Part 5 (1/2)

She accepted it, loving the flavors as they burst over her tongue. ”Yum.” She swallowed it down, then glared at him. ”But don't think the food is gonna b.u.t.ter me up. You're still a tease. I'll get it out of you eventually.”

”You're welcome to try.” He offered her another plantain. ”But before you do, I want you to take a shower. Hot water will help ease any sore muscles you have, so you can enjoy our outing. I've already set out an outfit I'd like you to wear. It's on the bathroom counter.”

She glared at him as she chewed up the fruit. ”I think I'm old enough to pick out my own clothing, Deacon.”

He shrugged. ”You are, but the fact you're letting me on this trip only makes your submission sweeter.” He rubbed another piece of plantain across her lips. ”When we return home everything will go back to normal. You'll get to pick out your own clothing.”

Pain pooled in her stomach at the thought. Had he already decided that it would end here?

”Everything?” She couldn't stop the question. Her heart raced as she waited for his answer.

He tilted his head. ”That will all depend upon you.” He set the fork down. ”Even if you decide to continue our arrangement, I don't want the responsibility of picking out your clothing every day.”

A mixture of relief and sadness mixed in her system. She didn't know whether to be happy or upset that the attention he was showing her was temporary or not. ”I see.”

He gazed at her coolly. ”No, I don't think you do but you will.” He nodded toward the tray. ”Are you full or do you want more?”

She tore her eyes away from his. ”I'll have some more fruit...and another coffee, if that's okay.”

”Of course it is.”

She remained silent as he fed her the rest of the plantains and she finished off another cup of cafe con leche. When she was finally done, she s.h.i.+fted against the sheets, wondering if she had to ask for permission to leave the bed or if she should just get up.

”Headed for the shower?”

”Ummm, yeah.” Her cheeks flushed.

”Good. We have about thirty minutes before we need to leave for the rental place. Think you can be ready in that amount of time?” He lifted the tray off her lap, then slid from the bed, carrying it toward the dresser on the far side of the room.

”Should be.” She threw her legs over the edge, while being careful to keep the sheet around her. It was one thing to be nude at the beach, or even when making love. It was quite another to walk around in her birthday suit in the cold light of morning.

”Good, and don't forget to wear your comfortable shoes. We're going to be doing a bit of walking today.”

She drew a ragged breath as she slowly stood. The memory of the intense pleasure brought on by the toys scared her. She'd totally given into him, uncaring about the people around them. ”Please tell me, we're leaving the b.a.l.l.s here.”

He placed the tray on the dresser, then turned around and leaned back against the wood. ”You can't tell me you didn't love them, Bethany.”

Her cheeks flushed and she clenched her fingers around the sheet. ”I might just choke you if you stick those d.a.m.n things in me again. They are evil.”

He gave her a s.a.d.i.s.tic smile. ”Relax. They are put away for now, because where we're going today, the acoustics would ruin any effort at privacy we tried to attempt.” He crossed his arms over his chest. ”Come here.”

She tugged on the sheet, intent on taking the covering with her.

”Drop it.” His lazy command quickly shattered any illusions she had of staying covered until she reached the bathroom.

She froze. ”Ah...Deacon, I'm naked under...”

He smirked. ”I know. Drop it.”

She fidgeted with the material. Did she dare?

”The longer you stall, the less time you're going to have to shower.”

”But-”

”But, nothing. I want to see that s.e.xy body of yours before you cover it up with the clothing I picked out for you.”

”Beast! You just want me to walk across the room naked.”

”Of course I do. Now drop it.” He pushed off the dresser. ”I won't ask again.”

The firm request was such a contrast to their earlier camaraderie that she felt uncertain, off balance almost. Perhaps that's what he'd been going for?

Her nipples tightened against the sheet at the reemergence of her Dom.

Deacon waited to see if she'd obey or if she'd continue to cling to the sheet and her false modesty.

Or if she's going to force my hand. Dear Lord, let her force my hand.

Images of how he'd make her pay for her rebellion flashed before his eyes. His favorite of course, was bending her over his lap and warming her a.s.s. But she dashed those thoughts when she dropped the bedding, letting it pool around her ankles. He didn't bother to stop the soft groan from escaping his chest. Standing in a pool of sunlight, her lush curves backlit with her blond hair s.h.i.+ning like an angel's halo, she reminded him of heaven on earth. One he was definitely going to explore once they got back from the caverns.

”Now come here.” It was difficult but he kept his tone even.

She took halting steps towards him, finally stopping about three feet from him.

”Closer.”

She inched closer, then stopped. He sighed dramatically before wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her up against him. ”Better. Now kiss me.”

Her lips parted, and for a moment, he thought she would baulk, but instead she lifted up on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his. He savored the rich taste of coffee on her lips while she pressed a bit harder. He waited to see what she'd do. How far she'd go. He almost caved when her tongue rubbed over the seam of his lips before darting back into her mouth. If she thought that her little tease would coax him into playing, she was sadly mistaken. He continued to let her kiss him, not actively partic.i.p.ating until a low frustrated moan escaped her. Then he took mercy on her, spearing his tongue inside her mouth. She gave a happy sigh as her tongue rubbed over his.

By the time he lifted his head, he was precariously close to saying screw it and tossing her back onto the bed. Only his plans of seducing not only her body but her mind as well kept him from giving into his baser urges. He had a plan. He drew back and slowly released her.

”Go shower, sweetheart. Before I forget my good intentions.” He curled his fingers into fists. Anything to keep from reaching out and taking what was his at least for the duration of their vacation.

Which is why today is so important. I have to prove that it's more than just s.e.x that as a good Dom, I'll see to all her needs, in AND out of the bedroom.

”Fine.” With a flounce he admired, but would later result in his hand swiping across her luscious backside, Bethany stomped off into the bathroom. As soon as the door shut, he jerked out the nearest drawer and began yanking his own clothing out. His little h.e.l.lion wouldn't let him live it down if he wasn't ready by the time she reappeared.

Chapter Eight.

”Oh, my G.o.d.” Bethany squealed in the seat next to him, as Deacon turned into the ma.s.sive parking lot outside the gift shop and tram-station that lead down to Parque de las Cavernas del Ro Camuy. Situated about an hour and half west of their bungalow, he was sure it was the last place she'd expected him to take her.

”Excited?” He began to hunt for a parking spot.