by Ciara Lake
“Thank you.” Avery touched his arm.
“Avery, I have never felt such panic.” He tenderly caressed her face. “These marks will not scar your beauty. I will fix them later. I need to leave now.” He looked at the EMT workers who were enthralled with him. “We approach the hospital. Lucy still sleeps. I must instruct these men once again to be at peace and to not remember this encounter.”
“Don’t leave me.” Avery tried to sit up. “I want you to be with me.”
“Do not sit up.” He gently helped her lay back down. “I must leave for now, but I am always close. I will not be far from you.” He kissed her hand, then he turned his full attention on the EMT workers. “Guard these women with your very lives. See to both of their comfort to the best of your abilities. I thank you for your efforts.”
They silently nodded.
“Remember nothing of me or my time here, but feel hope with happiness from this encounter.” Aiden vanished as the back doors opened.
* * * *
A gray-haired man dressed in scrubs walked into the waiting room. He carried a clipboard, smiling from ear to ear. “Mr. McMichael.”
“Yes.” Aiden stood up to meet him. “I’m Aiden McMichael.”
“I’m Dr. Cohen.” The man extended his hand to Aiden who shook it. “Avery Royce has indicated you’re here for her.”
“Yes, we’re engaged to be married. How is she?”
“Great, considering what happened to her. It’s a miracle. She was thrown about twenty-five feet into a wall from the power of the explosion. She must have had a guardian angel watching over her.” The doctor chuckled. “Avery has no broken bones or serious burns, only bruises and cuts. Everything is really superficial. When they first picked her up the EMT workers reported more severe injuries.” He shrugged. “It’s good they were wrong.”
“Yes, thank goodness.” Aiden smiled.
“The baby seems to have suffered no harm either. Again, it’s a true miracle.”
“The baby?” Aiden sat down in the closest chair.
“Yes. I knew you would want to know right away about your baby too. All is well.” The doctor smiled. “We could hear the fetal heartbeat on the ultrasound monitor. It’s amazingly strong.” He patted Aiden on the back. “Avery will need to be on bed rest for a while. She’s been through a lot, so it’s very important that she get some rest. I insist on her compliance. Again, a guardian angel must have had something to do with this incredible miracle. She could have easily lost the baby. She could have easily lost her life.”
“I’ll make sure she rests, and I’m sure she always has an angel watching over her.”
“No doubt. Make an appointment for her to see me later this week. I’m an OB-GYN. Here’s my card.” He handed his business card to Aiden. “They called me in as soon as they realized she was pregnant. Avery is young, strong, and healthy. She’ll be fine. Just make sure she rests and gets proper prenatal care.”
“Definitely, I will see to it.” Aiden stood up.
“We’ll be sending her home later today. There’s no need to keep her here.”
“That’s wonderful news.”
“The nurse will be giving you release paperwork. The release instructions will be clearly defined. Follow all of them, and I’ll see you both in a few days.”
“Thank you. We’ll be sure to follow all recommendations.” Aiden shook his hand again.
“Excellent.” The doctor pushed open the double doors and left.
Grace came rushing into the waiting room as the doctor exited. “How is Avery?” She hugged Aiden. “I’m so sorry for all of this. It was a brand new oven. Please forgive me.”
“Avery’s going to be fine. I’m happy you called me right away.” Aiden helped her to a chair.
“Of course I would.” She broke down crying. “I lost my nephew Timothy.” She wept louder. “My sister is distraught. Have you heard about Lucy or Norm?” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tears.
“No, I have not.” Aiden rubbed her back as she sobbed.
“This is a nightmare. I can’t believe such a thing could happen.”
“Accidents are always part of life.” Aiden rubbed her back. “We will find out what has caused this one.”
“The guests in the main mansion have been relocated to the Marriot near the mall. The inn will be closed for a while. Thank the Lord for insurance.”
Aiden picked up a tissue box and handed it to her. “Yes, the Lord will provide. He always does.”
“I hope we can find another venue for the poor bride who was having her wedding tomorrow,” Grace mumbled.
“The bride will survive. All will be well. Be at peace.”
“I don’t know how the ovens could have exploded. They were new.” She seemed to calm. She wiped the tears away with a tissue. “They were top-of-the-line and less than a year old.”
“Perhaps it was not an accident.”
“The fire department already mentioned the possibility of tampering.” Grace stared up at him. Tears rolled down her face again. “In the back of my mind, I wondered if my nephew Tim had anything to do with it. But I heard that at the last minute, he stepped in front of Lucy.” She started sobbing again.
“Perhaps he had a change of heart or regained his sanity.”
“Perhaps. I hate to think ill of my nephew. I know he could be defiant, and he suffered from a personality disorder. A few weeks ago, he told me he was going to blow the place up. I should have taken him seriously.” She looked down and shook her head. “I really didn’t think he was serious.”
* * * *
“Aiden.” Avery sat up in bed. “Aiden.”
“Yes.”
“I’m bored with being in bed all the time. This is killing me.”
He flashed to the side of the bed. “You have television to watch.” Aiden motioned to the huge screen on the wall. “I’ll let you borrow my laptop, or I can get you one of your own.”
“Can I get up to go to the bathroom?” She glared at him. “Television isn’t the answer. I want to walk around, go someplace.”
“I’ll carry you to the bathroom.” He swooped her up into his arms and took her into the bathroom. He sat her on the chair in front of the vanity. “Call me when you’re done.” He stopped at the door. “I just got off the phone with your parents again.”
“Really?” Avery groaned. “They’ve called a lot. Did you tell them I’m fine?”
“I have assured them you’re fine about a dozen times.” He grinned. “I had to spend another hour on the phone telling them about us again too. This time they had a thousand more questions. It was the great inquisition of this century.” Aiden chuckled. He stood tall in the doorway, then leaned against the doorjamb, watching her. “I calmed them down about everything...again. I have to say it is a chore to calm your parents. I must have said ‘be at peace’ a hundred times. They seem immune to my soothing.”
“Thank you.”
“They love you. Love is very powerful.” He smiled. “I used my angel power to keep your father from coming last night. He was on his way to kill me.”
“Kill you?” Avery’s eyes got wider.
“No, not really, but he is having a hard time trusting me. It’s clear they don’t approve and are disappointed to find out you are living with someone and you are pregnant.”
Avery put her hand to her mouth. “How upset is Dad?”
“Upset, disappointed, their emotions have many names. But I am certain they will learn to accept the situation.”
“I’m sorry. I knew they wouldn’t understand me living with someone.” She groaned. “They don’t believe in living together prior to marriage.” She shrugged. “They’re religious. So disappointment is what I expected. The pregnancy is even more upsetting to them, huh?”
“Yes, and as an angel, I am familiar with the rules they keep referring to, again and again.” Aiden grinned. “We have broken many rules, I have been reminded.” He shook his head. “The ‘no living togeth
er prior to marriage’ rule has been explained to me many times in the last twenty-four hours.”
“We’re Catholic.”
“Yes, I have been informed numerous times. In fact, I agree with the rule of marriage. After all, I am an angel. We’re getting married in two weeks. However, in my heart, you’re already my wife.”
“What?” Avery yelled as he was about to walk out of the room.
Aiden stopped to look back at her. “I thought you needed to go to the bathroom? So, I’ll leave you.”
“I wanted to get out of the bed.”
“I’ve been deceived?” He winked.
“Don’t try to distract me.” She shook her head. “What is this about us getting married in two weeks?”
“Just what I said.” Aiden stared at her. “It gives you time to be fully rested. Since your parents are visiting for Christmas so they will be here for the wedding. You’re pregnant, making time of the essence. Two weeks seems reasonable.”
“Yes, but—”
“Avery, it makes sense. Don’t worry, you can have the wedding you deserve. I will see to it. Your mother has made me swear I would do this properly. It halted your father from coming after me with, I believe he said, a shotgun.” He tilted his head to the side. “Also, I was given permission to stay with you as your husband by my superior. Several of my brothers will be attending our wedding as well. You do want to marry me, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. You mean your nice brothers?”
“Yes.” He chuckled. “Zayel will stand with me. He’s my closest friend.”
“I see.” Avery shook her head. “Everything’s happening so fast.”
“Grace spoke to your parents the other day. She assured them I am wonderful.” He pointed to himself. “So today your mother was less hostile to me. Your father mentioned he might kill me only once today.” Aiden held up one finger. “Call me when you want to come downstairs, and I’ll carry you down.”
“You’re going to let me go downstairs?” She jumped up.
“Yes, Lucy is on her way over. And we have a doctor appointment at two.”
“What time is it?”
“Noon.”
“You’re making me into an invalid. I can walk by myself. All of this is silly. You healed me. I’m good.”
“Until your appointment with the doctor, we will continue to follow his instructions. We will see our son on the ultrasound today.”
“How do you know it’s a boy?”
“Angels only have sons.”
“Oh.” She looked in the mirror. “No girls for us?”
He shook his head. “No. Sorry.”
“I’m okay with sons. Sons are good. Anyway, you healed me. You know I’m fine. So why are you giving me such a hard time?” Avery stuck her bottom lip out.
“The doctor instructed you to have bed rest, so you will have bed rest. I’ve read the discharge papers to you ten times.” Aiden was slightly curt. “I’m not giving you a hard time. I’m following the doctor’s orders.”
“You can make me perfectly fine with angel power. You already did. The doctor didn’t know that.”
“Some things cannot replace a good rest.”
“We could have sex.” She winked, giving him her best sultry look. “You’ve wasted a lot of good opportunities for lovemaking. Don’t you miss it?”
“Avery, don’t try to tempt me.” He frowned. “You will do as the doctor says.” He walked out and closed the door behind him.
“You’re going to be a bossy husband.” Avery tossed a bar of soap toward the doorway.
“Thank you,” Aiden spoke through the door. “I can hardly wait.”
Chapter 8
“Aiden, the tree looks fantastic with all of the angels. My family is going to love it. Everything looks so beautiful. They’ll be here in a few hours. I’m so excited.”
“I’m jealous.” Aiden nipped at her ear. “You like those angels better than me?”
“Don’t be silly. You’re my favorite angel.” Avery moved happily around the room as if walking on air. She fixed all the stockings and garland. “I love all the angel decorations. My mom and sister are going to be amazed at everything. And so is my dad.” She smiled up at the tree.
“Before or after he shoots me?” Aiden winked. “I’ll really freak him out when I don’t die from the gunshot wounds.” Aiden rubbed her arm. “I want your parents to like me.”
Avery handed him the largest angel for the top of the tree. Without any effort, Aiden placed the golden angel on the top of the eight-foot tree.
“They’ll love you,” Avery assured him.
“I hope your dad left his shotgun at home. An armed human can be dangerous to other humans.”
“He’s coming on a plane, so I’m sure he left his shotgun at home. He wasn’t serious.” She pulled him down to kiss him. “The angels look beautiful on the tree.” She clapped with excitement.
“What about this angel under the tree? How do I look?”
“As good as ever.” She sweetly pecked his cheek. “Ever since the doctor told us sex was okay, you’ve been making up for missed time.” She punched him in the arm.
“I have. Are you complaining?” Aiden kissed her neck, then behind her ear, as he rubbed his hand over her breasts.
“No.” She giggled. “I’m not complaining. I love it when you touch my breasts. They’re tender.”
“Are they?” He rubbed her nipples. Avery moaned. “Take your sweater off. I want to see them. They’re lovely, so nice and full.” Aiden tugged at the bottom of her shirt to lift it up. “I want to make love to you under our tree. You’re my gift.” He guided her over to the sofa.
“What are you doing?” Avery giggled as he pushed down her leisure pants. “This isn’t under our tree.”
“Close enough.” Aiden patted her bottom. “Where’s your panties, naughty girl?”
“I didn’t wear any. I’m at home.”
“Bad girl, I know you only want to make it easier for me. Step out of your pants.” He unsnapped her bra. “Lean over the sofa, sexy girl.”
“What?”
He gently pushed her over the back of the sofa. Avery fell over it, laughing.
“Spread your legs wide.” He pushed her legs apart. With a quick shove, he was inside her tight channel. His cock filled her. Avery moaned, squeezing him with her vaginal muscles.
“Are you okay?” His hands captured her breasts, pushing them together. The sofa moved as he pressed into her. She pushed her bottom up, thrusting into him. Aiden slammed into her, and the sofa continued to slide across the floor.
“Aiden.” She shook as a climax washed over her.
Aiden picked her up to move her to the front of the sofa. He sat down, placing her on his lap. She eagerly took his cock into her, clenching his hardness. She wrapped her legs around his waist.
“This is good.” She kissed his face as she ran her hands over the back of his head, through his silky hair. Pumping against him, she danced in his lap. Her head fell back as she enjoyed their joining.
“Do you want me to ride you?” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes.”
He flipped her onto her back and he was upon her. With a steady pace, he pumped her. Her wet core swallowed every inch of his throbbing shaft. “You’re beautiful beyond words in any mortal language.” Aiden buried his nose in her hair. “You smell so good.”
His hands caressed her breasts lightly then he squeezed them. She shivered from his touch and kissed his neck to his shoulders. Her body sensually pressed against his, and he moaned in appreciation.
“Avery. You feel good.” He grinned. “I love you, sexy girl.” Then he slammed into her. Holding himself above her, he moved his cock in and out of her tightness. He pulled nearly all the way out, then shoved into her, harder.
“I love you.” She could hear her pussy swallow his cock. “I love to see your cock covered with my juices.” She rubbed his chest, admiring his firm muscles.
Aiden
’s expression became more intense as he dove deeper into her. He paused, pulling his cock from her; it glistened, standing tall against his abdomen.
“I love your cock, it’s magnificent.” She smiled.
“I’m glad like it. I like your pussy, it pleases me like nothing else.” Aiden bent down to kiss her lips. She reached down, wrapping her fingers around his stiffness. His body shook as she lightly squeezed him.
“Sit back.” Avery lowered to her knees in front of him. Aiden moved to the edge of the sofa. Smiling up at him seductively, she took his cock between her full breasts and squeezed.
“You’re so sexy.” He ran his fingers through her hair. “I adore your beautiful hair. It’s grown a lot in a few short weeks. It’s nearly to your hips. I think pregnancy has only made you more beautiful.”
He ran his fingers through her loose curls while she pleasured his cock. Avery licked its purple tip then she smiled up at him. Taking the stiff member in her hand, she pumped it, gliding her hand along its length. Aiden nearly came off the sofa when she took him in her mouth.
She rested between his thighs as she worked his cock in and out of her mouth. She swallowed him deep. Bobbing her head up and down, she sucked him. Her hair fell around her face as she pleasured. She looked up at him, and pleasure was written all over his handsome face, making her increase her enthusiasm. He pulled her hair back out of the way of his view.
“You taste delicious.” She ran her tongue up the full length of his cock, from base to tip, then licked her lips. “Yum. Good, like buttercream icing, my favorite.”
“Nice compliment coming from you.” Aiden grinned.
With her hand, she slipped his cock in and out of her mouth, making a popping sound.
Aiden’s eyes glowed with pleasure, and his expression became fierce. “You’re so naughty.”
Avery shuddered when she felt him possess her soul and mind. His emotions, strongly sexual washed through her, making her pussy vibrate with a climax. “So are you.” Wetness rushed out of her pussy as she came. She rubbed her finger against her clit, fully enjoying the sensations.
“Turn around on your knees in front of me.”
