Redeem Me (Beckett Brothers #2)

22. Ivy

Chapter Twenty-Two

IVY

Tortured likes me. It’s enough to give me the warm and fuzzies.

I wasn’t lying when I told him I wanted his penis, rather than a proposal, but I have a feeling if he were to lose the armour (along with his underpants), I could fall hard and fast for a man like him. A man who’s strong and self-assured. Successful and confident. Which is why I need to erect some defences.

‘You’re like the blazing sun, bright, blinding and flaming hot.’ His hand lands on top of mine on his knee and electricity bolts between us again.

‘It’s a life choice. You should try it sometime,’ I tease to lighten the tone.

His onyx-like eyes land on mine, burning hot enough to melt me into a puddle. ‘What did Rian say that was so hilarious?’

‘He asked me about my favourite position.’ I bite back a smirk.

‘That little prick.’ He shakes his head and his jaw clenches. ‘Did you tell him? ’

‘No, I’m more of a show than tell type of woman.’ I place my hand on his knee again. ‘Whenever you’re ready.’

‘I’m trying. I just need a bit of time.’ He rubs a hand over his dark stubble, and the memory of it grazing my inner thigh has me drooling. ‘You already know my cock is utterly invested in the idea.’

‘In the meantime, buy me an ice cream and I guess I’ll settle for being Daddy Pleasure Dom’s fuck toy.’

Ten minutes later, Caelon pulls up in the Royal Marine Hotel car park, a stone’s throw from Dun Laoghaire East Pier.

‘Oh, my God! Can we go to Teddy’s Ice Cream Parlour? I haven’t been here since I was a kid!’ I hop out of the car, scanning all the smiling faces surrounding us.

‘And there was me thinking I’d got rid of the kids for the day,’ he says drily.

My head whips round. ‘Did you just make a joke? Next thing you know, you’ll be cracking a smile.’

‘I blame you,’ he says, falling into step beside me as we stroll along the pier. As we walk, the pier stretches out ahead of us, long and inviting, with the soft hum of the town behind us slowly fading into the background.

The Irish Sea glitters under the sunlight, the waves gently lapping against the stone pier. Boats and yachts are lazily anchored in the harbour, their sails fluttering like lazy summer butterflies. A group of kids are fishing off the edge, their excitement almost as bright as their neon shorts.

Colourful buildings and lively cafés are dotted all along the shoreline. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries wafts over us, mixing with the sea breeze. People lounge on benches, soaking up the sun, and a few couples are having picnics on the grassy patches nearby. Caelon is quiet, thoughtful, or perhaps he’s just soaking in the scenery, like me. The silence between us is anything but awkward. It’s comfortable, especially given the hustle and bustle around us. We pass a busker with a guitar strumming away, adding a charming soundtrack to our walk. I toss a coin into his case, because good vibes deserve a little appreciation.

As we near the end of the pier, we’re treated to a gorgeous panoramic view of Dublin Bay, stretching all the way to Howth and beyond, the horizon expanding like an endless promise.

I pause, taking it all in. The sound of the waves, the distant chatter, the seagulls caw-cawing overhead – it’s like the perfect symphony of summer.

‘You hungry?’ The tips of Caelon’s fingers brush against mine, and he twists his head to face me with a rare half smile. Our eyes connect and it feels more intimate than when I was on all fours on his desk.

‘Always.’ I beam at him. ‘I never met a calorie I didn’t like.’

‘You want that ice cream? Or something else?’ he asks, flames licking the edges of his ebony irises.

‘Something else.’ I tilt my face upwards. ‘I know you don’t do romance, but if this was a real date, this would be the perfect place for a first kiss.’

‘I’ve kissed you before, Tranquil.’ His gaze falls to my mouth.

‘Not here, you haven’t.’ I press a finger to my lips, a million butterflies soaring through my stomach, waiting.

Seconds pass and he doesn’t move. A pained expression crosses his face. That guilt again.

It’s okay.

I sidestep, closing my eyes and tilting my face up to be kissed by the sun instead. Within seconds, a shadow looms over me, though the chill that swoops over my spine isn’t a cold one. It’s sizzling hot and full of promise. My eyelids snap open to find Caelon towering over me, the pained expression on his face replaced with a promising one.

‘I suppose I’m going to hell anyway…’ He shrugs, then his hard, hot lips crash onto mine, hungrily parting my mouth with his tongue, demanding entry, deep and hot and urgently.

I submit to his kiss, grabbing his polo shirt, twisting it in my fist. His arms reach around my back, yanking me against his taut torso until our bodies are flush, hip to hip, toe to toe. My skin fizzes. My legs are weak. I could kiss this man all damn day and it wouldn’t be long enough. My soul is on fire. The rest of the world melts away as his tongue dances with mine, exploring, capturing, claiming.

All too soon, he pulls his mouth from mine and I feel bereft.

‘How badly do you want that ice cream?’ he demands.

‘It depends on what else you’re offering.’ I shimmy against him.

‘I’m offering you exactly what you wanted.’ He dips his face to my ear, nibbling on the sensitive skin of my lobe. ‘My penis, not a proposal.’

Excitement fizzes through me in dizzying waves. ‘In that case, what are we waiting for?’ I slip my hand in his and drag him back towards the car before he changes his mind.

The drive home is silent, the air thick with tension. I’m frightened to open my mouth in case he has second thoughts.

When we reach the house, Damon is manning the gate. He glances curiously between us, greeting us with a curt nod.

The gate slides open, and it feels like it takes forever to glide up the driveway. Caelon abandons the Bentley at the front door, not even bothering to lock it.

I follow him out of the car, a split second behind. He pauses at the top step.

‘Are you sure this is what you want?’ His velvety voice low and guttural. ‘Because once I start, I won’t be able to stop. ’

‘I want it.’ More than I’ve wanted anything in my life. I want him to unleash himself on me.

‘Let’s go.’ I push him through the front door.