Chapter 30
Ember
Tonight is the North Winds Gala. It has been a year since the night I met Jonas. It is crazy to think back to that night. Never in a million years would I have thought we would be together let alone starting a family. This last year has been one hell of a roller coaster, but I don't think I would change it. Well maybe one part of, but that goes without saying.
This year's theme is so much better than last years, Winter Wonderland. The black curtains were replaced with white and that alone gave it an open inviting feel. The tables are covered in silver and ice blue layered cloth, large snow globes as centerpieces each housing a tiny ice skater in different poses. Each chair is covered in white cloth with big white bows.
The floor was the natural stone but covered in fake snow with an ice blue runner down the center isle. That is going to be a bitch to clean up, but it looks amazing. The stage was made to look like a winter village, three foot cottages with lit up windows and smoking chimneys. Each cottage is decorated with blue and white lights and yards decorated with woodland creatures and snowmen
Small pine trees in glossy white pots and dusted in ‘snow’ line the front of the stage and one sits on each step leading to both balconies. Large intricate snowflakes dangle from the vaulted ceiling at varying heights giving it a magical look.
This is all mine. Last year I took over the Gala, but this year it's all me. Every plan, every ieda. All mine. This is what I can do when given the opportunity.
The guests are, as usual, dressed to impress. Though I am pretty sure I have seen at least three Frozen characters so far. White seems to be the most popular color for tux, a few black ones and a handful of them have winter themed prints. The ladies on the other hand have gone all out with the icey blue. It is a sea of white and blue as everyone moves around, it's like watching icy waves. Thankfully the workers are in black pants with white shirts and silver ties.
“This is absolutely beautiful, Em. I was really worried about the ‘snow’ but this is perfect.” Melanie says and uses air quotations.
“I can't believe you ever doubted me.” hand on my heart in mock hurt.
“Well now I know better.” she smirks. “How are you feeling? Do you need to take a break?”
“Thanks but I am good, I haven't really had that awful pain in my stomach since the trial ended and my leg is pretty well healed and working just fine.” I run my hand down my form fitting silver dress, from my stomach to my thigh remembering the wounds that I took so long to recover from.
“Well you just call me over if you need to. I am going to check the kitchen staff.” turning on her heels to walk away.
Raising my brow and giving her a coy smile. “Oh, and by that do you mean you are going to go sneak more oysters?”
Her mouth opens wide and her eyes match, then she smirks. “I would never sneak, I am perfectly open when I take them. The chef has smacked my hand three times already. I've made a game of it now. Let's see how many times I can get him to chase me off.” laughing as she walks away from me.
“So professional.” I shake my head watching her disappear behind the white curtains. She has been so great throughout my healing process. I have no clue how I would have gotten this finished without her. Spence and Jonas helped me as much as they could, but they couldn't deal with the vendors and staff.
Two strong arms wrap around me gently pulling me against a rock hard chest and I melt into him. His scent has been driving me crazy the past few months. Blame it on the pregnancy hormones, but every time I get close enough to smell him I want to tear his clothes off and have my way with him.
“This place looks amazing. I am blown away by your imagination and skill.” he whispers in my ear.
“Thank you baby.” I turn in his arms, resting my hands on his chest. He looks so delicious in his light gray tux. His hair styled to perfection showing off the tattoos on the sides of his head. Oh how I love every single image on his perfect body.
Raising a brow he leans down and places a kiss on my cheek. “I see that look in your eyes, you know you are working.”
“Yes, I am well aware of that.” I pause and lick my lip. “Are you aware that I have a key to the locker room?” I unbutton his jacket and slide my hands under it and wrap my arms around his waist. My fingers trace patterns on his back as I try to give him a really sexy look.
“Are you toying with me? You know I am more than just a sex machine, right?”
I try to hold back my smile unsuccessfully. “Are you complaining?”
He purses his dark lips. “No not at all.” he pulls my hands from his back and places them back on his chest. “But you are working, and I know how important this night is to you. I promise I will make it up to you when we get home.” his lips curve up and there is a dark gleam in his emerald eyes. “I will do anything you want, as much as you want, for as long as you want.”
He plays dirty. I have to squeeze my legs together to stop the throbbing need that he has caused in my nether region.
Jonas chuckles as he pulls me closer and plants a soft kiss on my lips. He leans back and smiles at my obvious displeasure. “I will make it worth the wait.” he says as he lets go of me and walks off to talk business with who knows who.
All I know is he left me needing him more than ever. God these hormones will be the death of me. I take a deep breath and go back to monitoring the event.
“Ember?” a familiar voice calls as I am picking up a fallen potted pine tree. I stiffen at the sound. I slowly complete my task hoping she will be gone when I turn around. No such luck.
“How can I help you?” my voice is colder than I thought it could be.
“I see you are still upset with me. I thought you would have at least showed up to my wedding. I know you had to have gotten the invitation.”
I stand there looking at her with a blank face. I really have no desire to speak with her. I cut her out of my life, her and her whole messed up family, and I have no intentions to let her back in.
“I did.”
Her face flashes some emotion I have never seen in her before, regret maybe. She clasped her hands in front of her and her eyes went cold. There she is, there is the mother I know.
“You didn't even have the decency to send a card.” really? She is something else.
Marcus walks behind her and places his hand on the small of her back. “Hello Ember. You look well. How is the pregnancy?”
My mother narrows her eyes and cranks her neck to look at him. Apparently she hadn't finished with the previous conversation, but I had.
“Hello Marcus. It is nice to see you again. Babies and I are doing great, just get tired quicker than I used to.”
Her jaw hits the floor. She found out I was pregnant when she showed up at the trial trying to convince me to go to her wedding. I made Jonas deal with her, well I didn't really have to make him. He was more than willing to keep her and the stress of dealing with her far from me.
“Twins? Wow you are going to have your hands full. I remember when my boys were born, I think I was gray within a month.” Marcus says as he runs his fingers through his hair.
I smile and nod. Jonas suddenly appears and I am pulled flush against him.
“Just heard the news, Jonas. Congratulations. My advice is to rest up now because once those little angles are out in the world, you won't sleep for months.” he extends his hand and Jonas shakes his it.
My mother still seems to be speechless, which is a rarity. She just keeps looking at me, my eyes to my belly and back.
“Well it was really nice to see you again Marcus, but I really do need to get back to my work. Jobs not done till the nights over.” I give him a warm smile. “I hope you enjoy the Gala.”
“Yes, thank you, but your mother was really hoping to speak with you.”
“She already has, about missing the wedding. I had no intention of attending it nor do I have anything more to say to her. Have a good night.” I try to make my voice sound soft b
ut it comes out so harsh and bitter sounding.
Jonas pulls me away before my mother can find her words. “Have a good night sir.” he says over his shoulder.
My hands are balled into fists and my jaw clenched. I can't believe her. I told her I wanted nothing to do with her. I told her to stay out of my life. I told her that she was nothing to me. I even had Jonas tell her she will not be a part of our child's life, before we knew there were two. So why the hell is she so butt hurt about me not being there.
It's because she wants to appear as this perfect loving wife and mother. Just like all the other times she got hitched. It's all about making her look good for the public. But she is far from a loving mother. She never was and never will be. I am ashamed that I came from her and that vicious family of hers.
“Agápi mou, are you alright?” his fingers brush down my arms as we walk away.
“No.” it's barely a whisper.
“I am sorry I did not get there sooner. I was trying to keep an eye out for her but I missed them coming in.”
I stop and turn to him. “It's not your fault, you have nothing to be sorry for. I just need a minute to calm down.” I turn back and walk to the locker room.
Jonas follows me in and I lock the door behind us, too bad I'm so pissed off. I take a deep breath and close my eyes. His hands are caressing my arms as I rest my forehead against his chest.
“I know you have told me a dozen times, but are you sure you don't want to try to have some kind of relationship with her?” warm hands move to my back and pull me a little closer.
I shake my head still on his chest.
“Okay. I just don't want you to have any regrets.” he mumbles into my hair as he kisses the top of my head.
I take a few more deep breaths before speaking. “I can't. I won’t give her the chance to make me feel like an unwanted child anymore. And she will never get the chance to do it to our babies. I...” I lean up and rub my belly. “We are better without her in our lives.”
A deep sigh leaves his mouth and he gives me an understanding smile. I love this man. He keeps pushing me to forgive her, but I never will. I know he means well, and I am thankful that he cares enough to look to the future and how I may feel then, but I know my feelings will not change.
When I ended my relationship with my mother I felt this huge weight was lifted off my chest, finally allowing me to breath. I was suffocating before and I never even realized it. Now the air is crisper, cleaner and tastes so much sweeter. Though that last part is mostly because of Jonas.
“Are you better?”
I nod and look into his loving gaze. How can one man be so perfect? He has everything, the looks, attitude, compassion, charisma and so good in the sack. I don't know what I did to deserve him, but I will never let him go.
“I am better. Thank you for saving me. It was taking a lot out of me trying to keep my composure with her. You alway make the unbearable bearable.” standing on my tippy toes, I brush my lips across his.
His hands move from my back to my hips. The feeling is back, the need to have him. He shakes his head and laughs at me. “No, not here. I told you you have to wait till we get home.”
What a buzz kill. We leave the locker room and return to the Gala.
He found me multiple times throughout the night to make sure I was still suffering. Ok maybe that is not what he was doing, but I was suffering. Everytime he came near me it's like my core could sense him and would weep for him. By the end of the night my panties were so wet I am honestly surprised it wasn't dripping down my leg.
“Well I think tonight was a success.” I say as I get into Jonas’ Bentley.
“Yes, it was. What time do you have to be back tomorrow?” he asks as he starts the engine.
I give him a sly smile. “I don't. I hired a team to do the tear down this year. With the fake snow I knew it was going to be more difficult. I have a few people going to make sure everything is done and the place is spotless.”
“Oh, so you get to sleep in tomorrow? That will be nice.”
Oh he thinks he is funny. He made me a promise and I fully intend on taking advantage of it. There will be no sleep tonight or tomorrow morning. I may let him rest after breakfast. I just smile at him and look out the window at the festive lights.
As soon as we walk in the door, all I want is a hot shower. I kick my shoes off and start to unzip my dress as I walk to the bedroom. I can hear Jonas snicker behind me. The dress falls to the floor just before I get to the door. My bra is next just as I enter the room. The cool floor feels so good on my swollen feet that I moan when I step into the bathroom.
The shower is calling me, so I waste no time setting the temperature on the overly fancy high tech shower. Sliding off my already wet paities I toss them to the floor and step into the steamy waterfall. I turn around and find Jonas leaning against the counter just watching me.
“Are you just going to stand there?” I ask as the water cascades over my pregnant body sothing away any stress I had tonight.
He bites his lower lip and shrugs.
Playing hard to get. Well two can play that game.
I continue with my shower. Slowly washing my hair, then my face and finally my body. The water feels so good I don't want to leave it. I stand there leaning against the wall letting the water run over me. I open my eyes when the water stops.
Jonas is standing in front of me with a towel in hand. I glare at him for taking away my blissful moment.
“What?” he laughs out.
“I was enjoying myself.” I huff.
“Not as much as I was. I like watching you shower, it's very sexy.”
I snort “Yeah right. This is not sexy.” I say gesturing to my body. “And it's just going to get even less sexy as this pregnancy progresses.”
His eyebrows pull together and he frowns. Something he hardly ever does. “I think you underestimate your beauty. Pregnant or not, you will alway be sexy to me. I love every inch of your perfect body.”
A smile pulls at my lips.
He wraps the towel around me and plucks me from the shower. I wrap my arms around his neck as he carries me to the bed. The towel falls when he puts me back on my feet. Crouching down he picks it up and dries me from my feet up.
I stand there with my legs backed up to the bed and a fully dressed Jonas in front of me. My eyes travel up and down his body and I have to press my legs together again. This is unfair.
His hands land on my hips as he steps closer to me. I dont move a muscle. Big strong hands grip my hips tighter and pull me forward. I gasp at the sudden roughness and my weeping core is so ready for him. His mouth descends on my shoulder and he bites me softly, then nibbles his way up my neck, down my jaw and finally my waiting lips. The kiss is rough and demanding. I drown in the intensity of it, pulling me away from any coherent thoughts.
When I open my eyes I am flat on my back legs spread wide to accommodate my lover between them. As he kisses and licks down my neck I undress him like my life depends on it. My movements are frantic and I can't get him naked fast enough. He senses my struggle and helps the process along.
When he slips out of his boxer briefs his hardened cock springs free and I moan at the site of it. His sexy smile only lasts a moment before his lips are on mine again. His hands roam over my breast and tug on my nipples. I whine needing so much more from him. He licks my lips before trailing his tongue down to my core.
The second his tongue hits my clit I explode, arching my back letting the orgasm take me. The want and need so strong that all it took was one touch to make me cum. Good. Now he is going to make me cum all night long.
He chuckles before claiming my mound in his mouth and taking me to a whole new high. Two fingers slide inside of me, pumping in and out in a steady rhythm. I grind myself into his face and he pushes his fingers deeper and deeper, wiggling them at my G-spot and causing another intense orgasm.
The sound of him licking and sucking my juices off me and his fingers is so ero
tic. His head pops up from between my legs, just barely able to see him over my belly. Dark eyes find mine and I know what is next. He straightens and kneels in front of me, his cock swaying as he moves. Lowering himself over me he positions the head and thrusts hard into me making me scream in pleasure.
The night and morning was a blur of slapping sounds, entangled limbs and pure lustful love. He filled me to the brim and kept going, his seed seeping out of me with every thrust. It was heaven and hell all mixed up in one fierce fight for dominance. God I could never get enough of this sex God that I have fallen so hard for.
I wake to find the bed empty next to me and the smell of waffles wafting through the air. Taking my time I get out of bed and find my robe. The kitchen is a mess of bowls and utensils.
“What are you doing?” I laugh out.
He stops and turns to me with a silly grin. “Cooking.”
“I see that. Did you use every bowl in the place?” I say with raised brows.
He shrugs as he turns back to the waffle maker. “I wanted to make you breakfast in bed and I know you are a big fan of waffles so…” he waves the spatula in the air motioning to the mess. “This is what happens. It's no big deal, I will clean it up later. I hope you are hungry, this is a recipe Wells gave me. It was his grandmums.”
“Well it smells fantastic and your babies are hungary.” I say rubbing my belly.
“Well in that case, sit your pretty ass down and let's get you fed.”
I giggle and walk to the dining table because sitting on the island stool is less and less comfortable the rounder I get.
Before I even pull out my chair Jonas is behind me with one arm wrapped around me and the other holding a plate with a fluffy golden waffle dusted in powdered sugar. He sets it down and pulls the chair out for me. I sit and he kisses my forehead.
“Thank you, baby. This looks even better than it smells, I can't wait to get it in my mouth.”
He chuckles and walks back to the counter to get the syrups and jam.
“Oh my God.” I moan as the flavor hits my tongue. “Baby, this is so good.”
“Glad you like it. Do you want another?”
Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust? Page 29