Total pages in book: 119
Estimated words: 113330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 567(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
“I sure did. I liked the way you left it all out on the field, baby. Go big or go home, right?”
I’m floored. He’s so unbothered by it all. “That thing I said at very end? I was parroting the exact language my ex used in some dirty texts to other women. I know this might be hard to believe, but I didn’t come here planning to have sex with a random stranger.”
“So what if you did?”
My lips part in surprise. “No, I . . . No shade to anyone with an agenda like that. I just . . . that’s not me. I know it looks like it is, given what I said in the video and how things went down between us. But I want you to know everything that happened between us occurred naturally and not according to any master plan.”
Plainly, he doesn’t care either way. “If it was your master plan, then I was more than happy to be of service. If not, then same answer.”
I close my eyes. “I can’t believe the raunchy stuff I said in a church.”
Roman chuckles. “That was my favorite part. Well, that and when you sprinted at the groom like you were going to murder him and had to be physically dragged away, kicking and screaming.”
I open my eyes again. When I see Roman’s broad smile, I can’t help returning the gesture. “I’ve never done anything like that in my life. I don’t know what possessed me.”
“I do. He pushed you too far, and you snapped. It happens to the best of us.” With a wink, he hands me one of the champagne glasses and raises the other. “To you, Iris. To your balls of steel, your heart of gold, and the debut of your sexy, murderous alter ego.”
I bite my lower lip. “To you, too. To your hospitality, your impressive skills in the bedroom, and your kindhearted reaction to the video. Thank you for all of it, Roman.”
I clink Roman’s glass and we both take long sips of champagne. Just this fast, I’m already feeling like the weight of the world has been lifted off me, thanks to Roman’s amazing reaction. So much so, I’m feeling emboldened to put myself out there.
“So, hey, no pressure,” I begin tentatively. “But I have quite a few prepaid vouchers for activities for two this week. Stuff like snorkeling, parasailing, ATVing.” My heart is hammering. I’ve never asked a man out on a date before. “I can’t get my money back, so would you like to do any of those activities with me? The snorkel cruise is this afternoon, if that sounds fun to you.”
Roman’s forehead creases in a way that makes my spirit sink. Shoot. I shouldn’t have asked him out. Clearly, I’ve overstepped the boundaries of whatever this vacation fling is going to be. Sex with a viral punching bag is one thing, but going on elaborate dates together out in public would be something else entirely. Stupid, Iris.
“Is today’s snorkeling trip a group activity?” Roman asks. “You know, with a bunch of strangers?”
I nod, feeling flushed and disheartened. “Yeah, as I understand it, they take a big group out on a boat and then everyone snorkels in the same general area.” My cheeks are hot. My heart is hammering. Quickly, I add, “I shouldn’t have mentioned it. Let’s pretend I didn’t. The last thing you need is to be seen out in public with the ‘Horny Runaway Bride.’”
Roman rolls his eyes. “That’s not it, Iris. I just don’t like being herded around like cattle when I’m on vacation. I prefer a bit more elbow room and privacy.” He slides his fingertip underneath my downturned chin and raises my face to his. “What I’m saying is I’d rather book some private dates for us this week than use your vouchers for group activities.”
Dates? Did I mishear that word or did Roman just now say he wants to take me out—multiple times—this coming week? “You’re sure you wouldn’t be too embarrassed to be seen with me in public?”
“I’d be proud to be seen with you.”
My shoulders relax. “My excursions are already paid for, though.”
“Don’t worry about that. Everything will be my treat.”
“Are you sure?”
“I am.” He slides his palm across my bare thigh, causing my clit to pulse and zing. “Is it settled, then? You’re staying here this whole week with me, and I’m going to show you a great time by day and night?”
I can barely breathe. “That sounds wonderful. If you’re sure.”
“I am. Now, come with me, my hot and homicidal little runaway bride. It feels like I’ve waited ten lifetimes to get inside you again. It’s high time for round two.”
Chapter 13
Roman
I’m still sweaty from my run on the beach, so I decide to multitask and fuck Iris in the shower. She’s clearly been traumatized by that viral video, fresh on the heels of being traumatized by her ex, so I’m hoping a shower might serve as a baptism of sorts for her. When Iris emerges from the hot water, I want her feeling relaxed, recharged, and renewed—and ready to jump into a week of fun and fuckery with a clean slate.