by Maggie Way
She leaped in time with him, and the next thing she knew, they were soaring.
A loud squeal filled her ears, and she realized the noise came from her. She felt Hudson’s arms wrap around her, and that gave her courage to open her eyes.
The Costa Rican landscape was amazing from such heights, and it took her breath away, once she realized she wasn’t plummeting downwards.
With him behind her, all the fear that had built up inside her drifted away with the sliding of the line. How could she miss out on this?
Birds flew up from the nearby trees as they passed them. Their multitude of blues, reds, and greens glowed with the brightness of the sun.
It was a lot to take in. So many directions to look and discover new things she’d never seen before. That’s what life with Hudson had been like the last few weeks. More like the entire time she knew him. Now that she was his wife, everything felt like a new experience waiting for the two of them.
The soaring was over before she wanted it to be. She could have zipped through the air forever like that. When they got to the end of the line, the other attendant stopped their speed and unclamped their harnesses.
When they were free from confinement, Hudson leaned down to kiss her. Each and every kiss with him felt like the first time, but it always made her skin tingle and heartbeat pick up just a little bit faster. She hoped it would always be that way now that they had forever with each other.
They had planned to have a real wedding with their family and friends in the next week, but until then, Hudson insisted on having a honeymoon to go with their first one.
She had no complaints about that.
They had a suite that was ridiculously big, but the only feature they cared about was the large bed. Tonya had a surprise she’d been saving up for their last night in Costa Rica. It was something that she knew her husband would appreciate.
Tonya waited until she had him in bed and straddled him. “I have something to show you,” she said.
Hudson smirked up at her and rose up for a kiss. “I think I’ve seen every last part of you by now, but I’m not complaining.”
She shoved him back down. “Well, you haven’t seen this.”
He put his hands behind his head to prop himself up. “Now, I’m intrigued.”
Tonya reached into the nightstand and pulled out the metal handcuffs she’d snuck out of Hudson’s loft before they left Bluehaven.
“Are those what I think they are?” he asked.
“They are the same very ones you had at home.” She dangled them in front of him. “Do you remember what you said when you showed them to me?”
“One day you’d trust me enough to let me use them.”
“You remembered.” She had no doubt that he would, but now she wanted to try something she’d been thinking about ever since he showed them to her all those weeks ago. “Turns out you were right. I’d trust you with anything, but I have a proposition for you.”
“I’m listening,” he said, his voice filled with mirth and mischief.
“I’ll try them on you first, you know, to get the hang of them. Then you can use them to have your way with me and teach me all about submission.”
“You want to cuff me to the bed?” he asked.
“Have a problem with that, Mr. Smith?” she asked.
“Not if I get to use them on you, too, Mrs. Smith.” Hudson’s eyes darkened into that look that made her stomach tighten and caused her body to ache for him. “I’d be happy to be shackled up for you.”
She loved how he got possessive when he wanted her, and she could admit that she was possessive of him, too. They belonged to each other.
He pulled her down for another kiss and smiled at her. “Make sure you enjoy it. Because when it’s my turn, I’m never letting you go.”
“Good,” Tonya said. “I’ll be right here to make sure you don’t.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “Sounds like an amazing partnership to me.”
“The best,” she said.
About the Author
Auriella Skye is a USA Today Best-selling author who dreams of becoming a powerful goddess and creating a whole pantheon of sexy gods to do her naughty bidding. Until then, she happily spends her time weaving those fantasies into erotic and fun tales that she enjoys reading as much as writing. She loves creating characters and worlds filled with the wonderful stuff reality lacks. Auriella resides in Central Florida and spends her days and nights surrounded by words in their various, spectacular forms. If you ever spot her without sugar-infused coffee, she’ll kindly accept one from you.
Connect with Auriella Skye
Mailing List | Blog | Email | Amazon Page
Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Maid of Honor
by Kate Allenton
Chapter One
Alice Graham stared up at the monstrosity blocking out the sun. The centuries-old Scottish castle was huge and in need of a pressure washing to remove the age-old grime. A fresh coat of paint wouldn’t hurt either. It looked primitive at best, and there was no way this place had plug adapters for her computer and chargers like Cassie had promised. Alice would be lucky if it even had electricity.
The large, double doors flew open and Alice’s best friend, Cassie, squealed as she ran down the steps. “You’re here; you’re here!”
She threw her arms around Alice, squishing Alice’s face into her chest. Her five-foot-seven frame put Alice’s short four-foot-eleven stature right at boob-suffocating level, almost creating an international incident. Death by suffocation didn’t sound like a fun way to die.
“Can’t breathe,” Alice choked out.
“I’m sorry. I’m just excited you’re finally here.” Cassie pulled back, letting Alice inhale fresh air. “I forgot how small and cute you are. I’m so glad you came.”
“Free Scotland castle accommodations, will travel.” Alice nudged Cassie in the arm. “Seriously though, I wouldn’t miss my best friend’s wedding.”
Alice almost had, but Cassie didn’t need to know that. Alice had gotten out of the snafu with airport security by promising she’d return via another route. No one could prove that she was the one who’d given new meaning to the words flash mob. Tons of college-aged spring break travelers had been willing to participate. It took only a few rounds of shots in the airport bar to get them to agree. She was an instigator like that.
It was truly good to see Cassie. She glowed with that look all engaged women got. Maybe it was a side effect from the sun hitting the diamond ring just right, and blinding Alice in the eye, or just the relief that she’d bagged a husband, and didn’t have to wade in the dating pool. Whatever it was, it looked good on Cassie, and Alice was happy for her, in a jealous, you-lucky-bitch kind of way. Alice would have to wait a year, or twenty, to test if the ring theory was correct, seeing how Alice had caught her last boyfriend with his ex in her bed.
“I thought Ralph was traveling with you,” Cassie said, grabbing the bag as if it were as light as cotton candy. Alice had fought the monstrosity that weighed just as much as she did and resulted in having to pay double the baggage fees for its weight.
“He should be glad I only caught him cheating in my bed, and not in the kitchen near the butcher knives, or I’d be wearing his balls as earrings.” Alice gave her a lopsided grin.
“Ouch. I’m sorry prince charming turned out to be a toad. I never liked my cousin.”
Alice lifted a single brow. A shadow of annoyance crossed her face. “You set him up with me.”
“Well, you needed to de-stress after the whole media incident, and I knew he was easy.” Cassie tossed her arm around Alice’s shoulders and led her into the castle. “Don’t worry. There are plenty of sturdy men here you can climb like mountains and plant your flag on.”
Alice reserved judgment. Cassie was batting negative numbers in her matchmaking skills. Alice spotted two men watching them from near the side of the castle. They were kind of cre
epy the way they just stood there and watched. Not wearing a single smile and no kilts in sight. “Please tell me those aren’t the guys you’re talking about. I really wanted one in a kilt.”
Cassie glanced in their direction and waved. “Nope, but they take care of the barn and the horses in the event you decide you want to play hide the salami in the hay.”
“Hay poking and prodding where the sun doesn’t shine? I think I’ll pass.”
Alice slowed her steps as they entered the main hall. It was nothing like she’d expected from the outside. The crystal chandelier that lit the grand room was three times Alice’s size. Swords, shields, and suits of armor were displayed tastefully around the room, creating an atmosphere of past meets present.
“This is….”
“Stunning, right?” Cassie’s eyes lit up as she leaned down to whisper. “There are secret passages and everything, including one in the room that I picked for you, just in case you decide you like one of Daniel’s brothers. No one would be the wiser if you slipped out in the middle of the night.”
“You’ve read one too many historical romances.” As long as there wasn’t a worm hole or time traveling portal, Alice wouldn’t mind snooping around a bit. It was what any good best friend would do. What did any of them truly know about Cassie’s fiancé, Daniel McGregor, besides the fact that he’d swept Cassie off her feet and, three months later, had talked her into marrying him. It could be blackmail for all Alice knew. A quick glance at Cassie’s skinny stomach and Alice knew she’d lost the marriage pool with their other best friends. There was no baby bump in sight.
“Where’s everyone else?” Alice asked, expecting to hear that their other best friends, Gwen and Violet, had abducted a Highlander and were already trying to find a way to peek beneath his kilt.
“They won’t be here until tomorrow.” Cassie grabbed the luggage and headed for the stairs. “Let’s get you settled. Mom arranged a formal dinner tonight with the provost…”
“The what?”
Cassie grinned. “That’s what they call the mayor here.”
“Why didn’t you just say that?”
“Others scheduled to dine include the constable, what we’d call the police chief back home, and some other influential and high society people in town.”
That sounded about as fun as eating glass. Alice continued following Cassie up the stairs. “I don’t suppose I can skip it and get a cheeseburger in town? I feel a bad case of jet lag coming on, and I’m sure it’s contagious.”
Alice fake coughed.
Cassie glanced over her shoulder and grinned. “The pub serves a mean cheeseburger and fries, although they call them chips here. You can hide out there if you’d rather not deal with my mom. God knows I’d join you if I could.”
“You remember what happened the last time I used the wrong fork for my salad. I still have the battle wound scars on my hand. God forbid she’d had a knife and been cutting her steak. I’d be without my fingers. It was all very traumatic. It scarred me for life.”
Cassie’s laughter bounced off the walls. “It’s probably wise to wait for the others to get here, so she’s not just focused on you.”
Smart. That was Cassie. A little flighty, sure, but she was smart when trying to keep the peace between her friends and her mom. A night to get acclimated to Scotland, while eating American food, was Alice’s idea of a relaxing night. She wouldn’t just be surviving on the crackers and cookies she’d stored in her luggage.
“Angus can drive you into town.”
“No need. I spotted the pub on our way to the castle. It’s only a mile up the road. It’s not like I can get lost.”
“You got lost in the Mall of America,” Cassie teased.
“That was one time.” Alice held up her finger as a smile formed on her lips. “And, in my defense, all those shoe stores looked the same.”
“Admit it, you were making a mental note on how to leave town, weren’t you?” Cassie walked into one of the rooms at the top of the landing. A four-poster bed sat against the wall. An antique body-length mirror stood in the corner. An old hearth-style fireplace sat inside the wall. The linens and comforter were white with a blanket folded neatly at the end of the bed, in the colors of the MacGregor plaid. Alice had done her homework, when she started the unofficial background check, after getting the call from Cassie that she’d fallen for a real live Scottish lord.
“Who me?” Alice could never tell a lie to Cass and get away with it. “Fine, if you must know, there is no shame in being a runaway bride, if you get cold feet. I can have a car waiting for your escape and run interference with anyone that chases you.”
“You haven’t even met Daniel yet. You’re going to love him.”
“Where is the lord?”
For two easy payments of $19.99, it turned out anyone could buy a plot of land in Scotland and get a certificate with a title of lord or lady. Alice’s one-foot square plot was located just on the outskirts of town. She’d taken the liberty of anointing Gwen and Violet too. They’d all share the title.
“He’s on the ridge with his brothers. They’ll be home for dinner.”
Alice took Cassie’s hands into hers, unable to hold her tongue any longer. What kind of friend would she be if she didn’t really speak her mind? “Have you lost your ever-lovin’ mind? This guy is virtually a stranger. You haven’t even been dating long enough to find all the bones in his closet, much less to know if he puts the seat down after he pees.”
“Alice, I’m telling you this because you’re my best friend...”
Alice’s ears perked up. Maybe Cass had come to her senses already and just needed someone to show her the way out.
“I helped him dig up the bones and re-bury them in a less conspicuous place, so no one will ever find them. He’s a good man, Alice. He’s good to me, and I love him, so try not to be yourself and run him off. Please be nice. He makes me happy.”
Alice jerked her hands free and held them to her chest. “When have you known me to be mean?”
“Johnny Dickson, sophomore year of college.”
Well, Cass had Alice there, but he’d totally deserved what he had coming. She’d put hair dye in his leave-in conditioner bottle after he had spread rumors that she sucked in bed. He’d ended up looking like he had a drunk rainbow on his head. “I thought it made him look better.”
“You would.”
“Excuse me, miss.” A woman, dressed in a maid uniform, poked her head into the room.
Cassie turned and grinned. “Yes, Marta.”
“There’s a problem in the kitchen, and Sarah has asked to see you.”
“Tell her I’ll be right there.”
Marta actually freakin’ curtseyed like it was the 1800s and Cass was royalty. Who did that?
Cassie spun back around, a look of panic on her face. “The last time I was called to the kitchen was when Sarah was chasing Daniel’s brothers with her rolling pin and flour caked every inch of the room. This can’t be good.”
“Go deal.” Alice grinned and walked her to the door. “I’m going to get settled and then sneak into town, before I run into your mother.”
Chapter Two
Alice made a run for it, hurrying out the front door with only a few of the castle staff noticing. She mentally high-fived herself when she cleared the driveway without having an incident with Cassie’s mom. A shiver skirted down Alice’s spine. She’d dodged a bullet. Maybe her luck was changing for the better.
Walking to and from the pub would give her some additional time to enjoy the peace before wedding chaos ensued. The cracked-pavement road had trees and forest on one side with a twenty-foot drop to cliffs and the sea on the other side. She stayed clear of the death-defying drop. Falling was the last thing she needed. Although if she didn’t like this Daniel character, she might be able to help him have his own accident. Mother Nature could be fickle like that.
Alice walked up their main street where a few stores lined the road, including the bri
dal shop that Alice had emailed her measurements.
There were only a few people on the street, each nodding and smiling as Alice passed. It seemed like a friendly town that tolerated outsiders, if not a bit small.
Alice yanked the door open and stepped inside the only pub on the main drag. The sign above it read The Broken Spirit. The owner should have thought a little more about the name. It didn’t necessarily invoke visions of a good time and could be construed as either a warning or a promise.
The room was a little dark, and it took her eyes a minute to adjust. Drinkers must like to live in shadows. Old timers sat at the bar. A few looked like they hadn’t shaved in weeks. A jukebox sat silently quietly against the wall. A dartboard, pool table, and another sitting area covered the back area. This place didn’t promise a good time, but it looked ripe with the possibility of getting drunk to help forget her ex and the aggravation of putting up with Cassie’s mom. That woman was a migraine just waiting to happen.
Alice slid onto a bar stool. She wanted to be drunk, like yesterday. It’d been a long trip and promised to be an even longer week. She was digging through her purse for her wallet when a shadow appeared on the bar.
“You’re new in town. You must be here for the McGregor wedding. They told me I’d be seeing some Americans and to be extra nice. What can I get you to drink?”
Without looking up, she answered.
“Leave it to Cass to warn a bartender about me. You should tell her I said I can land my own cock…” Finding her wallet, she glanced up to find a dark-haired bartender with blue eyes and the cutest dimple she’d seen since that one cowboy stripper in Texas.
“…a…doodledoo.” She laughed, attempting to recover from embarrassing herself in front of the fine specimen of a bartender. He was the perfect candidate for a hot and sweaty rebound tryst.
“Scotch.” She smiled.
