The Final Twist Untwisted Series Book Five
Page 13
After giving over his card details for the deposit, Nathan and I accepted our key and made our way towards the lifts.
‘Eisenhower, huh? Have they named all the rooms after someone famous?’
Pressing the button for our floor, Nathan shook his head and slid a hand into his pocket. ‘Nope, the suite I’ve requested was actually used by Eisenhower when he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Forces.’
Woah. That’s certainly some history!
The lift stopped. After just a few steps, Nathan had used our key card and was pushing open the door to a huge, light suite. Stepping in, I felt my mouth hang open as I looked around. Jeez, this is seriously flashy.
‘Apparently, he planned the Normandy invasion from within this very room. People like Winston Churchill met him in here for meetings, too. It’s not the most expensive suite in the hotel. In fact, this is probably low to mid-range compared to some of their more expensive rooms, but I like the view and sense of history in here.’
I knew he was still speaking, but I was so gobsmacked by the room that I could hardly take in his words. Or should that be rooms, because there was a sitting area, dining area, and bedroom in here. This was what Nathan classed as “low to mid-range”? I couldn’t understand how this could be bettered, so I’d love to see some of the more expensive rooms.
With its wooden panelling, mid-yellow walls, beautifully carved wooden furniture and high, airy ceilings it was the fanciest place I’d ever stepped foot in, let alone stayed for the night.
I padded across the thick cream carpet and ran my fingertips across the cool wood of the sumptuous four-poster bed, then made my way to the window to look at the view Nathan had mentioned. Pulling back the curtain, I gasped, immediately seeing why he liked it; the entire window was dominated by its setting just across from Hyde Park, with trees and open grassland all that I could see. We even had a balcony, but this wasn’t like the small balconies you got at some hotels; this was big enough for a full set of outdoor furniture and several lusciously healthy plants.
Turning back around to face Nathan, I shook my head. ‘This place is incredible.’
Nathan smiled, nodding. Then he shucked off his jacket and began to undo his shirt buttons as he walked towards me. Usually, this sight would fill me with lust, but I could see from the tired droop to his eyelids that the long day was starting to take its toll on him. It was on me, too; I was so physically and emotionally drained that sex was the last thing on my mind right now.
‘I don’t know about you,’ he said, ‘but I’m exhausted. I propose that we fuck up our sleep schedule and have a nap now, followed by a massage in the spa and then a light dinner later on. What do you think?’
Considering all that we’d been through today, I think we deserved a little pampering, so it sounded pretty damn ideal to me. ‘I think it sounds perfect. I’m so tired and that bed looks incredibly inviting.’
I took off my new outfit, hanging it carefully in one of the huge wardrobes, and turned to find Nathan stripped and climbing into the bed. I didn’t hesitate in following, immediately going to him and letting him pull me into his arms so we could snuggle below the thick covers. It wasn’t often that we went to bed together and didn’t do something intimate first, but after he’d placed a brief kiss on my lips I felt my eyelids drooping with exhaustion. Nathan chuckled, tucking me into his body and flicking off the light.
After a much-needed nap, we took a brief shower, still with no sexy stuff occurring, which was decidedly out of character for Nathan, and spoke volumes about how screwed up the day had left him. We snacked on the complimentary pastries and fruit that had been left in the room then made our way down to the spa. Once we were changed into our dressing gowns, I met Nathan back in the reception area and took a second to appreciate how gorgeous he looked in his fluffy robe. The white material made his skin appear golden, and with his blond hair, gleaming blue eyes, and trace of stubble he looked like some handsome sex god, or perhaps even a striking Norseman.
Dragging my gaze away from him, I looked around at the empty space. The lights were dimmed, the changing room had been empty except for me, and I couldn’t see or hear any other people around. ‘Is the spa even open? It’s gone nine o’clock now.’
Adjusting the tie on his robe, Nathan shook his head. ‘Technically, no. But I explained that today had been particularly stressful and they were happy to oblige us with a massage.’
This hotel really was something special. ‘Really? Just like that?’
‘Well, it’s true that the staff here are supremely accommodating, but it helped that I also booked and paid for the Terrace Suite for our anniversary later this year.’
I raised my eyebrows, firstly at the fact that he had remembered an anniversary I wasn’t aware of, but also his mention of booking us another night here.
‘The Terrace Suite?’ I croaked, confused.
‘Yep. It has its own Jacuzzi, and the bathroom is linked to the terrace so you can enjoy a view over London while you relax in the tub. It’s incredible.’
A sudden, unexpected bout of jealousy flew at me from nowhere and my back stiffened as I wondered how exactly Nathan knew this fact. It had been a while since I’d had cause to think about the other women he’d been with in the past, and the strength of my feelings shocked me slightly. Had he brought a different woman here in the past and enjoyed the Jacuzzi with a view?
I knew I was being irrational and struggled to control my face so I didn’t give myself away, but it would seem that my attempt failed miserably because Nathan cocked his head and watched me for a moment before a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. ‘I don’t have personal experience of it, Stella, so you have no reason to feel envious. When I originally set up my business account here the hotel gave me a tour and I remember thinking how stunning that particular feature was. I thought it would appeal to you.’
Oh. That’s actually very thoughtful of him. But still, how the hell can he always read my mind like this?
Stepping forward, Nathan took hold of the tie around my dressing gown and tugged me towards him so our hips rubbed together. ‘But you know how much I love it when you get jealous over me, babe …’ he growled, dropping a hard, almost bruising kiss on my mouth before soothing it with a quick lick.
Biting my lower lip, I realised I could feel how much he loved it, too, as his arousal pressed forwards from under the cosy confines of his plush dressing gown. It was amazing how easily he’d calmed my worry, because now, instead of jealousy, an altogether different emotion was running around my system -red-hot lust.
‘Anyway, it’s the most expensive suite they have. Well, bar the two-bedroomed suite, but we’ll get a babysitter for the night so I didn’t think we’d need that.’
My mind swirled with desire, but at his words it went back to his mention of our anniversary and I panicked slightly, wondering what date was he thinking about. It was usually women who were good at dates and relationship milestones, but I had no clue. I mean it wasn’t like we were married, so we had no wedding anniversary to celebrate. The date we met? When we signed our D/s contracts? Or maybe the day he had given me my new commitment ring?
‘So … what date do you count as our anniversary, then?’ I asked as casually as possible, hoping that he couldn’t read my mind on this topic as well as he had before.
Nathan blinked twice and gave a tiny, shy smile. ‘Well, I was thinking it could be our first anniversary.’
Confused, I frowned up at him, my brain too exhausted to try to keep up.
Seeing my expression, he took my hand between his. ‘Do you remember how I mentioned making us official by having a collaring ceremony at Club Twist?’
I raised my free hand and touched my necklace fondly, but I felt the same stirrings of nervousness that I’d had the last time he’d mentioned this subject. ‘I do … so would it be like our own Dom/sub version of a wedding service?’
He gave a small shrug. ‘In a way, yes. But ther
e won’t be cake, and I wouldn’t invite your mother if I were you.’ The twinkle in his eye and his sudden dry humour helped my nerves subside and I giggled, my shoulders relaxing.
‘I’ve booked and paid upfront for the suite so we can stay here afterwards,’ he went on. ‘We just need to confirm a date with them. It wouldn’t really be our anniversary, I know, but certainly it will be a date to celebrate in years to come.’
Wow. This would make quite a place to spend the night after my collaring. I didn’t really like that title, though; it didn’t quite seem to encompass all that Nathan and I were together, so perhaps I’d refer to it as my “nearly-but-not-quite-a-wedding” night.
Before we could discuss it any further, the door opened and we were joined by our two masseurs, who, much to my amusement, were both young, handsome guys. It was only amusing because Nathan looked them both up and down and visibly bristled beside me before making a show of grabbing my hand as if claiming me.
‘Mrs Jackson, we’re in Treatment Room 1. This way, please,’ said the younger of the two staff. I immediately knew that I wouldn’t be following him, because Nathan’s hand tightened on mine with almost bone-crushing force.
Glancing up, I saw a vein in Nathan’s temple throbbing with his pulse, and his eyes were bulging. He looked like he might actually have an aneurism from the stress, so I gently enquired if there were any rooms with two beds.
‘Of course. We have a joint therapy room.’
Thank God for that.
Considering I’d had my own bout of the green-eyed monster a few minutes ago, I couldn’t really say anything, but it did give me a warm feeling in my belly to know that Nathan was just as possessive over me as I was over him.
Chapter Twenty – Rebecca
Blinking awake again, I looked around drowsily and took in the unfamiliar room I was in. White walls, clock, a table over the foot of the bed, a jug of water … As my eyes landed on the medical chart I remembered where I was, and more specifically, why I was here, and I moved my hands instinctively to protect my bump.
God. Today has certainly been eventful. Rolling my eyes at the huge understatement, I drew in a deep breath and tried to calm my pulse. I was OK, and so were the babies.
Glancing to my right, I saw Nicholas asleep in the chair next to my bed and couldn’t help the smile that jumped to my lips. I loved him so much.
He looked so uncomfortable with his tall, broad frame cramped into the tiny armchair. One leg was bent at the knee and had fallen to the side and the other was stretched out before him. His arms were squashed inside the armrests and placed awkwardly across his chest, and his head had lolled forwards so that his neck must surely be painfully contorted. Or it certainly would be if he stayed like that for much longer.
Bless him; I should wake him so he could change position, but he looked exhausted. He’d been my absolute rock today. Knowing how explosive his emotions could be when placed under any sort of stress, I’d expected him to completely lose it, or have some kind of breakdown, but after a brief few minutes of panic he’d pulled himself together and held strong the whole time I’d needed him.
As if sensing my gaze on him, Nicholas began to stir, his eyelids fluttering. He let out a grumble and hauled himself into a more upright sitting position. Yawning, he stretched his arms, then reached up and rubbed at his neck with a grimace before looking across at me. Seeing my gaze, his own pain was seemingly forgotten as he jumped up and came to my side.
‘Hey, beautiful, you’re awake. How are you feeling?’
I briefly assessed my body, and nodded. ‘Pretty good, all things considered,’ I said with a shrug, before confessing that I was actually a little uncomfortable. ‘My arse is going numb in this position, but I’m too scared to move in case it makes me bleed again.’ It was stupid, because the doctors had reassured me that the tiny rip had clotted over really well, but I still felt anxious about it.
Nicholas’s face softened with concern as he nodded and leaned down to brush a kiss across my lips. ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine to move, but let me see if I can find someone to ask.’
Nicholas
I didn’t like leaving Rebecca’s side, not even for a second. Just then, I heard the unmistakeable South African accent of Karen our midwife, shortly before I saw her red-blonde hair and grinning face as she strode past our room, joking with whoever she was speaking to. Perfect timing or what? She was the ideal person to ask.
I dashed into the corridor to grab her. I pulled the door shut and saw Karen standing at the nurses’ station, laughing with one of the doctors. I might not be much of a people person, but there was no denying our midwife’s likability; Karen oozed approachability in a way that made you instantly trust her implicitly.
Judging by the fact that she was wearing her coat and had a large bag slung over her shoulder, she was heading home for the night, so I approached, and waited for a lull in their conversation before politely coughing to make myself known.
‘Karen, could I just have a quick word?’
‘Hi, Nicholas! I was just going to pop in on you two again before I went home. What can I do for you?’
Thankfully, the doctor bid us goodnight and left us alone, so I got straight to the point. ‘Rebecca’s not very comfortable, but she’s a little worried about moving too much in case she bleeds again.’
Karen’s face softened in understanding and she nodded. ‘She’ll be fine to move, as long as she doesn’t try doing any cartwheels. Let me come and help get you both settled for the night.’
I couldn’t help the irritable grumble that rose in my throat at her words. I wished we could get settled for the night, I was so desperate to hold Rebecca in my arms, but I could barely even hug her properly because she was in the bed surrounded by machines.
Karen cocked her head and assessed me for a second, which I didn’t like one little bit. ‘Getting impatient for a cuddle, are you?’ She smiled.
How the hell had she read me so easily? No one could do that, except perhaps Rebecca and Nathan. Seeing as she’d hit the nail on the head, I nodded reluctantly.
‘Aww, Nicholas! You put on this stern front, but you’re actually a big ol’ softie, aren’t you?’ She was teasing me, I knew that, but I frowned anyway until Karen rolled her eyes, and gave me a light punch on the arm before stepping back towards Rebecca’s private room. ‘Come on. I’ll help Rebecca get comfortable and then you can hop in bed with her. I won’t tell the nurses,’ she whispered as she flashed me a wink and opened the door.
Grabbing her arm in surprise, I lowered my voice so Becky wouldn’t hear. ‘Really? Won’t I hurt her?’
Karen grinned at me again, presumably amused at what a fucking softie I was, but then shook her head. ‘As long as you don’t lie on top of her, you’ll be fine to have a little cuddle.’ Her demeanour lightened further as she addressed Becky. ‘Hi, Becky! I’m so glad everything’s settled down now. And twins, eh? That was a bit of a surprise, wasn’t it?’ Karen chuckled, placing her hands on her hips and grinning at both Rebecca and me in turn. ‘Can’t believe I didn’t spot that at your last scan. One of them must have been hiding!’
She moved to the side of the bed, picked up a spare pillow, and nodded her head. ‘ So, your lovely young man says you’re uncomfortable. You’re fine to move, just take it easy when you do. Shall we try lying on your side?’
Rebecca smiled with relief, nodding her head enthusiastically as Karen pulled the blankets back to expose Rebecca’s bare legs. I tensed slightly, feeling my irrational jealousy rising to the surface as I saw all the pale skin being revealed, and had to ram my hands in my pockets to stop myself snatching the blanket and pulling it back over her. Rolling my eyes, I remained fixed to the spot and let Karen do her job. I would always dislike anyone seeing my girl half-dressed, even if it was our midwife, but at least now I knew my reaction was irrational, I supposed.
‘On my side with a pillow between my knees and one under the bump has been the most comfortable for sleeping
recently,’ Rebecca informed her as she shifted gingerly with Karen’s gentle guidance. I was itching to help out, but too unsure of what I should do. I seemed to feel like that a lot at the moment.
Once my girl was on her side with the pillows in place, Karen turned and flashed me a wink. ‘You can hop in now, Nicholas. I hope you enjoy your spooning,’ she added with a wink before bidding us goodnight and leaving.
I approached the bed and leaned down close to Becky’s head and gently brushed some hairs back from her brow. A tightness constricted my chest as she smiled up at me. Her expression was so open, seeming to shine with how she felt about me. God, I loved her so much. I still couldn’t believe I’d found her.
‘Do you need anything, baby?’ I asked softly, my voice tight with emotion as I found myself unable to resist the temptation of cupping her cheek. Her eyes fluttered shut and she nuzzled into my hand with a soft humming sound that made the tautness in my chest constrict even more.
‘Just you, wrapped around me,’ she replied softly, turning her face to place a kiss on my palm.
Well, OK. I might have been feeling a bit unsure of what I could do to help recently, but snuggling was certainly within my areas of expertise. A smile pulled at my lips at my last thought. Snuggling had never been something I’d entertained before Rebecca. Women had literally never stayed in my bed long enough for any sort of affectionate behaviour to occur. Sex had been nothing more than a release for me, and as I thought about it now I realised just how unsatisfactory those encounters had been.
I bent down to place a quick kiss on her brow and walked to the opposite side of the bed, kicking off my shoes as I went. As we were in a hospital, I decided to keep my clothes on. I carefully climbed into the bed and shifted myself across until I was spooned around Becky’s warmth as closely as I could get.
Inhaling the scent of her hair, I closed my eyes with a smile and looped an arm over her so I could link our fingers on top of her bump. Rebecca let out a contented sigh and wiggled her bum backwards to get more contact with me, which predictably sent a twitch straight to my cock and made her giggle.