by Jenika Snow
“Kristoff, this is my beautiful bride, Bethany.” Andre’s voice was filled with pride. He brushed her long dark hair away from her cheek and leaned in to kiss her.
When Andre moved away Bethany looked at Kristoff. The way she batted her lashes had Veronica straightening possessively. Jealousy was a new emotion for her, but watching this woman interact with her husband, a woman that looked a lot like his deceased wife, had Veronica feeling all kinds of jealousy. Veronica pressed closer to Kristoff. Her pulse raced when he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and drew her in tighter. His fingers smoothed up and down her arm and Veronica realized at that moment that when Bethany made her presence known there had been a tiny voice inside of her that worried Kristoff’s feelings for Macie would come back to the surface. She knew Kristoff loved her, had smiled every time he whispered those three words in her ear, against her belly button, and in other more intimate places.
“Do you know each other from the auctions?” Andre looked at Veronica in question. She looked at Bethany but knew they weren’t familiar with each other. Andre had to know that there was a new auction every month, that there were so many women involved the chances of running into a girl she knew was slim.
“No, I don’t think we’ve ever met,” Bethany said. She curled herself around Andre like a second skin.
“Shame.” Andre took a long pull from his square cut glass, his eyes trained on Veronica. “Well, we’ve got to mingle, but I’m sure we’ll see you two again.” Andre held Veronica’s stare for a moment longer and then turned and nodded toward Kristoff. Then they disappeared amidst the crowd. The silence that surrounded them despite the laughter and conversation was deafening. Veronica wanted to say something, but what? There was no doubt in her mind that right at that moment his thoughts were on another female. That thought had pain clenching her chest.
Although his arm was still around her it was clear he wasn’t really beside her. A glance up at his face showed a distant look. “Kristoff?” It took him a suspended moment to look over at her. The way his baby blue eyes seemed to look right through her had her heart tightening painfully. Is this how it would always be? Would there always be the agonizing reminder of his past love? Feeling deflated, she hoped her emotions weren’t transparent. It was clear he was hurting right now and she didn’t want him to feel even worse because she probably looked dejected. Plastering a smile on her face that she hoped reached her eyes, Veronica waited until he looked at her, really looked at her. He smiled but it was distant.
“Are you thirsty, sweetheart?” Before she could answer he had her hand in his and was leading her toward the bar.
After he got them their drinks he walked them through a set of glass doors and onto a stone patio. A few tables and chairs were placed sporadically. A fountain depicting a nude woman reaching into the heavens was in the center, the water adding a light mist to the air. Tiny twinkling lights lined the banister of the patio. Kristoff led the way toward the edge, and when they were close to the edge he brought his drink to his lips and took a long swallow. She held the champagne flute lightly, the mere idea of drinking not appealing in the slightest.
Veronica looked at the grounds before them, the immaculately manicured landscape appearing artificial in the moonlight. In the distance she made out a pond alight with tiny candles, each one a small ball of light in the otherwise darkened atmosphere.
The silence was killing her so she asked, “Are you okay?” A glance at him showed his jaw clenched hard as he ground his teeth together. After a long, harsh exhale he dipped his chin to his chest and cut his eyes toward her. The smile he offered was genuine and she felt herself smiling in return.
“Yeah, sweetheart. It’s just,” he ran a hand over his jaw and looked back at the ground in front of him. “Seeing Andre’s wife was a little startling.” That was the understatement of the year. Veronica didn’t know what to say so she just nodded. “Hey.” He cupped her cheek and she found herself gazing into his eyes. They were dark pools of obsidian in the night. “I love you.” Her heart swelled at those three words.
“I love you, too.” Setting both of their drinks on the banister, he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. The strong scent that was all Kristoff invaded her senses and she closed her eyes, inhaling him into her lungs.
“I want you to know that I’ve moved on from my past. I don’t want you thinking that seeing Andre’s wife had any feelings rising to the surface.” He pulled her back and brought his lips to hers. “I was surprised, but that was all it was. It’s been two years and now that I have you by my side I can finally see my life being more than repetitious.” He ran his fingers along the side of her cheek and she leaned into his touch, a sigh of contentment leaving her. “The look you had after they left had me feeling like the worst piece of shit. I knew that I was the one that had put that expression on your face. For that I’m sorry, baby.” He pulled her tightly against him and she rested her head on his chest, letting his words sink in.
“Why, if it isn’t Kristoff St. Michaels.” The sound of a man had them pulling apart and turning to see an older gentleman, probably closer to Veronica’s grandfather’s age, strolling up to them. His wide grin showed yellowing teeth and his frame was willowy from age. There were two stunningly attractive women beside him, both of them encased in white satin. He stopped in front of them and Kristoff immediately shook his hand. Dark eyes slid toward her as the older man took her in. The fact he blatantly checked her out had her feeling like ants crawled on her flesh.
“I see you’ve finally bought yourself a new female.”
“This is my wife, Veronica St. Michaels.” Kristoff’s voice had gone deep with warning. His hand tightened on her waist, the silent propriety gesture having her stand a bit taller. She was Kristoff’s wife, and he was making that very clear. “Sweetheart, this is Sebastian Sullivan. He is the CEO of Sullivan Innovations.”
Veronica nodded in acknowledgment. The fact he had not one, but two wives led her to believe he was filthy rich. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, my dear.” He took her hand and brought it to his thin, papery lips. “This is Natalie and her sister Haley.” He let go of her hand and wrapped his thin arms around their shoulders. The women were several inches taller than he was, but they also wore ridiculously high heels. Their red hair was similar in style, but where one of them had blue eyes the other had brown. They were beautiful, and looking at their ample chests and womanly curves made Veronica feel slightly lacking the similar departments.
“I was hoping to see you tonight. I have a business proposition for you if you’d be willing to step away with me for a few moments.”
“Can’t this wait until Monday morning? I can have my secretary call you first thing in the morning and set up a lunch meeting.”
Sebastian shook his head, the loose skin around his cheeks swaying slightly. The fact that these two gorgeous women, most likely more than three times younger than him were his wives, had a little bit of the ick factor settling in her.
“I wanted to give you the first opportunity to jump on this proposal. I have a fully booked schedule all next week and can’t guarantee this offer will still be available.” Kristoff looked down at Veronica and she could see the internal struggle inside of him. It was clear he didn’t want to leave her alone. “If you’re worried about your darling wife being left unattended, I can have my lovelies keep her company.” He turned at looked at each of his wives. “Right, darlings? You don’t mind keeping Veronica here company?”
“Of course not, dear.”
“Absolutely not.” Both women smiled at her but it was too sugary and completely forced.
“See, everything will be fine. I assure you I’ll only take a few moments of your time.”
Veronica didn’t want him worrying, and she was sure everything would be fine the few moments he was gone. Placing her hand on his chest, she ran her fingers over one of his buttons until he looked down at her.
“Go on. I’ll stay right here and admire the gardens.” It took him a suspended moment but he finally dipped down and dragged his lips across hers.
“I’ll only be a few moments, sweetheart. Don’t leave this spot.” He kissed her once more and leaned back. She nodded and watched him step away with Sebastian.
Turning her attention to the redheaded sisters she offered a smile. They stared at her as if they couldn’t be bothered with her presence. And just like that they disappeared into the crowd of bodies. Not that she expected them to actually converse with her, but still, it stung. She exhaled heavily. Now that she was left alone with her thoughts she turned and stared at the grounds turned toward the grounds. Minutes passed with only the sound of classical music and coaxing laughter as her company.
“It certainly is a lovely night, isn’t it?” Veronica choked on the champagne she swallowed and spun to see Andre striding toward her. The glass of liquor he held was nearly gone. His dark hair looked disheveled, as if he had run his fingers through it all night. “They said it might rain, but it looks like we lucked out.” He braced his arms on the stone in front of him. Bloodshot, half-lidded eyes stared at her intently. It was clear he was drunk, yet his words were surprisingly clear.
What she did know was that being around Andre was an uncomfortable experience. She took a step to her left, away from his too close presence and alcohol induced scent. Minutes ticked by with neither of them saying anything, and when she thought he might go back to the party he turned and faced her.
“Did Kristoff tell you he took Macie from me?” His words had her turning toward him with wide eyes.
“Excuse me?”
“He didn’t take her from me in the literal sense, but he took her from me nonetheless.” He took a drink before continuing. “We were at the auctions that day, and bidding on the same female no less. Even all those years ago Kristoff was a wealthy man, far wealthier than me at the time. I didn’t stand a chance.” The last part was said with so much anguish. She didn’t want to have this conversation with him. She was done talking about Macie, done having the ghost of her past haunting her. Every time she was brought up made Veronica feel a little less sure of herself, which in all honesty was a little unnerving and a lot ridiculous.
“I—” The dejected tone of his voice had her feeling empathy for his situation, but the cold and distant look in his eyes had that feeling washing away. He sniffed loudly and ran his finger under his nose. When she really looked at him she could see that he wasn’t just drunk. There was clearly something else wrong with him, and she had a feeling drugs were involved. Unease crept into her and she looked around, hoping to see Kristoff. Despite hundreds of people around, Veronica felt alone.
“For years I watched him with her. At every function it was hell seeing his hands on her, his mouth on hers.” Veronica so did not want hear any of this, but there was a steely determination in Andre’s face that let her know he wasn’t nearly done. “I thought time would wash away the love I had for her, but they only seemed to grow. I immersed myself in women.” He laughed but it was humorless. He searched her face. “I never believed in love at first sight, but when I saw Macie up on that stage I knew that was what I felt.” He turned away from her and downed the rest of his drink. He motioned for another from one of the passing waiters.
“I don’t think this is appropriate conversation, Mr. Patrowski.” He cut his eyes to her and the force of his stare had her taking a step back. He lifted his hand and she froze in place when he took a piece of her hair and rubbed it between his fingers. “W-What are you doing?” His touch set off all kinds of unease inside of her until her skin felt tight and prickly. “You are the complete opposite of her in every way.” Andre murmured to himself, his gaze trained on the lock of hair between his fingers. “She loved me, did you know that?” His gaze lifted and he dropped her hair as if it burned him. “She told me she loved me, but that the years had opened up her eyes and she found her one true love. Her one true love, can you believe that?” Veronica knew he wasn’t asking her literally. He was in the past now, his eyes unfocused as he conjured up his memories. “She told me she could never be with me, that she was pregnant with the child of the man that had stolen her heart.” His jaw locked tight and he took a step forward.
Andre made no sense, but Veronica didn’t dare interrupt, not when he seemed unstable as it was. Being this close to him had the stench of alcohol seeping from his pores and the faraway, drug-induced stare going right into her soul.
Veronica took a deep, steadying breath and once again searched for Kristoff amongst the crowd. Andre’s voice was growing increasingly rougher, like his emotions were getting the best of him. His hands were tight balls at his sides and he had a wild look behind his eyes.
“I grew crazy with jealousy knowing that she was pregnant with his child. The fact she would choose him over me drove me insane. I wanted both of them to hurt as much as I did.” His chest rose and fell with his labored breathing. He gripped her arm and a gasp left her at the strength behind his touch. “I went away after that, knowing I couldn’t be around her and watch as her belly grew big with another man’s child, especially his.” It was like he couldn’t speak Kristoff’s name in the same sentence as Macie.
“Let go of me, please.” Her voice was a mere whisper, but his eyes widened and his nostrils flared right before he dropped her arm.
“I’m sorry.” He ran his finger under his nose again and sniffed. “I’m not thinking clearly tonight. I said things completely out of line.” He turned away from her and stared out at the gardens. “Forgive me.” With that he turned and left her standing there wondering what in the hell had just happened.
Minutes, or maybe it was hours passed before Kristoff was beside her again. She inhaled his familiar scent and closed her eyes, trying to purge everything Andre said out of her mind. Turning to look at him, she wondered if he knew any of it. Did he know his former wife had loved another? How could anyone not fall hopelessly in love with the man before her? Kristoff was gentle and nurtured her, and to know Macie betrayed his love sent a spike of anger through her.
“How about we leave, sweetheart?” His low words were whispered against the shell of her ear. “I think I’ve had enough of this stuffy party and the assholes filling it.” That was probably the best news Veronica had heard all night.
Chapter Thirteen
They entered their home and by then Veronica’s feet were killing her. Holding onto Kristoff’s arm, she took her shoes off, laughing as she tried to keep her balance. A sigh of pleasure left her when the offending apparatuses were removed and dangling from her fingertips.
“Better?” Kristoff’s lips twitched with suppressed laughter.
“So much.” They made their way upstairs and into their room. After taking a hot bath and wrapping a towel around herself, Veronica stepped into the bedroom. Kristoff was propped against the headboard, his chest bare and the sheet stopping at his lean hips. The television was on but the volume muted. As if he sensed her presence he looked up from his papers and stared at her. She may have had a thick towel wrapped around her body, but the way his eyes scanned the length of her from her toes to her shoulders, she felt completely bare.
He clicked off the television and the soft whirl of the wide screen sinking into the ground pierced the sudden stillness in the room. “Come here, baby.” She dropped the towel and watched in pure feminine appreciation as his arousal became apparent through the sheet. After climbing onto the bed and slipping beneath the cool sheets, Veronica pressed her nude body against his. She let her hands slide along the hard, defined contours of his chest. Desperation and arousal combined inside of her until she felt drugged, but first she needed to tell him what Andre said.
“Kristoff, I think we should talk…” He silenced her with a passionate kiss. He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, his teeth causing a slight sting that morphed into pleasure. Hands running up and down her length, all thoughts of what she should do left her mind as
blissful arousal consumed her.
“We have the rest of our lives to talk, Veronica. Let me show you how much I love you.” He started kissing her throat, dragging his tongue down and depositing several long, agonizingly lust-filled nips and licks to her collarbone. “Ever since I saw you in that dress the only thing I could think about was being inside of you.” Lower and lower he went, smoothing his tongue along her skin until it pebbled from the contact. He sucked a hard nipple into his mouth, drawing it in hard pulls until heat surrounded her. Arching her back to thrust her breasts further into his suckling mouth, Veronica moaned from the intoxicating feeling he conjured inside of her.
“Yes.” She closed her eyes and slid her hands into his hair, gripping the strands tightly. “Please, Kristoff, I need more.”
“You want more, baby? I’ll give my girl more.” He ran his tongue along her nipple once more and then covered her body with his larger one. She spread her legs to let his hips settle between them. The feel of his hot, hard length slipping between her folds had her lifting her hips in invitation. In one swift move he rocked into her, burying his entire length in her body. “So good, baby.” His hands gripped her wrists and brought them above her head, causing her to bow into his chest.
His lips found the base of her throat as he moved in and out of her, picking up his pace until the headboard slammed against the wall with the force of his lovemaking. Sweat formed between their chests as he sunk into her, bringing her closer to euphoric release. The tip of his erection dragged along the swollen bundle of tissue deep inside of her on his descent and she exploded around him. Calling out his name as she came, Veronica heard his answering groan as he found his own orgasm. The heat of him spilling inside of her was all-consuming and she absorbed everything he had to give. The emotions, sensations, and love––all of it was hers and she knew the chemistry between them would always be this intense.
