Surrender 01 - Surrender

quite pleased with that outcome.”
    “Snakes give me the creeps, too.”
    “Who actually likes them? Only other reptiles,” Lia said as she stuck her tongue out at Rafe.
    “You played your own share of pranks, Lia. Why don’t you explain why I put that snake in your bed?” Rafe said with a laugh, not offended at all by her goading.
    “It was nothing compared to what you did to me.”
    “Nothing! Are you kidding me? She put itching powder in my workout shorts. I started running in P.E. and then had to make a mad dash to the showers. My friends wouldn’t let me live that one down for the rest of my high school career.”
    “Oh, that’s great!” Ari said with a laugh as she looked up at him, delight dancing in her eyes.
    It seemed his Ari had a wicked streak about her.
    The bantering of his family caused Ari to relax, and Rafe was able to move his hand higher up her leg, his fingers drifting to the inside of her thigh. Before she realized she’d let down her guard, his fingers brushed the brief piece of lace covering her delectable womanhood.
    Her legs tightened immediately again, but all it did was trap his hand flush against her heat. He took immense pleasure when he felt the warm wetness of her body through the delicate lace. She desired him — whether she was willing to admit it or not.
    Suddenly, his little game turned on him, to the point of pain. Knowing her body was prepared for him to enter her caused him a pulsing erection. With an angry look his way, Ari opened her legs, and he reluctantly removed his hand. He’d never have made it through the rest of the meal while feeling her moist heat — plus it could be difficult to eat with only one hand.
    Her cheeks were flushed and her breathing quick, and she refused to meet his gaze. Though she was doing her best to carry on conversation with his family, he could see the effort it was costing her.
    As the meal was nearing an end, Rafe breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, he’d get her alone again. Surely it couldn’t take him much longer to convince her to join in with his plans. He could offer her so much pleasure, and he had little doubt she’d provide for all his needs.
    After the dessert course was finished, Rafe decided he was done conversing with his family for the night. He had to get Ari to his bed. It was beyond desire — pure need was gnawing at the zipper of his pants. Had he really thought such a thing? he reproached himself. Gnawing need? Zipper? Pants? Sheesh! Talk about hopelessly horny!
    “I hope you all don’t mind the surprise, but I’ve told the captain to keep us out to sea. I thought you’d all enjoy spending the night on board the ship,” Rafe announced, not turning toward Ari when out of the corner of his eye he caught her head whipping around in his direction.
    “I… uh…can’t. I have to get home,” she stuttered.
    “Oh, do you work tomorrow, Ari?” his father innocently asked, not sensing her tension.
    “No,” she responded with hesitancy. “I’m not actually working then, but I have laundry to do and other stuff to get ready for the week,” she finished feebly.
    “Don’t worry, Ari. We’ll get in early,” Rafe said, making it clear by his tone that the discussion was closed.
    “I’m delighted with the surprise, Rafe,” his father said. “It will give me a chance to see how I sleep aboard the boat. I guess I should try it at least once before purchasing one of my own.”
    “We’re going to go get some rest,” his mother said as she rose from the table with his father being the one to step up and pull out her chair. The two of them left the room practically giggling. It took his sisters a couple of minutes to understand Rafe’s look; they then made their own excuses and ambled out after their parents.
    “It looks as if it’s just you and me now,” Rafe said as he scooted his chair back and gripped Ari by the waist. He moved quickly and had her straddled across his lap before she knew what was happening.
    “This is kidnapping, you know,” Ari warned him breathlessly.
    “All you have to do is say no , Ari,” Rafe promised as he pulled her forward against his straining erection, ending any protest she might have had.

Chapter Twenty

    Ari knew she should climb off Rafe’s lap and run as fast as she could to the nearest door, shutting and locking it tightly behind her. She knew she’d regret making love to the man again. She also knew that if she were to command him to let her go, he’d do