Only Yours (11 page)

The kiss ends all too quickly. Once again my body is primed and ready to go, and Daemon is fleeing, leaving me achy and unsatisfied. I don’t understand his motive. I sure as hell don’t like it. My lips feel bruised and very well kissed.

Pulling himself upright, he reaches into the side of his seat. “Here,” he says handing me a remote. “I’ve got to go to the office and finish up some work. If you need anything push the red button,” he says indicating to a button on the remote. “It will send an alert my office. If you want to watch anything or get hungry again, ask James, and he will help you.”

“Thanks, but I think I can manage on my own,” I say rounding up my dishes to take them back to the kitchen.

“I know you can,” he retorts dryly. “Get used to being pampered. You’re my guest on this trip and as such you will be catered to.” Grabbing the dishes out of my hands, he abruptly turns and vanishes to the back of the plane.

My mouth hangs agape. His moods swing back and forth so fast they give me whiplash. Grumbling under my breath, I unfasten my belt and go in search for a blanket and pillow. After looking through several cabinets, near the front of the plane, I finally find them folded up on a chair near James.

Giving him a weak smile, I pull out what I need from the stack and head back to my chair. Raising the armchair between my seat and Daemons, I position my newly found pillow and blanket and stretch out on both seats. The pillow smells of Daemon. I bring it to my nose and inhale deeply, drinking in the spicy smell of his unique cologne.

What a day. If I wasn’t on a plane jetting off to, what I assume to be paradise, I wouldn’t believe it was all real. Staring up at the white ceiling, I re-play the day over in my head, wondering if there is anything I would change. Surprisingly, there isn’t. I think I played my cards well today, and although I would prefer to be headed to Spain with Sasha and Tony, I can’t help but be a little excited that Daemon is with me.

I really need to get my head checked!

It’s been a whirlwind of activity since we landed. After being rushed through customs, we loaded up our bags into a beautiful, sleek, red convertible Porsche Daemon rented, and now we are traveling on to a private villa he has rented.

Ever since waking up on the plane, my mind has been stuck in a thick, all-consuming, fog. I must have been more tired than I realized, because I slept the entire trip, which is not a bad thing, but waking up with my head resting in Daemons lap was. I’m not sure exactly when he rejoined me. Instead of pushing me back onto my side of the seat, he repositioned me, and laid me across in his lap. I woke up to him stroking my hair. It felt nice. Too nice.

I also must have been in a deep sleep, because when I rose up, I instantly noticed a large wet spot on his jeans. I was mortified. I still can’t believe I drooled all over him. I don’t normally do that sort of thing. Instead of being mad or grossed out, he nonchalantly dabbed it with a towel, and asked how I was feeling. He might be okay with my spit covering his leg, but I’m still having a hard time looking his way without turning as red as a tomato.

With the wind whipping through my hair, I lay my head back on the soft headrest, and stare out through my tinted glasses at the landscape passing us by. Spain is everything I thought it would be and more. The sea breeze tickles my senses are we edge closer to our destination. The water here is unbelievably clear and as blue as the cloudless sky above us. I’m definitely in paradise.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Daemon asks, stoking the backside of my hand. The small contact sends a chill up my arm.

“Just admiring the view,” I mumble, not daring to look his way. “Are we near the villa?”

“It’s around the next corner,” he murmurs. “I called ahead and had the chef prepare lunch for us. You need to eat.”

My stupid stubborn streak choses this moment to make a presence despite my obvious rumbling stomach. “I don’t need others going out of their way and doing things for me, Daemon. I am more than capable of cooking my own meal. This isn’t a vacation for two lovers. It’s a business trip. Nothing more. ”

“Never said you couldn’t take care of yourself, Tulip,” he growls low. “James and I would also like to eat, so do me a favor, and tuck your claws back in. I know damn well what this trip is about. I’m not trying to fight with you, but if you insist on having one, make sure you’re prepared to lose.”

I feel downright chastised. How could I only think about myself and not either of them? Of course they would want to eat also. I’ve got to stop being such a bitch and get relax. I bite at my bottom lip and try to sort out the internal conflict raging within me. I let out a long sigh and wonder when my last period was. It must be soon. That would definitely explain why my emotions are over the place. When in doubt, blame everything on your menstrual cycle.

I push my pride aside. I don’t want to make this two weeks feel longer then they really are, and tension between us, would definitely put a damper on everything. Time to put on my big girl panties and act like the mature, level-headed,girl I claim to be.

“
I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said all that,” I whisper softly.

Without saying another word, he grasps my hand and links our fingers together. A tingle of desire shoots through me and I quickly push it back down. Taking a sharp left off the main road, we pass through a beautifully crafted wrought iron gated fence and down a long private road. The road winds, down and around, coming out to the most stunning home and view I have ever seen.

This is no little home. This place is huge.

Stepping out of the car, I can’t hide my excitement as I stare up at the two and a half story, south-facing, seaside villa. While James retrieves our bags, Daemon leads me to the rear of the house, showing me the various manicured gardens, private-heated pool, wooden terrace, and the magnificent ocean that sits a mere ten meters from the backdoor.

My toes tingle with a need to run through the warm golden sand. I love the ocean and have always found it to be very calming. It is a place I normally frequent when life gets to hectic and I need to find some peace. After my break-up with Gary, Sasha and I went and stayed a week in Galveston. We rented a small beach-side condo and spent our days sunning on the sand and our nights at one of the many local bars down on the strand. Our gulf in Galveston doesn’t hold a candle to the beautiful water and the rolling waves I see here. It’s mesmerizing.

Standing at my back, Daemon pulls me to his chest as we both gaze out across the water. I lean back into him, the walls around my heart weakening in his embrace. At times like this, he feels likes like a drug I won’t ever be able to overcome. My own personal version of crack.

Leaning over, he brushes a soft kiss on the shell of my ear. I steady myself, expecting him to take full advantage of the moment. I mean, who wouldn’t? Everything around us screams romance. The view itself is enough to make a girl want to scream ‘take me now’.

Daemon doesn’t do that.

To my disbelief and utter disappointment, he breaks away and turns ready to head back to the house. Immediately, my body mourns his warmth. I don’t know how much more of his retreats I can take. Girls might not be able to get blue balls, but that does not mean we don’t get needy or irritated over being let down time and time again. Girls have needs too, and mine are screaming at me to make him to drop the teasing and fuck me senseless. The next time he starts something with me, he better be prepared to finish it, or I plan on taking matters into my own hands.

“Come,” Daemon says, cupping my elbow and leading me back towards the house. “Let me show you the rest of the house. I think you will like your room and once you get your bags unpacked, you can meet me out on the terrace for some lunch.”

The interior of the house is just as ridiculously nice as the outside. Each of the four bedrooms has floor to ceiling windows that makes everything seem light and airy. I can’t wait to wake-up each morning with the sun kissing my face and the sea breeze fanning my body. The whole house is decorated in sensual deep browns and a bright-white that makes each room look large and elegant. It doesn’t pass my notice that Daemon’s room is right across from mine. One whole part of the house is just for us. James’s room is in a completely different wing with the in-house chef and maid. I would bet my life savings on that not being a coincidence.

“What do you think?” Daemon asks, ending the tour.

We causally walk back towards my room as we talk. I’m dying to try out the rain shower in my in-suite and get changed out of yesterday’s clothes. I glance down at my wrinkled shirt and grimace. I’m a mess and I doubt I smell all that lovely after being on a plane for over half a day.

“As if you had to ask,” I laugh. “It’s all spectacular. Did you notice that carved wood hutch in the dining room? I think a solid piece like that would be great for your office.”

He laughs. “Always in work mode, Ms. Dawson. I’ll make a call to the real estate agent tomorrow and see if I can find out where it was purchased. I’m sure it was done locally.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

“Now, hurry and get unpacked and changed. Lunch will be served on the terrace in thirty minutes,” Daemon says, motioning to my suit case sitting on the bed.

I start to protest. I want more time to enjoy my little sanctuary, but my rumbling stomach, stops the words from leaving my lips. Food first, exploring later.

Closing the door behind him, I take in a deep breath. I glance around my room, liking everything I see. There are so many details I passed over during my brief tour. Whoever designed this place knew exactly what they were doing. All the small details, such as the engraved peacock that appears on the outside of every door handle and knob, is pleasing to the eye.

My most favorite thing about this room is the bed. The supple, snow white, chenille bedding is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany bed posts and hand-scrapped teak wood flooring. It all looks luxurious, and yet simple and clean.

Opening my bags, I go over everything Daemon bought me. Knowing him, he had an assistant handle all the shopping, but the thought that he had a say in it that makes me giddy. I’m still amazed that he got all my sizes right. He’s the first man who I’ve ever known who paid attention to such things.

I hang up all the good stuff, while placing my unmentionables in the drawers provided. It does not escape my notice the vast amount of skimpy thongs, silky bras, and barely there lingerie that was also purchased. Due to the sparse amount of time I’ve been given, I keep my shower to a minimal.

Throwing on a sleeveless black cotton knee-length dress, I pair it with some silver wedge shoes, and pull my hair back into a low braid. Digging through my toiletry bag, I pull out the essentials and get to work. I keep my make-up to a minimal with just a stroke of mascara, a smudge of blush, and a swipe of lip gloss to keep my parched lips moist. Taking one look in the mirror, I am happy with the outcome. My style is seamless and natural. Just like my surroundings.

Bouncing out the double French doors, I make my way across the terrace. Even with my quick shower, I am still managed to arrive five minutes late. It couldn’t be helped. After leaving my room, I ended up going back to plug in my phone. It died sometime during the flight, and I wanted to send Tony and Sasha a quick text letting them know I made it okay, and would try and call them later tonight. It was the right thing to do. If either of them were thousands of miles away, I would expect them to do the same.

Friends before bros... right?

I skid to a stop in front of Daemon and gawk at the lavish expanse of food set before me. The entire banquet table is covered with food and I even spy a small carving station at the end. I’m in heaven. I’m not surprised when I spot a few of my favorite dishes. Leave it to Daemon to go the extra mile to impress.

A man who looks to be in his late fifties, who I assume is the cook, based on the chef hat topping his head, pops out of a side door, bringing with him a tray full of drinks.

“This all looks amazing.” I say giving him an approving smile.

“You’re late,” Daemon murmurs, standing to help me into the chair next to him.

I bust out laughing. I can’t help it, he is being so ridiculous. “Are you seriously mad at me for being five minutes late?” I lean in close to him. Lowering my voice, I whisper.” Are you going to punish me, Daemon?”

The scowl on his face morphs to one full of dark promises. My stomach clenches in response and food is now the last thing on my mind. Peering at him under my lashes, I see his wicked grin.

“I can think several things I would love to do to you, but I think they would qualify as pleasure and not punishment.” Smirking, he motions to the chair beside him. “I am starving. Sit,” Daemon commands. “Davon has fixed a wonderful meal for us and it would be rude to let it go to waste.”

I roll my eyes, not understanding why he is becoming Mr. Moody all of a sudden. I like fun Daemon so much better. Upon sitting, Davon begins serving what could easily be considered a three course meal. Most of the dishes I have never heard of, but they all look very yummy. If we eat like this at every meal, than I need to either find a local gym fast or start jogging on the beach every morning.

“This is good, I murmur, taking another bite of my roasted lamb. This is the first time I have ever had lamb, and I must say, I am a fan. It’s really good and tender.

Knowing how Daemon worries about me not eating enough, I do my best to eat my fair share. With the mood he is in, I don’t feel like rocking the boat. Between the beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery surrounding us, I want to enjoy the rest of the day, and that includes not picking a fight with, Mr. Moody.

I rub at my bare arms, wishing I had thought to bring a light cardigan down with me. Even with the sun shining high overhead, the breeze blowing around us is cool enough to cause a slight chill when you’re in the shade.

“So what are your plans for the rest of the day?” I ask, giving him a cautious glance.

Setting down his fork, his expression turns somber. “I have a few bids that I need to look over and some calls that need to be returned. I will be busy for most of the afternoon.” Daemon leans over and places a kiss on my forehead. “I thought maybe you and I could take a swim later this evening after dinner. Would you like that?”