by Wynn, Renee
“You want me,” he said matter-of-factly and without shame. “Do something about it.”
Nicole frowned at his audacity. She pressed a hand against her stomach to calm the butterflies caused by his words. He was up to something. Ashton never lost at anything and she knew he wasn’t about to in this situation.
He placed a hand at the back of her head and pulled it forward for a kiss. She allowed it.
“Is this part of the game?”
His brows furrowed. “It never was a game, Nicole.”
“I’m glad.”
She devoured his lips as if she was starving trying to get her fill with one gulp. He groaned deep in his throat but let her continue the journey of control. Nicole whimpered softly. The kiss was desperate and needy. They hadn’t kissed like this in a long time. Ashton stopped the ravage and lifted his lips from hers. She objected and tried to recapture his.
“Nicole?”
He gulped in huge amounts of air. Nicole’s heart was beating so rapidly, she thought sure he could hear it.
“Yes,” she said hoarsely.
“You’re intoxicating and I want to make love to you desperately.” He ran his tongue down her neck followed by a kiss on her smooth shoulder.
Nicole trembled at the touch of his lips, taking deep breaths to calm the flutters in her stomach. She moved closer. She wanted him more than anything at that moment. He lifted his head and brought his eyes back to hers. “But it’s your decision.”
“I know,” Nicole whispered, with her lips against his bare chest. “I’ve never felt like this with anyone.” Nicole’s tongue scaled his chest, drawing a nipple into her mouth.”
His breathing became harsh and choppy. “I’m so glad. You know I want to be your first in many things…your only lover, your only husband, the only father to all of your children.”
“I know.” Somehow she knew he wanted it all. All these years while she viewed Ashton as insignificant, she realized now that it was because she was in awe of him. But also his ability to make her see things she didn’t want to acknowledge scared her. She always felt so exhilarated in his presence.
She snuggled deeper into his chest seeking comfort and peace. The gentle thump of his heart against her face induced a sigh of contentment.
Ashton’s hands threaded through her hair. He lifted her head and held it between his hands. “You mean so such much to me. I don’t want you to ever think you can’t share yourself and your feelings.”
“That will be a first.”
“As will a lot of things with us. We’ll be equals in our marriage. Of course, we’re passionate creatures, which mean we are destined to fight. But just think how great the make-up sessions there will be. We’ll always resolve whatever issues there are between us. Nothing will remain dormant. That could ruin us and I won’t allow that. When I become overbearing and impossible, I want you to put me in my place.”
“No doubt about it.”
He smiled. “ I’ll depend on it, alright?”
She tipped her head to one side and squinted. “What do you get out of this?”
“I get the grand prize, you and our baby.”
He kissed her. Her hands wandered over the hard core of his arms and then slowly glided down to his stomach. His mouth continued its assault, hot and consuming. The slight roughness of his stubble grazed against her skin, sending excitement to her core. He tore his mouth from hers, lifted Nicole onto the counter and buried his face between her legs. She gasped at the sweet invasion of his tongue. At first, he teased her with nibbles but then latched on and drank her nectar.
Control was quickly fading. Her body shivered as hot fluid seeped from her onto his tongue. He came to his feet, grabbed her chin and brought her mouth back to his, fusing them together. She tasted heat and her essence on his tongue while her body screamed for release.
Ashton slid her body to the edge of the counter, unzipped his pants and let them fall around his ankles, all the while keeping his eyes on hers. She glanced down and caught her breath when she realized he wasn’t wearing boxers or briefs but his cock was hard and ready.
“Place your hands on my shoulders and hold tight.”
Instinctively, she did. “Bed.”
“Too late for that,” his voice was rough and raspy. “Before we leave this house for good, I’m going to make love to you in each room, chair, table and countertop.”
Hearing those words, an onslaught of an orgasm started slow and built to a rushing crescendo in her lower body.
“Not yet, baby,” he said, likely pinching the folds of her clit together to stop the release. He then inserted two fingers and worked them through the tightness. She threw back her head at the sensation, struggling not to climax.
“Ash…”
“Shh,” he whispered, pulling his long fingers out. The naked raw heat of his penis touched the lips her entrance but he made no move to enter all the way. Heat clawed through veins, wanting him to end the torture. But he clearly was in no rush.
“Ashton. Now. Please.”
“You want me, baby?”
“Yes.”
“Then you,” he said on a groan, “will have me.”
He thrust deep, one swift stroke that had her releasing his shoulders and placing both hands of the edge of the counter backing up from the power of his entrance. But he wouldn’t have it. He grabbed her ass cheeks and pulled her closer, her mound touching the hairs around his cock. The connection had her writhing with pleasure. He rocked his hips in circular motions, which created a moan at the sensation of being filled to the brim. He plundered her vagina over and over again, pushing her higher, racing with her toward a finish just out of their reach.
All Nicole cared about was what Ashton was doing to her. His body pressed into hers, his body claiming hers, and his dark eyes clouded with passion, he leaned over her, sweat pouring down his face, whispering erotic and wicked suggestions as he laid claim to her body with hot, hard thrusts.
She bit her lip hard to keep from screaming his name as a wave pleasure rippled through her body. A powerful orgasm overtook her but not before he tensed and uttered a loud groan a moment later, emptying his release into her.
Lifeless, his arm tightened, giving her a cushion while her head dropped on his shoulder.
Somewhere through a haze, Ashton asked, “Are you okay?”
She offered a tired smile. “Wonderful.”
Chapter Twelve
Nicole thanked the flight attendant for the drink, took a sip and set it down. The private jet was one of many Sinclair luxuries. Ashton who sat across from her conducting business on the phone but his eyes remained on her. She offered a smile and looked through the window of the plane. It was a lovely day with the clouds shaped like small pillows.
Three days ago, she and Ashton were married and he’d wasted no time arranging the nuptials. Within a few hours, he had pushed through the red tape, gotten a small church and a local minister to perform a religious ceremony all within twenty-four hours.
Before the wedding, a beautiful A-line eggshell gown, along with a stylist, arrived at her little house with all the trimmings, from the shoes, garter, and jewelry, which were diamond combs, for her hair. His thoughtfulness had brought tears to eyes. He’d left the house telling her there was some business he needed to attend to. When a car arrived to take her to the church, a little apprehensive at how fast things were moving she quelled the panic that threatened to overtake her.
Nicole had been surprised when she saw the quaint edifice decorated with her favorite pastel colors. She’d cried overwhelmed with all that was accomplished in such a short amount of time to make the day special and memorable. It would be remembered for the rest of her life. Beautiful roses of red, pink and yellow had aligned the altar. He’d thought of everything, even the large white orchids that made up her bouquet.
He had stood at the altar in a dark Armani suit with a pale yellow boutonniere in his lapel. A photographer and videographer were hired to rec
ord the entire service. The only thing missing had been their family and best friends. But other than that, the day had been perfect.
They spent their wedding night at the famous Fairmont Hotel. His lovemaking had gentle, but still shattering. They connected on a different level. She’d felt it and knew he did also. Nicole could tell by the way he held her afterwards. She never felt more cherished and worshipped. He’d continued to reach for her throughout the night. Finally, around dawn, they fell into a tired but satisfied sleep.
She glanced over at him. Although the phone conversation was tensed, his tone never changed.
They were now returning to Dallas as married couple. Ashton had called his parents and best friend on their wedding day to give them the news. Saying his parents were surprised was an understatement. Shocked, maybe a little upset, would be more appropriate. A message was left with the steward on her aunt’s cruise ship but she’d been on a week excursion and wouldn’t catch up with the ship until later. It was times like this she wished her aunt owned a cell phone but Marjorie Travis Ledbetter wouldn’t even allow her assistant to carry one. Eccentric and bohemian were good descriptions for her.
The day after the wedding, she’d called Sally and Danielle to give them the news. Sally squealed with delight but Danielle had been quiet, only asking if I was sure about the marriage. She’d assured her friends she was very happy.
“Would you like something else to drink before we land?”
So lost in her thoughts, she hadn’t realized he’d finished his call and now stood in front of her.
She pointed to the glass on the table beside her. “No, I’m fine with the club soda.”
“You didn’t tell me that you did the interview with Celebrity Insight.”
She lifted her brow. “It was a preliminary phone interview. Nothing has been finalized.”
“The transcript was sent to the office.”
“Really? That was quick. I only did it a couple of days ago.”
“My assistant read it to me over the phone. There was practically nothing personal in it.”
“You know that it will eventually have some personal details, don’t you? It’s the way of journalism. The readers look for it.” She tilted her head. “I won’t say anything that would make you uncomfortable.”
“The rag wants an exclusive.”
“And they will get it.”
“Why?”
“No one knows about our marriage. Once I reveal it everything will go viral. Your exclusiveness will no longer exist.”
“Damn. I guess it was bound to happen. But I trust your judgment to do what is best.”
“Wow. The great Ashton Sinclair relinquishes control. I’m impressed.”
Ashton didn’t answer but sat beside her and leaned back against the cushioned seat. He absently sipped his drink and then set the tumbler on the table unfinished. She’d kicked off her sandals and tucked her feet under her thighs.
His eyes lingered on the exposed thighs. Ashton’s hands slipped under her shorts and traveled further up her leg.
She inhaled sharply. “No, Ashton.”
“No, what?” he asked, moving his fingers in soothing circular motions.
“We’re about to land.”
“In twenty minutes.”
“I don’t want to be caught with my shorts down.”
“You won’t.”
“You’re insatiable.”
He placed his mouth on hers. “Only with you. But I won’t embarrass you.”
She gently pushed at his shoulders. “I’m not embarrassed.”
“You are. I like it.”
She frowned. “You mean me being naïve?”
He used his finger to smooth out the frown.
“Don’t ever be ashamed of anything that happens between us. Besides, you’re my wife and carrying my child—that makes you very experienced.”
He stood, pulled her gently from the seat, and brought one of her hands to his lips.
“I like us like this,” he said.
She smiled. “You do? Why?”
“It’s the closeness. It feels good.”
He surprised her with that.
“Yes, it’s really nice.”
“It’s more than nice,” he said as he took her mouth in a deep and thorough kiss.
###
They stepped off the plane into heat so suffocating that Nicole stumbled and swallowed the sudden nausea that rolled in her throat.
Ashton stopped. “Sweetheart, are you okay?” He examined her face with anxious eyes.
“Yeah. It’s just the heat. Being in San Francisco where the weather was much cooler made me forget how brutal Dallas summers can be.”
Ashton swept her up his arms and moved toward the waiting limo.
She shrieked. “Ashton, please put me down. I can walk.”
He nodded to the driver as he opened the door for them.
“I’m fine.” The blast of cold air hit her as soon as she settled back on the seat. She felt better immediately.
“Nicole, humor me, For my peace of mind I need to know you’re okay. I’m taking you home.”
“No, you are not. We promised your parents we would be there after we landed.”
“I’m calling to cancel.”
She touched his arm. “Please don’t. I’m really okay. I want to go.”
“I’m not going to jeopardize you or the baby.”
“Ashton.” Her voice was stern. “We’re going to your parents’ house.”
He pinched the edge of his nose and sighed deeply. “You know that you’re stubborn, don’t you?”
She lifted her eyes upward.
“Alright. But if I see you’re getting tired, we are done. You understand?”
She smiled and kissed him. “Yes, I do, husband.”
“Okay, wife,” he retorted.
An hour later they arrived at the sprawling Sinclair estate nestled over five hundred acres of prime Texas land. The mansion was massive with over thirty-five rooms. There were several guest cottages on the property along with a stable that housed prized Appaloosas. Two large outdoor pools surrounded the huge back yard with a large swim-up bar. She’d been coming to the estate since she was fifteen and spent many days swimming in their pools.
But the most famous thing on the estate was Ashton’s mother’s prize winning roses. She had won first place several years in a row at the state flower show, which was held in Austin.
Nicole was nervous. She was entering the great house as Ashton’s wife and not the niece of a very close friend.
Ashton leaned over and kissed her temple. The Sinclair’s long time butler stood erect in the door watching them. “Mr. Ashton.” He stepped aside so that they may enter the foyer. He nodded to Nicole. “Ms. Travis.”
Ashton frowned. “Nicole and I are married.”
A flush crept up his cheeks, causing the otherwise straitlaced butler’s eyes to widen with regret. “I’m sorry, sir. I stand corrected.” He bowed. “Mrs. Sinclair.”
Nicole rolled her eyes at Ashton and he lifted an arrogant brow. He could be brusque in his manners and needed to be taught diplomacy. Easing the tension, she smiled at the elderly gentlemen. “It’s good to see you, Cairns but please call me Nicole. Mrs. Sinclair is reserved for Ashton’s mother.”
“I’ll call you Mrs. Ashton,” he said, ignoring her request.
The butler was old-fashioned and formal in his beliefs. She wasn’t going to rock tradition. “That’s fine. How is your daughter, Mary?”
His stern face relaxed but not much. “Good, miss.”
“Please tell her I asked about her.”
“Yes, ma’am, I will.”
He looked at Ashton. “Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair are waiting for you in the great room.”
“Thanks, Cairns. We’ll go through. You don’t need to escort us.”
He inclined his head. “Certainly,” he said, and walked away.
Nicole whispered, “You scared the poor man.”
<
br /> Ashton slipped her hand into his. “Nothing or no one scares Cairns.”
Nicole gasped and he stiffened when they saw a large group of the Sinclair’s close friends and family scattered throughout the room. It seemed to be about fifty people or more. Ashton’s mother was sitting with a group of ladies near the patio doors. His father was leaning on the fireplace talking to one his of golfing partners.
She whispered. “I didn’t know all these people were going to be here.”
“Neither did I,” His voice rough with anger.
At that moment, Alexa Sinclair glanced up and hurried toward them.
“Darling, I’m glad you finally arrived. According to the pilot you arrived an hour ago. It doesn’t take that long from the airstrip to the house,” she chided. Her smile politely encompassed Nicole as she wrapped her arm through Ashton’s and produced a cheek for a kiss.
“Mother.” Ashton bestowed the customary kiss to his mother’s cheek, although his tone reflected irritation.
She mother ignored his tone. “You’ve been bad, getting married without telling your mother first.”
The product of an aristocratic Greek father and an Italian heiress she was an extremely beautiful woman. She was thin and regal with a pedigree that dated back to the first monarch of Greece, King Otto.
Her dark hair was trimmed in a curly bob around her head. Her piercing light blue eyes that came from her British grandmother were cool and unyielding at the moment. Nicole almost retreated from the look. Ashton’s mother wasn’t happy about them but she covered it well.
Nicole tried not to fidget but Alexa’s unsettling stare was making it difficult.
“What’s this, Mother?” Ashton nodded to the people in the room.
“Just a small gathering to welcome Nicole to the family,” she said with a tight smile on her face. “Since you took away the chance for me to plan a real wedding, we’ll give you a huge reception in a few weeks.”
“Mother—”
“Stop being a party pooper. You’re always so staid and rigid. Come on. It’s just a small group. You won’t believe how much energy and manipulating I had to do to get your father off the golf course.” She looked over at her husband and waved him over.
