Exposure_A Stone Billionaire Series Novel

by Kaya Woodward

“So, what now?” He asks. “New apartment? New home? New life?” he wonders.

  “Our life,” I tell him quietly, a smile rising on my cheeks as I blush, and he moves, slowly, every muscle flexing as the plush towel falls away.

  It reveals more of that glorious body, every muscle illuminated by the wall the ceiling windows of his bedroom.

  Somewhere across the park Athena, Evan and Noah are Celebrating that our family is back together again.

  We are going to join them soon, and we will all celebrate together.

  The Stone Family is finally together.

  We are one and the same.

  “I'm a Stone,” I tell him quietly, as though it's still setting in, shivers running down my spine as Corban begins to kiss up my thighs, planting gentle kisses on the soft skin there, moving upwards slowly, torturously, and when I look down, the fire in those eyes is just like every time before.

  He hasn't changed a bit.

  I think back to that first time, when he ravaged my body in the shower, and all I could think about was the fact that his eyes were on me, and I didn't care about anything else in the world.

  It was like every single time after, and it's like that now.

  I'd never experienced anything like that before.

  And it's like that now.

  He's ruined me for every other man.

  I knew when I met him nothing would ever be the same.

  And now everything has changed.

  I just can't resist this man, every part of his flexing muscles, the heat of his body, and the way his eyes focus on me, the heat behind every little kiss, just screams to something deep inside me, and I sit up, slowly undoing the zipper of my dress.

  When he lifts the dress over my head, this is my surprise.

  “Well, well, well,” He growls, looking down at my body.

  It's filled back out, my curves better than ever, but not because of working out.

  “Stunning as ever gorgeous,” he looks down at the red bikini.

  The one I was wearing under my dress when we got married.

  “Is this one?” He asks.

  I nod.

  That devilish grin sets my whole body on fire as he slowly pulls the strings on the simple pieces of fabric, letting everything fall away from my body, kissing every inch of me, moving upwards from my stomach, upwards to my nipples, everything is gentle, and soft, and I realize that things haven't always been like this.

  There is no rush, he wants to savor every single moment.

  It's like our first time, the first time with no complications as I take his length in my hands, with a few gentle strokes.

  “I need to be inside you,” He whispers. “I miss you so much my love, my wife.”

  The words in my ear make my entire body shiver as I nod, and he entangles his hands in my hair, claiming my lips, and I forget the world, I forget everything that came before this, and anything that comes after until he looks at me.

  I will never forget this moment, the way his eyes soften, and I feel like he is seeing me, Ava Stone, for the first time, the woman he loves.

  “I love you Ava Stone,” he whispers softly.

  “Corban Winthrop,” I whisper back. “You are the love of my life.”

  “I needed to hear you say that,” His voice sounds hoarse, filled with emotion that I can't believe I'm hearing, and a wave of emotion overcomes me.

  I know the truth now, that I missed him far too much, I missed this far too much, to be mad at him.

  Because I know we would've fallen back together somehow.

  We are meant to be together.

  Corban watches my face, as our eyes connect, and I feel his full, delicious cock slide inside me, ready and wet for him.

  My toes curl as I arch my back.

  “Corban,” I gasp.

  This is exactly like the first time, it always feels exactly like the first time, only better.

  Corban’s eyes connect with mine, our bodies moving in sync together as our gasps and moans, his grunts melt together with my calling out his name.

  This type of love making is so much more than anything I've ever felt before.

  This feels more real than anything we've ever had.

  “Ava…” He whispers in my ear, pressing me against the sheets, as our hands find each other.

  I feel like I'm about to lose control, my legs twisting around his in sheer ecstasy as he penetrates me deeper, and deeper.

  His cock sliding in and out of me at a slow, torturous pace is all I can think about.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispers.

  I feel like I'm about to explode, quivering and shaking under his touch until, finally the bubble of pleasure breaks.

  I tremble as we orgasm at the same time.

  “Corban!” I scream in pleasure.

  Corban roars my name in passion, holding me close as my muscles spasm around his cock.

  I can feel him filling me with his seed and I forget where I am.

  We are together, losing all hold of reality.

  Only this time this is our reality.

  We are finally one person.

  This is real.

  Our marriage is real.

  And I am crying, as Corban collapses beside me.

  “Are you okay?” he asks, brushing the tears away, pulling me gently into his arms.

  “I just… I'm so happy to…” I can’t get a full sentence out.

  I can't stop crying.

  Damn hormones.

  “It's happy tears,” I try to explain.

  He looks positively perplexed and hands me the tissues.

  “Well… okay?” he is confused.

  “My husband…” I look at him, concerned, and then a fresh wave of tears breaks through and I'm sobbing.

  “I need to tell you something, and you can't be mad,” I say.

  “Oh god,” He looks concerned. “What did you do? It's Evan isn't it? What did he do?”

  “It's not Evan. It's me,” I laugh.

  “What's wrong?” He takes my hands, suddenly he's fearing that the worst has happened and I am in his arms. “Are you sick? We'll do whatever we have to-”

  “Corban!” I cut him off. “Listen!”

  Now he's absolutely confused.

  “What's going on?” he asks.

  “Corban, I'm pregnant,” I manage to get the words out.

  Corban doesn't say anything.

  For a while, he doesn't say anything.

  Until finally.

  “Are you sure?” his voice is unsteady.

  “I'm going to the doctor on Monday,” I nod.

  “I'm coming with you. Oh my god, we're having a baby!” he screams excitedly.

  He looks down at my stomach, kissing it gently.

  “You're pregnant,” He smiles.

  He is amazed by this.

  “We're having a baby,” I nod, blowing my nose. “That's why I'm so emotional.”

  “Do you know how far along you are?” He rubs my stomach.

  Is it just me or is there a little bump?

  “I haven't been yet.” I admit. “So, I guess we'll see.”

  “This is amazing. Wait… does your father know? He's going to kill me,” Corban is suddenly nervous.

  “Corban we're married,” I remind him.

  “You're carrying the next generation of the Stone family,” He’ says in awe.

  “Stone-Winthrop,” I remind him, laying back against the pillows as we curl up together.

  “Well, now we really do need a new apartment. You said there was a four-bedroom available in your father’s building?” Corban sighs.

  I smirk as I kiss him gently.

  “Now we really should get dressed, they're waiting for us,” I hop up from the bed.

  ***

  Noah's apartment is brightly lit, Athena, Evan and Noah are out on the Balcony drinking champagne and retelling stories.

  We arrive shortly after Victoire, who I invited.

  I also invited Ti
nsley but I’m not sure she’s going to show.

  “Oh, thank god,” She gives me the double cheek, euro-kiss hello. “I was worried I was going to get stuck waiting around for you with only the Stone family to talk to and my boss.

  “Hello there Corban,” Victoire smiles.

  “You know her?” Corban looks at me.

  “Victoire and I used to work together,” I smile at my husband, who I notice is eyeing my backless, black dress.

  It is probably my last chance to get away with wearing this little floor length number, I may as well enjoy it.

  “You look amazing as always. Corban, the man who saved me from certain ruin,” Victoire pulls him into a hug. “And if you tell anyone I said that, I will kill you myself with my bare hands.”

  “She means that,” I laugh, as Victoire and I continue onto the balcony.

  “Everyone, you know Victoire, one of my oldest friends,” Victoire looks happy to see everyone, my father looks surprised, but liquored up enough to accept that I socialize with the help.

  Evan finds her a drink and we all settle down in the plush seats when I notice the elevator doors open again.

  I get up with a smirk.

  “That's our final guest,” I say.

  “You invited someone else?” my father raises an eyebrow.

  I raise an eyebrow back and walk across the expanse of his two-floor penthouse to see Tinsley's freshly dyed, brunette hair curled around her face.

  She is wearing a lovely little red number that my father will probably appreciate.

  That's also the weirdest thing I've ever thought.

  “I'm so glad you came,” I hug her.

  “I wouldn’t miss this,” she replies.

  Then Tinsley takes a deep breath, as though she’s trying to steel herself for this.

  “Do I look okay?” She asks.

  “Gorgeous,” I reply easily.

  “He'll be happy to see you, you know. I must tell you that he's been missing you, he really has been,” I say.

  I don't want to bring it up, but I can't not mention this to her.

  “I know,” Tinsley is always honest with me. There isn't a dishonest bone in her body. “I miss your father too.”

  “Is it weird we're talking about your romance with my father?” she asks.

  We both laugh, and I think back to some of the conversations we've had about him.

  I guess nothing about the Stone family will ever be normal as I take her by the hand and lead her out onto the balcony.

  Noah and Tinsley’s eyes connect.

  There’s a reverent silence that falls over us.

  “Tinsley, let me get you a drink,” Noah says finally.

  They both wander back inside to the bar, and I eye Tinsley and my father holding hands.

  I watch them intently, until my father leans in and they embrace.

  The last thing I see is them kissing.

  Then Magda calls us all for dinner.

  Unfortunately, Evan and Victoire argue, over everything, and give all of us a headache until Athena finally asks them both to “Kindly shut the fuck up.”

  That makes us all laugh.

  Athena swearing is something of a joke, since it rarely happens.

  “So, are you two taking the apartment next door? I let them know you were interested, and I know they'd love another Stone family in the building.” Athena smiles.

  “Well, with the baby coming, Ava thinks it's best,” Corban nods.

  “And his apartment is just a dangerous trap for an infant,” I add.

  Tinsley squeals and Victoire literally drops her fork.

  “You're pregnant?” Vic gasps.

  “Oh my god!” Tinsley hugs me and Victoire gets up, both hugging me at the same time.

  “Well, don't crush the both of us!” I laugh.

  This is what I expected out of having a family - laughter, celebration, and love.

  People who are happy for you, and don't bring you down.

  The people who want you next door and want to see you succeed.

  “You'd better tell Olivia soon. She's coming back next week, and I can't imagine she's going to be all too happy that you,” Noah pauses. “Got engaged, got married, and are having a baby and didn't tell her anything.”

  “She's been away,” Corban shrugs. “As far as I’m concerned, she’ll probably be angrier over the fact that we’ll overshadow her latest upcoming nuptials. Oh, and the jail thing.”

  ***

  Everyone retires to the living room after dinner, for drinks and chatter.

  I wander out to the balcony, wanting to take a moment to just breathe.

  It’s so easy to wonder about our baby.

  Will he or she be more like us Stones? We are a bit of a wild bunch, aren't we?

  Corban joins me. “It's beautiful isn't it?

  “It's gorgeous. I love Noah's place. I can't imagine what it would've been like to grow up here. I can imagine I would've been incredibly spoiled. Evan seems to have turned out alright though,” I smile at my husband.

  “Wait until your first fight,” He laughs.

  “I will admit, I'm kind of nervous about your mother,” I admit.

  “You’ve a right to, but she’ll love you I’m sure,” Corban stands a few feet away, running his hands along the stone railing. “

  We sort of did do everything, backwards didn't we? I mean, we should have a real church wedding, shouldn't we?” He asks.

  “Is that what you want?” I ask.

  “You deserve everything Ava. I want to give that to you,” He says quietly.

  “You've given me our marriage, and our child. I couldn't possibly…” My words fade because when I turn to speak to him, Corban is quite literally on his knees, with an open ring box facing towards me.

  “Ava Stone, you are my soul mate. You're everything to me, and even though we have everything, I want to give you everything and more, I want our life together to be everything you've dreamed of your entire life, and I want to do this right. So, all I can do, is come to you a poor man, and beg you to marry me,” His words are everything to me.

  I barely hear a word he’s said because I’m so shocked.

  My entire body shakes as I nod, incapable of speech as he slides the ring on my finger, a vintage looking princess cut, with a simple gold band, matching our wedding rings.

  My other hand flies to my mouth as I start sobbing uncontrollably because I would've never expected anything like this.

  Not after all he's done for me.

  “Is that a yes?” he asks, still on his knees in front of me, holding my hand with both of his.

  I nod, still sobbing, as he stands up, sealing our engagement with a kiss.

  “You'd never have to beg me to marry you, you fool,” I whisper.

  I can hear clapping from the doorway and screaming and shouting.

  But all that fades away under my husband's lips.

  Chapter 36: Corban

  July 10, 2017

  “Alright,” Doctor Ainsley says as she studies the screen before her, “Ava and Corban, let's see how far along you are…” She smiles at the both of us. “So, when are you two getting married?”

  “In a few weeks.” We say in unison.

  My mother was overjoyed to meet Ava, and she's even more overjoyed to be standing here with us.

  Her green eyes sharply watching the screen, searching the screen as though she knows what she's looking for.

  “Mom, you don't even know what you're looking for,” I tell my mother.

  “Corban, shush,” my mother admonishes me.

  “Olivia it's fine,” Ava laughs.

  The three of us make for a crowded room, but Dr. Ainsley doesn't seem to mind.

  Ava found her with excellent recommendations and could book an appointment with her quickly.

  “You're about ten weeks along,” the doctor announces. “which explains,” she pauses. “Ava you said you hadn't had an appointment before this?”

 
; “No,” Ava shakes her head. “Is there something wrong?”

  There’s sudden panic in her voice.

  “No, no. Just checking a few things,” Dr. Ainsley replies.

  She moves the device a few inches, and then we hear something.

  A heartbeat and Ava starts crying, again.

  She's always crying.

  Last week we finalized selling my apartment, terminating her lease, and the purchase of our new apartment.

  It’s right beside Athena’s.

  It’s got a beautiful balcony with a view of the park and four bedrooms.

  She sobbed for an hour.

  “Oh Ava,” My mother croons.

  She absolutely adores Ava.

  Possibly more than me, her own flesh and blood.

  Her own son.

  Though I suspect this may be a ruse, I never know with my mother.

  When she first saw me, I got a decent slap across the face and she yelled at me for an hour, in front of my wife.

  Then she realized Ava was there, my fiancée as far as she is concerned, and suddenly she was over the moon that I was marrying a Darlington.

  She wasn’t so happy about Ava being a Stone, however.

  I seriously wonder about her parenting some days.

  I’m not going to say she’s been a bad mother but wasn’t the greatest either.

  She's a fan of good breeding.

  Especially when a woman of good breeding is a woman like Ava, down to earth and not at all stuck up.

  Ava was raised properly, my mother told me under her breath.

  My mother especially likes that Ava wanted her grandmother's ring and traded in that god-awful ring that Noah gave her.

  I think she was angrier that I took it without asking, and she's been holding onto it for whatever reason.

  Maybe she just wants to lord the diamond over him, for whatever reason.

  Who cares.

  I don't.

  I'm done with grudges.

  Last week Clint was arrested for having a copy of Corona 150, though it was clear he didn't know why.

  He's still in jail because there's no one to bail him out.

  Ava is insisting that I go get him, she wants to just write the check and let it be.

  Let bygones be bygones.

  I shouldn't burn all my bridges, but Clint is the last person I want to reconcile with.

  They dropped all my initial charges.