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

by Karen Frances

  Alex pulls me closer to him, resting his head against my neck. He groans against me as he nuzzles at my neck. The moan that escapes my own lips mirrors his satisfied groan. We’re both totally satisfied and spent.

  He continues thrusting, but at a much slower pace. Bringing us back down to earth from our dizzying high, my muscles contract around him. I hold onto him, keeping him close.

  “We both needed that,” I say, opening my eyes.

  “Yes. I think we did.” He plants a kiss on my lips.

  I melt. One lonely tear trickles slowly down my face. Alex wipes it away with his thumb. “Hey, what’s this for?”

  “I don’t really know,” is my answer, because it’s the truth. I’m so full of emotions right now, I can’t describe any of them. It’s caught me off guard tonight; I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. My hormones playing tricks on me. “Just hold me.”

  He does. Wrapping me in his arms, he lifts me and holds me close. Where I feel safe and at ease. This is where I’m most comfortable, in his arms. This is where I want to stay forever. He strokes my back as he keeps hold of me without saying a word. Understanding this is what I need at the moment. I listen to the rhythmic sound of his breathing returning to normal; it’s both soothing and relaxing. We remain in each other’s arms for what seems an eternity.

  “Libby,” he says, breaking the spell. “We should get cleaned up and back to the celebrations before anyone comes looking for us.”

  I know he's right, but I’m more than happy to stay here locked in his office. I concede, we do get cleaned up and head back to the party, which is in full swing.

  I glance at my watch; it’s after eleven, not long until a new year. Alex has a hold of my hand as we walk toward the function suite. He guides me through the room to the table our family is at. I’m instantly aware that we’ve been gone for a while. Sophie looks how I feel, thoroughly fucked. Her face is glowing, probably the same shade as mine. I inwardly laugh at the thought; well, it means I won't be the only one having to face our parents. Although I don’t fancy being in Sophie’s shoes.

  We take our seats. There is a light buffet being served. The band has already started playing some traditional songs. Alex heads to the buffet and brings back two plates with haggis, neeps and tatties. Everyone at the table is tucking into the food; I on the other hand am not sure I can face it. He screws his face at me.

  “What?” I ask him.

  “Eat something. Please.” He’s almost pleading with me.

  “I can’t face it,” I say pushing the plate away from me.

  “And so it begins,” Ethan says teasing me. I stare at him. I don’t want to make a big deal out of this. I’m pregnant and I know lots of woman struggle with the first few months, between sickness and not eating. Not sure how I will cope with the not eating part, considering my love for food, but I’m sure I will get through it.

  “Alex, I’m going to go for a walk. I could do with some fresh air. The smell of the food is making me queasy.”

  “I’ll come with you,” he tells me.

  “No. Stay and eat. I will be back as soon as the food is away.” I kiss him on the bridge of his nose.

  My mother wants to come with me as well, but I refused to let her. There is nothing wrong with me, I’m not sick, yet. But I’m sure if I stayed in the room much longer, it would’ve only been a matter of time.

  I wander through the building, which is all very quiet now except for the function room I have just left. I am heading in the direction of the reception when I hear someone behind me. I turn to find Michael walking toward me.

  “Libby shouldn't you be with Alex?”

  “Yeah, but I needed some fresh air. The smell of food was turning my stomach.”

  “Is there anything I can get you?” he asks with a hint of concern.

  “Now I think of it, I could go for a cup of tea.”

  “Right I’ll go and get it. You stay inside at reception. I’ll come and sit with you. I must be due a break by now.” Michael smiles as he walks away.

  I do as he asks. I stay inside at the reception, where it is much cooler than the rest of the casino and wait on Michael returning.

  “Here you go.” Michael’s voice disturbs my thoughts. “Tea for two. I wasn’t sure how much sugar you take so I brought some with me.”

  I take a cup from him and as soon as I do, he reaches into his pocket and takes out a handful of sugar sachets. I laugh at the amount he has.

  “What? I don’t know what you take, and for all I know you could have a craving for something sweet.”

  I shake my head in amusement at him. He really is quite funny at times and this is one of those times. He sits down on the sofa with me, his cup in one hand and the sugar in the other. “I think it will be a few months before, I start craving for anything, and even then I might not. Not all pregnant women have cravings.”

  “I didn’t plan this very well.” I frown at his words, wondering what he could possibly mean. “Well you Scots have a love for chocolate biscuits with a cup of tea.”

  I laugh because it’s so very true. And now that he’s mentioned it, I could do with some. I take the sugar from him, and start emptying sachets into the cup. I’m almost opening the fourth, when I realise what I’m doing. I stop.

  “Libby are you okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m fine, maybe a little tired. But I know if I had stayed in the room with all that food, I would probably ended up being sick. This is going to take a bit of getting used to.”

  “I’m sure it is.” He puts his cup down on the table in front of us. “Can I ask a question?”

  “Of course,” I reply, looking at a rather serious Michael, but there is a different look to his face, maybe sadness.

  “Are you happy? I mean really happy.”

  “Yes, of course. I’m also a bit scared of this new direction I find myself in. I never saw anyone in my life after Jeff and I split up. And if I’m truthful, kids were always a distant thought. My passion has always been the hotel. I didn’t see anything else in my life. Why do you ask?”

  “I was just wondering. The change in Alex is a massive one. You’ve done what others before you had hoped to do, bring the mighty Alexander Mathews to his knees.”

  “Michael, that’s worked both ways. I also try not to think of the others before me. I have a pretty good idea of the lifestyle he and you, to that matter, led before me. It’s not something I want to dwell on.”

  “No and I can understand that. You’re good for each other. He’s opened up with you, even something he sometimes struggled to do with me in the past.” As he says it, I know he’s talking about Katherine and what the pair of them went through. I suppose that one incident had a lot to do with how they both were. “It’s good seeing him so happy and relaxed. But it’s also good seeing him thinking of you, and not just of himself or business. And now you both have two little ones to think about. You’re the best thing in his life. It’s clear to everyone close to both of you, the depth of your feelings for each other. It’s kinda made me look at my life as well. Cut all the shit out, and hope that one day I will find even half of what you two share. If I do, I will be a very lucky man.”

  “As I said, that works both ways. And Michael. I’m sure you will. I’m glad we are friends.” We sit in silence, drinking our tea. I feel comfortable with Michael now. In the beginning, I didn’t ever see us getting on, but in the past few months he has been just as good a friend to me as he is to Alex. I’ve grown very fond of him.

  “Okay, missy. Let’s get you back to everyone, it’s not long until midnight.”

  I stand up quickly. Too quickly, because I feel dizzy. I close my eyes willing it to pass, which it does. I open my eyes to find Michael staring with concern; he takes hold of my shoulders. “Should I be worried about this?”

  “No. I’m fine now. It always passes quickly.”

  “God, if I were Alex, I would have you wrapped up in cotton wool for this pregnancy. Keeping the three
of you safe. Now come on, let’s head through. I want to be with all you for New Year’s.”

  He links his arm in mine and we walk back toward the function suite. I did try to tell him I am fine, but he is having none of it. Much to my surprise, he doesn't let go of my arm as we enter the room. Instead he walks toward Alex, who stands as soon as he sees us.

  “What’s wrong?” Alex asks. I see the others turn with Alex’s question.

  “She was just a little dizzy. Just making sure she got back here safely,” Michael tells Alex.

  Alex stretches his hand to me; Michael lets go of me and I go straight to him. Alex moves his chair slightly, sitting back down and I sit in his lap, protective arms wrap around me and firm hands settle on my tummy.

  “Sweetheart, are you sure you’re okay?” asks my mother.

  “Yes, of course I am. The smell of food had me a little queasy, but other than that I’m fine.” I tell everyone, because I have several sets of eyes on me. “I sat and had a cup of tea with Michael.” I smile at Michael.

  “Hey, I never knew a girl, who liked so much damn sugar.” Michael laughs.

  A hush descends on the room, as the band stops playing and the MC makes a few announcements. Then it’s the countdown. I turn in his arms facing him, seeing only him in this room full of people. The man I intend spending the rest of my life with. At the stroke of twelve I kiss him, leaving him with no questions about how much I love him and need him in my life.

  He pulls away breathless, “Happy New Year baby. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great one.”

  “Happy New year.” I tell him before kissing him again.

  The band starts playing again, and guests take to the floor. Our tables are still wishing each other a happy new year. I leave the comfort of Alex, it’s Ethan I look at and him at me.

  “Happy new year gorgeous.” Ethan tells me as he picks me up and spins me around. “I love you so much sis.”

  “I love you too.” Is all I can manage, because if I dare say anything else, I have a feeling I will be in floods of tears. Bloody hormones, although I’m sure I can’t blame them. I am sure we are both glad it’s a new year, time to put the past behind us and move on .Out with the old and in with the new. “This year is going to better than the last.” I tell him.

  “It already is.”

  The others all go to the dance floor. Michael heads back through the room after wishing everyone a happy New Year. I hope Michael finds what he’s looking for in life because, in my opinion he deserves some happiness too.

  Alex holds out his hand to me. “Can we just sit for a few minutes?” I say to him.

  “Of course.” He sits down and again I sit in his lap. Leaning into his chest, feeling the rise and fall, I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

  “I love you, Alex.”

  “I love you too.” He places a soft kiss on my head. I sit with his arms wrapped around me, watching all the guests enjoying New Year. This year is going to be a great one. I just know it.

  30th January

  I LIE IN THE BED alone, for the first time in months. It’s strange waking up in my old bedroom. I’ve not slept in this room, for what must be nearly three years. Nothing has changed in here, except maybe a fresh coat of paint. It’s early, really early and it’s still dark outside. I think I managed to finally get a few hours sleep, I was still awake at two am. And it’s strange not waking up with Alex right beside me his arms wrapped around me. I wanted to stay at home last night but Alex said no, that I should stay at my parents.

  I guess this will be my one moment of calm, before the excitement of the day, over takes. My stomach is in knots, as I still try to take in what’s happening. I’m so nervous as I think of the day ahead.

  Alex had Michael for company at our place last night. I hope they managed to behave. His parents are staying at the hotel, along with Connor and Emma. I believe Sophie stayed with Ethan last night, and the two of them should be here shortly with Lucy. Sophie, Connor, Emma and Richard, all arrived yesterday. Sarah has been in Glasgow since Christmas staying with us, she has been brilliant along with my mum. I don’t think this wedding would have been possible, without their help. Five weeks wasn’t long to organise a wedding, but we did it.

  Kirsty should be here soon as well, so we can all have breakfast together, before the madness of the morning begins. Kirsty, I can’t wait to see her, to see for myself how she is. She finished with Jay, a few days ago and with her being busy at work, I’ve not seen her. I need to know she is alright and I will be able to tell when I see her, she says she's fine, but I want to see it for my own eyes.

  The last few weeks have been hectic, to say the least. Between all the organising for today and working at the hotel, and then the various events I’ve attended with Alex with the casinos. That’s the other three casinos, opened in the UK now and they are all doing well. It’s safe to say I’ve been busy.

  I had to tell Kieran and Karl about being pregnant. I wanted them to know before I started looking at the business as a whole. After talking with Alex, I wanted to make sure, if I needed any time away from work, I could take it without worrying. They were both really pleased, although Kieran is concerned I won’t want to continue managing the hotel. He really has nothing to worry about there. Nothing is going to change how I feel about the hotel and estate. The three of us, spent a few days going through the departments sorting staffing and expenditure.

  Alex and I discussed what I want from the hotel in the next few years. He helped me with my plans, two heads are better than one, some say. Well that was the case. A fresh set of eyes going over figures and giving me more ideas. I also spent a day with my dad, going through the plans I have for the next two years, for the hotel. I hope I’m going to get the balance right. Dad was impressed with the thought and effort, I put into it. I plan to work, as late as I can into the pregnancy, and with the staffing all sorted, I shouldn’t need to cover in any of the other departments. Leaving me free to oversee the running of the hotel. Well that is the job I was employed to do. Hopefully I can take some extra time off when the babies are born. I will just need to see how things go, I may have to bring in someone on a temporary basis to help Kieran when I’m off.

  I turn and lift the picture, from the bedside cabinet. My scan picture from yesterday, I can feel my eyes brimming with tears, tears of happiness as I look at the two perfect images, in front of me, my babies. Part of Alex and me, growing inside me. We both had tear filled eyes, as we watched the monitor and saw the babies for the first time. The consultant saw me yesterday as well. It’s been confirmed I’m now twelve weeks pregnant and expecting identical twins. So it’s either two girls or two boys and not as my mother got one of each. We are both over-joyed with the news. He is desperate to tell anyone that will listen of our news, me I still want to keep it, to those who need to know.

  The babies are developing well, according to the consultant, nothing to worry about and I’ve escaped pretty lightly, when it comes to morning sickness. Wasn’t sick, felt it a few times but it never came to anything. All the dizziness I had when we found out I was pregnant, is also gone. And everyone was right, about me not showing for today. I have the tiniest bump, I only noticed it myself yesterday. I’ve been really worried about my dress the last few weeks. I had the dress fitter check it all during the week, just in case.

  And now here we are, my wedding day. And I’m desperate to speak with Alex. I text him;

  Good morning. I’ve missed not waking up beside you, with your arms wrapped around me. If you’re up call me.xxx

  Almost instantly my phone rings.

  “Good morning to you to. Is everything okay?” He asks.

  “Of course. I’m glad I’ve heard your voice now. I needed that. Although I would've much preferred to wake up in your arms.” I sigh. “I don’t sleep well, when you’re not beside me.”

  “Baby, I promise that is the last time, you have to do that. Can I let you in on a secret?” His voice sounds playful.<
br />
  “Yes.”

  “I don’t sleep well without you either. So what are you doing?” I smile at his words.

  “Me, just reflecting on the last few weeks. And sitting looking at our babies scan pictures.” I tell him.

  “Snap. I’ve just been thinking I’m the luckiest man in the world. We have a lot to be thankful for.” I can only agree with that, we are both very lucky people. “But most of all I’m thankful just to have you in my life. I don’t ever want to be without you. I could cope with all the material things, being removed from my life, but you’re the one thing in my life, I couldn't live without.”

  Oh no. I’m going to be a mess today. I’m ready to crumble from his words alone. I draw in a long steady breath, trying to compose myself, as I fight the tears that are building.

  “Libby . . .”

  “I’m fine, honest. I just can’t wait to see you today. Can it be one o’clock soon?” I ask, sounding hopeful.

  “Baby, it won’t be long, enjoy your morning surrounded by those that love you. One o’clock will come around soon enough. Look I better go; Michael is in the kitchen attempting to make some breakfast, and I can hear Joan shouting at him,” he says laughing.

  “Oh, okay. I love you.”

  “I love you too, with all my heart.”

  Ending the call, I fall back on the bed and stare blankly at the ceiling. As I do, I twirl my engagement ring around my finger. I can hear movement in the house, most probably my dad up making a start on breakfast. It was his idea that we all have breakfast together before the hairdresser and beautician gets here to work their magic on me, Mum, Kirsty and Sophie. Dad was always the first one up in the house when Ethan and I were kids. We always enjoyed our weekend mornings, starting with a breakfast made by my dad. So I’m looking forward to a full Scottish breakfast.

  “Sweetheart, is everything okay?” My mum asks, entering the room. “I heard you talking.”

  “Yeah, I was talking to Alex.”