by Kat T. Masen
Bonus Chapter
The Dark Love Series
Kat T.Masen
Kate
There is a flurry of activity inside the main bedroom.
Charlie is beside me, both of us dressed in a white off-the-shoulder gown designed by Adriana. The cut is perfect on her body though she complained earlier of feeling like a mermaid with the fishtail bottom. Eric insisted it’s part of the bridal party couture, and no one at all messed with Bridezilla.
We both left our hair out, with soft curls parted to one side and a diamond barrette holding it behind our ear. According to Vivian, Eric’s mother, they had belonged to her grandmother and have stayed in the family as an heirloom. It only adds to the pressure of making sure I don’t lose it once I hit up the liquor later on at the reception.
Charlie continues to ramble while fidgeting, still complaining about an awful stench in which I cannot for the life of me smell.
“It’s Chanel N°5.” Charlie shudders while wincing. “How disgusting.”
I quirk my brow in amusement. “As someone who considers themselves part French, I’m both offended and shocked. Are you sure you aren’t pregnant?”
“Why? Is that your answer to everything?” Charlie bites, her mood sour since the moment we arrived. “You and Lex are just as bad as each other.”
“Because the Charlie Edwards I know would never diss Chanel N°5.”
Charlie straightens her shoulders with an air of arrogance. “It’s getting on my nerves, that’s all.”
I know it’s not the perfume, but the day itself.
It’s finally Eric and Tristan’s wedding day.
The most lavish of events being held at Eric’s parents’ estate in the East Hamptons. A day that has almost taken a year to plan and, of course, a last-minute bombshell of a bridal party change.
Bombshell for me, not her.
Charlie had been paired with Julian, much to Lex’s frustration. When Lex found out, I happened to be inside his office with Noah. It wasn’t the first time I’ve seen him almost crush the phone, and most likely will not the last.
Both Noah and I left the office, glad we weren’t in Lex and Charlie’s situation.
Until we were.
Tristan had a fall out with his cousin, meaning Dominic has stepped in. The knight in shining armor supposedly saving the day. How fucking ironic.
My mind drifted to the conversation inside my office when this revelation occurred…
One Week Ago
“We need to talk, and you’re not going to like this.” Eric chewed the inside of his cheek, followed by a deep breath. His normal dramatic behavior I’d learned to ignore in his presence.
It had to be something about the wedding since that’s all Eric could talk about. The seating chart’s a mess. The wrong spoons were ordered. Absolute crap that no one cared about beside him.
“Can it wait? I have a meeting in five minutes, and Ken Adams knows how to get on my nerves with his egotistical trash talk,” I responded while furiously typing an email. “Noah wanted to take my place, and you know because caveman Noah is jealous that Ken had made advances in the past which, of course, then prompted a fight an hour ago. What part of me screams incompetent? My husband is such a jealous ass.”
“Um, Kate?”
“So finally, he stormed out of my office. You know, to tell you the truth, his foul mood is probably because he hasn’t gotten laid in a week. The kids have been with us every night, and I don’t know whether it’s a full moon or not because both of them refuse to sleep unless it’s in our bed. Noah keeps telling me to stop letting them sleep with us because it’ll ruin their sleep pattern, and maybe I should have listened.”
“But Kate?”
“I’m still learning how to be a stepmom, and the kids are forever evolving. Then we had a debate about future kids. It started off as a joke, but I swear, Noah wants to have another kid. Though, he hasn’t come out and said it exactly, knowing my stance on falling pregnant, so—”
“OMG, Kate? Will you just stop for a second?”
My head lifted to Eric’s impatient gaze.
“Dominic is replacing Tristan’s cousin.”
“What? Wh… why?”
“Because Lucas is an insensitive ass who suddenly doesn’t believe in homosexuality. I never liked the close-minded moron, so this arrangement is better.”
I rose from my chair, crossing my arms in defiance. “Better arrangement for who?” I asked, panicked.
The last thing I needed was to be partnered with an ex-lover. The same ex-lover who made it clear to me in Vegas that he would never let the idea of us go. Dominic cornered me the second Noah went to use the restroom, which almost erupted in a fistfight in the middle of a seedy strip club.
“Look…” Eric’s voice softened, “… I know it’s not ideal for you. But he’s my brother, and he’s willing to do it last minute. So, can you please just be civil for one day?”
“It’s not me you have to worry about, Eric. How about you deliver the news to my husband, then tell me if it’s still a better arrangement?”
“Fine, I’ll do that before the end of the day.”
With Eric leaving me, I had no time to even think before heading straight into the boardroom. The meeting dragged on for three hours, much to my annoyance. Noah was nowhere to be seen by the time we finished, and the office was almost deserted. Usually, he would stay back if we rode in together, but then I remembered he had an early meeting across town, so we drove in separately this morning. I contemplated texting him but knew he needed time to process the news. Hell, I needed time to process the news.
Torn between my marriage and friendship with Eric, I would make the decision to remove myself from the bridal party if it boiled down to it.
I parked my car inside our garage to see Noah’s car already there. The entrance lights were off, and just a faint glow was coming from the dining room inside the house. I followed the trail until my eyes feast upon the candle lights sitting on top of a perfectly set dining table.
Noah was standing beside the table with a bottle of champagne and two glasses, looking ever-so-sexy in his navy-blue trousers and a matching vest. His white business shirt sat beneath the vest with his sleeves rolled and exposing his toned arms.
“What’s all this?”
“You’ve had a long day,” he mentioned, softly.
Maybe Eric didn’t tell him.
“Sit.”
I took a seat as he poured me some champagne. Dropping his head, he kissed the side of my neck in the one spot which drove me crazy. Closing my eyes, I let out a small moan.
“Hungry?”
“Starving,” I responded with a smile.
Noah took a seat across from me. I didn’t realize how hungry I had been until looking at the food. Noah’s an excellent cook, far from my ordinary skills. We didn’t always get a chance to use our kitchen given the number of business dinners we attended, but I enjoyed my man cooking up a storm when we were home with the kids and occasionally just the two of us.
“It all looks delicious.”
“You look delicious.”
A small laugh escaped me. “No cockblockers tonight?”
Noah shook his head with a playful smirk. “Jessa has a sleepover with Addison, and Olivia has a few days off to spend with Nash.”
I skirted around the topic of Eric until my food had made a swirl around the plate, and the pressure to get it off my chest trembled like a volcano on the verge of erupting. “Eric, um—”
“I know.”
“You... you know?” I stammered.
“Eric delivered the wonderf
ul news this afternoon.”
“Noah… I…” I stood to move toward Noah in an effort to comfort him, then ran my hands through his hair as our eyes met.
He grabbed my hand, kissing my wedding band as he let out a sigh. “When we had our official ceremony in France a month ago, I promised first and foremost to be your best friend because no matter what will come for us, I never want to lose you,” he told me just above a whisper.
“You can’t lose me. It’s impossible. We’ve shared a toothbrush. I believe in the rulebook that’s the ultimate bond to a relationship.” I chuckled to lighten the mood.
Noah’s lips curved upward. “Before my jealousy kicked in, which by the way was on the 101 on the drive home just before our turnoff, my biggest worry was how you would feel. I hate that Eric has put you in this position because if I was paired with Morgan a year ago, I would have felt sick to my stomach. Not because I loved her still, but because there was too much history and the focus of a wedding is love and commitment. It’s too many unpleasant memories to ruin what should be a perfect day to celebrate another couple’s union.”
“I did… sorry, do… feel sick, but only because I knew it would upset you. You’ve never hidden your hatred for him, and I understand your feelings. You know me, Noah, I can hold my own when it comes to Dominic. I can’t control what he does but can control my reactions.”
“I know, I love you, and trust isn’t a thought.” He pulled me into him, a deep kiss following. Sliding his hand up my dress and between my thighs, I gasped at his touch. Craving him more than the delicious food which sat on the table.
“Our food will go cold.” I giggled as he pulled my panties aside, tracing the edges with a piercing gaze.
“Mine is incredibly hot,” he murmured before thrusting his fingers inside me.
It didn’t take long for me to explode, and even less for him to lay me on the table and take what belonged to him.
Me.
Present…
Adriana enters the room, scurrying around us, fixing all the dresses, and making sure Eric’s tux is perfect.
“It wouldn’t hurt the two of you to smile,” she says to Charlie and me. “I’m somewhat offended you’re repulsed to walk down the aisle with my husband.”
“I tell you what…” Charlie argues with her hands on her hips, “… you go sit next to your brother, then report back. Maybe then you will understand my predicament.”
“I’ve been next to my brother, and it’s called blocking out the noise. He’s no different to when we were kids. And can I say the foul words that just came out of his mouth, he’d send a sailor to an early grave.”
I chuckle softly beside them. When Lex gets angry and vocal, his words are colorful. I’ve seen it many times.
“Okay, it’s showtime!” Adriana yells while clapping her hands.
I motion for Charlie to follow me to where Eric stands staring at the mirror, quiet without a single word.
“Hey, it’s your big moment,” I remind with a nudge.
He nods softly, a small smile playing nervously on his lips.
“Are you okay?”
“Overwhelmed, I guess.”
“Of course, there’s like three hundred people out there,” Charlie blurts out before I knock her side, her face warming instantly. “But it doesn’t matter. Just focus on you and Tristan. You love him. He loves you. This has been a long time coming.”
“You’re right…” Eric sighs until his eye bulge, and with a sharp tilt of his head, he grabs the chain around Charlie’s neck. “Wait! This isn’t the necklace I picked out for you? For God’s sake, Charlie.”
And Bridezilla is back…
“I thought you were joking when you said the pearl necklace. You laughed, I laughed, and then you told that story about the one time you actually got a pearl necklace from a dad of this guy you were seeing. Remember? Then you started going on about age gap romance then mentioned Lex’s dad. By then, I had zoned out because talking about my father-in-law’s bedroom skills is a hard pass.”
“Hmm… I see your point.”
“Okay, enough bickering, you two. Let’s do this.”
With Eric’s parents standing outside the room, we all step down the grand staircase toward the gardens.
The music filters in from outside—a string of violinists playing a classical piece.
Being the first adult to walk down the white carpeted aisle, after Charlie’s three girls plus Andy, I take a deep breath swallowing my nerves while clutching my bouquet. Taking small steps, I smile at all the guests in the rows of seats before my eyes land on Noah, my beautiful husband and best friend. His handsome face is smiling back at me, and all in the world feels rights again.
When I reach the end, I take my position, avoiding Dominic’s stare until we’re all focused on Eric walking down the aisle with both his parents. Tears spring to my eyes, but after the stern warning from Eric to not ruin our makeup, I try my best to swallow them up.
The ceremony is beautiful, and watching Eric and Tristan say their I do’s evokes so much emotion from everyone who knows them.
With a loud cheer, they finally kiss and hold hands as they walk back down the aisle.
As Dominic extends his arm, I’m forced to look into his eyes with a polite smile. The man is still attractive, that will never change, but I no longer sense the feelings of desire around him. Noah has opened a whole other world for me, and combining love and sex is the ultimate pleasure. Something I had never experienced until that first night in Paris when Noah made love to me.
We walk down the aisle to pass Noah, who’s talking to Lex—the two of them engrossed in conversation as everyone cheers. Perhaps, his diverted attention is calculated, and I don’t blame him.
The reception is being held in a large marquee on the estate. Between photographs and champagne being consumed by the bottle, we make our grand entrance, take our seats, and start traditional wedding formalities.
It’s all going well until they announce the bridesmaids must join the groomsmen on the dancefloor with their respective partners.
A vocalist sings Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” as Dominic leads me around the dancefloor, our bodies in closer proximity, much to my apprehension.
“Do you remember the night I met you here?” Dominic murmurs, close to my ear.
“Yes.”
“You were perfect.”
“Your point?”
“Just a trip down memory lane.”
“Well, I’d prefer it if you don’t. There’s no value to it, so why waste my time. If you really want to discuss something, how about your brother and this lovely ceremony? You know… I also got married recently. Shall we chat about that?”
His body stiffens. My blatant ignoring of his words has struck a nerve.
“Congratulations.”
“So forced. But thank you.”
“What would you like me to say?” he almost grits out.
“Nothing, Dominic. Absolutely nothing at all.”
“I know you felt something for me,” he strains, no doubt driven by anger. “If only he didn’t come strolling back into your life.”
“Perhaps, but timing is everything. You missed your chance five years ago when I was open to more. My life is exactly where I want it to be. I married my best friend, and we’re raising two beautiful kids. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have a husband with whom I’d love to spend the rest of the evening.”
I let go and walk to Noah, pulling him onto the dancefloor. Inside his arms, surrounded by his scent, nothing matters.
Not Dominic’s words.
Not his trip down memory lane.
Nothing.
My entire reason for breathing is right here in front of me, looking incredibly sexy in his tuxedo.
“You look stunning.” His eyes glance past my shoulder toward Dominic, who’s standing at the bar. “Do I want to know what the two of you were discussing?”
“Not worth the energy. He knows my stance. I just want
to spend the rest of the night with you.”
Noah doesn’t press further, taking a deep breath with a smile. I couldn’t be any more grateful for his patience and his ability to control his emotions. He’s come a long way, and I can’t be any prouder for his mature response over this matter.
“So, I was thinking… a weekend away to Napa? A little work, a lot of play. We don’t have the kids next weekend,” he suggests changing the subject.
“You know how to own my heart, don’t you, Mr. Mason?”
He tilts his head, brushing his lips over mine. “Yes, you workaholic. I managed to secure a meeting with the Marshalls.”
I pull back, my mouth falling open. “Look at you, Mr. Bigshot. It’s almost impossible to get a meeting with them these days. Even Lex gets frustrated in dealing with them.”
“I have many hidden talents.”
“Oh, I know.” I laugh, placing my hands on his chest. “I’m sure I will be privy to them tonight when we’re back at the hotel.”
Noah leans in to whisper, his soft breath sending shivers over every inch of my body. “People’s eyes are on us. I wonder if they can tell your husband wants to take you on all fours and fuck that beautiful pussy of yours.”
I gulp, trying not to flush in front of the crowd. Thank God the warm lighting makes it less noticeable.
“I’d say they probably know. But they don’t know that I want to get down on my knees and suck that beautiful cock of yours.”
Noah presses against me the same time we hear someone clear their throat beside us.
“Sorry to interrupt whatever you’re talking about, which by the way, don’t share with me unless you’re going to make me an aunt,” Charlie professes as Lex holds onto her.
“You’re a pest. Go away,” Noah tells her off.
Charlie laughs as Lex pulls her away.
The dancefloor begins to fill. Julian and Adriana are not far from us, as are Rocky and Nikki. Haden and Presley are also here, a friend of ours. There’s a lot of mutual acquaintances of Charlie and Eric, including Logan Carrington, a well-known soccer player, and his wife, Emerson. Not far from them, Emerson’s movie star ex, Wesley Rich, is dancing with his wife. Funnily enough, I remember when Charlie told me all about the tangled mess of their relationship when it hit the media—now a thing of the past.