Selena’s P. O. V.
After reaching the camping site, we get busy setting up our tents.
In the midst of it all, Stella gets injured while working, and Alex immediately rushes to her side and sucks on her finger where she got hurt. It’s such a sweet gesture. I smile at them.
They’re cute. When they met, they were step-siblings who were always ready to fight with each other and look at them now-madly in love.
But suddenly I feel a pang of longing. I crave that kind of love.
Almost instinctively, my gaze shifts to Mr Luther.
No. No, Selena. Just don’t go there. That’s completely wrong.
I shake my head, trying to dismiss the ridiculous thoughts entering my mind. He’s off-limits in every way possible.
Still, my eyes steal glances at him while he helps carry some supplies to the main tent. His shirt clings to his broad shoulders, and even in casual clothes, he looks so tempting.
I force myself to turn back to help Zoe tie up her tent properly.
Once our tents are ready, the three of us crawl into my tent, laughing and chatting.
“I’m so happy to be on this trip with you guys.” I hug them both tightly. “You know I’m already enjoying it so much.”
Zoe gives me a playful smile. “Are you sure you’re happy because of us? Or is it because of Mr Luther?”
Stella bursts out laughing, and I feel my cheeks heat up instantly.
“Stop it! Nonsense,” I reply, hitting her arm.
“Oh, you’re blushing, babes.” Stella also teases me, poking my cheek.
“I am not.” I glare at her.
“We can clearly see that something is going on between you two, Selena. That’s why you haven’t had a one-night stand since you met him.” Zoe says, smirking.
I freeze for a moment.
Wait. She’s right.
Since the night I tasted Mr. Luther’s lips, I haven’t even glanced at another guy, let alone considered a one-night stand.
What the hell is happening to me?
Stella adds, “And I’ve also noticed you stealing glances at your hot father’s friend every chance you get.”
“Shut up, guys. Stop teasing me.” I hurl a pillow at them, causing them to laugh.
After a few more minutes of playful banter, Zoe’s phone vibrates. She glances at the screen and immediately gets up. “Okay, guys, I’m heading out. I’m getting sleepy.”
“Yeah, right. Or is it Sky who wants you now?” I raise my brows at her.
Now how can I leave the chance to tease her?
She sticks her tongue out at me and hurries out of the tent.
Stella also leaves shortly after, claiming she needs some rest too.
Once they’re gone, the tent feels so quiet.
That’s when Mr Luther enters and zips up the tent. My heartbeat quickens and the air feels thick with tension. He and I are alone in this tent. What is he going to do with me? As my mind floods with wild thoughts, my body shivers with anticipation.
The flashes of how he finger-fucked me on the bus make me wet, and I clench my thighs together.
Will he fuck me? Do I want it?
Hell yes-I want it. I’m aching to feel his dick inside me.
Is it right? No.
He turns to face me. “Take some rest, Selena.” He says in his calm, authoritative tone.
What? Rest? Really?
I nod, feeling a pang of disappointment. I expected something else.
Selena, stop fantasising about him. He is your father’s friend, for God’s sake.
What happened on the bus was a one-time thing. We can’t repeat it.
“You were expecting something else?” He raises his brows at me and his lips curve into that signature smirk of his.
Fuck! He looks so hot with it.
“No!” I lie down, turning my back to him. My cheeks are burning, and I pray he doesn’t notice the shy smile on my face.
He chuckles, but he doesn’t say anything else.
I don’t know when sleep overtakes me, but my last thought is of him-his smirk, his voice, and the way he makes my heart race without even trying.
***
James’s P. O. V.
She sleeps with her back turned to me. Her breathing is soft and steady. Her presence is giving me immense peace.
Before I even know it, I lift my hand to caress her silky, brown hair.
It’s so soft. As I lean in to smell it, the faint scent of vanilla fills my senses.
It’s so addictive.
I press a kiss on her head with a smile on my face.
What is this woman doing to me?
I’ve never felt like this for anyone before. Never. She’s like a light piercing through the darkness I’ve grown so used to. She brings colour to my black-and-white life. She’s breaking down the walls I’ve spent years building.
My hand continues to stroke her hair as I watch her sleep. She’s everything I never knew I needed. But she’s also everything I shouldn’t want. She’s fifteen years younger than me, yet I feel this magnetic pull toward her-physically, emotionally, in every way.
It’s dangerous.
It’s inevitable.
I sigh and lean back, pulling my hand away from her hair. As my phone vibrates in my pocket, I take it out to check the caller ID.
The moment I see it, I immediately step outside the tent to take the call.
“Have you reached the site?” I ask a member of my security team.
“Yes, sir. We’re in position and everything is secure now,” he responds.
“Good. Stay alert and keep a close watch,” I instruct in a firm tone.
Selena doesn’t know it yet, but she’s mine now. And I’ll protect her with everything I have.
After disconnecting the call, I reenter the tent, careful not to disturb her. She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake.
As I sit down beside her, I can’t stop myself from stroking her hair one last time. “As long as I’m with you, Selena, I won’t let anyone even touch you.”
It’s a promise I make to her, one I know I’ll keep no matter what.