Of Demons & Stones: A Tri-Stone Trilogy

by Anne L. Parks

  But something in the recesses of my mind suddenly fears that we are about to take a huge step backwards.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Alex and I exit Stone Holdings to cameras being pushed into our faces and calls for us to, "Look over here."

  Thomas grasps my elbow and pulls me through the paparazzi. He has the door to the SUV open and shoves me into the vehicle before I have a chance to wrap my head around what's happening. Thomas is a little rough around the edges, which is just youth and inexperience, but he is picking up on body guard procedures very quickly.

  Alex turns in his seat and faces me. "Are you okay? I should have known the press would be waiting for us."

  I frown, and my mind is racing a thousand miles an hour. "I'm fine, but what's going on?"

  A cocky grin hits his face. "Kylie, you're now a very hot item. You haven't seen the press this week, and I didn't want to stress you out with it on top of everything else, but you're headline news. The sexy, brilliant female Perry Mason—at least according to one newspaper—and who am I to argue? On top of that, the press confirmed that you and I are in a relationship and living together. I'm afraid it might be like this for a while."

  "Huh." I slowly shake my head. "I guess we've been lucky so far, not having to deal with the press. I didn't even think about them being interested in us."

  Alex brushes the hair from my face and gazes into my eyes. "Well, they'll get bored with us and move on, but we might want to stage an outing and let them take some pictures to placate them if you're up for it."

  What a strange world Alex lives in. His life is always newsworthy and a topic for conversation and judgment. No wonder he is guarded about what information he divulges to people. Although, I suspect his unwillingness to share his dark past has less to do with being unsure of my motives and is just a fear of opening up pain that he has locked away.

  I slide closer, climb onto his lap, and run my fingers through his hair. "As long as it's not tonight," I whisper.

  Alex wraps his arms around my waist. His lips are a hair's breath away from mine, and he teases me, his hot breath warming me all the way to my core. "Not a chance, baby. Tonight, you're all mine."

  "Congratulations, Kylie!"

  Loud cries hit me as soon as I walk into the kitchen. It startles me and I take a step back into Alex. His hands are on my hips, and he encourages me through the door, so that he can get into the kitchen, as well.

  The family room is filled with guests raising champagne glasses. Patty, her eyes beaming, and a grin on her face, walks toward us carrying two flutes of bubbly. She embraces me, and Alex leans over to kiss her cheek.

  "We're so happy for you, Kylie. You were absolutely amazing," she says.

  My brain goes fuzzy, and a rush of heat hits my neck and invades my cheeks. "Thanks, Patty." Once again, I'm uncomfortable with the praise.

  Will, who has one arm around Leigha's waist, clears his throat. He is a younger version of Alex, but while Alex has piercing blue eyes, Will's are more blue-green. And not nearly as striking. "To Kylie, who redefines a criminal defense attorney as one sexy, smart woman, and Alex, for having the sense to snag her up before someone better took her off the market."

  Patty smacks her brother on the back.

  Leigha offers a "Hear, hear," and raises her glass to me. She and Will are great together. Both fun, laid-back, but I get the feeling Leigha keeps Will grounded.

  "Thanks, Will. That was just...beautiful." I down the entire glass of champagne.

  Alex tosses his back, as well, and gives his brother a dirty look. "Fuck off, Will."

  Will lets out a howl of laughter. Leigha winks at me and shakes her head.

  The breakfast table is overflowing with various appetizers. Patty has gone all out. She seems to be the mother figure for the Stone siblings. She is loving and kind and always cooking or baking, according to Alex. She has such a gentle spirit, easily upset, with a heart of pure gold. I doubt Patty has ever said a bad word against anyone.

  So unlike her mother, Francine. She must get her personality from Harold.

  Will and Leigha supplied several bottles of champagne, Three empty bottles sit on the kitchen counter. Must've been waiting a while for our arrival. I should feel bad, but I enjoyed the quickie with Alex in his office way too much to regret the time our guests had to wait for us.

  Will uncorks another bottle and immediately, and somewhat sloppily, refills my glass.

  Roger, Patty's husband, slides up beside me and clinks his champagne glass against mine. "Well done, Kylie."

  "Thanks, Roger."

  Roger is a quiet guy who seems to be fully incorporated into the Stone family craziness but without the issues reserved for the women who date Stone men.

  He leans in and whispers, "I hope you don't mind the invasion. It's sort of Patty's thing. She loves to organize get-togethers—you know, to make people feel special. She tends to go a bit overboard, but she means well."

  "No, this is great. I really appreciate all the work she put into this." I smile even though I'm still a little disappointed my plans to be in bed with Alex are now on hold.

  Patty joins us, and I drape my arm around her shoulder. "Thank you so much for doing this, Patty. It's fabulous. I can't believe you pulled this off so quickly. You're the one who's amazing."

  She smiles broadly, but waves her hands, shooing off the compliment. "It's nothing, but I'm glad you like it. We wanted you to know how much you mean to us and how proud we are of you. Now, go get something to eat."

  Alex slips his arm around my waist, his hands clasp in front. His spicy scent burns me when I inhale, like the sharp sting of a hot pepper. Warm and delicious, and it arouses every nerve in my body.

  "I will, but I think I'll go change first. I've been dying to get out of this suit and these heels all afternoon."

  Alex nods, takes hold of my hand, and leads me away before anyone else can corner me. We walk into the bedroom, and Alex closes the door. I strip off my clothes, and by the time I reach the closet, my bra is on the floor, and I'm completely naked.

  The closet doors latch, the lock clicks, and we now have some much-needed privacy. I turn to face him, and drape my arms around his neck as he moves his hands to my back, pulling me against his naked body and full erection. Our mouths clash as our tongues fervently fight each other for dominance. We are a mass of sexual tension and energy, moving our hands madly over skin, trying to feel every inch of each other before moving on to the next part.

  Falling to the floor, Alex quickly thrusts into me. Our bodies build quickly again for the second time today, and we simultaneously explode as I slip my into Alex's hair and pull his mouth to mine in an effort to stifle my screams. Alex places his hands at the sides of my face, and we kiss passionately as our bodies complete their climactic dance.

  Finally, Alex releases my mouth as we breathe heavily. He places his forehead on mine, and we lie together, eyes closed, enjoying the last moments of our solitude.

  "We are definitely picking this back up later," I say.

  He lifts his head to look into my eyes. "You're damn right we are." A a mischievous smile crosses his face.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  My champagne glass refilled, I work my way around the appetizer table. Apparently, winning a capital murder case releases the nonexistent appetite because I'm famished. Everything looks so delectable, and I'm piling up my plate with two of everything on my plate while popping things into my mouth.

  An arm slips around my waist, and Leigha leans her head against mine. Obviously, the champagne is making her tipsy. We don't really know each other that well, but I really do like her.

  "So...no Francine," I whisper. It's not a question, but an observation.

  Leigha giggles. "No. But not to worry. There is plenty of time left for her to harass you."

  We both laugh a little louder than we expected.

  I continue loading my plate with fruit, although, I'm running out of space. "She is quite the
piece of work. What the hell is her problem anyway?"

  We move to seats next to the window in the breakfast room, away from the others, who gather in the family room.

  She pops an olive in her mouth. "She's overprotective of her boys, but there is something different with how she is reacting to you. I think it's because she—well, we all—“ She sighs. “Alex is massively aloof, and doesn't like anyone, and has zero interest in settling down with one woman. I think she clings to that as the reason he's standoffish toward her. He's apparently never been all that close to her.

  "Then, he shows up at dinner with you. Everyone knew the minute we saw you two together that Alex has just been waiting for you to come into his life. I've never seen him so happy and so relaxed...and fun. He's usually distant, looks bored, and doesn't engage in the conversations. It's like he can't stand to be a part of the family. Not that we really see that much of Alex. All that has changed now. It was pretty clear that night at dinner, and ever since, that he's completely smitten with you. I think old Franny just can't handle it."

  "So she hates me?"

  "No, I think she just needs some time to adjust. She'll realize soon that, without you, Alex will never be around the family. Since you have been in his life, he has been in theirs. Suddenly, it's like being a part of a family is not another ring of hell he must endure." She snort-giggles and pops some other fried delicacy in her mouth. "I'm not kidding when I say that we didn't see Alex for a while. We're talking months. Now, he goes to see Patty, talks to Will on the phone, and regularly emails them both. I think he's still trying to figure out Ellie and can only take her silliness in short spurts. But I'm sure they will figure out their own relationship. However, that will not happen if Fran pushes you away. Hopefully, once Alex gets past how Fran's treating you, he'll be more available to her. Then, maybe she'll pull her head out of her ass."

  Leigha finishes off her champagne. "Besides, we all love you, so if she wants to be part of the fun, she'd better learn to at least like you—or do a better job of faking it in front of us. Will and Patty are not willing to lose their brother again because of Fran."

  I grab the champagne bottle from the edge of the table, refill both of our glasses, and lift my glass. "Here's to hoping."

  We both down the champagne as if we're doing shots and giggle like schoolgirls, which causes everyone in the family room to look over at us.

  Leigha grabs my hand and pulls us to our feet. "I guess we should be sociable."

  Alex is sitting on the couch next to Will, so I place the bottle of champagne on the coffee table and sit on the floor in between his legs. Leigha mimics my actions and sits next to me on the floor between Will's legs. Alex reaches around me for the champagne and refills our glasses before filling his own and Will's.

  I glance over at Leigha. Thank God I have a girlfriend who is going through the same relationship issues as me.

  The remainder of the night is spent laughing and talking while emptying all the champagne bottles Will brought, as well as a few from Alex's private reserve.

  By midnight, Alex and I wave to the cars as they make their way down the long driveway. We reenter the house and walk to the bedroom. I flop onto the bed as Alex heads into the bathroom.

  He returns with a glass of water and aspirin. "Take these, baby."

  I roll over and sit up.

  "You had a lot of champagne tonight."

  "Mmm...yeah, but it was a lot of fun. I mean, I wouldn't give up a night of sex with you for just anyone." I lie back down and place my head on the pillow.

  Alex picks up our hastily discarded clothes from earlier in the evening. "You and Leigha seemed to hit it off." He glances at me sideways.

  "She's really funny. I like her. We have a lot in common,"

  He sighs and shrugs his shoulders.

  "What?" I ask. "Is there a problem with us being friends? Are you afraid she will divulge all your family secrets?" I playfully bring my hand to my mouth in shocked horror.

  Alex frowns and narrows his eyes.

  I sit up and tug him onto the bed next to me. "Babe, I was just kidding. She and I talked about Francine. Leigha thinks your mom will come around soon and find a happy place with me. I swear, Alex, I'll never try to take advantage of your family, or go behind your back to get information on your past. I can wait until you're ready to talk about it."

  "I know that, baby." He strokes the back of my hand with his thumb. "And I know that my demons are a source of contention between us. You have every right to feel slighted because I haven't opened up about my past. I kick myself daily for not being strong enough to tell you. You have no idea how completely in awe of you I am. You're so strong. You took control over your fears."

  "You gave me that strength, Alex. I never would've been able to open up about what John did to me without you here holding me so tight that I know nothing can get through and hurt me while I'm in your arms. And when you feel that safe with me, it'll happen. I know you think I can't, or shouldn't have to, be that strong for you. But let me ask you something, and I don't really want an answer. Just think about it. How did it make you feel when I let you in? I can guarantee, that's how I will feel. How I want to feel. I want to help you heal as much as you have healed me." I softly kiss him and then pull back to look into the turbulent blue seas in his eyes.

  He lowers his eyes, and drops his shoulders. "Every day, I get one step closer. It has nothing to do with not trusting you, Kylie, and everything to do with losing myself in the process. I am who I am because of what I have locked away. It scares me to think of who I will become when the demons are let out."

  This is one huge confession for him. Alex Stone does not often admit to weakness or being scared. My heart swells, and I want to wrap him up inside me and keep him safe.

  "You will be a better, stronger you, babe. The demons don't make you who you are. They keep you in the dark and unable to trust. Don't let them lie to you anymore, Alex. You will not be weak because they are. You will be so much stronger because they will not be holding you back any longer."

  He smiles at me, but it is tentative, and I know he's not fully on board with my prediction. He's not ready, and I can't push him. Besides, I'm far too tipsy to fight dragons or demons tonight.

  "Back to Leigha. I like her, and she likes me. We are the outside links to your family. So we are going to be friends. Get over it."

  Alex leans over. "I'm happy you're getting along with my family. I just don't like sharing you. You are my lucky find. And yes, I'm aware I'm being completely selfish. I do plan on working harder on that, and I'm hoping you'll forgive me."

  He grasps the back of my head, and he pulls my lips against his with force and lust. We linger in the kiss for a moment as liquid heat trickles through me.

  "Mmm...you are completely forgiven," I murmur, my already light-headedness sending me floating through the stars and blurring my vision.

  Alex stands and heads into the closet, arms filled with our clothes.

  I take a deep breath and smile. I am incandescently happy. My life is now comprised of small tokens of affection, given without thought, that mean the world to me. Alex is unlike any man I have ever known, any man that I could have even dreamed of falling in love with. And I never in a million years would've believed a man like this—so strong yet gentle, domineering yet humble—would find something in me worth fighting for. I started out in this relationship trying to maintain a glass half-full perspective but expecting a major spill at any given moment. Now, I know that my cup is overflowing, and it's all because of Alex.

  We might not have it all, but we have so much more than I ever thought we could, and I'm willing to wait for the rest.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Morning light floods the room. Alex is fast asleep on his back, softly snoring. I drink in his amazing beauty. I could look at him all day, and I fight the urge to touch him, not wanting to wake him. I must have drifted off to sleep while Alex hung up our clothes last night. He left me in my
T-shirt and panties but removed my shorts.

  Always taking care of me.

  I move carefully off the bed and walk quietly into the closet. I pull on pajama pants and a clean shirt before tiptoeing out of the room.

  Jake has already started the coffee.

  "Thank you, Jake," I mutter under my breath and grab my favorite mug from the cupboard.

  The newspaper sits on the counter. A large picture of Tony and me embracing fills the page, with the caption NOT GUILTY under it. I grab the paper and clamber onto one of the high stools at the breakfast bar.

  Jake walks past me, dressed in cargo shorts and a T-shirt, a coffee mug in each hand. "Morning, Kylie." He pulls the coffee pot out and fills both cups.

  "Good morning, Jake," I sing in an overly sweet voice.

  He faces me, one eyebrow quirked.

  "Two-fisting the caffeine this morning? Won't one cup get cold while you drink the other?" I tilt my head to the side, sarcastically inquisitive. I'm pretty sure my assistant, Lisa, is upstairs, awaiting Jake's return.

  He smiles, and shakes his head. "You have jokes this morning." He heads back down the hallway toward his private apartment.

  "Tell Lisa I said hi," I call out.

  I skim through the paper and find a picture of Alex and me leaving his office building, along with a picture of us kissing. It's a simple kiss, and by the looks of my suit and the background, it was taken outside my office during the trial, probably one of the nights Alex dropped me off after court.

  Alex comes into the kitchen and stands behind me, his arms around my shoulders, kissing me on the neck.