The Price of Love

by Cassy Roop

“Dude, you have a huge as smile on your face right now, wanna fill me in on what is in that head of yours?” Jackson said, interrupting my thoughts as he gave me a friendly punch in the arm.

  “I’m going to tell Kendall that I love her tonight,” I said looking right at my best friend. His face lights up like it was Christmas day and he just opened the best gift ever.

  “I never thought I would see the day, man. Tristan fucking Price has fallen in love. Mr. Bachelor for life, I’m never settling down, womanizer has finally found the one girl that can bring him to his knees,” he smiled as he shook his head. “Honestly man, I could not be happier for you. Kendall is the whole package. Beautiful, smart, sexy, fun and she won’t put up with your bullshit.”

  I felt a tiny pang of jealousy as I heard Jackson describe Kendall. Yes, she was all of those things and more, but the fact that another man, even if he was my best friend, had those same thoughts about her was enough to make me go mad.

  “Careful Jax, I might grow to think you might like Kendall,” I warned, but in a teasing voice.

  “What’s not to like?”

  I glare at my friend. Was he being serious right now?

  “Calm down, T, I am just jerking your chain. Go for it dude. But fair warning, you also risk the chance of her finding out and losing her forever. I think you should tell her the truth. Maybe she will understand, maybe she won’t, but it is better than her finding out later down the road.”

  He was completely right, but could I risk losing Kendall right now or did I hold on to her for a while longer for my own selfish reasons? I thought about this all the way back to the hotel.

  When Jackson and I walked in, Cassie and Kendall were both at their computers working. They both looked a bit startled and gave each other a strange look when they saw Jackson and me. I made a mental note to look more into it later. Right now all I wanted to do was start my night with Kendall. I had never been so nervous in my life. I did not know how Kendall was going to react to me telling her that I love her, and that had my nerves on edge. I needed to stop fidgeting like a skittish cat if I was going to keep this night on track.

  I walked over to Kendall and grabbed her hand to pull her up into my arms. I buried my nose in her hair and inhaled her sweet scent. I would never grow tired of the feel of her in my arms and her sweet intoxicating scent. I could feel myself start to stiffen and had to mentally talk my cock down. If I did not stop, I would carry her into the bedroom and make love to her all night and then my plans would be forgotten.

  “Hi, baby. You are a sight for sore eyes,” I told her as I stared down into her gorgeous blue eyes. I thought I saw her slightly flinch before she offered me a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. I could tell something was bothering her. Hopefully my plans would help her forget whatever problem was plaguing her.

  “Go get changed, Kendall, you and I have a date,” I said with a huge face splitting grin.

  She smiled. Her eyes sparkled with delight. I couldn’t help but feel pride in the fact that I was the man that put it there.

  “Where are we going?” she asks sweetly. I bent down so that I could whisper in her ear.

  “It’s a surprise.” I felt her shiver and I hoped that it was from delight. She turned and bounced her way to the bedroom leaving me, Cassie, and Jackson in the living room.

  I look over to find Cassie and Jackson in what looked like a heated discussion. I didn’t know what was going on with those two, but I really hoped they got their shit together.

  Cassie said something under her breath and stormed off in the same direction Kendall went.

  “What is up with you two?” I asked him with an arch of my brow.

  “The woman is such a hothead, T. I swear I don’t know if I want to chastise her or kiss the fuck out of her. She is stubborn and unreasonable.”

  “So basically she is a female version of you?”

  “Shut up.”

  I laughed. Looks like Jackson had finally met his match.

  “I have to warn you though, T, she is on to us. She feels like we are hiding something. Cassie should have been a damn investigative reporter instead of a photographer. You gotta come clean with Kendall before Cassie finds out and tells her.”

  “I know, Jax.” I said sternly.

  He nods in bro-code indicating that he understands that he was pushing my buttons. He claps me on the shoulder.

  “In all seriousness, good luck tonight, Tristan. I really hope everything works out for you and Kendall. You are different with her. You two have a connection. I know she is your one. I’ve known it for some time. Even before you two really got to know each other.”

  “Thanks Jax. I appreciate it.” He turned on his heel and left the suite. Cassie came storming out of the bedroom with an exasperated look on her face and strides over to me.

  “Look Tristan, I am going to be frank with you. I like you. I really do. I know you like Kendall. You have to understand that what she went through with that bastard Brett. I has been hard for her to trust people, especially men. But she is different with you. You have broken past her walls to allow her to fall again and I will forever thank you for that. But so help me if you hurt her, I will come after you.”

  This woman had more fierceness in her little finger than most men had in their whole bodies. I had no doubt that she meant every word that she just said to me. I was grateful that Kendall had a friend like her on her side.

  “I would never do anything that would intentionally hurt her Cass. I care deeply for her. All I want is her happiness and to see her smile. I would destroy anyone who would try to do otherwise,” I stated firmly.

  She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at me for a moment and I froze. Shit. Did I just give myself away? Surely she could not know that I was talking about Brett.

  “Good. Then we have an understanding. Just take care of her, Tristan. Please.”

  “You have my word, Cassie.”

  She gave me a tight nod then bids me goodnight before leaving the suite. I could see why Jackson was so worried about her suspicions. I was going to have to be more careful with my actions and words while I was around her.

  While I was lost in my thoughts, Kendall came out of the bedroom looking absolutely stunning. My mouth grew dry as she sauntered over to me. I never thought that I would get to be this close to her. I had longed for her for so long that I did not know if I was still stuck in my fantasies or if this was real. I did not deserve this gorgeous creature in front of me, but I would spend every day that she would have me proving to her how much I needed her.

  “Wow,” was all I could say as I took her in. She had curled her chestnut hair into soft waves that cascaded down her shoulders. Her smoky lined eyes made her blue eyes shine like the clearest ocean. She had on a simple one shouldered, white Grecian dress that was belted at the waist and strappy gold sandals that made her legs look a mile long.

  Her hands came up to fix my tie and I could not help but lean in and kiss her lips. They were warm, soft and I groaned.

  “You look breathtaking Angel. We better go before I haul you into that bedroom and we never leave.”

  She blushed and then smiled. “That wouldn’t be so bad.”

  “Ugh...you are killing me, Angel. Let’s go.”

  I grabbed her hand and tucked it into my elbow. I hoped she did not sense the nervousness radiating from me. This night could determine my future with Kendall. A future I was not too certain of.

  Kendall

  I was both excited and nervous to go on this date with Tristan. He was acting strangely. With everything that had transpired in the last few hours, Brett’s phone call and me finding out I was pregnant, I must say that I was a little worried. Could he know? Could he tell just by looking at me that something was different? I was hoping and praying with my every breath that he was not taking me out to break things off with me gently.

  I had a little hope because I could still see desire in his eyes. It also made me feel better when he told me he want
ed to take me to the bedroom and not come out. I would have been fine with that. When it comes to Tristan Price, I was insatiable. I could make having sex with him my full time job and never grow tired of it. The feelings that I felt for him were foreign, but not unwelcome. I felt more alive with him than I had in the past eight years.

  Tristan first takes me to Gare de Lyon where we dine at Le Train Bleu. To say this place was gorgeous would not do it justice. The walls and ceilings were covered in beautiful murals. Gorgeous chandeliers hang from the ceiling and made all the brass fittings covering the restaurant sparkle. The sculptures were amazing. The placed oozed class and sophistication with a wonderfully romantic atmosphere.

  I was nervous when Tristan ordered us wine with our dinner. What was I supposed to do? I could not drink it knowing that I was pregnant with his child. I also request water from our waitress. Tristan holds up the stem of the sparkling wine that no doubt cost more than a month’s salary for me.

  “To a gorgeous night out with an amazing, beautiful woman. Thank you Kendall for being here with me,” he said staring directly into my eyes as we tap our glasses together. I wait for him to take a sip of his and I gently place mine down on the table praying that he did not notice that I did not drink it.

  Our dinner was delicious, even though not all the smells coming from the kitchen were appeasing to me. There were a few times I could feel my stomach turn and thought that I would have to excuse myself to go to the restroom. I fought it back under Tristan’s watchful gaze.

  After leaving Le Train Bleu, Tristan took me to the Luxembourg Palace gardens. The more of Paris I was seeing, the more I fell in love with it. We strolled leisurely through the gardens hand in hand. I felt more relaxed right now than I had in the last twenty four hours. Every so often, I could feel Tristan fidget next to me.

  “Everything ok. Tristan?” I asked as I turned to gaze up at him. He stopped walking and cupped my face in his hands. His emerald green eyes were sparkling.

  “More than ok, Angel. This, right here with you right now is one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life. I have seen these gardens before, but seeing them through your eyes is like nothing I can describe.”

  He leaned in and placed a whisper soft kiss to my lips. His words ignite my blood and I could feel my belly clench with need. I want this man more than I want my next breath.

  “That is so beautiful, Tristan,” I sniffle. Damn these pregnancy hormones. I had to get control of myself before I lost it and had a waterfall of tears come pouring out.

  We walked up to the large circular fountain that was in the middle of the gardens. Tristan produced a napkin from his pocket and unwrapped it to reveal a few slices of bread.

  “I brought this from the restaurant because I thought you would like to feed them,” he said as he pointed in the direction of the ducks paddling around in the fountain.

  I smiled as more tears came to my eyes. Unconsciously he had just recreated a memory for me that I had with my parents. They would always take me to the park when I was younger and we would bring an entire loaf of bread to feed the ducks.

  A single tear fell down my cheek and Tristan looked at me with concern.

  “What is wrong, Kendall? Did I upset you?”

  I looked up at the man who had completely stolen my heart and shake my head. “No, not at all. I was just remembering doing this with my parents when I younger. It brought me back is all?”

  “Shit, Kendall, that was not my intention at all,” he said as he frustratingly ran his hands through his hair. He looked pained.

  I reached out to touch his arm. “Tristan, it is a good thing. I am so happy you brought me here. As time goes on, I feel like I forget them more and more. This combined with the memories of my parents doing this exact thing with me will be forever cherished. Thank you for this Tristan. Thank you for this memory.”

  I stood on my tip toes and placed a kiss on the slight stubble of his cheek. “Thank you Tristan. Thank you for this and helping me remember.”

  He offered me a small smile. “Well, we have one more stop left tonight if that is ok?”

  I smiled brightly up at him. I honestly did not know how he would top this night. It had been perfect already and the most romantic night of my life. I was feeling guilty for keeping my secret. I knew he deserved to know. I was just so scared.

  Tristan and I walked out of the gardens. He had his arm wrapped around my waist possessively and I was enjoying it very much. We hopped in a cab to take us to our last location. After a mile or so Tristan pulled something from his pocket.

  “For our last stop you have to put this on,” he said as he shows me a black silk scarf. I arched my brow and looked at him questioningly. It as an unseasonably warm night in Paris and wonder why he wanted me to put on a scarf.

  He chuckles as he suddenly realized why I was questioning his motives. “It’s to cover your eyes, Angel.” He said as he gave his panty melting grin. “The last place is a surprise.”

  Tristan turned me so that I was facing away from him. He gently brought his arms around me to place the scarf across my eyes. I felt something in my core clench. Why was the thought of Tristan blindfolding me so...hot? I smiled as I thought I might had found a good use for this scarf later tonight.

  “Can you see anything?” he asked as he tied the scarf at the back of my head.”

  “No,” I said a little more breathlessly than I wanted to. He leaned down and placed a kiss on my bared shoulder. He then leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I think this scarf may come in handy later.” His voice was so seductive that I had to force back a shiver that took over my body.

  Tristan then turned me so that I was facing the front of the cab again and scooted closer to me and placed his hand on my thigh.

  Yeah that’s not distracting at all.

  My skin burned where his hand was placed and I wanted nothing more than to tell him to just take me back to the hotel. Hell, he could take me in this cab in front of our driver and I would not had cared. I squirmed in my seat. Tristan exhaled loudly and leaned down to whisper again, “All in due time Kendall. I will take care of that ache for you tonight.”

  Holy hell I was so turned on.

  Tristan mumbled a few words to our driver in French and soon we were pulling up to our destination. He helped me out of the cab since my sense of sight was compromised. He leaded me by the hand as we walk to somewhere unknown to me. I could hear people talking around me and the sounds of cars as they passed by. I would hear birds and other things. I guess the other senses were heightened when one was taken away.

  He lead me to what I thought was our final destination. “Stay right here for a moment. Don’t move,” he said and I heard him walk away. I felt self-conscious standing here with a blindfold on. People must thought I was a weirdo.

  A few brief moments pass by and I heard Tristan approach me. He again took my hand, “Follow me.”

  I did as commanded and we soon stopped again. He reached behind my head and removed the blindfold. My eyes are blurry for a brief moment as they try to regain their focus. I looked in front of me and my mouth dropped open.

  “Is this…is this…” I stammer.

  “The Love Wall?” Tristan chimed in. “Yes it is.” I turned around to look at him and find him staring at me. I was speechless.

  Did this mean what I thought it meant?

  “I love you is written in over three hundred different languages. It was made as a rendezvous for lovers by artists Frederic Baron and Claire Kito.”

  He then spun me around so that I was facing the wall again. He lifted his hand to point at a small square piece of paper that was stuck to the wall. It was more than obvious that it was placed there by someone.

  “I was hoping that you could interpret that one for me,” he says with a smile in his voice. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and walked me closer to the wall. My breathing hitched in my throat as the words written on the tiny yellow post it came into clear view. M
y eyes filled with huge alligator tears that started to stream down my face. I turned to look back at him and stared at him with astonishment. Not sure that I read the words correctly, I turned back around to read them again. I lifted my hand to trace the letters written on the tiny piece of paper as my eyes read the most beautiful words I had ever seen.

  I love you, Kendall.

  Chapter 20

  Tristan

  I was a huge bundle of nerves and anticipation as I awaited Kendall’s reaction to the words I wrote on the post it and placed on the Wall of Love. She turned to face me and I saw the tears streaming down her face. I was momentarily suspended in time as I waited for her to speak.

  “You-you love me?” she whispered.

  “With every fiber of my being.” I answered her.

  She stood there for a brief moment and it was the most terrifying moment of my life. To not know whether that my love for her was returned or not was scary as hell. The next thing I know she was launching herself into my arms and buried her face into my chest. She then tilted her head back and gazed in to my eyes.

  “I love you too, Tristan. God I love you.”

  I wrapped my arms around her and squeezed. I knew I was probably crushing her, but I felt like I could not get closer to her at this moment. I wanted to crawl deep inside her so much that she was just as possessed with me as I was her.

  Breaking our embrace, I crushed my lips to hers. The electricity I felt when our mouths touch was like a jolt of lightning to my heart. Our tongues danced together in an erotic and sweet rhythm that intoxicated my very soul.

  I leaned back from our heated kiss to gaze at the one important meaning in my life. Words could not describe the elated feeling I had knowing that she felts the same way for me.

  “I could recite every phrase on this wall in every language and it would still not be enough times to tell you how much I love you Kendall. You have bewitched me. You know this means I am never letting you go right?”

  “I wouldn’t let you even if you tried,” she replied.