Completing Beauty: Books 1-3
Page 28
She blushes and looks away, and I snap. “I told you it wouldn’t be fair on you if I did the very thing I told you not to. It took Ingrid to make me realize that, so you should be thanking her. The fact Sophia told you, means I now have a problem with my sister, but I’ll deal with her on our return. This is our honeymoon and you don’t need to worry about other women because there aren’t any and never have been. You are the first, my little bird. The first one I married. The first one who slept in my bed, hell who came to my home. The first woman I have let inside my head and the first woman I am taking to the hideaway. You are also the first woman I have wanted to kiss so much it causes my heart to physically ache and you are the first woman I have bared my soul to. So, put any thoughts of other women out of your beautiful mind because the only thing I want you to think of is me and how much pleasure I can give you.”
I watch in awe as my words hit home and she smiles suddenly, which takes my breath away. It’s like a rainbow in the sunshine. The tears mixed with that smile causes something magical and I can’t hold back and pull her lips to mine and punish them for ever doubting my intentions.
Feeling this woman trembling in my arms is too much, and I pull her tighter and bite her bottom lip that tempts me so often. She moans softly and my cock begs to be set free because she turns me on so much, I am tempted to pull her on my lap and take her right now.
But I practice restraint and pull away and love the way her lips are swollen and her eyes heavy with desire. Yes, my little caged bird is about to learn a valuable lesson and I cannot wait to be the teacher.
We are soon at the airfield and I watch with pleasure as she stares at the private jet in astonishment. “You own this?”
I nod with pride because this plane is one of my favorite toys. It stands there sleek and mean just like me and is emblazoned with my company logo and the corporate colors of my family.
As the car stops and the doors open, I take her hand and help her from the car. She blinks in the sunlight as she looks at the aircraft and I head up the steps, pulling her proudly behind me.
The flight attendant beams her welcome and looks at Anastasia with interest. Yes, today is a day for firsts because aside from my sister, I have never taken a woman on board my private jet.
I love her reaction to my plane. Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she looks at the interior of the executive jet. Like my homes, I spared no expense and the plush seats and deep pile carpet tell the observer they are in the lap of luxury.
My men crowd on board and I make sure that Anastasia sits next to me at the front and the attendant hands us a glass of champagne. “Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Moretti, the crew wishes you a long and happy life together.”
Anastasia smiles her thanks and something about the way her face lights up as she says thank you makes something shift inside me.
Her ring sparkles on her finger, and the heavy band of gold that accompanies it makes my heart swell with pride. She’s mine—all mine, and I can’t quite believe my luck. I never thought it would feel this good. I thought she would just wait for me at home to be wheeled out when needed. I certainly never expected her to share my bed, and I definitely never had a honeymoon in mind. This marriage is full of surprises and I like them. Life is certainly a lot more interesting with her around and I settle back in my seat and hope this plane can travel at supersonic speed because I can’t get to the hideaway quickly enough.
Chapter 23
Anastasia
It’s all a bit overwhelming. He is overwhelming and this jet, well, it’s something else. I always knew he was rich, but never on this scale. Who the hell owns an island and a private jet? Tobias Moretti certainly does, which makes me wonder why he’s so interested in me and Johnson’s plastics. We must be just a drop in a very large ocean where his empire is concerned. He could have any woman he wants, and yet he chose me—why?
The flight attendants can’t do enough for us, and the food and drink they serve is comparable to any in a fine restaurant. Tobias appears more relaxed than I have ever seen him and even the fact he has so many guards behind him ceases to matter and I almost forget they are there and the job they do.
Tobias is good company and talks about the places he has visited across the world in this aircraft, and I am a willing listener. It sounds so exciting and worlds away from my own upbringing and life to this point, and the excitement stirs as I think about how different my future is shaping up to be.
Then there’s the man himself, and I can’t quite believe my luck. I never thought I would marry such a man, and I am excited to see what that means. The entire journey is torture because there is a physical ache inside as I contemplate our arrival and the events that will follow.
Am I ready for Tobias Moretti and his attention because the thought of it is making the heat tear through my body and a strange wetness between my legs? I’m almost worried it will be visible when I stand up, so I excuse myself and head to the small toilet on board the aircraft.
I feel mortified as I clean myself up and note the heightened flush to my cheeks and the wild look in my eye. What is happening to me? I don’t recognize the person staring back at me in the mirror. This person appears to have changed overnight and I like what I see. I like what I feel and am impatient to see where this journey ends.
By the time we land, I am beyond excited. We are met at the steps of the aircraft by another fleet of cars, and we wait for the guards to set everything in place before we thank the crew and slide into the middle car.
I look out with interest on a tropical paradise and say with excitement, “Is this your island?”
Tobias shakes his head. “No, it’s too small to land an aircraft on. We need to take a boat, but it’s not far.”
Once again, the excitement is almost too much—a boat. Another first.
He smiles at the excitement in my eyes and I say with a slightly nervous giggle, “Wow, today is a day of firsts for sure. My first private plane and my first boat, not to mention my first private island.”
Suddenly, his eyes darken with desire and he leans forward and whispers huskily, “I have reserved the best for later.”
He kisses me softly and I melt into him because now I can’t seem to get enough of feeling his lips on mine. However, this time it’s different because it’s not enough. I want more and I’m starting to realize the power of attraction.
When we reach the boat, I stare at it in astonishment and say, “Wow, some boat. It’s more like a ship.”
As we stand on the dock, I look at a huge power boat that stands proudly a short way out from the marina. It has its own berth and is easily the biggest boat here, and Tobias grips my hand and says with pride, “This is the Island Star. It can sleep 16 and is what is classed as a superyacht. Occasionally, I like to vacation on here, but today it’s merely a taxi service. Maybe next time we will experience the delights it offers, but not now.”
I stare up at it in awe and almost have to pinch myself. Do people really live like this—do I really live like this? It’s almost too much and I fall silent as I follow him onboard. For some reason, it is all starting to overwhelm me. How can I measure up and be the wife he needs? Surely, he will wake up tomorrow and realize his mistake because this is all well out of my league.
Again, we are met by a respectful crew who look at me with interest. I wonder if they can see what is obvious to me, that I’m on borrowed time here?
It doesn’t take long for our belongings and the guards to settle on board, and soon the engines burst into life and we are on our way.
Tobias gives me a tour of the boat and with every step I take, I feel even more nervous. It’s all a little too much and when we arrive in the main cabin, I swallow hard as I see the enormous round bed that dominates a suite of rooms that rival the one at the mansion and I feel dizzy with nerves. What if I disappoint him?
There’s that nagging doubt at the back of my mind as I contemplate what will happen very soon. Will he look at me with the s
ame disgust as Sebastian when I went to his office that day dressed as a whore? If he did, it would destroy me because the most surprising thing of all, is that I am starting to develop actual feelings for my new husband, which means I’m totally screwed because a man like that doesn’t have feelings. Of that I’m certain, so I bite my lip and fall silent as I feel totally out of my depth, both physically and mentally.
Tobias must notice a change in me because he looks concerned and pulls me close and stares into my eyes with questions burning in his.
“Is something bothering you, little bird?”
“It’s nothing.” I look down and once again, he forces my face to look at his and says ominously, “Never look away from me, I need to see your beautiful face.”
Shaking a little, I say nervously, “I want to speak to my sister. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed by it all and need to talk to someone.”
He looks taken aback, which surprises me and then nods, and points to a phone by the side of the bed. “You can use that. I’ll be on deck when you have finished.”
He turns and leaves and I feel a little concerned because it was obvious he wasn’t happy about my request.
However, I can’t think about that and head across and sit gingerly on the bed and reach for the phone.
As I dial the number, I wonder if this was such a good idea. I’m feeling strange, and hearing a familiar voice may change everything. However, the minute I hear her voice, a wave of homesickness washes over me as she says, “Angel Johnson.”
“It’s me, Ana.”
“Oh my god, Ana, I’ve been so worried, why didn’t you call?”
Swallowing hard, I try to battle my emotions and say lightly, “I’m sorry, I should have but things have been so hectic I haven’t had time.”
“Where are you, is he treating you right, for fucks sake, Ana, tell me because I’ve been scared shitless for you?”
I smile inside because Angel returned from where she’s been a totally different person from the one who left. She’s much harder and rough around the edges, probably because she lived with bikers for most of it. It’s her strength I need right now, so I say a little more firmly, “It’s amazing Angel. Tobias lives like a king and you will never believe where I am now.”
“Where?”
“On a superyacht heading for his private island. We flew here in his private jet and I am so out of my depth, I’m worried.”
Her sharp intake of breath makes me smile as she shouts, “Oh my god, that’s insane. I can’t believe it. Have you got your cell, take some photos and send them to me, you have got to be kidding?”
Hearing the excitement in her voice settles my nerves a little and then I say nervously, “The thing is, I need some advice.”
“Like what?”
It’s a little embarrassing and I almost can’t say it but I take a deep breath and say nervously, “I’m still a virgin, Angel, and I’m scared about… well, you know?”
There is a sudden silence on the line and I wonder if we’ve been cut off and then she says in a softer voice, “Oh honey, I never knew.”
Feeling the tears prick behind my eyes, I feel like such a failure. Then she says in a gentle tone, “Do you want to have sex with Tobias?”
I feel the embarrassment creeping over me and say in a small voice, “Yes.”
“And he’s treating you well?”
“Yes.”
“But I thought it was a business arrangement, what changed?”
“Good question.” I sigh heavily. “I suppose he’s different from what I imagined. He seems, kinder and not so scary. He has surprised me and well…”
She laughs softly. “And he’s incredibly hot, that always helps.”
“Yes, just a little.”
She giggles and I can’t help but join her and my heart settles. Yes, I should have called Angel sooner because she is and always was, the only one I could talk to.
Then she says smoothly, “Don’t overthink it. You know in your heart when you’re ready and your body kind of takes over. Follow his lead and if I’m guessing right, he will know what to do. Don’t worry and just lie back and enjoy the ride.”
She giggles. “Let him direct the show because I’m sure he’ll take charge, anyway. You know, honey, the fact you’ve called, shows me you’ve changed. We haven’t been close for a while and we both know the reasons for that. But I want my sister back and so, as soon as you get back, call me and we’ll arrange to meet. I want to be here for you this time and if anyone knows what it’s been like for you up to this point, it’s me.”
A warm feeling spreads through me as my life settles back in place. Yes, I’m not alone anymore. I have Angel and Martha and for my sins my mother. Now I have Tobias too, and that is what excites me the most. So, I push any doubts I may have down inside and say brightly, “Thanks, I feel better already. Send Martha my love, I miss her.”
“Of course.”
“What about mom, have you seen her since the wedding?”
“Not if I can help it. Martha told me she’s out most nights, anyway. I expect she’s looking for husband number 2 because if I know our mom, she won’t play at being the merry widow for long.”
“I feel sorry for the man who falls for her lies.”
Angel laughs. “That’s his problem because the less I have to do with Mirabelle Johnson, the better.”
She sighs and then says in a softer voice, “Take care of yourself, honey. Remember, you have me and you always will. Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t and Angel…”
“Yes, honey.”
“I love you.”
I cut the call before she can reply and the tears threaten to pull me under again. I meant what I said though, I do love my sister and feel upset that it’s taken me until now to realize that. There is a lot of water under our particular bridge and I am just glad we came out the other side.
So, with a new found confidence knowing I’m not alone anymore, I head off to find my husband.
Chapter 24
Tobias
When I leave Anastasia in my cabin, I am tempted to listen in on her conversation. It angers me to think she is holding something back. I know she is because I felt it. Maybe she’s having second thoughts about the whole situation? Perhaps she is dreading what comes next and wants her sister to help her escape. My thoughts take a dark turn and my earlier good mood evaporates as I head to the top deck to grab a much-needed whiskey. I don’t like what she is doing to me. I’m like a jealous high school kid who can’t control his woman. That’s not me. I don’t let them in and she is testing my limits. I know I’m a jealous bastard, but I didn’t realize just how much until her.
I see Matteo and a couple of the guys leaning against the rail and head across to them. They straighten up when they see me coming and I say gruffly, “Anything to tell me?”
They look to Matteo, who shakes his head. “No sign of Carlos and Sergio called to say the portfolio is shaping up well given the current situation on the markets. He will email you his report by the end of the day.”
“Back to Carlos, how is he lying so low? Do you think he’s dead already?”
The men share a look and Santi pipes up, “If he was dead, we would know about it. Word is out he’s got a price on his head and for that sum of money even his own mother…”
He breaks off and looks down, realizing what he’s said, and I sigh irritably. “That’s in the past, it’s the future that counts and he’s a loose cannon. I want you to put word out to double the effort. I want every rock lifted that he could have crawled behind because that man has a target on his back and I want to be the one to hit it.”
The guys nod and Matteo says sharply, “Miss. Moretti.”
“What about her?”
“Is she safe left behind?”
“You tell me, Matteo.” I fix him with a dark look and notice he looks uncomfortable. “You see, the men guarding her are your men. Do you not think they are up to the job?”
“I know what my sister can be and it’s up to you to manage that. Double her security and leave instructions she is not to leave the house. She’s safe there and I hardly think seven days in the lap of luxury is a bad thing in her case.”
Matteo nods and then I see Anastasia heading out into the sunlight and immediately my mood shifts to her.
Fixing my men with a black look, I snap, “Deal with it.” before I head across and look for the answers I seek in those beautiful blue eyes.
However, when I reach her, I see something I never expected to see—lust.
I almost take a step back and she leans toward me and whispers, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For letting me speak to my sister. I just needed to run a few things by her and she put my mind at rest.”
Suddenly, I feel like a first-class fool. I should have known. She was drowning under the weight of responsibility because of everything I’ve shown her today. I’m guessing she feels a little out of her depth, but she couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m the one floundering in an unknown sea, and yet my heart lifts as I see the genuine desire reflected back at me.
I almost can’t believe such a creature wants me but apparently, she does, it’s written all over her face and I am impatient to sample the pleasures that she’s kept hidden for so long.