I stood there, momentarily speechless, as Bane’s wolf ran off into the woods.

It had been a terrifying, yet thrilling experience, having a wolf standing a few paces in front of me, his fur under my palm. He was gorgeous, and fierce, but I could still see Bane in his eyes, so I knew he wouldn’t hurt me.

I wondered when he’d be back as I put my clothes down and grabbed my phone and wireless headphones.

The beach was empty, as the whole place had been since we’d arrived. Bane had said we may run across others, but we hadn’t. It felt like we were the only two people in this slice of paradise.

I laid my towel down, settled atop it and put in my ear buds.

I watched the water lap against the shore as I listened to my downloaded music on shuffle and did what Bane had told me to… relaxed.

I must have dozed off, because I woke to the sound of splashing, and turned my head to see Bane in the water. I sat up slowly and looked my fill.

His back was broad and muscular, and tapered down to a small waist. His ass looked fantastic in his swim trunks, and the water streaming down his back beckoned for me to have a taste.

I stood up, as if in a trance, dropped my headphones and walked toward the edge of the water.

He must have heard me, or felt my gaze, because he turned, giving me an unobstructed view of his chest. It was hairless, which I found surprising, with defined pecs surrounded by his beautifully cut biceps. His abs were flawless and he had a sexy V that disappeared into his trunks.

But, it was his expression that made me hungry.

He looked happy, carefree, and playful, as if the shift and subsequent run had been just what he needed.

Bane was smiling as he waved at me.

“Come on in, it feels great,” he said, and I was helpless to do anything but listen.

I moved toward him, my eyes taking in the stubble on his chin, his wet, messy hair and the gleam in his eyes.

He dropped back under the water, then emerged with a laugh and tossed his wet hair back.

And I was done for.

I didn’t feel the cold water as I got deeper, I was on a mission, and nothing was going to stop me.

Bane was still smiling as he watched me approach, not yet reading the intention in my eyes. I noticed the moment he did, though, because the smile dropped and his pupils dilated. His hand reached and pulled me toward him, my chest crashing into his as his head lowered and he claimed my lips with his own.

The kiss wasn’t tentative, or unsure, not the awkward first kiss you had with a virtual stranger… it was pure fire.

I moaned against his mouth and tilted my head, offering him more, which he took with a vengeance.

Bane’s hands were on my ass, cupping and holding me close. I felt his erection against me and jumped up, wrapping my legs around his waist as my arms snaked around his neck to hold on.

He didn’t stumble, instead catching me with ease and strength as he ground his cock against me, causing a whimper to escape my lips.

The water caressed us, as our hands did the same, roaming over each other’s bodies in an attempt to feel everything at once.

My fingers played with the wet hair at the back of his head as my tongue danced with his.

The sound of a boat horn and cheering had us pulling our heads back and looking over at the party boat on the water. There was a group of people. I assumed they were young by the obscene gestures the men were making, but who knew.

Anyways, it effectively ruined the mood, and had me backing out of Bane’s arms and standing on my own two feet again. Albeit shakily.

Bane ran his hand through his hair, his eyes on me were wary.

I wasn’t sure if I should say something, or just let it go, but I knew I didn’t regret it. Not at all.

“Uh, I’m gonna catch some fish, then I’ll start on dinner,” Bane said after a few tense seconds.

“Okay,” I replied softly, my voice still rough with emotion.

I turned and started out of the water, when Bane asked, “Katja, you do like fish, don’t you? I guess I should have asked that before.”

I gave him a small smile and nod, then walked the rest of the way out.

I picked up my towel and dried off, not turning to watch Bane fishing in the water with what I’m assuming were his bare hands. All that manliness would probably make me jump him again, and I didn’t think he was ready for that.

No, instead, I took a deep breath, grabbed my things, and went back to our camp to get changed.

I’d brought some yoga pants, tank, and hoodie to wear for bed, so I figured I may as well put that on now, rather than my dirty clothes.

This time, I took my stuff into the small tent Bane had put up and changed in there.

By the time Bane came back with the fish, I was dressed, my hair was pulled back, and I was ready to help him put our meal together. I hoped things wouldn’t be awkward, but I also prayed that he didn’t regret what had happened in the lake.

And, I was hoping we could do it again.