Evie StantonThane seemed distracted for the remaining duration of dinner. Part of me was happy he wasn't asking any more questions. The rum had loosed my inhibitions, and I shared more than I wanted to. I felt thankful he conceded, giving me some privacy to get dressed for bed. I undid the sash around my waist, dropping the crimson fabric against the headboard."…you would've found yourself in my cabin, cuffed to my headboard under different pretenses."A shiver ran down my spine. My skin became hot to the touch. I brushed Thane's words from my mind.I kicked off my shoes, keeping my socks on. After unclipping the buttons on the front of the leathered pants, I pushed them off. Instantly, I felt more comfortable. I climbed beneath the furs, suddenly bombarded with his scent. The mouthwatering scent of musk and brine. I ignored the erotic stroke between my thighs. I've slept in Thane's bed once in only a shirt.Why would this be any different?Because, he'd be in

Evie StantonI cursed Thane with every fiber of my being. I must've been scrubbing the deck for an hour. My knees hurt from shuffling around, stomach parallel to the wood. Ever so often, I would glance at the cabin boys next to me to make sure I was doing it right.Thane's eyes were on me, and I knew he looked smug. The bastard.Was this a punishment from last night? For using him?My cheeks burned, but I put it into the back of my head, pretending it was a fever dream and it never happened."Careful, princess, your privilege is showing," he remarked, watching with several of his men. "Yeah, you missed a spot," another one jested. Tears welled in my eyes, but I would wipe them away, refusing to let them see how humiliated I felt. Men laughing at me. Laughing about how I knew nothing. How I was a brat who never lifted a finger in my life.And I hated they were right."Shut your mouth or you'll be joining her," Thane's voice dropped, losing any smugness he

Evie Stanton"What did those carrots do to you?" Bells asked, eyebrows high in her hairline at the hack job in front of me.I paused my chopping, looking down at the mangled carrots on my cutting board, all different sizes. Thane got under my skin earlier, and the produce was taking the brunt of my frustration. "Sorry."Bells opened the oven, checking on the roast chicken and all the browning potatoes and squash surrounding it. Coated with butter, salt, and sprigs of rosemary decorating the top, it smelled absolutely delicious. And I ruined it by destroying the carrots meant for the side dish."It's okay," she insisted, nudging me over with her hip to take over.When Thane dropped me off earlier, the cabana didn't look like much. But on the inside, it was brightly lit. Light and airy with fabric hanging from open windows. A pleasant breeze accompanied by the scent of ocean air. It felt humble but homey. Large on the inside with at least three rooms off of the main livin

Evie StantonWith Thane's lips pressed against mine, my shoulders shook, my core tightening like the aftermath of a thunderclap. My heart pounded as his lips parted against mine, one of his hands cupping my face.I could feel the heavy outline of his length pressed against my stomach. My body clenched hard, flushing with wet, hot desire. Overcome with the realization of wanting to see his cock myself, feel it in my hands. A shiver ran down my spine. I wanted to know what it felt like inside my mouth. See if I could get him writhing as wildly as I felt inside. His mouth devoured mine, his free arm looping around my waist and pulling me flush against his hard body. It felt delirious. Hungry. I couldn't get enough of it. His tongue grappled with mine, fighting with dominance I didn't want him to have.My eyes fluttered closed, and I let him show me how to flick his tongue against mine. I repeated the motion. The way his hands tightened against my waist, I knew he liked i

Evie StantonWhen I woke up the next morning, Thane wasn't there. My mind tried to process what happened as I watched the filtering light from the rising sun slowly peek through the cabana.Last night, all we had were the dim lights from the oil lanterns to keep us company. But now it was a new day, and with that were so many possibilities.Last night. Thinking of my night with Thane made my entire body flush. A rush of heat climbed under my skin, that made me ache for more. A heat that made me want him over and over again. Naked from the waist down, Thane touched me and made me feel things I never knew I could. And we hadn't even had sex.The idea of being joined with him. Lost in him. Thane lost in me. In the sensations I could give him.A flash from last night clouded my vision. Knelt between his legs as I tasted him. Watched him break apart from my mouth. The realization I could bring him to his knees empowered me.I wanted to do it again. Explore his body. Find out all the little