“Sure,” I said hesitantly.
Bryce gave Rick a courteous nod. “I’ll wait in the car.”
Claire had remained inside.
Once Bryce was in the car I turned back to Rick. “What’s up?”
“You tell me? We might no longer be happily married, Lex, but I can still tell when you are stewing on something.” He leaned his weight on the door frame and crossed his arms confidently.
“Um...I just didn’t want to do it like this,” I said sadly as I twiddled my fingers.
“Just say it, Lex.”
“After Christmas, I’m going to get Bernie to prepare an Application for Divorce.” I looked at him hesitantly but he didn’t flinch. “Once the application is complete, the process is fairly straight forward, and a hearing date will be set. You don’t have to attend the hearing if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s alright, I’ll attend. Just let me know what you need,” he said calmly.
His placid demeanour kind of threw me off a little. I’d half expected him to fly off the handle with anger then compose himself shortly after and apologise like he normally would. But he didn’t, he just casually accepted my information.
A confused smile started to creep across my face, forcing one on his. “Lex, I think you said to me a while back... ‘It is what it is’.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I did.”
“Well, you were right. It is what it is. I lost you and you lost me. We can’t change that, nor should we try. You are happy now, I can see that. And I’m becoming happy, too. Hopefully not before long you will also see that.”
“I can see that already, you know.”
“I’m getting there, Lex.”
“Good, Rick, because despite the past year, I want you to be happy.” I stepped up to the door jam and wrapped my arms around him. “Thank you.”
He hugged me back and the hug cemented that we held nothing more than mutual respect for each other and a love that held no romance, just a deep friendship. It was nice.
When I got back into the car, Bryce reversed the Lexus out of the driveway. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just asked Rick for a divorce.”
He turned his head to me and paused, mid-reverse. “Are you sure he understood that?”
I laughed. “Yes, he has moved on, and so have I. I just want to make it official.”
He continued to drive and asked casually, “So, when will it be official?”
“Shortly after Christmas.”
The smile that plastered his face gave me butterflies.
***
We arrived at City Towers and found that Bryce’s keycard would not activate the private elevator.
“Fucking stupid piece of shit,” he said as he typed in his security code.
“You’re pretty hot when you’re angry,” I declared, as I watched him frustratingly push a numerical sequence. “Here try mine.” I handed him my card. It didn’t work either.
“Fuck!”
“Maybe you should just get a key like the rest of the world,” I teasingly taunted him.
He lifted his head to meet my gaze then turned in my direction.
Automatically, I detected his carnivorous need, it rolling off of him in sexually charged waves, causing me to back up until my arse was pressed against the railing of the elevator cart. He strode toward me, then stopped and pressed his delectable frame against my chest. I took in a sharp, suspense-filled breath as he placed his hands on the wall on either side of my face, our eyes desperately searing one another’s.
My tongue gently moistened my lips then my teeth grated against them, knowing that I would soon be tasting him. He growled harshly as he pushed his palm into a panel and reached for the elevator phone, all the while keeping his hungry stare on me.
“Sam, my private elevator has malfunctioned, have Dale look into it please. Thank you.” He hung up the phone.
“So, are we stuck here...together...for a while?” I asked innocently.
“Yes,” he replied as his dropped his gaze down to my chest, my chest automatically rising toward his stare.
“What are we going to do, Mr. Clark?” I purred, as I placed my hand over his groin, feeling his hard, thick erection.
His eyes closed momentarily then shot open as I squeezed mildly. “I’m going to fuck you, Hunny. I’m going to show you how much I adore you. I’m going to show you just how much I appreciate you being in my life. Then, I’m going to cement that you will never leave it. Ever!”
“Mmmm,” I hummed, enjoying his possessive words while trailing my hands up his chest across his white t-shirt and up to his neck. He dragged my dress up to my stomach and hauled me into his arms where I eagerly wrapped my legs around his waist, enjoying the fact I could now easily do that again.
He gripped my arse and thrust his tongue deep into my mouth, deliciously tasting all I had to offer him. His passion and ownership of me ignited a hungry need, driving me to desperation, a desperation that had me biting down on his plump lip, pulling it away from his face before letting it go again.
He growled and carried me into the basement garage, my flip flops falling off in the process. “Tell me where you want it, or I’ll fuck you right here like this,” he mumbled around my tongue.
“Harley,” I breathed out as I threw my head back to take in some much needed oxygen.
He pressed his lips and tongue to my neck as he carried me toward the black and chrome motorcycle.
“Oh fuck, Bryce. I want you so bad.”
“You’ve already got me bad, Hunny.”
I giggled. “I know.”
He walked up to the side of the Harley, where he placed me down on its black leather seat. Impatiently, he yanked my long cascading dress back up to my waist and wrenched my white lace G-string down my legs, dragging it as he followed its descent.
Then, dropping to his knees, he lifted my legs, propping one foot on the exhaust the other on the engine, spreading me wide for him to devour. He slid his hands up my thighs as he closed the gap between my pussy and his mouth. I sucked in a breath, anticipating his tongue and desperately waiting for that warm wet feeling his mouth granted me.
Forcing me to crave his touch, he paused before sliding his tongue along my sensitive clit, it responding delightfully.
“Oh God,” I moaned as he dragged it up and down, massaging his nose, lips and cheeks into me. My head fell back in pleasure as he repeated the motions while tightening his grip around the tops of my thighs.
He released one hand and dragged his finger through my wetness, finding my opening and delving in deep. “Shit, Hunny,” he groaned as he leaned forward again and flicked his tongue against me.
I clenched my fingers into the leather of the seat, feeling my orgasm climbing with each stroke and flick of his tongue, perfectly in rhythm with the slide of his finger.
“Let go,” he coaxed, sensing my stubbornness to hold on.
“I want to let go when you let go,” I whimpered.
“You will,” he growled, as he sucked my clit into his mouth.
“Oh, fuck!” That was all it took to push me over the edge, my hips bucking underneath his face, my hand finding his hair and my nails finding his scalp. I gripped tight, holding on in fear I’d fall for failing to have the strength to stay on top of the bike as my orgasm waved through me.
As the pleasure decreased, he stood up, pulling me up to stand with him and lifting my dress completely over my head. I reached for his jeans and undid them with ferocity, helping him drag them down and away from his perfectly sculpted legs. He kicked them free, together with his shoes, then straddled the bike and leaned back on the seat.
His cock was prominently positioned, asking for my lips and mouth, and never being one to refuse its blatant invitation, I accepted quiet happily. I straddled the bike in front of him and leaned forward, engulfing his warm, solid shaft into my mouth.
“Fuck,” he groaned, as my lips slid down then sucked right back up to his tip, over an
d over. I loved the feeling of him filling my mouth and touching my throat, the feeling of my tongue teasing his soft, subtle skin.
I looked up at him through hooded lids, arched back in the motorcycle’s seat. He looked so fucking sexy, his head tilted backward, his neck taught and ridged. I had the urge to lick that masculine neck and then take his tongue in my mouth again. I also had the urge to ride his cock on this stunning machine.
Giving him one last suck, I let go and crawled up toward him. He lifted his head and met my voracious clamber toward his face.
“So fucking beautiful,” he uttered before I reached him and pressed my lips to his.
Placing my feet on the exhaust on either side of the bike and giving me a platform to balance myself, I lifted and hovered over his cock. He stroked himself with both hands and positioned it upright, allowing me to lower myself perfectly on top. As I felt him slide inside me, I let out a pleasing sigh, my pussy clenching and hugging him tightly with grateful acceptance. Bryce groaned at the feel and gritted his teeth, urging me to wrench his t-shirt over his head and reveal his mouth-watering chest.
He leaned forward and unclasped my bra, tearing it from my chest and releasing my heavy breasts, his hands kneading my sensitive flesh, his thumbs gently rubbing my nipples. I reached behind me, finding the handlebars. And pushing my tits in his face, I braced myself to ride the fuck out of him. He was so deep, and I could feel every inch of him as I carefully pushed up and down.
“Fuck, you feel so good and look so fucking sexy riding my cock right now.”
I smiled at him and tilted my head back revelling in the feel of him hard within me.
A sudden surge of pleasure rippled through me as the pad of his thumb found my clit, rubbing in small circles as I pumped him slowly. “Oh God, Bryce, I’m close.”
He leaned forward, secured my arse and laid me down against the fuel tank. Bryce was tall enough to place his feet on the ground on either side of the bike, allowing him perfect balance and control. He positioned his cock at my entrance once again and pushed in aggressively, holding my legs as he repeatedly slammed into me. It wasn’t long before I was screaming my second orgasm, he grunting his first. It was so intense and delicious, and my breath had all but left my body, my lungs desperately trying to suck in some more.
“Great choice,” he breathed out as he continued to slowly push into me, easing my orgasm. He leaned forward and sucked on my nipple then dragged his tongue up my neck till he found my mouth.
I savoured him while I regained my composure, then broke away and let my body surrender completely against the motorcycle. “We need to do that again. This motorcycle is far too hot to be sitting idly in this garage. Maybe we can go for a ride down the coast on it.”
His body tensed slightly, then he pulled out and bent his legs, lowering himself onto the seat. “Yeah, maybe.”
“There’s a reason you don’t ride anymore isn’t there?’ I asked, as I sat up and faced him.
His eye twitched mildly. “Yes.”
Reaching forward, he grabbed my hips and lifted me on top of him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and my legs around his waist.
“Are you going to tell me why?”
He nuzzled my nose. “If I have to.”
I tilted my head up to kiss his nose. “Yes, you do.”
“I used to go riding with my dad. It was just something he and I did. When he died, I stopped riding. It just didn’t feel right.”
“Do you think you’ll ever ride again?”
“With you in my life, I’m pretty sure I can do anything.”
***
We redressed ourselves after the ride of a lifetime and walked hand in hand the long way around to the lobby of City Towers.
“Alexis, you look fabulous. It’s nice to see you getting around freely again,” Abigail said as she stepped out of the Concierge Attendant’s office.
“Thanks, Abigail. It’s so nice to be able to get around freely. You really do take the ability to just walk around for granted.”
Samantha stepped out of the office and gave me a shy smile before ducking away quickly.
“Please excuse me for a second, Abigail. Hey, Sam,” I called after her. “Wait a second.” She stopped hesitantly and spun around, putting on a fake smile.
“How are you doing?” I asked, cautiously.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you suck at lying?”
She bit the inside of her lip. “Yeah, my dad.”
I scoffed. “Have you spoken to Gareth since you told him you needed space?”
“No. I just need more time.”
“Okay, I’m not pressuring you in any way. I just want to let you know that if you have any questions, ask. Again, no pressure, but Gareth really likes you, and he understands your need for distance.” I can’t believe I am sticking up for Gareth.
She let out a long-winded breath and nodded her head. “Thanks. Look, I gotta go. We are being briefed on the hotel’s Christmas festivities.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you soon.” I watched her walk away, knowing that she was torn about her feelings for Gareth. Unfortunately, there was really nothing I could do about it. Sam had a decision to make, and she had to make it on her own.
I sighed dejectedly and turned back around to find Bryce chatting away to a blonde that I recognised as none other than Chelsea. I took in her close stance next to him and her blatant flirting; the girl just didn’t let up. I still hadn’t confirmed with Bryce whether or not he had ever put her in her place about their friendship being just that—a friendship. Regardless, it seemed quite obvious that she needed a reminder—I’d had just about enough of her disregard of our relationship.
I confidently walked up to Bryce and threaded my arm through his. “Sorry, I just needed to tell Sam something,” I smiled apologetically at him, then turned on Artificial-Alexis for the bitch in front of me. “Hello, Chelsea. How are you?”
“Wonderful,” she answered, batting her eyes at Bryce. Are you for fucking real? “I see your ankle has healed?”
“Yes, thank you. I’m back to my old self.”
“How nice,” she answered dryly. “Bryce, I’ve been meaning to tell you about the new Bell that Dad’s looking at acquiring. You really should come down to the heliport and have a chat with him.”
“I’m sure he knows what he is looking at,” Bryce answered politely. This bitch needs the opposite of politeness. She needs a face full of rudeness; unashamed, deliberate impertinency. “Excuse us, Chelsea. We need to see Dale about the elevator.” He went to lead me away.
I let go of his arm. “You go. I need to have word to Chelsea. I won’t be a second.”
He gave me an unsure glance but turned and headed for Dale’s office.
When he was out of earshot I turned to face Chelsea. “This stops now,” I hissed. “Whatever you think you and Bryce have is over, so enough of the disrespectful flirting. Back the fuck off.”
She looked in his direction, a lascivious glint in her eye then turned back to me. “You are no longer carrying his child, nor do you have a ring on your finger. Until then, he is fair game.”
Before I knew it, my hand connected swiftly with her face, the echo from my skin slapping hers sounding loudly throughout the lobby.
“Don’t you dare mention my child, you fucking bitch!” I hissed quietly. I was furious. She stood there stunned, holding her hand against her pink cheek. “Get this through that thick head of yours: Bryce. Is. Not. Interested. In. You. He wasn’t years ago and he isn’t now. I am the one he is looking at when he says ‘I love you’. I will be the one he gets down on bended knee for, and before you know it, we will be married and you’ll be working for me. So pull your fucking head out of your arse, or you’ll find yourself unemployed.”
I gave her the once-over with my critical glare then left her there to dissect my words.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
There is no right or wrong way to grieve
, it is an emotion so intense that it takes control and overpowers your senses, leaving you feeling at a loss entirely. Without grief, we would never appreciate the joy we had beforehand. Never value what we lost. Never be truly grateful. If all had gone to plan and the world was a place where fate was written in the stars, I’d be holding my newborn baby girl Bianca in my arms this day. But it’s not. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, love and loss. And life would not be worth experiencing if it weren’t just that. You can’t have the good without the bad, you need to somehow learn to accept the bad and adjust it in a way that you can endure and overcome.
Bryce was busy with overseeing the precinct’s set up of the Christmas Extravaganza that was held every year. I’d asked Lucy to fill in for me in the office as I was not in the right frame of mind to work. I needed some time to myself to clear my head, not only from the wave of grief I had been feeling on and off since waking up this morning, but from the dreaded feeling of my fall that kept torturing me. I still suffered flashbacks on occasion but had learned to acknowledge them then let them go. It was quite possible I would never be rid of them. Then again, maybe one day I would. For now though, accepting them and moving on was what Jessica had encouraged me to do and I was doing that.
***
I popped my Live Trepidation CD into the Charger’s CD player, and remembering what Matt had said at my birthday party, I pressed track four. The sound of an acoustic guitar riff filled the speakers in my car, automatically coercing a smile at the recognition of Bryce’s musical genius. The tune was sweet yet the twang of the strings plucked in quick succession indicated its intricacy. Derek’s smooth voice filtered through the speakers shortly after, singing lyrics of awakening and coming to life, about the concept of a revelation that one can be lost then found. I liked the song and automatically connected with it, but it was not just a connection resulting from Bryce being the sole instrumentalist—it was significant to my life’s recent journey—it was appropriate.
Derek escalated his vocals along with Bryce’s strumming, singing the chorus that instantly triggered a sense of déja vu, the lyrics being ones I had seen before.
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