by Tina Martin
“No. This is normal. Just think about making love to me, and how much I need you to.”
“Okay, sweetheart,” he said, then lowered his mouth to join hers again. He didn’t want to prolong the initial discomfort, so he pushed past the barrier that had marked her as pristine and listened to a shriek of pain emit from her throat.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“I’m okay,” she said, getting used to the sensation of her body being physically connected to another person’s. Now that she was past the pain, wonderful sensations ignited her body while she came alive with passion. She kissed him more aggressively urging him to return the favor. Not only did he latch on to her and take ownership of her tongue. He took possession of her entire body, moving and shifting his body, rocking against her as she rose her hips up from the bed to meet his in quick succession. And then he tore his mouth away from hers to listen to those love noises she made that he loved to hear while lowering his face beside hers to whisper in her ear – telling her how beautiful she was and how much he loved her.
Picking up the speed of his forward motions, he felt her tighten a hold onto him while he took full control of her body. Her moans grew louder. So did his groans and as they approached the pinnacle to paradise, the noise they created in the room harmonized beautifully with the way their bodies were slamming together until they both cried out in pleasure.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes,” she said, her body resting next to his. “Are you?”
“I’m more than okay,” he said, his breathing still heavy. He planted a kiss on her cheek. “We have this place for another day unless you want to check out in the morning. I’m anxious to get you home.”
“Anxious to get me home…” Zoya repeated.
“Yes, so we can do this in my bed. In our bed. So, we can start our lives together.”
Zoya smiled thinking about how her new life in Asheville would be, but she had so many loose ends to tie up, she didn’t know how soon she’d be able to leave Wilmington. Leave it up to Tennyson, they’d check out of their honeymoon suite and drive straight to Asheville, never to return again but she needed more time. This definitely wasn’t a conversation they needed to have tonight, so she whispered an ‘I love you’ in his ear and closed her eyes.
Chapter 28
Two days later that topic of her relocation resurfaced. They were standing in the kitchen of her apartment letting their breakfast get cold because they were too busy arguing to eat. He wanted her to drop everything and move to Asheville. She had requested two weeks to make the transition, but he wasn’t having it.
“So, what you’re telling me is, I’m supposed to go back to Asheville and live without you for two whole weeks,” Tennyson said.
“It’s not as bad as you’re making it sound, Tennyson.”
“What’s keeping you here, Zoya?”
“I have to turn in an official notice to my job so they can find a suitable replacement. I have to pack, close accounts, let my landlord know I’m moving out. I know you’re anxious for me to move, but I have to take care of this stuff.”
Tennyson blew a breath. “I hate this,” he said.
“Dante told you to take all the time you needed off work,” Zoya reminded him. “You could just stay here with me for a couple of weeks.”
“I’m behind enough as it is.”
“You’re not the only lawyer at TCC now. Savannah’s been helping.”
“Yes, she has but there’re assignments that fall under my expertise and ones that fall under hers.”
“Then, if you recognize how important your role is within the company you work for, why can’t you recognize mine within my company?”
“Because I feel like your unwillingness to leave doesn’t have a thing to do with your company. It has everything to do with the fact that you don’t want to leave,” he tossed out, “Because you don’t trust me.”
“That’s not fair for you to say and you know it, Tennyson.”
“I think it is. You don’t seem eager to come back with me. You haven’t mentioned it or packed a single bag, so forgive me if I see your actions as you not trusting me. I know you have trust issues, but it didn’t stop you from marrying me. Why is it preventing you from starting your life with me?”
“Tennyson, I never once said I wasn’t coming to Asheville.”
“And you never once said that you were. That’s my problem with you, Zoya.”
Zoya sat quietly, unsure of how to respond in a way that would diffuse the escalated argument. Tennyson was already heated. She’d never seen him angry before. Always calm and laid-back. Never like this.
“I’m going to get my things together,” he said. “I guess I’ll see you when you’re ready to be my wife.
“Tennyson,” she called out to him, but he kept walking further away from her.
Chapter 29
Nearly a week later, Zoya was still in Wilmington and had just wrapped up training her replacement for the day when she stopped by her mother’s place. Since she arrived before her, she sat on the porch, admiring the beauty of the yard – the healthy green grass and the beautiful flowers that had bloomed early this year since the temperature was a lot warmer than usual. It reminded her of simpler times – when life wasn’t so complicated. It was easy being single, but now she had another’s heart to consider.
She smiled as she watched her mother pull up in the driveway then got out of the car, wearing a cute two-piece casual pantsuit with a pair of sandals.
“Where are you coming from dressed all sassy? I’m loving this new you.”
“I had one of those paint and sip events.”
“Really, Ma? You’re drinking and driving.”
“No. I drank before I drove,” Florence said, laughing. “It was only a glass of wine and not even a full glass at that, so save the lecture.” Florence stepped up on the porch and sat next to Zoya asking, “Have you talked to Tennyson yet?”
“Yeah, briefly, but he’s still upset.”
“All I know is, if I had a man who wasn’t afraid to commit to me and only me, he wouldn’t have to beg me to do anything.”
Zoya smirked.
“What’s holding you back, Zoya?”
Zoya sighed heavily and said, “It’s nerve-racking to put my entire life in someone else’s hands. I’ve been packing boxes and stuff but when I actually think about starting completely over…I’m not gon’ lie. It’s scary, especially after I’ve been on my own for so long.”
“And it’s okay,” Florence said placing a hand on Zoya’s thigh. “It’s normal to feel a bit of apprehension, but remember this is the man you chose to spend your life with.”
“I know, and I miss him. I love him, Ma.” Zoya threaded her hands through her hair. “I’m just…just scared. I’m thirty-two and I’m afraid to live my life with my husband—a man who loves and adores me. Gosh does he loves me.”
Florence smiled softly. “Zoya, take a look at those beautiful tulips lining the front of the house. Do you see those?”
“Of course. They’re not new. They bloom there every year.”
“Yeah, but you know what’s interesting about tulips?”
“I don’t know anything about flowers, Ma.”
“Okay, well, tulips prefer cool weather. Those pretty red, yellow and pink blooms you see – they prosper in cooler weather, so much so that the bloom will last for about a month. When it’s hot and dry, they only last for a week, if that.”
“Interesting,” Zoya said.
“Even though this is the case, tulips still bloom whether it’s hot, cold, sunny, rainy – they’re still going to bloom, and that’s what I want you to do, Zoya. Like tulips can’t predict the kind of weather they’ll have any given season, you can’t live your life afraid to blossom. Open your heart, dear. Let love in.”
Zoya smiled warmly. “Thanks, Ma.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Florence stood up, unlocked the door and said, “Come on in here and get
some dinner. Then you can figure out how you’re going to work out this situation with Tennyson.”
“Okay.”
Chapter 30
Tennyson was sitting at his desk when he saw an email from Dante:
From: Dante Champion
To: Tennyson Tillman
Subject: Blackstone Financial
Tennyson, now that you’ve been back for a full week, I’d like to discuss this with you further. Can you meet me at my office at 1:30?
Thanks,
Dante Champion | Chief Executive Officer
The Champion Corporation
_________
Tennyson glanced at his watch. It was already a few minutes after one and he’d just returned to the office from lunch. Instead of keying an email response back to Dante, he stood up, stretched and walked to the break room where he got a cup of coffee. Then, roughly ten minutes later, he took the elevator up to Dante’s office. The door was already open and even though Dante was on the phone, he motioned for Tennyson to come inside.
Tennyson walked in, took a seat, and sipped coffee.
“Okay, sweetie. I gotta run,” Dante said on the phone with Emily. “Love you, too. Bye.” When he ended the call, he looked at Tennyson and asked, “Hey, how are you doing, man?”
“Good.”
“I take it you received my email.”
“That’s why I’m here,” Tennyson said. He wasn’t thrilled about the impromptu meeting. Besides, the situation with Zoya still had him off balance. “What’s your question about Blackstone?”
“Well, you and Savannah did your research on the Blakeney-Forsyth-Blackstone fiasco and it seems your only conclusion on the matter was that The Champion Corporation doesn’t need to hang on to Blakeney.”
Tennyson shook his head. “Look, Dante. I’m in no position to tell you what to do with your company. Dimitrius was right. I’m a lawyer, not an accountant. Do what you please with Blakeney and Blackstone Financial.”
Dante stared at the man sitting opposite of him. Tennyson had been one of the first hires with the company and he’d always relied on his advice, but maybe it was time to change up the conversation. Tennyson could probably use some advice right about now.
“How are things with you and Zoya?” Dante asked already aware that Zoya was still in Wilmington.
Tennyson didn’t say a word. He waited a moment to get his thoughts together. He preferred not to talk about his personal life, but Dante was Zoya’s half-brother which meant now, they were related. Since this was the case, and since he knew Dante to be an upstanding family man, he decided to let his guard down. “Zoya doesn’t trust me. My wife doesn’t trust me. I have no idea when she’s moving here. We don’t even talk about it anymore.”
“Let me get this straight—after the wedding, you came back to Asheville alone.”
“That’s correct.”
“Why’d you do that?” Dante asked.
“Because I have a job to do,” Tennyson said. “Asheville is my home.”
Dante shook his head. “No. This is not your home. Your home is wherever she is, and let me tell you why I say that, Tennyson. You get off work and go home to an empty house which I can imagine feels a whole lot emptier since Zoya’s not there, whereas if you were to leave here right now and drive straight to Wilmington, the moment you step into her apartment, you’ll feel at home because she’s there. There’s no way—no way—I could leave my wife for anything. I told you to take all the time you needed away from this job, and I meant it. There’s no need for you to worry about job security. The job is yours, man. Right now, you need to be with your wife.”
Tennyson hung his head. “Now, I feel like crap. All Zoya wanted to do was tie up some loose ends, and I was so angry that she wasn’t prepared to come back to Asheville with me that I didn’t much consider her feelings. I just wanted her here.”
“Look, I’m going to tell you like this—you’ve been with TCC for years and I appreciate your commitment to your work and your strong work ethic, but nothing is more important than family. Give yourself a break. I honestly think you came back to work too soon.”
“Maybe I did,” Tennyson said.
“Then take some time. In the meantime, I’m going to take what you said about Blakeney and Blackstone under serious advisement.”
“You are?”
“I am, yes.”
“But your brothers were so against it.”
“I know, but they’ll come around. In the meantime, go take care of my sister.”
Tennyson smiled. “I will.” He stood up, walked to the door and before he exited said, “Ay, thanks for the advice, man.”
“Anytime.”
Chapter 31
Tennyson couldn’t pack his bag fast enough. As he did so, he smiled, thinking about how surprised Zoya would be to see him. He certainly needed to see her. Even while clouded by anger and frustration, he recognized that need. He owed her an apology for the way he left – for not listening to her point of view. As a new husband, he had to learn how to compromise and put his family first – to put her first – and he’d start that now. Jogging downstairs, he snatched his keys from a wooden chest of drawers near the door then opened the front door quickly, shocked to see Zoya standing there.
A deep frown settled on his forehead. “Zoya? What are you doing here?”
“I was just about to press the doorbell when you opened the door.”
“Okay, but what are you doing here?” he asked again.
“I couldn’t handle being apart from you anymore, and—”
Tennyson dropped his bag and keys then snatched Zoya in his arms before she could say a word more – delivering a kiss that nearly knocked her off her feet. He kicked the door closed then pushed her up against the nearest wall, pulling her shirt up over her head and unbuttoning her pants while still exploring her mouth with his tongue – getting reacquainted with her taste – a taste he missed so much.
Zoya felt all kinds of emotions flow through her. She felt wanted, greatly desired and highly loved. She didn’t have a thing to be afraid of where he was concerned.
She gasped when she felt his teeth graze her neck. “Tennyson, I love you and I miss you, and I’m ready—” Her body jerked the second he grabbed and squeezed her bottom. “I’m ready to spend forever with you. To be a family. To start one. To trust you with my life.”
Tennyson stopped feasting on her neck to look at her when he heard the whimper in her voice. He saw the mist in her eyes but she wasn’t sad. She was hopeful. Ready to love. Ready to trust.
“You don’t know how happy you’ve made me,” he told her. “I want you so much,” he said. “I missed you, Zoya. I was just coming to see you—had my suitcase packed and was ready. And you’re right here.”
“Yes. I’m here, and here for good.”
“You’re not going back?”
She shook her head. “Only to visit. My stuff is in the car. I’m all yours,” she said, loosening his belt buckle and unclasping his pants the same way he did hers.
Tennyson lifted her from the floor and carried her to the sofa where he wiggled into place between her legs and filled the space that united them as one – as forever husband and wife. And then he began moving slowly, wrapped up in obsession and pleasure, saying barely audible things against her earlobe – something about how much he missed her and how pleasurable it was anytime they connected this way. And when he felt her body speak repeatedly, he kept giving her his all until her body stilled and pressurized the same time his had. They both shot off into ecstasy at the same time, sharing the same level of energy, unashamed as they bellowed out in release.
“Ah!” Tennyson bellowed. “Zoya!”
He submerged his tongue in her mouth once more still feeling every nerve in his body alive with passion.
“Tennyson,” Zoya whispered her shaky hands barely able to hold on to him as more trembles ravaged her body. When the last of them passed through her, she laid there not moving a muscle and he s
tayed buried in the depths of her, completely drained but more than satisfied.
“I love you, Zoya.”
She opened her hazel eyes to look at him and when he caught her brilliant gaze, his body began to crave even more of her.
“I love you, too, Tennyson.” She lifted her head from the sofa cushion to steal more kisses.
Tennyson smiled feeling joy in his heart. He’d experienced real loss but also real joy in marrying the woman he knew was meant for him. And Zoya learned for the first time in thirty-two years to trust a man. To love one. She looked forward to spending the rest of her life loving him, starting right now – a few days before Spring.
~~~
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Discover the full Champion Brothers Series. All books are standalone and can be read in any order. (The books below are listed in release order)
Book #1 - HIS PARADISE WIFE
Widower, Dante Champion, has his eyes and heart set on Emily Mitchell, but she’s not interested. She’s falling for a man she met online. When she discovers her mystery, online man is none other than Dante Champion, will a weekend at Pleasure Island change her mind about him?
_________
Book #2 - WHEN A CHAMPION WANTS YOU
Melanie Summers is not ready for a relationship, but a possible new job at The Champion Corporation puts her center stage in front of Dimitrius Champion. They’ve exchanged glances before, but hardly anything more. But will a straightforward proposition from Dimitrius interfere with her chances of landing a dream job and real love?
_________
