Flawless - Manhattan Knights Series Book One

by Sienna Parks

  “Oh, honey. You took him back after what he did? That’s just sad. What lies did he tell you this time?” Natalie. The smug, bitchy grin on her face makes me want to slap her. Xander’s body tenses as he moves to put himself between me and her.

  “Natalie…” I stop him, pressing my hand to his chest; his heart beating wildly beneath my fingertips. I slowly lift my mouth to his, placing a feather light kiss on his lips; his cheek cradled in my palm.

  “I’ve got this. Let me deal with it.” He looks wary, but nods his agreement. I whip round to see her staring daggers in my direction.

  “Nice to finally meet you, Natalie.” My voice is calm and controlled. It ruffles her. “I’ve heard so much about you. None of it good, of course.”

  She opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off.

  “No, Natalie. I think you’ve said and done enough. It’s my turn now.” Xander’s hand moves to the base of my spine. “I should really be thanking you for sending me those photos.”

  She sneers. “And why is that?” Venom drips from her every word.

  “Well… it made me realize just what a colossal BITCH you are. I now understand just what Xander had to put up with, and what you put him through. After all of that, you managed to show just how amazing he really is, that he would even help the likes of you if you were in trouble.” Her jaw almost drops to the sidewalk as I continue. “You see. I actually love Xander, and he loves me. Nothing you could ever do will change that. It’s pathetic really, that you had to resort to lying and scheming just to be in the same room as him. I can understand your desperation. It must sting to realize that you threw away the best thing that will ever happen to you in your sad little life, and for what? To get your tits out on a magazine cover?”

  I’ve got her now. There’s anger bubbling in her eyes.

  “You don’t know anything about me, you little whore. He’ll get bored of you soon enough and come crawling back to me.” Wow. This girl is delusional. Xander makes a move, rage emanating from him in waves, but I speak up before he wades in. He doesn’t need to stoop to her level.

  I throw my head back and laugh. “Wow. You really are a crazy fucking bitch, aren’t you, Nat? I’m only going to say this once, so listen up… You are nothing to us. You are less than nothing to Xander. He hates you. I hate you. I’m pretty sure that most people who meet you… hate you. Now, here’s the important part.” She looks scared now. Let’s dial up the crazy. “The next time you see us in the street, you better cross to the other side. If we walk into a shop or a restaurant that you happen to be in, you better make yourself scarce… because… Natalie… if I ever see your evil little face, or hear another word coming from that forked tongue of yours, I will… rip your fucking head off. I will ruin your pathetic excuse for a money-maker. Do we understand each other? So much as breathe in Xander’s direction and I will end you. Got it?”

  She knows better than to answer. One more word from her and I won’t be able to hold Xander back. She turns on her heels and crosses the street. My entire body is shaking, vibrating as Xander spins me in his arms.

  “That was… amazing. I didn’t think you had that in you. You’re so… sweet, and so... badass! That was such a turn on. No one has ever done anything like that for me before.” He cradles my face, his mouth capturing mine in a passionate kiss.

  “God, I love you so much.” I wrap my legs around his waist, not caring that we’re in the middle of a busy street.

  “I love you, too.” We stay like that for a few minutes before he lowers me back to the sidewalk and we continue our walk to the restaurant. We hold hands, exchanging loving smiles and longing glances as we go.

  We arrive outside a great looking Indian restaurant, and the smell coming from inside is positively mouth- watering.

  “Come on. You’re going to love it in here.” He excitedly pulls me through the door, and there, at a table in the far corner, are Addi and Carter. I turn to Xander.

  “Happy? I thought you might be missing your friend.”

  I throw my arms around his neck. “This is fantastic. Thank you.”

  We’re quickly seated with our friends to enjoy an evening of laughs, good food, and great company. It’s lovely seeing Xander and Carter together – they’re so… boyish. Xander relays the events on the street with Natalie to whoops and hollers from Addi and Carter high-fiving me for my bravery. We all have a giggle at my out of character tirade.

  They seem to be getting along well. I recognize the way he looks at her. I see it in Xander’s eyes every time he looks at me. I’m so happy Addi has found someone who appreciates her. I’m not going to mention it because I’m worried she’ll freak out again, and mess things up with a really great guy.

  After a fun evening we agree to make a plan to go to the Hamptons at some point before the summer is over.

  Xander and I enjoy a leisurely stroll back to the penthouse, the buzz of the city surrounding us as we revel in our own little bubble – our real life fairytale.

  ****

  Xander seems a little off this week. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but he’s been a bit on edge. I’ve asked him about it but he just blows it off and changes the subject. He’s also been pretty cagey on the phone which is odd. Usually I would offer to give him privacy for his calls and he’s the one that pulls me into his lap while he talks. This week he’s been closing the door behind him.

  Saturday morning arrives, and the weirdness continues. Xander says he has to go to the office for a few hours, leaving abruptly. I get a sinking feeling in my gut - his behavior reminiscent of when he was lying to me about Natalie. I try to shrug it off, spending the morning lazing around the apartment, curling my hair, giving myself a feel-good makeover. When I’ve done all the girly primping I can justify for a day to be spent in the house, I receive a text.

  Mr. P: Miss Tate. Could you come and meet me in South Field? X

  That’s odd. We hadn’t planned on going out anywhere. Oh, maybe we’re going to have a nice picnic. It’s a perfect day for it. I quickly text him back.

  Me: I’ll be there in 15. X

  I grab my purse and sunglasses before heading out to meet him.

  ****

  When I arrive at South Field, it doesn’t look the way I remember it. A pathway has been carved out amongst a sea of roses as far as the eye can see, in every color imaginable. It’s absolutely breathtaking. As I follow the path I see an opening to a pond filled with water lilies. It’s more beautiful than any Monet. As I continue on my way, I realize that I’m the only person here. My phone beeps in my pocket.

  Mr. P: Keep following the path, sweets. X

  It never ceases to amaze me when he reads my mind at the exact moment I'm think something! I keep going, taking in the beauty that surrounds me. Every ten meters or so there are plaques with some of my favorite quotations from classic literature including the one Xander had engraved on the notebook he gave me.

  As I get closer to the library I come to an archway of flowers and foliage with Xander’s trademark pearls and crystals interwoven throughout; it’s a stunning sight. I notice charms, just like the ones on my bracelet, hanging from the top of the archway. It’s magical; I don’t think I’ve taken a breath since I set foot on campus.

  On the ground in front of me is a phone that looks exactly like mine. I lean down and pick it up. The lock screen shows one of the funny selfies we took when we were in London. When I slide my finger across the screen I notice there is a text on the phone. I open it, tears misting my eyes at the effort he has gone to for me today.

  Mr. P: This is where it all began, Miss Tate. Look up. X

  I lift my eyes as I step forward into what feels like secret garden. Xander is standing in front of me, looking like a vision sent from heaven. His hair is mussed - as if he’s been wringing his hands through it; his chiseled features are beyond beautiful as a panty-dropping smile splits his face. I can’t take my eyes off the perfection walking toward me.

  I am lost for wo
rds when he stops mere inches away from me, his smell intoxicating my senses – clean laundry and cologne. He cups my face in his hands, searching for… something. Our lips meet in a passionate kiss, our tongues caressing - my hands sliding up and down the length of his muscular back.

  Before I get a chance to speak, Xander drops to one knee at my feet, reaching into his pocket and removing a black velvet box. My heart is hammering in my chest as I stare down into his beautiful ice-blue eyes; the love I feel reflected back to me in his unwavering gaze.

  “Lily Tate. We’ve only known each other for three months, but I feel like I’ve known you my whole life. The day our worlds collided here in South Field changed my life in every way imaginable. You’ve given me hope for a future I never thought I would have.”

  Tears stream down my face as I listen to his words - my emotions overflowing.

  “Every day, you show me love that I never thought I would find. Every hour I spend with you, you bring me joy, every minute I get to call you mine, I cherish, and will never take it for granted.”

  He is more eloquent, more beautiful, than anything I’ve ever read. I’m overwhelmed.

  “Lily… I love you with all my heart. I have since the moment I looked into those stunning green eyes. I felt like I was looking into the other half of my soul. If you’ll let me, I will love you, cherish you, protect you, and do everything in my power to fulfill every one of your dreams in this life and the next.”

  He opens the small elegant box, holding up the most breathtaking ring. A large solitaire brilliant cut diamond in a high four claw setting with diamonds running down either side of the band – it’s more perfect than I ever could’ve imagined. He is more than I could ever imagine. I am overcome with pure, unadulterated joy as he continues.

  “Will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife? Marry me, Lily.”

  My hand flies up to my mouth, holding in the sob I know is trapped in my throat. I watch as he lifts the ring from the box, taking my left hand, holding the ring at the tip of my finger.

  “May I? You’re killing me here, sweets. Please, say something.” There is unease in his eyes as he awaits my answer.

  “Yes, Xander. Of course I’ll marry you.”

  I sob tears of joy as he places the ring on my finger and stands up, pulling me into the most intense kiss. Every fiber of my being reacts to him, to his touch, his scent, and his heart, that beats in time with mine.

  “I love you so much, Lily.” He continues to shower my face and neck with kisses as I melt into his body, holding tight to stop my knees from giving way underneath me.

  “I love you, too. More than I could ever express. You’re my… everything.”

  Standing in the spot that changed my life on an average Monday afternoon in May, I knew that I had finally found the missing piece of myself; my better half, and the love of my life.

  Wherever life takes us, I know that every chapter will be amazing with Xander by my side, writing our story together, hand in hand, hearts entwined; two halves of the same soul - forever and always.

  XANDER

  Four Months Later

  Why do I feel so fucking nervous? I’ve been waiting for this day since the moment I met her. I’m almost as nervous as the day I proposed, but it was worth a week of feeling sick to my stomach to hear Lily say “Yes.”

  Lucky for me she did say yes, because I’d arranged a party afterwards at Jason’s restaurant with help from Addi. Both of our families were there, Addi’s family and some of our close friends. My mom was a crying mess as soon as we walked in the door to a roar of applause!

  It was lovely to see Lily enjoying herself as everyone fussed over her, ogling her ring, giving me the thumbs up. Her face is so fucking beautiful when she’s happy. I want to put that smile on her face, every day for the rest of our lives.

  It’s been a full on four months getting ready for this wedding. There has been so much going on, but most importantly, Lily and I are deliriously happy together. She also started her novel, which is amazing and I’m so fucking proud of her. She decided to use her experiences with Peterson and try her hand at a crime thriller. I think she surprised herself with that decision, but she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her when she’s sitting writing on her laptop.

  I think it’s been somewhat cathartic for her.

  Since she started putting it all down in print, her nightmares have become less frequent. It’s been so hard watching her relive those horrors night after night. I just want to take it away for her. I’m in awe of her strength - she’s the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She’s been through so much, and yet, she has such a gentle and loving spirit that just calls to me to protect her.

  ****

  The decision of where to have the wedding was a no brainer for me, and when I suggested it to Lily, she absolutely loved the idea. So here I am, four months later, standing in the center of L’Arena in Verona, Italy; waiting for the love of my life to arrive.

  Carter is my best man and from what I understand of the role, he should be calming me down right now. Is he? Fuck no. I think he’s more nervous than I am. I’ve given up trying to work out what he and Addi have going on. One minute I think things are getting really serious between them, and the next I have to listen to Carter piss and moan about her blowing him off.

  I love her, she’s Lily’s best friend and she would do anything for her, but I’m not convinced she’s what’s best for my best friend. He puts on a good front, but I know it’s taking its toll on him.

  A few months back we managed to make some time to go up to Carter’s place in the Hamptons for the weekend with them. We had a great time. Well… Lily and I had a fantastic time; I managed to whisk her away for a few hours to the secluded cove where we shared our first kiss. I can remember how fucking perfect she looked writhing underneath me, the sunset as a backdrop, and the last vestiges of sunlight kissing every curve and line of her amazing body. If there is such a thing as heaven, that was it. I’m hard just at the memory.

  I need to adjust myself without drawing attention. How the fuck do you do that while standing at the altar with your family and friends staring at you? I’m just going to have to think about something else! One glance at Carter and that does the trick. He looks like he’s going to vomit.

  “Fuck, Carter, you look worse than me. What’s up?” He laughs.

  “Ignore me, man, I’m just being a dick. Addi fucking freaked out this morning. What a surprise! Don’t sweat it. This is your day, and I’m all over the best man thing.” I think he’s trying to convince himself more than me. I need to have a chat with her when Lily and I get back from our honeymoon.

  Lily has tried to talk some sense into her, but I think she needs to realize what she’s doing to Carter every time she does this kind of thing. He needs to man up a little. It’s easy for me to say that, but I would do anything Lily asked of me, and I don’t fucking care who knows it. I’m the poster boy for pussy-whipped! She’s just so damn amazing.

  I thought sitting down to plan the wedding would be a nightmare, but as usual Lily astounded me with how easy going she was. It probably helped that she’d started writing her book, so a lot of her free time has been spent tapping away on her laptop.

  Once we had agreed on Verona as the venue, our mom’s went bat-shit crazy, warp speed, hyperdrive over the wedding plans. We just decided what we wanted and let them get on with it. That worked out great for me, because it gave me so much more time to get her naked and sweaty, screaming my name. Fuck. If I could go and get her from her suite at the hotel right now, without being decapitated by my mother, I would do just that; calm my nerves by pinning her down and fucking her so hard she forgets her own name.

  I really need to stop thinking like this right now. I’m surrounded by family and friends in the most amazing amphitheater in the world. They still perform open-air operas here at night after the sun goes down. I’m going to bring Lily back here for our first anniversary so that we can enjoy L’Arena the
way it was meant to be experienced. She’ll fucking love it. She loves everything about this city.

  We arrived three days ago and the first thing I did was take her to Juliet’s balcony. I managed to get a photo of her leaning out over it, staring down at me with the most beautiful smile on her face; the picture of perfection, every bards muse, and she’s mine! That was the only time we got to explore the city just the two of us, but it was magical. I can see why Shakespeare was inspired by it; steeped in history, culture and most of all, romance.

  Addi and the rest of the women insisted that Lily and I slept apart last night, which is why I think I’m so fucking antsy - I haven’t seen her today. As much as I resent them taking my wife-to-be, I have to give credit where it’s due. My mom and Jocelyn have done a phenomenal job with the décor. The amphitheater has been sectioned into three separate, stunning areas.

  There’s the dining area – tables draped in crisp white linens with lanterns set on top of mirrors in the center. Lily picked out a deep purple for the color scheme and our mom’s didn’t disappoint. From the menus, to the place cards, to the petals scattered on the tables, everything matches and it all looks breathtakingly elegant - a perfect reflection of my bride.

  The second area is for dancing – twinkling lights cover every surface, marking out an expansive dance floor and stage for the band. I can’t wait to have Lily in my arms, with her tight body pressed hard against me, teasing me with what’s to come; making love to her for the first time as Mrs. Rhodes. Just the thought of it makes me rock-fucking-hard.

  Saving the best for last, area number three is where I’m standing right now – the place that I’m going to make Lily my wife. There are two hundred white chairs set out in rows with a white silk aisle running down the center. The chairs are all tied with purple organza, finished off with a crystal brooch.

  Everyone is seated and staring in my direction as I stand like a fucking idiot, pacing up and down, and turning my hair into a mess running my hands through it. I keep checking with Carter to make sure he has the rings. The priest keeps trying to give me a reassuring smile, but every time I look at him it makes me think about getting through the vows I wrote for Lily without breaking down like a pussy in front of two hundred friends and family members!