by Marie Skye
“I imagine it was hard for you.”
He smiled. “That’s an understatement. I was fucking up in life. Fucking up hard. Grayson wanted to wash his hands of me so fucking bad, and I about fucking dared him. I was testing him every day. Coming into work high, attending meetings high, and I didn’t give two fucks about it.”
“Why’d you, do it?” I whispered out.
His eyes shot up to mine, and he cocked his head, almost as if just realizing I was in front of him, and I watched as his eyes took on a bit of sadness. He sighed. “I didn’t have a family growing up. Not a good one at least. One that was there for you, the way a family should’ve been. I was basically thrown to my Au Pair, as my parents traveled the world.”
“Wow, that’s horrible.”
The corner of his mouth turned up in a grin. “Not always.” He stretched. “She was my first fuck at the tender age of fourteen.” My eyes widened in shock. “Man, was she prime.”
I rolled my eyes, and grabbed a few pieces of his ice, and threw them at him.
His eyes lifted as Isabella shouted out “That’s cheating! Put it back! Gwen, can you come show your man how to properly play this game!”
Chace lifted his glass toward them. “That one there gave me an ultimatum I didn’t know I needed. The push I was looking for. A threat if you will.” He sighed before continuing. “And that’s when I knew.”
I smiled before turning my attention back to Chace. “Knew what?”
He stood up, and reached his hand out to me, to help me up. “Why be high off drugs, when I can be high off her?” He looked her way, with a glint in his eyes. “Always her.”
I inwardly smiled. Who knew Chace was a sap.
Nineteen
Hawkins
Ten hours later we finally landed in Anguilla. The weather was absolutely beautiful. I don’t think I ever seen Gwen smile so big. The only problem? It was all fake. Something was bothering her. What? I didn’t know. She seemed standoffish. We finally arrived to the villa so we could rest up a bit.
"This is our room?" Gwen looked at me with a bit of fear in her eyes. I glanced around us, taking in the sight before us.
"Yeah, you like it?"
She briefly hesitated. "It's beautiful...it's just..."
My eyes shut. "Damn, I'm sorry, I didn't even think. I just assumed..."
Her eyes flitted to mine. "No, it's okay. It's fine."
I sighed. "Are you sure? There's plenty of rooms here, I can stay somewhere else. She walked toward me, leaning up on the tip of her toes, and gently kissing me on my lips, and I held her close, deepening the kiss. She softly moaned, which reminded me that it had been way too long since I'd been inside her.
My hands dug in her hair as I bit her bottom lip. Fuck, I needed her. Clothes. She was wearing too many clothes. I started unbuttoning her cardigan, and I felt her tense, and she pulled back.
"Is the door locked?"
My brow raised, as I looked down at her. "Do I look like I give a shit if anyone was to walk in here and see us right now?"
She bit her bottom lip, as she started to move past me, toward the door, to click the lock. Meanwhile, I took off my shirt, and beckoned her to me, when she turned around. "Take off that dress."
She looked nervous again, as she tugged her cardigan tighter around her. I cocked my head. "Gwen, what's wrong?"
She crossed her arms, shielding herself. "Nothing, what do you mean?"
I raised my brows. "What do I mean? You've been different ever since I picked you up from your apartment. What's going on with you?"
She shrugged. "I think I just have a lot of things on my mind right now." Suddenly her eyes lit up. "But it's supposed to be a happy week, full of new beginnings." She crawled on the bed, straddling me, which had my dick at full attention. She knew it too, because the way she grinded against me wasn't subtle at all.
My hands went to her hips. "Gwen. What are you doing?" I gritted out.
She tilted her head. "Whatever do you mean? I'm just sitting here." She bit her bottom lip as she continued to rock back and forth and softly sighed. She then reached into the pocket of her cardigan and pulled out a condom. She reached over my head, grabbing a remote, and flicking a few buttons. We both watched as the curtains in the room darkened within seconds. Another click, and a warm glow appeared.
"Well that's not fair," I murmured against her skin. She gasped as I reached under her, and ripped her panties out of my way. “That’s better, I whispered against her.” I shrugged her cardigan off, and lifted her dress over her head. “You’re so fucking beautiful, and you’re so fucking mine.”
She trembled. “Say it again.”
I grasped her face in my hands, and pulled her closer to me, pressing my lips to hers. “You’re mine.” I felt a tear roll down her cheek.
“And you really mean it?” Her voice cracked.
I looked into her eyes. I didn’t know what was wrong, but all I saw were years of hurt, and pain. And all I wanted to do was take it away. I wanted to harm anyone that put that pain in her eyes. Never again would I let that happen.
“You’ll always be mine,” I whispered against her lips, before claiming hers with mine. She softly moaned, as I rolled her over, plucking the condom from her hand.
“Are you wet for me?”
She moaned, as I slowly teased her clit. My finger dipped into her entrance, and her pussy clenched around my finger. “Greedy pussy.”
“Greedy for you,” she breathed out.
“It fucking better be.” Her breath caught as I eased in, giving her time to stretch around me. “Fuck you feel good,” I breathed into her neck. Her arms wrapped around me, as I reached between us, and circled her clit with my thumb. She bit her bottom lip to muffle a moan, and I chuckled.
“Dove? Are you trying to be quiet? Because that won’t do at all. That’s only going to make me want you to scream louder.”
She started to cover her face, and I took both her arms, and pinned them above her head. With her hands above her head, held by one arm, and my other hand on her clit, and me slowly fucking her, this shit was gold.
“There are people here,” she whispered.
I leaned down and pulled her nipple into my mouth, before looking back up at her. She looked so cute when she was shy. “It’s Grayson’s house. Of course, all the rooms are soundproof. And if they weren’t, do you think I’d care?” I nuzzled her neck. “Now, let me hear your screams.”
Twenty
Gwen
I studied the bruises in the mirror. Damn, they were still dark, and a bit sore. I sighed. As long as I kept them covered, I should be okay. I just didn't want Hawkins to see them. He would lose his ever friggin’ mind if he saw them. My phone buzzed to an incoming text. It was my mom, the last person I expected.
Cunt: Honestly Gwenivere, don't you think you're a bit old to be playing this game? You're being ridiculous and very childish.
I smirked. Nice apology. I placed the phone back down on the sink as I pinned my hair back. My phone buzzed again. Twice in a row? That's unlike her. I picked up my phone again. Only this time it wasn't her.
Blake: I could really use someone to talk to. Can you call me?
I cringed. Right when I was about to text back, I was interrupted by a knock on the bathroom door.
"Gwen, you about ready?"
Crap. "Um almost...can you give me about five minutes? I'll meet you downstairs." I sighed. No. I wasn't going to do this. He can wait. I turned my phone off, and headed downstairs. Hawkins had just reached the bottom step, when he turned and faced me. His eyes lit up.
"Hey. Grayson and the hopefully future Mrs. Mandrake will be here this evening. What do you say we do that date I've been meaning to take you on?"
I leaned into him. "I would love nothing more."
* * *
Hawkins was the perfect gentleman. He even cracked my lobster for me.
I watched as he slowly dipped a piece of lobster in butter, before bringing it up t
o my mouth in a teasing way. I moaned my delight, and he groaned.
"Keep doing that, and this dinner is over. I'm already hard as fuck." He took my hand and rested it on his lap, and my eyes widened as I giggled. He leaned forward, and licked the bit of butter on the corner of my mouth.
"I can't help it. It's so good."
"But you taste better." He lightly coaxed my mouth open, deepening our kiss. We heard someone clear their throats, and I pulled back, embarrassed. But Hawkins wasn't. He had a big grin on his face. Bastard.
We looked up at the waiter, who had a deep shade of red on his face, he held a bottle of wine. "Compliments of the chef for the newlyweds."
I started to open my mouth, but Hawkins cut me off. "Thank you, that's very kind."
The waiter nodded, as he popped the bottle of champagne and filled our glasses, before nodding again and leaving. Hawkins glanced at the bottle, and let out a low whistle, before handing me my glass. “Pol Roger. Nice.”
He held up his glass. "To us." We clinked. I turned to Hawkins. "Do I even want to know why he thinks we're newlyweds?"
He shrugged, as he placed his arm around me. "Because we look damn good together." He stabbed his potato. "Besides, it's not the worst idea." He said it so nonchalantly. I swallowed hard, as I forced down the champagne.
I decided after everything I went through with Blake, that pretty much sealed my future, and I was never getting married. That ship had gone and sailed. Or was it sailed and gone? Maybe this champagne was getting to me. Shit was good.
"Did you want anything else?"
I shook my head, draining the last of my drink. "No, you?"
Hawkins grabbed my hand, helping me up from the table. "Nope, just eager to see how wet I can get you."
I blushed as I looked around me. He smirked. "We had oysters with our dinner. You know what they say about oysters?"
I sighed as we got in the car. Yep, I did know what they said about oysters.
“Emmalin and Grayson arrived about an hour ago, but I’m sure they’ll be exhausted from the trip over, and a bit jet lagged, so you probably won’t see them until the morning.” He laced his hand with mine.
“Thank you for my date, I loved it.”
He glanced at me. “Oh, it’s not over.”
I perked up, then looked around us, as the car slowed down to the shore. He quickly got out, before opening the trunk, and grabbing something, coming around to my side, opening the door.
“There’s a reason why we didn’t have dessert there. I figured dessert on the beach would be better.” He took my hand, leading me toward a secluded area, even though we were the only ones on the beach. I stood off to the side as he spread a blanket out, and took out two lanterns, placing them on opposite sides of the blanket. He motioned toward the blanket, and I sat. He kneeled in front of me, and took out a bottle of wine, followed by a tray of berries.
“You’ve really outdone yourself, Hawkins.”
He grinned that boyish grin. “Well you see, I’m trying to impress this girl I like.”
He leaned back on his elbows as he gazed up at me. I took a sip of the wine. “And, how do you think you’re doing?”
He shrugged. “You tell me.”
My eyes turned toward the water for a moment before focusing back on him. His eyes steeled into mine, with a hint of a glint as he studied me. I stole a berry and savored it as I took my sweet time before answering him, making sure to moan my appreciation at the sweetness, since I knew what that did to him. The brightness in his eyes told me I was winning. I finally took the stem and discarded it into the throwaway pile. “I say you’re fairing pretty good, Hawkins. In fact, you just might get laid tonight.”
His eyes narrowed. “Might, huh? Well, let me see how I can change that.”
Twenty-One
Hawkins
“Good seeing you, boss.”
I sat next to Grayson on the Adirondack chair facing the beach. “Yeah, you, too. Heard you and Gwen were out and about, and by the time you guys came back, everyone was asleep, and Emmalin and I were up. They’re out shopping now.” He handed me a beer.
“This place is amazing.”
He nodded. “Gorgeous. Perfect weather, I could get used to this year around.”
I leaned back stretching. “So, you ready? Got everything planned?”
He sighed. “As ready as I’ll ever be. It was touch and go there. We fought the other night. I actually didn’t think we were going to make it here, and all I could think about was I finally had to tell her about London, and she’s going to leave, and no matter what, I couldn’t let that happen. If it took me barricading the door, and tying her up, then that’s what I would do.”
I didn’t even bother to laugh. I knew damn well he would do it, too. He loved Emmalin. He loved the hell out of her, and would give his last breath for her. Would I ever feel that way for Gwen? Could I ever feel that way for Gwen? Could I put my shit behind me to love her completely, the way she deserved to be loved? Or was I just going to fuck us both up?
“Gwen looks happy. Emmalin thanks you for that. She also said something about twisting your balls off, and dunking them in cyanide if you hurt her, and burying you in a shallow grave. I’m sure I twisted her words around, but you get the gist. Only she wasn’t kidding.”
I chuckled. “I get it. Emmalin is very protective of her friends. I can’t blame her. I feel very protective of Gwen myself.”
“How are things going with Gwen?”
I took a deep breath. “Okay, I think. She makes me happy, that much I know.”
“Good, you deserve that, and from what I hear, Gwen seems great. Word of advice, I’m often told.”
I leaned back. I was a bit eager to soak up anything at this point. Grayson’s eyes penetrated mine. “Don’t fuck it up.”
I smiled. “Anything else?”
He took a sip of his beer. “If they start to disagree, thoroughly fuck them. Fuck them good and hard, until they’ve forgotten whatever the fuck it was they were trying to disagree with you about.”
I glared at Grayson. “You and I both know that never works with Emmalin.”
He shrugged. “Who says anything about working? I didn’t say it was going to work. But it’s fun trying.”
We both laughed. Suddenly Grayson sighed and turned to me. “Speaking of Emmalin, I know you're on vacation, so I hate to ask you this..."
"The security team is covert. She won't even know they're there," I interrupted him. He smiled, and I saw him visibly relax. It was as if that confirmation took ten years off his life. With the amount of shit, they been through this past year alone, he needed every bit of reassurance his other half was always safe. "Even when I'm not on watch, I'm on watch, Mandrake. I know how important she is to you." I pulled out my phone, clicked a few buttons, and held it up to Grayson. "They've been looking at shoes for an hour. Emmalin keeps hesitating, checks the price on everything, and puts it back down."
Grayson smirked. "Whatever she lingers on, make sure security goes back and gets it."
I nodded, sending a quick text. "Done."
He stood up, but I could easily see the wariness in his eyes, as he started to pace. I stood up and patted him on the back. “Hey man, I know it’s early, and nothing’s been done yet. But congratulations. She’s yours.”
Twenty-Two
Gwen
“ETA five minutes’ people!” Meredith clapped, getting everyone’s attention. Everyone was scrambling around, making last minute adjustments. Grayson finally took the step and asked Emmalin to marry him. I don’t know who was more surprised. I think I’m just glad we were all able to keep it a secret for so long.
“Food is ready, drinks are ready, decorations are ready. What are we forgetting?” Grayson’s mom Lorraine stood in the middle of the room looking panicked. Grayson’s father walked over to her, kissing her on the top of the head, before looking her in the eyes. “Take a deep breath, and try not to maul her and scare her half to death when she wal
ks in the room.”
I giggled as she fanned him away. “Oh, Chad! She’ll be my new daughter-in-law, I can maul her if I want to.”
Hawkins pulled me to his side. “They’re sweet.”
I nodded. “They’re the definition of relationship goals.”
Hawkins’s lips touched mine ever so gently. But not for long.
“They’re here! Someone get the lights!” Everyone scrambled into position, which was absolute chaos, since everyone was giggling. As soon as the door opened and the lights came on, we all yelled out, ‘Congratulations!’
Emmalin not only looked surprised but startled. We couldn’t wait to get our hands on her to see what that ring looked like. As everyone started to socialize, I realized I wanted to take a few pictures with my phone to capture this moment, with all of us together.
I kissed Hawkins on the cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
I ran up the stairs. I hadn’t turned my phone on since the day before, when I received the last text from Blake. As I made my way downstairs, I powered my phone on. As soon as it came on, it started buzzing with all the incoming texts, I had missed. Before I could even find the button for my camera, my phone rang, and I foolishly answered it, right when I sat across from Hawkins. I hesitated putting the phone up to my ear.
“Hello?”
“It’s about fucking time you answered your fucking phone! Where the fuck have you been?”
My throat went dry.
“Answer me!”
