by C R Riley
One jump into the cold water had forced my focus on the peaks that instantly immerged under her suit. Making my mouth water and my very friendly member wanting to come out to play. So, I had calmed him down by jumping in the water myself and staying in it for as long as my body was capable of tolerating.
And because my gaze is still fixed on her nice bosoms, I don’t miss it when she drops the coin shaped device inside. “You do have a point there. I think I should always put it here since I will always be wearing one.”
Blinking away some very debauched thoughts I peek out the front window and realize my men are waiting on me. “Time to go. That device is tracked by your team and mine.”
“I don’t have a team.” Larkin is shaking her head in confusion. “Please tell me I don’t have a team.”
I pull out of the underground garage and follow the lead vehicle. “Your team will work with mine. Amanda is your head of security officer. Dane will be her right-hand man. Emmett and Quinn are the other two members who will be assigned to you fulltime. The rest of the team will coincide with mine.”
“When do I get to meet these poor people assigned to me?” She crosses her arms. “And why don’t I get a say on who is on my team, or if I even want one.”
I reach over and take one of her hands in mine. “First of all, my lunaita, it is a must to ensure your safety at all times. If you don’t like anyone on your team, then you tell me so I can have that person replaced. I know this is all new love, but there are those who would do you harm to get to me, an unfortunate reality of your new life.”
Larkin goes silent and turns to stare out her window. When she notices that the vehicle next to us is one of ours, she mumbles. “I guess I shouldn’t have wasted my hard-earned money on this lovely form of transportation.”
“Larkin.” I say her name affectionately. “If you want to drive it then drive it. I’ve already made a few specifies very clear to everyone. One of them was that you have never had security before.”
“I’ve had security. When my father first became a US senator there was a threat and the Secret Service was assigned to our family. I hated every single second of it and was glad when they backed down a bit. They are still around, not on me of course, but both of my parents have someone protecting them.” She informs me.
“I told them to do their best to offer you the freedom you are accustom to. Made it very clear that I didn’t expect you to up and just quit your job, so they were going to have to figure out how to deal with it.” I squeeze her hand. “They have been dealing with it all week.”
“What?” Larkin looks alarmed and then embarrassed about something. “They’ve had eyes on me all week. Like you are saying that I was never alone even when I thought I was? A heads up about that would have been nice Antonio. Gaw, hope they enjoyed the show then.”
“What show?” I have asked for a report back from them daily. “Do you mean the fact that you have been climbing rooftops and scaling walls?”
We have to stop at a light, so when I glance over at her I notice the tint of red on her cheeks. “That too, I guess. Part of the job.”
“Mm huh. Don’t you have men working with you who could have done those tasks?” I want to order her to not do something I know is dangerous, but I don’t.
“I suppose I could, but sometimes seeing it with my own eyes is better and I don’t have to worry about them missing something. I was careful. Followed the safety procedures this time.” She bites her lips together.
“Do you not always follow those procedures Miss Cross?” I know the answer before she gives it to me.
“I plead the fifth.” Her voice has this tinge of a giggle to it.
“The what?”
“The fifth. It means that I am evoking the Fifth Amendment.”
I am utterly confused right now. “I believe that deals with the relationship between the sovereign and his council.”
“Not your constitution, the US one. To sum it up it says that I don’t have to say anything that might incriminate me; I can choose to plead the fifth. I plead the fifth.”
“That I suppose would be the tenth here. Although I do believe it states that if a person chooses to not answer those types of questions, then they are revoking their rights to freedom, if there is enough evidence to hold them. So, pleading the tenth means that while you admit no guilt, you are also in a roundabout way admitting it, then forcing your government to prove it and understand that until then you will be incarcerated.” I inform her as we pull into another underground garage. “Do you still want to plead my love? I have no problem holding you prisoner.”
“Did they report about all my adventures or just the ones that put me in danger?” Larkin is obviously avoiding my question.
“I assume all.” I pull into the designated spot and turn off the car. “But I’m not certain. Why are you blushing?”
Larkin closes her eyes and begins speaking very rapidly. “It was hot okay. I had spent hours inside the walls on a very hot muggy day. I thought a nice swim would feel good. Since I assumed, I was alone and not far from the spring, I just said why not. Had I known I was under surveillance I’d have gone back and grab my suit or at least kept my bra and panties on. I thought I was …”
Yeah, she doesn’t get to finish the rest, because my mouth firmly lands on her. The thought of her naked in the natural pool, after a long hot day of working has my mind going places it should not. How I so wish I could have been there to witness that.
And no, her team left that little detail out of the report. They said she went for a swim, but didn’t say it was an X-rated swim. I’m sure that once they realized her intent, they left her after securing the area; I really hope that is the case.
After I have tasted her sweetness enough to almost do me in, I draw back. “They left out a few details.”
“Where are we?” She swallows aiming to regain some ground.
“Maison de Deveaux.” I tell her as I get out and make my way to her side of the car. “Figured it was time I take you on a real date.”
This genuine smile lights up her face as she takes my hand. “A date?”
“Yes, a date. I’ve yet to take you out on a customary date, so tonight I plan on rectifying that.” I tuck her arm in mine and we follow my team. “Figured we start with dinner, take in a show next, end with me dropping you off at your door. Much like I imagine most of your dates have gone and I wanted to experience my first one with you.”
“You’ve never been on a date?” Larkin glances up at me shaking her head. “But you’ve dated before.”
I lean down and kiss her forehead. “And most of those outings where when my date escorted me to an event. Of course, I did a little dating in boarding school and college. But tonight, is different you see. I am taking my lady out and showing her off. Letting it be known that I am most definitely spoken for and very proud of that fact. Showing her a good time and hoping to impress her.”
“You didn’t try and impress all those other young women?” She bumps me slightly. “I don’t believe you.”
“I did, I guess. Hoping to steal a snog when the evening ended.” I lean down so my lips are near hers as we step off the elevator. “I never wanted more from them though. Never dreamt of them and woke up wishing they were lying next to me. Ached for them. Missed them the second they walked out the door.”
“Beinvenue votre Majeste et vous votre Grace. We are honored to serve you both this evening. I believe you requested a table overlooking the lovely view. If you both would follow me.” The host bows and then leads the way.
My team came earlier and secured the place. The other patrons do not miss the fact that they are all about to dine with their King and start to stand. I stop the first gentleman with a raise of my hand and motion for him to remain seated. I cannot stop the reverent bow he bestows me though, so I nod and continue. Luckily, we don’t have many tables to pass, so we don’t have to endure that the entire way.
“The chef has prepared som
ething special for our King and his guest, if that is suitable for you Sir.”
As I am pulling out Larkin’s chair I asks. “My love, is that okay with you?”
“Sounds lovely.” She glances at the wine bottle and makes one request. “Could you please bring me some tea?”
“Hot or cold Your Grace?” The host asks her.
“Cold and it is just Miss or Ma’am. I hold no title and I do not wish for one.” She reaches for her water. “Oh, and could you also bring me a small pitcher of water. If it’s not too much trouble that is.”
With a slight nod the host replies, “No trouble at all Miss. May I speak freely Your Majesty.”
“You may.” I tell him as I take my seat; interested to hear what this gentleman is thinking.
“A treasure such as lovely as this one surely is a gift from above. I believe your choice is a way better one than those that were all but forced upon you. Well done Sir, well done.
“And Miss I must correct you if I may. The title you hold may not be one you have been handed. It is one you however were born to be one day and it fits you better than anyone else. It shall be an honor to one day in the near future, address you with in such deserved regard. Wear it well Miss and take pride in the fact that you’ve earned it by simply falling in love with the right man. Well done Miss, well done.”
Larkin watches the man depart, completely unable to speak by his honesty. She finally directs her attention towards the large window overlooking Aragon. Reaching for her water I catch the glistening sparkle in her misty eyes.
We are seated directly across from each other like everyone else is in this restaurant. However, she seems too far away seated across the table like that.
During our summer holiday we ate dinner every night together. She always sat in the chair next to mine. My leg often brushed hers during dinner. My foot sometimes slid behind hers tugging it closer, where I’d find my foot rubbing hers intimately. We’d talk about subjects couples often talked about. Her day at work and some of the bumps she ran into. All the unexpected issues I had to deal with because there were those who just didn’t respect my holiday. We’d share, listen and even offer up advice if the other person asked for it.
Isabel of course was present during that time and Larkin never left her out. Would ask about her day and listen closely to all the adventures my little sister found while roaming around the grounds.
Therefore, I stand and move my chair to the spot next to her. At first, she is too busy gazing out the window to notice I have moved. It isn’t until my knee bumps hers as I sit down, that she jerks her head around to notice. When I slide my leg behind her and draw it closer, I feel that discernable shiver that always moves through her when we touch.
“What are you doing?” She whispers.
“Getting comfortable.” I easily reply and reach for the wine bottle.
It’s a chardonnay that tends to have a hint of vanilla in its taste. I do as I have done so many times before and pour a glass for her and myself. So far, she hasn’t once taken a sip of a glass and I haven’t once said anything about it.
“Why do you always pour me a glass when you know I never touch it?” Her gaze is focused on the white liquid in her flute. “Why do you always have a few glasses during dinner?”
I grab the stem of my wineglass and swirl it around a bit. “I like the taste of a good wine. I pour you a glass in case you’d like to have one with me. This particular wine is a chardonnay. It has a smooth velvety texture with a rich citrus flavor and a hint of vanilla.” Putting the glass to my lips, I take a sip and let it moisten my lips and tongue.
She is still staring at it when I get this idea. I take another sip and let the wine invade my mouth completely. After I am satisfied, I have gotten it all coated, I lean forward and set my glass down. Reaching across the short distance, I turn her head so she is facing me and kiss her lips softly at first.
I swear I only meant to leave the sweet taste of the wine on her lips, so that when she licked them, she’d get a sample of it. However, it is extremely difficult for me to just kiss Larkin and not want to take things deeper. Very soon our soft kiss spins into a more intimate one. My tongue slips inside her sweet tasting mouth and begins to toy with hers.
It’s the awareness of someone standing near us that has me drawing back. Our very jovial young server stands only a few feet from us, holding a steaming platter of escargot and two smaller plates. She sets the dish between us and tries really hard to hold back her amusement. “Anything else Your Majesty?”
“We are good thank you.” I sit back in my chair and watch Larkin lick her lips. “Well?”
Larkin reaches up and touches her lips. “Well what? Are you asking me about that kiss or the wine?”
A deep chuckle sneaks out and I know we are attracting attention. “Well let’s start with the kiss since you brought it up.”
“The kind that could get me into trouble that is for sure.” She is still agitating her head.
“And the wine?” I place a few escargots on her small plate. “It will go well with that.”
“Are those … are those snails?” Her uncertainty discloses she has never had them before.
“Yes.” I show her how to eat one and then watch her struggle a bit with it.
She finally gets one free and deposits it in her mouth. I watch her face make a very unpleasant grimace. Quickly she grabs a napkin and spits it out as discreetly as possible. Then she grabs her wine and downs half the glass. She waits a few and then finishes it off, holding it in her mouth this time for a few seconds before swallowing. When that doesn’t seem to quite do the job, she reaches for mine and finishes it off as well.
I try not to laugh. I really, really do.
“Is the wine intended to deaden your taste buds so that you don’t throw up?” Larkin asks me as she sets my glass down and then begins to reach for the bottle.
I stop her so I can fill both our glasses again, afraid she was thinking of tipping the bottle to her mouth. “Not a fan of escargot.”
Grabbing the glass of tea, the server brought her, she wobbles her head. “That’s just a very fancy word for slimy icky snails.”
After I finish the bite in my mouth, I reach for her again to draw her near. She starts to fight me, but my words stop her and she gives in to my advances. “I love you so very much. No more slimy icky snails for you then.”
After a much simpler kiss she whispers against my lips. “I love you too. But if you try to slip that nasty tongue in my mouth, after you ate those disgusting little snails, I just might puke in your mouth.”
The rest of dinner goes off without any more unpleasant food mishaps. We talk about our week apart, share all the ups and downs we faced. There is a lot of touching during the course of it all. A few more kisses take place during dessert, when she gets some of the mocha de crème on her upper lip. I just cannot resist licking the rich creamy moose off of hers. Any excuse to put my lips on Larkin’s is a good enough one for me.
The chef stops by our table to make sure our meal was satisfying enough and then offers his congratulations.
As we are about to leave the manager makes his appearance, making sure to let us know we are more than welcome to return anytime we desire. Assuring us that there will always be an open table to accommodate the most romantic and passionate couple to ever step foot in this place. Announces that it was lovely to watch and admits that he wishes all his patrons understood the importance of sharing such fire while enjoying an intimate meal.
I escort my love out the main doors this time. I drank a little more wine than I first intended and was suffering from it slightly. At least I believe I am, although I’d probably go so far as to admit it is a big possibility the reason, I am a little light on my feet has more to do with the woman next to me. We climb in the back of one of the SUV’s and settle in nicely, heading towards our next destination.
Chapter 28
Antonio
I’m pleased to see Larkin lis
tened to my request about how she should dress tonight. Our next destination has a more prestigious dress code. Most of the audience will be dressed a little nicer than we currently are, or maybe it’s the section we will be seated in that tends to go all out. Although we will be seated in my private box and those joining us have been instructed to dress a little more casual tonight. So, the dress she chose fits and I am delighted with how well it fits.
Larkin must be feeling a little of the wine as well. She twists her head and places a kiss on my arm as she nuzzles closer. “Why did you let me drink from your glass? I shouldn’t have done that. I shouldn’t have had more than one glass actually. I’m feeling a little … free.”
She discloses this as her hand lands on my thigh and starts tracking the inseam of my dress pants. I watch her hand as it unhurriedly trails up and then stops mid-thigh.
“I’ve never touched a man here before.” She whispers loudly as she draws circles along the spot. “Or here.” Her hand trails a little higher. “Or here.”
I grab her wrist to halt her progress. “And tonight, my sweet Larkin, that is as far as you will go. One more inch higher and things could turn rather interesting.”
I may have blocked her hand, but I can do nothing about were her eyes land. Nor can I hide how her touch was affecting me down there.
“Does it hurt?” She whisper shouts, and I know Gino heard her by the cough he lets out to cover his laugh. “It looks uncomfortable.”
“Larkin.” I growl her name as I squeeze her hand. “Shut it please.”
“Sorry. I’m just … I think I should … I mean …” She lets out a loud long breath and this time when she speaks her voice is not hushed at all. “Is it true what they say? I read that confident men tend have a reason to act like that. Plus, you have very big hands, long thick fingers to go with those bigger than life hands. Rather huge feet to hold up this impressive frame of yours. All that suggests that the size of your penis is rather impressive as well.” Another sigh reveals she has no idea what she disclosed exactly. “It’s really going to hurt isn’t it?”