by Shell, C.
Dressed casually in faded ripped jeans, a white tank top, and brown boots, Tessa glanced into the bathroom mirror while pulling her hair into a high pony tail with a strip of hair wrapped around the elastic. She applied minimal make-up not wanting to look like she was trying too hard for him and kept her jewelry selection simple.
She was just finishing when she heard him at the door, on time as always. Opening the door she was taken aback for a moment by how gorgeous he was. He definitely had the whole Abercrombie look going for him, and he smelled like sex in a bottle. Grabbing her purse, she locked up the apartment and followed him to his truck determined to get through the night without looking his way.
********
For the last two hours they had been drinking and playing darts. Needing some liquid courage to help her through the night, she nervously begun drinking as soon as they arrived. After her fourth whiskey sour she was beginning to feel dizzy and light headed so she headed to the bar and ordered some french fries hoping the greasy food would help make the world stop spinning around her. The night was going good, with some fancy maneuvering she had managed to stay out of his grasp. He had brought his A game tonight; it first began with him brushing against her breast when he grabbed for his beer making them ache and tighten. Later he casually wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against him while they waited for their turn for the pool table. His warm breath on her neck caused a tingling to begin in her belly and travel down between her thighs. Tessa couldn't think straight with him so close, the smell of his cologne, that mixture of cinnamon and leather stole her senses. Between the booze and the way he looked at her like he wanted to throw her down right there and have dirty sex with her, he was driving her body crazy. Ready for some fresh air from the smoke filled rooms, they traveled outside and sat on the tailgate of his red Ford truck. The cool metal against her legs helped to relieve some of the tingling on her warm skin.
The silence was hard to handle, searching for some neutral conversation, Tessa asked," So how do you like working for your dad, must be nice to be back to normal days and not having to worry about drill sergeants and such?" Alex didn't answer her; he just stared at her taking in her features, admiring how beautiful she was. Her best feature were her breasts, just the right size to fit into his hands, damn he wanted to strip her down and lick and nibble on them until she was screaming to come for him, on him, around him. Shaking his head as thought that would make the images go away, Alex turned and gave her a wicked grin before saying," I don't want to play games with you anymore Tess. I want you in my bed licking every inch of your body, giving special attention to those gorgeous breasts of yours and pleasuring you in ways you never thought possible. I think you want it to."
He glances at her like he wants her to verify this fact, but she just scowls at him than looks away embarrassed.
Oh, please do that to me. Her head is swimming with images of him doing just that and so much more. She tried to organize her thoughts, her mouth felt dry and her voice weak when she finally spoke," Alex that is not going to happen. I want things that you couldn't give me, and I am speaking about more than just multiple orgasms, those I think you could handle. Bullshit aside, I want a family and security and I don’t think you could give that to me. You just got back, but for how long? If it wasn't for your dad being ill you would probably still be in the Army, not here trying to seduce me".
She refused to look at him, afraid if she did she would fall apart and become a weeping idiot. Fighting back the tears pushing against the dam of her eyelids, she slowed her breathing, trying to get her emotions under control while they sat there. The tension was thick and neither of them spoke for a long time.
"I never took you as the scared type Tess, but I guess not all girls can't handle everything" he said, his face hardened and his eyes dark and intense. "I was time for me to reenlist and despite my dad becoming ill; I was having a hard time making my mind up if I should or not. My dad's condition helped push me to turn it down, to do the right thing for myself without guilt. I had tried to connect with you whenever I came home, but you refused to have anything to do with me. Why don’t you just ask the real question that has been eating at you?" His whole body simmered with frustration.
"Because it doesn't matter anymore," she said, trying not to smirk. "You wanted to challenge me tonight remember, so let's get one with it. The past is the past and I don't want to keep reliving it every time I see you."
Grabbing her by the arms he pulled her into his lap, and held her against him, pinning her down with the force of his stare. "You are an infuriating woman. I loved you in high school, but I had to leave. I was not good enough for you back then and would have ended up hurting you so I left and promised myself not to come back until I became what you needed. I am not leaving again, my life is here now and I want you in it anyway I can have you. Why can't you understand that?
She slapped him hard surprising them both. "Don't dare tell me what I do and do not need. You don't get to orchestrate my life. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you hurt me when you left me, so thanks for trying to spare me that, but you failed. You’re an ass and this little experiment of yours is over."
Jumping off the back of his truck, she grabbed her purse and stormed off back inside the bar and called a cab to take her home. She could not take anymore tonight, she was done with his mind games and just wanted to go home, crawl in bed and go to sleep.
********
She was relieved that he had left and did not try to talk to her after she walked away. Her feelings were too raw to fight with him anymore. She held it together until the cab arrived than broke down and cried the whole way home. She cried for herself, for him, for not being able to forgive and move forward. She couldn't keep this up much longer, that she knew. Every time they were together she herself unraveling more and more, wanting to give in and see what happened. She was tired of playing games with him, she wanted him and she needed to figure out if that was enough, could she give in to him and not lose her heart in the process? Maybe it was time to grow-up and find out.
Chapter 8
Tessa stirred from her sleep thinking she heard sounds coming from the living room. Figuring she was just being paranoid she forced herself to relax and tried falling back to sleep, but then she heard the sounds again. Wide awake and terrified she searched her room for something to protect herself with. Never big on sports a baseball bat was not an option, she grabbed the broom leaning against the wall, the one she had forgotten to put away earlier in the week.
How is a broom going to save me? If she could just make it to the kitchen where her cell phone was charging she could call for help or she could make a run for it and try and get Alex from across the hall, but that would be a gamble since he might not be home. She was shaking so bad she was not sure she would be able to run if she had to. Hearing steps near her door she grabbed the broom and took a swing just as someone walked in, she heard him yell as he fell to the ground. Just as her fight or flight instincts kicked in and she was headed out the door she heard her name. Stopping she turned and flicked on the light switch to her bedroom so she could get a good look at her intruder with the recognizable voice. "Alex? What the hell are you doing?"
"Are you trying to scare me to death? What are you doing sneaking around my apartment in the middle of the night?" She could still feel her heart beating fast and loud through her chest.
"Sorry, I hated the way we left things tonight, I had to see you. That is one hell of a swing you have babe," he said sitting up and rubbing his head. Noticing her choice of weapon in her hand he laughed as he got up and followed her into the living room.
"I am guessing you used your handyman key to enter? You could have just knocked like a normal person. What if I had a gun, I could have shot you?"
He chuckled. "No offense, but I doubt that you would have been able to shoot me. You were never great with guns."
"I am tired Alex and you have really screwed with my head tonight, what do yo
u want?" She went and sat on the couch waiting.
Alex stood and looked at her for a moment before moving and sitting on the edge of the wood coffee table in front of her. "No more games. I want you. I want all of you, nothing more and nothing less. I drove around after you left tonight and thought about all you said. I understand that I screwed up back then and I am sorry. I love you Tessa, I always have. I am not asking you to marry me; I just want a chance to show you that we are right for each other." He absently rubbed his thumbs over the back of her hands as he looked up into her face, "Just give us a chance and stop pushing me away. I am sorry for hurting you."
Her heart clenched at his words and tears stung her eyes. She could tell he meant every word. How could she ever say no to this man? He held her heart and he knew her soul. Her voice caught as she spoke," That is all I ever wanted to hear you say, took you long enough. No more games. Let's just take it one day a time and see where it takes us, that is all I can agree to right now. But I need boundaries, Alex. No more letting yourself into my apartment whenever you want unless I give you a key, its creepy."
"I can handle that." He looked at her with love and hope in his eyes. He needed her forgiveness more than he realized. He needed her.
"I am tired of fighting with you and fighting whatever this is between us, it's exhausting. Can we just start over and put the past behind us where it belongs?" She looked up to him longingly hoping that he would accept the olive branch she was extending to him.
Smiling, Alex stood and scooped her up into his arms, laughing as she let out a surprised squeal and carried her to the bedroom and laid her out on the bed.
"Take off your shirt Tess." She nervously bit her lower lip. Not wanting to give her more time to think about it he repeated himself with more force," Take your shirt off Tessa, don't make me repeat myself."
Slowly Tessa reached for the bottom of her sleeveless tank and pulled it over her head and tossed it to the floor, leaving her in nothing but her bra and panties. Thrusting both hands into her hair, he pulled her head back giving him easy access to her throat. He ran his lips down her jaw, nibbling his way towards her breasts. She groaned loving the way his mouth felt on her bare skin. Reaching behind her he undid her bra and took her heavy breasts into his hands, rubbing her nipples between her fingers.
Wanting to see him, she reached out and grabbed the bottom of his shirt, pulling it over his head and throwing it to the ground. She kissed him hard and passionately as her hands roamed over his chest, taking in every hard inch of him. His erection pressed against her belly as she reached for his waistband, working the button and zipper until she was able to pull his pants down along with his boxers. He sprung free and she gratefully took him in her hands, slowly rubbing his shaft up and down, watching his eyes as they gazed over, growing dark and hooded with each stroke.
Dying to taste him, she dropped to her knees and explored his length. The skin was velvety soft and he was long as he was thick. Taking him into her mouth she ran her tongue over the head. Hearing Alex moan she smiled to herself, knowing she was the object of his desire. She licked him around the base then up to the top and took him in her mouth as far as it would go.
Looking up at him she marveled at his facial expressions, his eyes were filled with pleasure and he was watching every move she made with anticipation.
His hips moved, meeting her strokes. She could feel him growing, swelling with need as his breath got heavy and deep. He reached out and stroked her cheek, pulling out and kissing her on the mouth.
"You are so beautiful baby."
Alex grabbed her hands and held them together above her head. His gaze moved to her breasts as he reached out and cupped them, rolling his thumb over her nipples. She sighed, a soft wispy sound that set his blood on fire. His warm mouth clamped over a stifling nipple, suckling it and rolling his tongue around it. Tessa moaned and arched her back, offering him more.
"You taste good baby, so sweet and warm." He switched to the other nipple showing it the same attention, nipping it with his teeth and latching on hungrily.
The ache between her thighs scaled to new heights, she needed to feel him touch her there; she wanted to feel him inside her. Releasing her hands, Alex slowly dragged his fingers down her abdomen towards her mound until he found her swollen clit, sending tingles erupting along her nerve endings. Hooking a finger into the waistband of her panties, he quickly pulled them down and discarded them completely.
Reaching for her clit again he rubbed lightly at first than increased the pressure, rubbing small circles around the hard bead, watching as her eyes glaze over with desire.
"Please Alex I need..."
"You need what baby? Tell me what you need!" he commands.
"More…. I need more. I need you in me, I need to feel you against me," she stammered. Restlessly she opened her legs wider for him, giving him better access to her body.
His hands caress down her body until he was inches from her sex. Gently blowing against her clit making her arch up wanting more. Lightly he licked the tight bud before taking it into his mouth and rolling his tongue over it holding her hips while she bucked against him, calling out his name. He was working her clit perfectly, driving her crazy.
Sweeping his fingers down her slit he let out a small curse finding her soaking wet. Shoving one then two fingers into her pussy, she let out a soft cry as he slowly began finger fucking her with slow strokes, in and out, over and over again. He increased his assault, swirling his tongue around that tight bundle of nerves while his fingers continued to move inside her. Hearing her breathing rise as she moved her hips against his hand, he knew she was close.
Taking her by surprise he grabbed her hips and flipped her over onto her back. The feeling of the warm mattress pressing onto her swollen clit was almost more than she could bear. Grabbing her hair and moving it aside he slowly placed light kisses between her shoulder blades, tracing them down her spine. The feeling as soft as a whisper.
Pulling a foil packet out of his jeans, he tore it open and rolled it down over his hard erection. She turned over wanting to see him as he entered her. Moving to the end of the bed, he spread her legs and knelt down between them. She watched him, waiting and anticipating for what was coming. As he placed the tip of his erection at her wet slit, she realized how badly she wanted him, how much she loved him.
His eyes locked on hers as he slid into her pussy in one strong thrust and stilled to catch his breath. "Damn you're so warm and tight," he growled out. He pulled out nearly all the way, then eased back in, much gentler than before. The slow strokes were setting all her nerve endings on fire leaving her panting and burning inside.
"Harder Alex, fuck me harder," she called out with need. Increasing his strokes he took her to the edge. She could feel the orgasm building but just out of reach until he moved a hand to her clit and rubbed against it with his thumb. The pleasure built, stretching her and filling her. Moments later he was slamming into her, picking up a rhythm that rocked her to the edge.
"That’s it baby, come for me; I want to feel you come around me." Slamming into her one more time he growled out," Mine! You are my Tessa!" Her orgasm took her over and she lost all control, screaming his name and raking her nails over his shoulders enjoying the pleasure and his possessive words.
Feeling her vagina clenching around him, milking him with intense spasms sent him into his own orgasm as well. His entire body tensed as he groaned out and ejaculated into the condom. He loved the feel of her silken heat around him; he didn't think he could ever get enough of her.
Getting off the bed he walked into the bathroom disposing of the condom. Not wanting to give her time to regret anything he immediately crawled in bed with her and pulled her against him; tucking her under his arm. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled her lavender and vanilla sent. Kissing her neck as he held her close, she rewarded him with a whispered," Yours, all yours," before sleep took them both over.
Epilogue
5 Yea
rs Later…
Walking into the kitchen trying to find where she misplaced her phone, Tessa caught Alex sneaking handfuls of her fresh baked warm chocolate cookies off the counter. Running over she playfully slapped his hand, chastising him for being so devious. Beautiful emerald eyes met hers causing her breath to hitch and her pulse to rise. The effect he had on her still amazed her, it never wore off or slowed down. Reaching out he caught her by her wrists, pulling her against his chest causing her big belly to mush against him.
"Your being a bad boy again Mr. Reddington." She laughed as she bent down kissing his neck, breathing in his leather and cinnamon scent and never wanting to let him go.
"Is that so, Mrs. Reddington? I can think of many other things much worse that I would rather be doing." He smiled wickedly as he lifted her chin and lowered his mouth to hers kissing her deeply, stroking the interior of her mouth until she was melting against him.
"I love you so much Alex," she said breathlessly.
"I love you too My Tessa," Alex murmured. Reaching between them he made slow circles on her extended belly as he whispered," Daddy loves you too little peanut."
Tears filled Tessa's eyes as she thought back to the roller coaster they had been through to get to this place in their lives and how close she had come to never having her happily ever after all because she let her pride get the best of her. Two years ago she and Alex had walked down the aisle and promised to love and cherish each other in front of all their family and friends and now they were expecting their first child in four months. She loved being pregnant as much as she loved being his wife.