Flawless - Manhattan Knights Series Book One

by Sienna Parks

  “I’m not done with you yet.” He captures my mouth with his. “Are you mine, Miss Tate?”

  I know the answer to this question without hesitation - absolutely and irrevocably. “Yes. I’m yours. Only yours. Always.” He slams into me, hard as steel. My body was made for him.

  “Every delectable inch of your body belongs to me.”

  His words together with his relentless pace whip us into a frenzied, fierce, and extremely intense release, screaming each other’s names as we spiral out of control together.

  Xander curls me up in his warm embrace and shifts us up the bed until he can move us under the sumptuous sheets, wrapping us back in our little bubble. He drifts into a peaceful sleep, our limbs tangled, our hearts beating together as one.

  “I’m so in love with you, Xander Rhodes. I always will be.”

  ****

  Today is the day that I finally visit The Globe Theater, and I am truly excited. I’m like a kid at Christmas; the anticipation is killing me. I choke the life out of Xander’s hand as we head out of the hotel into the sweet summer air. It’s a beautiful day for an adventure with the one you love. I just have to tell him… when he’s awake… and can hear me.

  We skip breakfast in the hotel in favor of grabbing something en route to my Mecca.

  “You’re so adorable when you’re excited, sweets.”

  He pulls me into his side, snaking his arm around my waist. I’m practically jumping up and down as we cross the Millennium Bridge, but I stop dead in my tracks when The Globe comes into view. I’m frozen to the spot, overwhelmed with emotion, tears spilling down my cheeks.

  “This is supposed to be a happy moment. What’s wrong?” He wipes my eyes as I try to explain.

  “These are happy tears. I just can’t believe I’m actually here. It always seemed like a dream that would never happen. Thank you so much.”

  I bury my head in his chest, embarrassed by my outburst. He leads me the rest of the way to the entrance and I savor the moment, taking in everything around me, trying to soak it into my pores.

  It is truly breathtaking – It’s everything I thought it would be and more.

  We spend hours wandering around, reading all about Shakespeare and this phenomenal theater. Xander disappears for five minutes while I steep myself in the history of the ultimate playwright. When he returns, he pulls a silk scarf from his pocket and without a word, covers my eyes. Taking my hand in his, coaxing me away from the exhibition area – to where, I don’t know.

  After a few minutes of Xander leading me around blindfolded, he stops, brushing his hands down my arms before placing a tender kiss on my lips. “I want you to trust me and leave the blindfold on for a minute.” I nod in agreement. “From the moment you came crashing into my life, nothing has been the same. You’ve given me something I thought I would never have. I want things with you that I haven’t wanted in a long time. You’ve given me hope for the future. I want to give you the world, but I’ll start with The Globe. I love you, Lily Tate.”

  He gently removes the soft silk from my eyes, but I don’t comprehend anything around me. All I see is him - the man who just told me he loves me. As we gaze into each other’s eyes the connection between us sizzles, waiting to explode with the brilliance and beauty of fireworks.

  Xander gently cups my face before lowering his lips to mine. I have never been touched like this. The tender passion, the gentle intensity, the love conveyed through a single kiss, astounds me and humbles me at the same time; awe-inspiring in its purity. When I open my eyes again, I realize we are standing in the middle of The Globe itself.

  “I love you, Xander. So much it’s a physical ache in my chest.” The smile that lights up his face is magnificent. He lifts me off the ground and spins me round in the center of the wooden O, with a laugh of sheer joy, but as he sets me down his mood becomes serious.

  “I’ve wanted to tell you that since the moment I met you. Until now there has never been a time and a place that seemed worthy of you. It feels so good to finally say it out loud. I love you, Lily Tate.” We stand lost in our bubble, our Globe - for what seems like an eternity, absorbing this moment, committing it to memory.

  “Say it again. I want to hear you say it.” His whispered plea tugs at my heartstrings and I gladly oblige.

  “I’m so in love with you, Xander Rhodes. I. Love. You.” He captures me in a hungry kiss, claiming me as his own.

  “I need to make love to you, sweets. Let me take you back to the hotel - let me show you how much I love you.”

  “I’m all yours.”

  He promptly finds the exit, and before I can take a breath, he’s hailed a black hackney cab.

  On the ride back to the hotel, he continuously lifts our interlaced fingers to his lips, kissing my fingers one at a time, darting his tongue out to make the briefest contact with my skin. My body is aglow, ready to make love - to connect to the other half of my soul.

  We spend the first half of Wednesday catching up on sleep, but as soon as I wake, molten blue eyes are staring back at me. Xander has been watching me sleep. God, I hope I wasn’t snoring or drooling.

  “I have a surprise for you today.” I know he’s going to draw it out so I don’t even bother asking him to tell me.

  “Excellent. I’m sure whatever it is will be great.” I think he’s surprised that I’m not probing him for more information.

  “What would you like to do today, Miss Tate?” He starts tracing his finger in circles around my belly button.

  “I don’t mind, I’m easy.” I catch the mischief in his eye as soon as the words leave my mouth.

  “Oh, I know you are. It’s one of the reasons I adore you.” Mischievous and sweet in one sentence - I never stood a chance against him. We enjoy another amazing day, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, before having a delicious dinner in a trendy Chinese restaurant right in the center of town. Then he takes me to a great little bar. It’s cozy, modern, and has a stage for live music. The place is packed and there’s a great vibe; there must be a band playing tonight.

  That’s when it dawns on me. “Are we here to see a band?” He nods his head slowly, taking a swig of his bottle of Staropramen. “Cool.” He’s sporting a sly grin - he knows who’s playing. “Is it a band I’ve heard of?”

  “Flaming Embers are playing here tonight.” Oh. My. God.

  “How did you know? They’re my favorite British band! I love their debut album. This is amazing. I’m so excited.” As the words leave my mouth, the crowd around us erupts at the commotion on stage. He pulls me tight against his chest in a protective stance, and positions me for a perfect view of the band. The lead singer pulls the microphone to his lips.

  “Hey, everyone, thanks for coming out tonight. Bit of an impromptu gig for us. A friend of mine told me one of our fans from America is in London this week, so we thought we’d give her a show. Put your hands together for Lily Tate, everyone.” He just said my name. No… fucking… way! The crowd goes wild - clapping and whistling.

  “What did you do?”

  “I may have spoken to Addi last week and then made a few calls to Logan. They just signed with him and he pulled some strings. The boys were more than happy to put on a gig for the fee I’m paying.” Oh my God! He hired one of my favorite bands just for me.

  “Thank you so much. This is so thoughtful. I love you.” He gently tilts my head backwards to capture my mouth as the band starts playing.

  “Enjoy.”

  I focus my attention on stage as the band kicks off the gig. They sound even better live, and play all of my favorite tracks. I lose myself in the music, Xander holding me a little tighter. With a kiss below my ear, he speaks just loud enough for me to hear. “God, I love you, Lily.”

  We enjoy the rest of the set, jumping and dancing with the rest of the crowd, the whole place alive with energy. When the band finishes, we demand an encore, stomping our feet, clapping as loudly as we can. They give us what we want and before they leave the stag
e, the lead singer, Campbell McCabe, shouts through the microphone.

  “Thank you, you’ve been a great crowd. Hope you enjoyed the show, Lily! We’re Flaming Embers. Goodnight and God Bless.” Every girl in the place screams as they all jump off stage and make their way into the back room.

  Xander has another surprise up his sleeve; he takes me backstage to meet the band. I get a signed copy of their album and manage not to make a complete idiot of myself in front of them, so I consider that a triumph!

  I’m so jazzed from the gig that I don’t want to go back to the hotel, so instead, we hit a few more bars and a club, dancing the night away before stumbling back to the hotel at about 4 a.m. I’m out cold before my head hits the pillow. What a great night. Xander never ceases to amaze me with the surprises he manages to pull off. He puts so much thought and effort into our time together, it makes me feel special beyond words.

  I’m a little worse for wear today, but I want to make the most of our last day in London. I have a list of things I want to see and do and Xander obliges without complaint. First stop is Harrods - I get a few gifts for Addi and maybe a few items for myself. I make sure not to give him the opportunity to buy me anything but he still manages to pull me into Tiffany’s.

  “I know what you’ve been doing but I want to get you a charm in London to remember our time here. You can pick whatever you want.”

  Normally I would protest but his sentiment is heartfelt, so I just thank him as I follow him into the store. We’re not in there very long before I spy the perfect charm – a solid silver heart with a letter ‘X’ engraved in the center. I gave my heart to Xander in London. He smiles as I point it out to him.

  “Excuse me, miss. Could we please have this heart charm, and one with the letter ‘L’, attached to my girlfriend’s bracelet?” The sales clerk takes a moment to admire the wonder that is Xander, before giving me a snide glance and acquiescing to his request. I remove my bracelet and hand it over with a smug grin. When my pretty new charms are in place we head out to see some more of the sights. Next stop, the London Eye.

  The view from the top is incredible. You can see the whole city sprawling out before your eyes in all its majesty. Xander pulls me close, his lips finding mine, connected by an invisible force. I’m on top of the world right now, literally and figuratively.

  “There is one last place I’d like to take you, but it’s outside of the main city. We need to take a train. You up for it?” His eyes smolder with love, and the butterflies are running rampant in my stomach.

  “Yes. I’d go anywhere with you.”

  His scruff tickles me as I kiss him with everything I have. I don’t even notice that the Eye has come to a stop and the doors are open for us to disembark. The attendant clears his throat to get our attention and the people waiting to get in give us a clap as we step out of the pod. I’m so embarrassed!

  I don’t ask where we’re going when we get on the train. I’m happy just to be with him and trust that whatever it is, I’ll like it. And boy do I like it.

  The journey is relatively short and I enjoy cuddling into Xander as we listen to the quiet clickety-clack of the train on the tracks. Our car is pretty empty until the next stop when a crowd gets on and shoves their way down the aisle to find seats. I immediately stiffen. The man coming toward me looks scarily like Ron Peterson on first glance. Every muscle in my body tightens.

  “Are you okay?”

  I glance up, relieved to see that the man in front of me doesn’t look so much like the monster that haunts my dreams. My mind must be playing tricks on me. I’m starting to get a little anxious at the thought of going home tomorrow - I still haven’t heard any news from my mom.

  I shake off my funk and assure him I’m fine. He knows I’m lying but he senses that it’s not the time to talk and simply pulls me closer, calming me, assuaging my fears. Shortly after, we arrive in a town called Teddington and he drags me excitedly from the train.

  “I figured since you’re big on literature, and history, and London, we couldn’t leave without visiting Hampton Court.”

  My face lights up, splitting into a massive grin. “Seriously. As in Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Hampton Court?”

  He chuckles. “Is there another Hampton Court I don’t know about? You are too cute.” I punch him in the arm for laughing at me.

  “Was that your attempt at hurting me? That was just pitiful. Let’s go check this place out.”

  “I’ve always wanted to come here.”

  “I noticed The Tudors Blu-rays in your room and took an educated guess that you might enjoy it.” I don’t know why I’m surprised that he would notice such a small detail, but I am. It’s heartwarming that he puts so much thought into making me happy.

  We spend a few hours exploring Hampton Court and it doesn’t disappoint. The walls are steeped in history, transporting you back, allowing you to reach through time and space… and touch something remarkable.

  After an amazing day, we head back to the hotel and freshen up before having a fabulous dinner in one of the hotel restaurants.

  “I can’t thank you enough for this trip. I’ve had the most amazing time. I’ll never forget it.” He holds my hands across the table.

  “This is just the beginning for us. We have so many adventures ahead of us.” He lifts my hands to his lips, placing a chaste kiss on each palm.

  “Where do you want to go next? Paris, Rome, Budapest?”

  “I’ll settle for being with you back in New York. You’re everything I want.”

  ****

  We’re up early for our flight. I’m sad that our trip is over, but I’m really excited about what’s next for us.

  “You ready to go home?”

  “Yeah. This has been amazing, but we’ll be together back in New York, and that means everything is going to be great.”

  When we touch down in New York, I’m looking forward to seeing Addi and telling her all about London. She’ll go crazy when I tell her we finally said the ‘L’ word to each other.

  David is here, ready to drive us home and it’s comforting to see his stoic face waiting for us. Xander gets us settled in the back of the SUV. He lifts me into his lap and wraps the seatbelt around us both. “Would you mind if I stay with you tonight, sweets? I’m not ready to leave you yet.”

  I take a moment to scent him, breathing him deep into my lungs. “I’m not ready to let you leave.” We spend the car ride kissing and whispering sweet nothings to each other like lovesick teenagers. It’s disgusting really… and I love every moment of it.

  When we pull up outside my apartment I relish the idea of spending the night in my own bed with the man I love. He grabs our bags and tells David to pick him up in the morning.

  As I open the door, I notice that Addi isn’t here. Xander obviously has the same realization as he drops the bags on the floor and backs me down onto the sofa.

  “I love you so fucking much.” It’s all I need to give myself over to him completely. He quickly strips both of us before sitting me on his lap. I can feel his rock-hard cock pressing against my clit.

  “I can’t get over how stunningly beautiful you are. You take my breath away.” I thread my fingers into his hair, tugging his lips to meet mine in a toe-tingling, mind-melting, earth-shattering kiss. Deep and sensual; loving and hungry. I lift my hips in invitation and he wastes no time impaling me on his throbbing erection. We are two pieces of a puzzle; destined to fit together.

  He guides my hips up and down the length of him, kissing my breasts while his strong hands press into my thighs. With every stroke, he hits my sweet spot, and caresses my clit; the myriad of sensations almost too much to bear. I slide my hands down onto his shoulders as I ride him faster and faster, chasing the release that only he can give me.

  “Yes! Right there… fucking hell… yes… yes… I love you.” As soon as the words fall from my lips, Xander finds his own release, joining me in the all-consuming ecstasy that our bodies create together.

 
We take a moment to enjoy being skin to skin before we grab our clothes from the floor and get ready, just in case Addi makes an entrance!

  Xander takes our bags into my room while I put on a pot of coffee before checking through my mail. I discover a note from Addi on the fridge telling me that she’s gone away with Carter for a few days and will be back late Monday night. There is also a Post-it telling me to call my mom. I’ll call her before bed to see if she has some good news.

  I grab my mail from the table by the door, lazily sifting through it. Bills, bills and… a large brown envelope. I set the unexciting stuff down on the table and open the large envelope with my name on it. When I pull out the contents, a chill runs through my body. This can’t be… he wouldn’t. There’s a handwritten note attached.

  To Miss Lily Tate,

  I thought he owed you your little trip to London before you found out what he’s been doing behind your back. Don’t feel bad. He’s always been in love with me. We’re meant to be.

  Woman to woman, I figured it was about time you knew. He shouldn’t string you along when his heart’s not in it. He’s mine, and he will always BE MINE.

  Natalie Mason

  I run to the bathroom, knowing what’s coming. I make it to the bowl just before I lose the contents of my stomach. Xander comes rushing into the bathroom behind me.

  “What’s wrong?” He kneels down beside me and starts to rub my back. I can feel the tears, but I don’t want to give him the satisfaction.

  “Don’t fucking touch me. Just get the hell out of my apartment.” I realize I’m still clutching the photos in a death grip.

  “What the fuck, Lily? What’s going on? I’m not going anywhere, you’re sick. I’m going to look after you.” He moves to run his hand down my cheek, but I can’t stand it. I feel like I’m about to break.

  “I said don’t fucking touch me.” I want to cry at the look of hurt and confusion in his eyes, but then I glance at the photos in my hand. “Here.” I say shoving them into his hand. “Take these and get the fuck out of my apartment and my life.” He looks down at the photographs, horror, and anger flashing across his face.