by T L Swan
He raises an eyebrow in question and I feel it all the way to my bones.
Why does he have to be so damn gorgeous?
I should give him the bird and throw his tequila in his face. I know I should run far away, but my inebriation is undoubtedly clouding my judgment.
I smirk and take my tequila to my lips and drain it. The heat burns its way down my throat and I feel a buzz of arousal as the taste ignites the memories of our first lovemaking session. I lick my lips as our eyes lock.
Unable to help it, I curl my finger in a come here signal and he walks over. I stand still, looking up at him as the air crackles between us.
“Hello, Emmaline,” he purrs in his exotic deep voice, looking down as he towers above me.
“Hello.” I smirk back. I should be telling him to take a hike right now, but my brain isn’t currently talking to my body. I think it just hung an out of office sign on the door.
His eyes drop down my body. “You look beautiful,” he says darkly.
I smile bashfully and his hand comes around my hips before he pulls me to him with force. “Kiss me hello,” he purrs.
Before I can make an intelligent reply, his large lips are on mine and his strong hands are digging into my behind. He sucks me with his dominant kiss, his tongue promising me forbidden, carnal things.
Damn it, why does he have to kiss so well?
This wasn’t in the plan, fool.
He holds me close as he kisses me again, his tongue taking no prisoners and bringing me to heel.
Goosebumps scatter my skin as he leans his cheek up against mine.
Oh no. The chemistry… it’s still there but magnified more than ever before.
This isn’t a physical attraction; this is a fucking fatal attraction.
I’m going down with the ship. Abort mission. Abort mission.
“I’ve missed you, my love,” he whispers into my ear with his arms around me tightly, blocking my escape.
God, me, too. I’ve missed feeling like I do at this moment in his strong arms.
How do I turn this off?
“Alastar…” I sigh.
“Just give me half an hour,” he whispers into my ear. “I just want to spend half an hour with you.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. The thing is, I know how much pleasure this god could bestow on my body in half an hour and it’s more than some women receive in a lifetime.
“Why?” My eyes search his.
“Can we just go outside to talk?” His hands roam up and down my behind and over my hips.
“No. I’m… I’m here with my friends.” I stammer as my brain continues to fry. I can’t concentrate when his hands are on me.
“Who’s the blonde?” he asks with a sarcastic brow lift.
My nerves flutter. “A friend.”
His eyes hold mine. “How good a friend?”
“A platonic friend, Alastar. Are you finished?” I snap.
“Can we go outside now?” He kisses me hard again and my knees nearly buckle from underneath me. Why does he have to be so damn dominant in his kissing? I don’t stand a chance of resisting him.
He grabs me, and before I know it, he is dragging me out of the club by the hand.
Fuck.
Chapter 19
We walk through the club together, and I look around at the people that are all oblivious to us. How can they all be acting so normal when my insides feel like they are about to explode?
He’s here.
He’s here for me.
Holding my hand and declaring that he missed me.
Oh, please let it be true.
He leads me to the front doors and we pass the bouncers before we walk out onto the bustling street and continue down the road a bit. I stop in my tracks and he turns and looks back at me. “What’s wrong?” he asks.
Does he honestly think I’m just leaving with him that easily? Surely not?
“I’m not going home with you. I’m here with my friends.”
He looks at me as he processes my words.
“You said you wanted to talk to me. Start talking.” I sigh in frustration.
He swallows. “I just wanted to see you. I thought we were having dinner tonight?”
“No. I told you we weren’t having dinner and that we had nothing to say to each other.”
“We have a lot to say to each other,” he replies, annoyed.
“So say it,” I snap. For fuck’s sake, I’m sick and tired of this cat and mouse game.
He frowns and takes my two hands in his. “I just...” He hesitates.
“You just what?” I raise my eyebrows impatiently.
“I handled things badly last time.”
“You think?” I reply, deadpan.
“And…” He hesitates again.
“Just spit it out, Alastar,” I snap in exasperation.
“I never wanted to leave you, but I had a very good reason for doing so.” I stare up at him as I search his eyes for the truth.
“I knew I couldn’t fall for you, yet somehow I did,” he murmurs.
He bends and kisses my lips gently as he cups my cheek with his hand.
“I want a second chance,” he whispers.
I stare at him as I think of a reply. Nope, there’s literally nothing in my pea brain.
“Give me a second chance,” he repeats into my lips.
“What was the reason?” I ask.
“Huh?”
“The reason you left me. What was it?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me. I want to know.”
He swallows as he contemplates something and after a moment he replies. “I was trying to protect you.”
“From what?” “From me.” I frown. “Why do you think I need protecting from you?”
He pulls me into an embrace and kisses my forehead gently, forcing my eyes to close. Damn it, Alastar’s chest may just be the most wonderful place on Earth. “There are things about me that you don’t know,” he whispers into my forehead.
“Like what?”
“I’m…” He frowns as if pained. “I’m a lot to take on.” He hesitates again. “I have… issues.” His eyes search mine as if he expects me to run.
Unable to help it a smile crosses my face, I bring his face down to mine and kiss him gently on his big beautiful lips. He’s talking about his OCD. “I don’t care about your idiosyncrasies, Alastar.”
“You don’t?”
I shake my head. “We are all different. There is no such thing as a perfect person.”
He gives a stifled smile. “That’s not true. You’re perfect.”
I smirk. “No, I’m not. I’m far from perfect.”
“You are perfect to me,” he whispers as his eyes search mine.
My brain is screaming don’t fall for this shit. However, my mouth has taken on its own agenda. “That’s all I would ever want to be,” I whisper.
We stand still, staring at each other. Oh, I care for this man, all of his beautiful flaws are what makes the whole perfect package. Is he telling me the truth?
“Give me another chance,” he whispers again.
I look back up the street as the stupid tears burn the back of my eyes. I know I shouldn’t want to even speak to him after everything that he has put me through, but damn it, I do want to give him a second chance. “You frighten me,” I whisper as my eyes search his.
“You frighten me more,” he murmurs as he squeezes my hand that is still in his.
“I want to take it slow,” I whisper.
He smiles and kisses me gently. “We can go as slow as you want, I promise.”
His tongue swipes through my mouth and I feel my dormant arousal reignite.
We stand in each other’s arms on the street kissing for a prolonged time. Not hot and heavy kissing… sweet, I missed you kissing, and I have never felt anything more wonderful. He holds me close and I put my head onto his chest as his strong arms encase me.
Finally, he asks
. “Do you want to go back in to your friends?”
Do I? I look back at the front door of the club. Do I want to go back in there and talk crap to a guy I don’t like when I really want to be with Twinkle? I think for a moment and then take out my phone and ring Hank. He answers first ring.
“Hey,” he shouts over the loud music.
I hold my hand over my other ear to try and make his voice clearer. “Hi, Hank. I just rang to tell you I’m going home.”
“Yeah, I saw you leave with him. Guess you sure showed him who’s the boss then, huh?”
I wince. God, it’s true. I’m a total push over. Just hours ago I was telling Alastar to fuck off and bragging to my friends about it.
“Do you want me to come back?” I ask.
“No. All good. Go. Have fun. Catch you tomorrow.”
I hang up and my eyes rise back up to Alastar’s. What now?
“Can you drive me home?” I ask.
He smiles and nods before kissing me again.
* * *
I slowly unlock the door to my apartment as Alastar stands behind me. I said I want to take things slow and I meant it.
He makes me nervous. I feel like I can’t breathe with him watching me.
I lean up and kiss him again. “Thanks for driving me home.”
His hands slink around my behind and he kisses me.
“I will see you tomorrow?” I ask.
He frowns. “Can’t I come in?”
“I said I wanted to take it slow.”
“And we will.” I raise my eyebrows.
He barges past me, through the door and into the apartment.
I narrow my eyes and follow him in, closing the door behind us.
Great listening skills, Alastar.
He pulls me down onto his lap and kisses me. I can feel my resistance slipping. I’m feeling a little woozy, to be honest. Those cocktails had some kick.
I need to slow this down or I am going to be fucked every which way any second. I put my head down onto his shoulder and he rubs my leg affectionately. We stay like this for an extended time. “Come on, sleepy, lets get you into bed.” He stands and lifts me in his arms, carrying me into my bedroom. Sitting me on my bed, he gets my pajamas out of my drawer and passes them to me. I smirk. I had forgotten how much he organizes me. He then takes his shoes off and slides his jeans down his legs.
“What are you doing?” I frown.
“I’m getting ready for bed. What does it look like?”
“Slow, Alastar,” I reply dryly. “You know. Slow? Like, staying in different houses slow?”
“Emmaline, if you honestly think that I am sleeping one more night without you in my arms, you are sadly mistaken.”
My eyes hold his.
“Em.” He sighs, defeated. “I have hardly slept since you left. Please, I can’t...” He hesitates. “I can’t function anymore without you.”
My heart melts.
“I need to fall asleep tonight with you in my arms.”
I stand still as I think. The annoying thing is, I know exactly what he means.
“Nothing sexual,” he adds.
I raise an eyebrow.
“Hell. You don’t even have to kiss me. I just want to be here in the same room with you.”
I smirk and snatch my pajamas from him before I exit the bedroom and enter the bathroom to change. Moments later, I am back to find him in his briefs standing at the foot of the bed.
I smirk, shake my head and pull back the covers. “Are you trying to entice me?”
“Totally.” He raises a brow and puts his hands on his hips.
My eyes drop down his torso and then snap back to the bed. “It’s not working,” I mutter to myself. “Much.”
He smiles warmly as if relieved that we just shared a joke. I feel my heart skip a beat.
“Would you like a drink, my love?” he asks.
I nod.
He disappears into the kitchen and returns with a glass of water before he climbs into bed next to me. I take my water from him, sip it, and put it onto the side table. He then wraps his large arms around me.
I smile with my head on his chest as his lips gently dust my forehead.
It feels good being here with him. It’s like a homecoming, and we lie together in silence enjoying each other’s presence.
“Goodnight, Twinkle.” I smile sleepily.
“Goodnight, my love,” he whispers.
And, for the first time in a long time, I drift into a restful, peaceful sleep.
* * *
My beloved Princess.
Each moment I am away from you is torture.
The Princess walks across the field of the grand gardens with her visitor. Prince Edward from a neighboring village has come to call. They have met on several social occasions and her father, The King, has invited him here today. The men are starting to circle around her. At twenty years of age, she is nearing the time for marriage. The sun is beaming on her face and she is enjoying her mid-morning walk. Her hands are clasped in front of her while his hands are linked behind his back. He is not at all attractive, but the Princess is humoring her father because she is going to ask for his permission to marry Alchron soon. She is unsure how she is going to get that permission., but she will be Alchron’s wife. Her strong mind is set. Nobody else will do.
“Can I accompany you to the ball at the end of the month?” Edward asks hopefully.
“I am unable to attend.”
His face falls with disappointment.
Guilt fills her. “I am sorry.”
Edward turns to her and takes her hand in his. “I have a tender for you. I would like to see where it takes us?” His hopeful eyes search hers.
“Get your hands off her,” Alchron snaps from his place on his horses back.
The Princess jumps back. “Alchron,” she whispers. Where did he come from?
He jumps from his horse and stands in front of them. The Princess’ heart flutters at the sight of her virile creature. Large, muscular, and dominant, just like his love making. Every night, for six months, they have been lovers and not the gentle type of lovers, either. They’ve taken each other with passion and aggression. He takes what he wants when he wants it. He has gently taught her how to make love and she has rewarded him with her unbridled desires. He can have her anyway he wants to, and he does.
“Do not dare touch the princess.” He growls.
“Alchron,” she whispers again. What is he doing? He will ruin her marriage plans if the king becomes suspicious of their love.
Edward smiles sarcastically. “I was simply asking her majesty to accompany me to the ball. Settle down.”
The princess’ eyes widen. Edward has gone raving mad and must have a death wish. Nobody speaks to Alchron like that and lives to tell the tale.
Alchron’s furious eyes hold his. “Let me make myself clear… The Princess is unavailable for courtship.”
“I don’t think—” Edward cuts him off.
“If you dare ask for her companionship again, I shall have your heart on the end of my sword.” He growls, unable to contain his fury. How dare he make a move on his woman. Nobody gets to touch her but him.
The princess’s eyes widen in shock.
Edward stands still for a moment as he assesses the situation. “Very well,” he murmurs before he scurries back to the house.
Alchron’s breath quivers as he tries to regain composure and he stands with his back to her.
“Alchron,” she whispers.
“Don’t!” he snaps. “You do not entertain other men.”
She hesitates as she stares at his back. “He is a friend.”
“Who I am prepared to kill.”
“I love you,” she whispers.
His dark eyes hold hers. “I will not lose you.”
She smiles softly at her protector. “No. You will not.
* * *
The sound of my suitcase zipper wakes me from my deep slumber and I frown as I look around my
darkened room. Alastar is dressed and at the end of my bed closing my suitcase. I sit up to rest on my elbows and frown.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I just packed you a few things.”
I frown in question.
“I thought we could go back to my house this morning.” He smiles as he climbs up the bed to reward me with a gentle kiss on the lips.
It’s too early to think.
His lips drop to my neck. “Umm.” Have I got anything on today?
He pulls me back into his arms as he falls beside me.
“Can’t we hang here today?” I ask. “Why did you pack me clothes?”
“Why stay here when we can have my house to ourselves? I just packed things for tonight, and tomorrow for work,” he replies.
I smirk. “I don’t know any other men who would feel comfortable packing a bag for a female.”
He raises a sarcastic brow but holds his tongue. Hmm, he does have a good point, though. Alone in luxury or roomy shared shit. “I suppose so.” I sigh. I stand, get out of bed and grab a towel. “I’m going to take a shower first. Why don’t you make us some coffee? I will be about ten minutes.”
“Sure.” He smiles happily.
I frown as I leave the room and start my shower. Something tells me that I just got coerced into spending the weekend with Alastar O’shea and I didn’t even know it.
* * *
Forty minutes later, I stand like a nervous child as Alastar turns the key and unlocks the door to his beautiful home. Last time I was here I was in furious tears. Furious that I had let myself fall for Alastar and even more furious that he was denying the feelings I knew he felt for me. He slowly opens the door and I walk in tentatively. He senses my apprehension.
“You okay?” He gently brushes my hair behind my shoulders.
I swallow the shameful lump in my throat. I desperately wish I didn’t come over here and make a scene that day. What was I thinking?
I nod. “Yes. I’m just thinking about last time I was here.”
His eyes hold mine. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Let’s not go over that. It was a horrible day.”
“Why would you leave me here alone when I was so obviously upset,” I blurt out, unable to hold my tongue.
