by Sienna Parks
“Don’t ever scare me like that again, okay? I think I’ve aged about ten years in the last two weeks.” I see the toll it’s taken on her as she sits next to me. She’s lost weight. She was already the thinnest woman I know, but now she looks unwell. I feel bad that I’ve put her through so much.
“I promise.” I decide to change the subject. “So what’s happening with you? Last I knew, you were away for a few days with Carter. What’s going on there?”
She chuckles as she pulls her knees up to her chest. “I can’t believe that after everything you’ve been through, you’re thinking about my love life.”
“I love you and I care about what happens to you. You’re my family. Besides, there has been enough heavy stuff, let’s talk about something more exciting. Spill your guts, Warner.” She rolls her eyes in defeat before filling me in on what’s been going on.
“Well. I took your advice and gave him a chance. We went to the Hamptons for a few days and it was really amazing. I mean really amazing. I’ve never felt like this before and it scares the shit out of me. Things have been on the back burner since you went missing and the subsequent hospital recovery.”
“Please tell me that things aren’t over between you two because of me?” I couldn’t stand it if that was the case.
“They’re not over. I spoke to him and told him I had to focus on you - he was really understanding. Now that you’re getting better and you’re out of the hospital I’m going to see him this weekend and we’ll see where things stand.” I’m so relieved.
“I hope everything works out between you guys. You seem good together. Maybe we can go out together sometime? The boys are best friends after all.”
“How weird is that? We’re dating best friends. Problem is you’ll go off and marry Xander and when Carter and I don’t work out, it’ll be weird at parties and stuff.” I slap her shoulder with my good hand, sending a searing pain down my ribs.
“Don’t be so negative. There is no reason to think that things won’t work out between you and Carter. You are an amazing woman, Addi, and he’s lucky to have a chance with you.”
“Thanks, friend.” She dips into her bag. “Anyway, enough of all this messy emotional stuff. I brought chocolate and one of your favorite movies.” She holds up the Dirty Dancing DVD, which elicits a squeal. I love that movie.
Xander has a great flat-screen TV hidden in a stunning oversized cabinet in the bedroom. Once it’s set up, she snuggles up next to me on the bed and we enjoy a normal, fun night together, watching Patrick Swayze and eating the massive bar of chocolate she brought with her.
I must have fallen asleep, because I’m roused by Xander sliding into bed beside me.
“Addi?” I murmur.
"I had David drop her home a while ago. Go back to sleep, sweets. I love you." I take a deep breath, enjoying his amazing smell as he kisses me good night.
"I love you, too."
****
Xander has been the most attentive boyfriend I could ever ask for over the last few weeks, attending to my every need. He goes out of his way to make my days special in some small way; he and Addi have been taking turns to spoil me. I’ve seen her almost as much as when we lived together which makes the whole transition a little easier on both of us.
Within three weeks, my cast is off and all of my home comforts have been brought to the penthouse; he even brings me letters he wrote to me when he thought I had ended our relationship. He’s been working from home most of the time so I wait until he goes to his office for a few hours to sit and read the first letter.
Sunday
Sweets,
I was hoping that my letter yesterday would have given you reason enough to hear me out.
I’m struggling to give you the space you need. Every minute of the day I want to come and see you, look at your beautiful face and listen to your sweet voice to soothe the ache in my chest.
I understand that you entrusted me with so much and I let you down. I will never forgive myself for that.
I can only ask that you find it in your heart to forgive me and allow me to spend the rest of my life making it up to you.
Every song I hear, every room in my apartment, reminds me of you – Your face, your scent, the way your body feels when it comes apart beneath me, and most importantly your heart. The way you make me a better man just by being in your orbit.
I meant what I said in London, Lily – I want to give you the world if you’ll let me. I miss you.
Forever Yours,
Xander x
Coldplay - The Scientist
Tears stream down my cheeks as I realize the torment he must have felt, believing that I didn’t want to be with him, and all the while I was desperate for him to come for me. I thought I would never see him again.
I can’t control the sobs that rack my body as I remember what that monster did to me. He might be dead now, but he still haunts my dreams with a new nightmare. I wake up screaming most nights, drenched in a cold sweat, the terror causing my body to shake.
Every night, Xander rocks me back to sleep, holding me in his arms, assuring me that I’m safe and that Ron Peterson will never hurt me again. He never complains, even though I can see the toll it’s taking on him - He has dark circles under his ice-blue eyes; his beautiful face marred with worry.
I hear his hurried footsteps rushing down the hall at the sound of my cries. I feel awful knowing that I’m causing him further stress, but I can’t stop the torrent of emotion, spilling out of me. Through my tear filled eyes, I can only see a blurred vision of him, as he comes bursting through the door and into our bedroom.
“Lily… baby… what’s wrong? Are you okay? Are you sore?” He scoops my crumpled form up off the bed and holds me tight as I give in to the enormity of my ordeal.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I nod, knowing that I have to get it off my chest.
Between sobs I tell him the full sordid story. I see so many emotions in his eyes as I speak – love, anger, grief, rage, and more love. It’s difficult for a man like Xander who is normally so dominant and in control, to hear how Peterson tormented me in those final moments.
When there are no tears left to cry, and no more story to be told, he lifts me effortlessly from the bed and carries me into the bathroom, setting me down gently on the counter while he runs a bath for us.
He gently undresses me before undressing himself and lifting me into the tub. He tucks me close and relaxes back into the water. Every time he touches me it’s as if I’m going to break. I appreciate his tenderness, but my ribs are much better now and I miss his not so gentle touch. I ache to feel him inside me, his body looming over mine as he drives us to the edge of ecstasy and pushes us over into a freefall of sensation.
I’ve asked him to make love to me, but he’s been so self-controlled, wanting to make sure that I’m fully healed so he doesn’t hurt me. I know it must be killing him because my own frustration is at breaking point. Every innocent touch of his hand ignites a burning desire. As soothing as this bath is, lying against his taut, naked body is driving me crazy. I need him – now.
“Xander?” He squeezes me a little closer.
“Yes, sweets?” Here goes nothing.
“I need you to make love to me. I need that physical connection to you. Please, honey. My ribs feel better. Xander… please… touch me.” I take his hand and press it to my breast; my nipple instantly hardening at the touch of his strong, warm hand. He nibbles my ear, his breathy voice fighting for control.
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby. You’ve been through so much.” He can’t help trailing kisses down my neck, his argument dying on his lips as they stoke the fire between us.
“I’m good. Please… it hurts not to be with you.” The last of his willpower evaporates.
He’s up, lifting me out the tub and into our room within seconds, our lips locked in an urgent kiss.
“Fuck… I’ve missed your body so much. I want to bury my cock in you and stay there
forever.”
“Sounds perfect to me.”
He lays me gently on the bed before grabbing a towel. My gaze is locked on his body as he sweeps it over his washboard abs, and down the hallowed V, before dropping it to the floor. Holy. Fuck.
There is no mischief in his eyes tonight. He stands in front of me, dominating, and sexy as hell. A thrill of anticipation courses through me - my body desperate for his expert touch. My nipples pucker as his red-hot gaze roams every curve of my body.
“Show me how ready you are for me, sweets.” I part my legs wide, my entrance warm and slick. A groan escapes his chest. “So fucking beautiful.”
He crawls up the bed settling between my legs, licking his sinful lips as his gaze drops to my pussy. He darts his tongue out, running from my wet entrance up to my throbbing clit. My body convulses under his expert touch.
“Mmm. Even sweeter than I remember, Miss Tate.” His firm hands press my thighs wide as he sets to work, driving me toward a quick and powerful climax.
“That’s number one.” A sly grin creeps over his lips, my juices glistening in the moonlight shining through the window. “Now I’m going to take my time.”
He moves down my leg, starting at the instep of my foot, trailing soft kisses up my calf, to the back of my knee. It’s a heady feeling and ignites a trail of desire as he places open-mouthed kisses up my thigh, stopping just before he reaches the apex. Then he starts the process all over again on my other leg.
By the time he shifts his attention to my stomach I’m writhing beneath him, threading my hands through his hair. His hands skim my flesh, his mouth following their path, nibbling, licking, and suckling. When his tongue reaches my breasts I arch off the bed in response to the pleasure shooting to my core.
“Careful, baby. Tell me if I hurt you.”
“I’m not sore anymore. Touch me… hard.”
His hand reaches up to cradle my breast, pinching the nipple until it’s a tight little bud, awaiting his expert tongue. I’m panting and moaning underneath him, desperate to taste his full lips and his lascivious tongue. He licks from my nipple, up and along the length of my collarbone before nibbling his way up my neck. His tongue dips into my ear and it’s beyond erotic. I snap my head round to capture his mouth with my own.
“I love the way you kiss me.”
He groans into my mouth, driving me wild. “Fuck... I’m not going to last at this rate. It’s been too long since I’ve been nestled in your tight little pussy. Just kissing you is pushing me to the brink.”
“I want you inside me… now.”
He slips his hand between our naked bodies, gripping his hard length, running the tip over my entrance, covering himself in my juices before slowly pushing every hard inch of himself inside me.
“Holy Fuck, Lily. You feel amazing.”
I’ve missed this feeling more than I can express. He starts to move inside me. The sensation is explosive as I writhe beneath him.
“Slow down, sweets, I need to pace myself… it’s been a while.” I continue to grind my hips, coaxing him to move. “Don’t make me restrain you, Miss Tate. You know I will… happily.”
If he was trying to calm me down, that definitely did not work. I’m so turned on. I wrap my legs around his waist. He captures my lips with his, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth before giving it a little nip. He interlaces our hands and extends them above my head before catching both of my wrists in one hand. I love the feel of his strong hands pinning me down. He holds his weight with his other arm propped at the side of my head, giving me a perfect view of his corded forearms and toned biceps.
He slows his movements, forcing me to comply with hard, long, thrusts. His lips descend on my neck just below my ear – it’s like a trigger. I struggle beneath him, wanting… needing more of him.
“I’ve got you, sweets, don’t worry.” He pushes my wrists down into the pillow as he takes his other hand and slides it between our hot, naked flesh. As soon as his fingertips connect with my pulsing clit, I detonate around him.
“Oh my God, Xander… fuck… Xander!” I’m overwhelmed - riding out the aftershocks of my orgasm, tightening around his throbbing cock. It feels so fucking good.
I fist my hands in his hair, pulling him down onto my breasts. He’s ravenous, his hunger for me evident in every groan and satisfied hum that escapes his throat as he sucks me into his mouth, flicking his tongue in circles around my nipple while gradually building towards his own release. He sets an increasingly punishing pace, rocking his hips against me, pumping his cock in and out of my soaking wet pussy, his balls slapping against my ass with the force of each breathtaking, earth-shattering thrust.
“Lily… I’m going to come, baby… you feel too fucking perfect. Come with me...” His sensual, rasping demand is my undoing.
“COME… NOW, BABY!” He explodes, his come spilling inside me, ripping another mind-altering orgasm from my body.
He lets go of my hands, allowing me to rake my nails down his back as we buck frantically, wringing every sweet drop of ecstasy from each other’s bodies. I’m lost in the moment. Nothing else exists; our bodies joined in the most intimate of ways; our hearts beating in sync, and our lives forever changed as we become one.
His head slumps onto my chest, panting in the aftermath of our vigorous lovemaking. We lie in a tangle of limbs and sheets, letting our heartbeats slow to a steady rhythm.
“I’m so fucking in love with you, Lily Tate. I can barely breathe.”
We have spent almost every waking moment together recently and the realization that I am finally ready to start my new job is daunting on many levels. I’ve not been on my own for any length of time since I was kidnapped, so I’m a bit apprehensive about being out by myself amongst a crowd of strangers.
Xander said I should focus on my novel and let him look after me, but as tempting as that sounds, I’m just not built that way. I do acquiesce to his incessant requests to buy me some new clothes for work. I could use some more work appropriate clothing! We spend the Saturday before I start in Saks with a personal shopper. The woman has great taste and is well aware of Xander’s deep pockets. She chooses perfectly for me and I’m thrilled when it’s all packaged and ready to be delivered to the apartment. He spoils me all weekend, which makes it even more difficult to leave him for the day, come Monday morning.
I’m dressed in a classic black dress and jacket. Xander steps out of his walk-in closet dressed in a very sexy grey suit - it’s been a while since I’ve seen him in a suit. I’d forgotten just how good he makes them look. GQ - eat your heart out.
“Do we have to go to work, sweets? You look too edible to share with the rest of the world.” He strides toward me with hunger in his eyes. “I can work from home 90% of the time and you should be writing your novel full-time.” I can see the merit in his idea. Having him all to myself and naked for most of the day would be fantastic, but I’d never get any work done! He cradles my face, his mouth finding mine, his tongue licking at my bottom lip igniting a familiar fire in my belly.
“We need to go before you distract me too much. I can’t be late on my first day.” He gives me the most adorable puppy-dog eyes and pout before planting a quick kiss on my lips and dragging me from the bedroom.
David is ready and waiting to take us to our respective offices and I’m a little nervous as we sit in the back of the town car. When we pull up outside my new office on West 38th Street, my stomach is churning. He pulls my chin round so I’m staring into the depths of his ice-blue eyes before he speaks.
“You are going to be great. You’re perfect for this job, and remember the reason you wanted to do it in the first place. This is about making contacts for your own novel when it’s written. Eyes on the prize. You are an amazing person and everyone here is lucky to get the chance to work with you.”
He kisses the tip of my nose.
“You can call me anytime and I’ll be back to pick you up at 5.30 p.m. Okay?” I snuggle in to take one last long
sniff of his addictive scent before getting out of the car and heading into the building.
I needn’t have worried. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. No one has probed me about why I was starting work seven weeks later than scheduled. I’ve had a great first day, sitting in on meetings, getting a feel for the place, introducing myself to new colleagues, and getting my first assignment.
I’ve been given a paranormal thriller trilogy to read and review. The third in the trilogy has just been released and it’s taking the book world by storm. I’ve downloaded them onto my kindle and have already carried out some initial research on the author.
Xander will be happy to hear that I don’t even need to be in the office most of the time. I’m required to attend the Monday morning meeting to get my assignment and find out what’s happening with the rest of the magazine, and on Fridays to upload and submit my work. During the week I can work from the apartment, reading books and emailing the editor proofs of my review.
Throughout the day Xander sends me little texts of encouragement.
10:30 a.m.
Mr. P: Love you, sweets. The next chapter starts today. X
2:00 p.m.
Mr. P: How’s my favorite blogger/author getting on? X
Me: Great! Can’t wait to tell you all about it. Love you X
5:00 p.m.
Mr. P: I’m coming to get you, Miss Tate. I hope you’re ready for me. X
That last one has me squirming in my seat. I make a start on packing up everything I need for the week and shutting my desktop computer down before he arrives. A few of my new colleagues come over to my desk before leaving for the night to ask how my day has been. It’s great to be part of something again, but at the same time the flexibility to work from home.
I step out of the elevator at exactly 5:30 p.m. to see him standing in the lobby, the top button of his shirt undone, showing a smattering of deliciously dark chest hair just below his collar. I feel like I haven’t seen him in days.
On the ride home I tell him all about my new job. He is more than a little excited at the prospect of me working from home three days a week.
