And she did. Completely. The realization was thrilling.
Soon the main beach fell away, and Zev carried her around a rocky outcropping to a hidden cove sheltered by towering palms and smooth boulders. The small stretch of pristine sand was completely secluded, invisible from the main beach and the resort.
"Your secret spot?" Chrissy asked as he carefully set her on her feet, the warm sand tickling her toes.
Zev brushed her hair from her face, his touch surprisingly gentle after the intensity of moments before. "One of many on the island. But this one's extra special." His eyes burned into hers. "No one comes here except me."
"And now me," Chrissy said, tracing his jaw.
"I had planned for our first time to be in a proper bed," Zev admitted, his voice rough with barely contained desire. "But I can't wait any longer to claim you." He took her hand, pressing it against his chest where his heart pounded wildly. "I think this is perfect. Just us, the sea, and no one else for a mile."
"I couldn't agree more," Chrissy whispered, feeling bold and empowered.
She placed her palms flat against his chest and pushed. Surprised, Zev allowed himself to be guided backward until his legs buckled and hit the sand. She gave another gentle push, and he sank onto his back, looking up at her with a mix of surprise and approval.
"My turn," she said, straddling his lap in one fluid motion.
His hands immediately found her hips, steadying her as she settled against him. The fabric of her denim shorts and his cargo shorts did little to disguise how much he wanted her. Chrissy felt a surge of feminine power knowing she could affect this powerful alpha male so completely.
"I like this side of you," Zev growled, his fingers digging into the bare skin of her thighs.
"I'm taking what I want for once," Chrissy murmured against his lips. "Any objections?"
Zev's smile was pure predator. "None whatsoever."
She captured his mouth again, relishing the taste of him—salt and sun and something wild that was uniquely Zev. His hands roamed from her thighs to her waist, slipping under hertank top to trace patterns on the bare skin of her back. Every touch left trails of fire, igniting places inside her that had never truly awakened before.
"You're perfect," he whispered against her neck, his hot breath making her shiver despite the tropical heat.
And at this moment, with Zev openly showing his appreciation and desire for her, after months of feeling like she was nothing to everybody else, Chrissy finally believed she was perfect. Just as she was.
Just Chrissy Rivera, the real Chrissy, taking what she wanted and Zev giving it to her without hesitation.
TWELVE
ZEV
Zev's hands tightened on Chrissy's hips as she straddled him, her weight pressing deliciously against his growing arousal. The afternoon sun beat down on them in his hidden cove, but the heat between them was far more intense. Her green eyes were dark with desire, her lips swollen from their kisses, and her hair tumbled around her shoulders in wild, dark waves. She was a vision, and she was his. His wolf surged forward, demanding he claim her, but Zev forced himself to stay in control. This was about her, about giving her what she wanted and what she needed.
"Zev," she breathed, her voice trembling with need as her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer. "I want you to take my clothes off. Slowly. And then lay me on the sand and show me just how much I mean to you."
His wolf howled in approval, but Zev forced himself to stay calm and to take his time. He wanted to savor every moment, every touch, and every sound she made. He wanted to worship her, and to truly show her just how much she meant to him like she asked for.
"As you wish," he said, his voice rough with barely contained need.
He started with her tank top, his hands sliding up her sides to grip the hem. He pulled it up slowly, revealing inch after inch of smooth, sun-kissed skin. She raised her arms, letting him lift the shirt over her head and toss it aside. Her white lace bra was next, and Zev took his time with it, his fingers brushing against her skin as he unhooked it and let it fall away.
Her breasts were perfect, full and round, her nipples hard and begging for his attention. Zev couldn't resist. He cupped them in his hands, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples, eliciting a soft gasp from her. He leaned forward, capturing one in his mouth, his tongue swirling around the sensitive peak. Chrissy moaned, her fingers tightening in his hair.
"Zev," she gasped, her voice trembling. "Please, don't stop."
He didn't. He continued to lavish attention on her breasts, his hands and mouth working in tandem to drive her wild. But he knew she wanted more, and he was determined to give it to her.
Her body trembled as he gently laid her down on the soft sand. The sun bathed her in golden light, her skin glowing and her hair fanning out around her like a dark halo. She was breathtaking, and Zev took a moment to just drink in the sight of her.
"You're so beautiful," he murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Chrissy's cheeks flushed, but she didn't look away. "Zev, please," she whispered, her voice trembling with raw need.