She pulls back and meets my eyes, filled with mirth. “Yes, Kai. I’ll marry you.”
Sweeter words have never been uttered. This time I kiss her, and I wrap my arms around her to keep from trembling. I’ve never felt happiness like this. When our mates burst through the door, cheering, all I can do is grin like an idiot and say, “So much for privacy.”
Nothing, nothing can bother me at this moment, because I’m going to marry Anna Whitt. I’m going to love her and protect her and keep her safe any way that I can.
And it just so happens that the key to keeping her safe from my father is to shag her senseless.
I think I can handle that.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Till Death
“My walls are falling and my white flag is high,
I’ve surrendered to the feeling inside.”
—“The Only One” by Hot Chelle Rae
Everyone takes off and I’m left standing at Blake’s, a bit shell-shocked, blinking into the bright sun. What do blokes do to prepare for weddings? I rack my brain, thinking about grooms in commercials. Tuxedos are out. I could get her a garter. . . .
Wait. Rings! Brilliant. And, where will we go afterward? We’ll need a honeymoon suite somewhere. Look at me, already a pro at this husband business.
The first place that comes to mind is the one place Anna wanted to see that I didn’t get to take her to—the place I’ve only seen alone when I was at the lowest point in my life. Seeing it with Anna at my side will, no doubt, be a different experience. It’s time to set things right.
I do an internet search for Grand Canyon honeymoon destinations. Of course the best places have no vacancies tonight. I get on the phone with the owner of a set of luxury cabins.
“I’m so sorry, but we’re all booked.”
I put on my most polite English voice. “Yes, but I’m wondering if you can point me in the direction of anyone who might have a place. I know it’s late notice. I’ll literally pay any price they ask for one night. It’s my wedding night, you see. Sort of an impromptu wedding because we’re facing some rather worrisome issues.” I clear my throat and shut my eyes.
“Oh, dear.” The woman is quiet. “Well . . . there’s our personal vacation cabin. . . .”
My eyes snap open. “I’d hate to put you out, miss.”
“We don’t usually rent it out, but you sound like a nice young man. I suppose one night would be okay.”
I exhale a giant sigh and grin. “You are an angel. Thank you. I mean it. We’ll take good care of it.”
She sounds happy. “Let me make some calls and I’ll give you the lock code.”
I finish talking to the Grand Canyon angel, hoping her cabin is as beautiful as the ones posted online.
Next I scan through local jewelers on my mobile and head to the closest shop. As I browse at the counter, looking around for whisperers all the while, one thing becomes quickly apparent: I cannot buy Anna a diamond. They scream of matrimony. Every one of these sparklies would attract attention, even if she wore it on a different finger or hand. And the men’s bands are quite obvious as well.
This could take a while. I call Marna to help with some other things I won’t have time for.
“What can I do for you, darling?” she asks.
“I need clothes for tomorrow. I didn’t pack enough and I’m running low on time. Can you manage?”
“Absolutely. Anything else?”
“Food, perhaps.” I give her my sizes and get back to ring shopping.
In my search I happen upon a funky shop with artistic, handmade pieces. The prices are astronomical, but I don’t care. In fact, I’m glad to spend a lot on something to commemorate this day.
I consult the almighty Google to learn of Anna’s May birthstone, the emerald. Almost immediately my eye is drawn to a small ring with Celtic vines knotted around a circular emerald. The shop woman takes it out for me.
“What size do you need?” she asks.
Size? I haven’t the slightest clue.
“Er, small?”
“This one is five and a quarter,” she says. “It’s a rather small size. It won’t fit on my hand.” She holds her hand out for me to see, and it’s definitely larger than Anna’s. I don’t want to mess this up, but I haven’t much choice. The look of it is perfect.
She shows me the men’s rings next and I gravitate to the thick black tribal designs. I point to the most wicked-looking one, the design etched into silver just like Anna’s.
“I’ll take them both.”
I scan the clear skies as I leave the shop with our rings. Our wedding rings.
I shake my head and drive for the airport.
Blake’s plane is killer, roomier than Father’s jet, with that new leather smell.
He welcomes me aboard with a grin and a salute.
“This is brilliant, mate.”
He crosses his arms, peering around. “Yeah, being the son of Envy has its advantages.”
“Bloody right,” I say, setting down my bag.
“Well, we’re all fueled up and ready to go when everyone gets here.”
My insides dip with a fluttery, falling sensation and I grip the top of the seat I’m standing near. Blake laughs.
“You nervous, man? Don’t puke on the upholstery.”
“I won’t,” I mutter, forcing myself to straighten. I’ve no reason to be feeling strange.
Except perhaps for the fact that I’m going to be a husband. This wasn’t exactly something I envisioned for myself. It was never in my nature to commit. Anna’s shown me it’s okay to hope for something more, to want something better. The things I was taught to think of as weaknesses I now recognize as strengths. I can’t explain why I’m so jittery when everything feels so right. I just don’t want to bung it up.
“So, what’s the plan?” Blake asks. “You thought about where I should take you guys afterward?”
“Yeah.” I tell him about the Grand Canyon. He fist-bumps me again before returning to the cockpit to ready the plane.
I sit at the open space in the back where I can rest my head in my hands and think for a minute. I want this to be perfect for Anna.
I’ve sat like that a long while, trying to get rid of these ridiculous nerves, when I hear feminine giggles coming up the jet steps. The twins burst through the doors, Marna chipper and Ginger looking exhausted. Behind them is Anna, and when I see her staring around the cabin in awe, I remember who I’m dealing with here. Anna is not your picky perfectionist. My girl finds beauty in the small things. Seeing her puts me at ease. I lean back and watch her, one hand behind my head.
She’s changed into a white, summery halter dress that makes me want to drool. It also makes me wish I’d at least changed my clothes. Blond layers lay across her shoulders. Her dress is open at the back, revealing tanned, smooth skin in stark contrast against the white. The silky material hugs her, flowing down to her ankles. She is a sight.
I’m going to strip that dress from her body tonight. Along with everything underneath it.
Behind Anna, Marna holds up a bag, pointing to it. I downloaded mood music! she signs.
I raise my eyebrows and give her an unenthusiastic thumbs-up. I hope she’s grown out of her love of boy bands.
Anna finally finds me, and her smile disappears as our eyes meet. My confidence returns, obliterating all traces of nerves. I’m going to take care of this girl in every possible way. Judging by how she nibbles her lip, she knows it.
I lift a hand to call her over. Moments later she’s standing before me, the dress accentuating her waist.
“Hey,” she says, a bit bashful.
“Hey, yourself. You’re stunning. I feel like a slob.”
She looks me over, taking me in. “You always look good.” Her shy smile melts me.
I ignore Gin’s gagging noises from where she’s sitting nearby, and I wrap my hands around Anna’s hips, leading her toward me. She sits beside me, lifting her hair, fanning herself with a shaking h
and.
I take that hand and place a soft kiss in her palm.
Don’t be nervous, I sign to her with my other hand.
Her face still looks pinched with tension, so I pull her onto my lap and she lays her head on my shoulder.
“Are you sure about this?” Her whisper is warm against my neck.
“I am,” I assure her. “Are you?”
“Yes.”
Well, there you have it.
Blake ambles out of the cockpit and I circle a finger in the air as if to say, Let’s go. He nods his agreement. The sooner we’re in the air where the whisperers don’t venture, the better.
We all take our seats, and fifteen minutes later we’re lifting off smoothly. I’m rather impressed with Blake’s flying skills. Once we’ve reached our altitude, Blake puts the plane on autopilot and joins us, as the girls freak out about it. It’s quite humorous, and I can’t help chuckling, relieved to have all my closest mates by my side.
When we stand, I’m racked with nerves again, and I hope it doesn’t show.
“I didn’t prepare vows or anything,” Anna says. “I guess we’re just winging it?”
Vows? Was I supposed to do that?
Blake shakes out a piece of paper and my worry subsides. He’s printed out traditional vows, and he even got an official license to marry us, per Belial’s suggestion. But leave it to Blake not to be serious.
He puffs out his chest and declares, “Dearly beloved!” like an old, Southern minister.
We all lose it. And shite, I don’t realize how blazin’ tense I am until we’re all falling over with laughter.
“All right,” Blake says when we finally calm down. He looks at me. “For real this time. Keep your eyes on Anna and repeat after me. You ready?”
I run my hands through my hair, frustrated by this persistent nervousness. Nothing has ever been this important to me. I’ve been thinking of this as Anna’s special day, but as I exhale sharply and take her hands again, I realize I want this as much as she does. I lock eyes with Anna and prepare to vow my love and loyalty to her alone. My voice drops an octave as I fight back emotion.
“I, Kaidan, take you, Anna, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.” I struggle to get the next words out. “. . . till death do us part.”
Anna’s eyes drift closed, forcing tears to roll out. I quickly wipe them and whisper, “No tears, luv.”
Her chin quavers but she nods. We grip hands tighter. Her voice is pure and angelic when she says her vows, and I let each word soak into my skin, through muscle and bone, into my very soul where I’ll cherish them for eternity.
She beams up at me when she finishes, and my broad smile matches hers.
“Time for the rings,” Blake says.
Anna’s face falls. “Oh, I didn’t—”
“Don’t worry,” I say, reaching into my pocket. I know she is a reasonable girl, I hope too reasonable to expect diamonds, but I’m still anxious about her reaction. I open my palm to show her.
“I figured we’d have to wear these on our opposite hands after today,” I explain when she says nothing. “And since it’s our secret, I decided on your birthstone instead of a diamond. I had to guess your size.”
She stares a moment longer before grinning up at me. “I love it.” The awe in her voice makes me stand taller.
I hand her the men’s band and we exchange rings, sliding them on to each other’s fingers as a symbol of our love and commitment.
Blake claps a hand onto my shoulder. “Now for the good part. You may kiss your bride.”
“’Bout time,” I say, leaning forward to seal the most important moment of my life.
“No tongue!” Gin shouts.
“Yes tongue!” Marna counters.
Oh, for the love of—
Anna flings her arms about my neck and snogs me good to shut them up. Marna and Blake cheer and Ginger snorts. I drown them out and focus on Anna’s lips.
We press our foreheads together, and her eyes sparkle with glee.
“Did we really just do that?” I ask.
She smiles and nods and bursts into excited giggles. I grab her around the waist and lift her up, kissing her again, fighting the instinct to take her straight into the loo for a bit of privacy.
“Should I be this turned on by a wedding?” I ask.
“You get turned on when the wind blows!” Ginger says with a laugh.
Right enough. Anna laughs and I grin at her.
We’re all a bit mad at that moment, as if we’ve had loads to drink, though in fact we’re sober as nuns. I suppose that’s how rebellion feels—living with purpose—like each second is monumental and full. I soak it in, because I’m not fool enough to think it will last forever. But it’s ours now, all ours.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Finally
“You trace my lines, stirring my soul,
Shoot sparks at the heart of the world and I watch it explode.”
—“Run” by Matt Nathanson
The extravagant cabin is even better than I’d hoped. Anna certainly seems to agree. She’s rushing about the rooms in hyper speed, sighing and touching and exclaiming about every detail. The bed looks as if it’s been carved from an ancient tree, complete with overhanging branches and wood beams in the ceilings. Everything resembles autumn, with fabrics of red, brown, and yellow, and rustic wood furniture. I want to kiss Anna every time she flits past, but I can’t bloody catch her. Finally I nab her in the ginormous bathroom, and our mouths meet.
When she tenses, I pull back. “What’s wrong?”
She glances down. “I don’t know what I’m doing.”
Ah. She’s already thinking ahead.
“Anna?” I ask.
“Hm?” She’s gone shy.
“Have you ever felt as though you were fumbling around awkwardly when we’re together?”
“Um . . . I guess not.”
“Exactly. Some things come naturally, so don’t overthink it. I’m going to take care of you.”
She talks quietly, not looking me in the eye. “But I want to take care of you, too. You have to show me what to do.”
My lovely Anna is too kind. She has no clue how anything she does this night will only further satisfy my growing need for her.
“I’m not as hard to please as you might imagine. I’ll show you anything you want.”
She swallows and nods.
“Also . . .” I clear my throat. “Two days ago when Father told me he was sending me to seek you out . . . I had a test done. Just in case anything were to happen with us—I just wanted to be sure.”
Damn good thing, too, because after Marna, I’d be paranoid as hell tonight.
“Oh,” Anna says. “To make sure you’re really . . .”
“Sterile, yes. And I am.”
“Thank you,” she whispers. And she finally gets brave enough to look up at me. Her eyes widen and I feel a stirring in my belly. For so long I’ve held back with her. I will still have to hold back a bit, because she’s not yet ready for it all. But there are things I can and will do tonight. Starting with seeing every bit of her skin. I glance over her mouth, at the freckle at the corner of her lips.
“Anna . . .”
“Hmm?” Her voice goes high. She clears her throat.
“Remember when I told you I wanted to introduce myself to every freckle on your body?”
She nods slowly.
“Well, it’s time.”
Her cheeks bloom with color. I close my eyes as a warm wave of pears and freesia permeates the air. “You smell so damn good.”
Though this moment feels long overdue, I know neither of us was truly ready until this night. This is how it was meant to be for us.
I take her hand and lead her back into the main room. I want to put on music, but mine’s a bit dark. I dig through the bag from Marna and stare down at the music player she sent.
“Mar
na downloaded mood music as a gift,” I mutter. “I’m a bit frightened.”
Anna giggles at my apprehension. I set up the dock and turn it on. Sure enough, the first song is twangy.
“Country music?” Since when does Marna listen to this?
“I love this song!” Anna says, and I groan. Of course she does, Georgia girl. And I suppose it’s not that terrible. But still. Who knows what the rest of this playlist will bring.
“Maybe we should listen to my playlist instead.” I reach for my device.
Anna gives her head a shake and takes a bold step toward me. “Come on, Kai . . . my freckles are getting impatient.”
Bloody hell . . . did my little vixen just tell me to hurry up? I forget all about the playlist. I advance toward her, wondering if she has any clue what she’s sparked in me.
My freckles are getting impatient. . . .
“Well, then,” I say. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”
I’m standing in front of her now and her chest is rising and falling rapidly.
Take it easy, mate. I’ve waited too long to rush. I slip my hand under her hair and tilt her face up to mine. Her eyes close and I taste her lips. Softly at first, taking her bottom lip between mine and then seeking her tongue with a gentle swipe of my own. As our mouths tangle and play, I walk forward and she walks backward until we’re stopped by the bed.
I need the dress off, now. I begin gathering it between my fingers, working it upward until the hem is in my hands. She lets me raise it over her head, and she’s standing before me in her bra and silk underwear. Her eyes are still nervous, but she moves for my shirt and I raise my arms for her to pull it over my head.
I swish the hair from my eyes, then feel her hands on the buckle of my shorts. I take her hands away, saying, “Not yet.” It’s been so long that I don’t want to test my self-control. Right now, I need to see all of her. I slowly reach behind and flick open the clasp of her white strapless bra. As it falls, she covers her chest.
“They’re . . .” She bites her lip and looks down.
I place my hands over hers. “I assure you, they’re perfect.” I gently pry her hands away and look down at Anna, exposed before me.
Sweet Temptation Page 29