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I feel myself lulled to sleep by the sad but magical words as she continues her story.

After some time, the pirate regretted his choice and commanded the sea to tell him where the beautiful mermaid was. She was nowhere to be found. The sea had not been kind to his long-lost love, so she remained hidden in the shadows, the darkest recesses of the blackest caves. to protect the only treasure she had left: her pearl.

I wake with a jolt from the nightmare I always have when we’ve been in one place too long. The one with a lost bear and train ride. Stories of pirates and hidden treasure. Sitting up in bed, the scratchy sheet falls to my naked waist as I look around trying to remember where I am. Sunlight blinds me and my lids lower in defense of the morning light streaming through the open window. Kimber? Kami? Katie?

Oh, yes. Katie. The pub. The university girls on holiday. Dancing. Going back to her room. My head throbs as I attempt to sweep away the cobwebs of the dream from a mind still a bit fuzzy from a night of heavy drinking. One last tumble with Katie is just what I need to lose myself, then I’ll be on my way.

Rolling over and settling between her legs, I study her black hair spread out—a sharp contrast to the pale hotel sheets—and her pink pouty lips slightly parted as she sleeps. Attraction has my cock springing to life. Anticipation has my heartbeat pulsating in my chest. But there is nothing beyond the physical. No misguided feelings of love or romantic notions. Just lust and pleasure. I’m very upfront with the ladies and vocal about my practices: using each other to fulfill a primal need. They don’t always feel that way in the morning, though. Which is why girls on holiday are my favorite.

My latest conquest stirs to life under me as I wake her with my mouth. Slow licks up her inner thigh and the nip of my teeth on her jutted out hip bones has her moaning out my name.

“Cohen,” she purrs, stretching her long, tan limbs.

“Morning, love,” I whisper against her skin, growing harder at my name falling from her lips.

“Good morning indeed.” She grips my hair tightly in her hands, pulling the strands as she holds me in place and bucks her hips. I wince from the pain, but love her hands on me.

Her salty taste and sweet smell surrounds me.

My fingers dig into her hips, her soft flesh turning red from the pressure, and my mind empties as I bring her to ecstasy. A woman coming apart in my hands is the most empowering feeling.

Not taking—never taking. But making them need it so bad, and fulfilling that desire…it’s a heady drug. One I’ve become quite addicted to.

A couple years ago, I learned I could either lose myself in drinking and drugs or I could get high on pleasure. I know how to make a woman see stars with just the swipe of my tongue.

Leaning over, I brush a kiss across her abdomen as I reach into my trouser pocket for protection. Instead, my hand grips cool metal that begins to vibrate with an incoming message. Hanging over the side of the bed, tangled up in Katie and sheets, I look at my mobile and find twelve missed messages from the past few hours. They increase in urgency. The most recent, in all caps, has the same effect as jumping in a pool of cold water.

WE HAVE TO LEAVE! COME HOME NOW!

I roll off the bed with a thud, the chilled wood cold as ice on my bare back. What has she done now?

Panic creeps into my veins as my nightmare comes back to haunt me, hitting me full force. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth and I realize I’ve bitten the inside of my lip.

“What the hell?” Katie’s sleepy voice giggles, pulling the sheet up around herself.

“Sorry, love! Raincheck?” I keep my voice light, struggling to get my trousers on without alarming her with my sudden need to get the hell out of here. As I gather up my things, and get dressed, she rolls over and curls into her pillow.

“I’ll be in town all week.” She yawns in a post orgasm haze.

“I’ll find you.” I place a kiss to the back of her neck, whispering promises I can’t keep. I won’t be here after today. I have no idea where I’ll be.

Because he’s found us.Again.

The door quietly clicks shut as I slip from the room. The corridor passes in a blur as I rush to get home. Not to run. Not anymore. He can’t hurt us. I’m a man now. I can take care of us, but first, I want the truth—all of it.

She’s going to spill the secrets she’s been keeping, and then I’ll take her away. Go wherever she wants. From there, I’ll plan my revenge.