Page 5 of Stranded
She shivers, and I can’t help but wonder if I affect her the way she does me. My gaze travels over her, lingering on the curve of her throat where her heartbeat pulses visibly. She’s vulnerable, an innocent lamb in the presence of a ravenous wolf. The thought sends a jolt of raw, primal desire through me.
“It’s pretty simple. You’ve got your kitchen and living room. All open plan,” I explain. “One bedroom and bath through there. And another bedroom and bath upstairs. Pick whichever you prefer, as they’re both made up.”
She nods. “Thanks.”
“I stocked the pantry based on the list you sent, but some of the things you can’t get up here. I refunded the money for the items I couldn’t get.”
She sighs. “I probably won’t need half of them anyway since it’s just me.” Ivy tentatively moves deeper into the living room, and I’m acutely aware of the shrinking distance between us.
I watch her with bated breath, hating how hard my dick still is. No woman has ever had this kind of effect on me. She looks at me, and her green eyes are soft, beautiful, and full of an emotion I can’t quite place. It unnerves me, and I clench my fists tighter.
“I’ll leave you to get settled,” I say, my voice rough. I turn to leave, but not before adding, “The wood for the fireplace is stocked at the back of the cabin. I’ll finish splitting it in the next hour.”
I hear her mutter something under her breath.
“What was that?” I ask, glancing back at her.
Her cheeks flush bright red. “Nothing,” she says too quickly.
I arch a brow. “Don’t be shy now. Repeat what you said.”
She bites her lip. “I said it looked like you had a lot of hardwood to handle.” Her gaze is unyielding, and my cock throbs.
“Careful how you speak around me, angel. You’re the first pretty thing I’ve seen in a long time.“ I emphasize the long as I speak, trying to warn her. Even though there’s no point. I’m going to have her, especially now she’s here alone. I'll prey on her vulnerability without a shred of guilt. "You know where I am if you need me. Have a good evening."
I turn and walk out of her cabin, leaving her alone to settle in.
I can’t help but feel a sense of expectation. Ivy St. Clair, alone in my holiday cabin. The thought makes my blood run hot. This Christmas will be one to remember for so many delicious reasons.
IVY
Iput away my fifth pair of shoes, knowing I won’t wear them this trip. While I knew I wouldn’t be going out anywhere, I intended to dress up for my dickhead of a boyfriend. It’s pathetic, considering he never made an effort for me. Half the stuff I packed won’t be used.
I toss the empty suitcase into the bottom of the wardrobe and turn around to look at the room. The place is as beautiful as I imagined, but it’s tainted by reality. Alone in Alaska for Christmas. Although, I’m not entirely alone. Maddox’s cabin is only a hundred yards away. I wonder why he didn’t answer my question about if he lives alone.
Looking around this cabin, it looks like it was decorated by a woman or someone who’s into design, and Maddox seems like a rugged mountain man. I’d been so excited to share a cozy Christmas with Preston; now it feels anti-climactic. I grab the glass of pinot noir off the nightstand and down the rest of it, shutting my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose.
I can’t shake off the image of Maddox, my host, stroking his massive cock. It’s a sight I’ll never forget. His muscles bunched under his tight black shirt as he held onto his dick and turned to face me.
Any rational thought eluded me in that moment. Maddox is huge in every way. Not far off seven feet tall, muscular, covered in tattoos, and has a cock that has to be at least ten inches long and thick too.
I shake my head, trying to push the images from my mind.
Who the hell jerks off outside in the freezing cold like that?
It’s ridiculous yet undeniably arousing. Enough to set my skin aflame with desire. I walk out of the bedroom at the back of the cabin, having opted for the smaller downstairs bedroom as it’s cozier, into the huge open-plan living area.
My eyes are instantly drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows at the center of the room. It’s pitch black outside now, and no lights are on, but I feel I’m being watched.
Maddox’s warning repeats in my mind.
Careful how you speak around me, angel. You’re the first pretty thing I’ve seen in a long time.
Heat coils through me at the memory. I sense Maddox is bad news, which only adds to his appeal. I’d say he’s in his early thirties and gorgeous. His dark hair was styled longer on the top, clipped short on the sides, and stubble dusted his chiseled jaw.
He’s all man in a way that Preston just isn’t. His eyes make my heart flutter as they’re such a unique blue.
When I saw him from behind, his back muscles tensing under his tight shirt and the tattoo on the back of his neck, I was instantly wet. And I hadn’t even seen his face.