As I finished making the food, I told Jax my plans and what I needed him to do. “It’s late, so we’re gonna crash here, but we’ll be back tomorrow. I’ll give you a heads up when I’m on my way.” Ending the call, I pocketed my cell and grabbed both plates. I found her dozing, sprawled in the middle of the bed like she owned it…which I guess she did.

I switched on the light, and her eyes fluttered open. With a yawn, she scooted over as I approached.

“I’m sorry for fucking you like that,” I said, my weight depressing the mattress. I handed her a plate, but she set it beside her on the bed and looked at me in confusion.

“How can you say that to me?” Or maybe hurt was etched into her face instead. Hard to tell, but she pulled the sheet to her chest, instantly erecting walls between us. “Tonight was—”

“Fucking amazing,” I whispered, leaning forward and stealing her mouth for a few seconds. “That’s not what I meant. I’m not sorry for fucking you. I’m sorry for doing it without a condom.”

Her eyes widened as if she only now realized the colossal mistake we’d made. “Oh God.”

“Hey,” I said, taking her chin in my hand. “I’m taking care of it. I never want to put us in this position again.”

She bit her lip, and I couldn’t stop from taking her mouth, one hand cradling her head as I plunged deep. Fucking hell, amazing didn’t even do it justice, and all I could think about was doing it again. And again. We’d never leave this bed.

Before we got carried away—again—I broke away and nudged her plate. “Eat. I know you’re hungry.”

She picked up the sandwich and bit into it, chewed slowly, but her gaze held a question.

“Something on your mind?”

“When are you taking me back to the boat?”

I settled beside her and started in on my own dry, tasteless dinner. “It’s late. We’ll stay here tonight.” And just because I couldn’t resist messing with her head, I added, “You better get some sleep, sweetheart. You’re gonna need your strength for tomorrow, trust me.”

15. Burn - Alex

15. BURN - ALEX

After a breakfast of cereal and two overripe bananas the next morning, Rafe told me to get cleaned up. “Wear a skirt, no panties.” His kiss fractured clear thought, and my core flooded with desire. I stared at him like a dumbass as he left and closed the door behind him.