Hale to Pay (Arrangement Series Book 6)

by Francesca Penn

  Imala didn’t care about decoration details. I’m glad she’d given free rein to Karessa because I was able to pick the items and have a say. Karessa and I proved we were a dream team for my birthday party, and we did it again for the wedding.

  My wife gasps when she finds the indoor woodland forest theme we set up for her. We’d pulled the scenery from her favorite book turned movie. I had to watch that scene about five times then eventually told Karessa which part of the movie to watch to bring my vision alive.

  In the corner of my eye, I see my parents hug Berke and by the time Imala and I take the floor for our first dance, they are comfortably having a conversation. That’s never happened.

  “Thank you again. I love what you’ve done,” I confess.

  Her big, almost black eyes pop with surprise. “And what was that?”

  “Getting my brother to cooperate. It means so much to me to have him here and getting along with others.”

  “I’d do it again if I had to,” she confesses and damn I want to drag her out of here. “This reception is something from my dreams. Thank you.”

  “I hope you like the wedding song I picked. I thought it’d be nice to have a little fun.”

  “If it’s YMCA, you’ll be grounded, too.”

  We laugh at the thought as Adore You by Harry Styles starts. I wanted a song that expressed deep affection. I didn’t want to scare her with something extra lovey. Now wasn’t the time even with me knowing I’m falling for her more every damn day.

  Her smile is frame worthy as she mouths. “Good choice.”

  Imala has no idea how I feel about the words of the song. The upbeat song and the amusement she displayed while dancing with me set the tone for the rest of our reception. It was delightfully drama free but too fucking long for me. I’m ready for the real party to begin. Especially since she left with her sisters and returned in a white, lacy romper with sparkly jeweled and pearl Chuck Taylor shoes. I smile at the sight; she looks sexy, but I knew those heels wouldn’t last long.

  “Could you not display your thoughts about my angel all over your face, asshole?” I didn’t see or hear Oran coming due to watching my wife work the room.

  “And if you’d known you and Karessa were having a real wedding night?”

  I feel him burning a hole in the side of my face. “Stop bringing up the past.”

  Smiling, I take another sip of my drink. “You two have been married a hair over eight months and she’s already visibly pregnant, and your very best friend hasn’t made it a year and he is already a father of two, hypocrite.”

  “Rawr, someone is sexually frustrated. Has Esme come to see you yet?”

  I look at him confused by his statement, but his eyes have drifted off to his own wife.

  “No, why?”

  He pats my shoulder then pushes off the wall he was just leaning on. “She will.”

  As if she was conjured, Esme pulls me on the dance floor. “Dance with me, brother-in-law.”

  “Um. Okay.”

  Stevie Wonder’s Always pumps through the room and we step to the beat.

  Esme looks up at me, too serious for a wedding. “First, I’d like to thank you for protecting our sister. It was a valiant thing to do.” Her serious face changes to threatening. “But if you hurt her, you’re gonna need someone to protect you. Don’t let this pretty face fool you, new brother. I. Will. Cut. You. Twice because she’s the baby.”

  Ah, this is what Oran meant.

  “Yes ma’am,” I tell the little gangster.

  “Now, spin me.”

  I’m spinning Esme back to me when I notice Imala dancing with Berke.

  Interesting. Neither look uncomfortable so it must be amicable. Seeing them together makes me realize how important it is to me for my family to get along, especially my brother and wife. I hope Berke doesn’t revert to his standoffish ways.

  “How about a sibling swap?” Esme suggests. “You get your bride and I’ll get your brother to say dirty things to me with his accent.”

  Esme’s plan makes me chuckle. “One swap coming up.”

  Esme goes to Berke and I take Imala just as the music slows.

  “We’ve been here too fucking long,” I whisper but she’s staring up towards the speakers as if she can see the music.

  I’d emailed the DJ a list of all the songs I’ve sent her to be filtered in with his playlist. She’d seemed to notice by the third song but once she hears Gorilla, her mouth falls open just enough to make me want to taste her. My desire to leave triples as my dick hardens. Now I know which song affected her the most.

  “Imala,” I say her name to get her attention. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “But—" she stalls, but I quiet her.

  “No, sweetheart. It’s time.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Imala

  I’d practically stalled until Wyn was seconds from dragging my ass out of the reception. It’s not that I don’t want him, I do. My body reacts to his touch in ways that are still foreign to me. Now, there’s nothing holding us back. This isn’t cuddling with him to fall asleep because I was scared. No, this is baby making. And judging by the lingerie my sisters picked out, dirty baby making. How did I let them talk me into not looking at it until the wedding night? It’s practically straps of lace. The one-piece getup is a G-string with a front that barely covers my...uncharted territory. The strap of lace travels up my belly then veers off into strips that cover only my areolas. In other words, my whole tit will be out if I sneeze wrong. I guess that’s the point.

  Using the plush white towel, I wipe some of the condensation from my shower off the mirror to get a better look at my ensemble.

  Oh my, nothing is left to the imagination.

  I take my hair out of its top knot and finger comb it until it frames my face and falls into soft waves around my shoulders. I take a deep breath to calm the butterflies in my belly.

  This is normal. People have sex all the time. No one has died from it, right?

  I fight the urge to research the answer by channeling my energy into brushing my teeth, again.

  My hormones chastise me when I reach for my makeup bag. Noting their disapproval, I put it down and give myself a pep talk.

  "Get your shit together Imala LeClaire." The glint from my ring catches my eye. I correct myself "Hale. Imala Hale."

  Fortified, I take one step to the door then two steps back. I try once more with the same result. I'm damn near naked! I can't go out there like that. I'm not ashamed of my body; I'm just not used to sharing it and doing so in such a bold way is daunting.

  Grabbing the plush cotton robe, I wrap it around my body and tie the sash.

  Ah. Much better.

  The robe has me so comfortable, I forget the goal, swing open the door, and am ready for bed until my eyes lock with Wyn's sexually heated ones. My hormones squeal like fangirls and my brain yells retreat.

  It's too late. I'm locked in, and although he's seated comfortably in the hotel chair - donned in pajama pants and a t-shirt - I know for a fact he'd follow me in the bathroom if I attempt to retreat.

  The air is thick with anticipation and I take cautious, measured steps towards Wyn. His tongue slides across his bottom lip and I’m now wondering how it’ll feel on my body.

  “Are you wearing lingerie?” he asks, his voice has a husky quality I haven’t heard before.

  “Yes, it’s rather revealing. I let my sisters pick it out and they didn’t let me open it until today. It’s…” I trail off when Wyn holds up a finger to silence me.

  “Don’t tell me about it. Show me.”

  I shiver at the command. He’s not like the Wyn I knew before today, yet it feels right. Untying my robe, I watch Wyn as he reacts to me damn near revealing my naked body to him.

  “Turn,” his voice is tight with arousal and my center dampens in response.

  Faintly nodding, I turn in a circle. Wyn is smirking when our eyes meet again.

  Did I put it on wrong?r />
  “I didn’t ask you to spin, Caterpillar. Turn around. Slowly.” Doing as I’m told, I turn around. “Stop right there,” he tells me when my ass is facing him. “Damn, Imala. You look so fucking sexy in that. The only problem is I want to rip it off.”

  Shocked, I turn to face him again. He’s sitting with his legs spread, the outline of his erection holds me hostage. I’m unable to take my eyes off it and the more I fixate on it the harder it gets. Wyn rubs it and while I can’t tear my eyes away, my body likes the visual.

  “Come here, Imala.” I move until I’m standing between his legs. “Sit.”

  My mouth works like it wants to protest. I’m torn between the prude and the slut. The slut decides that I’m married, and the prude has ruled long enough. Temptation wins because I’m lowering myself in his lap. Wyn grabs my hips and pulls me to him securely.

  This is the first time I’ve felt an erection in any capacity and it’s thrilling. My body tingles at the feel of it pressing my thigh.

  Wyn trails kisses along my shoulder, up my neck and by the time he reaches my chin, I’m relaxing my back against his chest.

  Strong fingers grip my jaw and tilt my head back. Wyn’s mouth covers mine, finally giving the type of kiss I’ve only read about. My nipples bead painfully against the fabric of the lingerie. He pulls away before I can moan.

  “Imala, baby, I want you so damn bad but we’re gonna do things differently tonight.”

  I swallow the dismay I feel. I hope he’s not going to back out. I’m nervous but I want to experience this with Wyn.

  “Tonight, it’s your way. I’m not doing anything until you tell me to do it.”

  His announcement makes me gasp. “Isn’t that for advanced lovers? How will I know?” I protest.

  Wyn’s hands snake up my thighs and I’m amazed at how I tingle beneath his touch.

  “Trust your body. You’ll know what you want.” He nips the back of my neck and a whimper escapes. “Guide me with your desires.”

  “Okay, um…” I stand up trying to figure out how to take the lead. I opt to go with the obvious. “Undress me slowly. Don’t rip it.”

  Wyn chuckles and rises. He turns me away from him. His body heat warms my back and the gentle glide of his fingers on my exposed neck and back weakens my knees. Making him take the slow approach is more torture than I anticipated. The lace teases me along with his touch. He has me dripping wet by the time I’m nude.

  Watching him take in my body is its own level of foreplay. Wyn is sitting on his knees on the floor as he studies me like I’m a statue built out of the finest marble. It’s intoxicating. I wonder why he hasn’t moved until I remember his deal. I’m in charge.

  “Stand up, Wyn.” He does as I say, and my eyes fall back to his body part tenting his pants. “Take off your shirt.”

  The sight of his bare chest is something I’ve secretly fantasized about long before we came up on an agreement. I wasn’t as far gone as Karessa with Oran, but Wyn has been on my mind since we officially met at the wedding.

  His chest moves with each breath and I’m sure I can get off from watching his abs contract. He’s only about a foot away from me but it’s too far.

  “Kiss me,” I whisper.

  Caerwyn is on me fast, grabbing my waist and pulling me close. I don’t realize how sensitive my nipples are until they rub his bare chest. He leans in until his lips are a breath from mine.

  “Where?” he asks. “Be specific.” His jaw clenches as he tries to tamp down his excitement. “The more explicit the better.”

  Damn.

  My belly flutters from his instructions. I want to be as bad as he wants me to be but I’m still working on it.

  “Kiss me,” I run my finger along his lips. “Here.”

  I can’t hold back the moan that falls out when he claims my mouth. I wrap my arms around his neck and my fingers slide through his hair. Wyn teases me with his tongue until I demand with my lips for him to give me what I want. Melting. That’s the only way to describe how my body melds into his. It's almost overwhelming. I pull away and step out of his embrace.

  Turning, I walk to the bed and sit on the edge. “Come here.”

  He stops at the edge of the bed and I lie down. Being brave, I look him in his hot eyes and speak my next command. “Strip.”

  Wyn sucks his bottom lip between his teeth. Too slow for my liking, he unties his pants. I see a light dusting of hair when he pushes his pants down. My eyes move to the part of him I’m most curious about right now. He’s beautiful. Seeing him naked is such a treat that I roll to my side just to peruse my trophy.

  He’s mine and that’s not changing anytime soon. Wyn -- naked and aroused -- stands there, allowing me to inspect his body without a trace of bashfulness. In fact, he puts his hands on his hips and smiles down at me.

  “Like what you see?”

  I snap my fingers. “Oh, right. You expect me to oversee this. Okay, I’m giving back the reins. I say you take over.”

  Wyn’s grin is wicked as he walks over to me and climbs on the bed until he’s hovering over me. His erection pokes my belly, making me nervous and excited.

  “Okay, since I’m in charge. I command you to tell me what you want.”

  I scoff because I should have known his lawyer side would come out to play.

  “Ugh...fine. Kiss me again.”

  He complies by delivering teasing pecks that do nothing but frustrate me. Grabbing his head, I pull him flush against my body and take the kiss I want. My tongue slides into his mouth, enjoying the taste of him. His hands are still at my sides and haven’t moved to touch me.

  “Touch me,” I beg against his lips.

  “Where?”

  “Everywhere.”

  I don’t have specifics right now. I just want his hands all over me. Wyn drops to his left, so he’s partially on top of me and his leg pushes mine apart. I whimper through the kiss at the feel of his thumb teasing my nipple. His touch ignites my need to experience anything I’ve ever read that made me blush. My lack of requests is the only thing standing between me and the things I wish to try.

  Luckily, verbally isn’t the only way to make requests. Wyn groans through our kiss when I push his hand down and between my legs. I suck in a breath when his fingers glide over my sensitive nub. I rock my hips to seek that pleasure again.

  “Again,” I request with my hand moving his back where I want it.

  “Okay,” he sighs and moves his kisses to my neck. “Guide my hand. Show me how you like it.”

  His request makes my center throb. I would have never thought guiding a man to pleasure me with his hand would be so hot. Closing my eyes, I focus on the feeling of having Wyn’s naked body warm against mine. Instinctively, my hand begins moving the way it does when I’m alone in the dark with nothing but my fantasies. But I’m lying next to the only man I’ve desired. I open my legs wider, encouraging him to go deep and rub harder.

  Our similar breathing means he’s just as into it as I am. Losing my last drop of reserve, I rock my hips harder and moan his name when a pleasant heat warms my body. His answering excited intake of breath breaks the last bit of resistance and I experience the most heightened release I’ve ever had to date.

  He takes over, teasing me enough to intensify the feeling. I’m no longer nervous about the next steps. I want it all more than ever.

  Wyn smiles at me but his eyes storm with reserved desire. I open my mouth to tell him how great it was but something else comes out.

  “Now do that with your tongue.”

  His reserve breaks and he grabs my inner thigh hard while stealing another kiss.

  “Are you asking me to eat your pussy?” His erection runs a damp trail along my thigh.

  “Not asking,” I confirm.

  He nips at my lips then retreats to respond. “Then command it and mean it. Tell me to eat your sweet pussy.”

  “Sweet?” I ask.

  Wyn sucks his still wet fingers into his mouth. “Very.”<
br />
  Shit. I’ll repeat anything he wants…

  “Eat me, Wyn. I want to know what it feels like.”

  Wyn repositions us until he’s between my spread legs with them resting on his shoulders.

  “Not only will you learn how it feels, you’ll be very familiar from now on.”

  I don’t respond because seeing and feeling him lick me is more than enough stimulation to occupy my mind.

  My hips buck at the jolt I feel when he sucks my clit into his mouth. He lets it go with a pop and then circles my opening with the tip of his tongue. Wyn sticks it inside of me and retreats, introducing me to all the different feelings and going with what gets him a bigger reaction from me. I almost die when he spits on it, then dives back in like I’m a gourmet buffet. I cry out and grab his hair to encourage him to keep doing whatever he’s doing. Wyn is driving me out of my mind and sex seems less daunting and more like the thing I need in my life or I’ll die. My body breaks and his name pops out of my mouth like a plea. He holds my quivering thighs open as he continues to perform witchcraft. In minutes he has me questioning my earlier self for hiding in the bathroom.

  Now, his desire is all out, shining in his eyes, flowing in his blood, and emitting off his body. There is no putting him back. We have no choice but to move forward.

  “Do it,” I tell him.

  “It?” he teases.

  He wants me to be specific, so I’ll go to the base. “Fuck me, Wyn.”

  He clenches his jaw, but it doesn’t stop the growl in his throat. Wyn rubs the blunt tip of his dick along my slit.

  “You’re ready for me, baby?”

  “More than ready.”

  He presses forward while keeping his eyes on mine. I’m sure I don’t have a hymen, but my body still has to stretch. Luckily, two orgasms made everything very wet.

  The first inch makes me shudder and the reality of it is not as polarizing as I’d believed it would be. Wyn does a series of mini strokes - pulling out and sliding in further-- until I lose patience.

  “I’m a big girl. I can take it. Just go.”