Page 33 of Sweetest Temptation
“Me? Look at you,” I said, eyeing her short, hot pink lace dress. Nyala had all of her goods out, and like me, the only thing she wore under her dress was a bikini. Hers was a neon green and looked perfect against her complexion. “You look so good, boo.”
“Thanks, friend! We are going to turn heads tonight. Let’s go… I’m trying to get the party started early.”
We left my suite, and decided to skip lobby, exiting through on of the side doors and walking onto the beach. The bonfire was directly behind the hotel, enough distance between the massive back patio and the ocean. The sand felt great between my toes as my feet sank into the gritty substance as we moved closer to the oversized fire. The DJ was spinning good music, and the vibe was perfect for someone who was on vacation.
“Oh my god! Everything looks so beautiful,” I said, looking around.
“Right! Let’s go sit at the bar.” Nyala looped her arm through mine, leading us through the crowd on the sandy beach.
We snagged two empty stools, and Nyala ordered four shots of a tequila, and what are the odds that it was Samir’s brand. I wasn’t a heavy drinker unless it was wine, but I knew my girl planned to have me lit before the night even started. I picked up a small glass, sniffed the sharp, spicy scent, and tossed it back. The alcohol burned all the way down, heat spreading through my chest.
“Damn! That shit’s strong.”
“Exactly what you need to loosen up. Now take the other one!” Nyala laughed.
I ordered a glass of wine to chase the tequila, and soon we were dancing in our seats, rapping along to Cardi B. Nyala grabbed my hand, and we stood, moving to the beat. The alcoholgave me that extra push, that liquid courage, to wind my hips as if I were alone.
“You better fuck it up, frannn! Show these bitches how we do it in Melville!” She hyped me up as she twerked.
I was mid-twerk when my eyes landed on a familiar face in the distance. My heart skipped, and I blinked a few times to make sure I wasn’t tripping. No way he was here. What were the odds?
When the song ended, I quickly straightened and turned around, catching my breath only to see a fine-ass man standing behind me.
“Damn, shorty. You got some moves. Can I buy you a drink?” His voice was deep and smooth.
I was about to answer when another voice cut through the air. “Nah, homie. Take a hike. She’s good.”
Slowly, I turned, and my eyes scaled the fine specimen. Samir stood there, looking like pure sin wrapped in white linen. The short-sleeved set fit him too damn well, the open shirt showing off smooth, tattooed skin and a platinum chain that gleamed against his chest. The firelight from the beach flickered across him, highlighting every line and muscle that outlined his broad chest.
His cologne was warm, intoxicating even. It slid through the night air and wrapped around me like a memory I didn’t ask for. My pulse kicked up as my thighs pressed together on instinct. He looked so damn good, it was disrespectful.
“Nigga, find you another bitch—” The stranger squared up, mouthing off, but before he could finish his sentence, Samir’s fist connected with his jaw. The man flew back, slides flying off, before two suited guys rushed over and carried him away.
“Samir! Are you crazy?!” I glanced around, embarrassed.
“Crazy enough. That nigga should be thankful. He’ll be sleeping good tonight.”
I crossed my arms, glaring up at him. “What the hell are you even doing here? Are you following me?”
He tilted his head, that smug smile still in place. “Nah, when the time comes, beloved, there will be no need for me to stalk you,” he said smoothly, voice laced with arrogance. “To answer your question, though… I was invited. The hotel owner’s a business partner. We’re launching Fuego Azul here tomorrow, as well as in all of the Armstrong hotels and casinos.”
He took a step closer, his cologne hitting me like a drug I swore I’d quit. “Now that I’ve answered your question, why are you out here showing out, Ms. Pierce? You look sexy as fuck, though. Good enough to eat.” Samir’s eyes dragged down my body in a way that made my pulse spike even though I tried to act unbothered.
“Oop! That’s my cue. I’m going to go find a cat to feed some milk to. And I see one that looks promising. I won’t be far, friend. Call me if you need me.” She leaned toward my ear and whispered, “Remember… what I said. Don’t think. Just go with the flow. Go ride that nigga dick. And try not to fall off.”
“Nyala! You just going to ditch me?” I hissed, trying to keep my voice low as Samir’s gaze stayed locked on me.
“Girl, please. You don’t need me right now. Looks like somebody already got your full attention, and from the way he’s looking at you, I’d say you got his too. You deserve a little dick… I mean fun.” Nyala kissed my cheek before looking at Samir, leaving me speechless at her last comment. “Take care of my friend. I’m a sharpshooter.”
“I got you.” Samir chuckled, shaking his head. “Oh, and Ryan is back at the hotel. He drunk off his ass. His room number is 1029.”
“Oh! That’s even better! Later, y’all!” she sang as she sashayed toward the hotel.
“I see your girl is a character.”
“She’s about to be adeadcharacter.” I wanted to choke Nyala, leaving me alone with Samir.
“Are you scared to be alone with me now, Ms. Pierce?”
