Velvet Exhale
Page 22
I could only shake my head as Tom and I shook hands, offering a tight smile.
Tom smiled reassuringly. "Reyna, I wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but it's a pleasure to see you again. According to Claire's doctors, her surgery went well last night. She's recuperating nicely and their optimistic on a full recovery over the next month or two."
A month or two? My head started to swim and Noah squeezed me tighter into his muscular, therapeutic side, holding me up against another storm. "Thank you, Tom. How are Maddie and the twins?"
He smiled. "Far from danger. Our babysitter was a little overzealous in her report, but that's to be expected."
"May I see Claire?"
He nodded his eyes kind. "ICU fourth floor, room 118. You'll find Senator Smith waiting for you."
I choked back my apprehension of seeing Claire's mother again as Tom and Noah shook hands, murmuring low between them. Before I could blink or inhale my next breath, my super hottie gathered me in his arms and into the elevator, managing to press the fourth floor elevator button at the same time.
"I love you, Reyna," he breathed against my temple, his lips warm.
While I enjoyed his newfound admission completely wonderful and freely given, he made me worry and I pulled back to gaze up into his shard-like blue eyes. "I love you too, but is everything okay?"
He slipped a fingertip down my cheek. "Yes," he whispered. "I'm proud of your strength. You amaze me."
I shook my head, unwanted tears pricking my eyes. "No. No, I'm not," I said, unable to control my pout. "You're the only thing holding me together right now. Don't you know that?"
Noah smiled with sexy assurance. "Red, don't you know that if strength was bottled, your diamond water would be gold? I can't tell you enough how much everything is going to be okay. You've made it this far, baby. Just wait…I'll blow open the door of your happiness until your whining for more." He winked, leaning forward to brush his lips across mine.
A soft laugh escaped my lips. "Whining? Me? I think you have me confused with a sniveling diva, Mr. Alexander. I'd never whine," I beamed confidently, my insides lifting with his precious strength ebbing over me--erasing my fears--yet again.
"There's my strong, fearless girl," he whispered, running his nose down mine in a soft caress. "So brave…so mine."
The doors of the elevator whistled open and we found ourselves entering another phase of the unknown. The first thing to greet my eyes on the ICU floor was the deafening silence down the stark, white hallway with a few nurses and doctors traipsing here and there with patient charts. Hand in hand, Noah and I drew close to the nurses' station as Senator Smith rounded the corner, a sad smile touching her beautiful face. I didn't know what to expect given her tell all confessional last night, but I found myself deep in a bear-like hug. Whoa.
"Reyna! I'm so sorry about last night," she whispered, pulling back to eye me with her clear blue eyes. "I'm sorry I took it out on you! I shouldn't have…" Senator Smith collapsed into tears, her mother's sorrow unloading as she squeezed me into her arms again. "Please forgive me…"
I turned another corner with Noah at my side and healing as my guide.
~~~
Senator Smith and I stood beside Claire's bedside, and she held my hand as tears slid down my face. My dear, dear friend was…physically decimated. My eyes traveled the length of her body and I wasn't sure I breathed. Claire's head was wrapped in gauze, even her mouth, but what little skin exposed near her nose and eyes was nearly black and swollen. Completely unrecognizable. Her casted arm, held in a sling, offered a telling tale of what trauma she endured. I was dishearteningly sickened by the abuse.
"Claire was the baby of the family, standing her ground against her older brother and sister without so much as batting an eyelash or screaming the house down. She could keep up with Kyle and Caitlyn--no problem," the senator took a deep breath. "By the time she was ten, she was so artistic--drawing and painting vibrant inspirations I'd never had believed a young child could make, but she did. She always impressed me with everything she put her hands or mind too. I remember getting ready for a dinner function and she loved to pick out my jewelry, but this particular night I was in a hurry--and chose it myself." She half-smiled, shaking her head at the memory.
"At ten years of age, she was horrified by my choice and wouldn't let me leave the house until I changed it. Of course, she was right and I received many compliments that night on the necklace she chose. She was my star…my shining bright light until…my brother…" she choked.
I squeezed her hand. "It's okay. I understand everything." I knew the whole abuse/incest story from Claire's lips, and I didn't need a recount.
The senator brushed back a stray tear. "I guess the only way I could compensate for her injuries was too protect her, lock her down in total imprisonment," she whispered, drawing a deep breath. "I pushed her into this…I did this to her, Reyna."
I shook my head. "No, you can't say that with any positivity. Perhaps her past did play a role in her choices, but ultimately, Claire was content as far as the day-to-day. If anything, she was bored most days, afraid to disappoint you." That much was true, but only Claire and her mother would be able to hash out their feelings one day. I could only offer support and love, not judgment.
"I was only disappointed in myself. I wanted my daughter to be happy, but I realize my tight-fisted hand only pushed her further and further away," she said, turning to face me directly, her eyes full of pain and dispirited loss. "Please visit often, Reyna. Please be here as time allows, for me and for Claire--especially Claire. She'll need a good friend at her side."
"Without question."
Senator Smith smiled through her tears. "That's quite a handsome, intelligent, and persuasive man you have, Reyna," she proclaimed, dragging a tissue from her pocket and dried her eyes. "Mr. Alexander chased me down at the hospital last night after I spoke to you--he was looking for you, I believe. He was so worried about you--I'd never seen a man more upset or troubled in all my life. Mr. Alexander rained an Apocalypse on me until I'm still fighting back shame. He made me question my own sanity and placed everything into perspective by refusing my belief everything was your fault and entirely mine." She sniffed into her tissue. "He truly loves you. Never let that go, Reyna. Never."
~~~
As the hospital room clicked softly behind me, Noah was there, gathering me in his arms. I never had to wonder about his love or support in my life--he was just there, my constant. Our dynamic changed last night…or rather, since the day we met. We were no longer separate…no longer one man, one woman, but a cohesive mesh of matchless love.
"How are you, baby?" He whispered against my ear, his warm breath sending a shiver through me.
I took a deep inhale of his velvet scent, drowning. "Would you believe…happy?"
Noah's arm hugged me closer. "Thank God."
My lips kissed softly up his neck. "That was the hardest thing I've ever seen. I thank God you're here with me, Noah, otherwise…" I couldn't finish. Otherwise, I'd fall apart. My sister had her own life, though she would be here if I'd asked. In fact, I felt somewhat of a heel for not calling her. My parents were miles away on a cruise ship. Calling them would only incite their worry--so they were out.
My dearest strength pulled back and tilted my chin up to meet his shard-like blue eyes. "Do I detect a hint of self-pity in your tone, Ms. Lourde? Don't disappoint me, baby. Right now, you're the hero of this hell fest, so stop shooting darts at my creatively designed bubble. I'm rather enjoying my new happily ever after."
I chuckled. "Hero? I think you're delusional, Mr. Alexander."
His breath caught, exhaling slowly. "Do that again."
I frowned. "What?"
"Smile."
I couldn't deny my super hottie anything. I smiled. "I think you're magnificently adept at making me entirely happy no matter what is going on around me."
His smile was heaven sent. "Reyna, you're simply a gift from the top of you
r gorgeous red hair, incredible, stormy gray eyes to your sexy body I ache to…re-pillage," Noah said, drawing a deep breath with his lips grazing mine. "But, deeper than your velvet exhale, you healed my brokenness. You've given me the hero moment."
I lifted a brow. "And you said I was the hero? Checked a mirror lately? You've got classic hero stamped all over you." Not to mention a full erection pressed into my belly--the man was completely wonderful and all mine.
Noah's eyes burned hot. "It takes one to know one, red."
Behind me, a deep voice gave an 'ahem' and we turned to find Shem standing in ready attention, his face expressionless. "Forgive me for intruding, sir, but it's time."
I couldn't contain my immediate concern or the strange sinking feeling flooding my body. "What is it? Is something wrong?" So far, every unknown threw me into panic mode, this time no different.
Noah shook his head, raising my hand to his lips. "No. But, I do have a surprise for you."
My brows knitted together, the sinking feeling tightened harder. "Oh? You'll forgive me if I'm not up for another surprise, Noah. The last one ended up with that she-devil crashing the party. I think your house on the beach a great place to hide from the world--indefinitely."
His wild, but scrumptious gaze crinkled at the edges. "I finally have your complete attention, Ms. Lourde? I'm impressed. And…I'm so annoyed," he said, heaving a strong breath out and shoved a frustrated hand through his permanently fucked hair. "Damn! I guess I shouldn't have…" He trailed off, obviously peeved.
I instantly felt remorse. "Noah--"
He took my hand, practically dragging me down the hallway. "You'll just have to see for yourself." Noah shook his head. "I'm sorry, baby. I should have asked your opinion first--I mean I had the best of intentions--" He shook his head again. "I can't even tell you."
We continued down the hallway rounding the corner. "Noah, please. Just tell me what's happened. I'm sure it will be fine." I was really beginning to worry now, familiar nausea steam rolled over my stomach. What the hell else was left to rain down? I mean, the she-devil was bagged, my best friend in traction and the man responsible in jail. Was there more darkness left? More pain waiting.
He came to an abrupt halt in front of a closed door, throwing me a tempestuous look. "I love you, Reyna," he whispered before pushing the door open.
As my eyes focused, I could only stare in shocked silence. There…inside an obvious doctor's office, stood my entire family! My mother, father, sister…and Noah's family…Maddie, Tom (holding their twins), Jacob--all with love shining on their faces.
I shot him a grateful look. "Noah…I…" I trailed off, shaking my head in wonder. "How did you manage this?"
Noah shrugged and a crimson flush appeared across his face (a first, I'm sure). "With a few calls and a ready helicopter, I thought this one way to chase any demons and make you smile, baby. Go say hello, red. You need them."
A powerful surge of emotion banged through my body, making me tremble. I really loved this man. I squeezed his hand tight in mine. "We both do."
He and I found ourselves knee deep in love…no bounds and all. In this moment, I truly experienced love's full pardon and shared it with Noah.
Epilogue
Post wedding day…
I peered out the window of the hotel, pushing a brush through my damp hair after my recent shower. I could see the Eiffel Tower, and I exhaled slowly. France was so beautiful and I never imagined my life…quite like this. From nothing to everything.
"A thousand dollars for your thoughts, red," Noah whispered, his arms encircling my waist and pulling me up against his amazing wall of hard muscle.
Mmmm, he smelled divine as he nibbled on my earlobe until my knees were ready to give way--the man was too much! A simple touch and I was ready…for anything.
I chuckled and remembered the last time he mentioned those same words...so long ago. I shrugged. "The usual. Re-pillaging. I'm ready for another round--"
Noah turned me fast in his arms, tossing the brush I held across the room. "Insatiable are you not?"
My eyes expanded and contracted…I think I even swallowed my tongue. He was completely naked…and completely mouthwatering. Hunky didn't do him justice. Noah's damp dark hair stuck out in every direction, his amazing eyes peered down at me with desire lurking in their depths. My eyes trailed down his neck and over his dagger tattoo…which now claimed my name over the blade. At first, I was a little concerned about that, but Noah assured me I pierced his heart and nothing would change his mind. Actually, when he went for the tattoo expansion, and I protested, he was highly insulted I would have anything negative to say. He told me this was his way of physically branding me upon his body. Noble and heartwarming--a perfect example of his continued no bounds. God, I loved him.
I gave him the smokiest stare I could muster. "So? What are you going to do about it?"
He shook his head, pressing his lips together until his jumpy cheek appeared. "I don't know. I'll think about it. You made me wait a whole year to get married. A year! I said a month, baby. Nowhere in our past negotiations was a year even remotely acceptable," he fumed, desire darkening his face. "I think you deserve a punishment fuck for this. Defcon 1 doesn't even begin to cover it!"
My eyes widened. "What? Really?" I wiggled my left hand out of his grasp and fanned my ring finger in front of his eyes. "I'm yours." I slipped my hand up around his neck. "Besides, I had to wait until Claire could attend our wedding. Her recovery took longer than expected."
Noah bent his head close to my lips, eyeing me with his wild, feral gaze. "Such excuses, Mrs. Alexander. You really need to up your game," he teased, his lips brushing over mine in a fast lick of need-some-more!
Of course, I didn't fail to understand him, but I scoffed. "Hey! I've got game!"
Noah grunted with a grin. "No, what you have is a beautiful ass in need of a sexy spanking," he taunted, flexing his hand with meaning.
I laughed and pushed out of his arms, tossing my damp hair over my robe-covered shoulders. "You think so?"
"I know so."
He lunged for me and I ducked out of the way shrieking with laughter as my phone rang on the bedside table (another gift from my super hottie). "A truce, I beg you!" I screamed, smiling as I held up my hand to ward off his incoming playfulness. "It could be my mother and she'll worry. You know how she is."
Noah came full stop, reaching around me to grab my phone, answering it. "Hi, Mom," he said, nodding his head and wrapped his hand around my waist pulling me close. "Everything is wonderful…uh-huh. Yes, well, you know your daughter. I'll be sure to tell her. Say hello to Frank. Love you too." He hit the end button, tossing the phone back in its resting place and eyed me like his favorite forgotten chocolate mousse. "Mom and Dad say hello. Now…where were we…? Oh yes…"
His mouth blazoned over mine in a searing kiss, crinkling my toes in a fast shot of need, but he pulled back. "It's time to sexify your husband, Mrs. Alexander."
I grinned. "I thought I had been," I pouted. "I seem to recall your absolute compliance."
"That's fuckable compliance," he corrected, winking. "Big difference, baby."
He grabbed me up in his arms and tossed me on the bed. I bounced a couple of times, unable to stop giggling. "Noah!" He fell down beside me, gathering me in his arms.
"Relax," he whispered his sexy mouth descending. "We have the rest of our lives, red."
I made an affirmative sound in my throat brushing my lips against his. "Kinkery included."
Noah's chuckle bled out into desire…and I was with him every velvet exhale.
###
About the Author
Beth Mikell enjoys her daily requirement of tapping out romance in her snug part of the world with her husband and three children. She is always in the mood to cause some serious destruction and mayhem mixed with plenty of love (fictionally of course). At an early age, she delighted in awesome hour after hour of Harlequin Romance books with a dash of the late Kathleen W
oodiwiss with an extra scoop of Jane Austen. And most importantly, coffee is a must!!
For the latest…connect with me online: www.bethmikell.wordpress.com
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue