She was seducing him.
The last time they had sex was before he left for Luis’ funeral. Sex had been the last thing on his mind when she was sick in the hospital anyway. Since coming home and having her in his arms each night, his carnal hunger for her returned full force. But there was still something that stopped him from resuming their sexual relationship. And it had everything to do with almost losing her. He couldn’t help treating her as if she would break.
Because life was fragile.
Charly stopped at the top of the pool, shielded her eyes from the sun and stared directly at his office. Did he imagine a smile?
Did she know she had a voyeur?
His woman strutted toward the rows of loungers. There was a sway to her hips that was out of character, but served her purpose of driving him insane. When she reached the middle lounger which was right in his line of vision, she bent forward, her ass in full display.
Fuck.
By this time his erection was pressing against his track pants.
Charly made a production of spreading the towel on the lounger before getting on it. Then she picked up her sunglasses and reclined.
If Antonio was a dog, what he was doing could be described as drooling.
But his torture wasn’t over. As if an idea struck her, she sat up straight. By now, Antonio couldn’t tell where she was looking, but there was definitely a wicked slant to her lips.
She reached behind her.
Don’t do it, Don’t do it, his sanity begged.
And off came her bikini top.
Antonio clutched the wooden blinds, his face almost plastering into them. “Fuck!”
He blinked. She was sunbathing topless, her pink nipples taunting him.
Didn’t she know there were security agents roaming the area? He’d expressly forbidden them around the pool since the back of the property fronted the hillside, but the idea of her topless sent a roar of possessiveness through him.
Storming out of his office, he tore through the house. He saw one of his security guys in the living room.
“Are you the only one in here?”
“Yes.” Startled, Brandon’s brows drew together. “Problem, Mr. Andrade?”
“No,” he gritted. “Make sure everyone stays outside.” He paused. “Including you.”
“I saw Charly head down to the pool if you’re looking for her.” The man’s mouth twitched. Antonio wanted to punch him.
“I know where she is,” he said tersely, and went to the outdoor stairs. The modern home offered a canyon view that extended from downtown Los Angeles to Century City. Until they decided where they would live, this would be their temporary home. He sent Oscar and Nico back to Rio to fetch Ida. Somehow, he knew Charly wouldn’t want to manage the size of the houses he liked, and she would prefer to tinker with her bugs once she was up to it. They would have their chat soon. He couldn’t wait to talk to her about their future.
The tightness in his chest eased a bit as he inhaled the fresh air from the canyon. He did enjoy the view, but not as much as the picture of the almost-naked woman on a lounger. Such a temptress. He slowed his steps on the concrete stairs to prevent himself from pouncing on her.
His eyes charted every line of her curves. Her tits were small, perfect globes dominated by rosy nipples that teased him to take them in his mouth. Antonio took his eyes off her to look around and froze.
The security cameras.
Filho de puta.
His steps quickened. The roar of possessiveness he was feeling earlier erupted up his throat and he bellowed, “Charlotte Bennett!”
He planted his feet right in front of her lounger, blocking the view of the camera. “What the hell are you doing?”
As if unaware of the turmoil rampaging inside him, her lips curved, her shades still shielding her eyes from him. “You’re in my sun, Antonio.”
“I’m in your—” he sputtered. “I’m in front of the surveillance cameras, covering you from every male eye on this property!”
Unperturbed, Charly slowly removed her shades, and awarded him the full effect of her translucent blue eyes. “Relax. I told Brandon to turn them off.”
“And you trust him?” Antonio snapped, clenching his fists at his sides.
“You trust him with our lives. Why shouldn’t I trust him with this?” She shifted on the lounge chair so she was kneeling, and sitting on the back of her heels. “Won’t you join me?” Her eyes lowered to his erection. “I’ve missed every inch of you, Antonio.”
An animalistic growl tore from his throat and he plucked her from the chair and carried her briskly down the length of the pool. “Cover your tits.”
“I was hoping—”
“I am not fucking you on that lounger,” he growled.
“Bummer. No wild monkey sex in the outdoors anymore?”
“Is this your attempt to get a rise out of me?” he gritted as he ascended the steps.
“Depends what type of ‘get a rise’ you mean,” she retorted.
Despite his very frustrated dick, Antonio smiled down at the sexy bundle in his arms. “Ah, gatinha, I don’t know what to do with you.”
“You know exactly what to do with me,” Charly said. He started taking the steps two at a time to their bedroom.
“I believe I do,” he muttered. “I just wasn’t sure you were ready.”
“Oh don’t give me that, Antonio.” The second he crossed the threshold of their room, she wiggled out of his arms.
“Charly, what the fuck?” He set her down before he dropped her.
Antonio scowled at the crazy woman in front of him who glared at him right back.
She pointed a finger at him. “Stop treating me like crystal.”
“In case you missed the news flash,” he ground his teeth. “You almost died.”
“But I didn’t,” she yelled. “I defeated the virus in the first week. I got my strength back. I won’t even mention all those vitamin infusions you insisted I take. I started exercising. We walked three miles yesterday, and I’m fine. The doctor said no stress, but you know what’s stressing me out? You. I’ve been swimming to
