Chapter 24

Jenna

Paradise.

Some would say living in a gorgeous house high on top of a hill with a Greek god disguised as a man was the perfect rendering of paradise. Especially when the beaches were an iridescent white, the water clear and a perfect turquoise blue, corals and fish gleaming in the shimmer of sunlight.

I would have to agree, even if it felt as if a noose was ready to slide over both our necks, dragging us straight into hell. Maybe it was because of the ever-present number of soldiers milling the festive streets down below or the fact I’d seen every kind of weapon imaginable. Also, Atlas was never far from my sight, although he was quick to provide a smile, offering help with anything I needed. Hell, he’d even taken out the trash since I had no clue where I was going or what I was doing.

Everything was different in the gorgeous town, the atmosphere festive yet serene, if there was such a thing.

Even with a solid warrior force surrounding not only me but the entire Diamondis family, the fear was real and constant, the confusion about how I felt about Stavros unavoidable. However, one of the favorite movies of mine that included a saucy little Greek wedding had been brought to life over the past few days. In rich and vivid color.

Stavros’ extended family was a wild bunch, his aunt exactly what the stereotypes presented only better. She constantly had a smile on her face, dancing as she cooked the two times we’d gone to Dimitrios’ house for dinner. She was at least in her late seventies but you’d never know it by the thick locks of dark hair and dazzling blue eyes.

You couldn’t stay in a bad or worrisome mood for long around a single member of the family. Even Christos was entirely different, as if he’d never been injured or was little more than a soldier himself. We’d had too much wine, experienced a lot of laughter and the scrumptious food likely caused me to gain five pounds already.

Paradise.

Yes, it was a real thing that few were able to experience.

But I remain terrified and unsettled, my mind still trying to process the events of the last ten days. It was next to impossible to make heads or tails of anything.

Including the growing feelings I had for a man I’d been determined to hate. Was there such a thing as love at first sight? In my mind, not a chance. But lust? You bet. With Stavros, everything was complicated. Far too much so.

I poured a glass of wine and popped an olive into my mouth. Tonight, we’d planned on spending time very much alone. No family. No going out. I’d been allowed to walk to the local market selecting our dinner for the evening. While I’d had three soldiers by my side, it hadn’t been nearly as oppressive, which was exactly what my soul had needed.

Stavros had mentioned he wanted to discuss some things with me and for a bunch of reasons, I was nervous. It wasn’t as if the man had been cagey since our arrival, but he acted as if I was far too fragile to handle the truth of what was going on.

As I walked up the narrow flight of stairs to venture out to my favorite place in the house, visions of his smile popped into my mind. He could go from being furious to joyful in a heartbeat, but every time I thought about him in any regard, my pussy quivered.

Just as it was doing now.

I ran my fingers down the side of my neck, feeling my quickening pulse as I walked into the bedroom we’d sequestered upon our arrival. The sheets were still turned down, the morning one of those lazy ones where we’d indulged in fulfilling what should be every girl’s fantasy. I ran my hand down the indentation in the pillow on the muscular man’s side of the bed, the scent of our sex and his aftershave lingering, creating a wave of tickling sensations shifting down the backs of my legs.

As I opened the set of French doors, the wafting scents of the village and the ocean were another reminder why I loved it here so much. When I walked outside, I took a deep breath, smiling from the beautiful strains of music coming from one of the tiny taverns or restaurants.

They were dotted throughout the city, the festive atmosphere occurring at least eighteen hours a day.

And I loved every second of it.

Days had turned to nights then back into glorious days. The mornings were my favorite, the sun adding shimmer to the dazzling Aegean Sea, the flowers lining the streets all standing at attention from the first blasting rays of the bright morning light. There was always music playing when I opened the windows, and I could swear the birds were all chirping to the beat.

But I couldn’t complain about the sunsets either, the bold colors that always seemed to crisscross the sky, the stars brighter than I’d seen them anywhere else in the world.

Just like right now, the colors fading before the twilight settled in.

We’d only been here in Santorini for four days, but it had seemed like a relaxing vacation instead of what it was, the beginnings of a hunting ground. Stavros had gone to several meetings, leaving me with mostly non-English–speaking guards who’d watched my every move. I knew they were there for protection and I understood why, although I had to wonder whether the danger had really followed us all the way from the United States.

I sensed Stavros was still tense after the days of nothing but quiet, the powerful man making phone calls in Greek a couple of times a day, which had meant he hadn’t wanted me to hear what he was saying. He was determined to keep me secure, including under lock and key, although I felt freer than I had in years. I was aware everyone was concerned about the level of danger we were in. I knew in my heart that the nightmare was far from being over.

But at least during the evenings, I had him mostly to myself. We explored, had dinner and drinks, and walked the colorful streets.

He’d taken me to the beach once, allowing me to get my toes wet. And we’d made love every single night, the man more insatiable than before we’d left the United States.

I had the distinct feeling not only was he making up for lost time in his life, but that he was concerned he wouldn’t have a future. That left me feeling sad inside, the ugliness of everything we’d endured over the past week or so weighing heavily on my mind.

However, as I waited for him to come back to the lavish yet smaller estate, I stood with a glass of wine in my hand on the back balcony, leaning over the iron railing. He was later than he’d told me he’d be, but I knew he was doing everything in his power to track down the people responsible so I couldn’t say anything.

I’d come to love Greek music, the festiveness it offered, and the joy and happiness that I’d seen on so many faces when we walked past or enjoyed a bottle of wine in a small café. The colors were brighter here, the buildings creative in their architecture. I could easily see living here or at least spending a good portion of my year in the fabulous country.

And I had to admit, I’d had my reservations about enjoying Greek food every day, but now I couldn’t imagine not tasting the fresh fruits and vegetables a couple of times a week. And the olives. Yes, I’d adored them as well.

I took a sip of wine, swaying back and forth as I peered down at the private patio, vines decorating a dozen trellises, making the entire area secluded. Even the sound of the waterfall in the fountain seemed luxurious by my recent standards of living. However, the view from the master bedroom was by far my favorite. I could see over the rooftops of the buildings in front of his parents’ house across the warm and gentle ocean waters.

I’d made a little dinner for us, preparing the scene down below with a candle ready to be lit on the small table. It was my attempt at making us a scrumptious feast.

What had struck me these last few days was how natural it felt being around Stavros. While he was tense, when he was with me, he was a different person, allowing business to be shut down. I don’t know how he did it, but I could feel his entire being right with me, enjoying every word I said, laughing with me at the stupid jokes I made.

And I knew in my heart, as it fluttered hearing his footsteps, that I was falling hard for the man. Was it in my best interest? Hell, no. The man was bad for me and my business. Was it what I’d always wanted, minus the dangerous man aspect? Yes. Why lie to myself any longer?

I dragged my tongue across my bottom lip as he approached, the sexy hunk taking his time to do so.

“Did you miss me?” he asked in his usual husky voice.

“Not even a little bit. But you’re late.”

“And you’re beautiful.”

He had a way of making me feel that way. “You’re forgiven.”

He chuckled but his voice was still breathy as he wrapped one arm around me, pulling me against his chiseled body. The way he held me was as if he was fearful of letting me go. His cock was already hard, which only kept the tingles flowing up and down my body, overheating my nerve endings.

“Well, I guess I need to remind you why you should miss me.” He nipped my earlobe, keeping his face pressed against the side of my neck while he brushed his lips across my heated skin.

“How in the world can you do that?”

In his other hand was a glass of wine. I’d left it by the bottle for him, hoping he would indulge as usual. He fisted the back of my neck as he took a sip, as if he expected me to try to escape. I was finished with that silly behavior, preferring to indulge in the time we had together.

While I wasn’t certain what to think about the fact he’d purchased the building for me, it opened up the need for a conversation that I knew neither one of us were prepared to have.

At least not until our return to the States, whenever that was going to be. At this point, I hoped not for a long time. I knew the glass bubble would burst at some point, but not yet. Not when we were both enjoying doing little more than getting to know each other.

“Oh, I have my ways, sweetheart,” he growled, even issuing a couple of ruffing sounds like that of a dog.

Or a wolf in the wild.

He threw back a huge gulp of wine, squeezing my neck before rolling his fingers over my bare shoulder. Instantly, goosebumps popped along every inch of skin, including what little was covered by my sexy dress and tiny thong. When he flexed his hand open, using his palm and roughly rubbing it between my breasts to my stomach, he tugged me even closer. The way the thick bulge between his legs was pushed into my bottom was a clear reminder that he owned every inch of me.

Which he enjoyed reminding me of several times a day.

I wiggled back and forth, the material of the dress scraping against my already aching nipples. As he crawled the material up from my thighs, I took several scattered breaths. I could swear we were acting like teenagers when he was around forty and I was closing in on thirty. At least in a couple of years.

Every time I closed my eyes, the electric sensations were heightened. He had the innate ability to pull me into a vacuum, keeping me flustered and full of lust.

Which he’d accomplished often even on this gorgeous island.

“I need you,” he whispered as he licked the shell of my ear at the same time he slipped his fingers past the thin elastic of my thong.

“You’re a very needy man,” I purred and eased the back of my head against his shoulder as he started to finger me. He was gentle in his actions, at least for now, but I could tell by his labored breathing that whatever business he’d handled during the long day had irritated him. I could read the man easily, knew his moods much better now that we’d spent quality time together.

I was his drug as much as he’d become mine, our longing to be together bordering on obsessive. He was the most possessive man I’d ever met, almost getting into a fight the night before when we’d taken a walk, a young guy making the horrific mistake of flirting with me in an egregious fashion. I’d never heard Stavros raise his voice to such a degree. Nor had I seen such fear in another man’s eyes before.

He rubbed his fingers up and down my slickened folds as he continued nibbling on my ear. When he swirled his thumb around my clit, I issued a scattered moan that was loud enough I was fearful those on the street could hear my exclamation of ecstasy.

“You’re wet,” he growled.

“Uh-huh.” I bucked against his hand, my legs trembling as the tingles became euphoric.

“And hungry.”

“Mmm…”

He shifted his hips back and forth, the move making me purr all over again. When he thrust all four of his fingers into my throbbing pussy, I almost climaxed on the spot. He was ambidextrous, continuing to roll his thumb around in lazy circles over my swollen little nub while fingerfucking me.

“I could do this all night long,” he whispered, laughing softly after doing so.

“I need more.”

“You do, huh? Have you been a very good girl today?”

“Always.”

He continued plunging his fingers deep inside, flexing them open. But it was the way his thumb worked my clit that caused a series of hot lava vibrations and a jolt of current seconds before I had a clitoral orgasm, my entire body spasming. It was so unexpected I let out a slight shriek, trying to bite my lower lip to keep from doing it a second time.

“Oh, God. Oh…”

“You’re beautiful when you climax for me. Only for me.”

I almost dropped my glass, managing to tip it over just enough several drops of wine sloshed over the rim, cascading to my bare foot.

Every sound he made continued to fuel the fire and when I stopped squirming, the beautiful climax fading, he backed away far too quickly. I was forced to grip the railing to keep from falling, gasping for air as if I was being suffocated.

“Come with me,” he commanded.

I turned around just in time to see him driving his fingers into his mouth, sucking off the slickness of my juice. In the full moon, I was able to see the way he rolled his eyes back into his head. His reactions always brought a smile to my face.

Even though he disappeared into the shadows of our bedroom, I was still able to tell he’d placed the wine on the nightstand and was slowly removing his shirt.

I’d gotten extremely good at teasing him, and I did so again, taking my time entering the room. When I did, I realized he’d slipped away, doing his own version of tormenting me. He did so love the cat and mouse game we played.

Only a split second later he grabbed my wrist, whipping me around as he lifted me off the floor high into the air. He spun me around, laughing as I’d never heard him do before. He seemed so happy, so content but my mind was spinning in wonder of when the other shoe would drop.

However, I did what I could to shove it aside as he tore at my dress to get it off, the sound of ripping seams making us both burst into laughter. When he tossed me onto the bed on my back, I did my best to scramble away for fun.

“Oh, no, you don’t. You’re not going anywhere.” He grabbed my ankle, yanking me all the way to the other side while I kicked him playfully in the gut. He feigned injury, stumbling backwards for a few seconds before advancing again like a lion.

When he wrapped his little finger around the elastic of my panties, the shimmering glow of moonlight told me exactly what he was going to do.

“Don’t you dare. You already owe me four pair of panties,” I told him, trying to be a gruff girl.

“Well, I guess I’ll need to make it five.” Without the slightest hesitation, he twisted his wrist, using the same little finger to snap off my thong. He held it up into the air, howling like a beast before crushing the lace against his face. His primal actions had a way of making me swoon more than ever. He inhaled deeply, holding the breath for several seconds before blowing it out.

“Peach perfection,” he murmured.

Before I could make a move, he tossed it behind us, the strength of his upper arm allowing him to throw it over the edge of the balcony. I broke down in a fit of giggles as he dropped to his knees on the side of the bed, immediately rolling the rough pads of his fingers up my calves, lifting my legs at the same time.

Stavros spread me wide open, licking his chops before pressing my knees all the way against the soft sheets. As he blew across my aching pussy, I threw one arm over my head, reaching for him with the other. I was able to tangle my fingers in his soft curls while he licked one inner thigh then the other.

He was taking his time, making wild animal sounds, teasing me more severely than he’d done before.

“So bad. So very bad,” I managed, tossing my head back and forth. His hot breath was fiery, the closeness of his mouth driving me nuts. When he finally swirled his tongue around my aching clit, my body bucked involuntarily. Within seconds, he pressed both hands against my thighs to hold me down while he dragged his tongue up and down the length of my pussy.

There was nothing like the animalistic sounds he made to set the tone, to drive my desire to the extreme. For some reason I was more sensitive than I’d ever been, now pointing my toes and jerking up from the bed. My vision was foggy in less than a minute. The moment he drove his tongue as deep inside as possible, shaking his head ever so slowly back and forth, I let out a series of ragged moans.

“God, you’re driving me crazy.” I fisted his hair for a change, pushing his head all the way into my wetness. He responded by twisting his head as much as my hold would allow, the sounds bordering savage.

When he lifted my torso off the bed, licking me feverishly, I was thrown immediately into a sweet moment of utter bliss. I half laughed and half moaned, gripping and ripping at the sheets with my other hand.

“Oh, you’re going to make me…” I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth. The sensations were so good, so electrified that my pulse was skyrocketing.

He growled as he licked, shifting both his thumbs to torment me again while still holding me aloft. The second he buried his head into my wet heat, that was all I could take, my body reacting almost violently. I bucked and screamed, forced to cover my mouth as the orgasm rushed through me like a tidal wave.

He was an absolute expert at what he did, pushing me to the point of one climax slip-sliding into a second. I’d never experienced such pleasure in my life. My pussy continued to pulse and the man was forever surprising me. This time he yanked his head from my tight hold, lifting my legs high into the air and placing them together.

Using the palm of his hand, he proceeded to spank my bottom, whistling as he moved his hand from one side to the other. I was jarred not only by his actions but also by his powerful hold. The pain was minor in comparison to other times he’d spanked me. I had a feeling this was just another reminder that he owned me.

He kept it up, the sound of his deep voice humming a happy tune far too melodic and joyful for the moment, but that was the kind of man he was. Comfortable in his own skin. Dominating in every way.

“You are a very bad girl. I think I’m going to start spanking you every single day.” His voice was joyous, the hard cracking sound consistently making me jump. I was torn by the rush of electricity, the way my pussy was still clenching and releasing. He truly owned my body.

The only fear about the man I had was that he’d soon own my heart.

As he picked up in speed, developing a rhythm, I was driven into a beautiful lull, finally turning my head to the side and doing nothing more than accepting my punishment. I was barely aware when he’d stopped altogether, tenderly easing my legs to the bed.

My eyes remained hazy as he stood, but I rose onto my elbows so I could watch him as he unfastened his trousers, slowly rolling the light material over his chiseled hips. God, he was a thing of beauty, studying him and basking in his insane splendor something I could do for hours a day. I hoped I would never get tired of seeing his stunning physique.

As if our relationship would last forever.

He grinned at the way I dragged my tongue all the way around my mouth, now the one making wild animal noises.

“You see something you like?” he asked, his voice dipping to the lowest level possible. He rubbed his hands down his chest, rolling one around his cock while he cupped his balls.

Damn it, my mouth was watering all over again. It was so easy to feel free and alive around him, something I hadn’t expected at all. When I beckoned him with a single finger, he turned his head one way then the other, lifting both eyebrows and pointing at his chest.

“Who, me?”

“Yeah, you. Big boy.”

While he’d managed to seduce me into full surrender, being able to play this way was just as special. He sauntered closer while I crawled backwards on the bed, remaining on my haunches.

When he crawled on top, he issued another series of deep and dangerous growls before yanking me by my wrists, forcing me to straddle his thighs. The tip of his cock was immediately pressed against the entrance of my pussy and with a wicked grin on his face, he dragged me down, impaling me.

I threw my head back, the sensations off the charts, but he wanted us locked together in time, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck. I was forced to stare into his eyes. Together we moved as one, my body gently rocking against his.

His thick shaft filled me completely, the scent of his aftershave more intoxicating than ever. I placed both palms in his chest, kneading his muscles as he pulsed into me. His cock was throbbing, stretching my muscles. I could swear he was bigger than before.

There was no need to say any words, the sense of wonder from being together overwhelming. If only this kind of serenity and happiness could last.

He remained loving, tender as he lowered his head, lightly pressing his lips across mine. When he brushed them down my cheek, I closed my eyes, biting my inner cheek. He kissed every inch of my face, including both eyelids before capturing my mouth, holding our lips in place. I couldn’t seem to stop quivering in his arms, the longing indescribable.

As he opened our mouths, darting his tongue inside, I was pulled into the erotic moment, my heart thudding rapidly. The powerful effect he had on me only increased with every passing day. Being together was special. The way we felt as one was incredible.

Very slowly he lowered me to the sheets, shifting his body so his legs were between mine. When he broke the kiss, he pulled one of my arms over my head then the other, clasping our hands together. There was no doubt he was completely in charge, just the way it should be.

We continued rocking together, never taking our eyes off the other. This was what making love was about, trusting the other person with every aspect of our desires and fears. It was as if he’d known me his entire life, the only man able to satisfy me. It didn’t matter how we’d come together, the twisted sense of karma that had pushed us into a dangerous situation.

The only thing that mattered was the here and now. Later we’d worry about our future.

Stavros kept his body slightly aloft so he could study me, both of us digging our fingers into the other’s hands. There was something even more powerful about his hold, as if this was forming a bond between us that could never be broken. I wasn’t just falling for the man, I was feeling the love like a budding flower sweeping through me. Whether wrong or right, too soon or too much, I didn’t care. I could feel it within him as well, although I also knew he was holding something back.

And it would prevent him from unlocking the rest of his trust and love until he worked through his demons.

We moved together for several minutes until I sensed he could hold back no longer. Our bodies were working in perfect unison, our needs and willpowers similar. As his muscles tensed, so did mine. As his breath grew more ragged, so did mine.

As he erupted deep inside, filling me with his seed, another even more powerful climax rolled through me.

And I almost jinxed the entire blissful moment by telling him that I’d fallen hopelessly and madly in love with him.