Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  A Totally Bound Publication

  Soul Temptation

  ISBN # 978-1-78430-052-4

  ©Copyright Nichelle Gregory 2014

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright May 2014

  Edited by Rebecca Douglas

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 2.

  Souls Entwined

  SOUL TEMPTATION

  Nichelle Gregory

  Book two in the Souls Entwined series

  Unexpected passions will tempt two lovers—body, heart and soul…

  The beauty of Tahiti mesmerizes Serene Ryan who has traveled to the island to be the maid of honor in her sister’s destination wedding. She soon finds herself distracted by the undeniable pull she’s determined to ignore toward Oliver Banner, the best man. When her good intentions are cast away in a moment of sizzling passion, Serene’s resolute on not letting things go further than one night.

  Oliver Banner isn’t looking for anything more than a fun, sun-soaked time in Tahiti but the longer he interacts with Serene, the more convinced and determined he is to get past her cool persona to the fire he senses burns below the surface. He isn’t prepared for the connection he feels toward Serene or her refusal to explore things between them further.

  Oliver opens up Serene’s world to erotic possibilities she’d never dreamt possible, but she’s not about to get involved with a younger man—a playboy who is now her brother-in-law—no matter how good the chemistry is between them. Serene thinks it would be best for them to just forget about their hot island tryst, but Oliver intends to keep tempting her body, heart and soul…

  Dedication

  Dedicated to my fabulous and beloved Aunt Neicy.

  Your words and love have anchored me more than once when bitter winds blow.

  Dedicated to my gorgeous and beloved sister, Tasha.

  Thank you for continually offering an umbrella

  when the storm raged within and the rain clouded my vision.

  Our beautiful mother taught and encouraged us to love one another through thick and thin.

  We honor her with our bond, dear sister. I love you.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Speedos: Speedo International, Ltd.

  Martini: Bacardi Limited

  Jeep: Chrysler Group LLC

  Sharpie: Newell Rubbermaid Inc.

  Mrs Robinson: Charles Webb

  Alvin Ailey Dance Theater: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

  Lifetime: A&E Television Networks, LLC

  Crypt Keeper: EC Comics

  Chapter One

  Serene slipped her flip-flops on then opened the sliding glass door leading out to the terrace of her gorgeous overwater bungalow. She stepped outside into the balmy air and slowly exhaled. She still couldn’t believe her younger sister was getting married, and in Tahiti of all places. From her vantage point, she could see the sun preparing to set and she stared at the lush backdrop before her, almost too beautiful to be real. She’d wondered if her little sister would regret forgoing a big fancy ceremony for a destination wedding, but now she realized that Cameron and Misha had made an excellent decision. Tahiti was the epitome of romantic beauty, the absolute perfect place to get married.

  Serene drew in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of plumeria, hibiscus, jasmine and other exotic flowers as she watched the waves shimmering in vivid colors of pink and orange thanks to the setting sun, breaking upon the shore. It was her first night on the island and she intended to savor every moment. The lulling sound of the water lapping beneath her calmed her senses. Everything seemed to vibrate at a slower beat and Serene knew she wouldn’t want to leave when it was time to go home.

  Muted laughter drew her attention from the ocean to the bungalow beside hers. Curious, Serene moved along her terrace and stopped short when she saw Cameron’s brother, Oliver, with a stunning redhead in his arms. Serene huffed quietly as she recognized Shannon Erby, the television presenter from Celeb Chef.

  She watched them kiss then bit back a gasp when Oliver roughly pushed down the front of Shannon’s sundress. Serene pressed up against the side of her bungalow to avoid being seen as the two moved from the shadows and into the fading sunlight. Shannon’s surprised squeal turned to a muted groan when Oliver dipped his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth. The British television host arched her back against the wooden railing while she dragged her fingers through Oliver’s hair, obviously enjoying his ministrations. Serene’s breath quickened when he hiked up the bottom of Shannon’s skirt as though he was going to take her right there for the whole world to see.

  Or at least me.

  Her bungalow was the only one they’d be visible to. It was time to go back inside, but Serene couldn’t, didn’t want to leave, drawn to the erotic scene the two unknowingly presented to her. Serene gasped as Oliver ripped off Shannon’s panties. The redhead’s little cry carrying over to Serene in the wind was cut off when he claimed her lips again in a kiss. Serene realized her own panties were wet as Oliver fumbled with the front of his pants, apparently unzipping them and not fast enough, from the way Shannon pawed at the buttons of his shirt.

  Oliver’s shirt fell to the ground, revealing tanned, hard muscles, and she watched him lift Shannon, who locked her legs around his waist in the perfect position to be taken. Oliver bucked his hips forward and Serene moaned when Shannon cried out.

  Oh, my, my, my. Go, Serene. Pick up your feet and go.

  Oliver’s wild passion and Shannon’s heady responses kept her rooted in place. Serene’s heart thumped against her chest as he slammed into her, surely creating a mark on the woman’s back with his ardent efforts to meld her slender body with the wood behind her. Serene pressed her inner
thighs together, bothered that she was aroused by her uncharacteristically voyeuristic behavior.

  God, Oliver knew how to move his ass.

  “Olie!” Shannon cried out, no doubt in full agreement. She clung to his shoulders, her auburn tresses brushing along the banister of the terrace as Oliver rocked her body with his thrusts and teased her breasts with his mouth.

  Serene’s nipples hardened and a flush of heat washed over her body. The sight of them was both erotic and hypnotic. Serene suppressed a shiver of need as she placed one hand on the wall behind her, biting her lip as Shannon moaned with pleasure and bounced on Oliver’s cock.

  How long am I going to watch this?

  Until the end. She was rooted to her spot, mesmerized by how effortlessly Oliver moved Shannon, controlling both of their pleasure. A small breeze moved over the terrace, ruffling the flowers decorating it. She rubbed beads of sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand. Her elevated temperature had nothing to do with the lovely Tahitian weather. She couldn’t take her eyes off Oliver as he increased his pace and Shannon groaned.

  Serene dug her nails into the wood beneath her fingers when his entire body tensed, indicating that he’d climaxed. She drew in air and realized she’d been holding her breath as the two lovers leisurely kissed. Oliver said something and Shannon giggled as he lowered her feet to the ground. Serene wondered what he’d said when Shannon wagged her finger at Oliver then smoothed her sundress down and disappeared through the sliding glass doors leading back inside their bungalow.

  Show’s over.

  Except it wasn’t. Not with the sun glinting in Oliver’s hair and gorgeous naked torso as he zipped up his pants. Serene observed him while he lifted his face to the sun with his eyes closed, the lazy smile on his face, evidence that he was pleased by recent events.

  Move it, Serene.

  Finally, her limbs obeyed. She took a step and froze when the wooden plank beneath her feet creaked.

  Surely, he couldn’t have heard?

  Their bungalows were close, but not that close. Serene held her breath. Seconds ticked by and she slowly exhaled with relief, thankful for having not been seen. Then Oliver lowered his head in her direction, opened his eyes and looked straight at her.

  Oh, my God.

  Serene froze as he studied her. He didn’t appear to be embarrassed, but she was mortified enough for both of them.

  Oliver grinned as he moved closer to the edge of his lanai. “Enjoying the view?”

  Serene parted her lips to respond, but no words came to mind as heat suffused her cheeks.

  Cheeky bastard.

  Serene cleared her throat and nodded. “Tahiti is beautiful.”

  “Isn’t it?” Oliver turned toward her, offering a tempting glance of his tight abdomen and biceps. “It’s a delight to one’s senses. My brother and your sister picked one of the prettiest spots on the planet to tie the knot.”

  “Yes, they did.” Serene stepped from the shadows, feeling foolish. “Well, I’ll see you later.”

  Oliver raised an eyebrow. “Yes, you will. Next time, maybe you’ll join us.”

  Serene’s eyes widened as Oliver chuckled. She glared at him then pivoted without replying and entered her bungalow. “Of all the nerve.” Serene flopped down on the couch and gazed at the pretty schools of fish swimming beneath the viewing window in the floor.

  Her heart was still racing. Oliver had acted as if he’d known she’d been watching them the entire time. But how could he? For all he knew, she’d just stepped outside. Except, Serene couldn’t erase his I-know-what-you-saw grin from her mind.

  How embarrassing

  A chime from her cell drew her attention. She reached for her phone and saw that she had three text messages waiting for her. One each from Brady and Shawn, the two men she was currently dating, and another from Misha. She opened the one from her sister first.

  Hi! I hope you’re enjoying your room. Isn’t the view spectacular?

  Serene smiled as she replied then frowned as flashes of Oliver yanking down Shannon’s dress taunted her.

  The view is fantastic! Love my bungalow. Jealous you got here two days ago! How’s your little tropical love nest?

  Serene’s cell vibrated seconds later.

  Fabulous! I’m so excited! Ava and Josie want you to come by their bungalow before we all meet up for dinner tonight. Don’t forget to bring Cameron’s surprise!

  Serene shook her head. Misha had reminded her at least twenty times since she’d accidently forgotten the package before leaving home.

  I won’t. See you soon. Xoxo

  Serene moved off the couch to her carry-on bag. She unzipped it and rifled through her belongings in search of the box she’d wrapped for her sister. A spike of momentary panic quickened her pulse before she pulled it out. “Thank goodness.”

  Serene toyed with the ribbon around the box. She still couldn’t believe how expensive the bottles of black and white truffle salt were. Misha had been so excited to have them shipped all the way from Europe. Serene sat the box on the table as she heard a knock on her door.

  Who could that be?

  She went over to the door and opened it to see Aimee, her sister-in-law.

  “Hey, Serene.” Aimee gave her an apologetic smile.

  Serene grinned back, noticing the dark circles under her eyes.

  “Sorry to barge over here unannounced.”

  Serene ushered her inside. “No worries. Wow. You look gorgeous!” She admired the way the yellow strapless sundress flowed around Aimee’s body as she walked past, and the curls that added volume to her long, normally sleek, relaxed tresses.

  “Thank you. I wanted to wear something comfortable on the plane.”

  “Did you guys just get in?” Serene took a seat on the couch and Aimee joined her.

  “About an hour ago. That was a long flight.”

  Serene leaned back against the plush pillows behind them. “It’s too bad we couldn’t all get on the same one.”

  Aimee nodded. “I wish we had.” Her sister-in-law glanced around. “Your bungalow is similar to ours, except our color scheme is turquoise and gold.” She gestured to the floor where a parrot fish hovered beneath the viewing glass. “Isn’t this incredible?”

  “It is.” Serene sighed with contentment. “I keep looking out the window at the ocean below and in front of us in awe. Misha and Cameron’s romantic suite must be amazing.”

  “I’m glad your sister is happy.” Aimee picked up Cameron’s gift. “Is this for them?”

  “Misha wanted to surprise Cameron with a special present.”

  Aimee glanced at Serene. “What is it?”

  “Truffle salt.”

  “Truffle salt?”

  Serene giggled. “I know, right? Two different kinds shipped all the way from Europe. Apparently, Cameron has always wanted to use this particular brand.”

  “That’s so sweet.” Aimee sat the box down with a heavy sigh then dropped her gaze from Serene’s and twisted the sparkling one and a half karat wedding ring on her finger.

  “So, how are you really?” Serene didn’t need her to answer the question to know. Weariness and sadness were written all over Aimee’s face.

  “I just… I just needed a moment away from Kaden.” Aimee looked up with a bright smile. “I know you and your sister have tried to reach out to me these past few months. I’m sorry I’ve been slow about returning both of your calls.”

  Serene shook her head. “Don’t be. We both know you have a lot going on right now.”

  “Yeah.” Aimee scoffed. “An imploding marriage takes up a lot of time and mental energy. I agreed to come to Tahiti for Misha.”

  Serene nodded. “She’s so glad you agreed to be a part of the bridal party.”

  “I seriously don’t know how I’m going to get through these next three days with your brother.” Aimee held both her hands up then let them fall in her lap. “I’m sorry. I’m sure you don’t want to hear this.”

  “Lo
ok—” Serene placed her hand over Aimee’s. “I love my brother, but I know how he can be. I know what he did and I’m sorry you’re going through this.”

  Aimee removed her hand from beneath Serene’s and began fiddling with her ring again. “We’ve both made mistakes in our marriage.” Her sister-in-law shook her head. “Sometimes I think we put more effort into our careers than each other. It’s not what we intended to happen, but one day you wake up and recognize there has been a shift in your relationship, a wall in place that wasn’t there before.”

  “Wow.” Serene stared at Aimee, momentarily at a loss for words.

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, Aimee, I want you to know that you can talk to me. I’m here for you and I won’t break your confidence.”

  “Thank you, Serene. I appreciate that.” Aimee shifted her face from Serene’s to look out of the window. “I just never thought I’d feel this way toward Kaden. I think that’s the hardest apart about all of this.” Aimee exhaled. “How it changes how you see the other person.”

  “How do you feel about Kaden?”

  Aimee met her gaze. “Like I hate him.” The vehemence in her sister-in-law’s voice shocked Serene. “Except, I don’t. That would almost make this easier to deal with. I love Kaden. I just don’t know how to love him anymore.” Aimee slumped her shoulders. “I know what I’m saying probably doesn’t make any sense.”

  “I can’t imagine what it must be like to try and get past something like this in a marriage.”

  “Well, let me tell you it’s really tough. He’s apologized for his infidelity, but now…”

  “But now what?” Serene asked when Aimee’s voice trailed off.

  Aimee straightened her spine. “Maybe too much has happened to go back. Kaden’s making efforts to bridge the gap between us, but I’m not sure it’s possible, despite what I still feel for him.” Aimee leaned back on the sofa and briefly closed her eyes. “I’m so damned tired of feeling this way about him, about me, about everything.”