Alexander suddenly looked anxious. The moment was surreal. He felt like his life was flashing before him. He tried to make the pieces fit. What he knew and what he didn’t. His father had said his relationship with Sarai’s mother was before their mother. So it wasn’t possible. Or was it? Westley had secrets, things his sons didn’t know. But he wouldn’t have said nothing about Sarai possibly being his half-sister. Even if he wasn’t sure, he wouldn’t have allowed the two of them to fall in love to only have their hearts broken. Alexander desperately needed it all to make sense. “What sister?” he snapped. Loudly. “Please, God, do not tell me Sarai is our sister!”
Both Gamon and Westley turned to stare at him, their conversation coming to an abrupt halt. The moment was awkward and then Gamon started to laugh. When he did, Westley followed, and seconds later Alexander was staring at the three of them chuckling like they’d just heard the last punchline at a comedy show.
He shook his head. “Would someone please tell me what’s going on?”
Gamon pointed a finger in Westley’s direction. “Your father, he broke my sister’s heart.”
Westley swiped a large hand across his eyes. “All your family cared about was my money,” he said, “and I didn’t have any money!”
Gamon went off on another tangent, chastising the American’s bad behavior. When he was done, Westley apologized, genuinely regretting everything that had happened. Contrition furrowed his brow as he tried to explain himself and plead his son’s case.
“Look,” he said, “I can’t change what happened. If I could, I would. But your sister married a great guy. He made her happy. Now, that’s all in the past. We need to focus on the future. Our children’s future. My son is a good man. He is a better man than I ever imagined being. And he loves your daughter. He would do anything for her. He wants to make her happy and you should let him because your daughter loves him back. Besides, you and I both know Sarai’s mother would have loved him, too. She would have wanted this for your daughter.”
Gamon stood in reflection for a good minute, staring out to the fields that bordered his property. He turned toward Alexander and extended his arm and they shook hands. “My daughter is waiting,” he said as he turned, heading back into the home. As he passed by Westley he tossed him one last look. “My sister married a man with a face like a frog. She wasn’t that happy.”
As Gamon disappeared inside Alexander crossed his arms over his chest, his hands clasped tightly beneath his armpits. He felt himself tearing up and he was successfully fighting the sensation right up to the moment his brother touched him, slapping him warmly against his back. He closed his eyes and shook his head, the tears burning hot behind his lashes.
His father called his name and when he opened his eyes, Westley wrapped him in a warm bear hug. “I’m proud of you, son,” he said. “I’m proud of both you boys.”
Zachary shook his head. “I am so confused!” he exclaimed. “I thought you had a thing with Sarai’s mother?”
Westley laughed, his voice dropping to a loud whisper. “I did, but let it go for now or your brother and that girl will never get married!”
* * *
Back inside Gamon had returned to his seat by the aunties, the old women admonishing him for disrupting the moment. When Alexander moved back to Sarai’s side she was shaking, her eyes tinted red from crying. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. She was still clutching that velvet box tightly. He leaned to whisper in her ear.
“Please ask your father again for his blessing,” he said softly.
With a nod of her head Sarai moved back in front of her father, bowing down a second time. She lifted the box and extended it toward him.
“Father, will you give Alexander and me your blessing to be married?”
Gamon’s gaze danced across his only child’s face as she eyed him eagerly, anticipation thick and full between them. In that moment he wanted only the very best for her. He loved her and despite all of his other issues he wanted her happy.
Reaching out he took the velvet box from her. His smile lifted slowly as he nodded his approval, and when he did, her aunts cheered with excitement. Mama Lynn clapped her hands together, her own joy overflowing. Alexander blew a sigh of relief as Gamon stood, reaching to shake his hand one more time.
The aunts gestured for Mama Lynn to join them in the kitchen. They had prepared a feast of food for the entire family to celebrate the occasion. The atmosphere was suddenly relaxed as discussion immediately started about the wedding and everything that needed to be done to prepare.
“I will speak to the monks and we need to consult the astrologer for the best day,” Gamon said.
The women were suddenly talking guest lists and colors. Alexander and Zachary filled plates with food and settled down into a corner as Gamon and Westley became better acquainted, the two men discussing the upcoming fight.
“And you are sure about this, A?” Zachary asked. “Because this marriage needs to be forever.”
On the other side of the room, Sarai met the look Alexander was giving her. Joy shimmered across her face as her female relatives fawned over her. She smiled, and in that moment, everything felt right in Alexander’s small world.
He turned back to his brother. “I am, Z! It’s the only thing I’ve been sure about in a long time.”
Chapter Seventeen
Bangkok was a host of contradictions. The sprawling metropolis was hot, polluted, and chaotic with the worst traffic nightmares, yet it thrilled with vibrancy and energy, playing to tourism with its bright lights and attractions.
The views from hotel windows magnified the natural landscape that shaped the city’s layout. Canals that branched out from the Chao Phraya River snaked through the heart of the city, complemented by floating markets that highlighted the daily life and cultural custom of the people who lived there.
The Barrett family was staying in connecting suites at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The luxury five-star hotel was renowned for its timeless style, and Zachary was excited to be able to gift the accommodations to his parents. But after checking them all in, he’d said good-bye, kissing and hugging them warmly.
“You aren’t staying?” Mama Lynn asked.
Zachary shook his head. “I’m sleeping down at the gym. I can’t get too comfortable,” he said.
Alexander had nodded his understanding, but he also addressed his concerns. “You need to slow your training down. You can’t go at the same pace you’ve been working. Your training sessions have been super intense and your body needs to heal as much as possible before fight night. Maybe some pampering might be good for you?”
“I know but I really need to stay in the zone. I’ll get plenty of pampering once I win this belt.”
“How can I help?”
“Help your woman with the wedding plans. She’s got a ton of things to get done before next week.”
Alexander laughed. “And tell me again why we’re having the ceremony so soon?”
Zachary laughed with his brother. “Because the astrologer said next week is the best time to ensure a long-lasting union, our parents will still be here, and the monks have agreed.”
“Well, there must be something I can do for you?”
Zachary nodded. “Gamon and I have got everything covered from here but the night of the fight I would really like for you to be with me then. By my side.”
“I wouldn’t be anyplace else. I’ll have your back, like you’ve had mine.”
The two men pumped fists, then pulled each other into a warm hug. When their family walked into the room, they were still holding tight to each other.
* * *
“How’s Thailand?” Dan asked, his deep voice echoing over the phone line.
Alexander grinned into the receiver. “Thailand has been an experience. Right now I’m in Bangkok!”
“You and your brother have been all over the sports news! It’s been good publicity for the gym.”
“How is my business
holding up without me?”
“Business is great! You’re actually going to turn a profit your first quarter!”
“Nice!”
“And we’re hosting a live fight-night event to watch your brother defend his title. In fact, I just confirmed the HBO order to ensure it’s going to show on all the big-screen TVs around here.”
“That’s a great idea! If I can I’ll try to get a minute of camera time and plug the gym.”
“So when are you coming home? We have a lot going on in terms of marketing and promotion and since you’re the face of Champs it would be really good if you were actually here.”
“The fight is on Saturday night and then the wedding is next week—Thursday. I’ll be home sometime right after that.”
There was a brief moment of silence as his friend, Dan, pondered his comment.
“What wedding?”
Alexander laughed. “Sarai and I are getting married!”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“I’m dead serious, my friend! I asked the girl to marry me and she said yes! We’re having the official ceremony here in Phuket and then we’ll have another reception or something when we get back to Colorado.”
“So you’re definitely coming back to Boulder?”
“Boulder is home, boy!”
Their conversation continued for a good few minutes as Alexander updated his friend on everything that had happened since his coming to Thailand. With plans in place for his return and him feeling comfortable that everything was going well with his business ventures, he ended the call on a happy note.
Moving to the massive windows that looked out on the city, he took a deep breath and then another. In the distance, lights flickered like a holiday event gone wild. His parents had gone to dinner, Westley promising Mama Lynn a romantic evening. Alexander had slipped his credit card into his father’s hand and had insisted the couple go have fun without being concerned about their spending. His father’s penny-pinching could sometimes be a source of consternation, and he hadn’t wanted the man’s prudence to keep Mama Lynn from doing something she wanted to experience. He felt like it was the least he could do after everything they’d done for him.
Moving back across the room, Alexander reached for his cell phone. He hadn’t heard anything from Sarai since they’d parted ways at the airport. There had been a host of details that needed to be settled with the UFC and the training facility that was hosting Zachary and his team. Sarai had dived headfirst into her managerial role, both Zachary and Gamon deferring to her judgment while they focused entirely on what Zachary needed to be prepared.
He dialed her number but got her voice mail. Just as he was wondering where she might be, there was a knock on his door. The light rap was unexpected, and for a brief second it startled him.
“Who is it?”
A thickly accented Thai voice echoed on the other side. “Room service! I’m here to turn back your bed, sir!”
Moving to the entrance, Alexander pulled the door open and was overjoyed to find Sarai standing on the other side.
“Do you just let any woman come in and turn your bed down?” she said teasingly.
Alexander laughed. “I try to save things like that for my woman but she’s been off doing her own thing and I haven’t heard from her!”
Sarai wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Your woman has been working too hard!” she said as she moved into the room and he closed the door behind them.
“How’s it going?” he asked as she moved to the sofa that sat room center and took a seat.
“Zachary is all settled in. I confirmed everything with the caterer who is handling his dietary needs, and my father seems to have a handle on everything else. The UFC is really happy with him. His sponsors are even happier and when he wins it’s going to be a real boost for his career. I’m glad that you’ve been here to help him. He really needed you.”
“I really needed him. I just didn’t know it,” he said as he sat down beside her.
Sarai smiled, reveling in the emotion he exuded as he thought about his twin and everything that had happened with the two of them. Both men had found balance and comfort with each other, and the wealth of what they’d been feeling had been a blessing for the rest of them.
She leaned into Alexander’s side. “Have you eaten anything?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t been hungry. There’s just been so much going on.”
“I haven’t eaten either. Would you like to go out and get something?”
Alexander thought for a quick minute. “Why don’t we order up room service and just stay in? We haven’t really had any time together since we got engaged.” He smiled.
“I would really like that,” she answered as he stood up to find the hotel menu.
Minutes later as they waited for their traditional Thai meal of deep-fried chicken and crabmeat spring rolls, prawns with pineapple curry, and jasmine rice to be delivered, their conversation turned to their pending wedding.
“So what do I need to do?” Alexander asked. “Because I’m sure there’s a hoop or two I need to jump through. Getting married has to be as hard as getting engaged was.”
Sarai laughed. “It won’t be nearly as difficult, I promise.”
He nodded. “Let me ask you something,” he said as he sat back down.
“Anything.”
“If I asked you to forgo a Thai ceremony and just go back to Colorado with me and get married at the courthouse, would you?”
Sarai studied his face for a brief moment. He was eyeing her intently, his expression too serious for comfort. She nodded her head slowly. “If that’s what you wanted. Yes, I would. I just want to be your wife,” she said, her voice dropping to a low whisper.
Alexander smiled as he raised her hands to his lips, kissing her palm gently. “I love you, Sarai. I hope that you know that.”
“I do and I love you. I want to make you happy, Alex.”
“You do, baby. You make me very happy. And I want you to have the wedding of your dreams.”
Her smile was canyon wide as she dipped her head, gratitude billowing across her face.
“So, how long do I have you for? Is Gamon going to be looking for you?”
She giggled. “No. My father knows I’m here with you. We’re engaged now, remember?”
“It’s like that? Girl, we should have gotten engaged weeks ago!”
Their conversation continued until well after their late-night meal was delivered and consumed. After savoring the last bite, their stomachs full, they moved from the dining table back to the sofa. Holding hands, the two settled back in their seats, falling into the silence that painted the room. For some reason, Sarai found herself unable to focus. She had no words for the thoughts that were going through her mind, but in that moment her head was clouded, a range of emotion suddenly consuming her.
Their hands were still joined, Alexander’s fingers interlaced between her own. He’d developed slight calluses across his fingers from working out so hard, but his touch was soft, almost feathery against her skin. She lifted her eyes to stare at him. Lost in his own musings, his blues eyes stared at the views outside the windows. Sarai leaned her head against his shoulder, a soft sigh of contentment blowing past her lips.
Alexander felt his heart leap into his throat. His nostrils were suddenly filled with the scent of the peppermint oil and lavender soap that Sarai had bathed in. The nearness of her had his senses on alert, and his skin tingled from the sensation of her soft hair brushing against his arm. They sat for a few more minutes; then Sarai disengaged her hand from his. The gesture was slow and deft as she began to caress his palm and wrist tenderly with her fingertips.
Alexander’s pulse was suddenly racing. The impulses emanating from every pore were hard core, an irresistible urge to take her right then and there compelling. The intensity surprised him, desire going from zero to ten in a split second. There was no hiding the wanting that had risen full and hard in h
is southern quadrant. Her hand suddenly strayed into his lap, and she began to caress the fabric of his slacks over his thigh. Her touch was teasing, purposely avoiding the protrusion that shifted between his legs. Closing his eyes, he let himself fall into the delicious sensations.
Alexander shifted his body and extended his legs outward. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, his own hands slowly caressing her arms and back. His eyes were suddenly drawn back to his lap as her hand continued to move upward. She trailed her nails slowly, the teasing beginning to take on a life of its own as she stroked him over his clothes. Their gazes connected for a brief moment, the look she gave him causing his breath to catch deep in his throat. He gasped, suddenly unable to form a coherent thought.
Alexander bit down against his bottom lip as Sarai pulled at his zipper to release him. He lifted his hips to help pull his slacks and briefs past his hips. His whole body quivered when she suddenly brushed her cheek against his cock, her warm breath teasing the head of his organ with each pass. He tried to say her name, but nothing passed his lips but a loud moan.
Sarai held him in the palm of her hand, her fingers drawing up and down against the dark skin. She lowered her face against him, nuzzling him with her cheek and chin. Her touch elicited a heavy sigh of pleasure from Alexander. He trembled, reclining his body even more. The anticipation was overwhelming, and the throbbing between his legs had his whole body pulsing with heat.
“Just like that,” he whispered as he wrapped her fingers around his shaft and guided her ministrations.
Sarai stroked him slowly, each pass long and firm as she watched his face. Pleasure flushed his cheeks, and he bit down against his bottom lip, his eyes half closed as he panted softly.
Alexander suddenly felt himself being sucked down into a vortex of pure, unadulterated desire, and he slid like melting butter into the sensations. Sarai’s mouth was heated and wet, and she blew him with warm breath, sucking him in and out. He grabbed the sides of her face with both hands, making love to her mouth as he pushed and pulled his hips in sync with the massaging action of her lips. She dropped to her knees to better position her head over his crotch, and every muscle in his body felt like rubber as he watched.
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