“Here, Little One, mine’s not covered in sand. Arms up.” He drops the fabric over me and kisses my lips softly. The small gesture gives me butterflies. When he turns and walks into the water, I bring the collar up to my nose inhaling, loving that it carries his scent. Looking up, I find him watching me. His expression satisfied.

He swims back and forth, effectively doing laps. I enjoy watching his large shoulders crest the water and the brief views of his stunning face. None of it compares to watching Masen step from the water’s edge, still breathing hard from the exertion while dripping with water. He shoves his wet, black hair back with one hand then wipes his face down with his other. When his eyes open and he sees me staring, probably with my mouth hanging open, he stops.

His hard muscles seem to grow under my eyes as he pulls a deep breath into his lungs. His bright eyes darken. “Up” is all he says, and I know he means for me to stand. I do quickly. “IN,” is growled. I jump at the command but don’t move to listen. “Now,” comes out just above a whisper, but the threat isn’t lost in the volume.

I stand my ground. “Only if you ask nicely,” I answer while looking to his almost black eyes. I’m playing a dangerous game, but I can’t seem to stop myself.

His wet body collides with mine, arms sliding under mine and lifting me. My mouth opens on a gasp, and he’s there. Nothing is testing or gentle about this kiss, it’s a brand. His hand holds the back of my head to control my movements. He pulls back, and his filthy mouth starts working in a different manner.

“I can smell you, baby.” His lips travel my neck, “know you need me. I gotta make it better.” His warm soft tongue slides over where he’ll Mark me, I groan. “Then, you don’t listen,” he rasps and shakes his head then lightly bites. “You want me to make you scream out here? I’ll make sure everyone can hear you come for me.”

My first thought is yes please, but I quickly regain my sanity. “Can we go inside? Please,” I murmur. “I can ask nicely.” I breathe into his ear. His body jolts, a heavy pant leaves his lips. His shorts are still dripping wet, my clothes and roving hands have absorbed most of the water above his waist. He takes long strides, still holding me, and we’re back at the house in seconds. Masen takes us to his bathroom and sets me on the vanity. I watch as he turns on the shower and strips out of his wet shorts. His nudity not bothering him in the least.

He turns to me and pulls me to the ground and lifts my arms, removing the shirt he let me wear. He pulls my shorts down my hips that I never buttoned back up. Masen turns my shoulders so I’m facing the mirror with him behind me. He’s large hand runs over the top of my breast then between. It’s not lost on me that his fingers followed the same path as mine did earlier. Without looking down, he unclasps my bra. The material falls down my arms, and he removes it. He watches from behind as my nipples tighten, he cups both of my breasts, lifting slightly. His chest rumbles in approval.