by Young, Alexa
“I’ve been thinking about you all day.” I even said a little prayer earlier. I’m not even religious, but I’d do anything for their baby to be okay.
“I know. I’m sorry I worried you all.” Luce grabs then squeezes my hand.
“Hey, don’t be silly.” She shouldn’t be the one apologising after having the day from Hell.
“I’m just thankful there’s still a heartbeat.” Her hand drops and she strokes her stomach before sitting down.
“Mamma!” Gracie yells, and Luce’s face brightens as she lifts her legs to lie on the sofa. I help her with the cushions so she can get comfortable.
“Mamma needs a hug, angel. Come here, I’ve missed you.”
She scampers over, nearly tripping in her monkey slippers, but she rights herself to make it over safely.
“I miss you.”
Luce lifts her up and snuggles her, breathing in her scent. Gracie pulls back and touches her cheek.
“Mamma sick?”
“Mamma not well, baby, so I’m going to be spending a few days at home. Are you going to keep me company? Should we watch a DVD?”
Gracie nods, looking happy at the thought.
“Which one?”
“Peppa.”
We all snort.
Shocker.
Luce frowns slightly. “How about something other than Peppa, hey?”
We know them word for word.
“Fwozen.”
“Okay, fine,” Luce replies, admitting defeat.
Dray snorts. “Well, I’m going out then, because I’m not having ‘Let it Go’ in my head again. It took forever for me to forget it last time.”
We all laugh. Disney definitely knows how to create one hell of a catchy tune.
Dray walks over to join Luce on the sofa and picks up her foot to rub it. “You’re taking it easy for now, doctor’s orders. I don’t want another day like today.”
“Me, either.” She reaches over and takes his hand.
“But our little fighter is still with us.” She presses her hand over her stomach and locks eyes with Dray. Today has been such an emotional day; it’s good to end on a happier night.
“Come on, Gracie bear, let’s read you a story,” Dray says, smiling.
“I can do it,” I offer, to give them time to themselves.
“No, you sit here with Luce and keep her company. I need this after today.”
I nod in understanding, knowing Gracie will soon put a smile back on his face.
He stands and Luce kisses and hugs Gracie before placing her on the floor. Gracie bends and kisses her stomach.
“Night, Joe.”
We all look at each other. Normally, the mention of Joe is a little freaky but today, it’s a welcoming sign. I don’t mind if she mentions him every hour of every day, as long as he’s safe. He still has a lot of growing to do before we’re ready to see him.
“Come here, minions monkey.” Dray scoops her up and she squeals.
“Minyins.”
“Oh, Gracie, you are the perfect tonic after today. Come on, let’s read your favourite book.” He heads towards me and smiles.
“Kiss and hug for Uncle Lex.”
“Night, Lex.”
“Night, angel, sweet dreams.” I kiss her cheek and move in for a quick hug before walking over to join Luce on the sofa. I smile, hearing Dray laugh at whatever Gracie is saying.
“It’s good to see him happy after today. God, I never want to go through that again. I feel like I’ve aged ten years.”
I take her hand and squeeze. “You must have been so scared.”
A tear rolls down her cheek. “I complained all morning about the sickness, moaning about trivial things. Then when it happened, when I saw the blood, it was like I was getting my just desserts.”
“We all bitch when we’re feeling sick. I would hate to have nausea every morning like you’ve had to put up with. Stop being so hard on yourself.” I hate to see her berating herself over something beyond her control.
“I can’t help it. With Gracie, I didn’t have to try, I just fell pregnant so effortlessly. This time, it’s been hard. I’ve tried to stay positive, to keep myself in the right frame of mind and not let my demons take over. When you crave to be pregnant, it’s hard when you see others conceive at the drop of a hat. I started to think there was maybe something wrong, but then, out of nowhere, it happened.” She caresses her stomach tenderly, sadness in her eyes.
“He or she is a little fighter. After all, they take after you and Dray. Look at Gracie, how strong and determined she is. You just have to be careful. Working long hours can’t be good. Maybe take a step back and cut your hours down?” I suggest. I don’t want anything like this to happen again.
“Yeah, this baby comes first. I’ll have to advertise to bring someone in to help, as we’re getting so busy.” She frowns at the thought.
“I think that would make Dray happier. His face when you rang him, he looked haunted. I’ve never seen him cry before.”
Another tear falls. “I hated making that call. I knew it would panic him. I’m just grateful Baby Miller is still with us. And now I get to spend more time with Gracie, too.”
“Wait till you meet Dono.” I chuckle.
“Dono?”
“You’ll find out.”
Dray walks in with a look of contentment on his face. It’s all down to Gracie; she always has the power to take your mind off things.
“Where did we get our little girl? The things she comes out with, she cracks me up every time. I swear she’s the best medicine after today.”
I stand up, ready to leave. “I’ll give you guys some time alone.”
“You don’t have to leave. Stay and chat,” Luce says smiling, but I want to give them some space. They deserve it after the day they’ve had.
“No, I’m tired. I might turn in. Plus, I’ll be getting my early morning visitors, so I need all the sleep I can get.”
Dray’s face breaks out into a grin. “Ahh, yeah, she likes her early snuggle with Uncle Lex. Max, too.”
“Thank you for being amazing with her. You’re so patient. It’s not easy keeping kids entertained all day.” Luce shoots me a look of appreciation, but no thanks are needed.
“I enjoy it, really. I was the youngest, so I had others to care for me. I love spending time with her, she really is a character.”
“You’re not wrong there,” Dray chimes in. “But seriously, thank you. I wouldn’t have liked Gracie to see me cry. It was hard enough for those few minutes.” He stands and pulls me into a hug, patting me on the back. “You’re a good lad. Proud to call you brother.”
I nod because I’m too choked up to speak. Dray heads over to Luce and snuggles in beside her. I move to head upstairs and smile when I hear Dray speak.
“Hey, Joe.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
I’m heading over to Abbie’s. She showed me where she keeps the spare key, so now I’m ready to give her the best day ever. I have a lot of making up to do after she dealt with my drunk arse. Plus, with what happened with Luce, we haven’t seen much of each other. She doesn’t complain, but I know she’s the type to bury it inside. I want to do something to put a smile on her face.
Tonight, I’ll drive her wild.
After finding the key, I open the door to reveal her clean and tidy flat. She’s really OCD. It makes me smile. I need to be careful while I’m cooking. Luce gave me an Italian chicken recipe to make, and Dray bought what he says is ‘a great bottle of wine to help me get laid’. That earned a slap on the arm from Luce, but judging by the way they looked at each other, tonight might be his night, too.
I place all the ingredients on the counter. It’ll take a couple of hours to make, which should be perfect timing for her coming home.
God, I hope I don’t screw this up.
* * *
Hearing the key in the door, I grin like a maniac. Dinner is well on its way to being ready and I’ve chilled the wine, ready to pour.<
br />
Abbie walks through, wide-eyed with an umbrella armed, ready to use as a deadly weapon.
“Surprise,” I say, chuckling at the way her mouth drops open. I’ve completely transformed her kitchen. The table bears a beautiful Italian table cloth with matching napkins and table mats. I’ve lined up the cutlery and bought some flowers, which sit in a pretty vase. Again, advice from Luce, so if tonight goes the way I hope it does, I need to give her a huge hug.
“Wow, I didn’t expect this.” Her hand covers her mouth, but I see the smile behind it. She’s so taken back and I love I can do this for her, that I could be the highlight of her day.
“Give me your coat and this.” I grab the umbrella from her and she laughs.
“I was going to bash the burglar with it until I smelt the most amazing scent wafting through. Burglars aren’t in the habit of cooking while they rob your place,” she quips, grinning.
“No, it’s just little old me.” I hang her coat up and pull her straight into a kiss. Her mouth is hungry for mine, and she moans deeply. All I want is to toss her over my shoulder and take her straight to the bedroom, but I have to give her this. I want to be the perfect gentleman, to wine and dine her.
“Lex,” she whimpers between kisses.
“Baby, I’ve missed you. So much has happened since I went home. I feel bad we’ve barely talked.”
“I understand. To be honest, I can’t blame you. I was shitty to you all week. Since you told me about Len, I’ve been berating myself for not believing in you, just assuming the worst. Can you forgive me?” She frowns at her words, her eyes staring deep into mine.
“There’s nothing to forgive. I’m sorry that, instead of trying to resolve things, I took to drink like the coward I am.” I’m disgusted by my behaviour throughout it all.
“You’re not a coward. You were hurting, and that’s understandable. I just hope we can get back to where we were, because I’ve missed you.” She sighs.
“That’s why I’m here, to make it up to you. To show you how much I need you. Now, sit down and stop distracting me, because dinner is almost served.” I want to get this right, to make this night perfect.
“What if I want to distract you?” she teases, and I feel my cock stir.
Fuck.
A smirk crosses my face at her playful tone. “Baby, we have a long night ahead of us. Trust me, you’ll want to save all your energy for then.”
“So, I’m in for a good night?” She raises her eyebrows teasingly.
“I can guarantee it. Now, sit.” I slap her playfully on the bum and she jerks, looking shocked by my actions.
I like it.
Chuckling, I step back to stir the chicken.
I hope it tastes as good as it smells.
* * *
“I can’t eat another bite,” Abbie moans, and I smile. After devouring the chicken, she’s had two helpings of tiramisu. No wonder she’s stuffed.
“Good to see my cooking was a success.” Even I’m surprised by how well it went.
“You need to cook more. That was fantastic, better than a restaurant.”
My smile grows wider. “Aww, you don’t have to stroke my ego, I’m a sure thing tonight.” I shoot her a wink and she blushes. I love how she stills gets embarrassed. I plan on doing lots of things to her, all of which will put a smile on her face and heat those cheeks.
“Are you not having any dessert?” she asks.
“Nope, I’m saving myself for something better.”
“Like what?”
“Eating you.”
She spits out her wine and I chuckle. She quickly dabs her face with the napkin and turns a bright shade of red. “You should warn a girl before saying such things. I think it went up my nose,” she complains.
“You’ll soon forget once my mouth is between your legs.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Lex, you can’t say those things.”
“Why? I know your alpha men talk like that in your books. Well, I’m exerting my alpha maleness and giving you a night to remember. You’ll orgasm so many times you’ll lose count. I’m going to make up for all the lost time.”
“Holy shit,” she whispers under her breath, and I smirk at her face. I can already see her nipples hardening underneath her blouse. Her eyes fill with lust, and I know it’s time.
I walk over slowly, our eyes locked together. “Come on, I think you’re wearing too many clothes.” I hold out my hand and lead her to the bedroom, filled with a dozen vanilla candles. She gasps loudly and turns to face me.
“This is just—”
I pull her to me. “It’s what you deserve. I want to show you how much you mean to me. Let me spoil you.”
“Well, who could say no after that?”
“I’ve missed you so much.” My lips meet hers, and she sighs before taking it deeper. I groan when her tongue entwines with mine. My fingers slide through her long, silky auburn hair as hers curl around my neck. She tugs slightly, and it turns me on like all hell. I manoeuvre her into the bedroom. I need her now, and she doesn’t need much persuasion. Her lips stay locked to mine like I’m her source of air. She softly moans and each time, it more than stirs my cock.
“I need to see you,” I pant between kisses. I start to unbutton her shirt and smile wildly when I see the sexy black and red bra underneath.
“Were you expecting me?” I ask, staring in awe.
Fuck, she looks hot.
“I always wear sexy underwear. Just because I look frumpy on the outside doesn’t mean I can’t be different underneath.”
I tug her into me. “I love your hidden sexy side. It’s a bonus. Only I get to see this side of you, and it turns me on more than you’d believe.” I press her against my hardened cock and she gasps.
“Have you got an underwear fetish?” She giggles.
“No, I have an Abbie fetish, and I can’t get enough.”
She smiles in delight. “Well, that’s good to hear. I have more than an addiction to you, too.”
“You do?” I question, quirking a brow.
“I love how your body reacts to me. You make me feel desired, and I’ve never felt that way before. Men have never looked at me in that way but you, you look at me like you want me, you need me.”
“I want you all the time,” I moan.
She’s driving me crazy.
“Then have me,” she whispers.
“Oh, darling, I intend to. Now, do me a favour and shimmy out of this. I’m dying to see the matching undies.”
She unzips and begins to peel off the skirt. I drop to my knees, ready to witness the sexy knickers. When she stands there exposed, it’s in the tiniest scrap of material. My cock hardens in delight. She turns around, and I see it’s a thong. I stop her mid-turn and run my fingers along her cheek. It’s so round and peachy.
I want to bite it, so I do.
“Oww, Lex. Did you just bite me?” she squeals.
“Yes, and I’ll be doing a lot more before the night is through,” I say without hesitation. She blushes and I smirk even harder. I love bringing out this sexy side to her.
She turns back to me, and I teasingly run my fingers over the fabric before dipping down inside.
Fuck, she’s wet.
She wants me so bad, and I love it. I hitch her leg up over my shoulder; she stumbles a little before balancing herself, placing her hands on my head. I push aside the fine fabric and begin to tease her with my tongue.
“Lex, this is—oh, God, you don’t play fair. How am I to try and orgasm on one leg?”
“Do you want me to stop?” I say, smiling.
“God, no. Don’t you dare.”
I reward her by pushing my tongue against her clit, and she shudders in response. By the way she grips my hair, she’s certainly enjoying it.
“Oh, God, Lex.”
I suck harder, knowing she needs this. I want her to flood my mouth with her arousal. This is to be the first orgasm of many tonight, so it has to be good. I bring my fingers in
to play, teasing her more, and she wraps her fingers around my hair to support herself. She’s trembling and I know when she orgasms, it could rip the leg from under her.
I go deeper; she tastes so sweet. I could never get enough of her, and will always want more. Her fingers grip my hair tighter, so I know she’s close. Her body shudders beside me as I work her harder. I want her to explode in my mouth.
She trembles as the moans become louder; she couldn’t hold back if she tried. I love hearing her lose all control.
“Lex,” she says as a warning, but I don’t relent; I want to finish in style. With both my tongue and fingers working her deep, I know it won’t be long before she finally gives me what I want.
“I’m—oh, God, almost.”
I bite down on her clit and it’s the final straw. She yells out as I devour every single drop. It’s better than anything I’ve ever tasted, and I know it will never be enough. I’ll always crave more.
I finally pry my mouth away and look up in amusement. “I’m impressed by your balancing skills.” I drop her leg and stand. Pulling her close, I kiss her so she can taste herself.
“You taste so good.”
“I can’t—”
“Speak? Have I rendered you speechless with my mouth?”
She nods and rests her head against my chest as she lightly pants, coming down from her orgasm.
“Wow, I forgot how good your mouth is,” she says giggling.
“Well then, I’ll have to keep reminding you so you know.” I kiss her hair then lift her chin with my fingers so her eyes stare into mine.
“A girl could become addicted to this mouth. To all of this.”
A smile tugs on my lips. “Good, it’s only what you deserve. Are you ready for your next orgasm?”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Just let me catch my breath before you take it away again.”
I chuckle in delight. “I promise you that’s all I’ll be doing over the next few hours.”
She bites her lip in delight. “Then I’m one lucky girl.”
“You’re my girl,” I say, pulling her tight against me.
