Chapter 132: And They Call Him Temptation

A warm breeze caused a soft whipping sound through the sheer curtains of the cabana. I inhaled deeply, enjoying the relaxing scent of salty sea air. Diego put more warm lemongrass oil on his hands before continuing his attention on my back. I swear he had the hands of an angel. I was a little nervous when he walked into the cabana for my scheduled massage, especially after hearing some of the things said about him. It didn’t help matters to see his uniform. I tried not to stare, but I couldn’t help it. If he moved the wrong way, that little loin cloth was going to fail in its job to hold in all his…manliness, and it looked like he had a lot of it packed in there. I should have been used to it since that had been the basic attire for the staff here, but still it took some getting used to. The downside of traveling with no set plans, you have to take what you can get when you don’t have a reservation.

It’s not to say that Free Spirit Resort and Spa wasn’t a great place, it was a beautiful locale. I’d never even heard of Isla de las Flores, but the escape to this small, semi-private Caribbean island was just what I needed. The resort had excellent amenities, friendly staff, all in all perfect. The only issue, clothing was optional. That freaked me out at first, mostly because I was surrounded by women whose bodies reminded me of the woman taking care of my children and possibly my husband. There were all types of people here, but the first few that I came in contact with were all the type of people others wanted to see naked. Initially I thought about leaving, finding someplace else to go, but I decided to stay anyway and experience something new. It’d been a great week; the time away was just what I’d needed.

Diego’s hands continued to glide easily over my shoulders, moving down my back, inching ever so close to my ass. Lifting my head from the rest, I turned back to look at him. He gave me a wink and I just shook my head no. I’d heard some of the ladies at the pool gushing about the ‘special’ massages and how they were booking more for later in the week, but that’s not what I was after. I was glad I’d kept my bottoms on, even if they didn’t cover much, removing my top was enough. I didn’t need to give the already lewd ideas in his head any more ammunition. Never had I come in contact with a man that exuded as much raw lust and sexual magnetism as he did. Even if he was terrible at massages, he would probably still be the most sought after masseur solely based on that.

Diego worked his way down my body, his hands rubbing and kneading the knots free. This was heaven and I was glad I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. He was extremely good at his job.

“Your skin is so soft. What’s your secret?”

I smiled even though he couldn’t see me. “I’m sure you say that to all of the ladies,” I replied. All of the staff here, male and female alike were huge flirts.

“Oh no, mamacita. I admit I have my hands on a lot of ladies, tis my job, but not all feel as you do. You are a smooth like silk.” He abandoned his task; I felt the heat of his face next to mine. “And silk is very sexy,” he purred near my ear.

A laugh escaped, “You keep talking like that pretty boy and you’ll earn yourself a big tip.”

“The kind that includes dinner then a night cap back in your suite?”

I made a non-committal sound as he resumed massaging my legs, going slower than he had before. I was out of my mind flirting with him like that. I knew it was all part of the atmosphere, but it still felt good to have him say some of those things to me. I was able to temporarily forget why I ended up here. I could forget that my husband wanted to be around some half-dressed sex kitten that was probably ready to drop her panties as soon as he asked; if he hadn’t already. Had he so little respect for me as their mother and as his wife that he hired that woman to take care of our children without first consulting me or hell even telling me? I’m sure he’d have plenty to say if I hired someone like Diego to help me with the kids. A smile formed on my lips at that thought. With the way this man’s hands were working on me, he was someone I would like to have around. An appreciative moan passed my lips as he began working on my feet.

“That sound you make mamacita, you are making things very…hard on me.”

“Am I?”

“Sí. How can I concentrate on my job when all I can think of now are the many, many ways I can make you do that again?”

I couldn’t stop the involuntary shiver that ran through me at his innuendo. “Isn’t there some saying about Latin men making excellent lovers?”

“Sí, and I’d be more than happy to show you why.”

I couldn’t even respond, I could only giggle. Diego with his magic hands, shameless flirting, and all that he hid behind that thong was probably the downfall of a lot of relationships. He was the last thing I needed, but at the same time he was exactly what I needed. Not the sex, just the flirting, it provided me a distraction from the life that awaited me back home.

I’d spent the first day or so trying to figure out what more I could do and last night I finally admitted to myself the answer I’d been trying to deny. I didn’t see any way back for us. I’d hurt Marcus too deeply, broken the trust between us and without trust there was nothing for us to build on. Marcus said he still loved me, but I didn’t know that it was enough. The holding pattern we were in was doing more harm and it wasn’t good for either of us. I wasn’t doing him any good. I was willing to let him go once, it hurt like hell, but I would have to find the strength to let him go again. I squeezed my eyes tightly, I would not cry. I would instead enjoy Diego, his flirting, and most certainly his magical hands. I would enjoy my last few days here before I had to get back to reality.

Nervous flutters started in my stomach. Reality had found me.

“I’m sorry sir, but this is a private cabana.” I heard Diego say.

“Now Love, if you wanted someone to rub all over your delectable body barely clothed, I was but a mere phone call away.”

I let out a low exhale. The sound of his voice was the last thing I expected to hear.  It was the last thing I needed to hear right now.

“Sir, I’m going to ask you again to leave.”

Making sure I had a good grip on the towel for coverage, I sat up slowly. Mulo stood just inside the sheer curtain looking very out of place dressed in his color of choice. There was an intensity in his eyes as he watched me, one that made me hold the towel tighter.

“It’s okay Diego, he’s a…friend.”

“I haven’t finished your massage.”

“No worries,” I replied taking my eyes off Mulo and giving Diego a smile. “It just means I get to book you again.”

“I look forward to it.” He gave me a wink then sized up Mulo before walking out.

I waited until Diego exited the cabana before easing off the table. “Turn around,” I ordered.

“So modest, Love. I have a better idea, why don’t I get undressed and then you wouldn’t have to feel so nervous.” He gave a devilish grin as he started to unbutton his shirt.

“What! No! Turn around Mulo.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I’m very serious.”

His eyes lit up in amusement. “You do realize you are at a nudist resort don’t you?”

“Yes I know exactly where I am, but clothing is optional, and I option to wear some. Now turn around!”

He smiled before slowly turning his back to me. I did the same, glancing over my shoulder to make sure he wasn’t looking before dropping the towel and putting my top back on. I also picked up my wrap, securing it around my waist before giving him the all clear. It wasn’t a lot, but it was better than me being topless.

“So much for peaceful alone time. What are you doing here Mulo?”

“Come now Love, you know you’re happy to see me.”

“I am?”

He took a step closer. “Yes. You had to know I’d come,” he answered, taking another step towards me. “In fact, I’m pretty sure you’ve been waiting on my arrival.” We stood face to face. He reached out to caress my face. “I’ve missed you Love.” His fingers trailed down my arm leaving a line of goosebumps in the process. He snaked his arm around my waist, pulling me flush with his body. “And I know you’ve missed me too.” His voice was thick with desire and the start of those familiar feelings started trying to creep up on me.

I took a slow breath while trying to keep my head clear so things wouldn’t fall out of control; something that could easily be done when I was around him. Mulo was always around; had always been around. In good times and in bad he was the constant in my life. Things with him were just easier for some reason that I didn’t understand. Easier wasn’t always better.

I looked up at him and he took that as an invitation. The last time he kissed me like this we were on his balcony. That kiss was full of passion and desire, but also desperation. Like we both knew it was goodbye. This…there was no goodbye in this; there was intent.

Intent to see things through to the end. The wrap was torn away, his hands were on my ass, squeezing as he pulled my body closer to his making sure I felt his desire; my own started to rise in response. My legs hit the massage table. No! I pushed him off. Shaky hands covered my mouth. What the hell was wrong with me? I’d spent months trying to convince Marcus I wanted him, I wanted us and then Mulo shows up and…no this was different. I came to my senses. I…I…shit…I still let him kiss me!

“Stop beating yourself up Love. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why you fight so hard against something that seemingly comes so natural to you?” he asked, closing the small gap between us.

My hands went up as a barrier. “You promised, Mulo. You said you’d stay away yet here you are.”

I found myself once again wrapped in his arms only this time his grip was ironclad. “I’m here. You’re here. But where is your husband? The good man you said was so deserving of you as his wife? I’ll tell you where he is, he’s probably back at home shagging his nanny. I know I would be if I had someone like that living with me.”

My eyes widened in shock and disbelief. “Let go of me!” I hissed, fighting harder to get free.

With my freedom gained, I retreated to the other side of the massage table. He knew about Jenelle. He saw Jenelle? He had to for him to make that statement. If he saw Jenelle that means he saw Marcus. A tidal wave of nausea washed over me with that realization. He. Saw. Marcus.

“Don’t worry Love, we managed to talk like gentlemen.”

“No worries!” I yelled as I turned to face him. “Yes there are worries Mulo. Big worries, major worries! You went to go see him! You…you came back after promising to stay away. Why? Why do you do this to me? All I want is a chance at happy and you can’t let me have it!” I covered my face, fighting back tears of frustration. I hated this feeling of always being out of control of my own life.

“Happy?” He gave a sarcastic laugh. “Happy is the last word I’d use to describe you right now Love.”

 I shook my head, trying to deny his words. “You don’t understand. He’s angry, he…he has a right to be angry…”

“Bullshit!” Mulo was back in front of me, his fingers digging into my arm. “He left you! Walked out! Walked away from you and everything you said you wanted. Everything you asked me to let you have. You were two seconds from bursting into tears over him before I walked in here. If you were doing okay and fine with how things were I would have walked away, but you aren’t. You felt the need to run away while he’s back at home laid up with the help. He’s not making you happy. He’s not showing any interest in saving your marriage. So why should you? Why do you continue to defend him?”

“Same reason I defend you!” I screamed.

I pushed against him, struggling to get free. Though his words cut deep, they held truth. I was the only one fighting, but it was my turn. For much of our time together, Marcus was the only one really fighting for us. It was my turn.

“We’ve never had anything real Mulo. Nothing substantial. Most times I couldn’t even attempt to put a label on what we were, hell I still can’t, but…you’re still in my life. You’ve hurt me in so many ways; I wasn’t even deserving of the things you put me through, yet I forgave you. Am I stupid for doing so? Am I stupid for loving you still? Marcus sure as hell thinks so, but I do. I’ve hurt him and he’s not been deserving of the things I’ve put him through. I defend him because I love him!”

I stopped and took a shaky breath, feeling a moment of clarity for the first time in a long time. “I defend him because he’s my husband. I defend him because he has the right to be angry. Am I hurting? Yes, I admit it, but at least I know why. That’s something I never got with you.”

Mulo took a step back, genuinely looking hurt by my words. “You’re right Love, you didn’t deserve the things I did to you. I’ve apologized, but the past can’t be changed. I won’t lie and say I’d do things differently because I don’t know if I would or not. I was a different man then.”

“I know you were. I know how you’ve grown; I acknowledge and appreciate those changes.”

“All for you Love.” Mulo pulled me into his arms. “You didn’t deserve what you went through then, and regardless of what you think, you don’t deserve it now. I disagree with you on what we have; just because what we have doesn’t have some label, it doesn’t make it any less real. What we have I believe is more real and substantial than some label or a piece of paper because it’s still here! Our connection has withstood it all, Amari. There is no pretense with us, there doesn’t have to be. Together we are real, unfiltered, and just raw. And it works! What could be more substantial than that?”

I was at a loss for words after hearing his impassioned speech. Mulo was always a man of few words and none of those words were ever about his feelings. At times I wasn’t sure if I convinced myself he truly loved me just to make myself feel better, but hearing his words, hearing him actually verbalize what goes on in his head was unexpected, yet welcomed. I couldn’t put into words what it meant to me to know finally that this was more than just some game to him. That I was more to him than that. It also made everything that came next so much harder.

Yes, I understood that Marcus was hurt, that I’d hurt him, but our current state was getting us nowhere. I needed to take a stand for myself, for my own dignity and self-respect. I couldn’t keep being Marcus’ dumping ground and allowing him to treat me with such disregard. The decision I’d come to last night wasn’t easy, but it had to happen. We had issues to work out, and I was more than willing to do that, but it needed to happen another way. For my sanity and his, to preserve anything we had from the past, and what we could have in the future, we needed to find another way.

I stepped closer; Mulo welcomed me into his embrace. “Everything you just said, I’ve waited so long to hear.” I stopped, taking an unsteady breath as my fight to hold back tears was lost. “You don’t have to stay away Mulo but you can’t interfere, I won’t let you interfere. If my marriage is doomed, if it won’t survive this then I’ll accept that, what I won’t do is give it any more pushes towards destruction. I love you, it’s a fact of my life, and I won’t deny that. I love you…but I love my husband also and as long as I’m married, whether we’re together or not, I’m off limits. You don’t have to stay away, we have a child together, a grandchild, and it was selfish of me to ask you to possibly miss out on things with them…but I’m asking that if you really love me, you’ll respect that I’m married. You’ll respect me enough to let things run its course, to let Marcus and I work things out as we see fit.”

I looked up at him; my chest constricted seeing the disappointment and sadness in his eyes. For the longest time I didn’t believe Mulo had a heart, but in this moment I could see that my words were breaking it.

He pressed his lips to my forehead. “For your sake, I hope he manages to get his head out of his ass and sees what he has in front of him.” He stopped and smiled at me, “but for mine I hope he doesn’t.”

I had mixed feelings as I watched him walk out. Part of me was sad at the seemingly finality of our time together. Another part of me was relieved, like a weight had been lifted in a way. For the longest time I felt like I was holding on to Mulo, still using him as a crutch out of some fear. Sink or swim, I needed to finally stand on my own two feet.

**A/N**

So there are 2, yes TWO chapters left of Kiss. I know, I'm sad about that as well. For the longest time I couldn't see a way out of this triangle because I love both guys and want everyone to end up happy. Figuring out what to do, how to end this has not been easy, and it still isn't. :( If you haven't done so already, be sure to leave any questions you have for any of the characters HERE. There will be a Q&A session with everyone just like I did when Fiendish ended. Thank you for the years of support. It's been a blast!!!!

Thank you to Daijah for making the very sexy Deigo! Not sure how Amari resisted his many charms but she did!!! She gets a cookie for that one, because he was trying hard. hahaha Also thanks for your photo editing skills. :)

Also thank you to Mypalsim for making poses for me. They helped to get Amari all relaxed and let her maintain a little bit of modesty when needed. ;) Not sure Mulo appreciates that though. hahaha 

Free Spirit Resort and Spa is actually The Hidden Cove Resort by aloleng. The only room I altered was the cabana. 

Lastly, because why not.