After returning from the dive, Penny had gone off to have lunch with Tori. Although they hadn’t spent much time together, her friend had insisted she’d had a good time. During their conversation, Tori had hinted she wanted to fly out early. One of her ex-boyfriends was in the city on business, and she wanted to see him before he left town. Although Tori had protested, Penny had insisted she’d be all right on her own for the remaining days. With separate hotel rooms, they’d barely seen each other the entire vacation anyway. By the end of the meal, Tori had changed her flight, and had made arrangements to fly home tomorrow.

Home. In two days, she’d return to New York, and everything in her predictable life would fall back into its place. No sand, sun, or cocktails at noon. Her affair with Dr. Abbott would be nothing more than a beautiful memory.

Penny glanced around the small open-aired cabana, and gave the masseuse a smile. The pint-sized woman appeared friendly, but Penny held no doubt that she was a professional, taking notice as her muscular forearms and hands worked the water out of a washcloth.

“You can go ahead and undress,” she instructed. “We’ll start face down. I’ll be right back.”

“Thank you.” Penny glanced around the room, realizing the small hut provided little privacy. She made quick work of removing her sarong and mounted the table. As she lay on the bed, she took in the spectacular sight of the beach, the sun slowly dropping into the horizon. The sound of breaking waves soothed her mind.

A small towel brushed over her bottom, and she breathed in the sea air. Strong fingers scrubbed her scalp, and within minutes, Penny fell into requiescence. As the masseuse removed her covering, the sensation of the warm sea air teased her bare skin.

Warm oiled hands worked her shoulders and she released an unintentional moan, closing her eyes. Every muscle relaxed as they made their way down her back. Just as she was beginning to drift off into sleep, the massage lingered on her bottom. She startled as fingers delved precariously close to her inner thighs. She turned her head to protest only to find Chase smiling down upon her. His white linen pants were tied precariously low on his hips, and her eyes were drawn to the v cut, his tanned abs, ripped as if they’d been made of chiseled marble.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice sleepy. “Where’s the masseuse?”

“She’s taking a break.”

“Not that I’m complaining, but what did you tell her?” She gave a small laugh.

“I told her we were on our honeymoon and I wanted to surprise you,” he responded, with a lilt of amusement.

“What?” Penny clutched the table.

“You know, as in married. You really need to relax.” Chase unclenched her fingers from the bed and moved them to her sides.

“And she believed you?”

“As you’ve pointed out, I can be very convincing,” he stated, resuming his work.

“You got me to go scuba diving today, didn’t you?”

“That I did. But technically you agreed.”

“Oh my God, that feels amazing,” Penny moaned, as his thumbs stroked through a knotted muscle. “You could have a second job.”

“Miss Travis’ personal masseur?”

“You’re hired.”

“About today, why didn’t you listen, mermaid? I know you knew the rules.”

“Hmm…sorry. I just was so overwhelmed. Normally I don’t lose concentration like that, but it was beautiful. I’ve never see anything like it.”

“It’s pretty amazing, huh?”

“I can see why you do it, now. I don’t think I could appreciate it before. If you hadn’t dared me,” she laughed, and continued, “I don’t think…no, I know I would have never done it.”

“We can do it again sometime,” he offered.

“Tomorrow?”

“You can invite Tori if you want.”

“Hmm…thanks but she’s going home.”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, she’s in an on again off again relationship with this guy. I guess while I’ve been busy she’s been texting him.”

“I suppose I’ve been monopolizing your time.”

“Don’t worry about her. She’s a big girl. Besides, the first night you and I went out, she left the resort to go to some club. I love Tori, but I see her all the time at home. And honestly, this has been the best time of my life,” she confessed.

“I can’t say I’m sorry to have you all to myself. I just wish…” Chase’s words trailed off in reflection.

“What?”

“Nothing…just wish we had more time.”

“Me too.” Penny’s voice grew quiet.

“We should focus on today. Carpe diem, as they say….which reminds me, darlin’.”

“What?”

“It’s about that spanking we discussed.” His hands roamed over her buttery skin, caressing her cheeks.

“Spanking?” Penny’s pulse raced, wondering what he had planned. She glanced out the window, where a passerby walked on the beach. “Here?”

“Yes, Penny, right here. As I recall, you seemed to enjoy the idea the other night.”

“Did I say that?” She feigned ignorance, her body craving his touch.

“You were a very naughty diver today.” He gave her a wicked smile. “You need to learn that lesson…never go off without me.”

“Chase…I’m not sure I’d like…ah,” she cried as the first slap landed on her bottom and her core clenched in arousal. Her pussy throbbed and she writhed her hips against the table, seeking relief. “You’re evil. Don’t tease me.”

“Who’s teasing? I never start something I don’t finish.”

“You know someone could see us…ow…ah.” Penny quivered as he spanked her again. Just as she was relaxing into the tantalizing pain, his hand slid between her legs, grazing over her entrance. She gasped as he spread her labia, circling his fingers around her clitoris without actually touching it. She both hated and loved how he knew exactly how to turn her on, prolonging her pleasure. “Chase…that…please.”

“Begging. That does sound nice, but I think I want to hear you scream my name,” he told her, his commanding tone warning her that he was serious.

“I can’t…I…” Penny moaned as he penetrated her with two fingers, pumping in and out of her. Her hips tilted into his hand, attempting to bring attention to her aching clit. As he spanked her twice more, her sheath clamped down around him. “Chase! Ah…”

“That’s better. And look at how fucking wet you are, darlin’.”

Penny pressed her forehead into the table, overwhelmed with her arousal. Being around Chase changed everything she thought she knew about herself. This time, as she took note of a passing couple, she could have cared less. All she needed was him. Now. Touching her. In her. Forever.

“Look what you do to me, mermaid. Fuck, I’m hard for you.” He cupped his groin, then reached to her. Threading her hair into his fingers, he gently turned her head so she faced him. “Take my cock.”

She licked her lips at his order, her eyes meeting his, and tugged his pant strings open. As they fell down, his enormous shaft sprung toward her and she fisted it, running her thumb over its glistening slit.

“Oh yeah, that’s it. Suck it, Penny,” he ordered as he pressed his thighs against the table.

Penny didn’t think twice, submitting to his demand. She guided the plump crown between her lips, licking his seed.

“I’ve never…ah, Penny. You’re fucking amazing.”

“This is mine,” she told him. The power shifted as she swallowed him all the way down to his root. His fingers went loose, releasing her locks. Penny sucked the length of his shaft and then removed it from her mouth. “Say it.”

She flicked her tongue over its head, teasing him. Penny’s breath quickened as he plunged into her again. Her core convulsed around his fingers, and she knew she wouldn’t last long. But if she never saw this man again, he’d remember that she owned him. He’d never forget her, no matter how far he lived from her.

“Say what?” he grunted.

“Say it, tell me this cock belongs to me,” Penny growled. Somewhat cognizant that she’d gone feral, she pressed his head to her lips, waiting for his response. Something about Chase transformed her into a sultry, wanton woman and the satisfaction of knowing she could make him tremble drove her to give him pleasure.

“Oh God…fuck yeah, this cock is for you, only you, darlin’. Take it…take it all.”

“Yes.” Penny exhaled, plunging his cock into her mouth.

She rolled to her side, hips rhythmically thrusting as his fingers fucked her pussy and thrummed her hooded bead. A garbled cry escaped her as she seized in pleasure.

“Penny…I’m gonna come,” he warned.

Refusing to let him retreat, Penny reached around his hips and dug her fingernails into his ass.

“Oh shit….yes, yes…ah…” Chase bellowed as he erupted.

Sated, she slowly released him from her grip, the tremors of ecstasy subsiding. Penny squealed as Chase slid next to her, bringing her into his embrace. Inhaling his sea-tinged scent, she pressed her lips to his chest.

As she lay in his arms, she knew that while she may have mastered the master, Chase had stolen her heart. The sexual words they’d confessed in passion had meant nothing. Like an illusion come into clarity, she realized she owned nothing. She fought the shroud of melancholy that threatened to destroy their remaining hours together. Closing her eyes, she cuddled against him, yearning for a future with her unattainable lover.