“Though, there's another face that I think you like just as much,” I whispered, watching his lips. They were so perfect. Full, yet masculine.
“And which one is that?” he asked, his perfect mouth curving into a curious smile.
“This one,” I replied, making the most ridiculous “O” face I possibly could before dissolving into a fit of giggles.
“I do not look like that,” he said, his face stern and serious. It made me laugh even harder. He shrugged. “I guess I'll just have to prove it to you”
He released me and undid the top button of his shirt, loosening his tie in the process.
“Right here?” I asked, looking around the room. There was a small lounge chair and a writing table from the 18th century, but most of the room was dedicated to the art on the walls.
“Why not?” he purred, unbuttoning each button one at a time. I gasped a little when he slid the shirt from his shoulders. I loved how broad they were and how strong every inch of him was. The suit was nice, but naked was even better.
“I guess it is still your house,” I whispered, my mouth watering at the sight of his body. He was all strong lines and sinew. Every inch of him radiated strength and desire.
“Damn straight,” he agreed. His voice was low and hungry. His eyes shone with want.
Heat skittered through my belly, then directly south. The confidence in his voice only turned up the flame from slow burn to forest fire.
He dipped his head and let his lips slide along my throat, igniting yet more flames along the sensitive skin. Bastian paused at the delicate hollow of my throat, right where my pulse was beating out his name. He nipped at my collarbone, sending a tremor of sheer desire straight through my core.
I arched my hips, begging him for more. I needed more. I didn't care where we were anymore. I didn't care about the work or the 18th century furniture. All I knew was that I needed him. I needed him more than I had ever needed anyone.
That alone surprised me.
I had never craved Chad this way. I had never felt this alive with anyone. Bastian had the ability to turn me on with just a glance. The way he looked at me... I knew he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
As he nibbled on my shoulder, pausing only for a moment to draw my shirt up and over my head, I realized I was falling for him. And falling hard. It wasn't just the sex, though what he was currently doing to me was making it hard to think of anything else.
It was how he made me feel.
Safe. Wanted. Perfect.
I closed my eyes, reveling in his arms. I was falling for him. I was falling for the billionaire.
A billionaire.
“Something wrong?” Bastian asked, pulling back, his eyes dark with lust and want. I had frozen without meaning to. He was a billionaire. I couldn't be falling for him. I shouldn't be falling for him. It was like falling for a prince, and I was no Cinderella. There was no way I would ever fit in his billionaire world.
I shook my head, pushing the dark thoughts aside. “No, keep going,” I murmured, arching my hips into his again. My body didn't want him to stop and was urging my mind to follow along.
“You taste so good,” he murmured, running his tongue along the ridge of my collarbone. Uncontrollable fires of need raged within me. I focused my attention on Bastian, ignoring the emotions rolling around inside of me.
Right now, Bastian wanted me. Here, on this island, in this room, he wanted me. I didn't know how long this feeling could last, but I knew I couldn't waste this moment. For today, I just wanted to think about how he made me feel. To enjoy this moment, even knowing that I wasn't worthy of it.
I didn't know why he would want me. Just that he did.
And for now, that was enough.
Chapter 21
I'm sorry, baby. I was an idiot. I love you. Don't be like this. Please call me.
Delete email.
I stared at my laptop screen. Whatever Chad and I had once had, it wasn't love. I could see that now. I had been in love, but looking back I didn't think he had been. He had wanted something from me, and I hadn't been able to give it to him.
I sighed and changed tabs to check my myFace.
Chad Malin lists you as in a relationship. Do you accept?
No. Delete. Again.
I scrolled through my news feed, seeing pictures of friend's babies and puppies and the occasional funny cartoon. Dad had posted that I was coming home today with a smiley face. Jackie had liked it.
A news article on Kindling Romance scrolled up. The picture showed all three of the handsome owners smiling for the camera in front of their New York office. I smiled back at Bastian and clicked on the article.
It was just an update on the launch of their new dating app. The news article claimed that it would change the dating game yet again, and I almost believed it. If Bastian was involved, he was certainly a game-changer.
I read to the end and saw a related article. Who is Billionaire Sebastian Belrose?
My mouse hovered over the link as I considered clicking it. I knew who Sebastian Belrose was. He was the wonderful man I had just finished paddle-boarding out on the ocean with. I had just spent the last week having the most amazing time with him. Sebastian Belrose protected me and treated me like I was special. I didn't need a clickbait article to tell me that.
I clicked on it anyway. I couldn't help myself.
The article was full of useless speculation. It seemed that very few people actually knew the real Sebastian Belrose. He had managed to keep the major secrets of his life out of the public, letting Gabe and Leo have the spotlight.
Model turned actress, Anastasia Nichols and billionaire Sebastian Belrose were thought to be an item last year, but have since been seen with other people.
A picture of Bastian and the most beautiful woman I had ever seen filled my screen. The two of them were obviously on a date at some sort of fancy restaurant. She had on the most amazing, form-fitting, red dress and her hand was resting on his arm. The picture had him caught in mid-laugh from whatever clever thing the stunning woman had to say.
I looked up at my reflection in the wall mirror, noting how I appeared nothing like the supermodel in the photo.
My hair was a disaster as I hadn't brushed it yet after our morning paddle-board session. In fact, there was even a piece of seaweed still lodged in it from when I fell in the water. I hadn't showered yet, so I hadn't put on any makeup. My nose was sunburned and freckles had started to pop up on my cheeks.
I wasn't anything close to a model. Why would he even bother with me? I wasn't anything spectacular.
My computer binged as an email arrived. I clicked to check it, thinking it might be an important update from Dad, only to find it another message from Chad.