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'That won't stop it,' he murmured huskily as his mouth abandoned hers and journeyed around her jaw to her ear, nipping at her lobe before his tongue tormented the hollow beneath. 'Let me help, Gina. I can make you feel so good.'

He wrapped her braid around one wrist, tilting her head to give his seductive mouth better access to her throat as he literally swept her off her feet. As she clung to him for support his other hand glided down her body, lingering to trace teasing circles around her navel before moving on and easing between her thighs. Shamelessly, they parted to give him better access, and she moaned as he cupped her. For a second she tensed, realising where they were.

'Seb...'

Molten caramel eyes looked into hers. 'No one can see,
tesoro.
This is just us.' Bold, clever fingers dipped beneath the waistband of her bikini briefs, creating magic as they explored and caressed.

'Oh, God,' she moaned.

Her breath coming in ragged gasps, she gave herself up to the impossible pleasure of his devastating touch. She had forgotten what this was like.. .except nothing had been this incredible, nothing had prepared her for the glory of Seb.

When he eased two fingers inside her, unerringly finding the sweetest spot imaginable, he began a rhythmic stroking that threatened to slay her in an instant. Combining that with the teasing, circling rub of his thumb on and around her most sensitive place, Seb sent her straight to paradise. Gina buried her face in his neck, her hands tightening on supple skin and solid muscle, allowing him and the water to support her as she surrendered totally to him and lost herself in exquisite, torturous bliss. Uninhibited, she soared to her release.

Seb drew her head back, watching her face, fiery passion in his eyes. He held her trembling body tightly against him, gentle strokes of his hands slowly easing her down from the incredible pinnacle she had ascended.

Shaking and shaken, she wrapped herself around him. 'It's been so long.' She scarcely realised she had whispered the words aloud as she regained her breath, her heartbeat slowing to its normal rhythm.

She had never felt this amazing, but her release had in no way dimmed her urgent desire for more of Seb. If anything, despite the delicious glow and wonderful languor, her body felt primed and ready. Wanting Seb to feel as good as she did, Gina pulled back a fraction, uncurling her legs from around him. Standing, she saw his surprise and momentary uncertainty as her own hands caressed down his sumptuous body and freed his erection from the confines of his shorts. She loved the feel of him, velvety soft over the hardness, and a moan of excitement escaped as she imagined what it would feel like to make love with him.

'Gina—'

'Please,' she whispered, silencing his warning.

Allowing Gina the same liberties she had granted him, Seb gave himself to the moment. He had never meant things to go this far, but he hadn't been able to stop himself from touching her. She was so incredibly responsive. Watching and feeling her come apart for him had been beautiful. The way she'd reacted so spontaneously to his caresses had excited him, and sparked his imagination about all the different ways to please her. Knowing it had been some time since she had acknowledged the needs of her body and that, like him, she had been on the point of exploding with frustration, he had hoped to take the edge off without spoiling her hunger for later. Now she had turned the tables on him. He should have known. Everything about Gina had been unexpected from the moment he had met her.

His thoughts hazed as his body reacted to her touch. He had never felt this good.
Madre del Dio!
He had no control around this woman. He was already breathless, shaking, tensing, his heart racing, every part of him rushing past the point of no return. She pressed her mouth to his chest, her lips, teeth and tongue caressing his skin, exploring, driving him insane. But not nearly as insane as her hands. Or her throaty murmurs of encouragement as she took him rapidly over the edge, blurring his vision, destroying his reason, making him groan aloud as he was spun into an intense vortex of pleasure.

Afterwards, he hugged her close, and they rolled into the water, soothing overheated skin and trembling bodies. He'd never known anyone like Gina. She was so unselfish, so giving, so sensual. He couldn't wait to know her fully. Never before had he experienced the explosive passion and intensity of need he did with her. But it wasn't just physical lust. There was an over-arching warmth, a deep connection and affection—and a level of trust he had not shared with anyone else. He had only known her a short time, but already she had changed him. He felt a better person when he was with her—happier, more settled, grounded. He couldn't begin to think what life would be like when she left—wouldn't think about it. They had to make the most of every moment.

'I can't wait to make love with you.' He felt a quiver ripple through her at his words. 'I want to explore and devour every inch of you.'

'Seb...'

'I want you, I need you—but only if it's what you want, too,' he told her, his voice low and raw with need, breathing in the scent of vanilla and sea on her damp skin. 'Will you come to me tonight, Gina?'

'Yes.'

The word was torn from her. All too soon it would be time for her to return to the real world, to put the sensual side of her back into hibernation. Whatever the future held after she left this island in a few days' time, she couldn't say no to the magic she and Seb made together. It felt right. He had re-awoken the woman within her, and she craved affection, fulfilment, closeness. She needed this. Most of all she needed Seb...the man who had set her free, who had captured her imagination and, she very much feared, her heart.

They finally made their way off the beach and back up the cliff to the villa. Her grandmother was resting on the terrace, looking both amused and bemused as Evelina chattered at full speed. Gina went to her room to have a bath and get dressed. Every part of her tingled with excitement and anticipation. She wondered how she was going to bear waiting the hours until she could be with Seb.

It proved as difficult as she had imagined. For both of them. Every look, every casual touch ratcheted up the tension and the expectancy until Gina thought she was going to burst out of her skin.

Evelina went home, leaving them to enjoy the meal she had prepared, after which the evening ticked by, each minute passing with agonising slowness. Seb was wonderful with her grandmother, listening to her fondest memories of Elba and meeting Matthew McNaught, and then playing a game of chess with her.

Her heart soared as she watched them together. Seb treated her grandmother with respect, gently teasing her, and under his attention the older lady blossomed, her cheeks pink, laughing with delight for the first time since being widowed. Tears stung Gina's eyes. Seb had given them so much in such a short time. He had given her grandmother hope, his time and his care.

For herself, his gentle touches and small kindnesses, combined with his passionate nature, had made her feel special. She had wondered in the beginning if she could indulge in a holiday fling, but this was so much more. It was no longer about attraction and desire. Her heart was involved. She cared about Seb, felt connected to him in an elemental way, and it was going to be impossible to walk away in a few days' time. But she had never felt anything this incredible before, and she had to live the fantasy while she was here in case she never experienced anything like it again.

'Well, I think it is time I went to bed,' her grandmother announced, and Gina almost jumped out of her chair.

Blushing at the knowing laughter in Seb's eyes, she managed to rise with more decorum, waiting while her grandmother said goodnight to their host. 'I'll come and see you settled, Nonna.'

First she stopped in her own room, wondering what to change into before going to Seb. Just thinking about tonight sent a tremor of excited awareness down her spine. She had nothing to wear, she fretted. The oversized Winnie the Pooh sleep T-shirt Holly had given her for her birthday was hardly alluring! She stifled a giggle, nerves fluttering inside her. The only item of clothing vaguely sexy was the lacy black slip she had worn under her red dress the other night. It would have to do.

Pulling it on, she fastened her robe over the top, then padded barefoot down the corridor to her grandmother's room, finding her already in bed and propped up on the pillows.

'Is there anything I can get for you, Nonna?' she asked, ensuring she was comfortable and had fresh water nearby.

'No, thank you, Gina.' One papery hand cupped her cheek. 'It is good to be here and not in hospital. I am comfortably settled and I feel very well cared for.'

'There's a buzzer beside you if you need to call me for anything in the night.'

Smiling, the older woman tutted. 'You must not worry about me.'

'I can't help it.' Gina gave her a hug and kissed her cheek. 'I love you.'

'I love you, too, my precious girl. You are the most selfless person I have ever known. You give so much of yourself. Now it is your time. It is wonderful to see you so happy—I think Seb is responsible for that, no?' she added, hazel eyes twinkling.

'Yes,' Gina admitted, smiling back.

'Reach for what you want,
ragazza mia.'

Gina fought back the emotional sting of tears. 'Sleep well, Nonna.'

'I am sure I will.'

For a few moments she sat in the armchair beside the bed, but her grandmother swiftly dozed off, and Gina rose to her feet, content to leave her. Anticipation made her heart race and her legs tremble. She tiptoed from the room and closed the door before turning to walk back down the corridor, and then...

She froze when she saw Seb ahead of her, leaning against the doorway at the end of the guest wing. A towel around his waist was his only covering, and her throat closed as she looked at him—perfect, masculine, breathtakingly gorgeous. Hesitant footsteps carried her closer. Her gaze locked with his, the sultry expression in his eyes making the flames of desire burn ever hotter inside her. He held out his hand, waiting for her. Knowing there was no other decision she was going to make, she placed her hand in his, seeing his sexy smile, the quiet flash of relief as he straightened, then drew her with him out of the guest wing to his own room in the main villa and closed the door.

'You haven't changed your mind, Gina?'

'No.' As if she could. She wanted him more desperately than her next breath. 'You?'

'Never.'

The smile, the promise in his eyes, the certainty of his desire for her, nearly stopped her heart. 'Seb...'

His hands, warm and gentle, cupped her face. 'Nervous?' he asked, surprising her with his understanding.

'A little,' she admitted truthfully. She glanced back towards the door. True, she had her grandmother's blessing, but she still felt a bit awkward. 'I—'

'Do not feel inhibited or embarrassed.' Seb tilted her gaze to his. 'I promise you that Maria will hear nothing.'

She felt reassured—then stupidly wondered how he knew that, if he did this often.

'No.'

'Sorry?' She frowned at him in puzzlement. 'No, what?'

'You were wondering if this is a regular thing for me.'

How did he read her mind like that? 'Seb...'

'The truth is that I have never brought a woman here before. Only you, Gina.'

For a moment she was speechless with surprise, but, looking into his eyes, she believed him. It gave her confidence and courage. 'You know it's been a while for me. I want to be enough for you.'

'Tesoro
, you are so much more than anyone I have ever known,' he said with a simple sincerity that took her breath away.

He stood behind her and gently unfastened her braid, his fingers combing through the freed waves of her hair with a sensual touch that had her sighing and leaning into him. When he turned her round again she bit her lip as he released the tie holding her robe closed, then she heard his indrawn hiss of breath as he eased it off and his gaze swept over the silky black lace that covered her lush curves.

'You're beautiful, Gina,' he told her hoarsely, drawing her with him as he backed up towards the bed.

She quivered with sensation as his fingertips grazed her thighs and he slowly, slowly drew the slip up her body and. over her head before tossing it away, his eyes dark, his breathing uneven as he looked at her, exposed and vulnerable. Her own fingers fumbled with his towel. Releasing it, she let it drop to the floor, running her hands over him, revelling in the texture of his supple skin and the ripple of toned muscle beneath. Her gaze strayed to his impressive arousal, tension coiling inside her. Soon she would know him fully.

Seb's hands explored her with equal thoroughness, driving her insane with wanting. She needed more...so much more. Craved everything. Impatient, she gave him a push, tumbling with him as he fell to the bed, any thought of waiting and teasing gone in the growing urgency of their mutual passion. Despite their sensual play in the sea that afternoon, the days of longing had led them here, and the desperation remained acute. She wriggled on top of him, even more aroused at the rub of her bare skin on his, heat coursing through her at the skilful caress of his hands, their mouths meeting in hungry desire.

Taking advantage of her position, she set off on a journey of exploration, hands and mouth paying homage to his magnificent body. She laved the bronze orbs of his nipples with her tongue before kissing down to his navel, allowing the fall of her hair to caress him. He shifted restlessly beneath her, his muscles tautening, the ardent press of his arousal exciting her.

'Not this time, Gina.' His voice was low and raw as he caught her arms and pulled her back up, giving her a short but very sexy kiss. 'I'm too close to the edge. I need you so badly.'

'Me, too.'

She gave him room to reach for the drawer in the bedside chest, watching as he took out the bag he had brought from the pharmacy that morning. He tipped it up, catching one of the boxes and impatiently tossing the other aside. Filled with unbearable urgency, she took the box from him, wrestling with the outer wrapper, tremors running through her as his hands stroked her heated, sensitised body. Finally she managed to extract a foil packet. Opening it, she evaded him and skimmed down to roll it on, her fingers lingering to caress him.