Their bodies pressed closer, and Charlotte could feel the change in him. Heat rushed to her cheeks, though in the darkness it
wasn’t obvious.
Sean leaned in until his lips brushed her ear, his low, magnetic vode dripping with temptation. “What’s there to be afraid of? That only makes it more exciting, doesn’t it?”
“You’re insane.”
She reached out to push him away, but he didn’t budge.
“It’s fine. We’ll just keep it quiet,” he said, his voice rough and husky.
Before she could reply, he locked one arm around her waist, holding her firmly in place, and used the other to tilt her chin up, keeping her from turning away. Then he kissed her hard.
With his hand gripping her jaw, there was no way to escape. She had no choice but to take the full force of his kiss.
Sean kissed well–too well. Before she realized it, she was melting into him. Her hands, which had been pushing against his chest, slid up and looped around his neck instead.
He didn’t stop there. Lifting her into his arms, he kissed her face–to–face, his hands supporting her from beneath.
Her legs wrapped instinctively around his waist.
The position brought him exactly where he wanted to be.
Sean let out a low groan and deepened the kiss, his desire unmistakable.
True to his word, he kept his movements restrained, careful not to make too much noise. Even so, the subtle shivers of pleasure sent ripples across the surface of the water, quiet enough that not even a splash broke the silence.
Just one wall away, in another courtyard, Mia and Lena lounged on deck chairs, stargazing and chatting.
“So, how have things been with Ian lately?” Lena asked.
“He’s under a lot of pressure. He’s out at business functions almost every night,” Mia said, her tone a little downcast. “Both of his companies are doing really well, but covering the huge gap left by my mom and his dad’s divorce settlement is still tough. The companies‘ assets are separate, so all he can take is his share of the dividends. And what ends up in his hands is a lot less than what you see in the company’s revenue reports.”
“If you ever need anything, just say the word,” Lena said.
Mia smiled faintly. “You know I won’t hold back with you.”
“What about you?” Mia asked. “How are things with Joshua?”
Lena’s face darkened, her tone dropping. “It’s the same as always Nothing’s changed. He’s still as cold as ever.”
Mia couldn’t help feeling frustrated with her.
“Lena’s gorgeous and accomplished. Why is she still chasing after a man who shows her no warmth–and not just for a while, but for years?” she fumed inwardly.
The thought made Mia’s heart ache for her friend.
She frowned slightly. “You haven’t met anyone new? Are you really planning to spend your whole life clinging to Joshua?”
At the mention of someone new, a face appeared in Lena’s mind.
1/3
Chapter 515
+15 BONUS
Tyler Ziegler.
They had met on Megan’s cruise during a game of Truth or Dare. Lena had picked him for a fake confession.
It had just been a game.
She hadn’t thought about it again until a few days later, when Tyler unexpectedly confessed to her for real.
She was stunned. He claimed he had liked her ever since the first time he saw her years ago.
Lena didn’t accept. Even if she didn’t still have feelings for Joshua she wouldn’t have said yes. They had only met once, years ago, and truly spoke for the first time when Tyler came back to the country and they ran into each other at a restaurant.
To her, he was nothing more than a familiar name and a stranger’s face.
Catching Lena’s faraway look, Mia’s instincts kicked in. “What’s going on? Who’s this new man? Do I know him?” she asked, eyes glinting with curiosity.
Lena hesitated before finally admitting, “It’s Tyler Ziegler. He confessed to me a few days ago.”
“No way. Seriously?” Mia’s eyes widened. “You mean Ian’s friend Tyler?”
Lena nodded. “Mm.”
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