Pleasure Cruise by Mandy M. Roth, Michelle M. Pillow Page A

wondered if her friend even realized that the man had fallen for her. No doubt that Kira was immune to such things. It seemed to happen on a weekly basis. She had yet to see her friend reciprocate the feelings and wondered if Kira would ever fall in love. It was her hope that her friend would someday find happiness, but it didn’t seem likely. “Such a lovely name for a very captivating woman.”
    Kira looked at Clare and winked audaciously. She lifted her finger and wound it into Cabin Boy’s dark silk shirt. Giving him a vixen’s laugh, Kira purred, “Talk like that might just get you a repeat performance.”
    “I would give anything for a performance from you, Clare.”
    Clare gasped. The low, sultry voice was next to her ear, whispering and soft. Intense heat radiated onto her back. Dominik stood close to her, but didn’t touch. When she felt him pull away from her neck, she said, making her voice dip breathlessly, “And I’d be more than happy to give you a repeat performance.”
    Dominik’s breath caught in a sharp gasp. Clare felt warm fingers stroking along the back of her arm—gentle and slow. It was the first touch and it shook her to the core. She felt connected to him in some strange way she couldn’t even begin to comprehend. Turning to glance over her shoulder, she shivered. It was a mistake. He leaned into her and she saw his parted mouth, begging to be tasted. Her lids lowered and she almost allowed him to draw closer. Jerking back at the last second, she sarcastically added, “You want me to call you names, throw stuff at you, and start screaming for you to leave me alone? I’d be more than happy to.”
    A finger glided down her exposed spine before he pulled back, not touching her again. Almost wistful, he said, “That was not the performance I spoke of. But I do not mind your stubbornness. In fact, I find everything about you refreshing. I’ve grown weary of women just falling into my arms.”
    “Nice come-on. Has it actually worked for you in the past?” Clare’s body still stung where he’d touched her bare skin. Her nerves tingled and jumped, demanding more. Her breasts suddenly felt heavy, and, to her horror, her nipples tightened beneath the silk for all to see. She swallowed, trying to adjust her arms so it wasn’t as noticeable.
    Dominik moved to stand beside her and her actions only drew his gaze down to her chest. A lazy smile glanced over his lips as he gave her peaked breasts a pointed look.
    “What?” Clare shot. “I’m cold. Someone threw out my clothes.”
    “I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have done it. I don’t know what impulse came over me. But, if you like, I could warm you,” Dominik offered, his tone dipping to a seductive murmur. His dark eyes were inviting. “I’m very hot-blooded.”
    Damn, but he is just too gorgeous for his own good! Clare thought with a light moan. The look on his face said he was teasing. If the circumstances were different—like he hadn’t seen her masturbate in the shower—she might actually think he was charming. He seemed nice, if a little on the dominant side. Clare didn’t mind a strong man who knew when to take control, but too much was too much. Seeing the look on his face, she couldn’t help but chuckle. Was the man ever serious?
    A flash exploded around her and Clare blinked, automatically turning her face away from the photographers. Kira stopped her by grabbing her arm, posing for her personal paparazzi until the very last flash.
    “I love this,” Kira said. “It’s like we’re movie stars. I’m so buying all of those.”
    “At twenty dollars each? I think not,” Clare answered, annoyed by the little spots dancing in her vision.
    “You are so cheap sometimes,” Kira said, completely unconcerned. She waved like a Hollywood starlet into the distance. Clare followed the gesture. There was no one on the receiving end of it. “I’ll add it to my room charges. I can afford it.”
    A waiter came up to them