish are quicker.” Peter held Travis’ eye contact, unwavering. “Get to the prize first.”

  “Oh come on,” I said, “it’s too hot up here.” I was keen to break the atmosphere that was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. Was I the prize?

  Quickly I went down the three steps to the swimming platform. The small undulations in the ocean breached the surface and instantly the chill of the water lapped at my feet and tickled my ankles.

  Travis and Peter joined me. Both puffed up and their limbs stiff as they stared at the dark depths.

  Another couple, stripped to their swimwear, took a running jump, flew through the air and then hit the sea hand in hand. The huge splash hit us and I laughed, turned to Peter.

  “You okay?” he asked with a smile and touching a drip on my cheek.

  “Yes, it’s fine. I’m so hot anyway.”

  “You can say that again,” Travis said, tilting one eyebrow and giving me a sexy, twisted kind of a smile. He rubbed a streak of water slipping down my arm.

  Any other time I would have melted, but saying and doing that with Peter right there, it was war talk.

  “So you think my date is hot, is that right?” Peter asked, his voice low, his eyes narrowed.

  “Yeah, actually I do.” Travis nodded. “Is that a problem?”

  “I would say that it’s an issue for me, yes.” Peter bit down on his lower lip as though holding back harsher words.

  “Oh come on,” I managed. “We’re having a nice time out here, let’s not spoil it.” I rested my palms on both of their upper arms. Each was hot and hard, muscles bunched, neat testosterone radiating from them.

  “I only asked you along because I thought you didn’t know anyone,” Peter said to Travis. “And I didn’t want you having the holiday alone. I’m sure you’re sick of your own company of late.”

  “I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much.” Travis glanced at me. “But I do have someone to hang out with. A very pretty someone.”

  Peter frowned. His jaw slackened, he glanced at me. “Have you… Are you two dating?” he asked.

  “No,” I said.

  “Yes,” Travis said at the same time.

  I stared up at Travis.

  He shrugged. It wasn’t an apology, it was just an arrogant, so-what gesture and it bugged the hell out of me.

  “We went for lunch, a working lunch,” I said, feeling terrible that Peter was finding out this way.

  “And then to a club,” Travis said, “a club that was just so much fun especially when—”

  His words were cut off by me flinging myself at him, hard. I flattened my palms, whacked them onto his chest and shoved for all I was worth.

  Shock flicked over his features as he stumbled back a pace, and then surprise flashed in his eyes when I treated him to another shunt.

  Next thing he was falling, his big body gaining momentum as gravity pulled him away from the boat.

  He hit the water with an enormous splash and an ear-splitting crack filled the air. He disappeared for a few seconds before resurfacing. He coughed and sucked in a breath, took several swift strokes to the boat and gripped the side, by my feet.

  My heart was pounding. Shit, what had I done? I’d just shoved Travis Connolly off a boat into the middle of the ocean. Was I crazy?

  Yes, crazy and furious. He couldn’t play with people the way he seemed to think he could. It just wasn’t polite.

  “The water’s lovely, Marie,” he said, swiping at this eyes with one hand and then reaching for his sunglasses that were just starting to sink into the abyss “Why don’t you join me?”

  Damn it, he wasn’t even cross with me, just bloody amused by my reaction.

  “Maybe I would if you weren’t such an egotistical pig.”

  I heard an intake of air behind me. Turned and saw several other guests wide-eyed and watching the spectacle of the great Travis Connolly getting a dunking and a lashing from my tongue.

  My stomach upturned, my knees went watery and weak. What a fool I was. Hotheaded and impetuous. Acting before thinking. I felt like stamping my foot. It was Travis’ fault, he’d made me that way. All the things I’d done lately that were so out of my comfort zone. What had I been thinking? An annoying prickling sensation behind my eyes warned me of tears. Angry, embarrassed, hurt tears.

  “Marie,” Peter said, cupping my elbow. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, fine, I’m just sorry, okay? For this, for today.”

  “It doesn’t matter. Really, we were only casual, nothing exclusive. And I’m happy that you’re here, really I am.”

  “But, he…” I flicked my hand in Travis’ direction. “He just should…”

  “Everything okay down here?” Lampani jumped down the steps, glanced at Peter and then strode over to Travis and held out a hand. “Here you go, buddy.”

  Travis ignored him, jumping out the water and onto the deck in one easy bound. Rivers and streams of ocean dashed down him, splashing onto the floor. He shoved his hand through his hair and slid his shades over his eyes.

  Fuck, the guy was so beautiful, that alone was a sin, never mind all the other stuff he knew about and could do.

  “Peter?” Lampani asked, a worried line slashing between his eyebrows.

  “I’m okay, I’m just concerned about Marie,” Peter said. “Sweetie, you’ve gone very pale.”

  “I’m fine, really. Just too much sun.” I had to get out of there. Everyone’s attention was on me and I was moments away from being attacked by a big, tragic sob. It was building in my chest, blocking my gullet. “I’ll just get some water and sit in the shade for ten minutes. That would be best.”

  I pushed past Peter and Lampani and shot up the steps, relieved that my small audience moved out of my way and let me through.

  Within seconds I was in the shade of the boat, the internal coolness a welcome relief on my hot shoulders.

  I dashed up the left set of steps, pushed open the door to the biggest bathroom
and flicked the lock behind me. I filled up the sink with cold water and splashed my cheeks several times, breathing deep and beating down a wave of nausea.

  A fluffy black towel hung on a silver rail and I buried my face in it, letting the sob gurgle upward and be absorbed in the thick material. It had had to come out, that burst of upset, it was like a big ball of fury, interwoven with shame and irritation and empathy for Peter.

  A quiet knock at the door stole my attention.

  I kept silent, hoping whoever it was would go away.

  “Marie, please, I know you’re in there.”

  Travis.

  “Leave me alone,” I said, spotting a bottle of sparkling water on a shelf, cracking the seal and taking a few big gulps.

  “No, let me in.”

  “I don’t want to see you.” I banged the water down on the counter.

  “So what are you going to do? Stay in there until we hit port late tonight and miss all the fun?”

  “Being mean to Peter is hardly my idea of fun.”

  “I wasn’t mean to him, just giving him the facts.”

  “You were staking your claim, being your usual dogmatic self. Ever heard of tact?”

  He was quiet for a moment, then I heard the door handle rattle.

  “I won’t say this again,” he said. “Open the fucking door.”

  I stared out the small porthole. The glass was misted, though the bathroom was so high no one would be able to see through it anyway.

  “I mean it. Open the door.”

  I sighed. He was right. I couldn’t stay in here until nightfall. And it wasn’t sensible to handle conflict this way. We should talk. I needed to tell him he couldn’t go around upsetting nice, genuine people.

  After flicking the lock I retreated, heart pounding, adrenaline surging. As though I really had just let a shark into my pool.

  He stepped in. A six-foot-two package of brooding, possessive, arrogant muscle that made up Travis Connolly.