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Staking Her Claim - COMPLETED!	By : pensfan100 Category: Casts RPF > Star Wars (all) > Star Wars (all) Views: 8993 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people I am writing about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Title: Staking Her Claim
Author: pensfan100
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Natalie takes drastic measures to claim what’s hers.
Disclaimer: No money involved here. Just plain old daydreaming!

Part Four

The hammering inside Hayden’s temples spiked when Skylin threw him another fuming look as once again he lost the thread of the conversation. All the rules of etiquette could be thrown at him in one monstrous volume and he would’ve agreed as it crashed into his skull that he deserved it. As a matter of fact, he mused, twirling his water glass, it might have knocked him out relieving him of the wretched pounding in his head. If someone would get him a bottle of pain relievers he’d down the whole bottle in one swallow!

But until he left the restaurant, that was not happening. Even his brother had managed to deftly sidestep dinner to leave him face Skylin alone, not believing his plea of a bad headache. Well, he shrugged inwardly, he knew he had to face her sooner or later. She was definitely not going to go away.

Blue eyes focused to study the petulant, sulky mouth that pinched tight at the corners. Narrowed eyes stabbed at him, screaming their displeasure at his inattentiveness. Why didn’t anyone believe him? His head was killing him! Out of nowhere he wondered if that was how she’d look when she got old, all thin lipped, as if she sucked on lemons all the time. And would her eyes end up beady from all that angry squinting? Now, I know I’m not well, he consoled himself. How could anyone that looked like her end up looking like that? Tilting his head, his eyes lowered, continuing their clinical study. Those fantastic breasts. Were they real? If so, they’d be all droopy someday. Would plastic surgery be in her future, giving her that ‘I’ve just seen a monster’ look?

Whoa, he continued to himself, any more pain and I’ll have to be carried out of here…I wonder where Natalie is right now?

“You’re doing it again!”

Hayden cringed and jerked himself back to Skylin, meeting the angry, accusing glare.

“Sorry.”

Skylin sighed heavily, shifting in her seat and leaning forward to allow Hayden ample view of her cleavage. Typical male, his eyes flickered, but he found himself comparing them to Natalie’s slight frame. Funny how he always felt protective around her, even when she was spitting like a tiger cub at some grandiose political scheme or injustice in the world.

“Well,” Skylin smiled knowingly, “at least we know you’re not completely comatose.”

Hayden bit his tongue, but still blurted, “I was just trying to decide if they’re real or not.”

Skylin’s ruby red mouth dropped open at his bluntness. Hayden blinked at her, the pain tightening across his forehead as a sly smile stretched her full lips.

“Why don’t we go back to the hotel and find out?” She purred, running a bare foot up his ankle.

“My head hurts too damn much,” Hayden complained, rubbing his temples. “I can barely focus on you clearly as it is. And I’m so tired I can barely move. All this flying about is going to kill me.” Let alone more important things wearing me out!

“Poor baby,” Skylin crooned, scooting her chair closer, her talon tipped fingers slicing through his already tousled hair. “Let’s go back and I’ll give you a massage that will loosen you up. You’re working too hard! All work and no play, Hayden. Let’s go play. I’ll get rid of all that tension. I can guarantee that. When I’m through with you you’ll sleep like a baby.”

Hayden gingerly shook his head. “No. You don’t understand. I am really hurting. Tove didn’t believe me. You don’t believe me. What does it take to get someone to understand? Does my head need to blow up? I’ll just go back, take some Tylenol and go to bed.”

“Bed!” Skylin exclaimed, jerking back in her seat, offended. “It’s only 8 o’clock!”

What had he been thinking when he invited her to the Caribbean? Obviously, not with his brain, he chastised himself. This was all his fault and Skylin deserved better than this. She liked to party. He knew that. Hell, that’s what he liked about her! Biting the inside of his cheek, he weighed his options, none of them good. He’d treated her badly and he had to put a stop to it, headache or no headache.

“Skylin…look…I think it was a mistake to invite you down here.”

Skylin’s mouth popped open for the second time, her arms crossing themselves in defense. A sullen glare flashed in her eyes as she tried to read between the lines.

“I wouldn’t have come if you hadn’t practically begged me to!” She hissed, her eyes darting around the room for eavesdroppers.

“I know. And I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was going to end up all over the place. You’ve had to entertain yourself and I feel awful about it. Plus, I’m beat! It’s worn me out and all I want to do is get rid of this headache and go to sleep. I should have never asked you to visit. This is totally my fault, not yours.” Stifling a groan, he rubbed his forehead.

“You really do have a headache, don’t you?” Skylin’s brows lowered as she leaned closer again and looked at his vacant eyes. “Hayden, you’re right. You’re worn out. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends and you’re in no mood to be out. I should have realized. What you need is a full night’s sleep.”

“No…I…what I meant was…” Hayden stammered as she ignored his attempt to break with her.

“Are you finished eating? Of course you are, you barely touched it.” Skylin gestured to his plate. “Let’s go back to the hotel and get you something for that headache and put you to bed.”

Hayden frowned. Did she have to say it so loudly? People were beginning to stare and a flash from a camera sent a knifeblade of pain through his head. The paparazzi? He found he couldn’t dredge up the will to care as the pain finally overrode his thought processes. The stress of the deception coupled with the rigors of chasing Natalie was finally punishing him. Even as he tried to tell Skylin things would not work out, he had no energy to fight her delaying tactics.

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow,” she soothed, stroking his arm with one hand and brushing at his hair with the other. “We’ll lie on the beach, soak up the sun, and by tomorrow night you’ll be ready for some real fun.”

Hayden opened his mouth to reply, but before any sound emerged it was covered by Skylin’s mouth, her tongue dipping teasingly to touch his. As he attempted to free himself, her hand clamped around his cheek to hold him still and prolong the kiss.

A sudden burst of anger spurted through him and he pulled her hand away and twisted free. Innocent, questioning eyes gazed back at him, but she couldn’t hide the smug curve of her lips.

“I am not part of your publicity campaign,” he scowled at her as another wave of pain eddied through his head, “so you can cut it out.”

“What do you mean?” Skylin gasped, blinking at him, bewildered.

“You know exactly what I mean,” Hayden rose from his seat as another shutter whirred in the distance. “Get up, we’re leaving.”

“Of course,” she demurred, curving a possessive arm through his, steadying herself on her high heeled sandals.

“I meant what I said,” Hayden lowered his voice, loathe to create a scene. “This isn’t going to work. I’m sorry.”

And with that, he disengaged himself from her and held open the restaurant door so she could walk ahead of him, the promise of a dreamless night’s sleep keeping one foot moving in front of the other. He had to deal with tomorrow and he wanted to be ready so the right person didn’t slip through his fingers. Ahead of him, Skylin began making plans of her own for the next day.

*****

The hotel alarm clock buzzed the early arrival of a new day and Natalie opened sleepy eyes stretching catlike under the covers. Sneaking into the hotel without Hayden seeing her had been easier than she’d anticipated. By eleven o’clock she had been sound asleep in bed, her body succumbing to the demands she’d put on it recently. She hadn’t woken at all during the night, and her body hummed with new energy. Jumping out of bed, she ran to the curtains and pulled them back, welcoming the new day with a smile. Turning to her suitcase, she rummaged out her swimsuit and cover up and skipped into the bathroom to get ready for the day. First, breakfast, and then, on with the game. Just how long would it take him to find her?

By ten o’clock she was on the beach, spreading out her beach towel and dropping onto it, flinging her arms out to feel the heat of the sun’s rays. She had planned on lying on the beach for a while, but the energy in her body refused to settle down. Sitting up, she scanned the shoreline, studying the small throng of early risers already decked out for a day at the beach. Now, all she had to do was wait for… There he was, striding towards the other end of the beach, Justas she had anticipated! Time to go and play for a while, she grinned.

Natalie stood up and scurried across the sand, dragging her feet in the sand to force herself to slow down. He stopped to spread a towel onto the sand and quickly, she detoured around him and to the one side of the beach where the windsurfing boards were already set out for the day. Grinning to herself, she walked up to the water’s edge and studied the boards.

“You want to windsurf today?” A pleasant fellow smiled at her as he dusted the sand off his hands. “You’re pretty tiny. Think you can do this?”

“Well, I’ve never done it before,” Natalie admitted sheepishly, “but I plan to learn how to do it today.”

The young man laughed and nodded his curly head. “Good thing you came early. Without a lot of people to take care of yet, I can get you started. It’s not as easy as it looks and you’re probably going to be sore later if you overdo things.”

“That’s ok,” Natalie grinned, her ponytail bobbing, “I’ve been a little sore lately from overdoing things. One more won’t matter.”

An hour later, Natalie was still being taught, but more people, mainly guys, began showing up in larger numbers to rent boards for the day. As Trey, now on a first name basis with his student, turned around at the sound of someone calling him from shore, Natalie lost her balance and fell backwards into the water. Quickly, he fished her to the surface and apologized to her sputtering face. Natalie laughed and waved him away, assuring him she was fine. Still, he towed her and the board closer to shore, admonishing her to not try it on her own just yet.

From the shore, a man shaded his eyes and looked disbelievingly at her sitting on the board.

“Natalie?”

At the sound of the familiar voice, her head jerked up, a wide, supposedly surprised smile lighting her face.

“Tove!”

Tove waded out to her and gave her a quick hug. “What are you doing here?”

“Learning to windsurf,” she wrinkled her nose. “Well, I’m trying to, but Trey’s coworker had to leave. His father had to be taken to the emergency room. Until a replacement arrives, Trey is on his own and he has to keep leaving me to take care of others. So, my lessons are going a little slower than I’d like.” Innocence personified, she looked up at him. “Are you windsurfing, too?”

“Yes,” Tove laughed, spreading his hands in appeal. “I’m guilty. I got hooked on it my first day and I haven’t let up since!”

“Lucky you!”

“Would you like some help?” Tove offered, motioning to the board. “I know enough now to help you get the hang of it.”

“Would you?” Natalie’s brown eyes widened thankfully. “That would be great! Plus, it’s got to be better than doing this alone!”

Tove glanced around the beach for any signs of friends. “Are you here alone?”

“Yes. I needed the rest and relaxation,” she explained, meeting his skeptical gaze with innocent brown eyes. “I wanted to be alone.”

“Right,” Tove drawled, not at all convinced. “I’ll just pretend I have no clue what’s really going on, how’s that?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but that’s fine with me,” Natalie bestowed a guileless smile on him.

Tove shook his head and turned towards Trey. “Trey!” He called. “I’ll take care of Natalie. She’s a friend of mine.”

“Ok,” Trey nodded and shouted back. “Good luck, Natalie!”

“Thanks!”

****

Hayden stepped onto the hot sand, lifting a hand as he scanned the crowd for any sign of Natalie. She had to be around somewhere! She certainly wasn’t in the hotel. He’d tried looking for her but Skylin kept such a close eye on him he couldn’t get away from her long enough to completely scour the hotel. Skylin tried to link her arm through his but he drew away.

“We’re supposed to be having fun,” she pouted prettily at him.

Hayden sighed. There wasn’t a whole lot he could do about finding Natalie if he had no clue where to look. He cast Skylin a glance.

“I meant what I said last night, Skylin,” Hayden reiterated. “This hasn’t worked out.”

“I know, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy the beach,” Skylin’s mouth drooped as she adjusted her tiny thong bikini, the bottoms being tugged lower instead of higher. Hayden noticed the no tan line. “Come on. Let’s find a spot.”

Blowing a gust of air from his lungs, Hayden began to pick his way across the sand, searching for a spot to lay his towel. The sun dancing off the ocean dazzled his eyes and he slipped his sunglasses onto his nose to cut the glare. The brilliant blue of the Toronto Maple Leaf’s logo caught his eye.

“There’s Tove’s towel!” He pointed it out to Skylin. “Let’s go over there.”

“Do we have to?” Skylin pursed her lips together. “All he’s done the whole time is windsurf.” She should know! She tried putting moves on him, but he was so busy windsurfing she barely got the chance. It hadn’t taken long for her to abandon that route.

Spreading out their towels, they sat down, Skylin fishing in her tote bag for sunscreen.

“Hayden, would you please put some of this on my back?” She asked, turning her back to him. “I don’t want to burn.”

“I thought you were trying to get a tan.” She wiggled the bottle at him and he took it rather than argue. Hayden squirted a good dose of cream into his hand and began rubbing it over her shoulders and back, his attention already on the others on the beach, his eyes searching for any sign of Natalie. What was she going to think if he saw her with Skylin? How was he going to explain about her? This was so not good! Either way, it was going to be sticky. Should he say Skylin was a friend of his AND Tove’s? That sounded innocent enough, didn’t it?

“Ow!” Skylin exclaimed, her head whipping around. “Hayden, you’re going to rub the skin on my shoulders raw!”

“Oh. Sorry. Just wanted to make sure it was rubbed in.” Behind her back, he grimaced.
“Move lower,” she instructed, bending a little from the waist to give him access to the rest of her back.

Hayden looked at the expanse of skin, barely covered by the bikini and bit his lip. He did NOT want to do this! If Natalie caught him, even though it was all innocent from his side, it wouldn’t look good. Puffing out his cheeks, he squirted more into his hand and spread it on the rest of her back as quickly as he could.

“There. You can do the rest,” he handed her the bottle, drawing his hands away as if she might bite him. He could see he hadn’t gotten the sunscreen rubbed in all the way, streaks of white cream crisscrossing her back, but as long as she couldn’t see it, she’d never know. The idea was to spread it on and get the hands away as fast as possible. Right now, Natalie could be somewhere watching him and it was beginning to creep him out.

Skylin lay down on her beach towel and curved a hand around his upper arm. “Are you sure you don’t want to do the rest of the lower area?” She asked, referring to her bare buttocks. “No? Lay back, Hayden,” she urged softly, “and enjoy the sun.”

“I don’t want to,” he answered back, his eyes scanning the water. “I’m too wide awake. I slept so well last night, that I don’t want to lay down now.”

“Oh, come on, Hayden,” Skylin’s lips tightened. “What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m going to wade along the shoreline.” Hayden plucked his sunglasses off his nose and jumped to his feet, eager to put distance between them.

“Good idea! I’ll come, too,” Skylin stood up, tugging on her top and bottom to straighten them out as if he’d done something to cause her to have to fix them.

Damn! He cursed silently. This was not working at all!

The cool water, lapped over his feet as he stood at the edge, hands on hips. With his hands occupied, Skylin couldn’t try to link her fingers through his. Just when had she gotten so forward? Had she always been like that? Of course she had, he reminded himself. Isn’t that why you gravitated towards her?

Together, they waded through the water, Skylin directing him to the end of the beach away from the windsurfers, intent on being alone with him. It hadn’t taken long to figure out that Hayden liked being around his brother. That was all fine and good, but enough was enough. She needed today to convince him he needed to stay with her. All her hard work would be for nothing if she let him slip through her fingers now. Some sun and fun on the beach, wear him out just a little, get him to come back to her room and…it shouldn’t be too hard. He was, after all, a male. She was sure she could get him to want a little more fun than what the beach offered. He didn’t mean what he’d said last night. He’d been too exhausted and ill. He had been physically all over her in the not too distant past and she’d been the one calling the shots and holding him off to drive him crazy. Maybe she’d let it go on too long. By tomorrow morning, they’d be all wrapped around each other…in her bed.

Pleased at the thought, a sinfully delighted smile danced on her lips as they headed back down the beach. She knew he would be good at sex. She’d had inklings of how good as they’d made out just two weeks’ ago. He had been so worked up, that her ‘not just yet’ act had had him panting for her to come and visit him in the Caribbean. With his hands roaming all over her, she’d barely held on, but she’d managed. Her breasts always drove males crazy and she was very proud of the lust that filled their eyes when they feasted their eyes and mouths on them. It was such a power trip, let alone a blast to the system! In the end, he’d even bought her the ticket! The wait would certainly be worth it! She’d make sure of it! The thought of wrapping herself around him and having that large, swollen shaft inside her, sent shivers through her. While having not seen it in the flesh yet, her hands had measured through his clothes and even now her mouth salivated at what she suspected was prime equipment. She could hardly wait for tonight!

Lost in his own world, Hayden kept scanning the beach for any sign of Natalie. Where could she be? Of course, in Hide and Seek, you were supposed to find the person hiding, but how hard could it be? Surely, she wouldn’t make it too hard on him, would she? Already, he missed her laugh and the way she curled so trustingly into him. He missed the biting mouth and drowsily replete look on her face after he’d brought her to…

Don’t go there! Hayden screamed at himself as he felt his body beginning to stir in appreciation of his thoughts. In defense, he trudged farther into the water and dove under, the shock to his sun warmed skin enough to curb his body’s reaction. No thinking along those lines! If Skylin saw him like that she’d think it was because of her. That would really be trouble!

Skylin waded in closer to him laughing at his sudden dive into the water. Hayden commented on how hot the sun was, then proceeded to lead her along the way they’d come, edging his way to where he knew Tove had to be. In spite of Tove warning him he’d no longer be helping his antics, Hayden had to try and get help. Desperation set in.

At this end of the beach, the windsurfers spread out in colorful array, most heading farther out and away from the swimming area. A light brown-skinned young man sat on the counter of the small rental hut watching the different groups of surfers. At Hayden’s approach he greeted him with a wide smile.

“Hello! I haven’t seen you down here lately.” Looking at Skylin Trey flashed a wide smile. “And I can see why! Do you want to windsurf?”

“Oh…no,” Skylin declined, shaking her head most emphatically. She had worked hard to achieve this look for the day and she wanted to hang onto it as long as possible before looking like a drowned cat. “We’re just watching.”

“Actually,” Hayden chimed in, “I just came to see my brother.” Skylin threw him a sullen frown but he studiously ignored her. “He’s been windsurfing every day since we got here.”

“Ah! You must mean Tove!” Trey exclaimed with a laugh. “Yes. One of my best students. Sometimes I think I’ll have to drag him out of the water! But today he is the teacher…and doing quite well at it, I might add.”

“Teacher?” Hayden’s brows rose at the news.

Just then, the sound of a squeal accompanied by a splash split the air a hundred feet out. Tove’s unmistakable laugh caught Hayden’s attention and he shaded his eyes to focus, watching Tove reach under the water and haul the squealer back to the surface. The answering laugh, though a distance away, skipped up his spine. Mouth agape, he watched as Tove hauled her onto the board and climbed up behind her as they caught their breath.

“Well, well,” Skylin drawled, a satisfied smile on her lips. “Looks like Tove has a new playmate. See? He doesn’t need you around. He’s preoccupied.” Things were looking up, she thought, mentally rubbing her hands together. With this new situation, she was sure she could lure him back to her room for an…afternoon siesta.

Just then, the two slid off the board, and began dragging it back to shore, their laughter and animated voices growing louder as they neared. Trey waded into the water to help them, calling out.

“Giving up?”

“She’s ready for a trial solo run!” Tove laughed, adding, “If she can keep from drinking the sea water, that is. I need a board of my own now.”

“I’ve been watching you,” Trey beamed at Natalie. “You’re catching on fast.”

“It’s fun!” Natalie exclaimed, her eyes dancing with spirit. “It’s like flying!”

“Yeah,” Tove droned, “flying into the water.”

Playfully, Natalie swatted at him. “I’m not that bad!”

Lost for words, Hayden could not move his mouth…or any part of his body, for that matter. Only when Trey extended a hand in his direction did Tove notice him.

“Hayden!” Tove grinned. “Did you see that?”

But Hayden had no answering grin. The minute his eyes met Tove’s, Tove saw the ugly green monster consuming Hayden in a way he’d never seen before. When it came to women, Hayden and he had never been jealous of each other, but Hayden was jealous now. Wow, was he jealous! Tove could practically feel Hayden’s hands around his throat.

“Hayden!” Natalie called out, her voice surprised and pleased.

The sound of his name from her lips distracted him and before he knew it, Natalie had waded out of the water and thrown her arms around him in a big hug. Automatically, he hugged her back, but only for a moment as she stepped back right away and grinned up at him.

“How are you!? Tove told me you were here. I was going to come and see you, but we got busy here. I can’t believe we’ve run into each other!”

It took a moment for Hayden to register that she acted as if they hadn’t seen each other in a while. Oh, she was good!

“You look great!” Hayden worked a smile onto his face, his eyes drinking in her soggy appearance as if she had stepped from the pages of a glossy magazine.

“Oh. Sure,” she rolled her eyes at him. “I know what I look like, Hayden, so you don’t have to pretend. I don’t care. I’m having fun.”

The clearing of a throat next to him startled him and he jumped a little, turning to see Skylin watching Natalie through narrow antagonistic eyes. The smile plastered on her face was not reaching those eyes. In fact, there was almost an unusual look of fear mixed with aggression in their depths.

“Oh. Excuse me. Natalie this is Skylin Martin. Skylin, Natalie Portman.” Hayden did the introductions by rote, holding his breath for the reactions.

“Hi,” Natalie greeted, her tone cheerful friendliness. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too,” Skylin answered pleasantly, slipping a hand around Hayden’s arm.

Natalie didn’t bat an eye, but turned to see if Tove had his board.

“Are you ready?” Tove called out.

“Coming!” She answered, swinging back to Hayden. “It’s so good to see you! There’s so much to catch up on! Hey, let’s all have dinner together tonight. I’m here on my own, so having company will be a nice change.”

“Sure,” Hayden agreed, wincing as nails dug into his skin.

“But, Hayden, honey,” Skylin murmured as if he was forgetting something, “we’re supposed to be having dinner together…alone.”

Natalie watched Hayden’s face redden.

“What time?” Hayden asked Natalie.

“How about at 8 in the hotel restaurant?”

“That sounds great to me,” he agreed, working his way free of Skylin’s clinging hand. “It’s great to see you, Nat.” Wrapping his arms around her, he enveloped her in a hug again, glaring at Tove over her shoulder, who innocently shrugged back. As he pulled away, he grazed his lips along her cheek.

“Olly olly oxen free,” she whispered mischievously to him. “Nice to meet you, Skylin.” And with that, she ran back into the water where Trey and Tove waited for her.

Tove and Natalie set out again on their boards, the sounds of their laughter dancing over the water as Natalie wavered back and forth on her board, flirting with tipping over, but never quite getting there. Trey chuckled as he watched her sail away.

“She’s getting the hang of it,” he said, turning to Hayden. “Your brother’s been working with her for three hours and she just doesn’t give up. What a girl!”

I bet he has, Hayden growled silently, staring daggers at his brother’s figure as it grew smaller and smaller. Only the tug on his arm dragged his attention away.

“I’m bored,” Skylin whined, taking his hand and placing it on her hip. “And I’m hot. Let’s go back to my room and…cool off.”

The nausea in Hayden’s stomach rolled menacingly at her words. A few weeks’ ago he would’ve been drooling after her like a dog after a bitch in heat. But now the brown-eyed witch sailing clumsily out to sea ensnared his heart in a net so tight he doubted he’d ever get free…not that he could imagine wanting to.

“No,” Hayden looked down at Skylin.

“No?” Skylin folded her arms over her chest. “Why not? It’s what you’ve been waiting for,” she accused, in spite of her inner voice screaming at her to shut up.

“Really?” Hayden’s eyes narrowed on her. “Is that why you’ve been putting me off?”

“No!” Skylin gasped, realizing her mistake. “Of course not! I just wanted to wait until we knew each other a little better. I’m not the kind of girl to just jump into bed with a guy!” Hayden eyed her long and hard. “Well, I’m not!”

“Well, I’d like to stay here for a bit and watch Tove and Natalie windsurf. In fact, I’d like to do it myself. I know you don’t want to do it, so you’re welcome to go sun yourself while I take a spin,” he offered, congratulating himself at disengaging from her. Now he could go out with Tove and Natalie and make sure his brother was not poaching what was his.

Skylin bit her lip, options weighed and discarded in her thoughts. Trey stood patiently and waited.

“Oh, why not?” Skylin smiled brightly and squeezed Hayden’s arm. “I think I would like to try it. I mean, Natalie seems to be doing well. If she can do it, I’m sure I can, too.”

Hayden stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. Trey lowered his head to hide his grin and picked up his clipboard, wondering if she’d be able to keep her bikini in place in the water.

“Wait. Let me get this straight,” Hayden pushed a hand through his hair, fixing her with a suspicious look. “You want to learn to windsurf? You just said you didn’t want to do it.”

“Well,” Skylin smiled and batted her eyes at him, “I’m a female and we are allowed to change our minds.”

“Uh, are you sure you can keep your suit on in the water? You’ll be doing a lot of falling off the board at first.”

“Oh, I’m sure I’ll do just fine,” she smirked at him, her expression darkening as she saw his eyes wander to where Tove and Natalie were tiny figures now. “You’ll make sure no one sees, won’t you?”

“Huh?” Hayden looked at her.

“You heard me.”

An hour later, she was finally beginning to get the hang of staying on the board, but couldn’t help but notice Hayden’s distraction. Constantly, his eyes seemed to search for his brother, and it was no guess as to who he was looking for. A knot of anger tightened her belly. The last thing she needed was HER to mess things up! Pushing her hair back she clung to the board beside him and cleared her throat to get his attention.

“Why do you keep looking out there?” She asked.

“I just can’t believe Natalie’s here,” he shrugged, an uncomfortable ball lodging in his chest. “She’s doing great on the board. Tove must be a really good teacher.”

“Well, you’re no slouch yourself,” Skylin teased, nudging him and coaxing the first real smile from him. “I’m learning quite quickly myself, thanks to you.”

“Yes, you are doing pretty good,” he admitted, “but you’re not ready to solo just yet.”

“So…do you see Natalie very often?” Skylin tilted her head, hoping she looked only mildly interested. Seeing her only made Skylin squirm inside.

“Oh, from time to time,” Hayden answered, pivoting the board for another try. “We can’t help but run into each other and we talk at times on the phone.”

“Oh, so you’re friends?”

“I’d say so. There’s something about working together with George that does that to you,” he explained, forcing himself not to look Natalie’s way again. “I’m still close with Ewan, too. It’s almost inevitable…ok, we’re set to try again. Up you go.”

For the rest of the afternoon, Hayden put Skylin through her paces, keeping her working at the board until she thought her arms would fall off. Finally, she begged him to stop and admitted she was too tired to try anymore. Hayden agreed and they towed the windsurfing board back in to Trey, Hayden doing his best to search for Tove and Natalie. He’d lost sight of them and with all the surfers in the water they were hard to find. They trudged back to their towels and gathered their things. On the way into the hotel Skylin kept after Hayden until he promised to pick her up for dinner instead of meeting in the lobby. There was no way she was going to allow him to be alone with Natalie Portman. She was too pretty and too close of a friend to Hayden. She was not to be trusted. Skylin had never had much use for other girls. From birth she seemed to have been the darling of just about every male who came into her life. And if she couldn’t be trusted around other women’s companions, why would she trust anyone else around hers?

“Thank you for taking the time to teach me, Hayden,” Skylin said as the elevator ascended. “That was fun.”

“I bet you’re tired,” Hayden agreed, smiling at what he knew she didn’t realize. Boy, are you going to be sore by morning!

“I’m going to take a nap before getting ready for dinner,” Skylin admitted, dusting some sand off her calf. “I didn’t realize it would tire me out this much. Are you sure you don’t want to come and nap with me?”

The furtive, sparkling glance from under her lashes assured him there would be no sleeping involved. A deep sigh heaved from him and he opened his mouth to reply, but the ding of the elevator announcing the arrival at her floor saved him.

“No thanks. Listen, go get your beauty sleep,” he insisted, one hand at her waist urging her out of the elevator, “and I’ll pick you up a little before 8.”

“But…”

Before she could assert any reasons, Hayden surreptitiously poked the close door button. Immediately, the doors began closing and Hayden called out, “Eight. And be on time for once!”

When the doors whooshed shut and began the ascent again, Hayden leaned against the elevator wall and wiped a hand over his face. That was close. How many times did he have to say it wasn’t going to work? He was such an ass! Guilt gnawed at his conscience, but warred with the simmering stew of jealousy bubbling in his gut. Why was Tove spending all day with Natalie? He knew, for crying out loud, that she and Hayden had…had…that they were lovers!

There. I said it. Now, I just have to reinforce it to Tove so he’ll keep his paws off of her! What the hell is he thinking? Is that why he won’t help me with Skylin? Is he trying to get Natalie for himself? Huh! Like that’s going to happen! Over my dead body!

****

Natalie shifted from one foot to another as she checked her watch again. Next to her, Tove glanced at his watch, too, and glared at the bank of elevators on the far side of the lobby. Fifteen minutes past eight and no sight of Hayden and Skylin. Swallowing his disgust, Tove turned to Natalie with an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry they’re late,” Tove said. “I can promise you it’s not Hayden’s fault. He would have been here a half hour early!”

“Why?”

“Why? You don’t know?” Tove stammered, then remembered that the innocent, inquiring appeal in those tantalizing brown eyes was just an act. “He’s a person who prefers to be early than show up one minute late. Didn’t you know?”

“Hmm?” Natalie turned her eyes from the elevators. “No, I never noticed.”

Tove chuckled shaking his head. “Well, all I know is that he’s not the culprit here. Skylin is pulling this on purpose, is my guess.”

“Why?”

“Nat, you’re another female, that’s why,” Tove pointed out, eyes taking in her cherry red sundress tied by dainty spaghetti straps at the shoulders and the matching strappy sandals. With the sun kissed skin, she looked absolutely beautiful and even Tove found it hard not to stare at her. Tonight her eyes were a golden caramel, her lips the same red as her dress, her hair tousled to lure a man to want to touch it. In fact, he mused, if it wasn’t for Hayden…Tove cleared his throat and straightened. “Why don’t we go ahead and be seated? They’ll find us when they get here. It shouldn’t be much longer, but why should we have to wait for them? I am starving!”

Natalie laughed up at him and nodded. Tove signaled the maitre’d and soon they were seated across the restaurant at a cozy table by a window looking out over the beach, the sun drifting steadily towards the sea, a candle on the table to be lit when the last rays of the sun were swallowed into the blue depths. Relaxed, they ordered something to drink and an appetizer to tide them over and began conversing. Inside, Natalie’s stomach churned with anger at what she knew was a delaying tactic by the other woman but she refused to let it show. Her time would come and soon. As Tove told a particularly funny story about Hayden when he was little, she laughed at the picture in her mind. He must have been an adorable child, she thought. But then, Tove probably was, too. The gods were generous to the Christensen brothers, she decided as she found herself smiling at Tove.

And that was how Hayden found them. Laughing and talking, paying attention to no one but each other. At least that’s how it looked from his viewpoint. Skylin had typically not been ready on time and had pouted up at him as she ran a hand up his arm, coaxing him not to be mad that she’d overslept. Wrapped in nothing but a short towel, she had stepped back from him, the towel slipping below her breasts. With a soft squeal she grabbed for it, her fingers clumsy as she tried to drag it back up. Finally, she had shrugged and dropped it altogether allowing Hayden a close up look at what she had to offer him. What would have been a dream come true a week ago, was now a nightmare! Instead of being sexy, it felt tawdry and wrong. Hayden motioned to the bathroom, told her to hurry up and get ready and turned away, adding he’d wait for her in the hall leaving Skylin standing in her birthday suit, speechless and embarrassed, a cold finger of finality tickling her backbone.

She had to get rid of the competition and fast! It had to be Natalie it just had to! Skylin rushed through her preparations, wiggling into her short, skin tight electric blue strapless dress, fluffed her fingers through her hair, doused herself with Obsession and headed for the door, armed and ready for battle. Inside she fumed. This was exactly why she didn’t hang around with other women! Even though they were no match for her, of course, but this was different. There was something about Natalie Portman that seemed to command Hayden’s attention. A couple months ago she thought she had gotten rid of the competition when she had pulled the switched seats and dazzled herself into Hayden’s life. Thinking on her feet, she decided to try and hook Tove and Natalie up together. If Hayden saw that Natalie was interested in his brother maybe he’d graciously let them alone.

In the waning light of the day, Hayden’s eyes scanned the restaurant as they were led to their seats. While Skylin murmured her appreciation of their first class table and view, Hayden’s hungry eyes honed in on Natalie. Classically stunning as always, she was a sight to behold in red, the tiny straps tied to the tops of her shoulders causing his fingers to itch with a desire to be the one to pull one of the laces slowly, then press his lips to each shoulder while his hands grasped the elastic bodice and leisurely teased it down…

“It’s about time,” Tove grumbled, politeness forcing him to stand up as the waiter seated Skylin. “Where have you been?”

Hayden scowled at Tove, catching Natalie’s teasing smile out of the corner of his eye. Quickly, he sat down before he embarrassed himself. Leaning over, he brushed his lips against her cheek in greeting, ignoring his brother, breathing in her fresh, clean scent before he sat back and gave Tove a measured glare.

“It’s my fault,” Skylin apologized ruefully. “I overslept and felt a little sore from today’s…exertions.” Sliding Hayden a secretive glance from under her lashes she reached out and touched his arm as if there was some hidden meaning that only the two of them knew.

Hayden swallowed and met Natalie’s steady gaze. Everything in him wanted to shout, you know it’s not true! Don’t fall for it! But, unless he wanted to make a scene right there in the restaurant in front of all the patrons, he had to simmer in silence and hope that Natalie knew he’d been able to think of no one but her.

“I knew you’d start to feel sore,” Hayden reached for his water glass. “You did an awful lot of windsurfing today for a beginner. Wait until you try to get up tomorrow morning.”

Before Skylin could get another word out, Natalie bit her lip and looked at Tove.

“Am I going to be that sore, too?” She asked, raising eyebrows expectantly. “I’ve had an awful lot of exercise lately, so could it have helped?”

The water sliding down Hayden’s throat shot up his nose as he choked on it. Swiping his napkin he put it to his mouth and coughed, his eyes watering. A proprietary hand patted his back, the scent of Obsession clogging his nostrils.

“Honey, are you all right?” Skylin crooned, throwing Natalie a catty smile.

Tove laughed then answered Natalie. “I don’t think it will be too bad. If you’ve been exercising fairly regularly you should be ok. You might find some unused muscles a little sore, though.”

“Oh, I don’t think I have any muscles I haven’t used,” Natalie tilted her head in thought, running through a mental list. “No, I’m quite sure I’m pretty fit. Hayden…did it go down the wrong pipe?”

Hayden dragged the napkin away from his mouth and seared her with a warning look. “Yes, but I’m fine now. So…what kind of exercise have you been doing?”

For a beat, Natalie stumbled as he gave an innocent cock of his head, but recovered quickly. “Oh, running for one. Short distances. Like wind sprints. And swimming. Aerobics. Climbing. There’s a lot to do on the islands.” Sweetly, she smiled at him and picked up her fruit juice to savor a long sip, the tart, sweet flavor quenching her throat. “My thighs were a little sore at first, but they’ve handled the strain quite nicely.”

It was all Hayden could do to keep his mouth from gaping. The double entendres were coming at him fast and furious and he was tempted to throw his arms in the air, say ‘the hell with it’, throw her over his shoulder and whisk her away to where they could be totally alone. He’d render her speechless in seconds if given the chance. But, she just sipped at her fruit juice and turned to listen to Tove. Hayden’s eyes narrowed on his brother, trying to send him a hands off glare, but Tove didn’t notice.

By the time dinner was served, the four were engaged in chitchat, the conversation light and amusing. Natalie asked Skylin questions about herself, her attention focused on the other woman completely. Skylin relaxed, comfortable with talking about herself, but giving deference to the accomplished actress, asking for tips and suggestions. Happy to comply, Natalie drew the men into the conversation until the dessert selections had been made, then thrust the dagger between the ribs.

“So, how did you meet Hayden?” She asked, brown eyes snagging Skylin’s.

“Oh!” Skylin blinked, unprepared for the blunt question. For a moment she fidgeted with her napkin, her eyes downcast until she mentally squared her shoulders and met the gaze head on. “It was coincidence, actually. Quite a wonderful one. We were at the Frisk awards a couple months ago and were seated beside each other at the same table. We started talking, one thing led to another, and here we are!”

“Weren’t you at that event, Natalie?” Tove asked.

“As a matter of fact, I was,” Natalie nodded, smiling.

“Weren’t you with Gael?” Hayden glowered as the name passed his lips.

“Gael? Whatever gave you that idea?” Natalie questioned, eyebrows shooting upwards.

“Well, the last time I talked to you, you said Gael was coming to see you,” Hayden pointed out, eyes watching her face for any sign.

“Really? Hmm. Must have been the script he was bringing me to look over,” she answered. “I haven’t seen him since. Talked to him on the phone about the script, though. He wrote it with a friend of his and it’s quite good. Now he’s going to studios trying to drum up interest, but it will probably go independent. I went to the show alone…and that was definitely a coincidence night.”

“What do you mean?” Tove dug a piece of chocolate cake onto his fork.

“Strange as it sounds, I was supposed to sit beside Hayden that night,” Natalie lobbed the bomb into the middle of the conversation. Stunned silence greeted the information, Tove’s fork halting midway to his mouth.

“What?” Hayden leaned towards her. “How do you know that?”

“Well, believe it or not, I had arranged to sit next to you. My assistant double checked two hours before the show started and my place card was at the seat next to you where Skylin sat. I had planned to surprise you for a month.” Eyes the color of dark chocolate trapped Skylin’s mute stare. “Isn’t that weird? Somehow your card and mine got moved after the seating was all done. So, I guess it really was your lucky night.”

Skylin’s reply skittered a beat too long. “Wow. That is strange. I wonder how that happened? I had no idea! If I had known I would’ve gladly traded seats with you. You should’ve come over. I would’ve moved!”

Natalie shrugged and dug into her melon. “It’s no big deal. I knew I’d see Hayden eventually and here we are.” Popping the delicious fruit into her mouth she met Skylin’s eyes and smiled.

Eyes flaring in comprehension lifted to meet the understanding dawning in Tove’s eyes. Hayden sat still letting this new information sink in, its echo reverberating in his head. Natalie had arranged to sit next to him, had wanted to sit next to him. She had planned it and even checked on it to make sure they would be together. Why? Head slowly turning he looked at Skylin. Her raised, questioning eyebrows did nothing to defuse her guilt. He knew. He just knew that somehow she had been involved in the switching of those cards. Any other time he would have been flattered. But she had switched them on Natalie. And Natalie had wanted to be with him for some reason. After the past week, he had a good idea why. Skylin had led him on a merry chase, manipulating him, teasing him until she was ready to reel him in and he’d almost fallen for it. She would deny it but he knew in his gut what had happened had not been an innocent meeting. The knowledge tasted bitter in the back of his throat. The dark light in Natalie’s eyes softened as his eyes met hers, a thousand unspoken messages darting between them.

“I’m sorry, Nat,” Hayden cleared his throat.

“For what? It was an accident, that’s all. I knew I’d see you sooner or later.”

“Was there something in particular you wanted to see me about?”

Natalie giggled, her smile lighting her face, defusing the tense situation hovering over the table. The silence across from her stuck guiltily in her own conscience but she refused to let it daunt her.

“At the time,” Natalie teased, “I did, but I figured it could wait until I saw you again. I suppose I should have just called you, but I had to go out of the country to finish a bit of filming and only got back two weeks ago.”

“It’s unbelievable!” Hayden shook his head in wonder. “I can’t believe that happened.”

“No harm done,” she smiled sweetly at Skylin. “I managed to catch him after all.”

The double entendre was not lost on Skylin, her face hardening at the fact that she had competition. Getting out of there was going to take forever! Best to let it go and go all out after Hayden when he walked her back up to her room.

By the time the dinner was over, Skylin’s mood had soured like a rotten lemon. With both Christensen boys dancing attendance on Natalie, she found herself floundering for either to give her the time of day. Every once in a while, Hayden’s eyes met hers, but the message in them threatened retribution so she silently gathered up her plans and bided her time. When Natalie mentioned wanting to go out and see the limbo contest going on at the beach, she finally made her move.

“ I really don’t feel that well,” Skylin sighed, her hand massaging her stomach. But I bet it’s a lot of fun. You go on. I’ll just have Hayden take me back to my room.” With one sneaky glance she thought savagely, there! And what do you think of that, Ms. Portman? He’s going to my room. MINE. Not yours. MINE. I’m not going to let any skinny, overrated actress horn in on my plans!

“Oh, I’m sorry you’re not feeling well,” Natalie murmured sympathetically. Leaning forward she studied the other girl’s face. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“No, I’ll be fine,” Skylin managed a tight smile. “I just need to lie down a while. Maybe I can join you if I feel better.” Her fingers reached under the table to link with Hayden’s. “Sweetie, could you please take me back to the room?”

Across the table, Hayden’s eyes met Natalie’s the silent connection not missed by the other two. Reluctantly, Hayden stood, disentangling his hand from Skylin’s and throwing her a warning look.

“I’ll be back,” Hayden promised, eyes only on Natalie, not even acknowledging Tove.

“No problem, Hayden,” Tove dismissed, his smile cheery. Turning to Natalie, he gave her a subtle wink and added, “I’ll go with you to watch the limbo contest. Maybe we could even join. What do you think?”

She couldn’t help it. Natalie laughed, the sound open and contagious. All attention outwardly on Tove, she teased, “Oh, sure. That will be fun. I wonder how high they’ll hold the stick? If I go right after you, I’ll be able to walk right under it!” It drew the appropriate response from Tove and the two found the idea funnier and funnier as Hayden stood silently fuming.

Natalie sighed and tilted her head to take in Skylin’s height. “I wish I were tall like you, Skylin. People get too protective of me. Remember, Hayden, how in Italy you let Ewan’s wife, Eve, fall off the rock into the lake because you grabbed me instead?” Laughing, she met Skylin’s glare. “He thought we were both falling and grabbed for me when Eve was the one off balance.”

Hayden pulled a face at her then flashed an unrepentant grin. “I thought if you both fell, she would be the tougher and stronger of the two of you. Ewan wasn’t too happy with me when she got her arm all scraped up. If I’d realized you were ok, I’d have grabbed for her!”

It was too much. Tove clapped a hand over his mouth and tried to stifle his laugh, but it kept squeezing out between his fingers.

“Goodbye, Hayden,” Tove waved at him. “I’ll take care of dinner. Go take care of Skylin. I hope you feel better.”

Skylin, by now livid at the old memories being dredged up for Hayden’s benefit, could barely get a civil word out. In one last attempt she drawled, “Thank you. I’m sure Hayden will be all the medicine I need. Nice to have met you, Natalie.”

With that she spun on one high heel, tugged on Hayden’s arm and swayed all the way across the restaurant, turning male heads as she went. In spite of what she knew, Natalie experienced a sharp stab of rage at the tactics and just managed to keep herself from going after them and pulling the girl’s hair out by the roots. Simmering at the spectacle Skylin made, Natalie still got a giggle when Hayden’s hand went to Skylin’s back and practically shoved her out of the room, his back ramrod straight.

“You are so bad,” Tove propped his chin in his hand. “But I got to hand it to you, you’re one classy fighter.”

Innocent eyes flared gold in the candlelight. “I have absolutely no idea what you mean.” Tove raised a skeptical eyebrow and Natalie just smiled. “Really! Come on, let’s go check out the limbo.”

****

The hotel door slammed shut with an extra helpful shove from Hayden’s hand. The new knowledge that Natalie had tried to fix it to be with him two months earlier still burned in his gut.

“You set it up, didn’t you?” Hayden eyed Skylin’s defensive body language.

“I don’t believe this!” Skylin’s voice grated, her arms folding across her chest.

“Yes, you do,” Hayden accused, watching her every movement like a cat stalking a rat, gauging her level of resistance. A weary sigh exhaled from him as he sat down on the end of the bed. “If you think I’m going to yell at you or something, I’m not.”

Skylin sat down next to him, eyes wide. “You’re not upset?”

“Oh, I’m upset,” he clarified, clenching his hands onto his knees. “But I actually understand your tactics.”

“You do?” She breathed, leaning closer and laying a hand on his upper thigh. “I wanted to meet you, Hayden, that’s all. I didn’t know we’d start dating.”

“I don’t believe for a second you didn’t have it in mind to snag me, so don’t go there. You sought me out and it paid off. I was attracted to you just as you knew I’d be.”

“Hoped, Hayden. Hoped.”

“You intrigued me,” he continued, as if she hadn’t spoken. You’re absolutely gorgeous. I guess I couldn’t help myself. And after all, it’s not like you knew it was Natalie you were switching with. You didn’t do it deliberately.”

Out of the corner of his eye he caught the slight tensing of her body, then pinned her with knowing blue eyes.

“Hayden,” Skylin began, “I didn’t know you were close friends. I didn’t think it would matter!”

Hayden’s eyes widened, his brows climbing. “Really? You knew a lot about me but didn’t know that?”

“No! I knew you knew each other, but…”

“Why didn’t you switch with the person on the other side of me? I can’t even remember who it was because I’d never met him before!”

“I…I…”

“You deliberately switched with Natalie,” he accused, standing to tower over her. “You knew I would spend all my time talking to her.”

“You wouldn’t have paid any attention to me at all if she’d been there!” Skylin jumped up, her face twisted in anger. “Everyone knows you used to have a crush on her! If she had been there you wouldn’t have even noticed I existed, would you?” When Hayden didn’t respond she stamped her foot in frustration. “Why did you even invite me here? You were ready and willing not so long ago, panting after me like a dog! Couldn’t keep your hands off me! Now you treat me like I’ve got the Plague! It’s because of her, isn’t it?”

“I told you it wouldn’t work,” Hayden bit out. “And you’re right. It’s exactly because of her! You and me,” he pointed between them, “would never have happened if Natalie had been at the table that night.”

Skylin’s eyes filled with angry tears as she studied the impassive look stamped on his face. “Are you saying it’s over?”

“I told you that the other night!” Hayden ran a hand through his hair as he said it…again.

“I should’ve let you take me on the couch that last time,” Skylin blurted, eyes hard, voice flat and grim. “If I had we wouldn’t be having this conversation. We’d be on this bed doing what you begged me for that night! What was it you said? Oh, yes! You said you needed to be inside me, fucking me until my sexy body squeezed everything out of your cock!”

“I never said that!” Hayden’s mouth gaped.

“Close enough!”

Inwardly, he winced as he recalled his painful state of arousal from her merciless teasing. He may have used words to that extent. A body primed and ready only to be abruptly shut off could cause quite a bit of agony and a guy whose body overran his thought processes could say just about anything to get what it clamored for. In his mind, he could still hear her breathy plea to stop, see the wet trail of his tongue over her nipples, the perfect curves he’d shaped with his hands, the faux apology in her desire-soaked eyes. Now that he knew she’d been stringing him along he felt like a fool, but he still couldn’t dredge up any deep anger. After his own actions of the last week, he had no right. The need to walk that road with Natalie superceded more than physical release. Hearts were involved, where with Skylin a certain part of his anatomy had ruled. Knowing Skylin had prolonged him being with Natalie ticked him off for it was precious time wasted never to be regained. However, at the end of all this, he’d learned a lesson about himself. He had been close to going off the edge, spiraling down into a way of life that could have ruined his career, let alone his soul. Some things were always more important than others and partying shouldn’t even come close to the top! His family was what was important. His friends. Finding out what lay between Natalie and him.

“You’re right, but it doesn’t change things,” Hayden said, wishing to get to the end of this. “It was a rotten thing to do to me, though. And I’m grateful, in hindsight, you called a halt that night.”

Surprise jerked Skylin’s body, her eyes venomous. “She’ll never be able to do to you what I can! She doesn’t even have half the body I do!” A sneer curled her lips, her eyes flickering over him with disdain.

Eyes ice blue traveled over a body adolescent boys dreamed of at night. Is that how he’d acted, like an adolescent boy?

“You’re right. Physically she’ll never match your type, but in return you’ll never come close to the place I hold for her in my heart.”

“What!” Skylin exclaimed, fury flushing her face. “Don’t tell me you still have a crush on her! That’s ridiculous!”

A smile touched his lips. “I never said that. I’m saying I value her friendship. She is my friend. I like her, I admire her, and I respect her.”

The respect remark stung. “Really,” Skylin’s chin tilted at a haughty angle. “And me? What do you feel for me?”

“I lusted after you,” Hayden sighed with a rueful shrug. “No, don’t look at me like that. I’m not proud of it, Skylin, but admit it the feeling was mutual. I got caught up in the party scene you love. You’re a lot of fun and sexy as hell!” He noticed the smug smile twitch the corners of her mouth. “You’ll be happier with someone else. I used to be pretty boring in the party department. I think deep down, I’m still that person.”

“Could have fooled me,” she snorted in disbelief. “When did you change your mind?”

“When I was watching a hockey game,” Hayden smiled at the memory.

“A hockey game?”

“Mmm. The playoffs. Maple Leafs and the Flyers.”

“Who?”

“Toronto and Philadelphia,” Hayden explained patiently as if she were a child.

“Hayden,” Skylin laid her hands on his chest, “If you walk out of here you will walk out on the best piece of ass you’ll ever find. I can do things to you that would make your mother blush, but leave a permanent smile on your face for the rest of your life. Come on,” she purred as she noticed him swallow a lump in his throat. Tugging him towards the bed she continued, “Give me a chance to prove it to you.”

Slowly, she started to peel her strapless dress down, revealing her luscious breasts inch by tantalizing inch. A wave of nausea rolled around Hayden’s stomach. What would have once titillated now left him cold, especially after she brought his mom into the equation! The look on his mom’s face if she knew…she would kill him! And suddenly he felt ashamed of his recent lifestyle choices. His hands shot out, grabbed her wrists and wrenched her hands away from her dress.

“No, Skylin,” Hayden shook his head. “I’m leaving. I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”

As he headed for the door, Skylin, who had never been turned down in her life by any man, froze in sheer disbelief.

“You’ll be sorry. You want me and you know it. You do realize Natalie’s no better,” she derided. “You talk about me setting things up, she set this up! That skinny, low-down bitch deliberately came here to get you!”

In the process of swinging the hotel room door open, Hayden paused and pivoted to blast her description of Natalie’s character. The idea of Natalie coming after him sidetracked him to a new thought, one that made too much sense to not be true. A boyish grin stretched his mouth wide and he looked right into Skylin’s malevolent eyes, his last words ringing in her ears long after he’d gone.

“Oh, I certainly hope so.”
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Staking Her Claim - COMPLETED!