When Contracts Turn to Forbidden Kisses Chapter 154

Amelia

The sound of waves crashed through the half-open balcony doors as I wrapped a fluffy white towel around my body. The shower had washed away all the sand and salt from our beach day, leaving my skin feeling fresh but my hair dripping wet. Lucas and Ella were already fast asleep in their guest room, completely worn out from building sandcastles and splashing in the waves all day.

As I pulled open the bathroom door, a tall figure leaning against the doorframe nearly gave me a heart attack.

"Jesus Christ!" I gasped, one hand clutching my towel tighter while the other pressed against my chest. "You scared the hell out of me!"

Ethan stood there with that infuriating smirk on his face, his eyes traveling down my bare shoulders to the towel that barely covered mid-thigh. In his left hand, he held a hairdryer.

"I was just eager to see you," he said, his voice low and husky. The bathroom light behind me cast him in silhouette, but I could still make out the intensity in his eyes.

I caught the scent of his body wash—a clean mixture of ocean salt and something distinctly masculine that made my stomach flutter. "Were you planning to help me dry my hair?" I asked, nodding toward the hairdryer.

"That was the idea," he replied, flexing his injured right hand. "But if you're worried about my hand—"

"Your hand is still healing," I interrupted, eyeing the scar on his hand.

With a sly smile, Ethan rotated his wrist demonstratively. "It's recovering faster than expected."

I raised an eyebrow. "So you were faking it? I've been worried sick about your hand."

"Not faking," he said, stepping closer. "Just healing faster. I have exceptional recovery abilities."

I couldn't help but snort. "The ego on Wall Street executives is truly something else."

"You like my ego," he countered, his fingers grazing my wet hair. "Among other things."

My cheeks flushed as I remembered our moment on the beach after the fireworks display. "You want to show off your hairdressing skills that badly?"

"I have many skills I'd like to demonstrate," he said, guiding me back into the steamy bathroom. The sea breeze drifted in through the small window, carrying the salty scent of the ocean.

Ethan plugged in the hairdryer and positioned me in front of the mirror. Standing behind me, his chest pressed against my back, he switched on the device. The loud hum filled the bathroom, drowning out the sound of waves.

"This morning on the beach," he said close to my ear, loud enough to be heard over the hairdryer, "you mentioned that bikinis are only for certain people to see."

I met his eyes in the mirror, feeling heat rise to my face that had nothing to do with the hairdryer. "You have an impressive memory."

"So," he continued, his fingers running through my damp hair, "am I that certain person?"

I bit my lip, meeting his intense gaze in the mirror. "What do you think?"

Ethan turned off the hairdryer and set it down. His hands slid to my waist, warm and firm through the towel. "Amelia," he whispered, his lips close to my ear. "Look at us. Don't we look like the perfect beach couple from those glossy magazines?"

I lowered my eyes, suddenly feeling shy under his intense gaze. The bathroom felt smaller, more intimate with him standing so close behind me.

His mouth brushed against my earlobe. "I want to see you in that bikini."

My heart skipped a beat as I pulled away slightly. "Let me get it," I said, my voice barely audible.

Back in the bedroom, I rummaged through my overnight bag and pulled out a blue bikini. I turned to find Ethan watching me from the bathroom doorway.

"Turn around," I instructed, clutching the bikini to my chest. "Let me put it on first."

Ethan obliged, facing away from me. "You know I can see you in the mirror, right?" he said, amusement evident in his voice.

I glanced up to see his eyes meeting mine in the reflection of the large mirror opposite the bed. "Then close your eyes!"

"Where's the fun in that?" he teased, but dutifully closed his eyes.

I quickly slipped into the bikini, aware of every second that passed. When I finished, I stood there awkwardly, my arms instinctively wrapping around my midsection.

"You can turn around now," I said softly.

Ethan turned, his eyes slowly taking in every inch of me before stopping at my covered abdomen. "Why are you hiding?" he asked gently.

I bit my lip, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I have scars... from after Lucas and Ella were born."

He walked toward me with deliberate steps. "Let me see," he said, his voice so tender it made my chest ache.

"They're not pretty," I warned, reluctantly dropping my arms.

Ethan's fingers traced the silvery lines across my lower abdomen—permanent souvenirs from carrying and delivering our twins. His touch was feather-light, reverent almost.

"These scars," he said, kneeling before me, "they're because of the three years I wasn't there."

"It's not about blame," I whispered, my fingers threading through his hair. "But they make me feel... less perfect."

"No," Ethan said firmly, pressing his lips to one of the faint lines. "They're a testament to your strength. Badges of honor from bringing our children into this world."

His kisses moved from one scar to another, each touch sending shivers up my spine. "In my eyes," he continued, looking up at me, "you're more beautiful than ever."

His hands moved to my hips, drawing me closer.

Ethan's eyes darkened with desire as he unbuttoned his shirt.

Outside, the sky suddenly opened up, and rain began to pour down, droplets hammering against the windows. The sudden storm matched the intensity building between us as Ethan guided me toward the bed.

"You're sure?" he asked, his forehead pressed against mine.

"Absolutely sure," I smiled, my fingers working at his chest. "Especially after that fireworks display."

The sheets rustled beneath us as Ethan lowered me onto the bed. Rain pelted the windows, providing a rhythmic soundtrack to our movements.

"I love every inch of you," Ethan whispered, his hands tracing the outline of my bikini. "Including these beautiful scars."

His fingers deftly untied the strings of my top. "I want to see all of you."

I trembled under his touch, my breath catching as his hands moved with reverent slowness. "Ethan," I whispered against his ear, "I've wanted you... "

His name escaped my lips as a weak, breathless sigh. In response, he slowly entered me.

The storm outside intensified, waves crashing against the shore as rain drummed against the windows. But no matter how wild the storm outside was, it couldn't compare to the turbulence we had stirred in each other's eyes at that moment.

"Look at me, Amelia," Ethan commanded softly, his eyes locked with mine. "I want to see your eyes."

I gazed back at him, allowing all my walls to crumble as our bodies and hearts reconnected. "I love you, Ethan Black," I whispered, tears of joy gathering in my eyes.

"And I love you, Amelia Black," he replied, his voice breaking with emotion. "More than anything in this world."