Chapter Nine
Meredith
I wriggle in my seat, hyper-aware of the small silicone device nestled between my thighs. My pulse races. Just knowing Ryan could set it vibrating at any moment gives me a thrill so intense that I might orgasm at any moment. But Ryan is in control of my pleasure, and I think he's going to draw it out all day long.
What have I gotten myself into?
Ryan is chatting with a gray-haired couple in the back row. He doesn't even glance at me. When the jet hits a pocket of turbulence, I grip the armrests hard enough that I might split the leather with my nails. The toy remains cupped intimately against me, like a lover's palm. A shiver rushes through me that has nothing to do with the plane's movement.
"You okay, Mer?" Maya asks, plopping down beside me. "You look a little flushed."
I smile tightly. "Just excited for the trip."
"Me too," Lila chimes in, taking the seat on my other side. "I can't wait to see Fiji—all of it."
As my friends chatter about our upcoming adventures in Fiji, I try to focus on their words instead of the tantalizing pressure between my legs. But it's no use. My body has become so sensitized that I can barely stand it. My nipples have become tight beads that must be visible beneath my thin dress. No one seems to notice, though.
Ryan walks past me as casual as you please, without even glancing my way.
I sneak a peek at him as he nears the front of the plane and turns sideways to speak to a pair of guests. His expression remains pleasant as he chats with the younger couple, who I've heard are newlyweds. But I swear I see a hint of a smirk playing at Ryan's lips as he throws me a sidelong glance. I suspect he relishes tormenting me this way.
Of course he does, the sexy bastard.
Zara waves a hand in front of my face. "Earth to Meredith. Where'd you go just now?"
I blink several times as I realize I had completely zoned out. "Oh, sorry. Just daydreaming about those beautiful beaches we'll see."
"Uh-huh," Maya agrees with a knowing grin. "I bet you were thinking about our hot tour guide. What was his name again? Rufus?"
"Ha-ha. As if you don't know his name." I peer into her eyes as if I'm deeply concerned. "Did you hit your head coming onto the jet? Maybe you've got an aneurysm, and that's why you can't remember names. Our tour guide is Ryan."
Lila leans over to peer down the aisle. "Look at that fine ass. I don't blame you for wanting to jump his bones, Mer."
"Stop talking about Ryan's ass. Please."
Zara wags her eyebrows. "We can still enjoy the view."
She said that just as Ryan strode past us. Whether he heard it, I don't know for sure. But he seems...quite pleased with himself.
"Oh, you've got it bad, Mer, don't you?" Maya suggests. "I've never seen you so antsy. Must be jonesing for—"
"Shush," I hiss.
My friends all smirk at me.
I roll my eyes, but inwardly, I'm panicking. Are we that obvious? Am I that obvious? What if someone figures out what's really going on? Another wave of turbulence hits and I bite back a gasp as the toy shifts a teeny bit. Ryan still hasn't turned it on, but just knowing it's there, waiting, has me balanced on a razor's edge.
But god, I love the sweet torture he's giving me.
I did come to Heirani Motu for adventure, didn't I? Well, this definitely qualifies. As anxiety and excitement war within me, I can't help but wonder what other surprises Ryan might have in store for me.
The cabin door swings open and Rene swaggers out, his gray hair tousled and his blue eyes twinkling with scampish humor. "G'day, folks! Just thought I'd pop out and let you know the good news. We don't need a pilot anymore!"
A ripple of nervous laughter spreads through the cabin.
Rene grins, clearly enjoying himself. "Yep, our good mate AI is taking care of everything. I'm thinking of catching some shut-eye or maybe skydiving. Anyone care to join me?"
Despite my predicament, I find myself grinning and laughing. There's something infectious about Rene's carefree attitude.
"All right, all right, I'm only pulling your leg," Rene chuckles. "We're on autopilot at the moment, smooth sailing ahead. Now, who's ready for a proper Fiji welcome?"
As Rene launches into a colorful description of Fiji's attractions, I wriggle in my seat, acutely aware of the toy nestled between my thighs. Every tiny movement sends a jolt through me, and I'm torn between wanting to squirm and staying perfectly still.
Rene disappears into the cockpit, shutting the door behind him.
A moment later, his voice crackles over the intercom. "Ladies and gents, if you look out your windows, you'll see a pod of humpback whales frolicking in the waves. Quite a sight, eh? I'll descend to a lower altitude so you can get the best view."
My friends practically leap over me in their excitement, pressing their faces against the glass. Lila breathes, "Oh my god, Mer, you have to see this."
I hesitate, not trusting myself to move. "I'm good here, thanks."
No, my voice didn't sound oddly strained. Nope, not at all.
Liar.
That's when I feel his presence. Ryan leans in close, his breath warm against my ear and his voice low and teasing. "Having trouble, Meredith? I could always help you up if you'd like a better view."
Through gritted teeth, I whisper, "You're making this very difficult for me, you know."
He smiles with a wicked glint in his hazel eyes. "That's rather the point, isn't it?" Then, in a louder voice, he declares, "Come on, I know a spot where we can get an even better view of the whales."
Before I can protest, he's gently pulling me to my feet. I follow him to the back of the jet on shaky legs because the toy just shifted again. We settle into two empty seats, far from prying eyes. As I gaze out at the majestic whales breaching the waves, I can't help but wonder if I'm in over my head. But with Ryan's calming presence beside me and the thrill of the unknown buzzing through my veins, I realize I don't really give a damn. This is exactly the kind of adventure I came here for.
I still have my face plastered to the window as the whales recede from view. Once our whale-watching experience is over, Ryan excuses himself and heads back to the cockpit.
"Duty calls," he tells me with a wink and a sparkle in his eyes.
I watch him go, admiring the confident set of his shoulders and tightness of his tush.
No sooner has he disappeared than I feel a sudden, delicious vibration between my thighs. My breath catches, and I grip the armrests of my seat.
"You okay, Mer?" Lila asks, leaning toward me. "You look sort of, um, flushed."
I fake a smile, desperately trying to keep my voice even. "I'm fine. Just...excited about the sight-seeing tour."
The vibrations intensify, and I bite my lip to keep from gasping. That devious man is playing with the remote and having a ball torturing me. My cheeks burn, but I can't deny I love every minute of it. Can't wait to find out what he'll do next.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Zara presses, her brows furrowed. "You're squirming like you've got fire ants in your panties."
I laugh, but voice comes out a bit too high-pitched. "Just restless, I guess. Long flight and all that."
"Long flight? It's only an hour from Heirani Motu to Fiji."
"Well, it, uh, feels longer. And I'm fine, I swear."
Zara shakes her head but then turns her attention to Lila and Maya. As my friends chatter around me, oblivious to my predicament, I'm caught between embarrassment and arousal. But secretly, wickedly, I hope Ryan doesn't stop.
While the jet begins its descent, Rene's voice crackles over the intercom. "Ladies and gents, we're approaching the Suva airport. Hope you're ready for some fun in the sun!"
As we file out onto the tarmac, Rene gives us all a cheeky grin and an exaggerated wink. "Enjoy yourselves, folks. Fiji's full of...delights."
I catch Ryan's eye as he guides us toward a waiting bus. God, I want to hold his hand, to pull him close and...to make him turn that vibrator on again. But he's all business now, efficiently herding us along. We settle into the bus seats, and just as I think I'm safe, another wave of vibrations hits me. I gasp, drawing concerned looks from my friends.
"Meredith?" Lila asks, touching my arm. "Are you having a hot flash or something?"
I laugh nervously, fanning myself, and lie my ass off. "Must be the tropical heat."
Not sure how I'll survive this intoxicating torture Ryan's putting me through.
The bus lurches forward, and I'm immediately enveloped by the sensory overload of Fiji. I glimpse the endless expanse of turquoise ocean as the salty sea breeze wafts in through the open windows, mingling with the sweet scent of tropical flowers.
"God, it's gorgeous here," I murmur, running my fingers along the smooth velvet of the bus seat.
Lila clutches her hands to her chest, poking her head out the window, and grins. "I can't wait to hit the beach!"
The chatter around me rises and falls like waves, punctuated by bursts of laughter. I close my eyes, letting the sounds of Fiji soothe me. Suddenly, a subtle vibration starts up again, and I'm once again breathless squirming.
"What's up with you today?" Lila asks, concern in her voice. "You're gripping that chair pretty hard, just like on the jet."
I shake my head, feeling my hair brush against my neck. The simple sensation has me biting my lip. "I'm fine, I swear."
As we pull up to the Fiji Museum, I spot Ryan at the front of the group, the picture of professionalism. But I know better now. That man has a naughty streak five miles wide. Inside the museum, I try to focus on the exhibits, but Ryan's teasing hasn't stopped. I'm examining a traditional Fijian war club when he suddenly appears beside me.
"Enjoying the tour?" he asks casually.
I turn to him and feign a scowl. "You're making this tourist excursion very...stimulating."
A ghost of a smile crosses his face. "Good."
Ryan glances around. Then in one swift motion, he pulls me into a hidden alcove. His hand grips my waist possessively, and his lips crash into mine with a wild hunger. I gasp, my lips parting, and he takes advantage of the moment to thrust his tongue into my mouth, tasting me, exploring every millimeter. Ryan Kimble is a consummate kisser. My hands find their way to his shoulders, drawing him closer, our bodies melding together as if we're two puzzle pieces meant to fit together. His other hand roams over my body, squeezing my ass, fingering the hem of my skirt. I can feel his hard length pressing into me, and I instinctively grind against him.
The kiss deepens as we consume each other with ravenous hunger. He nips at my lower lip, eliciting a gasp from me, and I moan deeply, thrusting my hands into his hair, crushing my body to his. He trails his lips down my neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses in his wake. His hand travels up my thigh as he hikes my skirt up inch by inch. I can feel his fingers grazing my panties, searching for a way around them.
I melt into him, all thoughts vanishing from my mind. When we finally break away, I'm breathless.
"Damn," he growls against my neck. "You're so fucking wet for me I can smell it."
"Ryan, I—Please do something before I go insane."
But he's already slipping away, leaving me dazed and wanting more.
And I still have the toy buried between my folds.
Later, at the Suva markets, I try to lose myself in the vibrant chaos. The Handicraft Centre is a riot of color and texture, with intricate weavings and carvings catching my eye at every turn.
"Look at this!" I call to my friends, holding up a beautifully painted tapa cloth.
As we wander through the Flea Market, the aromas of spices and tropical fruits fill the air. I can't resist buying a ripe mango. Its juice dribbles down my chin as I sink my teeth in the tender flesh, and my friends give me quizzical looks.
"Messy, but worth it," I laugh, wiping my mouth and chin.
Our final stop is the Grand Pacific Hotel. As we settle in for coffee, I'm struck by the Old-World elegance of the place. The barista presents me with a work of art—a cappuccino adorned with a delicate fern design.
I inhale the rich aromas. "Now that is a sensory experience."
I take a sip, savoring the creamy texture and bold flavor. Beside me, Lila bites into a flaky pastry.
"Oh my god," she moans. "You have to try this."
I accept a piece and bite into the tender, flaky flesh that melts on my tongue. Its buttery, slightly sweet flavor is divine. For a moment, I forget about Ryan's teasing, lost in this simple pleasure. But as I catch his eye across the room, I know our day of erotic teasing is far from over.
Next, we visit Thurston Botanical Gardens. As we step through the wrought-iron gates, the lush greenery envelops us. Ryan's powerful voice rallies the group to attention. "Feel free to explore at your own pace. We'll meet back here in an hour."
I breathe in the heady scent of orchids and frangipani, which reminds of of Heirani Motu. But the gardens here lack the wildness of that island. As the others disperse, Ryan settles a hand on the small of my back, guiding me down a secluded path.
"God, Meredith, I've been dying to get you alone ever since the museum."
"I've been feeling the same way."
He brushes his thumb over my lips. "You bring out the raunchy side of me, Meredith, and I love it."
We round a corner, and suddenly we're in a hidden alcove, surrounded by vibrant tropical flowers.
Ryan slings his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against him. "You are so beautiful, Mer. But when you come, you're like a firework bursting in the sky."
I barely have time to process his words before his lips claim mine. The kiss begins gradually as a gentle exploration, but it swiftly ignites into conflagration so hot it could melt granite. My fingers tangle in his sandy hair as his tongue teases mine. A moan spills from my lips.
His answering growl sends a warm shiver up my spine. As our kisses grow even more intense, more passionate by the second, I lose all sense of time and place. There's only Ryan, his strong hands roaming my body, the intoxicating taste of him on my tongue. Just when I think I might combust from the rising tension, Ryan reaches into his pocket. With a wicked smile, he presses a button, and suddenly the vibrator nestled between my thighs comes to life.
Despite the gentleness of the vibrations, I gasp and jerk. My knees nearly buckle at the unexpected sensation. I cling to him, my human anchor. "Ryan, oh god..."
He holds me steady. "Don't go off yet, baby. We're just getting started."
The world slowly comes back into focus as Ryan and I cling to each other. The humid air makes find beads of sweat trickle down my skin. My body trembles with unfulfilled desire while my every nerve sings from the lingering vibrations. I press my face into the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent—a mix of salt, sun, and something uniquely him.
"You okay?" Ryan asks, tracing his fingers on my back in soothing patterns.
I nod, not trusting my voice just yet. My mind races. I struggle to make sense of what's happening between us because this feels like more than just a holiday fling, more than the wild adventure I'd initially wanted. There's an intimacy here that both thrills and terrifies me.
"Ryan, what are we doing?"
"I'm not entirely sure. But I know I don't want to stop."
Neither do I. But before I can respond, we hear voices approaching. Ryan steps back, his professional mask slipping back into place. But his eyes...they tell a different story.
Later, as the group settles in at Eden Bistro & Bar, Ryan appears at my side. The mischievous glint in his eye proves he's not done teasing me yet. "Care for a change of scenery?"
I raise an eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
He leads me to a swanky restaurant just down the street. Once we're seated, I can't help but tease him. "Special treatment for the troublemaker, huh?"
Ryan stares down at his men, clearing his throat. "I just...wanted some time alone with you."
"Oh?" I lean forward, enjoying his momentary discomfort. "And why's that?"
He takes a deep breath and finally looks up at me. "Because you're not just someone to fuck and play with, Meredith. You're...becoming important to me."
My heart skips a beat.
"I know it's complicated," he continues. "But I can't deny what I'm feeling."
While I process his words, a realization slams into me. I don't want this to end when my vacation does. The thought of returning to my old life, leaving Ryan and Heirani Motu behind, feels impossibly wrong.
"What if..." I start, surprised by my own boldness. "What if I didn't go home after two weeks? Maybe I'd like to stay after that."
I feel a delicious tingle as Ryan's fingers brush my thigh under the table. He's been teasing me relentlessly with that damn toy all afternoon, and I'm about ready to combust.
"You're killing me, Ryan."
He smirks. "Just wait."
Once we've enjoyed our expensive snacks, which were delish, he leads me back to the tour group.
Rene's booming voice cuts through the chatter. "All right, mates! Who's up for some sightseeing?"
As the group climbs onto the bus, Ryan pulls me aside. "I've got other plans for us. This was just a quick visit to make sure Rene doesn't think we got lost and fell down a mountain."
My pulse quickens. "More surprises? You've been one busy boy, haven't you?"
"Trust me," he urges, leading me away.
We hike through a lush park where the air is heavy with tropical scents that I can't even describe. Ryan's hand in mine feels right, like it belongs there. As for the toy...Yeah, it's still there and still driving me crazy.
"Almost there," he advises, guiding me off the path.
We emerge into a secluded clearing that I can honestly describe as a hidden paradise. A small waterfall tumbles into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by vibrant flowers.
"Ryan, it's breathtaking."
He tugs me closer, and soon, our lips are fused, our tongues tangling in an erotic dance. Then suddenly, the toy between my thighs springs to life.
I gasp against his mouth. "Oh god..."
"Let go, Meredith," he whispers. "I want to see you come undone this time."
The intensity builds to an almost unbearable peak, every wave of pleasure more powerful than the last. My body arches against Ryan's. My nails dig into his shoulders as I cry out, the sound echoing off the rocks. The most earth-shattering orgasm of my life crashes through me like a tidal wave, leaving me trembling and breathless. My mind goes blissfully blank, every thought and worry drowned out by a sea of ecstasy.
As the aftershocks ripple through me, I collapse into Ryan's arms, utterly spent. My legs are useless, like overcooked noodles, and I'm grateful for his strong, steady hold. He strokes my back tenderly, his touch sending little sparks through my oversensitized flesh. The tranquil sound of the waterfall mingles with our heavy breathing, creating a serene backdrop to our stolen moment.
I close my eyes and let the warm, humid air envelop me. The scent of blooming hibiscus and wet earth fills my lungs, grounding me in the present. Ryan's heartbeat is a soothing rhythm against my cheek, and I feel a deep, unexpected contentment wash over me. This is more than just a physical release. It's a connection, an intimacy that goes beyond the here and now. We remain rooted to this spot for what feels like an eternity, neither of us willing to break the fragile spell. My fingers trace lazy patterns on his back, and I can feel his breaths ruffling my hair. There's a softness to this moment that makes my heart ache in the best possible way.
Slowly, reality begins to seep back in. I lift my head to gaze up at Ryan. He brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch lingering on my cheek. I wonder if he's feeling the same thing I am—this delicate balance between desire and something deeper.
I nuzzle his cheek. "That was...incredible."
"You're incredible, Meredith. And I'd love to know more about you, all the things you've held back. I'll do the same."
I pull back to look into his eyes. "I want to share everything with you, Ryan. It's time we opened up to each other. But after what you did for me a few minutes ago, I need you inside me, every inch of you. Right now."
"Anything for you, baby."
In response, I crush my lips to his in a searing kiss. He unzips his pants while clutching me to his body, and we don't even stop kissing while he rips my panties to shreds. We're both so desperate to for him to take my body that our brains shut down. We come together in a frenzy of passion, our bodies colliding, our hands groping. Then he shoves his knee between my thighs to spread them and punches into me. I throw my head back and swallow a shout. The fullness of him feels incredible. The world fades away, until nothing exists but Ryan inside me, our bodies moving together in frenetic harmony.
Afterward, we fall into a heap on the grass, tangled in each other's arms, basking in the afterglow. I trace lazy patterns on Ryan's skin, marveling at how right this feels.
Ryan brushes hairs away from my face. "We should probably head back soon."
"I suppose so," I agree, exhaling a long sigh, not wanting this moment to end.
But we behave like adults and straighten our clothes while stealing kisses and touches all the while. As we begin our trek back to the bus, Ryan takes my hand, lacing our fingers. I smile up at him, probably seeming like an infatuated fool.
"This has been the most amazing day, Ryan. Thank you."
He kisses my hand. "It's not over yet. We still have the flight back to Heirani Motu."
"Promise to behave yourself this time?"
"Now where's the fun in that?" He kisses each of my knuckles in turn. "But if you don't want me to use the toy anymore..."
"Oh, I never said that."
We reach the airport shortly, rejoining our group on the tarmac. My friends give me knowing looks, but I can't bring myself to care. As we board the plane, I catch Ryan's eye, and we're both grinning like idiots. I guess we've given up on hiding our feelings for each other.
The toy stays in my purse—at least until we're back at the resort.
Already this vacation has surpassed my wildest dreams, and we're just getting started. I can't wait to see what other adventures await us on Heirani Motu.