Read Online Ocean of Fire by Emma Daniels - Free Book Online

to ignore him, she focused her attention on the cruiser taking another group of tourists out to the island, but it proved a futile endeavor, since he seemed determined to make her notice him with his smoldering looks and sexy smiles.
    Just what the hell was he playing at?
    She was relieved when Robert convinced him to have another look at the museum. Good Nicole thought. That meant they were heading in opposite directions.
    Since an hour still remained before the bus was due to leave, Nicole decided to go for a walk to the ruined church on the hill. Scrambling to her feet, she left Trisha and Jim relaxing together on the grass.
    Nicole was reminded of her weakness when she reached the top of the hill. By the time she stopped in front of the entrance of the church she was gasping for breath. She stepped under the arch and walked into the centre of the courtyard, glancing up at the clear blue sky above the steeple.
    Several children scurried past and disappeared through another archway. She realized that there were stairs to climb up to the top of the tower. Nicole would have liked to take in the view from up there, but doubted her weary limbs would survive that and the walk back to the car park.
    The best thing to do would be to follow Trisha and Jim’s example, and have a rest. She found a deserted patch of grass under a tall leafy tree. Lying down, she closed her eyes, concentrating on only allowing soothing images into her mind. The country cottage beside a tranquil river she always visualized was slow to come, but when it did, Nicole finally felt the stress of the past few days ebb away.
    She knew she’d dozed off when all she wanted to do was drift back into oblivion. But the realization that she was lying in the open on the grass instead of her own bed, compelled her to force her eyes open.
    “So, sleeping beauty has decided to return to the land of the living.” That seductive deep voice was real, unnervingly so, and Nicole, surprised to discover she was no longer alone, turned her head to see Philip lying propped on one elbow beside her.
    “How long have you been there?” she demanded, irritated not only by his presence, but that he’d caught her unaware.
    “Long enough to wonder if you were going to wake of your own accord, or whether to do my Prince Charming impression and wake you with a kiss,” he smiled at her, and there was a warmth in his golden brown eyes she’d never seen before, making him appear almost endearing.
    Philip Pelayo endearing?
    Her exhaustion was obviously meddling with her mind. He’d have to be the last person on earth she would ever consider endearing.
    “You do a Prince Charming impression!” Nicole scoffed. “You don’t have a charming bone in your body.”
    “Neither do I have any royal blood, but I’m going to kiss you anyway,” he declared.
    Before the implication of those words had a chance to sink in, his dark head loomed closer, and she felt the feathered brush of his lips against her own.
    “No!” she protested, but it was too late. He swept his warm mouth across hers for a second time.
    “Yes,” he insisted, and when she felt his velvet smooth tongue against her parted lips the whole world turned on its axis. It started spinning out of control, as her body filled with the most exquisite sensations she’d ever known. Suddenly the grass smelled greener, the sky appeared bluer. Even the breeze turned into a caress against her face, making her shiver with pleasure.
    Then he closed his hot passionate mouth over hers, capturing her lips with his, and she knew this was where he’d been leading her all along. But even more incredible was that she welcomed it, wanted it, wanted him.
    Overcome by the intense desire sweeping through her, Nicole responded, tasting the chocolate from the ice cream he’d eaten earlier, mingling with the distinctive all male flavour of him.
    As the kiss deepened, she felt both his hands slide into her hair, and he shifted closer, till the