KINSLEY

"Ms. Levon, as I explainedbefore, you aren't to leave the building without a bodyguard," the hulking man says.

My arms cross my chest as I pace the lobby.

"What's the matter?" Nick asks as he approaches.

"Your security guy says I can't leave without a bodyguard," I snarl.

"That's correct." Nick steps out the front door, keeping me close to his right. Another man steps out of the SUV with his hand poised on his gun in his waist holster.

"This is my new way of living. Under tight security," I say as Nick opens the back passenger door of the blacked out Suburban.

Scooting across the seat, I get cozy with the door handle. I want to be as far away from my future husband as possible.

And how long will that last, Kinsley?

You signed a contract to be pliable. I squeeze my thighs together. At one time, Nick could get me to do almost anything. Until things took a sharp turn in our lives.

That weekend will always hold a special place in my memory.

It had been a few months since Nick and I started dating. We spent our time studying together, enjoying picnics in the park, and he even left meals at my dorm room when I was overwhelmed with exams.

We had tried keeping things light and fluffy as long as we could. Until we couldn't anymore. Agreeing to go away with him for the weekend was a mistake. But I just had to be alone with him. Totally alone with him just once. When Nick and I had kissed during our fishing trip, it felt like everything around us came to a standstill.

Because of our education, we told each other we'd keep things light. Casual. When the chemistry roared between us, it had been impossible to keep down our feelings.

Nick pushes the lake house door open, and I step inside. My gaze sweeps over the lavish space.

"It's beautiful," I mumble under my breath.

The crystal chandeliers, skylights, and cathedral ceilings exude elegance, while the tan leather sofas and cream marble floors added to the luxurious atmosphere. And let"s not overlook the stunning view of the lake through the sliding glass doors.

His lips press against my neck as his fingers caress my hips. "I'll place our bags in the room."

The second he steps away, the urge to pull him back so I can bask in his warmth is strong.

Nick's the perfect guy. He's gorgeous, single, and respectful. The man doesn't let his hands linger on my body too long. It's like he's afraid to take things too far with me.

I'm a grown woman. I can handle more. Maybe we can agree to have sex just with each other and wait to become a couple after I graduate.

That's not realistic, Kinsley.

No way will he wait.

I blow out a breath. Then we'll become lovers for this weekend only. Yeah, that sounds good. He'll be a one and done. Says the woman who's never had sex before.

"So." Nick claps his hands as he steps back into the room.

I jump as I peek over my shoulder. "You scared me."

He stalks over and palms my cheek. "Kinsley, always remember you're safe with me."

I nod as a sense of relief washes over me.

"We can take the boat out. When we return, we can prepare lunch." His emerald eyes sparkle.

"Sounds good," I say.

"This weekend is just about me having your undivided attention. I'm not trying to have sex with you."

"What if that's what I want?" I ask nervously.

"It's best we don't because I wouldn't be able to stop."

My hand splays his chest. "Why do we have to stop?"

"We can't have sex because I wouldn't be able to fuck you casually, knowing you could fuck whomever you want." He exhales. "Just let me have this small window in time with you."

"Nick, I've never had sex...before," I admit.

"But I want to lose my virginity to you. I'd like to only have sex with you." I swallow.

"Maybe we can become a couple after college." My smile rises and falls.

His jaw twitches. "I have an obligation to my family after I graduate. I'm taking over the family business."

My heart plummets to my feet.

"As much as I want you in my life, I know I can't have you." He sighs.

"I'm a selfish man, Kinsley. Every day I fight with myself not to make you mine. Not to run away with you."

My eyes widen. "Run away with me?"

"Yes. Listen, we'll enjoy each other's company. You'll let me stare into those eyes I love so much and Sunday night we'll return to school."

I inch up on my tippy toes and whisper in his ear, "And if you fuck me?"

A sinister smile curls his lips. "You'll be mine. And if another man tries to take what's mine... I'll kill him."

The tiny hairs stand all over my body. I crack a smile because he has to be joking.

"Funny, Nick."

"I'm not joking. I haven't desired sex with other women since I met you. If you and I were to cross that line, I'd only want to fuck you. How can I do that and run my family's company? I can't. You deserve so much more than a man like me."

"You make it sound like you're a bad guy." I peer into his eyes.

"Come on, let"s enjoy the lake," he says.

Nick ignored my words.

"Have you ever driven a boat?" he asks as we climb aboard.

I chuckle. "No."

"You will today. For now, sit back and enjoy the view." He smiles as he slips his green tinted aviator sunglasses over his eyes.

Those sunglasses should be banned. Every time he wears them, they set my core on fire. There's no way I can stay away from him. And to think I had tried to avoid him after we met. Nick had been so persistent.

My fingers curl around the chrome banister as I stare out into the distance. The lush green trees and the beautiful blue lake should be on a postcard.

It feels like I'm being watched. Glancing over my shoulder, I notice Nick's tongue glides over his lower lip.

Dirty thoughts have to be running through his mind. It's hard to get used to the way he looks at me, like I only exist. That sounds farfetched. He just likes me. A lot.

"Kinsley, come here," Nick calls out.

I leave the picturesque view and walk toward him.

"Captain Kinsley take the wheel," he urges.

"How far should I turn it?" I ask, placing my hands at ten and two on the wheel like I'm driving a car.

Nick places his hands on mine. "We want to keep the boat steady. So you don't have to move it much."

He nuzzles his nose in my hair. "You smell so good," he growls.

Being in his presence like this is all-consuming. I never want our time together to end.

"Thanks," I whisper.

"The scenery is so beautiful." I inhale the fresh air, then exhale.

"It's absolutely stunning," he says in a seductive tone.

Were we talking about the same thing?

Nick steps back. I hate that he moved away. As I glance over my shoulder, I turn the wheel too far.

The boat jerks to the left.

Nick shoots up from his chair, places his hands on mine, steering us back on course. He leans into my ear. "I can't stand behind you anymore. So I need you to steer the boat straight."

"Why?"

There's a beat of silence.

"Because my cock is hard as a fucking rock. It's best if I keep my distance."

He plants his lips on my shoulder and heat sweeps through my body.

"I won't be far," he says in a reassuring tone.

Nick drives me insane. I had never wanted to fuck someone so badly before.

He grabbed a beer out of the long white cooler and sat in the chair behind me. We had talked about what we would cook for dinner. Then we discussed chemistry. It wasn't his favorite subject. I excelled at it. Talking about school had been the best decision. If we hadn't, I might've dropped to my knees and taken care of his hard on.

Later that night, Nick and I relax by the fire pit with a bottle of wine. He sits back, observing as I attempt to sway my hips to the rhythm and move my feet with some semblance of skill.

I can't salsa dance to save my life. The warmth from the flames feels nice on my legs and thighs.

Nick covers his mouth to hide his laughter.

Playfully, I fall into his lap in the wooden Adirondack chair and place his hands on my plump ass.

"You've tempted me this evening in these little blue jean shorts and the red tank top," he admits.

"That was the idea," I giggle mischievously.

His lips skate over my cheek. "You have no idea how badly I want you to be mine in every way."

"Baby, make me yours," I purr.

Is that the wine talking or me? Maybe it's both. The words are true.

My hand comes between us, and I slide my hand along his hard shaft.

"You do want me badly," I breathe.

Nick leans back in the chair, watching me through hooded eyes. He reaches out and rips my tank top down the middle to reveal my bare breasts.

I gasp.

My heart pounds in my chest as I look into his eyes. The intensity in them is a mix of crazy and desire.

"If we do this, Kinsley, there"s no turning back. You"ll be mine.Do you understand?"

His words send shivers down my spine. Is he obsessed with me? No, that can"t be.

I run my finger along his chest, trying to calm my nerves. "Nick, I understand."

But did I really understand? Deep down, I know Nick is not good for me. But in this moment, all I want is to feel good.

Did I really understand? Of course I didn't. A part of me knows Nick is bad. But I don't care. All I want right now is to feel good.