Next to Forever: Shattered Innocence Trilogy Book Three

by Long, A. L.

  Giving into his demand, Dylan stopped her movements and took what Rade was willing to give her. She knew that if it became too much for her, she could use her safeword. Just when she thought she couldn’t hold on any longer, Rade slipped between her wet folds, careful not to enter her. He needed to show her who was in control. Once again, Dylan’s hips began to buck, trying to lure Rade’s cock inside her. “Be still,” Rade commanded.

  “I need you, Rade, please,” Dylan cried in frustration.

  Feeling her desperation, Rade slowly entered her tight channel. It took everything he had not to explode. Her wetness coated his hard shaft like a blanket. Pumping inside her, her hips began to meet his thrusts. He knew she was close. He contemplated on letting her go, but decided it would be worth more for her to hold on as long as possible. “You can only come on my demand, Sweetness,” Rade instructed. He knew every minute he kept her from coming was more time she had to feel the pleasure he was giving her.

  “Rade please, I need…”

  Before Dylan could finish her plea Rade whispered, “Come.”

  Letting her body take over, Dylan came. Warmth took hold of her body, taking her beyond the scope of ecstasy. It wasn’t long after that Rade too met his release.

  *****

  Rade wished that he could rewind the events from last night. What waited for him today was something he wasn’t looking forward to. He knew it was a game he had to play. Sure, he would take on the responsibility of being a father, but that didn’t mean his commitment extended to Chloe or her family. The only reason he agreed to meet her family was because she agreed to the additional blood test.

  Rolling onto his side, all his anxiety lifted once Dylan came into view. She looked like an angel lying beside him. Her body was barely covered by the sheet. Her taut nipples rose with every silent breath she took. He could have watched her for hours, absorbing every beautiful part of her. When she began to stir, he was knocked from his trance. Leaning over her, he gently placed his mouth on her taut nipple, sucking and kissing the hard bud. He knew this would get her going. He would never get enough of her. In a soft voice she asked, “What time is it?”

  “It’s still early. Go back to sleep and I’ll order breakfast,” Rade said, bending over to give her a tender kiss on the lips.

  “Okay. Whatever you say,” Dylan murmured as her eyes fluttered shut.

  Dylan wasn’t sure how much longer she slept, but when she woke, the air was filled with the scent of bacon, eggs, and mocha. Pushing from the bed, Dylan grabbed Rade’s white button-down shirt that was draped across the chair. Dylan walked to the bathroom to relieve herself and checked her appearance in the mirror. For someone who was thoroughly fucked and exhausted, she looked better than she had in a long time. Maybe it was the happiness than flowed through her. Brushing her teeth, she took sight of the diamond ring sparkling under the light. She couldn’t believe after everything that she and Rade had gone through that they would end up like this. Soon they would be bound together, belonging only to each other.

  Dylan walked into the living area of the London penthouse feeling more energized than ever. Looking over to her man, she couldn’t help but take in his perfection. He was shirtless, which only added to his perfection. Dylan took in every hard line of his muscles. It was only after she took a deep breath that she realized she was gawking at him like a love-crazed teenager. Walking closer to where he was standing, Dylan wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

  “Good morning, Sweetness,” Rade said, feeling her warmth next to his body.

  “Can’t we just stay like this forever?” Dylan asked, nuzzling closer to his body.

  “I would love nothing more, but we have an appointment with the she-devil in a couple of hours. As much as it pains me to go, I’m almost looking forward to seeing the look on Chloe’s face when she sees you and we announce our engagement,” Rade said, turning to face Dylan.

  Dylan wanted nothing more than to see the look on Chloe’s face, but it also left her wondering what Chloe would do. Dylan knew what Chloe was capable of; she just hoped they weren’t making a mistake.

  The drive to Chloe’s parent’s home in Oxford was silent. Dylan looked out the window admiring the countryside, while Rade finished some last minute emails needing his immediate attention. Dylan wondered what the day would bring. She was certain that whatever it brought, it wouldn’t be good. Pulling up to the massive brick mansion, Dylan couldn’t believe the size of the beautiful home. Just as they pulled around the circular drive, they were greeted by an older gentleman in a dark gray suit wearing white gloves. Opening the door, the older gentleman held out his hand and assisted Dylan out of the SUV.

  Nodding his head as Rade exiting the car, he said with a formal greeting, “Lady Dupree and Sir John are waiting for your arrival in the study. Please follow me.”

  The butler led them through the house to a set of double wooden doors. Dylan had no idea that Chloe came from money. Her parent’s house was something you would only imagine seeing in pictures. With its high ceilings, marble flooring, and dark wood, the home was very inviting. High above the front door was an etched stained glass window which displayed a shield of some sort. It looked to have a harp and lions encased in a blue and red coat of armor. It was beautiful nonetheless.

  Making their way to the back of the house, the butler stopped and gestured for them to enter a large room. As they entered the butler announced, “Madam Adams and Sir Matheson.” It was all very formal.

  Dylan took in the room as an older couple rose from the sofa. Looking at the couple, Dylan didn’t expect them to look the way they did. They looked refined and well educated. Mr. Dupree was much older than his wife, with gray hair and a slim built. His eyes were dark, just like Chloe’s. Mrs. Dupree, on the other hand, was much younger. She looked to be in her early forties. She looked stunning for her age, with blond hair and green eyes. There wasn’t anything about her that reminded her of Chloe. Dylan assumed that she was Chloe’s step-mother. As the two approached Rade and Dylan, they made their introductions.

  “Mr. Matheson, Chloe has told us so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you,” John Dupree said as he held out his hand. “This is my wife Elizabeth.”

  “Nice to meet you,” Rade said, shaking his hand. “This is my fiancée, Dylan Adams.”

  “It’s nice to meet you Mr. Dupree, Mrs. Dupree.” Dylan smiled as she greeted them.

  “Please call me John. No need for the formality,” he confessed. “We were just about ready to have some tea. Please join us.”

  Dylan and Rade followed them to the sitting area, taking their places on a sofa across from where they were previously sitting.

  “Pardon me. If I can be so bold, but this is a little bit unexpected. We were under the impression that you and Chloe would be making wedding plans,” John Dupree said, puzzled by Dylan’s presence.

  “Your daughter's relationship with me only goes as far as providing for the child she’s carrying. I’m sorry if you thought otherwise,” Rade admitted.

  Before the conversation continued, Chloe stepped inside the room. The look on her face was priceless as she looked over to the sofa and saw Dylan seated next to Rade. Rade could already see the steam coming from her ears as her gaze turned into rage.

  “Rade, what is this?” Chloe let out, staring directly at Dylan with hatred.

  “I’m sorry, Chloe. I couldn’t leave my fiancée behind. She is as much a part of this as I am,” Rade gloated with a grin.

  Rade watched as Chloe’s anger went from rage to complete fury. If the look in her eyes could kill, they would both be dead. Rade knew the announcement of his engagement would infuriate her, but no way was he prepared for what she did next.

  Picking up a crystal decanter of liquor from the beverage cart, Chloe threw it, aiming it in Dylan’s direction. Dylan ducked her head, causing the glass to shatter against the fireplace, spilling its contents everywhere. Dylan was thankful that Chloe’s aim was off, other
wise she may not have survived the force of the heavy crystal hitting her in the head.

  “Chloe, you need to get a hold of yourself. This is no way to act in front of our guests,” John warned.

  Chloe drew her attention away from Dylan and focused on her father’s words. “You’re right, Father. It must be the hormones taking over,” Chloe maintained with a sneer. “I guess congratulations are in order.”

  Dylan could see right through Chloe. She knew Chloe was no more happy about Rade’s announcement than she would have been getting a root canal. Looking at Chloe, Dylan could see that something was off with her, She didn’t look right. She looked tired and almost sickly. Being pregnant was supposed to make a woman gleam. There was nothing glowing at all with Chloe. Matter of fact, Chloe looked like she had lost weight.

  After a wonderful dinner, Rade and Dylan decided to head back to the hotel. John and Elizabeth were nothing but charming. Dylan couldn’t understand how different Chloe was from her father and step-mother. During the conversation, Dylan learned that John had married Elizabeth after the death of Chloe’s real mom. It turned out that Elizabeth was actually Chloe’s nanny before she married John. Dylan had no idea what Chloe’s mother was like, but if she was anything like Chloe, it was probably a good thing that there was one less person like her around.

  Heading back to London, the change with Chloe was bothering Dylan. She needed to get it out before it consumed her thoughts.

  “Rade, did you noticed anything different about Chloe?” Dylan asked.

  “Other than her change in attitude, not really,” Rade answered.

  “Something has been bothering me. For a woman who is five months pregnant, she didn’t look right. Most women would be glowing. She looked sick. She lost weight as well,” Dylan hinted.

  “Come to think of it, she didn’t look like herself,” Rade admitted.

  Rade would need to look into what could be going on with Chloe when they got back to the States. For now, he just wanted to spend the few days they had in London with Dylan.

  *****

  Dylan had never been so exhausted in her life. When she told Rade that she wanted to take in the sights of London, he didn’t miss a beat. Dylan had no idea that there was so much to see. They visited the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Westminster Abbey, and even took a tour through Windsor Castle. But what really excited Dylan was catching the changing of the guards at the Palace. This was an experience she would never forget.

  It was late when they got back to the hotel. Even though it was exhausting, Rade managed to fit everything in one day, taking Dylan to every place she wanted to visit. Entering the penthouse, Rade went to the master bedroom en suite bathroom and ran a bath for Dylan. Tomorrow they would be leaving for the States and Rade wanted to make sure that Dylan would be ready. With the amount of sightseeing they did, he knew that her body would be sore. A warm bath would help loosen her sore muscles.

  While Dylan took a bath, Rade decide to make the arrangements for their flight back to the States. Just as he was getting ready to call Richard, his phone buzzed.

  “Peter, this is unexpected,” Rade said, surprised.

  “I was going to wait until you returned to the States, but I thought you may want to know, we were able to get inside Chloe’s safe deposit box at World National,” Peter began. “You aren’t going to believe what we found.”

  “I’m ready to put this shit behind me. I hope you found what is necessary to do that,” Rade replied.

  “We did, and more. Everything you need to put Ms. Dupree away for a long time was in that box. It baffles me that she kept all that incriminating evidence,” Peter confessed.

  “Well, you never know what thoughts go through the mind of a woman who is mentally unstable,” Rade admitted. “I’ll get with you tomorrow after we land. It will give me more time to sort through what you found.”

  Rade couldn’t be happier. It looked like his wish was going to come true. Chloe would be spending the rest of her days in jail and their child would know the truth about its mother.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  As much as Dylan enjoyed London, she was glad to be back in New York. The flight home was just as tiring as the flight to England, which left Dylan sleeping most of the way. Dylan was glad to see Peter as he pulled up to the Gulfstream, driving the Bentley. It was only when she saw the Mercedes pull up behind the SUV that Dylan became confused. Rade could see her confusion, so he thought it best to explain.

  “Josh is going to take you back to the penthouse. There are a few things I need to take care of at the office. I shouldn’t be too long,” Rade advised.

  “Okay, but can’t it wait until tomorrow?” Dylan questioned, wanting Rade to herself tonight.

  “It can’t,” Rade admitted cupping Dylan’s cheek in his hand before pulling her in for a kiss.

  Rade, Richard, and Peter parted as the SUV pulled away from the black Mercedes. Dylan wasn’t sure what was so important that couldn’t wait until the morning, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to find out as soon as Rade got home. Now that they were engaged, she wasn’t going to let him keep things from her. She knew that Rade was thinking about his father’s kidnapping. Rade thought that being in London would ease his mind, but it only made him more tense, not hearing back from the kidnapper.

  Josh didn’t stick around once he helped Dylan with the luggage and escorted her inside the penthouse. Dylan began to relax once she poured herself a much needed glass of wine. With Rade gone, she decided to take a hot bath. Taking her wine with her, she headed to the bathroom. Before she could fully strip off her clothes a text came in on her phone.

  Rade: I’ll be home in an hour. I want you naked and waiting for me.

  Dylan smiled as she typed her reply.

  Yes, sir.

  Throwing her cell on the bed, she headed to the bathroom for a quick bath. Engulfed in the soothing lavender bubbles, Dylan must have drifted, because when she opened her eyes, Rade was standing above her with his arms crossed over his chest. Shit, shit, shit. Dylan quickly pushed to her feet, just as Rade swooped her from the tub.

  “You have a hard time following orders, Sweetness. For that you will be punished,” Rade said sternly.

  Without letting Dylan dry off, Rade had her stretched and tied to the bed. First were her ankles, and then her wrists. Her body was face down on the bed, which only meant that soon she would be receiving her punishment. Dylan couldn’t see what was happening, but she could hear Rade behind her. When a lash of his belt on her butt cheek, she knew she was in for it. The sting of the belt sent her body soaring as another strike hit her other cheek. Dylan knew that she was wet. Pleasure took over the pain. She needed him. “I’m sorry, Rade. I must have dozed off,” Dylan apologized, hoping he would have mercy on her before she came without permission.

  “What should your punishment be, Sweetness? Ten lashes? No, I think double that is more appropriate for your defiant behavior,” Rade said with a smirk.

  “Can’t you just fuck me instead?” Dylan pleaded.

  “Punishment first,” Rade replied as he laid another strike to her backside. “Count, Sweetness.”

  “One,” Dylan moaned, feeling the sting. “Two.” Dylan gripped the pillow beneath her head the best she could with her restraints, trying to muffle the sounds of pain.

  By the time the last lash hit her ass, Dylan was burning with desire. There was no denying the pool of wetness between her legs. By the time she counted to twenty, she was dripping.

  “I think my Sweetness enjoyed her punishment,” Rade affirmed, slipping his fingers between her slick folds.

  Loosening the ties around her ankles, Rade took hold and flipped Dylan over in one move. Spreading her legs, he took her bindings and re-secured her ankles to each side of the bed, leaving her wide open for him. He was going to enjoy this time with her. Her control was going to be tested. She was going to learn what it meant to do as he commanded. Lowering his body between her legs, he began placi
ng tender kisses across her heated flesh. The more he kissed her, the more she struggled. “You need to hold still, Sweetness, or I will stop,” Rade ordered. Dylan gritted her teeth, but did as she was told. Placing his mouth along her jaw line, Dylan took in the scent his breath left behind. The smell of musk and scotch filled her senses, making her need him that much more. “Rade, please,” Dylan cried with desire.

  “Please what, Sweetness?” Rade whispered in her ear while pushing his body into hers.

  “I need you.”

  “I want to hear you say what you want.”

  “I need you inside me, please, Rade. I need you to fuck me.”

  Rade wasn’t ready to give her want she needed. He had only just begun his play with her. Lifting his body from hers, he left the room, leaving her bound to the bed. Dylan raised her head, wondering where he went. If he was going to leave her unsatisfied and bound to the bed, she would surely pay him back for this. Dylan was struggling with her restraints when she saw Rade appear in the doorway. Holding a tumbler of what Dylan assumed was scotch, he took a sip. She could have killed him for the length of time it took him to finish his drink. “Are you going to fuck me or just stand there,” Dylan yelled, needing to be taken.

  “Are you getting impatient, Sweetness?” Rade snickered.

  He knew she was on the edge. He loved seeing her powerless. He loved having control over her. Taking his time, Rade walked over to the bed and placed his glass on the night table, but not before taking an ice cube into his mouth. Straddling his body over hers, Rade lowered his head and captured one of Dylan’s taut nipples, With the cube in his mouth, he pushed it forward between his teeth, letting the coldness spread across the rosy bud. With a small gasp, Dylan’s back rose from the bed as the shock of the cold sensation running across her pert nipple took hold. Changing his position, Rade picked up his glass and took another cube in his hand. This time he lowered his hand to her folds and took the tip of the cube, making sure to rub it against her swollen nub. Once again, Dylan’s body rose at the sudden jolt of coldness. “Oh God, I can’t take any more. Please, Rade, just fuck me,” Dylan moaned desperately.