Page 109 of Deacon

Still, Yumi shot me a few careful glances, and I braced myself, knowing she’d ask the hard questions soon enough.

I needed my answers ready and on point.

Later, Deacon walked me to my room and, outside the door, dropped a quiet kiss on my temple.

We locked eyes, a shockwave rippling down my spine, followed by a primal urge to grab his shirt and pull him into the bedroom.

Instead, I took an inhale to control my reaction.

He gave me a slow wink and shut the door.

I leaned back against the wood, aching for him, my head spinning as my heart betrayed me, until his footsteps faded away.

The next day, after a long, lazy lie-in and a chaotic brunch, Deacon rocked up to my lounger on the terrace in denim board shorts.

They hugged his waist and ass just right.

My gaze traveled over them, then climbed to his bare chest, cut with hard muscle, and his arms, covered in beautiful ink.

Why was this man even legal?

‘Ready to get off the sidelines?’ Deacon drawled, a small smile playing on his lips.

‘Thought you’d never ask,’ I said, eyeing the seashore. ‘I’m eager for my daily swim.’

‘Then I’m your escort, malkia,’ he said, holding out a hand. ‘Come on. I’ve got you.’

Deacon led me down to the shallows, cradling me close as we stepped into the water.

We waded deeper.

I sighed as the warm sea washed over my feet, his broad shoulders blocking the chop and holding me steady.

‘The view from out here is unreal,’ I murmured, sweeping my gaze over the coastline.

Deacon’s eyes, however, remained fixed on my face.

‘Fuck, yeah. Stunning.’

His meaning was clear, and heat flushed through my skin beneath his stare.

Our wet bodies brushed beneath the surface, sending an electric jolt through me.

Every time our eyes met, my heart flipped.

I soaked up every second.

The tide curled around our waists, cool water contrasting with the inferno of desire surging between us.

A rogue wave rolled toward us. Deacon reached out to steady me, his palm gliding over the small of my back.

The touch sent a shockwave through me.

I leaned into him, my hand gliding over his chest. His heart thudded beneath my hand.

He held his ground, tightening his grip on my waist as the ocean crashed around us.

‘You’re shaking, mama,’ he murmured, his timbre dropping an octave as his thumb traced the curve of my hip bone.