Summer Nights Read online

  I felt my cheeks warm as I soaked up his nakedness. Tendrils of hair created an upside-down triangle in the center of his chest, the point leading to a tiny path down and over his tight abs to his semi-erect cock. He wasn’t all that hairy considering his nationality. I expected Hispanic men to be covered in dark hair.

  “You keep looking at me like that and we won’t make it to dinner tonight.” His voice was teasing, but there was heat in his eyes as he leaned in and kissed me.

  I cocked my head a bit, gazing at him. I offered him a small, unapologetic smile. “Sorry.”

  He frowned; his nostrils flared as his lips pressed into a straight line. His brows creased as he lifted my hair. I realized too late what he was looking at. I tried to slide away from him, but his free arm snaked around my waist, gripping me to him.

  “Who did this?” he demanded.

  I stared down at the floor, regret churning in my stomach. I was ashamed that at twenty-four I’d allowed my parents to treat me the way they did.

  He gently kissed my wounds, the action so tender that tears welled. No man had ever done anything so sweet. He was the perfect combination of everything I could want. He could be rough in bed, a bit alpha male, but was thoughtful the whole way through, always ensuring I was well taken care of.

  He crooked his finger under my chin, lifting my face towards him. “Por favor, mi amor. Please tell me who did this to you.”

  I pursed my lips, assessing him. He’d calmed down. There was no hint of anger in his voice, only concern. I wasn’t foolish enough to believe the emotion had evaporated into thin air though. It was there below the surface, he was just forcing it down. To even have him care this much, to want to know, overwhelmed me. I’d known him for only a day, and already he’d shown more concern for me than my own family.

  “My dad.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

  “Su padre?” He turned his head, his face a stoic mask.

  I nodded with my eyes glued to the comforter.

  “Do you live with them?”

  “No.” I risked a timid glance. He was clenching his jaw, but his eyes softened the moment I looked at him.

  “Good.” He kissed my wounds one last time. “Let’s get dressed and go to dinner.”

  Chapter 8

  CRUZ

  Her fucking father? What kind of bastard raised her? My blood was boiling. I wanted to tear the hotel room apart in a fit of rage. You were supposed to protect your children, not beat on them. From the looks of it, I would guess he hit her over the head with something. And then here I come along and get rough with her, banging her around during- Mierda!

  I watched, carefully controlling myself, as she adjusted her bra. Sidling up behind her, I slid my hands under her shirt and clasped the pieces together. Towering over her though, my eyes habitually sought out the right side of her head. Now I knew what wounds laid there. Hell, the stitches hadn’t even dissolved all the way yet.

  I twisted her around in my arms. I knew she trusted me, or she wouldn’t have told me the truth, but she was still uneasy. She was strong while still so fragile. If I didn’t want to lose her, then I would have to stop thinking with my cock for once. She was more than a lush body.

  Damn, I was a fumbling mess. It never mattered before. How I treated a woman never counted, how rough I was or wasn’t, because I never wanted them to stay. But, Summer, she was different.

  I dipped my head, pressing my lips gently to hers. I savored her soft lips, swiping my tongue along their edges to sooth my earlier abuse. She opened her mouth to me, allowing me to taste her sweetness again. My cock swelled; ready to take her in another round. But I wouldn’t.

  Her small hand closed around my member, testing my willpower. It felt so good. She felt like heaven. My hips pumped into her grasp of their own accord as I continued to kiss her. I felt the urgency in my groin, but everything else was slow and sensual. She deserved slow and sensual.

  Gliding my hands up the side of her body, I lifted her shirt up and over her head, immediately capturing her lips again. Her hands glided down to caress my bolas, the one area so many women neglected. “Ay, mi amor.” I gently nipped at her swollen bottom lip, lifting her into my arms and settling her on the bed.

  She wrapped her legs around my waist. “Are you sure? I was rough before.” I still couldn’t believe I’d been so inconsiderate.

  “I know you’ll be gentle this time.” Her faith shook me to my core.

  SUMMER

  He feathered kisses down the center of my body, my center heating all over again in the wake of his new touch. He kissed a path along my inner thighs, his hands weaving around my broad hips, holding me in place. He brushed his whiskers along my skin, their prickle both alerting me to his moves and enticing me with his position.

  His tongue licked the smooth edges of my outer lips before dipping beyond them. A sigh escaped me as he soothed my pussy. He was soft, the surface of his tongue tender in his strokes along my flesh.

  As his eyes locked with mine, he gently flicked my swollen clit. My hips lifted off the bed as I cried out. His moves were so intimate, deliberate and sweet. He was focused on me, solely on my pleasure. Lightly, he sucked my sensitive bud, his tongue caressing the tip.

  “Touch your breasts.” His tone was all male, husky, and smooth in delivery. I found my hands running along my sides, over my stomach and up to tweak my breasts. “You’re so sexy,” he beamed.

  Sensations surged through my body. My womb twisted as pleasure rocked my core. My breasts felt heavy as I rubbed my nipples, beautiful nerve endings crackling with pleasure. My flesh was warm, my limbs were loose, but my muscles were clamping down as we built my orgasm together.

  I moaned, pushing into his mouth as he doubled his speed. My back bowed off the bed, my head angling back as I ran towards the edge of bliss. I squeezed my breasts, my fingers plucking my pert peaks. I was so close. I was just about to break through the wall when he slid into me and captured my breast. “Oh!” My breath came in spurts, as my body sucked him deeper into me.

  My pleasure heightened, bringing me to the brink of darkness, to a place I’d never known. He lifted my arms up over my head, capturing them there. “Que bonita. Ay, tu es muy bonita, mi reina.” His words lulled me deeper into sheer ecstasy.

  His body pressed into mine as his cock slid into me at a steady, slow and enjoyably torturous rhythm. His hairs stroked my skin as his lips seared it. His tongue washed over my nipples before his mouth trailed up towards my neck. He was ensuring that he loved every part of me; ensuring that I knew he loved every part of my body, loved it to the point that I couldn’t even consider being self-conscious.

  Where I thought my brink was before was merely the launching point now. I wrapped my legs around his waist. He grunted as he adjusted his position, pushing deeper into me. He hit a sensitive spot, pleasure rippling through me. He felt my pussy flutter; locking eyes with me, he thrust into me with purpose. I whimpered, my breath catching as my body struggled to handle the new sensations wrecking it. Awareness penetrated every layer of me as I pushed to meet his new demands.

  “Let go. I’ve got you. I’ll always catch you, mi amor.” He kissed my lips, increasing his pace just enough to shock me into surrender.

  I cried out, his mouth containing my hoarse sob. My vision blurred, as my body trembled around him. Warmth spread through me, as my channel flooded, my pussy compressing him as he rocked in and out at the same steady, tantalizing rate. He milked me, undulating waves of pleasure sending me over the edge again. I couldn’t concentrate; I could only feel, and all I felt was him. I felt him kissing me, his hands caressing me, his Spanish words feathering over me in a soothing tone as I came down off my high, down from the tallest peak of pleasure I’d ever climbed. Through the fog of hedonism, all I knew was him, and he was pure bliss.

  I seized his lips, tightening my grip on his waist, encouraging him to finish. He sped up, new vibrations bombarding my womb as he thrust his way to release. I captured
his guttural cries with my mouth, the same way he’d done mine. Sweat dampened our brows, despite the air conditioning. His breathing was uneven as he hugged me to him; dropping sweet kisses along my forehead.

  I rubbed his head, his short hairs flexing beneath my palms. When he finally lifted his head, I caught my breath. Unshed tears sat in the basins of his eyes. I swallowed hard, choking on my emotions. Could you really love someone this quickly? Was it even possible? My heart gushed, my chest tightened. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to mine. I’d never felt such a powerful connection. I never wanted to hold someone so tight and never let go, but I did now, with Cruz.

  CRUZ

  Damn. I’d never experienced anything so intense, so raw and concentrated. I never understood what it meant to be one with someone, until now. It felt like we’d fused our souls together, and the emotions surfacing were overwhelming.

  I gazed into her eyes and soaked up the love reflecting back at me. It’d only been a day, but I knew it was love. And I knew she was the one for me.

  She cupped my cheek. I leaned into her touch, placing a kiss on her palm. She smiled, her eyes watering. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her sideways as I rolled onto the bed beside her. Her hands pressed against my chest, against my heart. I wanted to lay here with her forever. I wanted her to stay with me forever.

  I ran my hands along her back, my mind whirling at all that’d happened. I was the guy that laid ‘em and left ‘em. I was the bachelor that never got attached. I was the one who lived to work, not love. Tio had warned me. He’d always said my day would come. I’d laughed him off dismissively; but damn, did my day come.

  Summer kissed my chest, her soft breath blowing in cadence against me. I bent and kissed the right side of her head. She was mine now, and no woman of mine was going to be subjected to abuse. I’d do whatever I had to ensure that.

  SUMMER

  I rolled over and lazily stretched. My muscles still ached from my overzealous activities the night before; my pussy fragile and tender. I blinked my eyes a few times, trying to clear my foggy mind. Kisses rained over me, bringing a smile to my lips.

  “Buenos dias, mi amor.” Cruz crawled up and over me, raising himself above me on his elbows.

  He leaned in to kiss my lips, but I blocked him with my hand. “I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.”

  “Neither have I.” He kissed the back of my hand.

  I laughed, playfully slapping his arm with my free hand. “Stop. Just let me brush my teeth and then you can kiss me.”

  He pretended to pout. “Next time, we keep gum by the bed.”

  “Deal.” The moment I moved my hand to leverage myself off the bed and out from under him, he stole a kiss. The quick peck warmed me to my toes. I knew my cheeks were red.

  “Good morning to you.” He smirked.

  I rolled my eyes, shaking my head as I slid off the bed, out from beneath the covers and him. Reality smacked me in the face when the air conditioning wafted over my nakedness, goose pimples covering my skin.

  I reached for my grey t-shirt off the floor, quickly pulling it over my head and into place. I glanced back at the bed, frozen in place by the blatant desire in Cruz’s eyes. His stare cemented my feet, the heat of his gaze shocked me. I’d never been comfortable with my body, particularly my weight, but he washed away every doubt I may have had about my attractiveness. He made me feel like a beautiful seductress the way his eyes followed me, and his cock stood at attention, full of pride.

  I couldn’t believe my stomach growled right then; the sound echoed through the room. I scrunched my face. “Sorry.”

  He chuckled. “Your stomach just saved you from my wrath.”

  “Wrath, for what?”

  “For being so sexy. Ay, mujer, you don’t realize the beauty you own.” He licked his lips. “Did you bring a bathing suit?”

  I thought about the deep teal tankini Stella had talked me into yesterday. I always had to go that route since my bottom half was a size larger than my top half; my waist narrowed decently above my belly button. Too bad it wasn’t enough to get rid of my mound of pudginess. The top half of the bathing suit was a halter, making my breasts appear larger, which was why it took some convincing for me to purchase it. The rouging across the entire front of the bathing suit, below my breasts, made me appear thinner though, which was how Stella nudged me past my hesitation.

  I nodded, admitting to having a suit.

  “Good. Change into it, but put clothes over top. I’m taking you to eat, then to the beach.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’ll stop by my place on the way and change.”

  I shook my head once, satisfied with his answer. I definitely didn’t want to be swimming alone.

  Fifteen minutes later, I’d brushed my teeth, tossed my hair up into a messy bun, changed into my bathing suit and threw on a new pair of light, stone-washed jean shorts with a white t-shirt over it. Cruz laughed at me as I liberally coated my skin with sunscreen. He had a solid bronze tan on him from head to toe. I slathered my skin with lotion to help mask the scent of the sunscreen and the sweat I was sure to be bathed in outside. I dabbed my face lightly with some foundation and powder to even out my skin tone and hopefully help minimize my red cheeks in the heat. Some simple, over-sized Cubic Zirconia studded earrings, my teal watch and gold sandals completed my casual ensemble. Satisfied with my appearance, I put on my glasses. I’d just gotten dressed after coming out of the shower last night when Cruz knocked, so this was the first time he’d see me in them.

  I walked towards my suitcase to return my beauty bags. Cruz growled, pulling me to him. He tapped my glasses. “I like these, very sexy.” He smiled, giving me a quick kiss. He inhaled deep. “You always smell good.”

  “It’s probably my lotion.” I lifted the bottle for him to smell.

  “I like it, but you smell better.” He sniffed my neck, his breath tickling me. My stomach growled again, interrupting the moment. “Let’s go feed you. I neglected to do that last night.”

  “Aren’t you hungry?”

  “I work long hours. It’s not unusual for me to go all day without food.” He shrugged.

  I worked long and odd hours as well, but something about his answer bothered me. When I couldn’t pinpoint what it was, I broke away, grabbed Big Bertha and headed out the door with Cruz right behind me. He checked the lock on the hotel door before leading me to the elevators down the hall. His arm was wrapped around me, holding me against his side protectively.

  Chapter 9

  I checked my phone while Cruz retrieved his car from the valet. Stella had called once and left a message around eleven. I dialed my voicemail, going through the prompts.

  “Hey, girl. I’m guessing by you not answering that you’re cozying up with Cruz. Make it count, and make it good ‘cause I want details. Call me in the morning. I’m staying the night with lover boy. Love ya.”

  I smiled as I hung up. Checking the clock, I saw it was already 9:06 AM. I sighed deep as last night flickered through my mind, a slow ache beginning to build.

  Cruz waved me over as the young male handed him the car keys. In exchange, Cruz handed him a tip. Turning around, he opened my door for me as the valet moved on to the next car.

  “Thanks,” I said as I passed him to get in.

  “I just do it for the view.”

  My mouth opened, but nothing came out. He laughed devilishly before closing the door and coming around to the driver’s side. I was right about him; he was definitely like Stella and would keep me on my toes. The sex last night proved that though. I certainly wasn’t expecting to be bombarded immediately but was grateful for his forward attack. I squeezed my thighs together, suppressing a satisfied moan.

  As Cruz drove off, my phone rang. I peeked at the caller ID before quickly answering. “Hey, girl.”

  “Well, good morning, little miss sunshine. I take it by your chipper tone that you have a wildly sexy story to tell me about last night.” Stella
sounded hopeful.

  “Later. Where are you?”

  “In the hottest damn apartment on the planet,” she grumbled.

  Cruz chuckled; apparently he heard Stella. “Ramon doesn’t have A/C.”

  I lifted my brows, facing him. “Not even a window unit?”

  “Nah. That’s a luxury on the island.” He focused on the road as I returned to Stella.

  “Wow. Sorry, girl. Why don’t you go back to the hotel?”

  “I was trying to give you some time with stud muffin over there, but I guess we can head that way. What are your plans for the day?”

  “Cruz is taking me to breakfast then the beach.”

  “Woah! You’re gonna let him see you in a bathing suit? Boy really has won you back.”

  “He has already seen me naked, so I don’t think a bathing suit is a big deal at this point.”

  “And you have a damn sexy naked body too,” Cruz purred, twining our fingers together across the console. I felt myself blush as he brushed his lips across the back of my hand.

  “Ooh, girl. I can’t handle any more heat right now. I swear I’ve sweat off at least twenty pounds in the past hour.”

  “Take a cold shower!” I heard Ramon yell from a distance.

  “I already have,” she snapped. I burst into a fit of laughter. Stella didn’t have long-term plans for her and Ramon, but they already sounded like a married couple. “Ugh. He has all the windows open, but that isn’t doing a damn thing. I swear. I don’t know how certain people live like this.” Her implication of Ramon was loud and clear.

  “Hold on a sec.” I pressed my cell phone to my shoulder, using my free hand to cover the mouthpiece. “Do you mind if Stella and Ramon join us at the beach?”

  “Whatever makes you happy, mi reina.” He squeezed our conjoined hands.

  “Want to meet me and Cruz at the beach later?”

  “As long as the ocean doesn’t feel like a damn hot tub.” She conversed with Ramon for a moment. “Meet you around noon?”

  “Is noon okay?” I checked with Cruz. He nodded. “Sounds good. Don’t melt before then, Stel.”