Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
The house is nearly silent, but I can feel Colt’s presence in the air like electricity. His door is closed, and I see no light underneath, but I’d bet money he’s awake. He’s always awake—always prowling the house at night like some kind of fierce predator.
I’ve heard him plenty of times. The creak of the floorboards, the sound of weights clanking in the garage as he works out, the back door opening and closing as he escapes outside for some fresh air.
Tonight, I’m the one escaping.
The grass is cool under my feet as I walk quickly down to the dock. I’m wearing just my underwear and a worn-out sleep shirt—an oversized tee with a logo for some baseball team I don’t know.
The night air is a wonderful relief from the stifling heat inside. I breathe deep, cooling my body as I try to force Colt from my mind. What’s he doing in his bedroom?
The wooden planks of the dock are still warm from today’s sun. I walk to the edge and curl my toes over it. Next thing I know, I’m diving into the water.
The cold shock against my skin is pure bliss. The lake is so cool it actually steals my breath away, clearing my mind of everything but the sensation. Gasping, I surface and brush my wet hair from my face, feeling like for just a moment, I’ve managed to escape the torture of being stuck here with a man I should not want.
My shirt clings to me as I pull myself back onto the dock, soaked and see-through. What do I care? Not like there’s anyone here to see.
Or so I think.
“What in the hell are you doing?” Colt’s voice cuts through the night like a saw.
I whirl to find him standing on the dock, every muscle in his body taut with tension. Like me, he’s barely clothed, wearing only black boxer briefs. The moon turns his skin to marble, like a Renaissance statue of Adonis, highlighting every ridge of his ripped physique.
My heartbeat accelerates as I stare at him. His eyes are so intense I can barely breathe. How does such a man exist?
“S–swimming,” I stammer, trying to keep my voice steady despite my heart pounding against my ribs. “It’s hot.”
“It’s dangerous. Go inside. Now.”
His voice is so commanding. It should make me obey, but instead, I feel a pulsing sensation in my belly. “No.”
What am I doing? I absolutely should go inside and get away from him. But a defiance is rising within me. Who is he to boss me around—tell me what to do?
But Colt takes a step closer, his hands clenched into tight fists. “I’m not playing around, Lily. The water is deep here and—”
“Then come in with me,” I reply before I can stop myself. “Unless you’re…scared?”
His expression shifts—darkens, becomes more dangerous. For some reason, it sends tingles down my spine. “Scared? Do I look like a little boy to you?”
I shake my head instantly. “You do not.”
“I’m supposed to be looking after you.”
“Then you shouldn’t be scared to come swimming with me.” I turn and dive back into the water, hearing him curse behind me. When I look back, I’m smiling.
“Get out, Lily.”
I paddle backward, away from the dock, away from him. “Make me.”
Colt lets out a growl that is almost inhuman, like he’s a wolf holding back a howl. Then he’s diving into the water, swimming toward me with powerful strokes. In seconds, he’s got his hands around my waist, holding me against his solid body as he drags me back to the dock.
“Wow, you’re strong.” I’m trying to tease, but at the same time, I’m nearly losing control. My body is so hot I’m shocked there’s not steam rising from the water.
“You think this is a game.” His voice is rough. Water droplets cling to him, beading off his skin, causing his body to gleam in the moonlight. “You think if you tease me long enough, I’ll just what? Give in?”
Coyly, I shrug, fluttering my eyelids at him. What’s come over me? I’ve never behaved like this before. Men have always scared me. I’ve never even had a boyfriend. Now I’m acting like I actually know what I’m doing.
“You want to give in.” My voice comes out breathy, like I’m doing an impression of a goddess trying to seduce the valiant warrior in front of me. He still has his hands on my waist, sending heat pulsing through me, despite the chill of the water.
“You know what I want?” He stops himself, his throat tight and his jaw clenched. This close, I can see the internal struggle playing out in his eyes.
“Just say it, Colt.” I reach up, my fingers finding the sharp edge of his jaw. “Tell me what you want.”
Suddenly, his control snaps. He closes in on me, pressing his body against mine, forcing me to feel every hard line made by his muscles. The thin fabric between us does nothing to hide his powerful arousal, bulging between his legs like a massive knot made by a thick rope. Just the feeling causes something inside me to stir.