Sweet Addiction (Sweet #6)(62)

Exhausted by the spent energy and emotion, she lay limply against Cole until finally he pulled her gently away. He stroked his finger down one damp cheek. And then he asked her again in a low, husky voice.

“Who loves you, Ren?”

“You,” she whispered.

Satisfaction glinted in his eyes. Then he rose, pulling her with him. The authority was back in his demeanor and expression. He gave her a look that brooked no argument.

“Pack a bag for several days. Make sure you have swimwear and suitable clothing for much warmer weather. If there’s anything you’re missing, let me know and I’ll send out for it.”

Her brow furrowed. “Where are we going?”

He lifted one eyebrow at her daring and she was reminded once again that Cole was never a man to cross. Ever.

“Do as I said. Provide me a list of anything you need within the hour. I’ll be very displeased if we get to our destination and you don’t have adequate clothing.”

She nodded, though her knees still shook and her legs were weak enough that she worried about being able to walk the distance to the closet.

He turned and walked crisply away, leaving her alone in the vast emptiness of his huge bedroom.

CHAPTER 27

Ren arched her face into the bright sunshine as they disembarked the small jet. Salt air danced through her nostrils and in the distance she could see the emerald splash of the Caribbean.

Cole motioned to one of the stewards who immediately piled their luggage on a cart. Cole then slid an arm around Ren’s waist and ushered her toward a waiting car.

He hadn’t said a word about his plans. Ren had obediently given him a list of things she’d need for swimming and a warmer climate and he’d arranged for everything she could possibly need to be delivered within a few hours.

Then he’d spirited her to the airport where Damon’s jet awaited and they’d flown here to an island. What island she had no idea. A tingle of excitement jittered over her body as the car pulled away and the ocean view got bigger through the windshield.

“Where are we staying?” she asked, unable to keep the excitement from her voice.

Cole’s smile was indulgent. He absently rubbed his fingers up and down her upper arm as she leaned into the curve of his arm.

“You’ll see.”

She wanted to huff but that would only earn her one of his looks. And the promise of retribution later. It was obvious he wanted to surprise her and she was determined not to ruin it by being a brat.

She settled back into the seat and snuggled deeper into his side. His arm tightened around her and his lips brushed across her hair.

“If we had more time, I’d pull you onto my lap and f**k you right here in the backseat,” he murmured.

Her mouth went dry and then she leaned back and stared accusingly at him.

“You did that on purpose.”

He grinned. “Maybe.”

She sighed. “You’re an evil, evil man. Would serve you right if I f**ked your brains out right here and now.”

He snorted. “Is that a threat? Am I supposed to be contrite and promise to be a good boy now? Because it’s so not happening if that’s my punishment.”

She stared darkly at him. She opened her mouth to retort when the car slowed and she faltered. Cole pulled her against him to steady her and she turned to look out the window.

They were at a marina. The smell of fish was strong as was the salty air. Boats dotted the water, some small and some really huge.

Cole got out and then reached back for her hand. She clambered out and stared at the array of vessels and the expanse of jewel-toned water that spread out as far as the eye could see.

The driver began unpacking the luggage from the trunk and Cole motioned her toward the pier that jutted over the water. At the very end, a large yacht was stationed with the steps lowered to the wooden walkway. Cole stepped aside and gestured for Ren to board.

“I’ll be right behind you. Watch your step,” he cautioned.

At the top, a man about Cole’s age dressed in white shorts, a polo shirt and wearing what looked like a captain’s hat appeared and offered Ren his hand as she got closer.

“Welcome aboard,” he said in slightly accented English.

She stepped over the side and Cole followed. He shook the captain’s hand.

“You must be Cole Madison. I’m Captain Mike. I’ll be at your service for the next several days.”

Ren stared agape at the deck. Toward the back there was a large hot tub, several lounge chairs and a couch, mini bar, grill and a Ping-Pong table.

“I plan to kick your ass later,” Cole said, following her gaze to the table.

“Ping-Pong?” she asked with a laugh.

“Yeah, and if you hit the balls overboard, you have to go in after them.”

She laughed harder and followed him to the doorway leading to the interior. They were shown into a luxurious bedroom and a moment later, their luggage was brought in.

“If you’d like to change into something more appropriate …say a bikini, the captain has said we’ll leave dock in just a few minutes.”

“A bikini, huh.”

He grinned. “Absolutely. The fewer clothes you wear for the next several days, the happier I’ll be.”

“How did you arrange this?” she asked, looking around, still stunned by the sheer opulence of the yacht. Cole was a wealthy man, yes, but this wealthy?