“Are you sure? Because once we enter this room, I plan to devour you,” he said as he took out the key card and put it up to the door to open it.

I swallowed hard.

No man had ever talked to me with such lust and conviction in his voice.

I’d never done anything like this before.

Going back to a man’s room I had just met.

Let alone allow said man to do the things he’d told me he would do once he got me behind closed doors.

Shivers ran down my spine at just the thought of him whispering the details mere moments before.

“Speak now or forever hold your piece,” he said with a sly grin as he slid the card into the slot and turned back to look at me, holding out his hand as he waited for me to make my final decision.

The tell-tale beeping sound rang out into the night indicating the door was now unlocked.

I couldn’t formulate words. All I could do was nod as I placed my hand within his.

Before I could even blink, I was being pulled inside his bungalow.

Only I didn’t have a chance to even take in my surroundings.

He picked me up and pushed me against the door, his mouth crashing down on mine the instant my back collided with the hard surface, both of his hands gripping my ass as he held me up. My legs went around his waist. My arms around his shoulders as I held on for dear life, waiting to see what he had in store. And if he would do everything he’d promised and more.

He pressed a button beside the door, and the windows were instantly covered as the shades moved shut.

His lips now felt even softer than they had before when they grazed my shoulder and moved back up my neck toward my awaiting lips.

Ever so slowly, his lips moved across mine.

Testing.

Tasting.

Memorizing.

And all I could do was take what he dished out and give back the best I could as I tried to keep up with his slow, tantalizing kisses.

He pulled his head back and my chest heaved up and down, fighting to fill my lungs with the air they so desperately needed.

Thorn put his forehead against mine and looked down at me, his chest moving up and down just as fast as mine.

“So much better than I imagined,” he whispered as he moved one of his hands away from my ass to between my thighs.

My body tensed with nervous excitement as his fingers found the sexy lingerie that was hidden beneath my dress.

With expert precision, his fingers slipped beneath the sheer material, and his knuckle grazed my clit as he pulled hard on the fabric. My breath caught in my throat as I heard it tear.

His eyes never left mine.

His gaze bore into me.

Steamy.

Hot.

Sexy.

His long, thick fingers moved slowly against my flesh as I grew wetter. He never stayed in one place long enough for me to get used to what he was doing. He moved slowly, circling my clit and then down to my awaiting opening. I couldn’t formulate words. Let alone a coherent thought. All I felt was the passion that exuded silently between us.

Suddenly his hands were gone, and he fumbled with the belt buckle around his waist. He was way too good at getting that open. But I forced my mind not to go there. That didn’t matter. Nothing mattered in this moment but what was occurring between Thorn and me. I probably should ask his real name. But I liked not knowing. It made everything hotter.

He produced a condom from somewhere and brought the foil package up to his lips. His head tilted slightly causing the package to tear. I’d never seen anything hotter. The combination of the desire in his eyes and the mysteriousness of the night made me hornier than I’d ever been in my life.

Moments later the condom was in place, and he positioned himself at my entrance.

My breaths quickened.

I could back out.

Should stop this madness.

But I couldn’t.

I didn’t want to be on this island.

But somehow meeting this stranger made me happier about being forced to be here.

He pushed forward, causing me to gasp as he slowly entered me. My eyes shut and my breath caught in my throat as I waited for him to be fully inside.

I was filled to the hilt, and he wasn’t even all the way inside of me.

I tried not to tense at his intrusion, but it was hard. I’d never been stretched this far.

He must have sensed my unease because he stilled.

His breaths mimicked mine. Slow and heavy all at once.

“Open your eyes, Lily,” he whispered and demanded all at the same time.

I obeyed his command, afraid that he’d see my discomfort and stop.

I didn’t want him to stop.

I wanted him to continue. Make this a night I’d never forget.

“Beautiful,” he said, and I believed him. Something I rarely believed anymore. Especially since work was my focus and my attire usually showed just how busy I was.

I swallowed hard, no response would come. I just continued to stare at him while I awaited his next move.

“Are you okay?” he asked with the sincerest tone in his voice.

I nodded, still unable to speak.

He pushed forward more, and my need to touch his warm skin overtook everything inside of me. I tightened the grip of my legs around his waist and moved my arms down to his chest, caressing the side of his neck as I brought my hands down to the collar of his white shirt.

I started to unbutton the shirt but wasn’t fast enough.

With all the strength I could muster, I gripped both sides of his shirt and pulled with all my might.

Buttons scattered across the room, each one making a sound as they hit the floor. A smile spread across my lips as I looked down and saw pure perfection. He was ripped in all the right places. Leaning forward, I wrapped my arms around his neck again and grazed his shoulder with my lips before I used my teeth to nip the sensitive skin where his neck met his shoulder. He gasped and moved quicker inside of me. All thought was lost as he kept hitting a spot so deep within that I felt as though I would combust.

The room became unbearably hot. My skin felt like it was on fire as sweat formed across my entire body.

We were as close as two people could get. But that still didn’t seem close enough. I wanted him closer. Needed him deeper. Wanted him to move faster. But I couldn’t speak the words. Instead, I moved my hands down his back and dug my nails into his flesh, urging him on.

He seemed to love just a little pain to go along with the pleasure we were both receiving. And somehow, he read my mind. Our skin slapped together as he moved with a speed I didn’t know was possible. I felt my body building to something I didn’t know was possible. Something I was sure would ruin me.

He pulled back at the same time I leaned my head back and moaned. His hand moved between our bodies. The second he grazed my clit, my body ignited. I screamed loud not caring who heard. Not caring about anything by the pleasure that started at my toes and moved throughout my entire body. I didn’t know something so powerful could exist. Until now. Thorn had given me the best pleasure of my life, and I immediately wanted more.

He moaned and stilled inside of me. My back met the wall once more as we both held onto each other, catching our breaths.

His hands gripped my bottom as he moved us away from the wall, and he stepped out of his pants. He walked us further inside of the bungalow, and I laid my head on his shoulder not caring where he took me. I didn’t know if I could walk, let alone function, after what just occurred.

My body and mind were spent.

I didn’t care that I’d slept with a man I’d just met.

I didn’t care that I didn’t even know his real name.

All I cared about was the sleep that was now consuming me.

I felt him lay me down on the mattress, and the second my head hit the pillow I was asleep. Off to dreamland with a smile on my face.

I awoke with a start, sitting up way too fast in the bed.

There was a warm body pressed against mine.

His leg was wrapped within mine, and his arm was around my waist.

Nervously, I looked down at the man sleeping beside me.

Thorn.

Flashbacks from the night before hit me like a brick.

I looked over to the door, and heat crept to my cheeks as I remembered what we’d done mere hours before.

No one had ever treated me that way.

Had such passion for me.

I’d never felt that passion with anyone prior.

I feared becoming addicted to it. Of wanting what I couldn’t have.

Ever so slowly, I pulled away from him, hoping he’d remain asleep. My dress was still on from the night before. My panties were destroyed, but I pulled them off and balled them up in my hand.

I’d never done the walk of shame before, but I held my head high and tip-toed to the door to look for my shoes and purse.

They were still at the spot they were dropped.

Hastily, I picked up the items and walked out the door of his bungalow.

Turning back for one final look, I took in the man that was now spread out on the bed.

I wouldn’t forget him and would reflect on this night often.

Quietly, I exited his bungalow and went in search of mine.

I needed a shower and to power up my laptop to get lost in some work. I needed the distraction it would bring to get my mind off the man I’d just walked away from.

After a long search, I finally found where my bungalow resided and walked inside, using the same button he had the night before to shut the curtains. Shutting the island away for the day would do me some good.

I threw my belongings on the bed and went straight to the bathroom to shower the previous night off me. As much as I wanted to keep the smell of him on my skin, I couldn’t go all day with that distinct scent distracting me.

After a quick shower, I pulled my hair into a top knot and threw on a pair of comfy yoga pants, a sports bra, and an oversized workout shirt. Comfort was the way to go when I got lost in the work for Hidden Paradise.

I logged into my computer as my stomach grumbled. I’d need food soon, but was too caught up in my need for work to let something like hunger stop me from what I was setting out to do.

As soon as I connected to the Wi-Fi, I clicked on the server icon located on my desktop screen. I used my login credentials and an error popped up on the screen. I tried numerous times and failed.

That asshole really did it. He locked me out of the server.

Picking up the pillow from the bed, I put my head into the softness and screamed while I kicked my legs in frustration. I couldn’t believe he’d gone through with it.

I found my purse and pulled out my cell phone to give him a piece of my mind.

Scrolling through my contacts, I pulled up his number and pressed send.

Ring after ring, I waited for him to take my call.

Only his voicemail picked up yet again.

I didn’t wait to leave a response, I just pressed end and tossed the phone onto the bed.

“I can’t believe that asshole really locked me out of the fucking server. How the hell am I supposed to work now?” I shouted into the empty room.

“You shouldn’t be working while you’re in paradise,” I heard from behind me, causing me to shriek loudly.

I turned around to find Thorn leaning against the door. I hadn’t even heard it open.

“How did you find me?” I asked, annoyed at everything, including the fact that he looked so delicious in his swim trunks and flipflops.

“The better question is why did I have to find you?”

He did the one thing I couldn’t stand. Answer a question with a question.

I crossed my arms over my chest and let out an annoyed sigh as I stared back at him, refusing to answer his question.

“You’re gonna play it like that, are you? Get ready. We’re going to have some fun,” he demanded with a sly grin, causing my annoyance level to rise to epic proportions.

“And what makes you think I’m just going to do what you say? Better yet. What makes you think that I want anything to do with you after last night?” I asked in defiance. I hated being told what to do almost as much as I hated people who answered questions with another question.

He stepped forward with a look of determination in his eyes. In seconds, he stood in front of me, his gaze boring down at me as I looked up into his eyes. He had to be over six foot.

“The quiver you made while I was between your thighs makes me know that you want more of what occurred last night. That and the words you spoke in your sleep. So again, get ready. We’re going to have fun,” he repeated as he brought his lips down to kiss my cheek.

“What should I wear?”

“A swimsuit,” he said in a smart-ass tone as he looked down at his attire.

“Fine. Give me five minutes,” I huffed as I turned to rummage through my suitcase. I appeared annoyed, but a smile graced my lips as I dug out the sexy bikini that I’d yet to wear. If he wanted to go have fun, he was going to get a show while we were at it.

I walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me so he didn’t get a view of what he was about to see. I put on the hot pink bikini that paired well with my tanned skin tone. The top was triangles that barely covered my nipples and the bottom hung low on my hips. I tied the cover-up around my hips and slipped on my white flipflops.

Walking out of the bathroom with a newfound confidence, I stopped at the edge of the bed and stared at him as he took in the sight before him.

He mumbled something I couldn’t understand and stalked toward me. I almost moved backward, but I stood my ground.

“Change of plans. We’re staying in,” he demanded as his hand slid around my back pulling me into him.

His lips met mine with urgency. His tongue demanded entrance, which I gladly gave. The kiss was more heated than the ones from the night before. Something I never thought was possible.

He started to move us toward the bed, but I pushed him back. Reluctantly.

“Oh, no you don’t. You said we were going out to have fun and that’s what we’re going to do.” I knew this would torture us both, but it would be the best kind.

He groaned inwardly as he raked his hands through his dark hair. His look was one of struggle and passion mixed so perfectly I wished I could capture it just to have proof of the memory.

“That’s it. You’re trying to kill me. Going out in public in that. I’m not going to be able to focus on anything but getting you out of that sexy scrap of fabric you’re calling a swimsuit.”

“The struggle will be real, but it will be worth the wait,” I replied as I licked my lips, hoping a repeat of last night would be what ended this one.

“Why’s that, sweetheart?”

“Because if you’re good and show me a good time, you’ll get a repeat of last night,” I suggested, inwardly hoping he wanted more of what he gave and I received.

“Oh, I’m getting more than a repeat. So much more,” he suggested as he walked through the door of the bungalow. I grabbed my key and phone, along with the beach bag and towel I sat by the door the day before when I arrived, and we set off to have the fun he’d planned.

We walked down the dock with my arm wrapped around his elbow. Something I feared he’d want to do. There was a boat at the end of the dock. I hated boats. With a passion. I slowed down before we reached what appeared to be our destination, causing him to stop and look down at me with a questioning look in his eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

I needed to get over this silly fear.

But my head had different plans.

Just breathe, Lily. You’re with a sexy ass man about to go out on an expensive ass boat. You’ll be fine.

I tried to scold myself into getting over it, but I couldn’t.

He looked back at the boat, the back to me, understanding filling his expression.

“Are you scared of boats?”

I thought he’d laugh at my silly fear. But he didn’t. He was genuinely concerned.

I couldn’t deny it.

My fear was written all over my face.

“I know it’s stupid, but I can’t explain it. So much can go wrong. And all I can think of when I’m on them is getting stranded out in the water and the sharks eating me,” I said as I talked too fast, wanting to hide within myself the more I spoke. Looking down, I tried to hide my freak out from him the best I could.

“Hey,” he calmly stated as he put his finger under my chin, lifting my gaze back to his.

I tried to shy away, but his hold was stronger than my will to move my head away.

“Your fear is common, and it’s okay if you don’t want to go out on the boat. We can find many other things to do. Just say the word and I’ll tell the captain we’ve changed our minds.”

He’d planned this before he’d even found me.

I didn’t know how to feel about that.

Didn’t want to read into something that wasn’t there.

But it warmed my heart to know that he’d done this for me. For us. Without even knowing if he’d find me. That had to count for something.

I weighed my options.

I could suck it up and have fun with him.

Or I could let my fear win.

The thought briefly crossed my mind that he could be getting me out into the middle of the lagoon just to kill me, but I laughed it off. I really needed to stop watching so many crime shows on the flights to all my destinations.

In the end, I decided to embrace my fear and get on the damn yacht.

I looked at the boat, taking it all in, before I spoke my decision to him. It was beautiful. I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to be alone with him yet again.

“Let’s do it,” I said as I nodded my confirmation. More for me than him.

The grin that appeared on his face told me he was glad that I’d chosen the choice I had.

He held out his hand and linked our fingers together as we walked the rest of the way to board the boat.

He allowed me to step on first as he assured that I wouldn’t fall. Once we were both standing aboard, my phone pinged in my bag. I needed to shut it off.

Pulling it out, I saw Owen’s name appear on the screen just as he wrapped his arms around me from behind.

I immediately shut the phone down, not wanting him to ruin the moment.

“Who’s Owen?” Thorn asked as his chin rested on my shoulder.

“No one important,” I responded, and a slight pang of guilt passed through me at my response. But I wasn’t letting him ruin this moment for me. If that made me a heartless bitch, oh well. He wanted this break, and I was beginning to think it was for the best.