Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 70574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Bullshit,” he muttered.
It was like battering my head against a brick wall—zero progress with winning Ari back. Why wouldn’t he just do as he was told; it would make things so much easier. A thought occurred to me, causing me to consider stepping into very dangerous water where Ari was concerned. Even now, with him in my arms, stiff as a board and madder than a wet hen, I struggled to keep my urges under control. Could I start something and trust myself to stop it before going too far?
Just how wrong was it of me to use Ari’s insecurities as a weapon against him? It was wrong. I knew it was wrong, but desperation won out over doing the right thing. I had a short period of time to prove to Arizona how much he meant to me and try to win his heart back, and I intended to use every trick in the book to make it happen.
“Why did you come on this trip, Ari? What were you trying to prove? I know it wasn’t just to put distance between the two of us because you were doing a fine job of that already by working out of your home instead of the office. You really weren’t planning on cruising with friends for a birthday celebration because you aren’t with any of your friends. What was your plan?” I chuckled softly and allowed my fingers to toy with his wrist. Automatically my mind pictured ropes or cuffs wrapped around them, but I immediately shoved it to the back of my mind. Well, I tried to. It was nearly impossible because I knew just how beautiful he would be with ropes decorating his body.
“Wh-what do you mean?” he stammered. “I wanted a vacation. I’ve earned it. Everybody gets vacation time, Eli.”
“True,” I conceded. “But I think you had another agenda for this cruise. Be honest, and tell me what it was.”
He blushed and then grumbled, “To get laid.”
I kept playing with his wrist and was thankful he hadn’t tried jerking it away. “That’s all? Nothing else?” I licked the spot behind his ear. “I think there was more, angel.”
“Why do you say that? Do I look desperate, or something?”
“Nope, but you could have easily gotten laid at home. I think you were looking for something else. Maybe to do some…exploring?” When I felt him tense up, I quickly added, “There’s nothing wrong with it, Ari. It’s perfectly normal to want to explore new things. It’s the only way to learn what drives you wild or what to stay away from.”
“Did you do that?” he asked quietly.
“Yep.” Hope exploded in my chest.
“What things do you like?”
“You.”
He giggled and nudged me with his elbow. The action reminded me of how things used to be between us.
“Be serious. If you don’t do the BDSM like Baker and Seth, what kinks do you enjoy?”
“This isn’t about me. It’s about you and what’s going to bring you pleasure.” I slid my fingertip down the plane of his flat stomach, loving how the muscles twitched and jerked from even the slightest touch. “You mentioned earlier that you were interested in visiting the top deck. Do you know what goes on up there?” From the way his skin turned a pretty pink, I had a feeling he had some ideas.
“I’m guessing clothes aren’t involved,” he answered breathlessly.
I wasn’t sure if it was the thought of naked men everywhere or my touches that were overheating him to the point of breathlessness, but I intended to enjoy it—to enjoy him. “You’re correct. Clothes are optional.” With the next sweep of my finger, I brushed the tip of his cock and was rewarded when it jerked in response. “There’s also people engaging in about every sexual act you can imagine. One-on-one. Group sex. Spit roasting. Oral. Spanking. Restraints.” I shrugged, trying to act nonchalant and hoping he couldn’t feel how my heart rate had amped up. “Let’s just say that if exhibitionism makes you uncomfortable, you might want to stay on the main deck…or the cabin.”
“You know you’re really making it hard for me to concentrate, right? Just touch me already! I don’t remember you being such a tease.” He twisted around and looked at me, a naughty grin on his face. “And I wouldn’t worry too much about me being intimidated with naked bodies or men having sex—regardless of what kind. I’m a big boy now.”
My eyes drifted down to his cock and back to his face. “I see that.”
“Yeah, well you could have seen it long before now,” he grumbled.
“How about we forget about the past and only focus on the present-day-fun while we’re here? You came on this cruise for a reason, and I want to be the one you share that stuff with. Is there any chance we could table the me leaving vs. you being too young argument until we are back in port?”