Into the Flames (Out of the Ashes Book 2)

by S. M. Lynn

  “Sweetheart, I could never stay angry with you but please don’t let this happen again. I can’t keep you safe if I don’t know what is going on. I mean, god, he now has your phone number; knows where you live. Don’t you think these are things that security and I need to know about?” I hate being scolded like a naughty child but in this case he is nothing but right and I must concede to him.

  “Honestly, I didn’t think about it. But yes, when you put it like that; it’s definitely something that you all needed to know. Please you must understand how truly sorry I am. “

  “I do. I just want to make sure that you understand the seriousness of all this. And until we leave for England you will have a constant security detail when you aren’t with Connor and I. Is that understood? No, I want no arguments.”

  “Ian, you’ll get no arguments from me. Not this time. And I am sorry.”

  “I know, love. God, I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.” His kiss is soft and sweet, like he is cherishing me with his lips.

  I am in complete agreement with him though. I can’t wait until we are in England and have that distance between us and them. Ian must read my thoughts.

  “When is your next appointment with Dr. Somers?”

  “The end of next week. He said I should be all clear to travel after that.”

  “Do you mind if I go along with you to the appointment?”

  “If you are going to behave as you did the last time you two were in the same room together, I will have to say no. But if you can behave, then yes I would love to have you with me.”

  “I’ll do my best but if he starts flirting with you again, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.” Flirting with me really, the man is my doctor and did nothing but talk to me about what needed to be done. There is no point in arguing this with Ian though because apparently if a man talks to me then he must be in love with me. Ugh!! “And if he says you are able to travel, I want to book our flight as soon as we leave the office. Everyone else will meet us there just before the holidays.”

  ~

  Dr. Somers gives me the all clear and our trip is booked for the following Monday. That leaves me three days to put everything in order and pack. Ian assures me not worry too much about the packing as we can just buy more clothes and whatever else we need there. I’m mostly worried about getting everything he needs from the office though I can just have them ship me anything I happen to forget.

  Three days later, I sit on board the private jet Ian booked for our trip. I can’t help but think of our last flight to England and smile at the memories. Though we are going for a much different reason this time, the trip is no less exciting. I’m excited to see the estate now that the majority of the work has been completed and the even better part is that I’m with Ian this trip. There’s no confusion as to what our relationship is, as to where we are going together.

  As the car rounds the curve in the drive up to the house… It feels wrong calling this a house. It rises magnificently before me. The exterior has been meticulous sandblasted, washed and repaired and I imagine this is pretty close to what it looked like when it was first built, maybe even better. The grounds are well tended and it’s not difficult to see how beautiful they will be come spring when everything is green and blooming. If they have done this much to the outside of the house, I cannot wait to see the interior.

  Our suites are in the southeast corner so the car goes through the archway to the back of the house. Not too far from our door is where the outdoor pool will be when it is completed. Inside we are greeted by plush carpets over hardwood, ornate wall sconces and lovely decorations throughout. A bit of modern mixed in with the classic. I love all the little touches here and there as we make our way down the hall to our suites. Ian had planned to keep this wing of the estate on the main floor as a small apartment for himself when he came to London. So the rooms are fully appointed. We have a small kitchen, full dining room so he can entertain properly, living area, master bedroom with en suite and three other bedrooms and two bathrooms. The term small apartment may be relative here, relative to Ian’s idea of small.

  “Ian, I can’t believe they have done all this in such a short time. It’s gorgeous. I don’t think I will ever want to leave.” The walls of the entry are a pale cream with a hint of peach which is accented by the flowers and vase that sit in the center on a small dark cherry table. The hallway to the bedrooms is the same color and lined with paintings that one would expect to see in an art museum. Entering the master bedroom, I am greeted by a towering four poster bed, ornately carved as if the tree it came from grew straight out the floor and the bed was carved right there. Sheets of pale cream silk with matching coverlet and pillows look so soft and inviting I want to dive into them. Soft carpets line the floors to keep the cold at bay. If I was in awe of the rest of the apartment, this room is completely making love to all my senses.

  He follows behind me into the room but must sense my reverence as he doesn’t speak but just comes up and takes me in his arms. “I’m glad you like it but I think our families would miss us if we never went back.” He kisses my hair and inhales deeply. “I’m so glad we’re finally here. I feel like I can breathe again and this will give me just the time I need to get everything in order for the house in New York. We’ve had a long day though. So how about I run you a bath and get us something to eat?”

  His words sound like heaven. “I would love nothing more than a long hot bath and some food. But I think I would enjoy the bath much more if you would join me.”

  “Anything for you, sweetheart. Why don’t you unpack a little and I’ll run get some food from the kitchen then start the water?”

  I kiss him deeply. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” I smile and wink at his smirk in answer to my question. At some point I have to stop feeding his ego, he won’t fit through the door soon if his head gets any bigger.

  I’m finishing putting my things in the closet when I hear the water start to run in the other room. Upon entering the bathroom I am greeted by the soft glow of candlelight and the fragrance of rose petals and oils overwhelms my senses. The room is truly a romantics dream. A marble sunken tub filled with bubbles and petals surrounded by candles. Off to one side there’s a small tray with a couple glasses of wine along with some cheese, crackers and fruit. On the other fluffy white Egyptian cotton towels wait to wrap us in their warmth when we finish our bath.

  “You’ve really gone all out here.”

  “I wanted our first night here to be special.” He hands me a glass of wine and I take a small sip relishing the crispness as it runs down my throat. “Sorry the kitchen wasn’t fully stocked yet and this is all I could come up with in such a short time. But I have a feast ordered for breakfast so maybe this is better for tonight.”

  “This is fine. No, this is perfect. You spoil me.”

  “That is my mission in life, to spoil you and take care of you in every way even in ways you didn’t know you wanted to be taken care of.” He holds his hand out to me and helps me down into the water. When I sit it comes just over the swell of my breasts. The hot water feels delicious next to my skin and I languish in the tub; my whole body relaxing with each second that passes.

  “You have no idea how incredibly sexy you look right now.” I watch through heavy lids as he removes first his fitted t-shirt, his button down having long ago been discarded. His dark jeans follow next revealing first his toned thighs and then his runner’s calves. His boxer briefs cling to his muscular backside and in front, the growing bulge tells me I will not be disappointed. When he has rid himself of his last piece of clothing he slowly slides down into the water next to me.

  “Here you need to eat something.” He brings a strawberry to my lips and I am reminded of the last time he fed me strawberries. The memory makes my whole body shudder with anticipation. Following the strawberry he holds a small piece of brie to my mouth and the soft cheese melts away on my tongue. I love the sensations I get when he feeds m
e; erotic and sensual yet the ultimate act of caretaking and love as well.

  “Sweetheart, I love you. I don’t think I’ve told you enough today.”

  “Ian, I love you too. This place, this,” I look around the room and motion with arm to everything he has set up for tonight, “this is heavenly. Thank you for doing all this and for keeping me safe. I know I don’t always make that easy but you do it anyway. “

  “You deserve every bit of this, my love. Every bit of happiness I can give you and I’ll never stop trying to make you happy. Forever, Lauren; that’s what we are.” He pulls me so I’m sitting in his lap. His hands are soft from the water and gently caress my body and curves. Skin against slippery skin we slide on and over each other. The sounds of our love making fill the marble room and Ian shows me with his body just how much he loves me.

  Chapter 17

  Where December went I’ll never know. One moment I was getting the okay to travel from Dr. Somers, the next we were in England and now it is only a few days before Christmas. Ian and I have spent days in town getting ready, buying presents, picking out decorations; he even got a tree for the living room. Everything is beautiful; the very picture of a country Christmas. I don’t think I have ever been this excited for the holidays before.

  Gavin, Marlene and Claire all arrived together about a week ago and so that has meant more shopping and lunches than I could have imagined. Surprisingly I have been able to keep up with work and everything going on there as well. Luckily with the holidays things are slowing down some so I have even had some time to work ahead on upcoming projects. Ian seems to be enjoying the London office and of course there is nothing not to enjoy about the estate even with the ongoing construction. There has also been no word from either Dean or Rebecca, which has only bolstered my spirits.

  Marlene informed us a couple days after she arrived that she and some other designers are hosing a New Year’s Eve party and she brought designs for all of us to wear that night. This is going to be one fantastic holiday and they will all ensure that every last piece is done up right.

  Christmas arrives with all the fanfare I would expect of a family filled holiday. The only thing missing is children waking us up at the crack of dawn to open their presents. Though Ian and Claire do their best to fill that role. They are giddy like children who have waited all night for Santa as they rush down the hallway.

  “No presents until after breakfast.” Marlene calls from the table in the dining room which is overflowing with a lovely breakfast buffet. Everything from eggs to pastries to waffles wait for us to dig into. “I won’t have all this food getting cold while you spend hours oohing and aahing over presents. Now come and make a plate.”

  We all do as we’re told. We know better than to go against Marlene in anything. The food is delicious and soon most of it is devoured. The few leftover pastries and fruit will keep in the fridge for a snack later if anyone wants any. As if on cue when the last plate goes into the sink, Ian and Claire pounce on the tree and begin to pass out presents. When there is nothing left, we all take turns opening our gifts.

  I can hardly believe that family once again surrounds me. I haven’t had a Christmas like this since Daddy died. It’s amazing all the little things you miss. The sound of paper tearing, the laughter as one person jokes with another about something that they received, picking up all the wrappings when the opening is finished and simple things like the smiles on all their faces. Of course, Gavin did our own small Christmas’ when he was home but often times holidays meant photo shoots and so I spent several alone.

  Ian hands me a small box and I feel my breath catch. Is it? Could it be? I greedily rip off the paper and open the box to reveal the most gorgeous diamond studs I have ever seen. They are so clear they seem to emit their own sparkle. Okay I was hoping for something else in the box, still a diamond but one to wear on my hand. There I admit it but I’m not disappointed in the least with these.

  “I have another gift for you as well but it is not something you can open.” He says removing a small envelope from his pocket. “I thought we could finally take that trip to Fiji whenever you were ready, so I got some information and hoped that we could look at it when we get home and find a good time to go.”

  “Oh, Ian, thank you. And all I got you was a lousy set of cuff links.”

  “Hey now, I love my cuff links and they aren’t just any cuff links they are monogrammed and they are from you. You would have been enough of a gift for me; well you on my bed naked.” He whispers making me blush.

  The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the apartment with plenty of food and enough wine for a party of 100 but we manage it all just fine.

  “Did you have a happy Christmas?” Marlene asks as we are cleaning up before bed.

  “Marlene, I honestly forgot how much I love the holidays with family. You all have made this so special for me.”

  “I look forward to many more special events and holidays with you my dear.” She says as she kisses my forehead.

  “Hey, don’t forget about me.” Gavin hollers as he walks into the dining room. “I deserve some kisses under the mistletoe too from these two beautiful women.”

  “Oh, we could never forget about you, Gav.” I giggle giving him a kiss. Then Marlene proceeds to do the same. We spend a few more minutes polishing off the last few glasses of wine then I head to bed to give Ian the rest of his present.

  “I did have something else for you.” I say as I walk into the bedroom to find him typing away on his keyboard.

  “Oh you did, did you?”

  “Yes, I did. Would like to see it?”

  “Hmm, very much.”

  I step into the closet and change into the lingerie that I bought for tonight. When I come back out into the bedroom, the lights are all off and soft candlelight fills the room.

  “So what do you think?” I ask giving him a little turn so he can see the red lace that covers me or more accurately covers very little of me.

  “I would have to say this is a very fine present indeed. Do I get to unwrap my gift?”

  “Well that depends were you a good boy this year?”

  “I hope I was because I really want to unwrap that present and I’m not sure I’ll take no for an answer.”

  “Well since I went to all the trouble I suppose you can.”

  “Oh I’ll show how much trouble you are in for teasing me like this.” I laugh and run around the bed but Ian is quick and has me up on the mattress in no time flat. “Are you done teasing?”

  “Yes.” I squeak.

  “Good, now time for the unwrapping.” It’s not long before we are both thoroughly unwrapped and sated. We lay there together for a long time afterward neither of us saying anything, just content to hold one another and enjoy our time together.

  Chapter 18

  The week between Christmas and the New Year is filled with not only parties to attend but all the preparations for the New Year’s Eve party are in full swing. Luckily Marlene has Claire here to help her. Of course Gavin and I try to help as best we can and while he may have some experience in attending these things, I am so far out of my element I begin to wonder how I will ever plan a wedding if Ian should ever ask.

  New Year’s Eve starts off with all the pampering one could ever want to get us ready for the party that night. Ian brings a few people from a local spa and using the facilities at the estate we have a full spa day. The treatments are fantastic and it’s wonderful to see this place in full swing. It’s not hard to imagine what the bustling spa will look like when the resort opens in a just a few short months. We all start with some relaxation first in the hot tub with some champagne followed by massages. After that we each go our own way for treatments. I am waxed within an inch of my life and fairly convinced that there can be no hair left anywhere on my body except the top of my head when they have finished with me. I have my hair colored and styled for the evening. Of course, manicures, pedicures and makeup are a definite must.

 
; In between treatments, they serve a light lunch of finger sandwiches and fresh fruit along with fresh fruit juices and of course the champagne is freely flowing to all who want it. The spa rooms are gorgeous and serene; done up in all shade of blue with tile and polished wood floors.

  Marlene, of course, has designed all of our clothes even the tuxes for Ian and Gavin. I can’t wait to see them all dressed up. Few men can wear a suit as well as mine and my best friend. Their bodies seemed to have been made for tailored lines. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for me and I don’t have long to wait. As soon as the cosmetologist finishes with my hair and makeup Marlene is there to whisk me away.

  Being Marlene, she doesn’t have just one dress for me but several to choose from, there is one in particular as usual that she would like to see me in that evening. She pulls the red silk gown from the bag. I can’t hide my gasp of astonishment. This has to be one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen and that’s saying something considering all the creations Marlene has made for me.

  “Oh my god, Marlene, it’s beautiful.”

  “I’m glad you like it dear. I was worried that you wouldn’t like the color.”

  “Well, it’s definitely not a color I would ever pick for myself but you definitely know better than me when it comes to these things.” The dress is draped silk with a slight cowl neck and one shoulder. The back is slightly longer than the front giving it the look of a small train. I look at the unforgiving fabric and know it will cling to every surface of my body. Silently I pray that I will be able to pull it off. The dress is very simple, almost too simple. Marlene’s designs usually trend toward the extravagant. The fabric is definitely luxurious but other than that there are no embellishments; in this piece she is just letting the dress speak for itself.

  “Alright, let’s get this on you so you can see what you think properly.”