**Chapter 16: Surrender**

As Eric's strokes intensified, Maya felt her body surrendering to his desires. She was trapped in a whirlpool of sensations, her mind reeling from the intensity of the moment. The kitchen around her melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in a dance of passion and dominance. Eric's hands held her hips firmly in place, his fingers digging into her skin as he claimed her body. Maya felt a rush of excitement at the thought of being his, of belonging to him. She closed her eyes, letting the sensations wash over her, and let out a soft moan as Eric's movements became more urgent. The sound of his ragged breathing, the slap of his thighs against hers, and the primal grunts of pleasure he made as he took her, all combined to drive Maya towards a crescendo of pleasure. She felt her body trembling, her muscles tensing as she struggled to keep up with his pace. Just as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, Eric's movements slowed, and he pulled out of her, leaving Maya feeling bereft and empty. She opened her eyes to find Eric's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "Get off the island," he commanded, his voice low and husky. Maya slid off the surface, her legs trembling as she stood on the floor. Eric reached out and pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her like a vice. "I need you to shower with me," he said, his voice a gentle whisper in her ear. "I need to hold you, to touch you, to make sure you're mine." Maya nodded, her heart still racing from the intensity of their lovemaking. She felt a sense of belonging, of being claimed, that she had never experienced before. As Eric led her out of the kitchen, Maya knew that she was surrendering to him, body and soul. The shower was a blur of hot water and soap, Eric's hands roaming over her body as he cleaned her, his touch gentle and soothing. Maya felt her tension melting away, replaced by a sense of calm and contentment. As they stepped out of the shower, Eric wrapped a towel around her body, holding her close as he dried her off. Maya felt a sense of safety, of being protected, that she had never known before. "Come with me," Eric said, his voice low and husky. "I have something to show you." Maya nodded, her heart still racing from the intensity of their lovemaking. She followed Eric out of the bathroom, her eyes fixed on his back as he led her through the house. They ended up on a balcony overlooking the ocean, the sun setting over the water in a blaze of color. Eric pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her as they stood there, watching the sunset. "You're mine, Maya," he whispered, his voice a gentle reminder of the claim he had made on her body and soul. "And I'm going to make sure you know it, every day, for the rest of your life." Maya felt a shiver run down her spine as she looked out at the ocean, the horizon stretching out before her like an unknown future. She knew that she had surrendered to Eric, and that she would never be the same again.