The island’s heat settled heavily over them, thick and sweet like the promise of something
electric in the air.
Damien’s breath hitched-deep and uneven-as his eyes roamed over Maya’s flawless body, clad in that fiery red bikini that left little to the imagination. The way the fabric hugged her curves, the gentle swell of her breasts, the tautness of her stomach, the smooth expanse of her hips-it ignited something primal inside him.
His pulse hammered in his ears, heat pooling low and fierce, tightening his muscles, making his jaw tense as a surge of desire coiled in his gut. If they were alone, right now, he wanted to pull her into the shadowed quiet, press his lips to the curve of her neck, taste the warmth of her skin beneath his fingertips, and leave marks-his marks-that would claim her
completely.
He imagined trailing his hands slowly down her side, feeling the soft tremble under his touch, the rapid flutter of her breath matching his own. The thought of losing himself in her, of making her his in a way that went beyond words, sent a shiver straight through his body.
Ashcroft gave Damien a quick nudge with his elbow, smirking like he was sharing a secret.” Whoa there, Big D. Save some of that fire-this isn’t a private show. Keep it classy… for now.”
Damien’s eyes shifted away, his expression settling back into that cool, unreadable mask. But the heat simmering beneath never faded-it only hinted at the storm waiting just beneath the surface. He’s trying to hold back… for reasons he won’t say.
Maya’s chest fluttered, her pulse hammering against her ribs as she caught the barest glimpse of that hunger behind his control. The way his muscles tensed, the sharp line of his jaw-it was like he was holding himself back… just for her.
Her skin flushed hotter, a delicious mix of fear and desire curling low in her belly. What is he really feeling? She wanted to reach out, to break through that calm facade and see everything he tried so hard to hide.
And even with Ashcroft’s teasing interruption, Maya felt a quiet flutter stir deep inside her-a mix of nervous excitement and curiosity. The storm Damien hinted at felt distant but undeniable, like a gentle warning rather than a roar.
She wasn’t sure she was ready to face it fully yet, but for the first time, the idea didn’t scare her as much as it intrigued her. Maybe, just maybe, she could step a little closer to that fire-a t her own pace.
The sun had finally broken through the veil of clouds, casting shimmering gold across the
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Copley nd Heat Between the Waves 1
sea like liquid fire. The ocean sparkled under it-inviting, daring, alive.
Harper let out a gleeful whoop as she adjusted her life vest.
Clam
“The sun won’t be up forever, people! Let’s go before it changes its mind!” She climbed onto her jet ski like she owned the ocean, flipped her ponytail, and tossed a wink at Maya. “Catch me if you can!”
Ashcroft was right behind her, already peeling away from the dock.
“You heard the woman! Time to make some waves!”
Their engines roared, and in a spray of white foam, they were off-leaving Maya blinking in
their wake.
She turned just as Damien stepped closer, the heat of his presence curling around her like a
second sun.
“Here,” he murmured, voice low and smooth, “put your foot there… now swing your leg over.”
She climbed onto the jet ski carefully, trying not to make a fool of herself. But once she was seated behind him, her brow furrowed.
“You’re not wearing a life jacket?”
Damien turned his head slightly, his eyes catching hers. “I’m a good swimmer.”
A beat. Then he added with a slow, roguish smirk, “But thanks for worrying about me.”
He winked.
And her brain flatlined.
Because yes-he was bare-chested. The sun caught the sharp angles of his shoulder blades, the sleek line of muscle down his spine, the subtle glisten of sea spray on skin. Every inch of him looked like a sin sculpted for daylight. Tanned. Defined. Real.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.