The Movie Star and the Spy (The Secret Billionaires #5)

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

“ W ho are you really?”

The words echoed in Cheyenne’s mind, whispering like the breeze among the water lilies. She couldn’t admit the truth now, on a deserted island with no chance of escape. Her only chance was to change the subject, but what could possibly distract him? A splash chimed, from crystal waters. Perhaps… “What do I get if I win?”

He lifted an eyebrow, and for a moment it seemed he would continue the questioning. Yet instead he replied, “What do you want?”

So many things. Yet most she could never have, should never even want. She took a moment to compose herself, consider the potential prize. She could demand he not investigate her, yet that would only raise his suspicions, and he was unlikely to agree. There was something, however, that would remove the pressure, at least temporarily. “I want to go home.”

Except she didn’t – not really. She wanted to stay, to enjoy this majestic island vacation with this captivating man. Yet every minute she fell stronger for the star who could never be hers. If given the chance to leave, she had to take it.

His lips turned down. “The Coast Guard can get you home anytime you want.”

“You know I’d never call them. I don’t want to attract attention, and I believe you could find an easier way if you tried. You’re way too smart to leave yourself without communication – or a means to leave.” She dared him to deny it. “Those are my terms. You want another date, you’ll have to risk this one.”

He didn’t hesitate. “I’ll take it.”

He’ll take it? Just like that? That was easier than she imagined. It really was a lopsided deal, after all – he was risking an entire week for one night. Could there be a reason?

Julian shuffled and dealt the cards. A full house right off the bat. She tried to keep her poker face straight amidst her luck, hoping it worked better than her clearly lackluster acting one. He exchanged a few cards while she kept what she had, and in the end her hand easily beat his two pair.

“I guess you won this one.”

“I guess I did.” Now she didn’t hide her smile, brought on solely by the fact that she was one step closer to getting home and not at all because a hot movie star was about to take off his shirt. Realistically, if she could skip that part, she would.

Well, maybe not.

He reached down to the hem of his shirt and grasped the smooth edge. She licked her lips as he brought it up, up, up…

To reveal another shirt.

He smiled.

She growled.

He smiled wider.

The burgundy t-shirt stretched taut across his muscles, yet still seemed a little bulky. She blinked. “Are you wearing multiple shirts?”

As one of the world’s leading actors, he could have easily portrayed nonchalant innocence. He could’ve come up with some reasonable explanation, something that sounded plausible. He wouldn’t have convinced her, of course, but he could’ve made the effort. He didn’t. “I was worried I’d get a chill.”

She wiped the sweat covering her brow. “Just out of curiosity, would you estimate the temperature at eighty degrees?”

He shrugged. “Probably closer to ninety.”

“I see. And you really thought you’d get cold?”

“Not even a little.”

Cheyenne closed her eyes. So that’s why he’d been so eager to accept her proposal. He’d orchestrated the whole thing. With twenty layers of clothing, he didn’t have a chance of losing.

Which meant she didn’t have a chance of winning.

“How about this? Just to be fair, I’ll take off the rest of my clothing when you lose so we can go swimming together.”

Totally ignoring the chorus of “Hip hip hooray!” her girl parts were currently chanting, Cheyenne fought to appear unaffected. “You do realize this is cheating, don’t you?”

He put a hand to his chest, the look of wounded innocence so comical she snorted. “Me? Cheat? Never.”

Perfect. She could refuse to play, but then she’d still be stuck on the island for the week. She might as well proceed on the slight chance she actually beat him. How many shirts could he be wearing?

“Three,” he suddenly said, and she realized she’d spoken out loud. “Just in case we get a sudden cold front.”

In Florida? This time of year? “Let’s get this over with.”

“That eager to see me naked?”

As a matter of fact, yes.

Cheyenne got lucky and disposed of another of Julian’s shirts without losing a hand. From there, things went seriously downhill. She’d been dealt a terrible hand, without a pair or face card in sight. She exchanged most of them, only slightly heartened by his grimace. He gave her new cards, but she fared no better.

He noticed her frown. “Not too good, huh?”

“That’s an understatement.” She revealed her cards. “High ten.”

His worried expression transformed into a slow smile. “High Jack.”

“No way.”

He showed her his cards, and she threw hers down. “What bad luck.”

His eyes twinkled. “Depends on your point of view.” The levity disappeared as he turned serious, powerful and completely in command. His voice came as smooth as amber whiskey. “Are you ready to take off your clothes, Destiny?”

It was like the first time he watched her undress, except this time there was no acting and no audience. The intimacy was real, the desire unhidden. Unlike Julian, she was wearing only a single shirt and a single pair of shorts. Of course, she had on undergarments, but again only one set. That left only a pair of socks and sneakers. The choice was obvious. She removed a shoe.

His gaze never left hers. “A disappointment, but maybe for the best. The anticipation makes it even more exciting, like unwrapping a present.”

Cheyenne forced false bravado. “Are you that sure I’ll lose?”

“I’m certain of a lot of things when it comes to you. Like who you are, and who you aren’t. Like the feelings you hide and the truth you can’t ignore.

He didn’t know the truth – yet. She forced a nonchalant smile. “Are you going to talk all day or deal the cards? You may get heat exhaustion if you don’t hurry. Unless we get a sudden snowstorm, of course.”

“Now that you mention it, I am feeling a bit hot.” He dealt the next hand, and this time she had a decent spread. When she finished, she had three kings. It wasn’t enough. “Three aces?!”

He nodded, gave a Cheshire Cat grin. “The shirt?”

“The sneaker,” she said firmly.

“You know you’re just delaying things.”

Yes, she did. And unfortunately, now it was his turn to score back-to-back to back wins. She lost both socks. The next item would mean exposure.

He won it.

“You seem to be out of footwear.”

Yes, she was. If only she had more time, more options. Was there something else she could remove, something to delay things just a little longer? She gripped the bottom of her shirt with clammy hands, stopped as a jangling sounded. Of course. She smiled as she removed one of her earrings. “Will you hold this for me?” she asked sweetly.

He gave a mock groan. “Isn’t that cheating?”

She glared. “You want to talk about cheating?”

“Perhaps not.”

The jewelry gave her freedom, along with an actual chance. By fortune or fate, she’d worn a dozen bangle bracelets. It would not make up for all his layers, but at least it gave her hope.

Or not , she thought half an hour later when she’d lost every single one. She should’ve predicted he’d be wearing multiple layers of socks. Even worse, he started removing the socks before taking off his last shirt. After his subterfuge, she deserved an unimpeded view of that chiseled chest. When he took off his tenth pair, she crossed her arms. “How many?”

“A dozen.”

She gaped. “How do they even fit?”

“They’re very thin. Kind of useless, really, except for the occasion.”

“Did you buy them just for today?”

“Naturally.” The cat grin was back. “Are you afraid you’re going to lose?”

“Yes!”

It was a well-founded fear. Within minutes, she’d made it through the rest of her jewelry, including several rings and a necklace. When he won another hand, she had no choice. It was either her shirt or her shorts.

She thought he would make some sort of comment, a joke or a jest, but instead he just looked at her intently, waiting for her to make her decision. She chose the shirt. Not needing (another) slow undressing, she took hold of it and brought it over her head in one smooth motion. His gaze pinned her as he took in the breasts straining against pale pink lace.

“Next round.”

They played quickly and she won, finishing up his socks, thank goodness. Still he had his shirt, his shorts and who knew how many undergarments. Compared with her three remaining articles of clothing – bra, shorts and panties – her chances were dismal.

He won the next round, and without a moment’s hesitation she scooted out of her shorts and waved for him to deal. Best get it over with quickly so she could dive into those cool waters and swim far, far away. She held back a shiver when he won the next round. Why was she so nervous when he’d already seen her? Hell, she’d been ready to show him everything again yesterday. But this was different. He wanted her to admit it was more than just a fling. What if the temptation was too much? If she gave in, it was akin to admitting her heart was involved.

He cleared his throat. She reached around to undo her bra, sighing slightly as it loosened and freed her. Exposed her. She looked down as she slipped it off, but couldn’t miss his quick intake of breath.

“Possibly the last hand.”

Masochistically, she hoped so. With him still wearing so much, she didn’t have a chance. Which is why she released a breath of relief when minutes later he revealed four aces.

He misinterpreted her relief. “You have a better hand?”

“No, two pair.” She showed him her cards.

His eyes darkened. His biceps flexed. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

And suddenly she wasn’t in such a rush anymore.

She stood up. So did he.

“Well,” he said.

“Well,” she said.

“Are you ready?”

Not even a little bit. It was like that first day, when she stood before him as he prepared to expose her. She didn’t want to perform a strip tease, and yet she could barely move. She slipped her fingers inside the elastic of her panties, tracing their soft edges. She pulled slowly, slowly, slowly, avoiding his gaze as she brought them to her ankles and finally stepped free. She looked back up.

It was a mistake.

His eyes smoldered fire. It paralyzed her, excited her, made her long for more. But she couldn’t give in – she had to escape. “Time for my swim.” Her voice emerged hoarse and raspy. She pushed herself to move, and suddenly adrenaline usurped control.

She took a swift step, but he shot out his hand, gripping her, branding her, possessing her. “Not so fast.” He towered above her, fully dressed while she stood naked and exposed. The passion in his eyes intensified as he took in every single inch. “You can’t leave without protection.”

Her heart stumbled. “We don’t need…” She stopped when she saw the oblong tube. Sunscreen.

“You don’t want to get burned, do you?” He touched her shoulder, brushing by her breast. “Especially with so much exposed.”

Now she shivered, as if a true snowstorm thundered around them. It brought pinprick goosebumps along her entire body. “We won’t be out long.”

“The sun is strong this time of year, and you have sensitive skin.” He ran his hand along her arm, then down to her bare stomach. “I would know.”

Yes, he did. They had been staying under trees and in the shade, but the sun cast unfiltered rays on the sparkling water. Just a few minutes in the scorching heat would redden her skin, and an hour would create a bona fide burn. She reached for the tube.

“No.” He pulled it away. “Let me.”

She should demand to do it herself, but he opened the lid with a soft pop, pouring the creamy white liquid onto his hand. He smoothed it onto her, using both hands to rub skin that already burned for his touch. He worked his way up along her arms, then down her shoulders and along the sides of her body. Perspiration engulfed her as he massaged her stomach, stopping just above her auburn curls. Then he started from her feet and traveled ever-so-slowly up her legs. She didn’t resist when he gently parted her legs so he could access her inner thighs.

He moved up and traced her breasts. Now she moaned, as he circled the two globes, caressed them, weighed them, brushed his lips against them. The world went from hot to scorching to unbearable. “Are you all right?” he whispered.

“You know I’m not,” she breathed the shuddering truth. “What are you doing to me?”

“Nothing. This is beyond our power.” He stood up, matching her naked body inch by inch. “Can you feel it?”

Yes. She fought for control, strove for discipline, yet it wasn’t enough. No matter what the cost, she had to have him. She pulled at the bottom of his shirt. He growled a purely male sound of satisfaction, but stopped her. “Not yet. Not before you say it.”

“Please, Julian,” she whispered. “We both want this. Let it happen, just like before. No expectations, no strings.”

He threaded her fingers, preventing her from lifting his shirt. “It’s already beyond a casual fling, and you know it. You just have to admit it.”

“I can’t,” she hissed. Darkening eyes demanded the truth, yet what she wanted didn’t matter. The attraction, the desire, the feelings couldn’t matter. “It can never be anything more.”

“You still haven’t explained why, although I suspect it has something to do with your secret. Right, Destiny ?” He folded his arms. “Since you don’t want to talk about feelings, how about we discuss your secrets instead? Like who you really are.” He stepped forward, brushing against her. “Your past makes no sense because Destiny Dane doesn’t exist. Can you explain that?”

No, she could not. She had to find an escape. Her gaze trailed to the cool blue waters. Perhaps there was a way to stop the questioning and get what she really wanted. “I admit it.”

That stopped him… for five seconds. “Admit what?” he asked cautiously.

“Admit this is more than just a fling. My heart….” She paused. “Some feelings may be involved.”

He looked surprised – no shocked – by her admission. Of course, he had been expecting a confession of a different type, but that was impossible. She would sacrifice her mission if she exposed her identity. Now she was just sacrificing her heart. “Despite the potential, it can’t be more. We can’t be more.”

His frown was immediate and deep. “That makes absolutely no sense.”

“I know.” In the sky, a pair of bluebirds soared high, free to be their true selves. If only she had the same freedom. “Our lives are just too different.”

“No two lives are alike, and while I’ll admit mine is more unusual than most, there are some advantages. Perhaps I need to show you.” He stepped toward her.

Suddenly, letting things progress wasn’t such a good idea. Definitely not a safe one. She took a step back, as rocks heated by the afternoon sun stung her bare feet. “Maybe you were right about keeping this platonic. You’re not even undressed. Why don’t you relax while I take that swim?”

“This hasn’t been platonic since I first removed your clothing.” He stepped closer, and his muscles bulged under the thin fabric. “I have a better idea.” He reached for the bottom of his shirt.

She meant to walk away. She meant to turn, jump into the water, go for that swim. But she was, unfortunately, only human. So she did the only thing humanly possible – stand frozen and try desperately not to drool.

He had watched her striptease, and now it was her turn. He lifted the shirt, slowly revealing six-pack abs, defined angles and corded muscles rippling with strength. He took off his watch, his only accessory. Slowly he unbuckled his jeans, bringing them down in tortuous slowness.

Where was popcorn when you needed it?

He grinned. “With all those bracelets, you weren’t that far off from winning. Another couple of hands, and you might have succeeded. Of course, I did have a backup.” He shook his jeans, and they jangled. “Twenty pennies in my pocket.”

She looked skyward, but soon all humor vanished. She stepped back, and his gaze sharpened, like a predator focused entirely on his prey. Then… he leapt.

“What are you doing?” She gasped as he easily picked her up, skin against skin, hardness against softness. Yet she didn’t protest, didn’t ask for her release. Didn’t fight what felt so right.

He handled her easily. “Helping you to the water. The footing can be loose here. I wouldn’t want you to slip, especially when you’re not protected.”

The blush pinkened her entire body. “I can walk on my own.”

He put a hand on her breast.

“On second thought,” she gasped. “I wouldn’t want to fall.”

“Exactly.”

He brought them both down into the water, gently submerging her in its cool depths. It was chilly, but not freezing, refreshing and sweet and pure. Yet she barely noticed for the heat emanating from his slick, muscular body. He set her down on a bed of sea grass. When he lowered his lips to hers, she was lost.

She moaned as she pressed into hardness everywhere . He tasted like chocolate and mint, pure deliciousness. He caressed every limb, traced every dip and curve, leaving no spot untouched. He carried her close to the water’s edge, where tiny waves lapped at the shore. His weight pressed into her, gently pinning her to the soft surface in the shallow water.

A virtual fire burned within her, and she couldn’t wait another moment. She opened her legs and pushed up, signaling what she so desperately needed. He took a second to don protection (where in the world had he hidden that?) and returned. In one motion he filled her completely.

It was the perfect moment. The cool water underneath her, the heat above her. As they moved together, the sensations rose higher and higher, the layers between them slipping away. She held nothing back as they danced in instinctual rhythm, like two halves of the perfect whole. Just when it seemed like she couldn’t go any higher, she did, riding on a crest until suddenly she shattered. They shattered.

She screamed as he roared her name, shivers overtaking her body as the world transformed into a brand new reality. He held her tightly as they soared for an eternity, then as they descended into the land of cool water and soft sea. All around the world was peaceful and calm, accompanied by a poignant sense of rightness. She had never belonged anywhere like she belonged in his arms.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?”

She smiled at the softly spoken words. “I bet you say that to all the ladies.”

“No.” His voice was somber, serious, genuine. “Don’t ever compare yourself to others. I’ve never met another woman like you.”

She fought the pleasure the words brought, a million thoughts and emotions raging through her. It would be a dream come true to stay here in his arms, to give in to the powerful force between them.

If only it were possible.

She opened her mouth to counter him but stopped short of speaking, for the more she resisted, the more control he’d take. For this one moment, she let herself lie there, warm in his arms, pretending she really did belong to him and he to her. Pretending they were two lovers discovering each other as they prepared for a life together. What would it be like to let herself go? To let herself fall in love?

Or was it already too late?

Julian watched Destiny sleep, so beautiful, so peaceful, so perfect. He’d moved her from the water when she started shivering, but she’d been so tired, she didn’t even stir as he carried her to the warm blanket under a row of palm trees. Now he sat next to her slumbering form, a million and one emotions boiling through him, all culminating in one truth:

He couldn’t let her go.

It didn’t matter that they lived two different lives. It didn’t matter that he was an actor and she was a mystery. It did matter that she resisted him, but she resisted herself as well. He would break through that resistance, find out who she was and why she lied. Even if he didn’t know her real name, he knew the true woman, and she was more amazing than any he’d ever known. She was beautiful, inside and out, kind and considerate, fun and daring, strong and giving. He simply couldn’t imagine a more perfect woman. He might not know much about her, but he knew the most important truth of all:

She was his.