Island Pleasures Read online

  She wanted to tell him how sorry she was and that she’d meant to keep in touch, but, she’d been devastated by her mother’s death and had to stay with her grief-stricken father. She hadn’t been able to focus on anything else. By the time things settled it was too late.

  She nibbled on her bottom lip and stared up at his face, overcome with the urge to kiss him. “I have to tell you something important about Carly. You’re going to be angry with me—”

  “Quinn! I need your help out here.”

  She swung her head around to see Woody dive into the ocean. One of the women he’d been talking with screamed while her friend clung to a paddleboard drifting away from shore in the retreating tide.

  Quinn cursed and shot to his feet. She also rose and scanned the beach for help.

  “Stay here.” He dug his phone from his pocket and tossed it to her. “Call resort security. Tell them we have an emergency.”

  She took his cell and scrolled through the contacts. Quinn cupped her cheek, startling her. “Don’t go anywhere. We need to finish our conversation.”

  He dropped a kiss on her mouth, shocking her speechless, then broke away and ran down to the water. Her lips tingled and her nipples hardened. She got her bearings in time to watch Woody grab the hysterical woman. Quinn swam out in deep strokes and helped guide her back to shore.

  A crowd gathered near the water. Some talked on cell phones and soon the sounds of sirens blared in the distance. She placed Quinn’s cell on the blanket and turned to leave. In the confusion, she had lost the courage to admit everything she hid from him.

  She’d nearly aborted her mission because of a man from her past who was still hurt and angry by her leaving him. He’d never forgive her if she told him her true identity and ultimate goal for this weekend. Nothing to be gained and everything to be lost by revealing her secrets.

  “What’s the point? Nothing can come of it,” she whispered, depressed. She’d return to the resort and put her spying skills to the test. Before the day ended, she’d infiltrate Castillo’s office, search it, and find any juicy dirt for her article.

  She grabbed her bag and snuck away before Quinn could use his seductive powers to capture her heart once again.

  Chapter Five

  The lively calypso music didn’t lighten his mood, nor did the woman by the outdoor bar in a teeny black bikini, shooting him a bold smile.

  He hunted for another, one he thought he had connected with at the beach. He had been certain she was going to come clean about her identity. After he helped save the woman from drowning, he rode a high. Perhaps, impressed by his heroics, Carly would beg his forgiveness and they could move on. Turning to face the beach, ready to accept her admiration, he’d gasped, his heart plummeting to his knees. She had skipped out again!

  He’d searched every section of the hotel, even the kitchen and service areas after she didn’t answer her door. He wouldn’t rest until he found her and they discussed everything…or he ended up making love to her.

  He fisted his hands on his hips. Making love to Carly had gotten him in trouble in the first place. But would he take that night back? Not for anything in this world. If he had his way, they would share another just like it.

  The glare from the sun shot off the glass from a window on the top floor. Shading his eyes, he spotted a figure in Jagger’s office. Alarm rose until he recognized the intruder.

  His heart sped up in an entirely different manner and a tightening deep in his gut made him harden. Jagger never left sensitive information lying around. But security would certainly insist on dealing with the trespasser. Unless, he got there first.

  He headed for the building, ready to show her how angry it made him when she walked out on him again. Then he’d show her something else.

  Nothing would stop him from claiming her.

  ***

  Carly retreated from the window and leaned against the wall. She wiped her forehead, wishing she still had Quinn’s handkerchief with her. His face popped into her head, but she pushed the image aside. She couldn’t think of him now. She had to work fast.

  Voices came from the hall and she dashed into the bathroom. Closing the door, she pressed her ear against the wood, her heart rattling in her chest. She had taken a big chance sneaking into Castillo’s office. After asking a few questions, she’d headed for the administrative area, surprised at how empty it was. Two women from housekeeping vacuumed, the noise hiding her presence, and she slipped inside, quietly shut the door, and searched the spacious room.

  She tried jimmying the locks on the file cabinets and desk drawers. Not even her shiny new locksmith tools could give her access. She turned the PC on, but the password screen mocked her.

  “I’m pathetic. I’m not even dressed like a real thief,” she groaned, banging her forehead against the door. Still dressed in her bathing suit, a white mini skirt, and her flip flops, she looked more like a beach bunny than a thief. She turned the faucet on and splashed cold water on her hot cheeks. She lacked the espionage skill to reveal the dirty little secrets of one of the most powerful and well respected men in the business world.

  She leaned against the counter at the sound of a door opening and female voices speaking just outside her hideaway. Please don’t let them come in. From the tidiness of the room and the smell of bleach, it appeared to have been cleaned already.

  After a few minutes of banging around outside and a vacuum going on and then off, the voices faded. A door opened and closed and then nothing.

  Exhaling loudly, she winced when a shooting pain ran up one shoulder. Rubbing the sore muscle, she cracked her head from side to side. Perhaps a massage would help? She’d get the hell out of here, return to her room, and shower. Then she’d book an appointment with one of the spa masseuses and figure out another way to save her career. She didn’t even want to think what would happen if she went back to Daphne with nothing newsworthy, other than tan lines.

  Taking down her hair, she shook it out. Grimacing at the grit and sand imbedded in the strands, she scratched her scalp. Encouraged by the silence from the other side of the door, she opened it. Holding the clip between her teeth, she pulled back her hair and walked out into the main room.

  She squeaked and her clip fell out of her mouth. Quinn sat in the high back leather desk chair, waiting for her.

  I’m so screwed.

  He rose. “What are you doing here?” His nostrils flared and his mouth formed a taut line. He took a step toward her.

  “I can explain.” She held up a hand to ward him off.

  He stalked her until the wall next to the bathroom halted her progress.

  “Are you going to come up with another lie, Carly?” His chest heaving, he clenched his fists.

  She released a nervous laugh. “Lie? You’re delusional. I’m Cassidy, not Car—”

  A growl rose from him and he boxed her in with his body. His palms came down on either side of her face and he seethed in rage.

  “Cut out the bullshit. I knew who you were from the moment you arrived. You can’t lie to save your life.”

  “Why, you-you—” She jabbed at his chest.

  He twisted her arm behind her back and jerked her against him. She lost her ability to speak—stunned by the way Quinn manhandled her, but also turned on.

  He curled his lip. “From the moment we saw one another, you’ve been deceitful, getting off by making me a fool once again.”

  “That’s not true! I had no idea you worked here. If I’d known, I’d never—”

  “Never what, Carly?” He fisted her hair.

  She gasped in surprise and rose up to her toes to lessen the sting of his hold. Her nipples puckered and liquid heat pooled between her thighs. “I never meant to hurt you, not now or when I left you without a word after we made love. I’ve always cherished what we did together.” Her pleading tone grated in her own ears, but she didn’t care.

  Quinn responded by wedging his knee between her legs. She bit down on her bottom lip, overc
ome with desire as her body responded.

  “How can I believe you and trust you? You even lied about your mother’s death.” His voice broke and he rested his forehead against hers. He trembled against her and whispered something she couldn’t catch. When she wiggled her arm, he let it go and backed away. Refusing to allow him to distance himself, she cupped his face, blinking away hot tears.

  “I wasn’t lying about my mom’s death or when I said making love to you was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. No other man since then has come close to you.”

  “You’re still lying,” he snarled and thrust her away.

  “I’m not! My body sure as hell isn’t!” She lifted her breasts to draw his attention to her pointed nipples. “I’m so turned on I can barely think. If I’m not hot for you, than who?”

  His throat moved as he swallowed. “You’re pretty chummy with Woody. If you ask him, he’ll fuck you on the desk or against the wall.”

  She lifted her hand to slap Quinn in the face then dropped her arm. She wouldn’t allow him to insult her any longer.

  “Oh really, Mister Know It All? Maybe you’re right. I’m going to find Woody right now and ask him to fuck me sideways into tomorrow. How’d you like that?” She raised her chin, daring him to argue. He took a step toward her, and she darted to the door. She had just touched the doorknob when Quinn lifted her off her feet.

  “You bastard, let me go!” She struggled, squirming.

  He twisted until he pinned her up against another wall. He held her prisoner, panting as if he had run a marathon.

  “What do you want from me?” she gasped. She gripped his shoulders and thrust her hip against his erection. His dick jabbed the inside of her thigh, and she licked her lips at the need to stroke or wrap her mouth around it.

  “You know what I want, damn you.” He gritted his teeth and rocked against her.

  Sick of the bullshit, and not caring about the consequences, she dragged her palm down his chest until she met the waistband of his swim trunks. Staring him straight in the eyes, she reached into his shorts and gripped his cock.

  He jutted against her palm. Curving her fingers around his length, she griped him. She stroked from root to tip, running her thumb over the silky flesh and bulging veins. Quinn’s eyes rolled in back in his head. She wanted to feel the same, for him to touch her as intimately as she touched him.

  “Kiss me before I die,” she ordered, and before she could pull his face down to hers, his lips landed on hers.

  He filled her with his breath, his tongue swiping the inside of her cheeks. She squeezed his dick tightly and he groaned. Dauntless, she found one of his balls and stroked the fleshy sack.

  Cupping her ass, he turned, sitting her on the edge of the desk. She kept stroking and caressing his cock and balls. He had large round, testicles that complimented his engorged cock. Just thinking about how big he was made her shudder in delight. She squirmed, imaging what it would feel like with him inside her again.

  He pushed her down until she lay prone on the desk. She mewled. As she reached for him, he landed on top of her and kissed her with a passion matching her own. He slid his palms up her legs, urging them apart. Biting down on his lip, he grunted and cupped her through her bathing suit. She bucked against him, wanting him to finger her naked pussy or eat her out with his slick tongue.

  He broke away and stared at her, eyes glittering. “Should I worry this will end up in your expose?”

  “Nope, not all. I promise.” She dragged his face down and licked his lips.

  “Better not.” He ground his palm against her mound. “Do you like the way I touch you?”

  She nodded and he rewarded her with another deep, luscious lip lock. He peppered kisses across her throat and the middle of her chest. With shaking fingers, she drew down the straps of her bathing suit until she was bare to his gaze.

  “Nice. Plump, the way I like them.” He circled one areola and the other. She arched up as he took one of her nipples between his lips.

  Her body on fire, she was ready to combust any minute. Quinn dove into the bottom of her bathing suit and cupped her. With his thumb grazing her clit, she cried out in pleasure.

  “How long has it been for you? When’s the last time a man played with your pussy?” He stared at her in hunger while he licked her nipple. When she didn’t answer, he rocked two fingers into her.

  “Ah…too long! Years! Fuck me. Now!” she wailed, curving her leg around his hip.

  “Can’t…no condom,” he groaned and returned to pleasuring her breasts. He rotated his digits in deep and she shook from the intensity and the way her muscles contracted around the wonderful intrusion.

  He abandoned her chest and gave her a bruising kiss. She reached in between them, on the hunt for his cock to toy with and swiftly pumped his smooth flesh.

  He cried out her name. She moaned his in return, stiffened, and broke apart, coming hard and fast. Quinn groaned and his cum splashed her hand. She purred, savoring his climax and the way he quivered until he went limp.

  He stilled inside her, littering kisses on the side of her neck. She whispered his name and lay her head to the side to allow him better access, aching for more.

  Quinn sucked hard on her skin then leaned away and fixed her with a drowsy stare, running a thumb down her cheek. “My Carly.”

  He’d said the exact same thing the first time they made love. Hearing him say it again made her chest burst with happiness.

  Two things happened at once. A cell phone ring came from Quinn’s swimsuit on the floor and the office door swung open. He jerked away, slipping his fingers out of her. She released his cock, her hand sticky with his release, and blanched at a man dressed in a white uniform, gun strapped to his hip.

  Oh shit. She yanked up her bathing suit and jumped down from the desk. Quinn grabbed his phone and moved toward the window, talking in a stilted, distant voice. She’d thought she would never hear him that way again. Grabbing a tissue from the desk she helped defile, she wiped the drying cum off her hands. The man at the door glared at her. Her stomach twisted and she was considering running into the bathroom to hide when her own phone rang.

  Fetching it from her bag on the floor, she cringed when her editor’s name popped up. Not now. Her cell rang again and she set it to silent.

  Quinn continued his conversation in a low tone with his back toward her. No rescue there. She was on her own. Again. Not liking the watchful stare of the security guard, she snagged her things and ducked out the door. She expected the man to tell her to stop, but he didn’t and she rushed down the hall.

  She’d run from Quinn again, but she needed to get her bearings, along with a nice hot shower to ease her post-coital aches. Later, when she was in a better state of mind, she’d seek him out. Hopefully he wouldn’t be too angry, but then again, hot and heavy things happened between them when he was.

  Her nipples tingled and the ache between her legs intensified. Ignoring her body’s reaction, she called Daphne.

  Chapter Six

  The moment the sun set over the horizon, the festivities began. Woody leaned against the bar and took another pull on his beer. He winked at a pretty young woman who placed her order. She blushed, but before he could introduce himself, a male guest with more looks than brains caught her attention. Some of the singles here would have a romantic interlude during their stay. He had witnessed many hook ups in his time at the resort, even engaging in a few. But other than a meal with a pretty lady, or if he were lucky enough, some naked fun in a bed, he left unfulfilled, back to square one—alone.

  He was a handsome guy. His mirror told him that every day. And in his experience, women loved a redheaded man with a great body and tan. But even though he wasn’t yet thirty, he couldn’t shake off the depressing feeling he’d end up remaining a bachelor well into the next decade.

  A familiar face in the crowd caught his eye. “Surprise, surprise,” he murmured.

  The bogus Cassidy, better known as Carly
, slouched near the edge of the dance floor. Her previously braided hair floated around her shoulders and her eyes shone without the heavy glasses she’d worn earlier. She appeared lost in thought. His heart went out to her. Unlike Quinn, he wasn’t upset she’d been shady for the sake of her job. He found it amusing. After all, Castillo Resorts had nothing to hide.

  He finished the rest of his beer and approached her. “Care to dance?”

  She stared ahead without any reaction.

  “Car, erm Cassidy, are you okay?” he asked, wincing over his stumble.

  “I guess Quinn told you I’m not Cassidy, or you figured it out all on your own since I’m a poor liar.” Her shoulders drooped.

  He nudged her chin up with his fist. “You have your reasons, even if they were….” He caught sight of a purple bruise on the side of her neck. Hmm, a hickey. He touched the mark.

  “What?” she asked, knocking his hand away. Her cheeks flushed.

  “I can pretty much assume something happened between you and Quinn after the beach.” He squeezed her shoulder in support, but she winced and rotated her arm. How rough had his friend been? He tugged her against his side. “What happened? You can tell your old friend Woody.”

  “I’ve messed up big time with the exposé I wanted to do about the resort and with Quinn. You must despise me as much as he does.”

  He bussed the side of her head. “I’ve done my share of rotten things in the past. I’m not too proud of them, but most of those I harmed have forgiven me for my crimes. You don’t seem to be in the mood to party with this rowdy bunch. Why don’t we go to my place? I can mix up my homemade sangria and we can get drunk.” He waggled his eyebrows and she giggled, her mood lifting. “And if you want to have your way with me in order to forget Quinn, I’ll bite the bullet. I even have a pair of handcuffs lying around you can use to keep me in line.”

  “Oh, you.” She tapped him in the chest.

  He kissed her palm. “If you need an ear or a shoulder to cry on, I’m volunteering both.” Say yes….