Stolen Life (Beauty in the Stolen 2)

“I’m taking Cas to town,” he says. “We’ll be back after lunch, so don’t worry to keep food for us.”

“Um, Ian,” I say when he turns to leave.

He pauses and regards me with a raised brow.

“The pill.” I clear my throat. “Will we find a pharmacy in town or did you have to send for it from elsewhere?”

Shona stops polishing and gives him a funny look.

He only stares at me.

Maybe he doesn’t want to talk about it in front of his staff, but I needed to ask before we leave in case it had been delivered to the main building already.

“Come,” he says after a beat, a command he likes to give.

Ignoring the weirdness in the atmosphere, I go after him lest he changes his mind about going to town.

The ride is bumpy until the turnoff that goes to the town, but from there we’re on a tarmac road. The property is fenced with guards stationed at the gates. Acacia and Msasa trees frame the high fences on either side of the road. The mesh is electrified, designed to keep the animals in and trespassers out. Poaching is always a problem, especially when rhino horns sell for thousands of dollars per gram. It also makes it difficult for a prisoner locked inside to escape.

The drive takes thirty minutes. By the time he pulls into town, the sun is hot, and the clothes are long since dry on my body. I peel out of his jacket and dump it on the backseat. Town hasn’t changed much. Shops line the main street, their merchandise displayed on the pavements. Dust coats the windows and the goods. We pass an electronics and thrift store and stop in front of a general store with mannequins dressed in white Nile cotton standing guard next to the door.

Ian parks and cuts the engine. “There isn’t much in town, I’m afraid, but this should see you through until we can put in an internet order for something more befitting of your beautiful body.”

I let the compliment slide. I’m not interested in the clothes inside the store. My attention is fixed on the faded pharmacy sign two shops down.

By the time he catches up with me, I’m already halfway down the pavement.

“Hey.” He locks a hand around my wrist, holding me back. “Don’t wander off like that on your own. It’s not safe for a woman like you alone.”

I free my arm from his hold and take off the sunglasses. Looking him in the eye, I secure the glasses over the visor of the cap. “You were right behind me.”

He lowers his head, putting our mouths close. “Next time, wait for me.”

Even that small move makes my breath catch on a hitch. It makes me want to go on tiptoes and take the kiss he’s teasing me with. For a moment, I think he may do it, kiss me right here in the street, but he pulls away. Disappointment cools the heat under my skin. I wanted him to be the kind of man who kisses me like we’re the only people here, who doesn’t give a damn about who’s watching. I want a man who isn’t scared to show his affection, a man like my father who always held my mother’s hand in the street. That’s why they’re called fantasies. They’re not supposed to be real. More importantly, I shouldn’t harbor fantasies about my kidnapper.

I’m about to resume my walk when he grabs my wrist and tugs me behind him into a side street. My back hits the wall before I can get out a word. I barely have time to gasp before his lips close over mine.

The kiss is searing, burning me all the way to my core. Liquid heat gathers between my thighs from the mere swipe of his tongue over my lips. I sag in surprise and delight, submitting to the caress that tortures me with an aching throb between my legs. He drags a palm up under my T-shirt, cupping my naked breast. I nearly come when he plays with my nipple. I don’t need more than a little pressure. Wrapping a leg around his ass, I arch my hips and grind myself against the erection straining under his jeans. He lets me find my pleasure, using him in a quiet alley while he keeps perfect control.

My climax hits hard and fast. It takes off the edge but fades quickly, leaving me wanting. More. I need so much more from him. I keep my eyes open to take in his beautiful face as I try to catch my breath. He’s watching me, drinking in my expression, but he’s also glancing at the top and end of the street, making sure we’re alone. Safe. He kept his control so I could lose mine.

I don’t know if I should be ecstatic or disappointed that he is who I want him to be. My knees buckle a little under the weight of the knowledge that sinks with his kiss into my heart. Ian is more than my fantasy. He’s my dream man come true.