Dare to Play (Dare Nation 3)

“Not really,” she said between sips of champagne. “It’s my business.”

That Macy hoped Jonathan Ridgeway would uncover. In the meantime, she needed to make sure Hannah was safe for the weekend, but before she could go looking for her sister and Jaxon, they returned.

“All set. Ruby’s mom is going to pick Hannah up before you and I leave,” Jaxon said, a reassuring smile on his face.

“All good, Hannah?” Macy asked.

She nodded, looking at her mom through hooded eyes.

“I’ll make it up to you next weekend,” Lilah promised.

“We may be busy moving. We’ll have to let you know,” Macy said, then turned to her sister. “Come on. Let’s make sure your bags are ready,” she said, despite knowing Hannah was set to go. She wanted to separate her and Lilah.

Hannah remained silent, obviously hurt by her mother’s actions, and Macy wouldn’t be around to make it better. But she wasn’t giving up a honeymoon with Jaxon. Once Hannah got involved with her friend, she’d be fine and busy.

“I have no doubt it’s a man that’s got Lilah tied up,” Macy muttered to Jaxon.

He nodded. “I already texted the lawyer. Don’t worry. We’re on top of it,” he said as if they were a team, and she was beginning to feel like they were. “By the way, I hope it’s okay, but I arranged to have yours and Hannah’s things moved to my house while we’re gone. I don’t want you to have to stress about it.”

Despite warning herself not to get used to the feeling of being taken care of, she couldn’t deny she needed him now. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

After getting Hannah settled and out to her friend’s car, Macy turned to Jaxon. “I thought I’d change before we left.”

His gaze darkened. “I was kind of hoping to peel you out of that sexy dress.” Those gorgeous eyes slid over her, causing her nipples to tighten and her panties to grow wet.

“It’s a little crazy to travel in formal wear.”

“Just make sure I can peel you out of your clothing and I’ll be a happy man.”

Desire pulsed inside her, and she merely nodded, unable to speak or respond, realizing for the first time she was in for a sexy, erotic weekend unlike any she’d experienced before.

* * *

Hours later, Macy and Jaxon stepped off Asher Dare’s private plane into the heat of the Bahamas. Though Florida and Windermere Island had similar weather, the plane had been chilled, and Macy was immediately hit by the humidity and heat. Luckily, she’d changed into a pair of fringed cutoff shorts and a loose but cropped top so she could handle the weather.

The ocean, which she’d seen as the plane dipped and readied to land, was pure blue with pale white sand. Utterly beautiful, it was paradise, and she instantly relaxed, knowing she had two full days to do nothing but enjoy.

To her surprise, Jaxon held her hand as they deplaned, and a car service waited to take them to the house, a white mansion with a huge veranda encircling it. The house sat directly on the beach. Given the fact that Asher Dare was a billionaire, this didn’t surprise her. He’d been at the wedding, but she hadn’t had time to get to know him.

A butler – yes, a butler – carried their bags up to the room, and once he was gone, Jaxon gestured for her to step into the hall. Curious, she joined him, only to have him scoop her into his arms. She grasped him around the neck, holding on tight, as he carried her over the threshold.

“Jaxon!” She couldn’t help but giggle at the silly, romantic gesture.

“Since I won’t ever be doing this again, might as well get it right the first time.”

He spoke without thought, and she pushed away the pain in her chest upon hearing his words. He wasn’t telling her anything she didn’t already know or that they hadn’t agreed upon. Instead she’d enjoy the time she had now.

After he kicked the door behind him closed, he lowered her to the floor and pulled her against him, his lips sealing over hers. The moment their mouths met, she no longer had to worry about anything, because her mind went blank and her body took over. Feeling came before thinking.

Although she never wanted the kiss to end, he broke it off and lifted her shirt over her head and tossed it onto the floor. Not wanting to miss out, she grasped for the hem of his tee and did the same thing until she was faced with his tanned, muscular chest. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips against his warm skin, and the big man shuddered, showing her she had power over him. Similar to the power he had over her.

“I want you naked,” he said, opening her shorts with a flick of his fingers on the button.