Her fingers tightened on his arm and her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “That’s awful. I know I shouldn’t speak ill of others but they honestly sound like horrible people. Didn’t they love you at all?”
Dane had long ago realized what his parents were like. “No. They only loved themselves and money. Or the things money could buy that would make them feel superior to everyone else. In a way they were the perfect pair. She married my father for his money and he married her for her beauty. They’re still married actually, but they live apart, only getting together for awkward and cruel family holidays.”
He could see knowledge dawning in her eyes. “And Brandon’s parents were the same? Is that how he was brought up?”
“Brandon’s mother was my father’s sister. His mother wasn’t as bad as mine. She actually cared about him but her love ended up spoiling him. In the end they tied up his inheritance so tight he was on a yearly allowance which he spent and borrowed against.” Dane shrugged his shoulders, not willing to judge his cousin at this point. “He rebelled by being a party boy and not caring about the only thing the Braxton men have ever cared about – making more money.”
“So you don’t trust women? Do you trust men?”
He moved away and walked over to the window staring sightlessly into the night, images of his childhood crowding his brain. His parents had never asked about his grades or talked to him about girls. There had been no family bonding over the dinner table. He’d been alone except for Seb and Chris. They were the family he’d never had. If not for them he wouldn’t have known what a normal family looked like. “Not much. My friends would tell you I’m pretty cynical about rich businessmen and beautiful women.”
“But you’re a rich businessman.”
He smiled and turned back. “I’m an attorney, but yes, I am rich. Most people find it an asset, not a liability, but then you’re different than anyone I’ve ever met before.”
Her chin lifted and her lips firmed. “Brandon was rich and he was an asshole. How do I know that you’ll be any better?”
“First of all, Brandon wasn’t all that rich. Second, you already know. Deep down you know that I love you and Nicky and would never hurt you. Didn’t you leave me here to watch over him while you went outside to think about things?”
Her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. “I did, I guess. Instinct. I know you would protect Nicky no matter what. I see how much you love him.”
“I love his mother too, and I’m getting damn tired of saying it and not hearing it back. If you don’t love me, Lily, just say so. It’s cruel to keep me hanging here.”
He’d thrown down the gauntlet. His gut twisted in his abdomen and he waited impatiently for the verdict. If she didn’t love him he’d crawl away and lick his wounds. But he’d live. Somehow. Breathing was painful as he waited, time stretched as taut as his nerves.
Lily’s lips trembled and a few tears slipped down her cheeks. “I do love you, Dane, but I was mad at you. I get why you needed to make sure I was a decent person. I understand you don’t hand over that kind of money to a stranger but I just wish you’d told me sooner.”
He thought breathing would be easier if she said the words but that wasn’t the case. His aching heart didn’t help the matter.
“I wish I had too,” he admitted. “I was just so fucking scared, Lily. I’ve never been in love before and I didn’t want to lose you even though I knew keeping it from you was probably going to do just that.”
She brushed at the tears but her lips turned up at the corners. “I don’t care about the money.”
“I know. That’s why I gave it to you.”
Her smiled widened and he took a deep breath, the ache easing slightly. There was light in her chocolate brown eyes that he wanted to believe in.
“I only care about you. Nicky loves you, you know.” More tears but they looked like happy ones. He wanted to see her smile every damn day for the rest of his life.
“I love him. And I promise I’ll love him just as much as the children you and I have together.”
She pressed herself against him and wrapped her arms around his middle. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you? We have a ways to go before we get to that point.”
“I’m a man that knows what he wants.” Dane grinned and pulled her closer; her soft curves felt like heaven. “I love you and I want you forever. I know it’s scary but I’ll just follow your lead. You know more about this love stuff than I do.”
Her palms cupped his face and her gaze was full of love. “I’ve never loved anyone either until you. Well, Nicky of course, but not this kind of love. We’ll learn together.”
That was exactly what he wanted. He leaned down and captured her lips in a kiss that promised everything. “Thank you for forgiving me. I’ll never keep anything from you ever again, Lily. I swear.”
“I know. We’re going to fight and argue. We’re going to make mistakes and get mad. The important thing is to keep talking.”
He shut the door between the rooms and then lifted her off her feet and carried her to the bed. “Do we have to keep talking now? I was hoping we could make up after our fight.”
Lily giggled and his pulse sped up. She was so perfect and now she was his. “I’ve never had make-up sex. Is it different?”
He laid her on the mattress and hovered over her, brushing her hair back from her face. “Baby, since the moment I met you everything has been different.”
Different, and better. She’d taken a cynical asshole and turned him into a man who could love and be loved in return. He finally had a chance at a real family.
Lifting her t-shirt, he pressed open-mouthed kisses on the soft skin of her belly, working his way up to the sensitive underside of her breasts. He tugged gently on the rosy tips and then flicked them with his tongue over and over until she was writhing underneath him, panting and begging for more. They swelled with the attention and turned a darker pink as he pinched and rolled them between his fingers.
Dane stripped the shirt from her body and tossed it aside before kissing a wet trail back down her torso to the waistband of her lacy panties. Grabbing the elastic with his teeth, he tugged the scrap of fabric down her legs while she giggled and twisted on the bed.
“You’re insane,” she said breathlessly, now completely naked. “You took off my undies with your teeth.”
Dane pulled his shirt over his head and pushed his boxers down his thighs. “I would have taken all your clothes off with my teeth but I’m in too much of a hurry. Maybe next time. And I don’t think you’re all that shocked. I think you liked it.”
She ran her hands up his bare chest and his already hard cock jumped with excitement. “I did actually. It was kind of caveman-ish. I like being at your mercy.”
He’d already guessed that about her, although tonight wasn’t the night to push any boundaries. They’d have years ahead of them to explore her submissive desires in more detail.
“This caveman has a few ideas about that. I know you like it when I give you orders so here’s the first one. Spread those legs so I can see that pretty pink pussy.”
She was clearly debating whether to obey but he waited semi-patiently until her feet slid along the sheets. About eight inches. He had to hide his smile.
“Farther, baby. No time for shyness now. Don’t make me spank you for disobedience.”
He could practically see the wheels turning in her head. She wanted the spanking but she feared it a little too. Her feet spread a few more inches and he could finally see what was his. Leaning forward, he placed a hand on each of her thighs and pressed them up and wide so every inch of her was on display.
“When I tell you to spread your legs, this is what I mean. Now don’t come until I give you permission.”
He didn’t give her a chance to respond, instead bending his head to run his tongue along the folds of her slit already drenched in her honey. Exploring every nook and cranny, he listened to her ragged breath and moans of plea
sure. He had her at the very top and held her there, keeping her on the edge of release but never sending her over. Her fingers tangled in his hair were almost painful but he didn’t give in to her pleas. It would be all the more intense if they waited. His own cock was painfully hard and aching, the balls drawn up close to his body. It was only with the most intense concentration that he was able to maintain control.
“Need to come,” she groaned, her fingers digging into his scalp.
He swirled his tongue around her clit but not on top, careful to not send her over. “Not yet, baby. I promise the wait will be worth it.”
She mewled in protest and he soothed her fevered entreaties with kisses down her inner thigh, calf, all the way to her toes, pressing his lips to her dainty instep. He repeated the service on the other side but this time from her toes to her drenched pussy. His own balls pulled up painfully; he couldn’t delay any longer.
Leaving her only long enough to grab a condom from his shaving kit, he rolled it on and lay down on the mattress.
She was sprawled out on the bed, lips swollen, hair a-tumble around her shoulders, and her thighs sticky with honey. She was fucking gorgeous.
“Ride me,” he beckoned. “I want to watch you.”
Even with just the lamp he could see he’d surprised her. He had so many more things they could do together in bed. This was only the beginning.
“I don’t know how,” she said, although it didn’t stop her from straddling his thighs. “I’ve never done it like this before.”
“Normally I like to be in control but I thought this would be fun. I can watch your face and your reactions to having my cock deep inside your pussy.”
He couldn’t tell if she was blushing in the dim light but she didn’t hesitate to position herself right over him, hovering uncertainly.
“What if I do something wrong?”
“You can’t. Just do whatever feels good. I guarantee I’m going to like it. Just remember that you don’t have permission to come yet.”
She mumbled something under her breath but he ignored it, intent on the sight of her glorious nude body, a feast for his eyes. Placing the tip of his cock at her entrance, she slowly lowered herself until she was fully impaled. Her head was thrown back and her long hair played peek-a-boo with her dusky pink nipples.
She braced her hands on his thighs and began to move experimentally, side to side and back to front, sending waves of pleasure straight to his balls. She swayed slowly at first and then faster as she gained confidence, her breasts bouncing with each stroke. Dane’s fists crumpled the sheets between his fingers as he fought his instincts to roll her over and take control. Instead he lifted his hips every time she lowered herself until he was slamming his cock into her hot, tight pussy.
Swiveling her hips with each thrust, she rode him fast and hard. The pressure was too much and he reached between their bodies and pressed a thumb to her sensitive clit.
“Come for me, baby. Come now.”
“Yes,” she hissed as her orgasm hit her. Her lips parted and her eyes closed in ecstasy. This was what he had wanted to see – Lily in throes of passion. She was beautiful all the time but this moment would stay in his mind forever. Her pussy clenched on his cock and it was all it took to send him on his own journey. It seemed to fold him in half and shake him around and all the while lights danced behind his lids. By the time he came back to earth, the woman he loved more than life itself was slumped on his chest pressing tiny kisses to his skin.
“I love you, Lily.” He was still breathing hard and the words came out rough. She didn’t seem to mind, resting her head on his chest and sighing in contentment.
“I love you too. Even if you are rich.”
“Is it a problem? I could give it all away.”
She gazed up at him, love in her smile. “You’re so clever you’d just make another fortune, so you might as well keep this one. But don’t think I’m going to be impressed or anything.”
That’s why he loved her. Because she saw who he really was – deep down inside. She loved him for himself and that was a gift that simply couldn’t be bought in a store.
It was priceless.
Chapter Fourteen
‡
Nine months later…
Nicky ran by Lily with a bucket and pail towards the waves of Belleair Beach to build a sandcastle and run around with Ace. She, Dane, and Nicky were enjoying a fun afternoon with Chris, Susie, Seb, and Amanda. Amanda had insisted on watching Nicky saying it would be good practice but Lily felt a little guilty as Amanda could barely get around on the soft sand. Hugely pregnant, she was due any day with their first child – a daughter that would have Seb wrapped around her finger from the moment she drew breath. Luckily Nicky was only a few feet away and they could all keep an eye on him easily.
Lily still couldn’t believe how they had welcomed her with open arms. Dane was right; these people were his real family. Now she and Dane were building their own. Smiling, she gazed down at the diamond and platinum ring he’d placed on her finger three months ago in a small wedding right here on this very beach. Nicky had grinned the entire time, thrilled Dane was going to be his new daddy. With Ace at his side, Dane had held her son in his arms as he recited his vows. They’d both shed a few tears during the ceremony that day, although Dane would never admit to it.
She’d never thought she’d be this lucky but she truly had it all.
“How are the wedding plans coming?” Lily asked Susie. She and Chris were having a gigantic wedding in only two months’ time. So sweet, Susie had asked Lily to be a bridesmaid, and of course Amanda was the matron of honor. She’d be out of maternity clothes by then.
“I think pretty much everything is done. I have to say I wished we’d just had a small wedding like you guys did. Our families are driving me crazy, complaining about the littlest thing. I’m tempted to chuck the whole plan out the window and drag Chris to a chapel in Vegas.”
“Did someone say Vegas? I’m in.” Chris placed a glass of champagne in front of Susie and then dropped a kiss on her shoulder. “I told you we should have eloped but no, you said our families would be upset.”
“They would have been upset,” Susie grumbled good-naturedly. “And I think you wanted a big wedding too. You’re getting your bachelor party in Vegas so it can’t be all bad.”
Lily’s brows rose at her handsome husband. “Vegas? This is the first I’m hearing of this.”
Dane set a frosty glass of pomegranate juice in front of her. “It’s the first I’m hearing of it as well, so don’t go thinking I’m keeping anything from you. Last I heard Chris was leaning toward the Keys for fishing.”
“That’s still a possibility,” Chris agreed with a grin. “I’m also thinking about a dude ranch in Wyoming. We could ride horses and rope cattle. Real macho stuff.”
Amanda groaned and placed a hand on her swollen abdomen. “Can I down vote that idea? The last thing we need is the three of you ending up in casts or physical therapy for months. I’d vote for Vegas before a dude ranch.”
“Well, if you insist,” Seb teased. “I guess I could force myself to spend a weekend in Sin City. Just the guys.”
“Then we’ll have a girl’s weekend,” Susie said, her green eyes sparkling with defiance. “Amanda will have had the baby by then. We can go to Vegas, drink shots, and see male strippers.”
Lily and Dane exchanged a quick glance. He quirked an eyebrow and she knew what he was asking. Nodding her agreement, she smiled as he leaned forward, a gleeful grin on his face.
“I’m afraid Lily won’t be doing shots for awhile. And if I have anything to say about it she won’t be seeing any male strippers either.” Lily elbowed him in the ribs for that remark but he simply put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his big warm body. “Lily and I are having a baby.”
There was stunned silence and then everyone seemed to rush them at once, even Amanda who had to move slowly. Hugs and kisses all around were exchanged and
once again Lily felt the love and acceptance of these wonderful people who had taken her under their wing.
“You didn’t waste any time,” Seb laughed. “Good for you.”
“We didn’t want there to be too many years between Nicky and his siblings. He’s already three and by the time the baby comes…” Dane’s voice trailed off but he rested his palm on her belly. “I may have pushed her a little, I admit.”
Dane was a force of nature. Like a whirlwind, she’d found herself first engaged, then married, and now expecting. But she loved it and she loved him. They both knew their own minds and there was no reason to wait. Life was too short and she wanted to spend every single second with him building their family and future.
“I don’t think I said no.”
“That’s how it happens,” Amanda giggled. “Not saying no. I don’t think any of these men hear that word too often.”
Seb lifted Amanda’s feet on to his lap and began to massage her swollen ankles. “I’ll take that as a compliment. So that just leaves Chris and Susie out of the baby business.”
Chris groaned and shook his head. “You should hear my mother. She’s really putting on the pressure. We want to wait a little while. Is that too much to ask?”
“I can handle your mother, babe.” Susie linked her arm with her fiancé’s. “We’ll know when the time is right.”
Lily felt a tug on her hand. Dane pulled her away from the group so they were standing in the surf watching Nicky play in the sand with a barking and prancing Ace.
“Is it okay that I told everyone?” he asked, pulling her close. “It’s hard to keep it a secret.”
He was so excited about the baby and Lily loved it. So different than what she’d experienced the first time. “It’s fine. I thought we might tell them today.”
Caviar and Covert Ops: Book 3 (Military Moguls) Page 10
