Pulling away from Alex, I smile joyfully towards my neighbor before turning back to my fiancé.
“So you chose me?”
“Every time,” he enunciates.
We turn our attention back to the door as a sweaty, red-faced Abigail comes barreling through the crowd.
“Oh my goodness I found you. I’ve been all over this airport.”
Harshly I ask, “Abi, what are you doing here?”
Walking timidly toward me, Abi takes a few deep breaths as Alex and I stand up.
“I wanted to apologize for what I said earlier. You’re one of my best friends, Mallory. I know that you had nothing to do with the accident. It was all Nicholas. I am just having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that my brother tried to kill you. Please forgive me.”
Looking at her closely, I can see the vulnerability and sincerity swimming in her eyes.
“Of course you’re forgiven, Abi. I could never stay mad at you,” I reply warmly, wrapping her up in my arms.
“I brought you something,” she says, smiling through her tear-filled eyes.
Cocking my eyebrow, I silently implore her to continue. She reaches deep into her pocket and pulls out my large engagement ring. Glancing back at Alex, I see a slow smile spread across his face, instantly causing a grin to spread across my own lips. Turning my head back towards Abigail, I take the ring from her hand and slip it onto my left ring finger.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” she states, smiling as she walks out of the lounge.
“Mallory, I think we need a vacation. St. Thomas sounds wonderful right now.”
“It does, doesn’t it? Can you come with me?”
“Already booked. I’ll even try to sit beside you.” Leaning into my ear Alex continues, “We can join the mile high club.”
Startled at his admission, I look up to him, wide-eyed, as he smirks from my reaction.
Chapter 23
A strong and heavy arm drapes over me as I wake to the smell of the ocean breezing through our curtains. Snuggling closer to the man in my bed, a smile spreads across my face when I see the sparkle on my left hand placed against his tanned chest. We’ve only been in St. Thomas for two full days, but Alex is already sporting a sun-kissed glow. I’m just happy to show now only a remnant of sunburn.
Closing my eyes as I press my cheek against his shoulder, Alex weaves his fingers through my hair, holding my head close to his body.
“Mmmm,” I moan in pleasure.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Good morning, handsome,” I say, rubbing myself against him.
I’m surprised to find that my body still wants him after we’ve made love on every available surface for the past two days and late into last night.
“Are you hungry?” he asks sweetly.
“Only for you, Alex.”
Flipping me onto my back, Alex leans in and starts nibbling at my neck and shoulder, “I like the sound of that,” he says.
One of his hands trails up my ribcage and cups my naked breast, grazing the nipple between his fingers. Moaning in response, Alex seals his lips over mine, swallowing my sounds of pleasure. Frantically needing more, Alex releases my mouth and sweeps down to take the nipple from my neglected breast between his lips. My breasts are extremely sensitive from our previous night and I instantly feel the shock radiate down into my belly.
Rocking my hips against his pelvis, Alex settles one of his legs between mine and brings it forward so that I can rub against his thigh. The feeling of his rough leg against my clit and his warm mouth on my breast quickly brings me close to the edge. Knowing that I’m edging towards release, one of Alex’s hands travels south and massages my throbbing nub, sending me spiraling over the cliffs of pleasure.
Closing my eyes as I catch my breath, Alex takes a hold of my wrists and places them above my head. I knowingly leave them there as he sits back up onto his heels, then drags his hands along my body.
“So beautiful. I’ll never tire of looking at you and feeling your soft skin.”
“Alex, please.”
“I know what you need.”
Scooting farther down, Alex leans his head forward, licking across my folds until he meets my clit, which he sucks into his mouth. As I groan out in bliss, he continues to devour my body before I come close to my pinnacle once more. Removing his tongue from my pussy, Alex places gentle kisses on my quivering legs before bringing his erection to my entrance.
In one swift move, so sheathed in my body that he nudges my womb, Alex pauses to let my body adjust to his large size. Thankfully not sore, I urge him on by rocking my hips against his pelvis, causing him to release a groan.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” his voice weaves hints of concern.
“More, please, Alex.”
Thrusting into me a few times, he nips at my breasts before maneuvering his body so that he is kneeling on the bed. Breaking our contact, I’m flipped around, face down and kneeling on all four limbs, when Alex plunges back inside me.
“So good,” he cries, wrapping his fingers in my hair and tugging just hard enough that pleasure ripples through my body.
His erection is so deep this way that I can feel him filling my entire core. As he increases the pace of his thrusts, Alex swats at my behind a few times, still holding tight to my hair, before I suddenly come against his still-hard penis.
Without sparing a single moment, he moves so that his back is against the headboard and he situates me above his lap. Tugging me down as he propels up, Alex urges me to ride him. Using my hands on his shoulders to pulse my body up and down, I toss my head back in response to the immense pleasure that is flowing through my body. With both his erection and his pelvis hitting all of my sensitive spots, I can feel my third climax building quickly.
“Come, Mallory. Come with me,” Alex commands.
Rocking against him a few more times, my body explodes as I feel his detonation from deep inside.
Completely spent, I rest my head on Alex’s shoulder as his fingertips travel up and down my back.
“That was remarkable.”
Without the mental capacity to respond, I playfully bite at his nipple before stroking my tongue across the pert skin. Alex groans when he feels my warm breath and I giggle.
“I don’t think you can handle anymore this morning, love.”
Looking up into his beautiful face, I reply simply, “I know.”
“I have a few conference calls I need to make this morning. Do you think you’ll be ok here on your own for a few hours? I scheduled you a spa treatment at the main resort. I should be done when you are.”
“That’s fine, babe. I know you’re busy. And a massage sounds wonderful right now.”
“Ok. Your appointment is in forty-five minutes, and my call starts in fifteen, so I’ll leave you to get ready.”
“Alright.” I say, reaching up one more time to stroke his face.
Alex wraps both of his arms around my body, pulling me close. Resting my head on his shoulder, he uses one of his hands to wrap around my head, holding me possessively.
“I love you so much, Mallory.”
My arms tighten around him.
“I love you too, Alex.”
The spa on the main hotel grounds is calming and luxurious. A huge fountain bubbles soothingly as water cascades down the marble center. I walk around the fountain to check in with the receptionist, then find myself quickly escorted away to a private room.
Never have I had the chance to experience a half-day treatment like this one. I’m willingly subjected to an hour massage, a facial and a mud wrap, all before I’m whisked off to have my skin bronzed, my nails filed and painted, hair colored and trimmed, and my face colored with makeup. Pampered would be a complete understatement for how I feel at this moment.
As the beautician finishes curling my hair, she drapes a crown of deep purple and lavender flowers onto my head. The wild flowers are beautiful, bringing out t
he glow in my skin and the green in my eyes.
Walking back into my private room so I can exchange my bathrobe for clothing, I find a white garment bag placed on the chair where my clothes had previously been. Anxiety trickling up my spine at the idea of walking back to my room in a bathrobe, I walk over to the bag and find an attached note with the words wear me scribbled on a piece of thick and expensive-looking paper.
With my hand on the zipper, I slowly glide the metal down until the bag opens to reveal a stunning lace gown. A stunning, white lace gown, to be exact. My heartbeat accelerates rapidly as I find another note pinned to the dress, and unfold it with my shaking hands.
I want you forever and there is no better time than now.
Oh my goodness. The realization hits me with the explosive force of an atom bomb. Alex wants to marry me today. He’s arranged the entire thing for me.
Completely astonished, I slide my bathrobe to the floor and step into the beautiful lace. Spaghetti straps grace my shoulders, connecting to a sweetheart neckline and a deep open back, just barely ending above my behind. Amazingly, the dress is fitted perfectly and cascades down my body, leaving a trail of lace behind me. Finding the full length mirror in the room, I fixate on myself in the moment I have always dreamed of: dressed for my wedding day. Everything - the dress, the hair, the makeup - is absolutely flawless, and I have my perfect fiancé to thank for that. And to think I was going to leave him, my mind says. Shaking my head to rid myself of that saddening thought, I take a hold of the small train and open the door to my spa room.
Awes, ooohs, and squealing immediately assault my ears the moment I step out the door. Standing before me in lavender-colored dresses are Madison, Abigail, Mika, and Bea: my closest friends in the world. They are all silently wiping their eyes in vain attempts to keep the tears from falling.
To my right I hear a soft voice say, “Sweetheart, you look beautiful.”
“Mom?” I hadn’t even realized anyone else was in the hall, but quickly I find my mother standing beside Jane, Evie, and Maria, with a very adorable Anna wearing a small white dress bedecked with a lavender sash.
“You sure are marrying a wonderful man. To think he planned an entire wedding for you in two days. He must love you something fierce.”
“I love him so much, mom. I can’t believe he did this. He brought you all here,” I say, grasping my mom in a fierce hug.
“It’s very romantic,” Jane says sincerely, hoping to alleviate any anger I have towards her. “Abigail and I brought you your bouquet. I hope you don’t mind.”
Easing myself away from my mother’s embrace, I unwrap the large white box that contains all of the arrangements. As I pop the lid open, water fills my eyes and my smile grows even wider as the vision of purple assails me. Jane has created a masterpiece, combining both dark purple roses and light purple calla lilies, mixed perfectly with white hydrangeas. The smaller bridesmaid bouquets mimic the design.
Whispering in my ear, Jane leans close and says, “I’m so sorry, Mallory. For everything.”
Grabbing her into my arms, I squeeze her close and tell her how thankful I am that she is here to share this day with her son and with me.
Breaking everyone out of their sniffling moods, Madison exclaims like a twelve-year-old girl, “Oh my gosh, you’re getting married!”
“Holy crap!” I cry out, as my brain finally absorbs this overwhelming information. “I’m getting married!” I squeal in return, causing the guests at the spa to laugh in delight.
Taking my hand Madison guides me outside where I spot my dad pacing back and forth beside the main doors. He looks so handsome in a linen shirt and khaki pants rolled at his ankles. We walk together to the private beach side of the resort and wait with the bridesmaids while everyone takes their seats.
“I can’t believe this day is here. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, daddy. I’m proud to be your little girl.”
My father kisses the top of my head before the coordinator instructs us to make our way down the aisle of sand. When I turn the corner, I can’t help but train my eyes to the extraordinary man who is waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I only notice for a split second that he is completely casual in a white linen shirt, light gray pants, and – to my surprise - barefoot. His handsome face draws in my eyes, where he holds a heartbreakingly beautiful smile on his lips. My returning smile is his reassurance that I couldn’t be any happier than in this moment, watching his breath hitch as he sees me walk down the aisle to him.
When at last I reach the altar, my dad joins my mom, who sits in the front row. Alex and I stand in front of the officiant, simply devouring each other for a moment with our eyes, before I finally notice that beside him, acting as his groomsmen, are Gregory, Scott and my two brothers. Alex reaches out to me and takes both of my hands into his as the officiant begins. It seems as if no time has passed when suddenly Alex and I begin repeating our vows. Reaching into his pocket, Gregory hands the officiant our wedding bands.
As I place the dark titanium band onto Alex’s finger, I repeat the words, “With this ring, I thee wed.”
Repeating these same words in return, Alex slides a diamond-encrusted band onto my left hand, then raises my hand to his mouth, placing a kiss over the ring.
Our rings in place, where they will stay forever, the officiant announces us husband and wife. Smiling at Alex, he instructs him to kiss his bride. Placing both hands on my neck and jaw, Alex leans forward and seizes my mouth in a passionate kiss as I gently place my hands on the back of his shoulders, urging him closer. We forget about the attendants witnessing our exchange of vows and solely focus on our moment, this moment of pure, radiant love.
Chuckling behind us, the officiant garners our attention before instructing us to turn around.
“It is my honor now to present to you, Lord and Lady Alexander Stone.”
Madison returns my bouquet to me, and Alex takes my hand, ushering me down the aisle. The coordinator is detouring our small group of guests to a reception area set up on the beach, while Alex tugs me away to a small cabana I’m assuming he used for the groomsman this morning.
“Oh, love, I knew you’d be beautiful, but you exceeded all of my expectations. There are no words to describe how remarkable you look in that dress.”
“Thank you, Alex, for this,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. I continue, “For giving me the most perfect day I could have ever dreamed of. And the best part is that now I’m your wife.”
Stroking the back of his fingers across my cheek, Alex says, “You deserve all this and more, Mrs. Stone. I want to give you the world.”
“Oh, Alex,” I murmur, and stretch onto the tips of my toes to press a soft kiss onto my husband’s lips.
The coordinator interrupts us from proceeding any farther and leads us to the small reception area where we are instantly thrust into our first dance. Alex guides me along the dance floor to the 311 version of Love Song, and I melt into his arms, absorbing the simple lyrics. As I listen to him softly singing the words in my ear, I realize that these words are his vow to me. I didn’t think it possible, but I fall even more in love with him in this precise moment.
Swaying to the music, pressed up against his muscled chest, I close my eyes as a sudden desire for him grows deep inside me.
“I want you too, baby.”
Startled, I look up into his gleaming eyes and whisper, “How did you--”
Alex finishes my thought by replying, “I can feel your heartbeat speeding up, and your breath hitches when my hand strokes close to your lower back.”
“Oh,” I reply, amused and a little embarrassed that it is so obvious.
As usual, he seems to read my mind.
“You have the same effect on me too, darling. Don’t ever forget that.”
As the song ends and switches over to a more ‘island sound’, Alex and I mingle with all of our friends and family over a delicious meal of local seafood fare. Surrounded by all of the peop
le I love the most, I feel truly at peace with my life.
When the sun begins setting behind us, a local photographer brings us all together to capture these precious memories.
“We can add some new portraits to your office now,” I add between poses.
“I love the ones in my office. We’ll just have to decorate the rest of the house.”
“No one wants to see pictures of me everywhere.”
“I do.”
“Yes, well you’re crazy, husband of mine.”
“Say that again.”
“You’re crazy?”
“No. the other part.”
“The part where I called you my husband? My awesome, amazing, and sexy husband?” I ask as I wrap my arms around his neck.
He doesn’t respond to my question, but instead mimics our kiss from the ceremony, which the photographer captures as the crimson sun illuminates the sky behind us.
Joining everyone back at the reception, Alex and I enjoy some more food and drinks before saying goodbye later in the night. Casually taking my hand, Alex and I walk back to our room, grinning at each other like lovesick fools.
My heartbeat echoes in my ears as we stand in front of our hotel suite. We've made love before, but I can't help but think that this time will be different, and will mean so much more.
Chapter 24
“I can’t wait to make love to you,” Alex utters as he pushes me against our closed hotel door. “I’ve been thinking about it since I saw you at the altar. You looked so sexy. I wanted to rip your clothes off and jump you right then.”
“Well that would have made an interesting ceremony.”
“Mmhmm,” he says as I begin to unbutton his linen shirt, sprawling my hands on his chest once I achieve my goal.
Guiding my hands under the fabric, I peel it down his arms, sliding my fingers along his skin. Hearing his breath hitch stirs something deep inside me and I lean forward to lick along his collarbone. Gazing into his heated eyes, I savor the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the effect I'm having on him. I use my index finger to trail down the center of his chest, down his muscular abdominal, landing at the top of his pants. Licking my lips in anticipation, I wiggle my finger around the button, popping open the slacks and revealing the waistband of light gray boxer briefs.
Stone Unhinged (The Stone Book 2) Page 21
