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Stella

Siren Song, Maine

A fter Ren’s confession, their days alternated between investigating Franklin’s death and mind-blowing sex.

The headboard hit the wall so forcefully, they knocked a hole in the plaster.

Ren moved his gear into the primary bedroom without comment—probably more for convenience than romance.

He may have been only marginally more experienced, but Ren must have been an excellent student.

He had awakened her body in a way she never imagined was possible.

Now, it was her chance to return the favor.

Stella heard the shower turn off and pictured what Ren would see when he emerged from the bathroom—a trail of clothing leading up the spiral staircase to where she waited on a daybed in the glassed-in rooftop cupola. Naked.

She channeled her excitement into her roaming hands, pinching her nipples and exploring between her legs. Stella was so lost in the eroticism of her touch, she didn’t notice Ren’s towel-wrapped body looming in the doorway.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m discovering I’m a bit of an exhibitionist. I kind of like the idea someone might be watching what you do to me. So, I found a compromise.”

When he started to back away, she said, “Listen to me, Ren. Yes, the walls are glass, but there’s no way anyone could see in. The cupola is higher than any spot along the bluff. It’s beautiful here, a room with a view.”

His piercing gaze never strayed from her body. “Every room you’re in is a room with a view, Stella.”

Something deep inside her warmed at his words. “So, why don’t you come on over and teach me something new?”

He took a step forward, then stopped. A seaplane flew along the horizon, and Ren tracked its path. Stella knew what his next words would be.

“I’m sorry, Stella. I can’t.”

She stood and crossed to him. She was disappointed, yes, but Ren was in pain, and more than anything, she wanted to soothe him.

Stella snaked her arms around his neck and whispered, “I have a backup plan. The curtains are closed in the bedroom.” She caught his earlobe between her teeth.

“Is that acceptable, Professor Jameson?”

Ren hoisted her naked body, and Stella locked her ankles around his waist. His towel fell off halfway down the spiral staircase, but Ren never broke their kiss.

In the primary bedroom, he dropped her body onto the mattress and crawled between her knees.

With a big hand on each thigh, he said, “You’ve been a very disruptive student, Miss Keen.

I want you to sit still and be quiet for the duration of the class. ”

It was the toughest assignment she’d ever gotten.