We did not immediately name them. Over the pregnancy we had come up with more than a few names, but in the end we just knew that we could not choose until we saw them. The names from the gender reveal party were actually at the top of the list for a while, but the second we set our eyes on our little ones we both knew they did not fit.
The day Ember and our children left the hospital is the day we finally decided on their names. Killian Xavier Drakos and Arabella Emerson Drakos. The names just felt right. When we got to our flat that day everyone was waiting for us, with Ember's grandparents on the large television screen. Nessa was in control of the camera and with all of her excitement I am sure Linda and Enzo were getting a blurred stream of movement on their end.
We announced the names and everyone was in love with them. Not that we would have cared if they hadn't. Enzo gave a speech and sent their love before he and Linda cut the call, the time difference is five hours and it was already 6:00PM here.
Now here we are three months later. We have loved every second of parenthood so far and I would never change a thing. I decided to trade in my Bently for a more family friendly vehicle, but this Audi Q8 is definitely not lacking in style. The twins are safely belted in the backseat while I drive them to Spencer and Victor.
Thankfully we still have loved ones here to help us out. Nessa left shortly after the twins were born, back to Wells and the business in France. Ember's grandparents also had been back in France for quite some time now. Spencer has been my saving grace in planning tonight and being our designated babysitter.
Before I even pull up to the familiar building they are waiting for us. I am honestly not sure which of the two is more excited. They both have their hands on the door as soon as the car stops, fighting for dominance.
“You do know there are two of them, right?” I ask as I get out of the car.
Victor shoves Spence out of the way and proceeds to take Killian out, seat and all. Spence walks to where I stand with the door open ready to take Arabella out.
“Look at my beautiful Goddaughter! Oh she is just too precious. Look at this bow, Vic. It's bigger than her tiny head.” he gushes
“Well I would hope you like it, you did buy it for her.” I add as he steals my daughter.
“Damn, I have good taste.” he replies.
I grab the bags and cooler with the breast milk for the weekend. We make our way into the building and then to their flat. I must admit they are very good together. In the beginning Ember was worried it was just a fling, but they have been going strong for a year now. Most importantly, they are wonderful with the little ones and definitely loved back by them.
“Ok so you have nothing to worry about. We have the spare room set up for the twins. No cribs but we do have a playpen for them to sleep in. I have Nessa on speedial if there is anything that I need help with.” I give him a questioning look.
“You know I mean stuff like how do I heat a bottle and change a diaper.” he rolls his eyes
“But you already know how to do both of those things Spencer.” I cross my arms over my chest after putting the milk in the freezer.
“You know what I mean, Jonas. If anything comes up that I need a woman's view or advice on I will call your sister. If something were to happen, which it wont, I will not hesitate to call you and Emmey. Promise.”
I sigh in defeat. “You better.”
“So are you nervous?” Victor asks in a baby voice as he tickles Killians belly causing my son to let out the most adorable sounds.
“More nervous than I thought I would be.” I answer honestly.
“Oh, please. Don't be ridiculous, Jonas. You know it is more likely for God to send another flood to wipe out the earth than it is for her to say no.” Spencer buts in.
“I hope you are right.”
“He is. Don't worry about it, seriously. She loves you and we all know she wants nothing more than to spend her life with you. Just relax and tell her exactly what is in your heart. You know she likes the sappy stuff.” Victor adds.
“Yes, so get your ass out of here and let me have my time with my Godbabies.” Spence says as he pushes me to the door.
“Hold on a minute, crazy. I still need to kiss my children.” I push past him to where Victor sits with Killian. He hands him to me without argument and I kiss his sweet tiny cheek before handing him back. Arabella is still in her seat sleeping, but I don't care. I pull her out, she doesn't wake, and snuggle her to me kissing the top of her head.
Spencer takes her from me when I am ready to go and I know my children are going to be so spoiled by him. He cuddles her in his arms and coos loving words to her as I close the door behind me.
∞∞∞
Ember comes out of the bedroom dressed in a very sexy form fitting red satin dress that hugs every delicious curve on her perfect body. The skirt is just above her kenn with a small slit on the left side, the top having a very low plunge sweetheart neckline. Her breasts have nearly doubled in size since being pregnant and they are threatening to tumble out of the flimsy fabric holding them.
I must be the luckiest man in the world to have this Goddess by my side. Her hair is curled in ringlets and pulled over one shoulder, showing off her long sexy neck and shoulders. Her tan toned legs look exquisite in the simple black stilettos. I almost want to cancel our plans and spend the night ravishing her body.
No. I need to get my mind clear. Tonight is going to either make me the happiest of my life or send me into a downward spiral of depression. I feel my jacket pocket for the small box inside hoping to reassure myself.
“Damn woman. You look good enough to eat.” I say as I lick my lips.
“Perv.” She laughs.
“Yes, that I am. But in my defence, you really are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Not to mention the way that dress fits your every curve just right.”
She sways her hips as she walks to me. Grabbing my tie she pulls me flush against her body, and it is very hard to control my growing urges.
“Well, since you so kindly got the boys to take our itty bitty ones for the night, you can have an all you can eat buffet tonight.” then her lips are on mine.
“Oh, I intend to.” I mumble against her lips.
She pulls away and smacks my ass. “Let's get this date night started. The sooner we start, the sooner you can taste me.”
Well someone is in a feisty mood. I like it.
We pull up to the large skyscraper and I can see the look of confusion on her face.
“What are we doing here?”
“It's a surprise.” I smile and give the valet my key before opening her door and taking her hand.
She looks at the building, her head leaned back exposing the column of her neck. I want so badly to run my tongue along it, but that would be frowned upon right now.
“This is an office building?” she asks.
“Sort of. It houses a few offices, party rooms and rooms for rent. Really you have never been here? I would have assumed you would have at least heard of it in your line of work.”
“No, I can't say that I have ever heard of this place.”
The Kerpatric Tower is located in the center of Uptown Shoreline in the business district. This particular building is centered inside a nest of large skyscrapers, but it is the tallest in the group. The penthouse has a panoramic view of the city all the way to the coast.
“The main floor has a wonderful French restaurant. I want you to experience my favorite French cuisine. Granted it is nothing compared to what you will have when we get to France, but for an American owned restaurant it is a very good substitute.”
She smiles and takes my arm. I lead us into the building and toward the lift.
“I thought you said the restaurant is on the main floor?” she asks as I push the call button.
“Yes it is, but we will not be eating in the restaurant.” I give her a sly smile and look back to the opening doors.
We step into the lift and I press the seventieth f
loor, being the top floor of the building. She raises an eyebrow at me. A voice comes from the computerized screen. “Please insert your penthouse access card.” I slide the card I have just pulled from my pant pocket. “Access granted. Enjoy your stay Mr. Drakos.”
Ember looks at me like I have been hiding some big secret from her. Well technically I have, but she will understand by the end of the night. I look down into the big golden eyes and give her a tight lipped smile.
“What are you playing at Jonas?” her arms under her chest and she gives me a stern look.
“Playing?”
“You're up to something.”
I can't help but chuckle at her cuteness. “I am always up to something.”
The ride up is quite fast and before we know it the doors are opening into the large penthouse. She steps out of the lift and her eyes widen.
“Jonas, this view is beautiful.” her voice is small like a child seeing something amazing for the first time.
“Glad you like it. I hope you are hungry.” I say when she turns back to me.
She lifts her nose to the air and sniffs. “Oh, it smells heavenly.”
I take her hand and lead her to the dining area and pull out her chair. She sits and I take my seat at the head of the table. The table is much larger than we need, but I had the servers make sure to give it a more intimate look. They did a great job. Half of the table is covered in sweet French pastries and a large welcome gift basket, two place settings are at the end of the table and a set of three lit candle sticks in silver holders.
“Why did you do all of this, Jonas? This seems a bit extravagant for date night.”
“There is nothing too extravagant for you, agapi mou.”
She shakes her head and looks back to the view. “It doesn't matter where you look in here, you can see the whole city. I can't believe I never knew this place was here.”
“I am happy to know that even in your home, I can still show you things you have never seen.” She briefly looks at me and then back to the view.
The lift dings, announcing someone is coming up. When the doors open our personal waiter is there with a bottle of wine.
“Monsieur, Madam. I hope you are finding everything to your liking. I have the wine you requested, Monsieur, should I pour you each a glass now, or would you prefer to wait until the l’aperitif is served?”
“We will have it now, please.” I respond.
He pours two glasses of the rose wine and sets them on the table, then places the wine bottle in a chiller.
“I will return with your first course.” he walks away to the kitchen where the personal chef awaits him. The lift and the kitchen are the only things in the penthouse that obstruct the 360° view. Oh, and the bathroom in the bedroom area also has obstructing walls.
“Are you alright?” I ask her as she stares after the waiter.
“Hmm?” she looks back at me.
“Nevermind.” I can help but smile at how childlike her expression is right now.
“Oh, baby I'm sorry. It's just that this place is so big and beautiful. And then there is a waiter here for only us?”
“Yes only us, and the chef also.”
Her jaw drops. “Chef? Like here in the penthouse?”
“Yes, making a seven course feast just for you and I.”
She looks back to where the server had disappeared to.
“Only the best for you.” I add.
The server returned with two small plates in hand.
“The first course is a mushroom and shredded duck vol au vent with a creamy white sauce. Please enjoy.” Then he is gone again.
Ember looks at the stuffed pastry curiously. “What is it?”
“Just try it, you will love it.”
She nibbles at the pastry without tasting the filling.
“I promise I would not feed you something if I did not think you would like it.” I urge her to really try it.
Hesitantly she takes an actual bite of it. “Oh, this is really good.” she says as she chews. So lady like.
“What did I tell you? I knew you would like it.” I chuckle.
We made it through the first five courses without any problem. She really seemed to enjoy the menu I put together with the chef.
The server comes back with a wooden board filled with small cuts of cheese on it. He sets it down between Ember and I, smiles and walks back to the kitchen.
“Cheese is a course?” she giggles.
“Cheese is a lot of things in France. This one here,” I point to the white and green wedge, “is my favorite. It is roqueforte.”
“Nope, that's not happening.” she gives me a look of disgust that makes me laugh. “I am not eating moldy cheese. That is where I draw the line. Nope. No. That's just grose.”
“Okay, I won't force you to.” I manage to get out while laughing. “Try the brie or the hercule.”
She looks to the board again and takes a small piece of the hard cheese and places it in her mouth. While I on the other hand take a large chuck of the roqueforte and enjoy the mix of flavor and texture.
“What do you think?”
She smiles and takes another small piece of the hercule. “It's not bad.” then she tries the brie. “Oh, this is amazing!”
“Glad you like one of them.”
“Just so you know, I’m not kissing the rest of the night.”
I cock my head and give her a questioning look. “And why is that?”
She looks at the cheese then at me. “Not after you put that in your mouth.”
I know she is very serious but it is so ridiculous I can't hold my laugh. “Okay, agápi̱ mou. I will go brush my teeth right now.” I get up and walk to the bedroom and into the bathroom, where I already have everything we will need.
When I get back to the table the cheese board is gone and our wine has been replenished. Ember is sitting with her ankles crossed under her chair and her hands folded in her lap. She has her bottom lip between her teeth when she looks up to me.
“Now you have no excuse to not kiss me.” I pull her from her chair to my lap and she willingly comes. Her legs dangle on one side and her arms wrap around my neck.
“No, still can't kiss you.” she teases.
The server comes out with desert in hand. “Shall I come back?”
“Oh no, please.” She jumps off my lap and takes her seat again.
He places the dessert on the table. “Poires Belle Helene, a classic French pear dessert.”
“Thank you, it looks wonderful.” She smiles up at the server. Give her anything with chocolate and she will be happy. He nods and walks away.
She takes a bite of the sweet pear and moans in delight. That sound alone makes me want to discard the dish and take her right here on the table.
“What are you thinking?”
“About how good this table would look with you neaked on it.” I answer honestly.
Her lip finds it way back between her teeth and I know she is thinking just as many naughty things as I am. She takes another bite and the same sound comes out of her mouth. This is torture.
The server comes back out after we finish our dessert and clears the table. “Is there anything else the chef or I can do for you tonight?”
“No. Thank you for your service, and please give the chef my compliments.”
“Very well. The kitchen is stocked with your requested items. Have a wonderful stay.” he bows and meets the chef at the lift. They both enter and when the doors close it is just Ember and I.
I take her hand and lead her to the living room. “Stay right here, do not move.” the entertainment center is located behind the sofa, but the sound system is wired throughout the place. I turn it on and connect my phone. The soft music comes across the entire penthouse and she spins to look at me.
The smile on her face is beautiful. Not just her normal smile, this is a different kind of beauty. I can't quite explain it. It is a mix of happiness, curiosity, excitement and wonder. Her eyes almost g
low in the overhead lighting.
I take her in my arms, one hand on her waist and the other holding her hand. She places her free hand on my arm and we dance. She follows my lead, step for step and we glide around the room, our eyes never break contact.
“I love you.” she whispers as she moves her hands up my arms. She links her fingers behind my neck and pulls me down to her lips.
“I love you too. Always.” I mumble against her plump lips as she deepens the kiss.
The song ends and the next starts. She pulls away but keeps her hands in place. I hold her close and we sway to the song. I place a kiss on her forehead as she rests her cheek on my chest.
I thought I had this all planned out, but now seems like a better opportunity. I take a few calming breaths and lean down to whisper in her ear.
“I love you more than the moon loves the stars. More than the sun loves the sky. You are my whole world, you and our little ones are my everything.”
She leans back and her hands fall to my chest. I take both of them into mine and lean into her till my forehead is pressed to hers. I keep her hands in one of mine while the other reaches into my pocket and pulls the ring from the box.
“I cannot imagine my life without you in it. You have become the most important part of me, a part I could never live without.” I slid the ring onto her finger, but she seems to be oblivious to it. “I want to spend the rest of my life waking up next to you. I want to have you in my arms every day and every night until the day I leave this world. I want to make you smile. No, I want to be the reason you smile.”
I can see the tears she is trying to hold back. Her golden brown eyes haven't left mine this whole time. She blinks and the tears fall. I move our hands to her face and gently wipe her tears with my thumbs, then bring her hands to my lips.
“Ember, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met, inside and out. The way you care for the ones you love, the way you care for me. It amazes me, you amaze me.” I place her hands flat against my chest and let my hands trace down her arms to her shoulders and down to her waist. I pull her in as her hands move up to my neck.
Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust? Page 31