by Young, Alexa
“I have one on hold,” I confess.
Ritchie’s eyes widen in surprise. “Wow, you really have thought about this.”
“Well, I know Luce is into more traditional jewellery that has a history. I saw an antique ring in a jeweller’s I think will be perfect.”
“You think of everything.”
“When it comes to Luce, I do. I just want everything to be perfect.”
“It will be, calm down.” He pats me on the back reassuringly as my face falls into my hands.
“It’s all so fucking stressful. I just want to blurt it out and ask her there and then while she’s cooking dinner. It’s all I think about.”
Every minute of every day.
“Then get it booked already.”
I’m clicking on the Dorchester hotel site before he’s even left the room. I need to get this booked and sorted, and then I might breathe again. I hope Luce is up for a trip. She’s been a little cranky lately, but the thought of having some time away might be enough to entice her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“So, I have a surprise for you.” I casually say as I rub her shoulders.
“Hmmm, what’s that? Oh, God, that’s so good. Don’t stop, just please don’t stop,” she begs, stirring my cock. Could her moans be any more sexual?
Concentrate, Dray.
“How do you fancy a weekend away in London?”
Please say yes.
“When?” she asks unenthusiastically.
My heart sinks.
“How about next weekend?” I suggest. I fucking hope she agrees now it’s all booked.
“I need to check the work rota first.”
“Firecracker, you’re the fucking boss. Surely you can take time off when you want to.”
Shit, I’m losing it.
I need to act cool or she’ll suspect something. It is supposed to be a casual weekend away, after all.
“It doesn’t work like that, Dray,” she huffs. I feel her tense up, so I shuffle forward and press my lips against her ear.
“I just want some time away, just us, pampering and spending every second together. Since the accident, I want us to try and make more time for each other.”
She turns to face me. I see a flicker of sadness in her eyes at the mention of the accident. She pulls me close and kisses me softly. “I’ll try and make sure I’m free.”
I smile and press another kiss against her lips. I can’t get enough of her. I’d spend every second together with her if it were possible.
“How about you let me help you unwind in the best way I know how.” She falls down onto the bed as I work my way down her body to rest my face within my favourite place.
Fuck. I’m one lucky man.
* * *
“Did you remember to bring the hairdryer?”
“Yes,” I shout back, grabbing the keys. Our train is due in thirty minutes, and the taxi is waiting patiently outside. I just need Luce to get her arse out the door already.
She walks towards me, smiling, then frowns. “But did you—”
I stop her dead with a kiss, and she smiles again as she sinks into me. I know I’ve got her attention.
“Firecracker, if we’ve left anything, I’ll buy it there. London does have shops, you know.”
“Ha bloody ha,” she huffs, about to walk off.
I grab her and pull her into my arms. She struggles at first and then relaxes as I kiss her forehead. “No frowning, firecracker. We’re going on holiday.”
She smiles and I know we’re in for a good time. I grab the big suitcase she packed for us both and we’re out the door.
* * *
I slip the key card into the slot and push the door open. Luce walks in first then I follow, pulling along the suitcase.
“Good God, Dray, this is amazing.” Her eyes light up at the grand décor as she takes it all in. It should be for the price they charge. But this weekend is all about her; money is no object.
I smile at her enthusiasm, loving how she’s never become used to this lifestyle. She stays grounded, but I want to spoil her. To see her face light up is worth every penny.
“Here, let’s get quickly unpacked and go have a walk around, decide where we want to eat tonight. We could go and do some touristy things.”
“You’re making me tired just listening.” She chuckles. She’s going through a tired phase, so maybe I’m going overboard. Perhaps relaxation is more her thing?
“How about a massage, pedicure, anything you want?”
“No, I want to go out and find somewhere nice to eat.”
“Are you hungry?” I ask amused. She’s eaten non-stop on the train down, but I know the moment I bring it to her attention, she’ll go ape-shit.
“Yeah, I could eat something nice. Let’s see what there is once we unpack,” she adds, looking brighter.
We unload the contents of the suitcase. It’s a good thing we both prefer different sides of the bed, so there’s no arguing over who sleeps where. I smile as she arranges the toiletries perfectly on the shelf. She’s so OCD and I love it. Even I’ve become less messy, more out of guilt that I don’t want her tidying after me.
Once we’re sorted, we wrap up warm. It’s early December, so there’s a winter chill in the air. I fuss over Luce and she bats me away, but I know secretly she likes it. I give her a long, slow kiss before taking hold of her gloved hand and walk us out, ready to enjoy the sights of London.
* * *
“I can hardly feel my nose,” Luce whines, looking at me with pleading eyes. I see an old-fashioned coffee shop in the distance that will make a great hot chocolate. I could certainly go for one right now.
“I love your Rudolph nose.” I chuckle before kissing it. She looks beautiful in her cream woollen hat against her olive complexion, her brown eyes staring back. There’s a slight blush to her cheeks from the cool breeze. I can’t help but run my fingers along it. “Come on, let’s get you a large hot chocolate.”
“With cream and marshmallows?” she asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She’s still a big kid at heart, and I can’t help but smile.
“I’ll get you extra marshmallows, if you want.” I kiss her forehead and lead her in. There’s a fire in the back, so Luce heads over to sit by it. I go to the counter and order then follow her over. She’s nestled into the sofa, looking beat, but her face brightens when the hot chocolate arrives. I asked them to give her extra of everything, so it’s topped up high with cream and marshmallows finished off with Flake sprinkles. She scoops some off with her spoon, licking and groaning at the same time. Before she has time to wipe her mouth clean, I dive in, launching into a kiss.
“Dray,” she whispers between kisses. I can see her eyes are filled with amusement; she might try and deny it, but I know she loves me staking my claim.
“Sorry, but you with whipped cream? I couldn’t resist.”
She giggles, picking up a marshmallow and dipping it in her cream to feed me it. I willing take it and brush my tongue against her fingers, loving how she gasps in delight.
“I think we should go back to the hotel after this.”
Her eyes heat at my suggestion. Oh, she’s more than up for a little action before we go eat. My cock begins to stiffen at the thought of her bent over as I pound deep in her from behind.
Fuck, now I’m hard.
It doesn’t take long for Luce to notice the huge bulge in my jeans. She throws back the last of her hot chocolate and stands up, grabbing her hat, scarf and coat. “Let’s go,” she orders as I smirk with delight.
I put my coat on as we head for the door as fast as our feet will carry us.
* * *
“Harder, Dray. I need it harder.”
“Fuck, firecracker.”
She’s going to kill me.
I pound even deeper from behind as she throws her head back, pushing back to meet every thrust. I’m watching her face in the mirror, and her eyes are scrunched tight in concentration; she’s biting her li
p, and it’s driving me wild. My fingers circle her clit as I feel the tingle in the base of my spine. Fuck, I’m close. I just need to get her there first. My fingers grip her hip as my other hand works her some more. Her face scrunches tighter. She’s almost there. Then she begins groaning loudly, like she couldn’t hold it back if she tried. I stare transfixed, watching every second. I can’t get enough.
Fuck, she’s beautiful when she’s totally turned on.
“Dray,” she calls out as I keep up the relentless pounding.
I’m almost there.
I thrust one more time before she squeezes the life out of my cock. It’s all too much and sends me over the edge. We come together, and it’s fucking perfect.
Luce drops down onto the bed. She’s exhausted, a sheen of sweat covering her back as I collapse beside her. I’m completely beat. I can’t talk, can barely catch my breath. We just lie there together before Luce scoots over and nuzzles into my chest.
“I really needed that.” She giggles, kissing my neck. I hold her tight in my arms as our legs tangle together.
“You know, I think you’re going to kill me. I should call you horny firecracker.”
Not that I’m complaining.
“I can’t help it,” she whines. “The moment you talk dirty, I get so turned on. It’s like you flick a switch and I’m horny as hell.”
I lift her chin so I can look into her eyes. “Hey, I love this new side to you. It’s sexy.”
“I hope no one heard.” Her eyes flick ‘round as her cheeks heat.
“I hope they did, bet they’ll be fucking jealous.” I smirk.
I hope the entire hotel heard.
“Dray.” She slaps my chest, and I don’t have to look to know she’s blushing as she buries her head in my chest.
“Don’t ever apologise, firecracker. What we did just then was perfect.”
“It was, thank you.”
“No thanks needed. Any time you need me, my cock is yours.”
God, I’m selfless.
“Seriously, Dray, do you have to be so crude?” she replies, shaking her head.
“Just telling it like it is, baby. You know me, I don’t stand on ceremony.”
She snorts. “You can say that again.”
I smirk at her smart mouth and take her by surprise when I roll her over. I’m now pushing her deep into the mattress, holding her arms above her head. Her eyes are wide and filled with wonder.
“I make no apologies for how direct I am. I’ll always tell you exactly how I feel. You and the baby are my whole world.”
Her eyes soften slightly and turn glassy. “You’re mine, too. I need you, Dray. I don’t think I’ll ever stop wanting you.”
“Good, because that isn’t even an option.” I kiss her gently on the lips before I move down to nuzzle her neck. “Are you sore, baby?”
“Deliciously sore, but worth every minute. Now, how about this time we take it slow?” She quirks a brow, smiling.
“Again?” I ask in surprise.
“Why, are you not up for it?” she asks teasingly.
I grind my hard cock against her pussy. “I think you can feel I’m more than up for it.”
“Then what are you waiting for?”
I push myself deep inside and she groans in delight.
No more words are needed.
* * *
Luce decides she’s too tired to go out for food, so we order in. It’s a feast and a half but she is eating for two, as she quite rightly tells me. I just fucking smile and let her get on with it. We curl up in bed and watch a film, falling asleep wrapped around each other.
It’s my favourite place to be.
The next day, we wake early and hit Oxford Street. After that, Luce asks to go to Harrods, so I humbly oblige. We spend the next two hours there as I trot behind like the dutiful boyfriend carrying the bags.
She buys a few baby things. I see she’s still hesitant as it’s early days, but the little hats and mittens are too cute to pass up. I smile as I stare in wonder. They’re so small, it’s hard to imagine a person being that tiny.
We stay and have a traditional English afternoon tea. We feast on dainty little sandwiches I can fit in my mouth in one go, much to Luce’s disgust. She gives me the ‘I can’t take you anywhere’ look, which I ignore. I could eat a truckload and it still not put a dent in my appetite. I grab a scone and hand Luce one, too, topping up her tea. She scoops some cream up and groans when she licks it off.
Now that is hot.
I devour my scone because right now, I want to devour her. I think of smearing cream all over her perfect tits and taking my time to lick it off.
And now I have a hard-on in Harrods.
Luce finishes off the last bite and I grab her, pulling her in for a kiss.
“Mmm, you taste of cream and jam.” I know we have to stop—we’re getting looks of disgust shot our way—but not before I give her one final kiss. That will keep me going till we get back to the hotel. I have a great night planned, dinner out and then we’ll be heading towards the London Eye. London at night is majestic.
I tap the ring in my pocket. I’ve had it with me all weekend but yet to find the perfect setting. I want it to be spur of the moment, but that hasn’t happened. I think about proposing during the meal, as we’re booked into a fancy restaurant. I have this speech I want to say before presenting her with the ring. I’m paranoid she might say no, so I’m a bag of nerves.
Tonight has to be the night. I can’t take any more.
But what if she says no?
Chapter Twenty-Three
I help Luce slip into her dress. It’s a little black number with intricate beading which kicks out just below her breasts. She teams it with black wedge heels, as she’s not one to wear sky-high shoes despite her height. Her hair is worn up in a sexy top knot and she completes the outfit by wearing the diamond earrings I purchased for her earlier. She refused at first to accept anything so indulgent. So typical Luce. But after telling her they were non-refundable and would remain locked away in a drawer, she begrudgingly wore them. I watch her constantly checking them out in the mirror. I know she loves them; she’s just trying to play it down.
I’m dressed in a grey shirt with matching tie and black trousers. Luce takes great delight in helping me do up the tie. I’m normally not one for wearing one, but at the restaurant we’re going to, it’s not an option. I know I need to make the effort.
She kisses me long and soft on the lips before pulling away to add her final touch of lipstick. She looks elegant and I stand admiring her for a couple of seconds more.
I smile at the fact she could be wearing my ring within hours. I feel it burning a hole in my pocket. It’s all I can do to stop whipping it out and asking her there and then. But I’m doing this properly. We’re making memories tonight.
The hostess greets us with a smile when we walk through the doors of Romani’s. Our coats are taken as she leads us over to our table. Luce looks on in awe. Hell, even I know it’s over-the-top fancy, but I couldn’t help bringing out the big guns this weekend.
I have to make it memorable.
The waiter brings over the wine list but we decline. I know I can drink, but I decide to have the same as Luce. After all, I want a fresh head tonight, although with the way I’m feeling, I could down a bottle of scotch right now.
Calm the fuck down.
We order two salads as a starter to keep it light. I hold her hand as we sip on our drinks.
“Dray, this must be costing you a fortune,” Luce whispers into my ear.
“Nothing’s too good for my girl,” I say before kissing her hand.
“I think the hostess likes you. She’s been giving me the evil eye since we got here.”
I brush my lips against her ear. “She can look all she wants. My eyes are only on you.”
She moves away to catch my eye and smiles. “Aww, please don’t make me cry.” She fans her face. Her emotions are all over the place.
&nbs
p; “Baby, I know I said it earlier, but you look stunning.”
“Dray.” She blushes and I smile.
What that beautiful blush does to me.
“Learn to take a compliment, firecracker, because I’m never going to stop,” I urge. I’ll be complimenting her until my final breath.
“Thank you,” she finally adds, smiling.
We chat between courses about our day, as we’ve certainly had a busy one. I know Luce will be beat after this, but I want to take her on the Eye to see all the sights of London.
Luce finishes her final spoonful of chocolate torte with a delighted groan. I feel the ring in my pocket as I begin to say my speech.
“Firecracker, this weekend with you has been perfect.”
“It has,” she agrees, and I smile.
“I want to make plenty more memories with you, for us to—”
“Oh, my God, he’s choking!” a woman shrieks as all heads spin round to the direction of the voice. Her arms are flailing as waiters rush over to help. The man is almost blue as Luce and I watch on in alarm.
“Please save him!” she screams as a waiter rushes up behind to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre. The guy spits out a bone onto the table as everyone gasps in surprise before clapping. The waiter smiles and nods in acknowledgment before returning to the kitchen.
“God, Dray, that could have been us,” Luce states, looking almost white from it all.
Yep, moment fucking ruined.
“We’re fine, baby. Come on, let me pay and we can catch a taxi to the Eye.”
She smiles as I signal for the bill, disgruntled about missing my moment.
I hope the Eye goes more smoothly.
* * *
It’s a cold, bitter night as we walk onto the pod. I tried to reserve one on our own, but due to last-minute bookings I hadn’t been successful. There’s a little party of people over on the other side, so at least we get this part to ourselves. The higher we climb, the views become more amazing. It truly is a sight to behold as we watch on in amazement. When we reach the top, I decide this is it. I reach for the box in my pocket only to be startled by a woman screaming.