by C. M. Steele
Text copyright ©2018 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Rochelle Paige Popovic and Elle Christensen. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Passion, Vows & Babies remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Rochelle Paige Popovic and Elle Christensen, or their affiliates or licensors.
For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds
Rainy Days
A Passion, Vows, and Babies Novella
C.M. Steele
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the Passion, Vows & Babies Kindle World! In this combination of my Passion & Vows and Yeah, Baby series, we’ll bring you new books by some truly amazing authors. From sexy stories of married couples fighting against outside forces to keep their happily ever after, to unexpected pregnancies that lead to forever afters… the Passion, Vows & Babies world is full of over the top alphas, sassy heroines, insta-love, wedding bells, and growing families. Although the wide cast of characters in both series have managed to find love, there’s plenty more out there who could use Passion, Vows & Babies in their lives—like the couple in this story!
If you’re familiar with the Yeah, Baby and Passion & Vows series, you’ll see a familiar face (or more) in this story. I am so excited this author agreed to bring their storytelling talent to the Passion, Vows & Babies Kindle World! However, please keep in mind that this book is entirely the work of the author, and I didn’t have any part in the process of writing this book.
For more about the world, stop by the Passion, Vows & Babies website: http://www.fionadavenport.com/kindle-worlds/.
Happy reading!
Fiona Davenport
(Elle Christensen & Rochelle Paige)
Charlotte Cross:
How big was the world? What like 7 or 8 billion people? With all those people, how was it I was sitting across from him? I clamped my mouth shut and my legs did the same. I was in more trouble than I thought when I stepped into Jax Croix’s office.
Ian Knight:
She sat across from me, looking fearful. And she should. She stole many things from me. One of which I hadn’t realize until this very moment. Charlotte was going to pay it all back, and restitution would last until death do us part.
Copyrighted © 2017
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without written expressed permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.
Cover design: C.M. Steele
Cover Image: Shutterstock
The use of actors, artists, movies, TV shows and song titles/lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.
All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior express, written consent of the author.
This book is intended for mature adults only. Contains sexual content and language that may offend some. The suggested reading audience is 18 years or older. I consider this book as Adult Erotic Romance.
Copyrighted © 2017
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Charlotte
This trip had been everything I’d ever hoped it would be. It had been a special all-inclusive trip to Europe ending in Italy. My parents sent me to the farmer’s market for a taste of the local treats. The plaza buzzed with a large crowd and no one seemed to be in a hurry. It took me over two hours to pick out some fruits and snacks. On my way out, I caught sight of the most handsome guy. He had dark brown hair like mine and a slight beard growing along his jaw. I couldn’t make out the color of his eyes, but his face was a work of perfection. He seemed to be searching for someone, and fantastically, I wished it was me. If I didn’t have to hurry, I would have tried to bump into him. “Nah, he couldn’t be looking for me,” I muttered, walking back to the hotel.
The hotel lobby had a bustling horde of incoming and leaving guests. I walked down the hall to the room we were staying in only to see the cleaning crew inside. “Excuse me, but did my parents ask for a turndown service?” I asked, setting my bags down on the table just inside the room.
“Senorita, your family checked out an hour ago. Go to the front desk. They left a message for you.”
I stood there, looking confused. Why would they check out? Why would they send me on a grocery mission only to leave shortly thereafter? Shaking off the mental fog, I walked over to the front desk. The people at the front desk stared at me with a look of sympathy. I didn’t like it and the overwhelming feeling of fear came over me.
“Hello, Claudia. Is there a message for me?”
“Yes, Ms. Cross. Here it is.” I took a small folded piece of paper from her. My hands shook as I stepped outside and sat down on a stone bench. Even with the warm sun beating down, a cold shiver ran through me.
Charlie,
I paused, hating that she called me that.
We hate to do this to you, but life has been so burdensome. We’ve moved on without you because you’ve been that burden. I know it’s harsh, but we took you in when your parents died and needless to say, we never signed up to have kids. Oops, suppose it’s a lousy time for that revelation, but you’re my brother’s kid. We wish you the best. I stuffed your passport in the small pocket of your bag. Good luck with life.
XOXO
Aunt Allie
I read it three more times and it still made no sense. I tucked it into my bag and wiped away the lone tear that fell. Claudia came up to me, handing me a tissue.
“I’m sorry for this. The hotel has another room available for you, completely complimentary,” she said softly, taking a seat. “Your room will have your things in it. Here’s the key.”
“Thank you,” I muttered with a lump in my throat. After a few more minutes, I stood with the key card, checking its number before going to the elevator. I had a lot to think about. I entered the room to find my small duffle inside. Plopping onto the bed, I read the letter over again. There was a lot to digest. From the start of my life, I’d been lied to, manipulated, and despised. My real parents died before I was old enough to remember them. Greedily my aunt and uncle took me in to get money from the government. And now, in the middle of Europe, they
abandoned me. My life had fallen apart in a matter of minutes.
Lost in a world of despair, I cried myself to sleep, hoping to shed away all the pain at once. By the next morning, I put on my big girl panties and decided to live for what made me happy. I didn’t care what happened for the next twenty-four hours. After that, I’d deal with the reality of my situation.
Chapter 2
Ian
I closed my eyes, opening them again in complete surprise. The girl from the market stood in front of the old castle ruins with her long dark hair blowing in the breeze. She must not have noticed the tour had picked up already. No other vehicle had been parked nearby, and I’d just watched the bus pass. Having rented my own car for some privacy, I waited until the group drove away to exit. What a perfect twist of fate.
“Hello,” I called out, startling my mystery woman. I caught her by the waist to stop her from stumbling back and falling. She clasped her hand to her chest, frantically trying to calm down. I smiled down at her, thinking she was ten times sexier up close. I could feel the way her body tensed in my arms, but I couldn’t tell if it was good or bad. “Sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t mean to frighten you,” I told her, reluctantly letting go of my light hold on her body. I clenched my hands tight to stop myself from touching her again.
“It’s okay. I just got lost in thought.” She looked around the ruins, not seeing anyone else. “Is the tour bus boarding?” She walked out of the little cove she’d been standing in, searching for anyone strolling about. God, she had to be the most beautiful woman in the world. My stomach did a thousand flips and I thought about how to tie her to me. The steady pounding of my heart took over the sound of the rain.
Taking a calming breath, I stepped behind her. “Sweetheart, I hate to break it to you, but the bus left two minutes ago.”
She spun back with her lovely hazel eyes staring at me in a panic. “Oh no, the town is like twenty miles from here,” she exclaimed.
“Don’t worry about it. I can give you a ride back,” I said, placing my hands on her shoulders.
“I can’t just accept a ride from a stranger.” She pushed away from me, staring outside as if they were going to come back for her.
“Why not? I’m Ian by the way.”
“I’m Charlotte,” she answered, nervously stealing glances at me. “Did you follow me here?”
“No, it’s just a happy coincidence. What makes you think I did?” I wondered if she saw me in town or if she normally had stalkers. I’d deal with the latter if she did. No one would cause her any harm if I could help it.
“I saw you at the market yesterday.”
“And yet, you purposefully left knowing I was looking for you.”
“You were?”
“Yes, but I couldn’t find you. Now, this is what I call a happy coincidence. How old are you, Charlotte?”
“I’m twenty.” Thankfully, we were only three years apart.
“Good, I’m twenty-three. Now, do you want a ride back?” I asked, hoping to keep her in my sight. The thought of losing her again sent a pain soaring through my chest. Crazy and irrational as it seemed, I couldn’t shake that sensation.
“I don’t know,” she murmured, ducking her chin. I saw the flush on her face before she looked away. The energy between us could power the world.
“My sweet Charlotte, you’d rather walk twenty miles?” I offered, lowering my head to catch her attention and waiting for her answer.
She moved toward the side of the wall, throwing her head back and looking up at the sky. “No, but,” she started to say as a few drops of rain fell, interrupting her excuse for me.
“But nothing. There are no more tours for the day and a storm is coming. See, if I wanted to do something to you, which I really do, I could do it here.” I stalked closer, pressing both of my hands on the opposite sides of her arms, trapping her between me and the wall.
“What…what do you want to do?” she stammered, her eyes wide and lips parted.
“I want to press you up against this wall and kiss you,” I murmured, leaning in.
“You better take your chance before the rain picks up,” she panted, pressing her palms on my chest. Our lips connected softly, a tentative taste. Instinctively, I crushed my mouth down on hers, slipping an arm around her waist and pulling her hips flush on my leg. Her hands slid upward into my hair. My mouth made its way to her chin, jaw, then to her slender neck. Arching her back and tilting her head to the side, she gave me access to her rapid pulse.
She tugged on my hair, pulling my head up and kissing me. I growled and ground her pussy on my leg, causing her to moan and shake. I wanted her here and now. Fuck if I knew what to do. The desire to love her in the rain became more than I could take. Her mouth parted as I reached between us and cupped her mound.
"I want you, more than I can explain."
Her eyes widened with a hint of panic before she smiled. "I want you, too." I clasped her hand in mine and tugged her inside to the only spot that had shelter from the rain. Hurriedly, I removed her top while she reached for my belt. I took my button up shirt off then pulled back so I could set it down as a makeshift blanket. I added my tee shirt to the pile, hoping the ground wouldn't be too rough.
She looked into my eyes, a smile creeping over her sensuous face. "You are fine as hell."
Dipping my head down then back up, tracing every inch of her body with my gaze, I grunted my appreciation. The nude colored lace bra barely covered her perky breasts. Eager and hungry, I yanked the cups down, letting her berry-colored nipples pop out. My mouth latched around one while my hand teased and plucked the other. She clutched my hair, pushing my face hard against her chest. I bit down on her breast enough to cause her to moan. Switching to the other, I sucked on her tender flesh. My light beard grazed her skin, leaving red marks and that only turned me on more. I was feeling so wild that I didn’t know who this new person was that I’d become.
I reached for her zipper and peeled down her white capris, intentionally caressing every inch of bared flesh as I went. She had on a pair of thin nude panties that hid her pussy from me. Laying her down, I tugged them until they slipped over her tiny feet. Stuffing them into my pocket, I kicked off my shoes and lowered my face between her thighs. Fuck, her pussy juices soaked her lips. I couldn’t help myself, I needed to taste her, to feel her body shake over my face. Thinking about all the porn I’d watched, I parted her sweet lips and took my first lick. Holy shit, I found my addiction. Lapping up her sticky core, I ran my tongue up and down her slit until I hit the tiny little nub at the top. I lifted her legs over my shoulders while she thrust her pussy into my face. I could feel her body shake and her moans spurred me on. Her hand tugged on my hair.
“Take me before someone shows up,” she demanded. I cracked a huge grin and obeyed the woman I planned to marry. I’d known it from the start, but she’d probably need convincing.
I shoved my pants and boxer briefs to my knees. My cock popped free and stood long and thick over her belly.
“Wow. You’re going to break me with that thing.”
“I’ll take it easy on you, sweetheart. I want you coming for me.” I pressed my fingers to her pussy, stroking her clit. Balancing on one arm, I lined up my cock at her entrance then wrapped one leg under my arm. Pushing forward, I slammed through, finding a surprise.
Chapter 3
Charlotte
I did my best not to let him know it hurt. Everything had felt so good until then and I didn’t want to stop. I let go of all reason and went with the pleasure and desire of his attention, leaving out the whole virginity thing. Not that we’d spoken much before. Ian had to be the most attractive man I’d ever seen. Everything about him had been panty melting, and letting him take me took away the pang of loneliness.
He looked down into my eyes with a bit of fear that transformed into a smile when he saw the lustful look in mine.
“You’re all mine, Charlotte.” I nodded my head and brought his mouth down to mine. We ki
ssed until I started to press my hips up, needing more. He rocked a little more into me, then slid almost all the way out. He continued to go nice and slow until I clenched tightly around him. My orgasm danced around the edge and I knew it wouldn’t be long before I was coming hard.
“Oh shit,” I moaned, clutching his shoulders. “My God.”
“Thanks, sweetheart, but I’m hardly that. Ian will do just fine.” I giggled a little, then arched my brow in an attempt to be sexy.
“Ian,” I seductively panted.
He growled, glaring down at me. “Say it again, sweetheart.”
“Ian,” I chanted repeatedly. I thrust my hands into his hair, wanting to kiss him again, then tightened my legs around his waist with my heels on his firm, round ass. Wild and on the verge, I clawed his back all the way down to his butt, squeezing it. He picked up the pace; his hips pumping and sending his cock deep inside. The sensations were all new and very much welcomed. It felt so good that I didn’t mind the cool stone floor. A wave of electricity pumped through me and my back arched off the ground.
“Charlotte, I’m coming,” he roared against my ear as he froze. I closed my eyes and absorbed the pleasure, forgetting all else, but Ian and me.
He supported his weight on one elbow as he peppered kisses over my face and neck. When his lips touched mine again, I became insatiable. I ground my hips on his so this connection wouldn’t end. The thought of losing Ian would remind me how alone I’d become and how fleeting happiness was. He wrapped his arms around me until I relaxed into his embrace. A lone tear escaped my eye and thankfully he hadn’t noticed.
God, I was a mess. Tomorrow I’d get my head on straight, but for tonight Ian could have all he wanted from me. I would treasure this time my entire life. I couldn’t hear a thing with my heart thumping in my ears, so I hoped he hadn’t said anything.
