He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3)

by Karen Frances

  This is the most fun I’ve had in weeks. And surprisingly enough it’s in the arms of the man I love, dancing to the beat of music. I spin away again, although this time he pulls me with my back toward him. Strong arms snake round my waist, holding my firmly in place. He presses against me and all I can do is follow his moves as he grinds against me. Now this would be so easy to get lost in the moment.

  I pull out of his arms, and turn to face him. He has a ridiculous smile on his face. Oh he knew exactly what he was doing. We continue dancing, until the one song morphs straight into another. By the end of the second song, I’m more than ready for a drink.

  “Can’t handle the pace, baby?” he teases as we leave the dance floor.

  “I think it’s already been established, that I can keep up when I want to.”

  “You know you’ve got me all hot and bothered with dancing like that,” he whispers as we approach the table.

  “Well, you handsome, will just have to wait until we get home. Then I’m sure we can do something about that.”

  Kirsty hands me the shot that came with the cocktails. “While you two were up to god knows what on the dance floor, some of us where dying of thirst.”

  Jay counts down as Kirsty, Sophie and I down the shot in one, before moving on to the cocktail. The waiter comes back, and more drinks are ordered, including a round of shots for everyone. It’s not long before Kirsty is dragging Jay onto the dance floor. They do look great together, I’ve never seen her so content, yet excited about a guy before. They are both happy with each other and dare I say it, but in love. I’m sure she will tell me, in her own time. Sophie wants to dance, so I go with her, leaving Alex and Ethan alone. I wonder if that’s a good thing or not.

  We end up on the dance floor, near Kirsty and Jay. Who by all accounts are putting on a sexy floor show of their own. Sophie and I dance for a few songs, before I need a break.

  Heading back to the table, I’m glad to see Alex and Ethan are still speaking.

  “Libby, before we sit down can we go to the bathroom?” Sophie asks.

  “Yeah. Come on I’ll show you where they are.”

  We leave the pumping of the music beat, behind us as we make our way to the ladies.

  “Okay tell me what, the story is with you and Alex?” says Sophie as we both wash our hands.

  “We had a bit of a disagreement, but it’s fine,” I tell her, not wanting to tell her the truth. Well what would I tell her? That Alex has a problem with his sister and my brother. He thinks something is going on, or could be going on, given half the chance.

  “Okay, as long as you two are fine, then. That’s all that matters.”

  “Come on let’s get back to some more drinking and dancing,.” I say.

  As we near the table, I see Kirsty and Jay are back at the table, along with more drinks. I should send my mum a message to cancel the meeting with Father O’Connor, but then I look at the time and decide it’s too late to do that.

  Alex holds out his hand to me with a warm loving smile. I take it and instead of sliding in and sitting beside him, I sit on his lap. The others continue talking after watching me with amusement.

  “I love you,” I say wrapping my arms around his neck. “Love you, love you, love you.”

  “I think someone is a little drunk.”

  “Mmm, I think you might be right. But I also know I want to dance with you again. I found it a huge turn on.”

  “Well I suggest you drink some water just now and before we get a taxi home, we can dance, then you are mine as soon as we get home. Only if you promise to be quiet; I don’t want to wake my parents.”

  “That sounds interesting. You might need to gag me to keep me quiet.”

  “I’m sure that can be arranged.”

  I turn my attention back to the table and it’s only Kirsty and Jay sitting. My eyes wander the club, and it’s not long before I find who I’m looking for. Ethan and Sophie are on the dance floor. He is spinning her around, and they both look more than comfortable with each other. God maybe Alex was right. From the way they are moving together, there is certainly chemistry between the two of them. Alex follows my gaze, until his eyes set on them.

  “You’re right baby, she’s a grown up. And whatever there is between them, because believe me I know, they need to get it out of their system.”

  “And what happens, if like you, they don’t get it out of their system. Because let’s face it, we are where we are today because you didn't get me out your system,” I tell him.

  “That’s up to them.” He sounds very reasonable.

  “There is a reason I’m marrying you, Mr. Mathews. I love you.” I kiss him and get a little carried away. I feel his hand on my bare legs, moving softly, caressing me. I pull away reluctantly, and push his hand away.

  Kirsty and I start talking and drinking, although, I have a feeling I shouldn’t be drinking anymore. Alex and Jay talk about the casino. He and Kirsty are coming to the launch on New Year’s Eve. That will be a night I should maybe steer clear of alcohol.

  “Another round of drinks, “ Jay asks.

  “Not for me,” I answer. “Alex can we dance?”

  “Yes.”

  He takes my hand and leads me back onto the dance floor. Ethan and Sophie are still there in each other’s arms. I try not to focus my attention on them. I do have someone more deserving of my attention in front of me. Alex.

  As Alex takes hold of me, I wrap my arms around his waist. He’s holding me tightly, and I’m glad he is, because I’m more than a little drunk.

  “I’m sure we’ve already spoke about what happens after we have this dance,” he growls, as he pulls me flush against him. And we dance until the song ends. “Time to say our goodbyes. I’m taking you home.”

  “Ok.”

  We speak with Ethan and Sophie first, who are still on the dance floor. Ethan assures Alex, that Sophie will get back to ours safely. Next we say goodbye to Kirsty and Jay. Kirsty teases me about not being able to handle my drink. In my current state, she does have a very valid point.

  Alex speaks with the club manager as we make our way across the club. I do hear him tell the manager he will be in early in the new year. Then we are outside on the street waiting for a taxi.

  The cold night air hits me. I feel really, really drunk. My head is spinning as Alex guides me into the taxi that he has stopped.

  His arms wrap around me, supporting me. I cuddle into him in the back of the taxi.

  I OPEN MY EYES, IT’S very bright, so I close them again. I turn in the bed, only to find I’m alone. I snuggle back into the covers, keeping myself warm. Hoping that I can drift back off to sleep, because with this head, there is no way I can do anything. I toss and turn, not being able to settle. Now if Alex were in bed, with his arms wrapped around me, I’m sure I would still be sleeping, soundly.

  My mind wanders to the previous night. I had a lot of fun. I loved dancing with Alex, the first time has to be the highlight of my night. The second not so, my legs were a little shaky by then. There was a lot, and I mean a lot of alcohol consumed last night, hence the sore head I’ve woken up with. I don’t remember much, after my last dance with Alex. I remember getting in the taxi, and then nothing. Nothing else at all. I don’t remember climbing the stairs, or coming to bed.

  I open my eyes, hearing Alex back in the room. He walks toward me with a bottle of water in his hand. I do hope that’s ice cold and for me. He’s already showered and dressed. I’m kinda glad of that, because in my current state, I don’t think any part of my body could function properly.

  “How you feeling?” he asks sitting on the bed and yes handing me the water.

  “Truthfully?” He nods. “Well then, bloody awful. What time is it?”

  “ Eight thirty. You better take a couple of these before going for a shower.” He hands me some painkillers. Hold it, why do I need to shower?

  “We have a meeting to go to.” He answers my unspoken question.

  “Alex,
we need to cancel.”

  “No, we are going.”

  I open the water, take a drink first then the two tablets and another drink. But suddenly I feel sick. I run from the bed and make it into the bathroom just in time as I double up over the toilet. Alex has followed me, he keeps hold of my hair, as I quite dramatically bring up everything I ate and drank yesterday. Too much alcohol. I want Alex to move, but he won’t go. I can’t stop being sick, over . . . and over.

  He continues to stay with me until it finally passes, and I have nothing left in my stomach to bring up. I stay on the floor, leaning over the toilet for another few minutes just in case. Turning, I glance at Alex, who looks worried. He helps me back to my feet and hands me my toothbrush. Oh well, if we’re going to be married, he may as well see me at my worst. I feel bloody lousy.

  “Well, that will be the alcohol,” he says.

  “Whatever gives you that idea?” I snap back at him. I’m really in no mood for games today.

  “I suggest you go for a shower, then try and eat something before we leave.”

  He switches the shower on and leaves the bathroom. Leaving me alone. Why could he not, leave me alone when I was throwing the contents of my stomach up?

  The water is just perfect when I stand under it. It’s hot and steamy, and just the way I like it. But I feel a little dizzy, again. I quickly wash including washing my hair, which incidentally seems to be full of knots, so I can get out. I climb out the shower, wrapping a towel around my hair and putting on my bathrobe.

  Alex is nowhere to be seen when I enter the bedroom. I’m glad. I could do with the peace to get ready. Getting ready seems to take ages, I have absolutely no energy. Maybe it’s not the alcohol, although given the amount I consumed, it’s hardly surprising. I finally have myself semi- respectable looking and go in search of Alex. I already know where he will be, in the kitchen.

  I take the stairs, very cautiously. I hear music playing softly the closer I get to the bottom. Alex is indeed in the kitchen. I walk toward him and wrap my arms around his waist, leaning my head on his back.

  “Feeling better?” he asks, turning toward me.

  “A little.”

  “Good, do you think you could manage some food?”

  “I’ll try. No promises.”

  “Okay. Go and sit down, I’ll bring it over.”

  I do, because I don’t have the energy to do anything else. He puts a plate in front of me. Toast and bacon. I’m not sure, my stomach is ready for any of this, as I look at the plate. There’s fruit juice already on the table and a pot of tea.

  “Where is everyone?” I ask.

  “My parents are still in bed, although my mom was up earlier. And Sophie didn’t come home.”

  Shit!

  This can’t be good. Yet Alex seems so calm. Not what I was expecting.

  “Dare I ask where she stayed?”

  “You already know the answer to that question. Ethan’s. Kirsty text last night to say she dropped them both off there, in the taxi. I’ve had to smooth things over with my mom. She’s not happy about her not coming back here. And guess whose fault it is, mine.”

  “She can’t blame you for what Sophie does,” I say before taking a drink of my juice. “But I’m surprised with Ethan, but not totally shocked, if I’m honest. I’ve got eyes and I saw the chemistry there is between the two of them. And from what I remember, it looked sizzling hot.”

  “I’m surprise you remember anything from last night.” He smirks at me. “You had a lot to drink.”

  “I did. But it might surprise you to know, I remember everything until we left the club, then nothing.”

  “So you don’t remember us?”

  “Alex, I would remember that. Believe me. So I can only presume, you had to carry me up all those stairs.”

  “Yeah, you crashed as soon as we got in the taxi. Now less of the talking, and start eating we have places to go, people to see.”

  I don’t manage to eat anything, my stomach is still churning. I do drink the fruit juice and a cup of tea, but that’s it, much to Alex’s annoyance. I do feel guilty, after he went to the trouble of making it. But I really can’t face being sick again, and if I eat it, that’s what would happen.

  “If you’re not going to eat, we should think about going. I don’t want to be late for meeting Father O’Connor,” Alex says with a smug look. He’s enjoying this. Watching me in pain. A pain that has been self-inflicted. I’m never drinking again. It’s so not worth it, the day after. “Hopefully Murphy and Joan’s plane is on time and we can pick them up as well after our meeting.” I nod in agreement. It will be good to see them both.

  “SO LIBBY, HOW DID YOU and Alex get on with Father O’Connor?” my mother asks as we read the menu. I could really be doing with my bed, but I did promise everyone lunch at the hotel. So here I am with my mother, Sarah and Sophie, Kirsty had plans for the day with Jay. So it’s just the four of us.

  Poor Sophie, she is much more relaxed without Alex around. Alex picked her up from Ethan’s, en route to the airport. Not much was said, I think Sophie was just as drunk as I was. Sarah had spoken with her when she arrived home. I wasn’t trying to listen to what was being said between them, but Sarah is concerned for both Sophie and Ethan. I know Sarah has a soft spot for my brother and Lucy. I hope I get a chance to speak with her later alone, although I don't want to hear any details of her night with my brother.

  “Well, from Alex’s point of view, very well. Father O’Connor gave us a few dates,” I tell them.

  “Are you going to tell us or do we need to guess?” Sarah asks.

  “Okay, the first date is the thirtieth of January.” I don’t get to finish as my mum interrupts.

  “That’s only what five weeks away? Surely that’s not the date. We can’t possibly organise a wedding in that time frame.”

  “That’s Alex’s preferred option. But we have dates in March to consider as well. The fourteenth and twenty-first. I’ve already made it clear I would love a summer wedding, but Alex seems to be in a hurry. We have to get back to Father O’Connor in the next few days. I will go to my office before we leave and check the diary, that could very well be, what helps make our final decision. There isn’t an option of having the reception anywhere other than here.”

  “So it looks as though you will be walking down the aisle before Connor and Emma,” Sarah states, knowing there is every chance Alex will get his own way.

  “We’ll see Sarah, that is one more thing to consider. Their wedding would only be two short weeks later, and Alex wants us to go away for a honeymoon. We would have to take Connor’s wedding into consideration, as well as my commitments here at the hotel. We have a lot to discuss. And I’m with Mum, I don’t think I could pull it off, a wedding in five weeks.”

  The waiter comes over and takes both our food order and drinks. Sarah and my mum order a glass of wine, while Sophie and I opt for water. Our mothers both laugh at that. There is no way I could face even a glass of wine.

  “Elizabeth, if you do go with the January date, I could stay on and help,” Sarah says smiling.

  “Do you not have things, to do for Connor and Emma’s wedding?” I ask her.

  “No, I’ll leave that wedding to them. It gives you something to think about and I promise not to interfere, only help.”

  Lunch turns out to be perfect, and I even manage to eat a little without feeling sick. Sophie loves the view from the restaurant across the loch. It’s bright today, cold and still very white with all the snow we’ve had. I would love to take her out on a tour of the loch so she could see for herself all the natural beauty, but it really isn't the weather for it. But I’m sure there will be plenty of time in the future. Karl comes out of the kitchen to say hello and make sure everything was up to the high standards I expect, with our meal. We all assure him, it was delicious.

  I offer to give Sophie a tour, she jumps at the chance. We leave our mothers in the very capable hands of Karl.

  Sop
hie seems on edge as we walk through the hotel. I need to get this over with, I don’t want Sophie to be on edge with me. It’s bad enough I’ve seen her like this with Alex. We walk in silence toward the lift after I had stopped at reception and got an empty room key.

  We step in.

  “Sophie, talk to me. What’s wrong?”

  “I just don’t want you to think bad of me. After last night. I didn’t mean for anything to happen. It just did.” She rushes the words from her mouth. The lift stops and we get out. I take the card and open the door to one of the suites.

  “Wow.” She walks toward the windows and takes in the view from here. “It’s stunning,” she adds. “I can see why you love this place. My mom has fallen in love with here too.”

  “Come and sit down,” I say to her. Taking a seat on the couch, Sophie comes over and joins me. “So you and Ethan then?”

  “Yes. But I don’t want to hurt anyone and that’s what Alex and my mom seem to think. They think you will get hurt and they think it’s too soon for Ethan to be sleeping with anyone.” She’s upset; I can hear it in her voice. “He wants to see me again, tonight.”

  “Right first things first, whether or not this is too soon. That’s up to Ethan to decide. I was always under the impression, Ethan and Lindsay where a perfect match. But he said something the other night that makes me think a little differently. It’s not up to me. At the end of the day, what do you want? Because, it really shouldn't matter to anyone else.”

  “I would like to get to know him better. Yes there is an attraction there, on both our parts. Is it just that I find him sexually attractive? I don’t know, but I would like to find out.”

  “Sophie, you are both adults. It’s up to you what you both do. You don’t need my approval.”

  “I know that. But I would like it and I don’t want things to be awkward between us.”

  “I don’t think things could ever be awkward between us. Ethan deserves to have some fun. Not sure how others will take it.”

  “We didn’t really get a chance to talk this morning, before you and Alex picked me up. But I do like him. A lot.”