The Golden Chalice by Sienna Mynx

neck.
    “Michelle Dixon, you’re so damn addictive,” he breathed through kisses along her neck. He stopped and pressed a tender kiss to the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat. Her fragrance mixed with the sea made his knees weak. And he could feel her struggle with her pride, her anger, and her unwillingness to bend even a little. It only made his obsession deepen and his desire to posses her even stronger. “I love you.”
    “I love you, too, Lee.” Michelle spoke at last, her voice beguilingly hoarse.
    He turned her so she faced him, moved her hair from her face, and tilted her chin with the push of his thumb. With a charge of satisfaction, he saw his own fire reflected in her shadow-darkened eyes. Yes, it was a gamble to put his heart in it. He knew the risk. But his life was always about risk. Why not take this one?
     
     
    Lee’s lips recaptured hers in a demanding kiss. She nearly felt crushed against him he held her so tightly. The kiss became slow and thoughtful, with such uncompromising passion her head spun and her feet felt light. His roving tongue continued to please her, and she moaned her submission. How could one love and loathe a man with both halves of the same heart? She held to his shoulders, seeking to deepen their kiss. He eased to her neck; she angled her head and softened. She smothered his lips, demanding, refusing him any release. She told herself she could release a little, give in just a little, and still do what must be done in the end. She lied to herself, and it felt so good.
    The passion between them came to a natural end. With the sun in her eyes, she looked up into his and smiled.
    “I wish we were different, Lee.”
    “Me, too.” He nodded and kissed her nose. “Can you put on the ring for me? Even if you can’t say yes to my proposal. Wear the ring. Let me make love to you with it on your hand.”
    “Why?” she asked in earnest.
    “I need the fantasy.”
    Lee let go of her and air filled her lungs. She felt tender around her middle from how hard he’d clung to her. His strong, calloused hand slipped into hers and he carefully led her inside. Michelle didn’t object. Lee returned to the coffee table and plucked the ring out of its velvet cushion. He cast her a hopeful glance. Michelle held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. “Go ahead, baby. I’ll give you the fantasy.”
    The ring slid on her finger with ease. The large stone sent a burst of sparkling rays over her hand. Lee smiled, admiring the fit.
    “Don’t ever take it off.” His gaze lifted to hers, and she saw how intensely he believed in the words he was saying. “Never.”
    “It’s beautiful, Lee. Thank you.”
    He kissed her hand, happy with her response. He led her through the boat, down another set of stairs to a private cabin below. Michelle immediately returned to his embrace. She could feel his uneven breathing. Through his chest his heart raced, betraying his outward sense of calm. She touched the side of his face and realized how nervous and needy he was of her reassurance. She kissed his lips softly and managed to smile without force. Lee gripped both sides of her face with his large hands as he walked them toward the bed. His marauding tongue thrust in and out as it stroked and loved hers. The backs of her legs connected with the cool satin of the sheets. Lee reached for the silk belt that tied her dress together and tugged until it loosened. The fabric fell open.
    A quiver of excitement rippled through her once his fingers sought her breasts. Michelle’s gaze lowered, as did Lee’s. They stood face to face, panting, while he massaged her with his hands. Her nipples strained against the lace of her bra, and she released a sigh of pleasure when he undid the front clasp. Lee’s hand, flat to her back, brought her to him and she rose on her toes. He lowered his head and drew a nipple between his lips, onto his warm moist tongue. The mere stroke sent a current of pleasure through