Page 37 of The Maverick (WaterFyre Rising #7)

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

VANESSA

This vacation was exactly what I needed.

I’d gotten closer to Attikus and found myself wanting more than what was good for me.

The contract stated that there was to be no touching or kissing.

These were my requirements. But the attraction between us was like wildfire, burning out of control. At least for me, it was.

I wanted to kiss him, touch him, and know what it felt like to have his body on mine. Was I just horny since I hadn’t been with anyone for a while? Or was it being in paradise that made me believe anything was possible? That I could live out my fantasy and not deal with the consequences?

Attikus was busy setting up the food outside while I stared at the silky dress Natalie had given me as part of the For Your Heart Only mission.

She also got me a set of bridal lingerie I didn’t think I’d ever wear.

I held up the ivory sheer lace bra, wondering how the cups would ever cover my breasts.

I didn’t have large breasts, but they weren’t tiny either.

The thong was just a floral patch. My core tightened as I imagined this evening with Attikus.

I couldn’t believe he’d agreed to wake up at dawn for an adventure with me.

He didn’t know the dangerous adventure was for tonight, not tomorrow.

Surprise. I held onto my courage and put on the bra and thong before I chickened out.

I was breaching the contract and hoped he wouldn’t say anything about it.

I glanced in the mirror, loving the new version of myself.

The sexy lingerie enhanced my curves and made my breasts look bigger than they were.

I slipped on the silky short dress with narrow straps and bows on the shoulders.

The heels I’d worn during the wedding ceremony also worked with this dress.

I added gold dangling earrings, sprayed perfume, straightened my spine, and prepared to seduce my fake husband.

This was my escape. When I returned to Providence, reality would come knocking. Our fake marriage would be announced, and the dark world would resume. I deserved a moment of fun with a man who also seemed to want me.

When I walked out to the backyard, Attikus stood at the table with his back to me.

He’d changed into a sage T-shirt and athletic shorts.

Strings of light glowed all around us. My heart warmed, knowing he’d prepared the serene ambiance.

I’d discovered so much about him in the past few days.

I feared I could travel down a dangerous path that would shatter my heart.

But I couldn’t help it. Did that make me stubborn or stupid?

I shoved that negative thought aside and focused on the present moment. Things could change tomorrow, and I’d deal with them then.

In the distance, the horizon glowed a warm pink as it said goodnight to the world. Nerves thrummed in my body. A sliver of mischief and happiness slid down my spine, making me release a sigh. Attikus turned, and our eyes locked. My heart quickened as his gaze slid up and down my body.

Smiling, he walked over. “You look lovely. I’m underdressed compared to you.”

I looked down at his right leg. “How is your knee and ankle?”

“Fine.”

“Where’s your cane? Are you supposed to be walking around without it?”

“I don’t need it when you’re around. So don’t go anywhere.”

“Are you trying to be cute?”

“Do I need to try?” he asked without a hint of sarcasm.

Shaking my head, I smiled. “You’re the most arrogantly handsome man I’ve ever met.”

“You look spectacular.” He tugged at a strap on my dress, and his touch sent goose bumps blossoming across my skin.

“It’s my wedding night, so I figured I’d wear another dress. Like you said, it’s our vacation. I’m making the best of it.”

A wicked smile crept onto his lips. “Why do I feel you have a surprise for me?”

“Maybe I do.”

“Tell me now.” He clasped my hand. “Or I won’t feed you.”

“What kind of husband starves his wife?”

“The kind who’s hungry for something that’s not the Polynesian food on the table. The kind who’s been desperate for a wedding night with his hot wife. You have no idea what kinds of things I’ve been dying to do to my wife, but feared she might not want them.”

My heart raced. “What are you thinking?”

He shook his head. “You can’t play this game with me, Lily Pad.” He tipped my chin up, looking into my eyes. “You tell me, and I’ll tell you.”

His confession about wanting a wedding night surprised and elated me. “What happens in Maui stays in Maui?”

He lifted his hand to his mouth, locked it, and tossed the invisible key behind him. “No one will ever know.”

I grinned and slid my hand around his neck. “Then give me what a wife deserves on her wedding night.”

Without hesitation, he crushed his lips to mine, kissing me with desperation.

My body jolted awake, molding into his arms. I moaned as he devoured my mouth, sliding his tongue inside to greet mine.

Sensations bloomed in me, and I felt like a flower experiencing its first spring.

This kiss was everything. This man was everything.

Urgency grew in me, and I gripped at his shirt. “Off.”

He laughed into my mouth. “So demanding. I love a woman who knows what she wants.”

He stripped off his shirt, revealing the firm abdomen I’d seen days ago when he’d spied on me.

I ran my hands over them, learning the taut grooves, before traveling up to his strong shoulders.

He watched me explore him as his gaze intensified on me.

My fingers traced the powerful line of his shoulder—strong, sturdy, and stable.

All qualities that drew me to him—he made me feel safe.

My gaze darted back to his abdomen as his breathing deepened.

“Done exploring?”

“No.”

Attikus smiled. “It’s my turn, now.” He twirled me around. “I like you in dresses. It makes it easier for me to explore.” He slipped his hand under the hem, gripped my ass, and gave it a squeeze. “You’re wearing a thong. Fuck .”

I bit my bottom lip. “Exactly my thoughts.”

“Wicked woman,” he growled.

Whatever patience Attikus had vanished as he lifted the dress off me.

The warm breeze brushed my skin, and my nipples pebbled.

His shorts tented, and desire strained his face.

“You should always wear sexy lingerie like this.” He cupped my breasts, kneading, and watched me respond to his touch.

I arched toward his hands, offering him all of me.

He yanked down the cup of my bra, exposing my nipple.

Our eyes connected, and a deep yearning erupted between us. My reaction to him was carnal, primal—nature’s unapologetic way of creation and reproduction. Creative energy was at its utmost. I wondered what kind of art we’d create tonight.

When his mouth closed over my nipple and sucked on it, liquid heat leaked out of me.

“Oh, my god,” I moaned. “Don’t stop.”

My legs wobbled, and I fell onto him. His touch was like a paintbrush that brought me to life. His arms tightened around my waist as I leaned back, letting him feast on me. Fire bloomed where he tugged on my nipple, sending me into a world full of magic and possibilities.

“I need to see all of you now,” he breathed. “I’m giving you an unforgettable wedding night, Lily Pad.” He tossed me over his shoulders like a caveman.

“What are you doing?” I laughed in shock as he carted me off like cargo.

“Fucking my wife in our bed,” he said. The dominance in his voice rippled down my body.

He stalked into his bedroom and dropped me onto the massive bed with exceptionally soft sheets. We’d been sleeping in separate bedrooms, but the rules of the game were blurred tonight.

With predatory eyes, he stared at me. He swallowed, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. The sexual tension in the room throbbed. I flipped to the side and propped up on my arm, resting the side of my face on my hand.

“Strip, Whistler.” I crooked a finger at him. “I need to see my husband.”

He smirked and dropped his shorts and boxers, exposing his glorious cock.

I gasped at the magnificent sight and crawled over to examine him.

Veins corded his length, and I wrapped my fingers around him like a prize.

He pulsed in my grip, hot and desperate.

As I stroked him, his face transformed, struggling with restraint.

I felt powerful, having this control over him.

“Like what you see?” he crooned, eyeing my hand on him.

“Very much.” I pressed my thumb to the tip of his crown.

He groaned, and his thighs quaked. God, I loved seeing him teeter on the edge of his self-control. His cock twitched and increased in size. What would it feel like inside me?

He growled as I bent to kiss his tip. “You’re going to make me come before I get to do everything I want with you.” He clasped a hand over my wrist, lifting it away from his cock.

“I need you in my hand,” I begged.

“Later,” he said, his voice hoarse with desire. “I have things I want to do to you.”

Goose bumps scattered down my spine.

He nudged me down on the bed. Keeping his eyes on me, he pressed a palm to my sex, massaging me.

I moaned and opened my thighs wider, moving in rhythm with him.

The friction increased, and the wicked smirk on his face promised a night I’d remember.

I gasped as he shoved aside the floral patch covering my sex and plunged a long finger inside me.

“Attikus!” I screamed as his thick digit pummeled me.

“You’re so fucking wet.” Fire blazed in his darkened eyes.

I wanted to say something, but my brain cells had scattered elsewhere. When he pulled out his finger and licked it, I almost lost it.

“I’ve been wondering how you taste. Now, I’m addicted.” He kissed me and plunged two fingers deep into my sex.

The sound of my arousal and his fingers pumping me echoed in the room. The kiss grew animalistic as our tongues, teeth, and lips clashed.

I broke for breath and bit his shoulder. “You’re a wild beast.”

He pushed my knees up, draped them over his shoulders, and stared at my center. “So beautiful.” He swiped his tongue over me once and groaned. “God, you taste so fucking good.” He licked me again and again, opening my folds and plunging in with his tongue.

I gripped the sheets to anchor me as he buried his face between my thighs, devouring me.

My fingers tugged at his hair. Part of me wanted him to slow down, but the other part needed him to increase his feasting.

I licked my dry lips as my head thrashed from side to side, trying to find something to stabilize myself.

I was on the edge, with nothing to secure the fall.

His mouth and tongue worked their magic, and my thighs trembled as a massive orgasm rolled through me. I shuddered hard and clung to his head. “Attikus!”

“That’s right, baby. Come for me.” He sucked on my bud, and I arched into him.

My ears rang, and my eyes fluttered closed. I heard the crinkle of a wrapper, but I was too enraptured in bliss to pay much attention.

Attikus lifted my ass. “Look at me, Vanessa.”

I opened my eyes and saw his condom-covered cock positioned at my entrance. Anticipation overcame and invigorated me.

He held my gaze as he slid into me. A primal moan escaped him as he plunged deeper and deeper.

My muscles tightened at the sight of his massive size.

He thrust in and out, and my body welcomed each thrust. We stared at each other as we exchanged energy and power, giving each other what we needed.

His hardness needed my softness, and I needed his steadiness.

His face was strained with passion as he bent to kiss me. “Is this what you had planned, Lily Pad? Seducing me like this?”

“Yes.”

He growled and pumped into me harder.