The sight of Lauren lost in pleasure, combined with the silky feel of her most intimate parts, had Rain’s own desire spiralling higher. She pressed her thighs together, seeking some relief for the ache building there, but her focus remained on Lauren, on drawing out more of those delicious sounds, on bringing her to the heights of ecstasy.

  As Rain continued her ministrations, Lauren’s hands began to roam, nails raking lightly down Rain’s back, cupping her breasts, thumbs brushing over sensitive nipples. Each touch sent sparks of pleasure through Rain’s body, adding fuel to the fire burning within her.

  Their bodies moved together. The air around them grew thick with the scent of arousal and the sound of their mingled breaths and moans.

  Rain’s fingers moved with practiced precision, caressing and teasing Lauren’s most sensitive spots. She circled Lauren’s clit, applying just the right amount of pressure to make Lauren’s hips buck and her breath catch in her throat. Lauren’s skin was flushed, a sheen of sweat glistening on her body as she surrendered to the sensations Rain was creating. Just as Lauren was about to crest the wave of her release, Rain withdrew her touch, leaving Lauren aching and desperate for more.

  ‘Don’t … stop …’ Lauren panted, her voice thick with need. She reached for Rain, trying to pull her back, but Rain just smiled and cupped Lauren’s face in her hands.

  ‘You don’t think I’m going to let you come that easily, do you?’ Rain teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief and desire. Lauren stared back, confusion evident before a smile tugged at her kiss-swollen lips.

  ‘We have all night,’ Rain whispered, her breath hot against Lauren’s skin as she leaned in close.

  Unable to resist, Lauren captured Rain’s lips in a searing kiss, her tongue delving deep. When she finally pulled back, Lauren murmured, low and husky, ‘And all of tomorrow.’

  In a sudden display of boldness, Lauren flipped their positions, pushing Rain onto her back and straddling her hips. Rain’s eyes opened wide with surprise before crinkling at the corners in amusement. ‘Whoa, I’m the experienced lesbian here,’ she said, a playful lilt to her voice.

  Lauren grinned, a wicked gleam in her eye. ‘And I need all the experience I can get …’

  Lowering her head, Lauren trailed a path of hot, open-mouthed kisses down Rain’s neck and chest, pausing to lave attention on her breasts until Rain was arching into her touch, soft moans spilling from her lips. Lauren continued her journey south, settling between Rain’s legs, the heat and scent of her arousal drawing Lauren in like a moth to a flame.

  With the first flick of Lauren’s tongue against her clit, Rain’s hips jerked, a gasp escaping from her throat. Lauren lapped at the sensitive bud, alternating broad strokes with more focused attention, gradually increasing the pressure and speed as Rain writhed beneath her. Slick arousal coated Lauren’s chin as she worked Rain higher.

  ‘This... can’t be your first time...’ Rain managed to say between panting breaths, her voice strained and thin as the intensity built.

  Lauren glanced up, her eyes dark and heavy-lidded with want. ‘It’s my first time feeling this way …’ she confessed, the words holding a weight of emotion that made Rain’s heart clench.

  Without warning, Lauren slid two fingers deep inside Rain, curling them to hit that perfect spot as she continued to circle and suck at her clit. Rain cried out, her back bowing off the bed as Lauren thrust into her, matching the roll of Rain’s hips. The dual sensations were too much, too perfect, and Rain exploded with a scream, her body shaking and clenching around Lauren’s fingers as wave after wave of ecstasy crashed over her.

  Lauren eased her through the aftershocks, placing soft kisses along Rain’s inner thighs, her fingers slowing to a stop as Rain gradually floated back down. With a sated sigh, Rain tugged at Lauren’s hand, urging her up until Lauren was straddling her face, her dripping essence painting Rain’s lips and chin.

  ‘I need to taste you,’ Rain said, her eyes nearly black with renewed hunger. Lauren shivered at the desperation in Rain’s voice and slowly lowered herself, bracing her hands on the wall.

  At the first swipe of Rain’s tongue through her folds, Lauren’s head fell back, a low keen vibrating in her throat. Rain licked and sucked at Lauren’s clit, revelling in the heady taste and scent of her arousal, the way Lauren rocked and trembled above her. Long, deep strokes of her tongue had Lauren panting and gasping, broken pleas tumbling from her lips as the coil of tension wound tighter and tighter in her core.

  Desperate to feel more of Lauren, Rain thrust her tongue inside, fucking her with deep, firm strokes that had Lauren grinding down against her face. The sounds Lauren was making, breathy and high and needy, only spurred Rain on, pushing her to take Lauren higher.

  Lauren’s thighs started to quake, her movements growing erratic as her peak approached. Rain redoubled her efforts, swirling her tongue around Lauren’s clit, flicking the sensitive bud, lashing it with quick, tight strokes. With a sharp cry, Lauren came undone, her body convulsing as pleasure ripped through her, stealing her breath and blurring her vision.

  Her body spent, Lauren collapsed next to Rain, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. Rain turned and gathered Lauren close, stroking sweat-damp hair away from her face before claiming her mouth in a languid kiss, sharing the taste of Lauren’s pleasure between them.

  They took their time exploring each other after that, mapping every inch of skin. They made love slowly, tenderly, cherishing each second and sensation, losing themselves in each other.

  When they finally broke apart hours later, both flushed and breathless, Lauren gazed down at Rain with such adoration that it made her heart ache.

  ‘That was . . .’ Lauren trailed off, seemingly at a loss for words.

  ‘Incredible,’ Rain finished, tucking a strand of hair behind Lauren’s ear. ‘You’re incredible.’

  Lauren ducked her head, a shy smile playing at her lips. ‘I’ve never felt anything like that before. With anyone.’

  Rain’s heart swelled with emotion, and she pulled Lauren down for another kiss, pouring all her love and devotion into the gentle press of their lips.

  They lay like that for a long while, trading soft kisses, until finally Lauren sat up, stretching languidly. ‘As much as I’d love to stay here with you forever, we should probably eat something. Keep our strength up.’

  She winked, and Rain laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep inside her. ‘Lead the way, chef.’

  Lauren slipped out of bed, pulling on a silk robe, and walked into the bathroom. Rain heard the shower come on, then minutes later, Lauren reappeared fully dressed.

  ‘Hey, that’s not fair, we could’ve had a shower together.’

  ‘I know, but I want to go for a walk and get some fresh air. If you were in the shower with me, that wasn’t going to happen.’ She bent over and kissed her full on the mouth. ‘I’ll make coffee before we go.’

  Rain watched her walk away, a goofy grin on her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy, this complete.

  But then reality came crashing back in, and her smile faded. Rain still had to tell Lauren the truth about Fay, about the danger they were all in. She knew it was going to shatter this perfect little bubble they’d created, but she also knew she couldn’t keep it from her any longer.

  With a heavy sigh, Rain dragged herself out of bed, showered and got dressed. She made her way to the kitchen, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead. But no matter what happened, she knew one thing for certain: she would never keep secrets from Lauren again.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  ‘Lauren—’

  ‘Two coffees to go,’ Lauren said, holding them up in the air.

  ‘Can we talk?’

  ‘Later. I want to get out while it’s still sunny.’

  The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Cotswolds as Lauren and Rain strolled hand in hand along a winding country lane. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the gentle scent of wildflowers and freshly cut grass.

  Lauren leaned into Rain’s side, a contented smile playing on her lips.

  ‘This is perfect,’ she said, gazing into her eyes.

  ‘You’re perfect,’ Rain said.

  They stopped walking and turned to face each other. Rain cupped Lauren’s face in her hands and kissed her softly, tenderly.

  ‘What was that for?’

  ‘Do I need a reason to kiss the most beautiful woman in the world?’

  ‘Charmer.’

  They continued walking, enjoying the comfortable silence and the beauty of the countryside. Every now and then, Rain would pull Lauren into her arms and capture her lips in a tender kiss, her hands cupping her face like she was the most precious thing in the world.

  As the clouds began to darken the sky, they turned back towards the cottage.

  ‘Race you back to the cottage!’ Lauren took off running, laughing. ‘Last one makes lunch.’

  ‘Hey, that’s not fair. You had a head start,’ Rain called after her as she chased her.

  Just before the clouds opened with a deluge, Rain and Lauren tumbled through the front door, laughing and out of breath. Rain kicked the door shut behind them and pulled Lauren into her arms, kissing her passionately. Lauren melted into her embrace, her hands sliding up Rain’s chest and tangling in her hair. They moved as one into the living room and onto the bed. Lauren’s eyes never left Rain’s as she slowly undressed her, covering every inch of her skin with tender kisses. Lauren’s breath hitched as Rain’s lips trailed down her neck, her hands caressing her curves with reverence. They made love slowly, tenderly, pouring all the affection they felt for each other into every touch, every kiss. Afterwards, they lay entwined in each other’s arms.

  Rain brushed a strand of hair from Lauren’s face, her eyes soft and adoring. ‘I never want this moment to end,’ she said, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips.

  Lauren smiled, her heart so full of love she thought it might burst. ‘This is just . . . magic. I could stay here forever.’

  ‘Hey, I thought we were going to make lunch.’

  ‘We were but I can’t help myself when I’m around you. You’re just too irresistible,’ Lauren said tracing lazy circles on Rain’s bare back. ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am that you came here.’

  Lauren suddenly felt the muscles in Rain’s body tense.

  ‘What’s wrong?’

  Rain spoke without turning around.

  ‘Didn’t you wonder why your sister told me where you were?’ Rain asked, her voice tentative.

  Lauren smiled. ‘I already know. My sister’s a hopeless romantic at heart.’

  Rain turned towards her, the sudden shift in her demeanour sending a ripple of dread through Lauren.

  ‘Not in this case. Lauren. There’s no easy way to say this, but . . . I lied to you.’

  Lauren froze. ‘About what?’

  A knot formed in Lauren’s stomach, and she braced herself for the worst. She couldn’t bear the thought of being let down by yet another person she trusted.

  ‘About who I am and why I got a job at your hotel.’

  Lauren frowned. This was the last thing she’d expected to hear.

  ‘I don’t understand . . .’ she said slowly.

  Rain turned to face her. ‘Lauren, Fay’s my sister. I got a job at the hotel because I was trying to find out why she went missing.’

  Lauren felt like she’d been punched in the gut. She climbed out of bed and put her robe on, gripping the edge of the fireplace for support as she tried to process this revelation.

  ‘Lauren, I’m—’ Rain began, but Lauren held up a hand to silence her.

  She didn’t want to hear Rain’s apologies or excuses. The mere mention of Fay’s name made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, not out of fear, but out of sheer anger.

  Memories came flooding back, memories she’d tried so hard to suppress. Fay, with her sly smile and her cunning eyes, always lurking in the shadows, always up to no good. Fay, who’d caused nothing but trouble at the hotel from day one.

  And now, to find out that Rain, the one person she’d let herself trust, the one person she’d let herself fall for, was connected to Fay all along? It was too much to take in.

  Lauren squeezed her eyes shut, fighting back the tears. She felt like a fool, like she’d been played for the biggest sucker in the world.

  ‘Lauren, please, let me explain,’ Rain pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. ‘I never meant to hurt you. I swear, everything I feel for you is real.’

  Lauren shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. She didn’t know what to believe anymore.

  Rain got out of bed, wrapped in a sheet. She took a tentative step forward, reaching out to touch Lauren’s arm. Lauren flinched, as if burned by the contact.

  ‘Don’t,’ she whispered, her voice raw with pain. ‘Just . . . don’t.’

  Rain withdrew her hand, looking stricken. ‘I’m so sorry, Lauren. I never wanted it to happen this way.’

  Lauren let out a bitter laugh. ‘Well, it did. Was any of it real? Or was it all just a lie, a way to get close to me so you could . . . what? Gather information about Fay?’

  Rain shook her head vehemently. ‘No! Lauren, I swear, my feelings for you are genuine. Fay has nothing to do with that.’

  Lauren scoffed. ‘How can I believe a word you say?’

  Rain’s gaze dropped to the floor. ‘I don’t know. But I’m asking you to try. To give me a chance to explain everything.’

  Lauren was quiet for a moment, torn between her desire to trust Rain and her fear of being betrayed again. The latter won.

  ‘I think it’s best if you leave,’ she said, her voice cold and distant.

  Rain’s eyes widened. ‘What? Come on, Lauren, don’t be like this.’

  ‘I mean it, Rain. I want you to leave.’

  Rain started to protest, but Lauren cut her off. ‘If it’s true what you say about caring for me, you’d do as I ask.’

  Rain’s shoulders slumped in defeat. ‘Okay, okay, I’ll go, but—’

  ‘I’ve got nothing else to say to you,’ Lauren snapped.

  She locked herself in the bathroom, staying there until she heard the front door shut, signalling Rain’s departure.

  Lauren slumped against the door, feeling like her world had just imploded. A week ago, everything was fine, and now? It was all in shambles. She’d been letting life push her around, but that stops now. No more being anyone’s fool.

  Determined, Lauren marched into the living room, grabbed her car keys, and left everything else behind. She had more important things to deal with.

  She made the two-hour drive to London in record time, not even stopping for a snack. All she wanted was to get home and sort out this mess.

  First stop: Sydney’s place. Lauren dropped her case off and went straight to her sister’s door.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Sydney asked, giving Lauren a quick hug.

  ‘I’ve got some stuff to sort out,’ Lauren said, stepping inside.

  ‘Is this about Rain?’

  Lauren scoffed. ‘You mean Fay’s sister?’

  Sydney nodded. ‘So, she told you?’

  ‘Yeah, she did.’

  ‘Good,’ Sydney said, surprising Lauren as she followed her into the living room.

  ‘Can you believe it?’

  ‘Nope.’

  Lauren paced the room. ‘I mean, how long was she planning to lie to me? I thought it was too good to be true. The way we met, the instant attraction . . .’

  ‘Hey, slow down,’ Sydney said, putting a hand on Lauren’s arm. ‘I think that part was genuine.’

  ‘Well, I don’t. Why didn’t she just ask me about Fay from the start? Why all the secrecy?’

  Sydney sighed. ‘I think that’s on Mum. I remember Fay’s mother asking about her, and Mum refusing to tell her anything. Not that I blame her.’

  ‘I don’t care, Syd,’ Lauren said, her voice getting louder. ‘You don’t lie to someone you care about.’

  Sydney rubbed her temples, suddenly looking tired. ‘I don’t know, Lauren. To be honest, I think we’ve got bigger problems if what Rain said is true.’

  Lauren frowned. ‘True about what?’

  ‘She didn’t tell you?’

  Lauren’s stomach twisted. ‘Oh God, there’s more?’

  ‘Brace yourself. Seems the drug dealing is bigger than we imagined.’

  ‘And how does she know this?’

  ‘Fay told her.’

  Lauren laughed, a bitter sound. ‘And you believe her?’

  Sydney shrugged. ‘That’s why Fay dropped out of sight, apparently. She’s scared for her life.’

  Lauren snorted.

  ‘Rain did also say she caught Alex dealing.’

  ‘What!’

  ‘Yes, and at the same time, Alex accused Rain of being the dealer, so who do we believe?’

  Lauren sank onto the sofa, trying to process everything. First, the lies about Rain’s identity, and now this?

  ‘I don’t believe for one second Rain is a drug dealer. Alex, on the other hand, I wouldn’t put it past her,’ Lauren said.

  She looked up at Sydney. ‘Did Ollie manage to dig up anything?’

  ‘Nope, nothing. He thinks the drugs are coming from outside.’

  ‘We’re never going to know for sure, are we?’

  ‘Unless . . .’

  ‘Unless what?’

  ‘We set up a sting operation.’

  ‘Please tell me you’re joking.’

  ‘No, I’m deadly serious. We can get someone to pose as a guest and casually ask the staff if they know where to score.’

  Lauren thought about it. ‘I guess that could work. As long as we have security in the room.’

  ‘So, is that a yes?’

  ‘Yes, but let’s keep it between us. Don’t tell Ollie. I don’t want Mum finding out. You know he can’t keep secrets.’

  ‘I agree. Besides, he’d just try to talk us out of it, saying it’s a crazy idea.’

  ‘It is, but it’s the only one we’ve got.’

 

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