A Christmas Wish--A Contemporary Erotic Feel Good Christmas Romance (Darkest Fears Christmas Special, Book Four)

by Clair Delaney

  I close my eyes too, savouring the moment. “I know,” I whisper back, ‘just takes some getting used to,’ I add. “Please don't be mad with me,” I beg, remembering our one and only fight about money that happened in Cornwall, before we were married...

  I am standing before him, my arms crossed, my foot tapping, feeling way beyond mad. How can he not see my point of view, or more to the point, at least hear me out!

  “Tristan!’ - “Absolutely not! No Coral. I will not agree to this. End of.” He’s fuming, well so am I.

  I narrow my eyes at him. “Tristan, will you at least hear my side of the argument?”

  “This isn’t an argument, or a debate. I will not budge on this Coral. And I won't say it again, this conversation is over.” His voice is sharp and to the point. I feel like a child that’s being scolded.

  “You are not the boss of me!” I can't help raising my voice. And some sadistic side of me wants to laugh out loud at myself, because he is my boss.

  “No, I’m not. But I damn well have the right to do whatever I want with my wealth. You have no say in this!” He shouts.

  “But I want a say in this!” I shout back.

  Yet again, we are two angry fools, glaring at one another.

  I take a deep breath to attempt to get this out right. “Tristan, think of the consequences, the what ifs? That’s all it needs. Couples get divorced all the time. Just because we love each other, it doesn’t make us immune you know!” I shout, my teeth clenching together.

  He takes a deep calming breath with closed eyes – he really is mad. Then, taking a step towards me, he takes hold of both of my hands in his, and bends slightly so we are eye to eye.

  “Ok, for the last time. I do understand your point of view, I really do. But if we were – god forbid – to divorce, then I would want you taken care of’ – “I can take’ – ‘care of yourself. Yes. You have expressed this on several occasions, to the point of annoyance. I am well aware of how strong and independent you are, it’s one of the many things about you that I fell in love with. But I mean it Coral, there’s no more discussion to be had.” He stares back at me, his face dead serious. I want to stamp my feet like a child, instead I pull my hands out of his and start pacing the room.

  “That’s not fair,” I bite back, defiantly.

  “Fair or not fair. You are not having a prenup, I won't allow it.”

  “And what if I get my own prenup made?” I say, my head held high, thinking how clever I am for coming up with that thought.

  “It wouldn’t stand up in court darling. I’m the wealthy one, not you.” Ugh, he is so annoying sometimes!

  “Tristan, don't you see? I’m trying to protect you.” I say, my tone begging.

  “I don't need protecting. And I don't see why you can’t get your head around the fact that when we marry, actually even now, all that is mine is yours, and always will be.” He argues back.

  “That’s not fair. If we divorced I wouldn’t want any of your money.” I state firmly, hating the thought of not being with him. “Why should I get any of your hard earned money? It’s not mine to have. You made that money before I ever met you. It’s yours, not mine!” I shout, totally exasperated with him.

  Tristan sighs heavily, and mumbles to himself. I think he said ‘for the love of god’ but I’m not sure. He sits on the edge of the sofa, places his elbows on his knees, folds his hands together and rests them against his mouth. He’s staring out the window – and I know he’s contemplating something, but what I don't know – So I take this as my opportunity to be really honest, even though it’s scary.

  Kneeling down in front of him, I look up at him. “I’m afraid.” I tell him solemnly.

  His eyebrows knit together in concern. “What are you afraid of baby?” He asks, his demeanour softening. I shake my head, it’s so hard saying what I feel, but I know I must, so I take a deep breath and begin.

  “I’m afraid...that everyone is going to think that I only married you because you’re rich. I’m afraid that unless I do this, you’ll think I only married you because you’re rich. I’m afraid that people will think that I seduced...or tricked you into a quick marriage so I could get my hands on your money.” I take another breath, find some courage from somewhere, and continue.

  “A prenuptial agreement will put my mind at rest, and hopefully, any fears or doubts you may secretly have about my true feelings. And people will know that I never married you for money, I married you because I fell in love with you.” There, I said it. I look up at him to find he looks shocked.

  He reaches down and places his hands either side of my face. His intense look is back, it really does shake my foundations when he looks at me like that, like he would die for me.

  “Not for a second, have I ever doubted your true feelings for me. Believe me baby, I have met so many women who just want to be a trophy wife, who will only marry for money. They want the luxury, the lifestyle, the clothes, the holidays, the jewellery – You are not them, in any way, it’s just not possible. You are the most genuine, real, honest woman I have ever met in my life. I have fallen in love with you Coral Stevens, and I want you to be my wife, and if that means that you automatically become rich too, then so be it. I don't give a damn what anyone thinks.” He gently strokes my cheek then continues.

  “Besides, look at it this way, who do you know that would think like that? People you don't even care about, that’s who. The people that do matter, your family and friends, know that you would never marry for money. And that my darling, is all you should be concerned about. So can we please agree on no prenuptial agreement? Please baby, I’m begging you,” he says, his voice totally sincere.

  I sigh heavily. I don't want to give in to this, and I know Tristan can see my reluctance, so he continues.

  “Coral, if we had one, and something happened to me, and you were left with nothing, how could I say I ever cared for you? Don't you understand? It’s my duty to provide for you. And it will be my honour to be your husband, and the father of our children. Don't take away my peace of mind that if something happened to me, you and our future children would not be taken care of because of some stupid piece of paper.” He takes a breath, and gazes down at me with softer, chocolate brown eyes.

  “Please Coral, stop fighting me, and let’s agree that we don't need a prenuptial agreement. Please...please darling,” he begs.

  Tears spring to my eyes. I can't even begin to think about him not being in my life. I am lost for words, so I just nod my head once. Tristan leans his forehead against mine for a moment, then his lips reach mine, and the argument is forgotten...

  “Mad?” He asks, sitting up straight, his eyes searching mine.

  I sigh outwardly. “Yeah mad...I’m trying Tristan, I really am. It’s taken time, but I’ve only just got used to having Edith around, everything else...’ I shake my head again, thinking about my new car, the yacht, my own business, this wonderful big house. “I just need time baby, for it all to sink in,” I say, and place my hands on his cheeks. “Hey...you got me to agree to not having a prenuptial agreement didn’t you, isn’t that enough?” I ask.

  He looks a little guilty. “I had a fair point,” he says.

  I cock an eyebrow up. “You’re a damn good solicitor, that’s what you are. No wonder you always won, you’re very convincing when you want to be,” I say, smiling at him.

  His face falls, and he’s suddenly intense. “Every word I said was true,” he states passionately.

  And now I feel guilty for saying that he convinced me using his mad skills.

  I look down, and shake my head. “I’m sorry Tristan, I didn’t mean it the’ – “I know you didn’t,” he softly says, and we stare at one another again, the small difference of opinion forgotten.

  He smiles widely at me, my face automatically responds with a wide smile of my own, and my guilt is forgotten. “Did you need something baby? Or were you missing me?” He asks, giving me a little squeeze. And I also know this is his way
of subtly telling me he needs to get on, he’s a very busy man.

  I lean forward and peck his lips again. “I always miss you when I’m not with you,” I tell him, ‘but I do have something I wanted to ask you,” I say, feeling lighter and happy.

  “What’s that?” he says, his tone playful.

  “Wanna come shopping with me tomorrow? Or are you too busy?” I ask.

  “Shopping? I thought Danny took Edith yesterday?” he says, serious again.

  “He did, I meant Christmas shopping, just for decorations and Edith’s present. We could go first thing, it shouldn’t be too busy, and then Edith said she’s going to help me decorate, so at least you can get back to work,” I say.

  “Are you trying to get rid of me?” he teases.

  I smile coyly at him. “Yes,” I tease back.

  “And what, may I ask, makes you think I don't want to do any decorating?” he asks.

  “You do?” I squeak, surprised.

  He’s intense again. “Coral, darling, this is our first Christmas together, our first Christmas in this house, our first Christmas as husband and wife. I want to decorate the house with you. Especially the tree...I always loved trimming the tree...” He drifts for a moment, and I know he’s thinking about his folks, and suddenly he looks up at me, and gently places his hands on my cheeks. “There are so many reasons to celebrate this year...” he says.

  “Yes,’ I whisper, moved by the moment, ‘there are my love.” I lean down and plant my lips on his.

  Edith knocks the door, interrupting us. “Come,” Tristan shouts...

  Two

  EDITH WALKS INTO THE OFFICE and smiles widely at Tristan – Sometimes I think she’s happier than me that we met. Or maybe it’s her motherly love for Tristan that makes her so pleased to see him happy?

  “Everything alright Edith?” Tristan asks, his hand secretly squeezing my butt cheek - I try to keep a straight face.

  “Yes,’ she says, ‘you wanted some brunch when I finished with the Casserole,” she reminds him.

  The man still eats like a horse – And I was right, Casserole, yummy!

  “So what would you like?” she adds.

  “Coral?” Tristan asks. Is he kidding?

  Tristan seems to be under the impression that since our scare with Kane, I have lost my appetite. Even though I have tried to explain to him many times, that my lack of appetite has nothing to do with Kane, and everything to do with being in love with him, he looks at me in complete disagreement. In-fact I would go so far as to say he doesn’t believe me, which is really annoying.

  Ugh! He is one stubborn man!

  “I’m not eating!” I tell him firmly.

  He instantly looks frustrated with me. “Coral’ – “Edith,’ I say and look up at her, ‘can you give us a second?” I ask nicely – and I know she can tell that Tristan’s about to get it.

  “Of course,” she says - and she can't scuttle out of his office quick enough.

  I’m up onto my feet in a flash, my hands on my hips as I stare down at him still sat in the chair. His face looks contrite, like he knows he’s about to be told off – and so he should be!

  “Stop it Tristan. It’s 10.30 in the morning. I ate one hour ago. I am not hungry, so therefore I will not be eating again.” I try to keep my cool – but he really is driving me crazy with the eating thing. I know I’m going to have to sit down at some point, when he’s not working, and talk rationally to him about it.

  He sighs heavily as his hand comes up to his mouth, his forefinger tapping his top lip - He’s contemplating something, I know that. But as we continue to stare intensely at one another, I start to wither under his gaze. All of a sudden I’m feeling hot and flustered, yet shy and self-conscious too like I did when we first met – How can he still affect me like this?

  He notices this, and his head cocks to the side as a very sexy smile starts to spread across his face. Ugh! He’s winning, wearing me down with his sexiness!

  “Don't look at me like that!” I tell him – I am not in the mood for games – but I feel the smile beginning to form on my face – God damn it!

  His grin widens. “Like what?” he teases in his most sexy voice.

  “Tristan!” I warn.

  He stands fluidly, quickly, making me catch my breath. His look is so heated, his eyes dark. “Yes?” he questions, upping the stakes.

  I automatically take a step back as a wonderful frisson of excitement floods my body, making my heart race, and my breathing speed up. “What do you want?” I ask, my voice trembling slightly, giving me away.

  “You,” he says, taking another step towards me, a prowler about to catch his prey.

  “Well you can't!” I tease, and take another step back – This is fun, and sexy!

  “Why not?” He questions, and steps forward again – My heart is pumping loudly against my chest, I want to scream like a girl and run, knowing he’ll catch me.

  I take a deep rasping breathe. “Because you drive me crazy – that’s why!” I pant, a little of the frustration I felt a moment ago coming back.

  He smiles coyly at me and closes the distance between us a little more, we are only a few feet away from each other now. “And you’ll deny me this moment, this kiss?” he says, sending his scent towards me. I look down and see he’s well past turned on; his erection is very visible as it tries to break free from his jeans.

  “That’s all you want – a kiss?” I question seductively. Feeling well and truly turned on too.

  “Yes, a kiss,” he whispers.

  And I’m about to launch myself at him, and have mad, crazy sex on his desk, but right at that moment I get a flashback – I haven’t had one in weeks – and he’s there on the floor in the swimming pool room and I can't get him breathing, he won’t wake up – It’s the only nightmare that plagues me now, although I try my best to hide it from him.

  “Coral?” He questions, concerned now.

  I shake my head and try to push the image away, but it won't go – No!

  “Baby,” he’s instantly over to me, and wraps me up in his arms. I reciprocate, my arms clutching tightly to his back. I squeeze my eyes shut as I rest my head on his chest, and try to calm myself down, bring my breathing back to normal. “I got you,” he adds, as he gently rocks me.

  “I’m sorry,” I croak.

  “You didn’t do anything wrong Coral,” he softly tells me.

  “I spoiled the game,” I whisper, squeezing him tighter, the image is finally fading. Thank god!

  “No you didn’t,” he tells me firmly, and plants a sweet kiss on the top of my head. “Coral, you haven’t had a moment like this in weeks, so don't be so hard on yourself. You’ve changed so much since I met you, and I wish you would give yourself more credit for that.” I feel his lips kiss my hair again, and inhale deeply. “I think you are incredible, and you have fantastic smelling hair,” he adds lightly, which makes me chuckle - And I love him so much for making me feel better.

  “Thanks,” I squeak, smiling a little now.

  “Want to talk about it?” He softly asks, rubbing his hands across my shoulders and back – I know he does this because he’s worked out that it comforts me.

  “No thanks,” I whisper, feeling guilty for not sharing.

  “Alright,” he says and kisses the top of my head again.

  And now he waits, patiently, for whatever it is I need – You see, Tristan and I have developed a pattern, as most couples do I guess. If I don't move, it’s like he knows I need to be held for a long time, and he does this for me, without complaint, although I think he might like it too. And whenever he asks if I want to talk about it, and I don't, he doesn’t ask again, he just lets it be. It’s like he knows when to push and when not to, and I would go so far as to say he knows the difference between a memory invading my thoughts, and some silly fear about the future – God I love him for this!

  “Thank you baby,” I whisper, giving him another squeeze. Then, resting my chin on his chest, I look u
p into his warm, soulful eyes.

  “Better?” he softly asks, as he takes my face in his hands, and lightly kisses my lips.

  “I am now,” I softly say – I seem to recover far quicker than I ever have from moments like these – and I know it’s all down to Tristan, and his love for me.

  He smiles softly as he silently runs his fingers through my hair, and then he becomes serious again, in fact I’d say a little sad.

  “What are you looking so sad about?” I whisper, searching his face for the answer. His eyebrows scrunch together, and he shakes his head once, so I know I’m right, he was sad for a moment.

  “Sometimes,” he whispers, ‘I am blown away by the fact that you are mine my love. I never thought I would have this,” he adds, and I’m sure he’s referring to his old beliefs, his shaken confidence. And I know there’s so much more to him losing his folks and being alone that he’s never told me about, and that’s ok, I’ll never push him to share what he doesn’t want to, but like him with me, I just wish I could take it away for him.

  I close my eyes to his sweet words, rest my head on his chest for a second then look up at him, wanting to cheer him up, the way he cheered me up. “Ok, so you want to tell me what you’re hungry for?” I ask with a smile, feeling back to where I was before that...moment.

  His one eyebrow cocks up. “How about you tell me why you have your boots on?” he asks, his mood also lighter.

  “I’m off to see Mom and Dad, and to invite them for Christmas,” I say. “And then I’m going to see Bob,” I add, remembering in that moment to call before I head over, as I swear Gladys and Malcolm have been at it the couple of times I’ve popped over unannounced, and I do not want to catch them at it again – ever.

  Tristan looks annoyed. “You’re supposed to be taking it easy today,” he lightly scolds.

  I think he keeps forgetting that I recently promoted Lucy to Supervisor at the sandwich shop Tristan bought for me, which is more like a swanky snack bar now, and hired another full time member of staff due to the fact that since all the changes I suggested were implemented, business is booming.