Christian tipped her head back to allow his tongue to dominate the wild and punishing kiss. He swirled his tongue against hers, devouring every recess hungrily. It wasn’t just any passionate kiss. It was branding. He wanted to punish her for fighting him since the time they met. He wanted her to know who she belonged to.
The savage kiss took her by surprise, leaving her dizzy and disturbed. All the fight left her body, and she swayed as if intoxicated by the deep, thrusting pulls of his tongue. Circling his bare shoulders to keep herself from falling, she couldn’t help but dig her fingers into their enormous strength. A gasp escaped her when he punishingly bit her lower lip, soothing the sting with his warm tongue.
Instead of feeling annoyed by the punishing kiss, a shock of pleasure coursed through her traitorous body, leaving her craving for more. It was her first kiss, and it robbed her of her senses. Should she be happy with her reaction to his advances?
Christian’s breath caught in his throat and he tasted her sweetness with a ferocity he never thought he had within him. His throbbing member twitched and strained against the towel and he pressed himself more into her. A strange hunger coursed through him, and he gripped her backside to grind his hardness into her.
“Kiss me, Skylar!” he whispered hoarsely, breaking the kiss to catch his breath. Skylar stood frozen in a state of shock as realization gripped her hard. What had she done? How had she allowed him to kiss her? He was a threat to her mental well-being and she shouldn’t have given in to the temptation at all.
“No, never! How could you steal my first kiss?” She pushed him away with all her might, rushing blindly towards the door. She had to get away before he lured her into his bed and then trapped her forever with him.
“Brace yourself for more. There’ll be many more first times with me.” His words rang in her ears as she banged the door shut after her. What the hell did he mean? Skylar staggered towards the elevator in a daze. She could still feel his taste on her tongue, his addictive scent all over her, his kiss branded on her swollen lips. The feel of his ripped body against hers drove her senses into overdrive. She was immensely aware of hard arousal grinding against her and it evoked a warm surge of need inside her body. It was impossible to get him out of her mind. If his kiss had such an effect on her, what would she do if he claimed her completely?
She glanced at the mirror on the walls along the corridor and gasped at seeing her lips. They were swollen and crimson! They indeed looked thoroughly kissed! Blushing furiously, she stood in a dilemma. How would she face her family in such a state?
“Skye? What are you doing here? Let’s grab some breakfast,” said Lillian, ushering the kids towards the elevator.
“I was waiting for Christian.” She rolled her eyes inwardly because that was the last thing she would do. Couldn’t she come up with a better excuse? They bundled into the elevator, but Christian dashed in just before the door closed.
“You shouldn’t keep Skye waiting, Chris. It should have been the other way around,” scolded Lillian, much to Skylar’s discomfort. Christian’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline with disbelief as he gave Skylar an amused glance.
“Really? Were you waiting for me, babe?” he leaned in to ask.
Skylar glanced at all the eager faces staring at her and nodded. “Yeah, so? I’m dying of hunger!” Her cheeks colored profusely, while his eyes sparkled with amusement. The endearment made her heart skip a beat, although she knew he was putting up an act.
“So am I,” he whispered while Lillian was busy with the twins. Skylar moved away from him, her cheeks flaming red by now. She knew exactly what he implied, but feigned ignorance instead.
“My legs are in pain, Mom,” wailed Vivi, holding her hands up, waiting to be picked up.
“We’re just going down, babe,” comforted Lillian.
“She’s not babe! That’s Aunt Skye’s name,” corrected Blade wisely. Lillian and Christian chuckled while Skylar wanted to vanish into thin air with embarrassment.
“I’ll carry you, Vivi,” offered Christian, picking Vivienne up in his arms.
“That’s better. You need the practice anyway,” said Lillian with a laugh. Skylar’s ears turned hot with embarrassment at their implication. How would she survive them for two years? They marched towards the restaurant while Lillian and Christian chuckled and talked in hushed whispers. Skylar grabbed Blade’s hand and jogged ahead of them, eager to leave them behind.
They entered the restaurant to see Caleb with their grandparents occupying a table.
“We were waiting for you,” said Caleb as they joined the family. Skylar sat beside Granny and Blade, completely ignoring Christian, who sat opposite.
They planned their trip to the Biscayne National Park. Christian guided them with the planning when Sebastian joined them at the table for a quick breakfast.
“Why don’t you join us, Seb?” asked Lillian, but he declined.
“I have a meeting with the finance department right away.” Skylar didn’t like him at all. She found Christian much more approachable and interesting, both in temperament and looks. She was thankful Sebastian backed out on his own.
“Will you go snorkeling with us, Aunt Skye?” asked Blade excitedly, bringing her out of her thoughts.
“Yes, we all will go, but you need to finish your breakfast first, Blade.”
“I will in a jiffy.”
“Be right back by lunchtime, Christian, Skylar. Your engagement is in the evening and I’ve invited some of our family and friends over. They should be here by lunch,” said Grandpa Ben.
“Yes, Grandpa Ben,” said Skylar meekly, her heart thumping with apprehension. Would he ask her anything else? Thankfully, he concentrated on his meal and coffee.
They left after breakfast, guided by Christian, who knew the place well. Skylar stuck to Lillian and the kids, much to Christian’s frustration. His hopes of spending time alone with her crumbled to dust.
The rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and vibrant coral reefs all around the Biscayne National Park took their breath away. They started with the visitor’s center and looked for wildlife along the Jetty Trail. Caleb and Christian tested their fishing skills and last, they explored the coral reef on the snorkelling cruise boat. Vivienne loved a pair of spot-fin butterfly fish that floated effortlessly through the water. Blade loved the loggerhead turtles more. Every crack and crevice seemed occupied by creatures in vibrant colors. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. Christian guided them around and later suggested they enjoy a little picnic on the lawn before returning to the hotel.
“Skylar, come with me,” he ordered her just as she sat down with Vivienne and Lillian.
“Where?” she got up to accompany him towards the nearest cafe.
Caleb and Blade had gone to the restroom to freshen up.
“Let’s order in the meantime. We don’t want to be late. Grandpa asked us specifically to return on time,” he reminded her, grabbing her hand. As if she would escape! They ordered snacks and ice cream and carried it all with them.
“Wow! Chocolate raspberry ice cream!” screamed Vivienne.
“This is the best day ever!” said Blade, munching his fries. Christian seemed to know everyone’s favorites. Caleb loved the barbecued chicken wings and dip, while Lillian loved her tiramisu. Christian got Skylar her favorite blueberry cheesecake and sat watching her enjoy her treat.
“Haven’t you got something for yourself?” asked Lillian.
“I’ll take a bite from Skylar if she’ll share with me.” Skylar froze and gave him a look of surprise. She pushed the plate towards him, but he just smiled and shook his head.
“He wants you to feed him a bite,” said Lillian with a chuckle. Caleb suppressed a smile and looked away while Skylar sat frozen. Did he really expect so much from her? But why would he? They were in a fake relationship, right?
“It’s okay, Aunt Skye! You can give him a teeny bit,” said Vivienne, feeling bad for her. She couldn’t share her treat with anyone in the world. Gingerly, Skylar picked up a piece with her spoon and held it to his mouth. He opened his mouth while holding her gaze. She quickly fed him and looked away, her cheeks flushing with color. Thankfully, the others were busy with the photographs Caleb had taken to give them much thought.
“Why don’t you get your favorite food?” she leaned towards him to whisper. He looked amused by her question, his eyes holding her gaze.
“I have a new favorite now. Will you let me have it?”
“You don’t need my permission. Do you?” His glance fell to her luscious lips, and Skylar’s eyes widened as realization dawned on her.
“I don’t?” He chuckled while Skylar gave him an exasperated look.
“Creep!” She scooted towards Blade while he chuckled more.
They returned to the hotel, and Skylar dashed to their bedroom to freshen up. However, Christian’s words echoed in her head. Would he come in to have his new favorite food now?
The door clicked open, and she whirled around to see Christian come into the room.