“I don’t think it will be months, given there’s two in here.” She laughs. “You look pretty hot tonight Soph, anyone in particular you’re trying to impress?” I whisper to her.
“No. Not at all.” She blushes.
“I’m sure Ethan will agree. He won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”
“Libby, do you think . . . no it doesn’t matter.”
“Sophie! It doesn’t matter what I or anyone else thinks; it’s your lives. I just want you to both be careful. I don't want either of you to get hurt, or Lucy.” My words seem to do the trick and settle her. It’s true, it is their lives, and I just don’t want anyone getting hurt. Even though I do think Lindsay’s parents won’t be happy with any relationship Ethan has.
“Okay, it’s time we were making a move,” says Alex. I glance at the time; of course he’s right if we want to be there on time.
Our drive into town isn’t long enough. And even though I know about the press coverage for tonight, I still have butterflies in the pit of my stomach as I exit the car. The flashing of the camera still manages to startle me, even though I should be getting used to it. I smile taking Alex’s hand. He pulls me tight to his side.
“Are you ready for this?” he asks.
I take a deep breath and answer. “Yes. Ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Very glad to hear it. Now, I think at some point tonight you and I need to make use of my office, then we only have your office at the hotel to touch base with.” He laughs as we walk toward the entrance. I feel myself blush at his words, although I know they’ve been said to take my mind of the cameras, and it’s worked. I’m now thinking about how long I will have to wait, to get him alone in the office. “I should also add, I can’t wait until we are home, when I can let your hair down, and you can shake all those curls loose.” And there he’s done it again.
The rest of our party has already walked on, except my Dad, who is hovering about. That means Mum and Ethan must already be here as well. I can only presume Dad’s waiting to hear what questions are thrown in our direction. It’s been a few days since the press statement was released about our engagement. It’s made all the papers here and in the states. Seriously there must be other news in the world that is print-worthy.
“Mr. Mathews. Miss Stewart, a minute please. I would like to congratulate you on your recent engagement.” Alex nods at the journalist. “Can we expect the wedding, this coming year?”
Alex looks at me. “Yes you can.” I reply much to Alex’s surprise.
“Any dates yet? Will it be here in Scotland, or in New York?”
“You will just have to wait and see.”
“Mr. Mathews, any other business in the UK that interests you?”
“At the moment, there is nothing in the pipeline. I plan to get the other casinos opened before I look at anything else.”
“What about back home in America?”
“Nothing there either. I’m concentrating on one thing and one thing only.” His eyes are on me as he says the last part. I feel myself blush again. The journalists looks between the two of us.
“Well I have to say, it’s one beautiful thing to concentrate on. Thank you both and have a very Happy New Year.”
We pose for a few more photos, before entering the casino. My Dad seems happy enough with my albeit, very brief answers.
“Well done, sweetheart. See, you can do this,” my dad says.
“Maybe. I just don’t want to have to do it on a daily basis.”
Alex keeps my hand as we enter, but talks to my dad. There is a lone piper playing the bagpipes. I stop and take in my surroundings, and I’m only in the main reception area. It looks fantastic; I can’t wait to see the rest of inside. In the main gaming area there is also a bar and restaurant, there are several small gambling rooms, for private use. There is also a large function room that can be used for all occasions. The rest of our party are leaving coats with the attendant.
Alex wanted tonight to be very traditional, with it being Hogmanay. He enlisted my help in finding a band for tonight. They are great, I’ve heard them before. I also managed to talk him out of having a full sit down dinner, so a hot buffet will be served at eleven. That means people are free to mingle and play at the tables up until then and after midnight the dancing takes place, to celebrate the New Year.
“My baby girl, you look beautiful.” My mother’s voice steals my attention.
“So do you,” I tell her. She’s looking as elegant as ever. “Where is Ethan?” Her eyes move and I follow. Did I think he would be anywhere else? No I knew exactly where he would be. There really is no separating those two, reminds me of myself and Alex. There is still no separating us two, and I hope there never will be.
“I don’t know what to do about them.”
“Mum! There’s nothing you can do. They both seem happy. I would leave them to get on with it.”
“You’re probably right. They do remind me of you and Alex,” she says. “Come on let's see what this man of yours has done with this place. I have to say, I’m impressed so far and we’re only in the entrance.” I agree with her because I was just thinking the same thing.
Alex takes us on a quick tour. It has to be quick as guests are starting to arrive. The function suite looks amazing. He’s went with lots of natural colours in here, mainly creams. It means anything will go with it for all functions. Tonight we have a Scottish theme going on with sprayed heather on the tables instead of flowers and lots of tartan. Tartan runners on the table along with the ties around the chairs. No balloons or other clutter. Simple and elegant.
The private rooms have all been individually designed. Colours are light in each, but the focal point in each room is the different games table. I have to admit, the whole place looks better than I imagined. His parents ask him lots of questions as we walk through the building. Sarah is extremely proud of her son. I can tell with the sparkle in her eyes as he speaks. I’ve noticed Ethan and Sophie, hand in hand, take up the rear of our tour, not really listening to anything that’s being spoken about.
We make our way back toward the main room. It looks as though, most of the guests have arrived. A waiter approaches with a tray of drinks, champagne. Everyone takes a glass, but I decline, another waiter approaches with a tray of orange juice.
“Libby, I need to go and find Michael and then make a quick speech. Will you be okay?” Alex asks.
“Of course I’ll be fine. I’ll introduce your parents to a few people, because I’m sure my parents will go and do some networking. Go on and do your thing; I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Well.” He kisses me. “In that case, I won’t keep you waiting too long.”
“See that you don’t. I’m sure I can give you an incentive to speed things up.” He looks at me with wide eyes. “If you play your cards right, I’ll be ready for that trip to the office,” I whisper.
“Shit!”
“Go,” I tell him.
He leaves looking rather flustered, not something that happens very often to Alex, but when it does it amuses me. I turn my attention to Richard and Sarah. Murphy and Joan are already at one of the tables in the room. My parents are already mingling, and as for Sophie and Ethan, maybe they should’ve stayed at home. I’m concerned that there are friends of Lindsay’s parents here. I don't want this getting back to them, because if I’m honest, I don’t think they would be too happy. They might see it as disrespectful, so soon after their daughter’s death. But then again, they knew the couple were having problems. I shake thoughts of them from my head, because at the end of the day they’re adults and can deal with it.
I take Richard and Sarah and do a few introductions. First up is Simon the bank manager. He still apologises for Jeff even after these last few months. Turns out Richard has already met Simon. We spend some time with him before moving on. We do get stopped by various well-wishers offering me their congratulations on my engagement. The waiting staff hired for tonight are very efficient, glasses a
re replaced as soon as they are empty and canapés are being passed out. We spend a little time with the main contractor. Both of Alex’s parents have lots of questions for him, regarding the re-fit of the casino.
As we stand speaking, Alex’s voice echoes around the noisy room. A silence descends. I lift my head and my body turns automatically to him. He’s standing at the other end of the room, with Michael, microphone in hand. His eyes search the room, stopping when he finds what he’s looking for. Me. Our eyes connect across the room, his smile spreads quickly reaching his eyes that I can see sparkling in the distance. My breathing quickens as I stand mesmerised to the spot, watching.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight . . .” His voice trails off to me as my mind wanders. Thoughts of the next few weeks, months and even years. I’ve never allowed myself to think that far in advance. And now here I’m having to think about a future that doesn't involve just me or the hotel. Alex, me and two babies, it’s been a lot to take in. Is it just moving too fast? I smile as I think of the direction my life is taking. I really couldn’t be any happier.
A round of applause breaks my chain of thoughts as Alex finishes speaking. I look at him as he walks with a purpose in my direction. He gets stopped several times. It looks as though he is being very polite as he cuts conversations off. He only has eyes on me as he gets closer to me. I’ve seen that look in his eyes a million times before. Seducing me. I’m done for. He has completely distracted me, as only he can, and I suddenly remember I’m standing with his parents. I give myself a shake and turn to face Sarah, who is watching me. Smiling, probably sensing the atmosphere between Alex and I.
Fuck.
I don’t know what I’m worried about. I’m pregnant so she knows what goes on behind closed doors, but still I’m slightly embarrassed. My parents approach us as well and start speaking with Richard and Sarah. Perfect timing. I turn my back to Alex, in an attempt to shut him out, if only so our parents are not privileged to our unspoken conversation.
“Libby.” My name rolls off Alex’s tongue as he wraps his arm protectively around my waist, resting his hands on my tummy. He leans down close to my ear. His breath against my skin, already has me on edge. Fire racing. “Now what did you tease me with? Ah yes. Well I do hope you are ready for, that trip to the office?” He whispers.
I knew I was done for as he approached me, so why is it his words, still manage to surprise and shock me?
“Now?”
“Oh yes,” he tells me before speaking with our parents. “We have a few people we need to speak with, we’ll see you all shortly.” He doesn't wait for a response, taking my hand and leading the way. We make various stops, speaking to various business colleagues, but I get the impression this was only so we weren’t seen leaving the room straight away. A thought I find, slightly amusing.
We do finally leave the room, and I’m sure I hear Alex breathe a sigh of relief, as we walk toward his office. He closes and locks the door behind us. No-one’s getting in and no-one’s getting out. I wander around the room, stopping and running my hand along the desk, nothing much has changed since my last visit. This was decorated and finished a few weeks ago, as Alex needed somewhere to work from. The only thing I notice, that wasn’t here last time, is the picture of the two of us on the desk.
“You looked beautiful that night, even though it didn’t go as planned,” he says as I lift the picture frame. That Saturday night in New York, not a night I want to be reminded of. I frown as I put the picture down. “Don’t look like that. It is a good picture. You look radiant in it. I love that look in your eyes. Knowing it was my words that helped.”
“Maybe, I just hate how that night ended.”
“We’re here together, that’s all that counts.”
He’s right here, standing in front of me, I reach out to him slowly. A slow smile spreads across his face. God I love that smile. He’s watching me closely. But it’s no good I need to feel his lips on mine. I wrap my arms around his neck pulling him close to me. My heart is racing. My body is on fire, with desire for my man.
I groan with sweet satisfaction, as our lips collide. He wraps his arms around me, picking me up and sitting me on the desk, all the time our lips are still connected. My body yearns for more. So much more. I always want more where Alex is concerned. I’m caught in the moment. He really should come with a health warning, ‘remember to breathe.’ Internally I’m pleading with him to take me hard and fast, because all I’ve had the last day or so, is sweet and slow. Not that I have any objections to that, I just need more.
My eyes close, as our kiss deepens, more demanding. This is more like it. Sweeping his tongue along my lips, I groan, but the noise is lost between us. His tongue invades my mouth and I welcome the sensations sweeping through me.
“I want you now.” I open my eyes and nod. The glare in his eyes, is almost haunting. Or would that be closer to hunting? An animal hunting its prey.
Without effort, he lifts my dress, bunching it around my waist. He nudges my legs open. Why do I feel nervous all of a sudden? I feel his erection through his trousers, as he inches closer to me. There’s a charge of electricity flowing between us, that I don’t think either of us is capable of slowing it down. The need between us is overwhelming.
My hands run through his hair, pulling tightly and closer to me. I can’t stand even a small distance between us. He’s panting just as much as me. The hunger and desire, we’re both incapable of denying, needs to be satisfied. I squirm with anticipation of what’s about to happen between us.
His hands race up and down my back. He’s only adding fuel to the flames. And right now, I’m not ready to put those flames out, we may dampen them, although just a little.
Need.
Desire.
Longing.
It’s all there brewing and building. Slowly he moves one hand away from the bare skin on my back. Starting a leisurely travel, it starts at my shoulder and moves down slowly. Across my breasts, freeing them from my dress, not lingering, but leaving them aching behind as he continues travelling south. I arch myself back, thrusting my breasts, toward him. He smiles, lowering his mouth and sucking hard on each nipple quickly in turn. His mouth crashes back against mine.
I let out a soft groan, when his hand touches my bare thigh. With ease he moves quickly and pushes my underwear out his way. His breath catches as he watches. With care his fingers glide slowly across my flesh.
“So wet,” he murmurs in my mouth, still not breaking our kiss.
Sliding his fingers back and forth, over and over.
There’s no way I will last long at this pace.
His mouth leaves mine and instantly I miss our contact. But I know it’s because he wants to watch as I fall apart underneath his skilful hands. My eyes remain closed as this onslaught continues. Keeping my hands around him, my head falls back and I can sense him smirking.
Back and forth again and again.
I moan as he inserts one finger, then two plunging deep within.
I was right when he was stalking toward me in the room. I’m done for as the pace picks up. The building deep within is growing. The pressure is almost at breaking point, ready to explode. His mouth finds mine once again, as my orgasm rips through me. Not even his mouth on mine can silence me. He carries on until the after effects are wearing down. I’m in pieces, a thousand tiny pieces scattered on his desk. I’m shaking and panting, unable to control either.
Slowly I open my eyes and I’m met with a wicked grin. He looks mighty pleased with himself. Feather like kisses are showered around my neck, this feels good.
“Happy?” I’m sure it’s a question rather than a statement. I nod unable to bring my breathing under control to speak. “I hope you’re ready?”
He fumbles with the button and zipper on his trousers, freeing himself.
“Brace yourself baby, this could be a bit of a bumpy ride.” He pulls me to the edge of the desk. I laugh at his words, but I
put my arms behind me to keep my balance. He moves his hands around and lifts me. Oh shite, I really am done for.
“Ah,” I cry as he catches me off guard, plunging deep inside me. He stills, allowing me to adjust. I feel helpless; I can’t move because if I do, I will slip right off the desk or fall back and bang my head. So I do the only thing I can, I wrap my legs tightly around his waist. Pulling him closer, closing the distance.
He starts to move. Really move.
This is what I’ve missed the last few days since finding out about the babies. I love the loving and tender moments between us, when we make love. But I crave moments like this. Raw and primal. No holding back. Pure Lust.
He pulls back and plunges in again. Panting slowly. I swear the grip I have round his waist is the only thing stopping me sliding across the desk. He holds me in place at my hips. I watch as his face darkens with pleasure.
Over and Over.
We both need this.
Unable to control myself any longer, I thrust myself forward, deepening our connection, wanting more from our connection. Realising I’m not going to fall, or rather Alex wouldn't let me, I match the pace he’s set.
My head is in a spin with my man. He withdraws deliberately; I open my eyes to find him staring. He kisses me slowly before pulling back, and with one quick movement he’s thrust back into me, filling me deeper than before. If that’s even possible.
He thrusts again and again. I struggle to keep up, although I do manage it. Only just. I match him thrust for thrust. He withdraws and enters again and again, each time going a little deeper. He growls as my body accepts a little more of him each time.
I grip onto his shoulders as he picks up pace. His mouth finds mine, silencing my moans again. I’m close, very bloody close. Darkness is descending all around me as the pressure starts to build again deep within.
I feel my muscle walls clenching around him. His grip on me gets a little tighter as I sense he’s close too. Two more thrusts is all it takes to send me screaming over the edge, with Alex right there with me as he cries my name.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 16
