The Obsidian Collection Page 31

  His cock throbbed in his pants, as if telling him he’d been a complete douche. He’d actually listened to his brain and not the other part of his anatomy he generally listened to.

  He’d seen the look of desolation in her eyes as he watched the elevator doors close. He also knew his anger had probably radiated out toward her. He could only imagine the confusion she’d experienced.

  He poured another shot of whiskey but didn’t down the contents. Drinking would wash away his desire, losing himself within Erika’s sweet body was the only way to slake it. Perhaps once he had satisfied, this itch to possess her, his need for her, would die.

  He’d wanted a challenge and he’d been presented with one. He couldn’t help but wonder why was he running from it.

  Erika was here for a short vacation. She had an itch she wanted scratched and he could scratch it for her. He had the means and ability to show her a good time and he would.

  He downed the whiskey and went to his office. He had plans to make.

  Erika groaned at the pounding on the door. She was having the most amazing time. Brandt was seducing her and, oh, God, he was so good.

  The pounding at the door came again and slowly Brandt’s form started to blur and mist, like a puff of air on a cold winter’s morning. She growled at the loss of her dream as she opened her eyes.

  “Ms Roberts? Hello it’s room service.” A muffled voice sounded through the door.

  She hadn’t ordered room service. It had to be a mistake. She called out to the waiting attendant. “Won’t be a minute.”

  Throwing back the covers, she reached for the robe she’d worn last night and thrust her arms through. Padding across the soft, plush carpet, she reached the door. Removing the chain, she opened it to find Sean standing right in front of her.

  Great, what a fabulous way to start the day.

  She needed to get rid of Sean, shower and then find a deserted corner on the island and stay hidden for the day.

  She put on her best greet clients smile. “Hi Sean, good to see you, but I think there’s been a mistake. I didn’t order any room service.”

  “Good morning, Ms Roberts, may I come in?” Her eyes widened at his formal tone, but stepped back to allow him to enter. Clearly, he had been seriously reprimanded for mingling with the guests.

  “Sure, but as I said, it’s a mistake. I didn’t order room service.”

  Frustration filled her at his lack of response. He just went about his duty of laying out the contents of the trolley. He placed a vase with a single pink rose in the middle of the table, laid out flatware and silver ware. He then placed another three domed plates on the table as well as a pitcher of juice. It was all a bit surreal; where was the flirtatious guy from the bar? She should have known better than to try and hook up with him last night. She should apologise and he might loosen up a bit.

  “Look, Sean, about last night, I’m sorry if I got you into any trouble. It wasn’t my intention, and umm, well I’m sorry.”

  He nodded, the only indication he gave at having heard her comments. Once he finished placing the condiments on the table, he spoke. “I have this for you.” He held out an envelope to her.

  She recoiled. Memories of the cold note from the previous afternoon came flooding back. Surely Brandt wouldn’t do it twice, and with the same messenger.

  Sean waved the envelope again, as if he wanted it out of his hands. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out and took from him.

  She looked at her name, scrawled in the same handwriting as on yesterday’s note.

  Yes, he did dare. Vaguely, she heard the rumble of the trolley as Sean wheeled it away. The soft click of the door penetrated the trance she’d sunk into. Erika let out the breath she was holding. She flicked her thumb under the flap. Once open, she pulled out the folded piece of cream paper.

  Erika,

  I would be honoured if you would join me today for a tour of the island.

  Are you game?

  If you are, please meet me in the foyer at 10am. A swimsuit is a must. I will arrange the rest and give you a day you won’t forget.

  I can assure you today will end differently than last night.

  Brandt

  She re-read the note, not quite sure what to make of it. But the more she read, the more excited she became.

  Yes, this is the type of note she wanted from him. Regardless of what happened the previous evening it was a new day. A new beginning and yes she would take a chance and meet him in the foyer.

  Today will end differently.

  Those words stood out in her mind. She couldn’t help herself; wicked thoughts ran through her mind. She couldn’t deny she wanted him. Her dream this morning confirmed that.

  She looked at the array of foods on the table. Instead of hot food, which she thought would be on the plates. Cereal, fruit and pastries were laid out. She was too worked up to eat, but knew she should have something. It all looked too tempting to refuse.

  She helped herself to something from each plate and poured a glass of juice. She mentally went through the clothes she’d bought with her, to work out what to wear.

  She’d brought two bikinis with her so she had a spare. After making her bikini selection, she just had to work out whether it would be best to wear shorts or a skirt. She finished eating and took a shower, taking time to smooth the complimentary moisturiser all over herself, giving her skin a rosy glow. Fortunately, it contained an excellent sun protector factor so she wouldn’t have to put another layer of sunscreen on. In the end, she decided on a pair of black three quarter pants with a blouse casually tied under her breasts. She left the buttons undone so she had plenty of cleavage on display.

  Beneath her clothes, she wore her black and silver bikini. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail. Picking up an oversized bag, which contained things she thought necessary for her trip around the island, including a handful of condoms.

  With one final look in the mirror, she was happy with her appearance and made her way down to the foyer. Excitement at the prospect of seeing Brandt again, had her practically skipping to meet him. She couldn’t wait to see what Brandt had planned for them.

  Erika looked around and found Brandt leaning casually against the reception desk, talking with the duty receptionist. Even from where she stood, she could see the respect the receptionist was giving him. It confirmed what she had thought last night. He had a management role at the resort.

  As if aware of her scrutiny, Brandt slowly turned toward her. His eyes gave nothing away but still caused a shiver to rip through her. She walked slowly towards him, exaggerating her walk so her hips swayed provocatively. She stopped a few feet from him.

  “Morning, thanks for breakfast. I was famished.”

  He moved away from the counter with the grace of a leopard. He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Her heart skipped a beat. He kissed her in front of everyone at the resort. It was the last thing she expected him to do. But she wasn’t going to argue with it. The small touch of his lips on hers boosted her confidence.

  “Good morning to you. I’m glad you enjoyed breakfast. Are you ready for an adventure?”

  Still reeling from the sensation of his soft kiss, she took a moment to answer. She could see the receptionist sending glances in their direction.

  She threw him a wicked smile. “I’m up for anything.”

  “Good to hear that, because you need to be prepared for anything.”

  She had no idea what he had in store for her, but she couldn’t wait. “Lead on. I love a good challenge.”

  He laughed and the sound sent heat pooling between her legs. This guy knew how to turn it on. Reminiscent of the previous evening, he held out his hand to her. She laid her hand in his. This time, he interlocked their fingers. His touch felt right.

  He led her out the entrance toward a sleek black limousine with a uniformed man standing beside it. The driver opened the back door and she slid along the bench seat. She placed her tote on the g
round and clipped the seatbelt in place.

  “So are you going to tell me now who you are?” she asked once Brandt had settled beside her. She needed to know this before she could fully enjoy the day with him.

  The silence stretched, and for a moment, Erika wondered if perhaps he would again avoid answering the question.

  “I’m Brandt Whittaker, owner of Pine Retreat Resort.”

  Erika was speechless. She was in a car with the owner of the resort. She couldn’t believe it. At most, she thought he’d have a role in management. Never in her wildest imaginings did she think he owned the resort. She’d gone from spending the last couple of years with a complete loser, to being in the presence of a multi-millionaire.

  “Cat got your tongue?” he asked quietly, as if unnerved by her silence.

  “No, but it is a bit of a shock.”

  “How does it make you feel? Truthfully now, don’t give me some bullshit answer.”

  Like the previous evening, the answer she gave would either see her spend the rest of the day with him or she’d be out on her ass.

  “As I said, it’s a shock and I can’t really say yet what it means. I think I need a little time to take it in. I mean I’m sitting next to the owner of the resort, not an employee like I thought.”

  “Fair enough.” His reply was non-committal.

  Disappointment landed like a lead balloon in her stomach. With a few short words she’d killed the light mood that had surrounded them. She hoped by changing subject, the relaxed mood would return.

  “So where are we headed?”

  “You’ll see. I’m sure you’ll enjoy what I have planned for us.”

  Unfortunately, the flirtatious tone seemed to have left him. She wanted to redo the last ten minutes and not ask the stupid question that caused this tension between them.

  “Look, Brandt, I’m sorry.” She gave a small smile. “Can we do like last night and start over again?”

  A light finally lit his eyes. “Sure, why not. It’s not like I have anything memorable I’d like to keep from the past few minutes.”

  She laughed and the tension that had sprung up dissolved. She looked out the window to try and figure out where they might be headed, but the lush rainforest surrounded them, giving her no idea which direction they were travelling.

  “So you’re not going to let me in on where we’re going?”

  “Where would be the fun in that?” he teased. “Today is an adventure. Just sit back and let me take you on the best ride of your life.”

  Brandt the flirt was back and she liked it. She looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes.

  “You lead and I’ll follow. I’m placing myself totally in your hands. I trust you to give me the best ride of my life.”

  The car stopped and Brandt released his seat beat and slid closer to her. Elbow to elbow, thigh to thigh, not even a piece of paper would be able to fit between them.

  He cupped her chin. “Well, seeing as you are placing your trust in me, I’d better show you that your trust is not misplaced. Be prepared for a ride of a lifetime.”

  Leaning down, he softly touched her lips. He moved his lips slowly over hers, learning their shape and she learning his. He increased the pressure and Erika sighed, opening up beneath him. His tongue didn’t invade; they just shared a dance with their lips.

  He pulled away and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “We’ve arrived.”

  He slid back along the bench seat and opened the door. He got out and leaned down holding out his hand to her. “Ready?”

  Was she? Definitely, she couldn’t wait to see what Brandt had in store for her. She placed her hand in his. “Absolutely, I can’t wait.”

  Erika got out and looked around. They were at a small airport where a helicopter stood proudly on the tarmac. She had never been in a helicopter before.

  “We’re going up in that?” She couldn’t keep the nervousness out of her voice.

  “You’re not scared, are you?”

  “Maybe just a little. I’ve never done this before.” His eyebrows rose at her comment. It could be taken two ways and she knew that. The game they started last night continued.

  “I’m glad I’m your first.” Brandt rose to the challenge. “Let’s get this first time started.”

  He grabbed Erika’s hand and led her to the waiting chopper, waving to the pilot as they got close to the machine. The rotors turned slowly as they ducked under and entered the machine. As the speed increased, so did the high-pitch whirring. She went to put her hands over her ears when Brandt handed her some headphones. Smiling gratefully at him, she placed them on, relaxing as the sound was immediately muffled.

  Erika glanced around at the interior of the helicopter; it seemed to her to be quite plush, but then again, she had no idea how a helicopter should look.

  She jumped as Brandt reached across and did up her seatbelt. He then reached up and pressed a button on the side of his headphones.

  “You need to press this on your headphones if you want to talk.”

  His voice was even sexier through the headset than when he spoke to her. His words caressed her and wound themselves around her spine, like tendrils of a clinging vine. She wished he would talk some more. But talk was impossible as the rotors had reached full speed. She gripped her armrest as the machine rocked a little before seeming to dip its nose before it lifted off the ground. Her heart jumped to her throat as Brandt reached for her hand. The sensations created by hovering in the air in a machine that resembled a tin can wreaked havoc with her composure. She gripped Brandt’s hand tightly. He brushed his thumb over the top of her hand in a calming motion.

  His voice sounded through her headset again. “Just relax, sweetheart. You are completely safe with me. Have a look out the window. There is something unique about a view from a helicopter. It’s completely different to a plane. You’re closer to everything.”

  His talking soothed her frazzled nerves. She took in a deep breath and peeked out the window. Brandt was right. The view was amazing. The trees seemed so close, and if she opened the window, she felt convinced she could touch them. Her confidence shattered as a gust of wind rocked the machine to the left. With shaky fingers, she pressed the button on her right earpiece.

  “I’m not sure I like helicopters.”

  He laughed. “Maybe I can help make it a memorable experience. After all, I did promise you the ride of a lifetime.”

  He leaned in and kissed her. This kiss was different from the one they shared in the car. This was open mouthed and she allowed his tongue entrance. It was kiss that promised so much more. How long it lasted she didn’t know, but all she knew was that by the time he released her mouth, she was a puddle of sensations.

  “I guess the experience could grow on me. Just so long as every time I fly in a helicopter, it’s with you.”

  She cringed inwardly after the words left her mouth.

  “Anytime, just call.”

  She relaxed at his reply and decided to try and enjoy the rest of the flight. They didn’t say much else just sat in companionable silence, holding hands.

  Before long, the helicopter started to descend. Erika could see water and not much else. For a moment, she thought they were going to land in the middle of the ocean, but with a thud, they landed on solid ground.

  Erika fumbled with her seatbelt but released it after a couple of attempts. She wanted to get her feet on land. She was about to stand when a hand restrained her. Confused, she looked at Brandt who was standing near her. He leaned down and pulled her headset off.

  “Wouldn’t want you hurting yourself by forgetting to take these off.”

  Heat suffused her cheeks. She wished she could think clearly. She was a woman of the world, not some gauche teenager.

  “Thanks.”

  She glanced around and picked her bag up, making sure that she wasn’t attached to anything else. Standing, she made her way to the open door where Brandt was waiting to help her from the chopper. He lifted her e
ffortlessly and slid her body down his. He held her against him for a brief moment and she could feel the evidence; he wasn’t immune to her. She pushed her hips into his in a silent answer that she too wanted him.

  He brushed a light kiss across her lips and then released her.

  “We’d better take some cover. The chopper is about to take off again.”

  He rushed her to a grove of trees. The sand whipped her legs like a hundred needles pricking her skin. She was extremely glad she had trousers on and not a skirt.

  Finally, the helicopter left and silence reigned over the beach. Erika left the sanctuary of the trees to look at her surroundings.

  The sand was as fine as sugar and pure white. The water a clear aqua, glistening in the morning sunshine. Waves were rolling softly into the beach and looked inviting. It was completely deserted, and she and Brandt could have been the only two people in the world.

  Brandt walked towards her. “So what do you think?”

  “It’s breathtaking. Where are we exactly?”

  “About ten miles up the coast from the resort. You can only access this beach by boat or as we did, helicopter.”

  “How do you know about it?”

  He was silent for a while and Erika wondered if perhaps he hadn’t heard the question.

  “I discovered it by accident really. I didn’t realise it was here when I bought the land.”

  There was more to the story but Erika didn’t want to probe at the moment. She had plenty of time to ask questions like that.

  Again a change of subject was required. “So what’s next?”

  “A swim I think. There is hardly any swell as the bay is protected by a reef and the cove.”

  Self-consciousness gripped Erika in its clutches. It was irrational considering he’d seen her in a bikini at the pool. This time felt different because it was the two of them and she knew that by the end of the day they would know each other intimately.

  “Did you bring any towels?”

  “Anything you need is in the cabin over there.”

  She followed where he was pointing. Cleverly hidden amongst the trees was a building that belied the term cabin. It was a two-storey structure and she was surprised she hadn’t seen it when they landed.