Kept

There was something about the wine that had made me incredibly honest. I turned around, and walked to the beach, while he stayed several feet behind me. When my toes reached the sand, it was cold and squishy under my feet, so I held my dress up so it wouldn’t get dirty. Right before I reached the water, Hudson came up behind me and ran his fingers along my neck. He whispered in my ear, “We agreed, no strings attached. You’re not playing by the rules.”

I turned around. “I don't feel like that’s an option anymore.” I wanted him to kiss me so desperately it hurt. Hudson made me feel crazy, and it was intoxicating.

He dropped my shoes in the sand, and they landed with a thud. “I want to watch you swim.”

“But I don't…” He reached his arms behind me, and undid the clasp that held my halter together. Slowly, he pulled down the fabric in front of me. I felt my exposed breasts meet the night air, and goose bumps broke out on my skin. He kissed the side of my neck, and allowed the dress to drop the rest of the way down into the sand. I was left with nothing, but a pair of nude underwear.

“Are you happy with your purchase?”

“You have no idea.”

I backed away from him, and walked into the icy water. All that I could see was his dark shadowy frame on the beach when I turned around again.

“Why don’t you join me?” I called.

“That's not the arrangement.”

“I'm making a new one.”

I walked back out of the water, put my hands around his chiseled face, and I pulled him into my lips. It felt like fire was running through my veins.

Hudson James had bought me. But what he didn't realize was, I owned him.

Twelve

Silk sheets brushed against my skin. He pulled the fabric tighter around my wrists.

His lips gently touched the side of my ear. “Tell me you want this.”

There was no denying what I wanted.

Hudson had taken me back to the cottage and carried me up to his room. It was even larger and grander than the one I was staying in. There were dark blue satin sheets, covering a California king. A dark leather headboard and matching footboard made it look even larger.

He laid me down gently on the bed, peppering light kisses down my neck and arm. When he reached my hand, he sucked on my fingers one at a time. I groaned with want.

I wanted Hudson. I needed him.

He moved back up to my neck. “I need to tell you something.”

“Anything.”

“I relish in control.”

I wasn’t sure where he was going. But somehow I knew I was going with him.

He loosened his tie. “Put your arms above your head.”

I simply nodded, and placed my hands together on the pillow. He wrapped his tie around my wrists, and pulled it tight. He moved down to my capris; I had put them on at the beach after getting out of the water. Hudson had packed an extra set of clothes. He had thought of everything.

Slowly, he dragged a finger along the top of my pants. He dipped it under the tight fabric occasionally, teasing me.

“I will have you,” he murmured against my skin. His breath felt hot against my skin.

“Then take me.” I was willing to be his. I didn’t care how.

“There are rules. Things you should know.”

My hands were tied about my head. I knew there had to be some rules. “Tell me.”