Up until this point, he’s kept his hands off me, but he lifts himself just enough to allow his free hand to slide between our bodies. His warm palm elicits a swarm of butterflies as it covers the side of my stomach before teasing upward, drawing the wet silk of my nightgown up with it. Higher he goes until his fingers brush the underside of my breast. He feels the pleasure rack through me and does it again, running the back of his finger up over the peak of my breast, tantalizingly slow and then back down, toying with me as he goes.

Cool air hits the tops of my thighs now that my nightgown is tugged even higher. I’m about to spread my legs in invitation, to see where this dark night will take me, when peals of laughter carry over the quiet breeze. I flinch. It could be nothing, just the group in the sitting room having had too much to drink back at the villa, but it feels like we’ve been caught, like if I open my eyes, I’ll find them all standing at the foot of the pier, watching us.

Panicked, I turn and slide out from beneath Emmett. Rough wood scratches at my thigh and upper arm as I try to get away as fast as I can. I scramble to stand up, already covering myself with my arms, already regretting my stupidity as I keep my head bowed and hurry back. If Emmett calls out after me, I’m not dumb enough to listen.

Chapter Nineteen

Emmett

Rain pelts the windows of the villa, the summer storm that was looming over us all morning finally delivering on its promise. Without access to the outdoors, everyone’s convened in the main living room where it’s guest’s choice among all of the activities. There are board games and card games and afternoon tea trays being passed around. Victor plays charades with a lively group.

I came down late after wrapping up two conference calls for work. Lainey was already sitting on the far side of the room, reading a book beside her grandmother, who’s embroidering a handkerchief. She didn’t look up as I walked in, not even when Will called my name from across the room to ask if I’d join him in a game of poker.

She hasn’t looked up at me since. She seems intent on ignoring my existence.

It’s nothing new. She’s been playing hot and cold all week. For the most part, she’s been determined to keep me at arm’s length, though when her guard is down, or perhaps when she forgets she doesn’t want to stay away, she caves. Last night is a testament to that.

I didn’t expect her to come down and join me before my swim. Her visit on the pier caught me off guard, and kissing her was never my goal. She was lying there like some offering from the gods, a temptress I had to taste.

I’d apologize for taking advantage of the situation if only she’d look at me.