Page 75 of Reluctant Rebel

“Huh?” Her eyes shot up, finding his amused … and hot. “Did you say something?”

He nodded slowly, carelessly dropping the shirt at his feet. “I said,I promise. Between the two of us, I’m sure we can come up with something.”

“Right. Good. I’m just going to, uh …” she waved to the side, “give you some privacy. I’ll get changed, too.”

She fled before he could say anything, but his sexy, knowing laugh followed her into the thick bushes. She took a moment to fan herself and get her hormones in check before quickly stripping and donning the modest bathing suit. She hesitated, wondering if she should remove her new bracelet, but decided tokeep it on. When she walked back out, she found him in a pair of tiny green swim shorts that matched his eyes and left absolutely nothing to the imagination.

Staring at his crotch, she saw movement and saliva pooled in her mouth. “Your dick is twitching,” she stated without thought.

Mikhail gurgled, covering his bulging swim shorts with his hands. “Talking like that really isn’t going to help it stop.”

Jinx wished the ground would swallow her up. She dropped her face into her hands. “I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I said that. How embarrassing.”

Mikhail peeled her hands away, holding them at his sides. “Don’t be sorry. I’m not. I love how my body responds to yours. But I’m trying to keep things platonic here. I brought you here so you could relax and have fun. I brought you here because you deserve it. Not to seduce you.”

She barely refrained from telling him she was already seduced. Job done. But she simply stepped back, saying, “Thank you,” before turning and diving into the water.

30

The waterfall did indeed flowup. Mikhail had discovered the physic-defying phenomenon many years ago. But seeing the amazement and joy on Jinx’s face as the water carried her to the top platform had been more priceless than any of his own experiences.

They swam for almost an hour, exploring both pools and riding the waterfall numerous times. Only when their friendly game of splashing had turned heated, their legs twining together beneath the warm water, did he excuse himself. He guzzled water, praying his cock would deflate before Jinx joined him. He’d known it was risky to be semi-clothed with Jinx, but it was a risk he was willing to take to give her something special. The Gardens were magical and never failed to ease his stress.

He went about setting out some snacks. The grass was so lush that no picnic blanket was required. He turned to hail Jinx, finding her already emerging from the water. Her crimson swimsuit clung to her curves as she gracefully made her way up the shore. Droplets cascaded down her petite form, travelling from her throat to her thighs. Time seemed to slow as she approached, her long hair trailing rivulets down her back. Hisbreath caught in his throat; she was utterly captivating, part siren, part goddess.

A hot flush spread through his body as Jinx drew nearer, her hips swaying hypnotically with each step. Desire stirred, his heart raced, and his palms began to sweat. He wondered if she could see the longing in his eyes, the way he drank in every detail of her like a man parched. When she flashed him a coy smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief, it sent a jolt through him.Oh, she knows,he thought.And she seems mighty pleased about it.

His non-mate stopped just short of him, close enough that he could feel the warmth radiating from her skin. Time hung suspended as she looked up into his eyes, her expression unreadable. “You know,” she said, her tone playful, “it's rude to stare.”

Mikhail opened his mouth to protest, then closed it, swallowing hard. “I-I’m just admiring the view,” he stammered, his face flushing crimson because he sounded like a damn virgin.

Jinx raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a knowing smirk. “Is that so?” she teased.

He took a deep, unsteady breath, bracing himself for whatever came next, hoping he could play it cool, knowing he was utterly unprepared emotionally if Jinx decided to jump his bones. “Jinx … there’s food.”

She blinked a few times as if coming out of a trance before taking a hasty step back. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to turn into a nymph there. I just feel so good. And youlookso good …”

Mikhail laughed, tension evaporating. “I’m glad you feel good. That’s what today is all about. And I can’t say I’m mad that you think I look good. I’m just concerned about the consequences of those looks you keep giving me.”

“What consequences would those be?” Jinx asked. She bent over to retrieve her towel, scrubbing vigorously at her hair.

“Sex,” Mikhail said bluntly, watching her nipples peak and push against the wet fabric. “Do you think we can have sex and not mate? If you do, you have my unconditional consent to take me down to the ground and ravish me. But if you think that’s impossible or not what you want, we should eat.”

Jinx’s pupils dilated, and her breath quickened. “I hadn’t considered the possibility of sex without claiming.”

“Oh, well …Ihave,” he confessed, wondering if his foot was now permanently stuck in his mouth.

“I think …” she began hesitantly, wrapping the towel around her body. “I think I need to give it some thought.”

“You do that. But remember, you’re the one in control here. It’s your decision. I would never do anything you’re not comfortable with.” He spoke firmly, wanting to ensure she knew how serious he was.

Her lips tilted. “Something tells me sex with you would be far from comfortable—in the best way possible. But would it be wise?”

“It’s like you’re reading my mind,” Mikhail told her lightly. He helped her to sit before settling himself behind her. “Here, you eat while I brush your hair. You don’t want it to tangle as it dries.”

Jinx looked at him over her shoulder. “You want to brush my hair?”

He grabbed the brush from the bag, replying, “Very much.” He thought about it for a moment. “Is that weird?”

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