Temptation Island by C.C. Soltry Read Free Book Online Page B

to be. 
    It aught to be illegal for a man to look that good.  Or, at least for him to look that good in the presence of usually levelheaded virgins.  Damn the man.
    Carm stifled a groan as Marek licked his lips.  He grinned, fast a lightning, and she knew he’d heard her anyway.
    Carm sat up straight in the chair and gripped the white linen tight against her chest.  “Wait a minute.  You said rings .  Plural.  And how do you know we married each other if you can’t remember?  I certainly can’t remember, so if we both can’t remember than maybe it didn’t happen.”
    Marek smirked and laid back against the pillows, slipping one hand behind his head and pointed across the room with the other.  With the hand that sported a simple little oyster shell ring.  “Nice try, sweetheart.  Great theory, but for one major flaw.  Looks like the inn sent up a little newlywed basket.”
    Carm’s gaze shot over to the basket sitting on top of the dresser.  Standing abruptly, ignoring her achy body and raw, unsettled stomach, Carm marched over to it.  Full of little delectable treats for new couples the basket held chocolates, champagne, other nonsense, and a gift card for a free massage and spa treatment.
    That didn’t worry her overmuch.  What worried Carm was the certificate of marriage lying next to it.  With a shaking hand she reached for the paper and picked it up zeroing in on her name. 
    Yep, that was definitely her signature.
    Dropping the incriminating evidence like it was on fire, Carm spun around and yelled at Marek.  “How could this be?  I can’t be married to you, I don’t know you! And why are you so fucking calm?  Say something dammit!”
    On the verge of a panic attack, Carm shook violently and clenched her fists as she waited for Marek to say something, anything.  She barely remembered the guy, how could he be her husband?
    One night of trying to live a little and look what she does.  She up and throws away everything she thought she stood for.  So guess what that made her?  A hypocrite.
    Carmen Hogue was a cheap, pathetic hypocrite.
    Tears streamed silently down her face as she gazed helplessly at Marek.  What was she going to do?
    She watched Marek sit up in bed and rake a hand through his thick hair.  Concern etched his brow in a low, firm line as he stared at Carm.
    Heaving a great, heartfelt sigh Marek finally spoke.  “Calm down, Carmen.  Don’t get your panties in a bunch.  Oh right, you’re not wearing any.  We’ll figure something out, cheri .  If we even slept together—which I’m almost positive we did.  We’ll find a way to take care of this.”
    Carm wiped at a tear and ignored the panty remark.  “I’ve never been with anyone, Marek.  How would you feel if you had no memory of your first time and discovered you’d just given it away to the first good looking stranger that came along?”
    Surprise lit his face and Marek mumbled, “You’re a virgin? Oui ?  You don’t look like one.”
    “Oh really?  And just what are virgins supposed to look like Marek?” Carm retorted, her voice swimming in sarcasm.
    Holding out a hand Marek apologized, “Sorry that was crass of me.  Why are you still a virgin?”
    “Why is your accent stronger when you first wake up?  Some things just are.  They’re part of you, who you are.  And choosing to be a virgin is simply part of who I am.  Or at least a part of who I was .  I don’t know who I am now.”
    Marek cocked his head to the side and studied Carm.  “But why choose virginity as your statement?  Surely you had opportunities before now?  Any man would love to bed you, cheri .  Why hold out, unless you’re afraid of sex.”
    Indignation burned hot in her eyes as Carmen glared at Marek.  For a moment she couldn’t speak then she snapped, “I chose to be a virgin because I’m worth it.  Not for any other reason.  I value myself and wanted to wait for love, damn it.  Not just give it away on a