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Natalia cut her with a glare and left her to finish registration on her own. Sam chuckled. The Great Natalia Flores was actually nervous. The realization was a tingle in Sam’s chest. It had to be a sign that she wasn’t only interested in sex, despite her protestations.

Key cards in hand, the poor kid tasked with pushing a luggage cart full of Titanic-worthy steam trunks followed them outside. Natalia was trying to look aloof, but Samantha caught her gaze lingering on the lush tropical foliage and sparkling glimpses of the ocean between palm fronds.

Satisfied that Natalia was pleased with her selection, Sam pointed to their destination. Their villa sat nestled between swaying sea grape trees, the rocky coastline visible through the vegetation. Natalia stepped inside first, heels echoing on gleaming hardwood floors.

The spacious room — with its glass doors along one wall, granting a panoramic ocean view — was stunning. Even more impressive than the website photos.

Natalia glanced at the single king-sized bed behind an open door before sparing Sam an inscrutable glance. She sauntered toward the living room — and its ocean backdrop — with the poised and deliberate elegance of a Siamese cat. Moved while exuding an air of contemplation about whether to grace these new humans with her acceptance.

Sam wanted to follow her. To pull her into her arms and kiss her. But even though they’d slept together without Natalia bolting, she wasn’t sure she’d respond to that kind of affection. Instead, she helped unload the bags and slipped the young man some cash before closing the door behind him.

“Not bad, huh?” Sam slipped her hands into her pockets to keep them to herself.

Natalia surveyed the small kitchenette and bar cart. She guarded her approval, but Sam was sure that she liked what she saw.

“We have a couple of hours before dinner,” Sam said while checking her watch. “Do you want to freshen up or something? I can make you another drink?”

“I’m going to unpack,” she decided before starting for the bedroom.

Sam watched her leave without making any effort to take her bags with her. Watched her disappear into the room like she expected Sam to follow.

“I’m not your bellboy,” Sam shouted so she could hear her in the room.

“I’ll lower my expectations accordingly,” Natalia shouted back.

Chuckling, Sam grabbed a duffle and suitcase and started for the room. The bedroom was enormous, complete with a desk, two armchairs, and a closet made of a beautiful dark wood.

Natalia stepped out of the white marble bathroom. “Oh good. You figured out how to use the handle and wheels without any training.”

“Think you packed enough outfit changes?” Sam asked after she’d hauled all their stuff to the closet.

“One can never be too prepared.” Natalia opened one of the suitcases and pulled out a black jumpsuit that gave Sam tachycardia.

“I don’t know.” Sam came up behind her, hands trailing down Natalia’s sides. “I’m envisioning fewer clothes, not more.”

Natalia tensed briefly before resuming hanging up clothes with crisp precision. “Then it’s fortunate I didn’t consult your fantasies while packing.”

Sam sat on the edge of the bed, watching Natalia unpack like it was binge-worthy prestige TV.

Natalia’s eyes were dark when they regarded her. “And here I was, thinking you’d have more important things to worry about than my wardrobe choices.”

Sam leaned back, propping herself up with her hands. “I’m an excellent multi-tasker.”

Natalia raised an eyebrow, pulling out a steam cleaner from her endless suitcase. “You’re certainly focused.”

“What can I say? I’m a dedicated student.” Sam’s pulse was jumping, her skin buzzing. Being so close to Natalia without feeling like the woman was on the verge of slipping away was a designer drug. A full-body high.

Natalia met her gaze. The air between them charged and crackling lightning. “I see. And what exactly are you hoping to learn?”

Sam’s voice dropped to a husky whisper, her gaze following Natalia’s mouthwatering curves in the wrap dress. “The art of unraveling Natalia Flores,” she decided after moistening her lips.

“Careful, Samantha.” Natalia’s words were a dagger at Sam’s throat, the blade biting into her skin while Natalia’s fingers slipped into her pants. “Some lessons are more complicated than they appear.”

Sam reached out, taking Natalia’s wrist and tugging her closer. “I’ve always been a quick learner.”

Without resistance, Natalia moved toward her. Hiking her dress up just enough for Sam to get a view of her gloriously thick inner thighs and straddled Sam’s lap.

Reaching around her, Sam gripped her ass and pulled her so close she was practically wearing Natalia’s perfect thighs like a belt. Craning her neck, she strained to reach Natalia’s lips. She was starving for her, craving her kiss like she hadn’t seen her in months.