Always & Forever

by Scarlett Avery

  After snapping the perfect shot, I turned around to find Sofia and my mom standing side by side drooling. Their reaction speaks volumes considering both of them are married to insanely handsome men. Trust me, if my mother and my sister noticed, you know my aunt Carmelita wasn’t entirely blind to so much hotness. Although Christian, Adam, Georg and Mikkel are far too young for her, that surely didn’t stop Carmelita from trying—hard. My aunt frolicked about the party like a butterfly in the middle of a massive field of flowers, until she laid eyes on Nicoline’s eldest brother. It was the weirdest thing to witness. When they gazed into each other’s eyes, it was like time had suspended.

  “I recognize she’s a bit over the top, but that’s part of her charm, sweetness.”

  “Yeah, seems like your uncle Gustav agrees. I think he was smitten by Carmelita.” I giggle.

  “Really? I didn’t notice.”

  Men.

  “Oh, come on.”

  “My uncle has always been a very friendly man. That’s it. You’re making way too much out of this.”

  “You’re so blind, darling. Carmelita was all over him and he was enjoying every second of it. Trust me, I was the first one surprised, given what my mom has told me about her dating pattern.”

  “And that’s exactly why I think you’re blowing this out of proportion. You’re the one who keeps telling me your aunt likes much younger men and my uncle is well into his sixties, which would put him out of the age range of her boy toys.” Nikolaj chuckles.

  Nik’s uncle Gustav Henriksen is a kind soul with a jovial personality. They say people who crunch numbers for a living are dull and dry, but Nikolaj’s uncle is anything but. He’s been a widower for the past five years and he’s had a challenging time getting used to the loneliness. He has four grown children who are all married and even though he has six adorable grandkids, he felt that it was time for him to find someone to love again. He tried his hand at dating, but after forty years of marriage, it wasn’t easy. I nearly peed my pants when Nikolaj shared some of Uncle Gustav’s colorful online dating experiences. Gustav took advantage of the fact that much younger women were approaching him on the online sites he had registered on, but he quickly realized after dating and sleeping with a few of them that he had absolutely nothing in common with girls who were younger than his own kids.

  I can see why younger girls would flock to Gustav. Although not as tall as the men on Nik’s dad’s side, he stands five-eleven, he’s dashing and he exudes that kind of old-world elegance you rarely find in men my age. He’s not nearly as wealthy as the von Henningsens, but his accounting firm has granted him a very comfortable life. His son Rolf manages the business with him now, which allows him to travel at his leisure.

  “Weren’t you the one who said he was looking for a woman closer to his age? Carmelita might be ten to fifteen years younger than him, but I think they could be a great match,” I mock.

  “You’ve got to be out of your mind. That's never going to happen. For starters they live in two different countries and their cultural backgrounds are nearly at the opposite ends of the spectrum.”

  How quickly he forgets. “As if that ever stopped you when you were vying for my attention.”

  He shakes his head. “Things were different between us. My uncle is a simple man who was with the same woman since he was very young. His wife was a shy and quiet woman who devoted her entire life to her family. For heaven’s sakes, Uncle Gustav considers British food exotic. Your aunt Carmelita is so out there. I can’t see anything ever developing between the two.”

  “Whatever. Mark my words.”

  “Right.”

  Nikolaj returns his attention to the road and I focus once more on the busy Toronto Street, hoping we’re not too far from the hotel. I’m still replaying the flirtatious scenes between Carmelita and Gustav when a song on the radio brings my mind back to the moment.

  Oh, I really like this song. I stretch my arm and turn the knob to the right, cranking up the sound until the sultry tune fills the SUV.

  “Gonna wear that dress you like, skin-tight… Cause I just wanna look good for you, good for you, uh-huh.” I hum along with Selena Gomez to her chart-topping tune playing on the radio. Good For You is blaring through the speakers as we drive to our undisclosed location and it’s ironic how perfectly it describes my state of mind right now since I intend on making sure Nik drools all over my wardrobe selection for tonight’s event. I smile at the coincidence.

  “Is that your bewitching plan for this evening?”

  “Selena isn’t the only one who wants the world to know she’s proud to be with her man.” I flash him a side grin and wink.

  “So you’re going to use clothing to cast a spell on me?”

  “Oh, honey, my barely-there underwear will do the job of luring you into my bed tonight.”

  “I’ve been warned, I guess.”

  “Damn right you have,” I coo, batting my eyelashes at him.

  “I’m really looking forward to this weekend with you. I don’t know if you remember, but this is where we met.”

  “Now how can I ever forget something like that?” Seriously?

  “I just wanted to make sure you’re keeping track.”

  “So are you finally going to reveal which hotel we’re staying at?”

  “We shouldn’t be too far.”

  “What kind of answer is that?” I sit straighter in my seat and cross my arms over my chest, ticked off by how he’s still toying me.

  “It’s sort of a surprise.”

  “A surprise?”

  “Uh-huh,” he answers, flashing me a cocky side glance.

  Now I’m excited. He always manages to blow me away with his unexpected little touches. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me this time.

  Suddenly, Nik slows down and makes a right turn into a gas station.

  Huh? “You need to refill already? We just got the car, it can’t already be empty.”

  He steps on the brakes and parks the SUV to the side, away from the pump. “We don’t need gas.”

  “So why are we here? I don’t see any hotels in sight,” I say, stretching my neck and looking around me.

  He unfastens his seatbelt, reaches for the glove compartment, pops it open and pulls out a black piece of fabric I don’t recognize. “The only way this is going to work is if you’re surprised. If you’re able to spot our destination before we get there, it’ll ruin everything. By wearing this,” he says, dangling a blindfold in front of me, “you won’t be able to see where I’m taking you.” He grins.

  When did he have time to hide that? This trip is already kinkier than I imagined.

  “God, are we going to another one of those taboo underground sex clubs like the one you lured me to in London?” I ask, freaked out.

  He leans into me, so close our lips nearly touch. “I don’t recall you complaining as I was fucking your ass until you came so hard your legs could no longer withstand your own weight, love. You came completely undone with my dick lodged deep inside you with London at your feet. I guess I did manage to take you to the dark side after all,” he murmurs, lust flickering through his blue eyes.

  Damn, he’s right.

  His words sink into me and before I have a chance to process them, he reaches out and traces my chin. Holy hell, we haven’t even gotten to our hotel and I’m already wet.

  I urgently need to distance myself from the volcanic heat emanating from his body. My right hand lands on his chest, pressing against him, pushing him slightly away. As if to protest, he contracts his muscles and I feel every bulge of the solid mass beneath the cotton of his Italian shirt. “Is that part of your plan for tonight? You’re going to fuck my ass on the top floor of the hotel with Toronto at my feet?”

  “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he breathes, a sly smile on his lips and his gaze steadfast on mine.

  Jesus Christ, the man knows me so well.

  “You know I would,” is all I manage before he leans i
n and brushes a slow, tantalizing kiss on my lips that speaks volumes of the endless possibilities this evening holds. When he pulls away, every nerve in my body is humming. Good Lord. How he can turn me on like this, I’ll never know.

  “That’s one of the many naughty things on the list… and it’s a very, very, very long list,” he murmurs. “But first, you need to put this on so we can get there.”

  I don’t know what he has in mind, but when this raw carnal desire blankets his gaze like this, chances are every part of my body will ache badly tomorrow.

  My eyes bounce from the little piece of fabric he’s dangling in his hand to his piercing blue eyes. “Let’s start crossing things off that list.” Bring it on.

  Without arguing, I allow him to pull the blindfold over my eyes. It’s pitch black now.

  I feel his breath against my face before hearing his voice. “You’re such a dirty girl,” he whispers, a low hum deep in his throat. “What I’m going to do to you will cause you to lose all sense of everything and submit completely to me until all of your past orgasms will feel like a kiddie ride.” Isn’t that just an ordinary weeknight for us? He pulls my hand until it cups his cock. I might not be able to see, but his generous size is unmistakable. “Feel that?”

  “Mm-hmmm,” I purr.

  “I’ve been like this since we left Paris because I know exactly how the next few days will unfold.”

  Nikolaj’s words are a seduction on their own, never mind his thickening cock pressed up against the palm of my hand. “So are you going to start ravishing me before or after tonight’s gala?” I ask, leaning forward and angling my head back so I can rub against the stubble of his five-o’clock shadow. I know I’m being cheeky here considering he’s more in control now than ever before, but I can’t help it.

  Nik’s laugh is a low rumble that reverberates through my entire body. “I’m happy you’re this eager.” It’s more of a warning than an observation.

  Fuck, I’m so screwed.

  Undoubtedly, challenging an already horny man might not have been my best idea. I pull away from him and I lean my head back against the headrest. Although I can’t see a thing, I close my eyes as if to prepare myself for what’s awaiting.

  We drive around for what seems like an eternity. Nikolaj has turned off the radio and there’s nothing between us other than lustful silence. I’m so attuned, I can almost hear his beating heart. I’ve never been a patient woman, but this is killing me. I’m just about to open my mouth to ask how much longer until we get to the hotel so he can put an end to this torture when the SUV slows down.

  It’s about time.

  Nikolaj parks and turns off the ignition. I sit straighter in my seat, thrilled we’ve finally arrived at the destination for what promises to be another unforgettable weekend of carnal debauchery.

  Nikolaj closes his hand over my knee before speaking. “Wait here. I’ll take care of the luggage.”

  “Isn’t there a bellhop to help?” What kind of hotel allows their high-end guests to carry their own luggage to the lobby?

  “I’ll be back,” is all that he says.

  Why is he avoiding my question?

  The door on his side opens and shortly after his body slides out of the seat next to me. I fumble to unfasten my seatbelt. Once free, I place my right hand on the dashboard and I hook my left elbow on the seat behind me, turning my body so I face the back window. Although I still can’t see a thing, because I wouldn’t dare remove this blindfold obstructing my view, I feel compelled to try to guess his next move.

  It’s only when he slams the car door that I realize how quiet it is. Usually there’s a buzz of activity around any self-respecting five-star hotel, but in this case I can almost hear the crickets sing.

  “Is the hotel you selected for us located in the middle of nowhere? It’s awfully quiet,” I shout.

  This is becoming more intriguing by the second. Not only is he planning on ravishing me like a wild animal, but he’s made sure to find a remote location where nobody can hear me when I come screaming all over his cock. The man surely knows how to get me going.

  The door to my right swings open and the next thing I know his hands grab mine. “I’m going to help you out of the car. Hold on to me so you don’t trip.”

  “You know, this wouldn’t be a problem if you removed the blindfold.”

  “Ciara.” My name comes out as a warning.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll play along with your devious little ruse, but it better be worth my time,” I say, trying to sound as unimpressed as I possibly can, although I’m already wet beyond belief.

  “Have I ever disappointed you in or out of bed?”

  He does have a good point.

  “Not that I can remember.”

  “So you’re worrying your pretty little head for no good reason.” The door slams shut behind me as if to punctuate his sentence.

  Nikolaj places his hand at the small of my back and guides me forward. My senses are acute. I try my best to detect any sound that could give me a clue as to where we are right now, but to no avail. Everything around me is silence. I stretch out my hand, hoping I might bump into something that would be an indication of our location, but I’m rewarded with his chuckling.

  “You think this is funny?” I ask, frustrated.

  “As a matter of fact I do.” He laughs aloud.

  “Keep this up and I’ll be way too pissed for you to fuck me.”

  “Lucky for you, we’re here. Looks like I dodged a bullet again and I do get to fuck you.”

  Damn, he’s good.

  “We’re at the hotel? Are we inside the lobby? Why is it so quiet? Nikolaj von Henningsen, where the hell are we?”

  None of this is making any sense.

  He leans in and drops a soft kiss against my cheek. “Which one of those burning questions do you want me to answer first?”

  “You ask as if you haven’t already decided.”

  Like always, he’s in control of this from beginning to end.

  “We’re not inside a hotel. No lobby. It’s quiet because it’s just the two of us. Ms. Herrera, we’re right where we started.”

  It takes a second for my brain to process.

  Huh?“I’m very confused.” I exhale before continuing. “Nik—”

  “We’re getting married in ten days and I can’t imagine us taking that big leap without coming back here again,” he interrupts.

  “Aren’t we here for your galas and to have a little fun? What does this hotel or whatever place this is has to do with our big day?”

  Nikolaj cups my face inside his strong hands and takes my lips in a smoldering kiss. All protest, all hesitation and all frustration vanish instantly.

  Okay. That’s a good answer. Who the hell cares where we are as long as I’m with the man I love. Heck, I can wear this stupid thing over my eyes for our entire stay if he keeps this up.

  Nikolaj gently pulls the blindfold over my head and I blink a few times before losing myself in his deep, loving blue eyes.

  He quirks an eyebrow as he curls up the left side of his lip. “Remember this place?”

  Oh, yeah. I was making such a fuss about being in the dark, but after that passionate kiss, it doesn’t seem so important anymore to figure out where we are.

  Amusement lights up his eyes as he looks down at me as I take stock of my surroundings. Just like I did a year ago, I take in the exposed brick along the walls, the sumptuous open-space concept, the artwork adorning the walls, the large window leading to the backyard and the statement piece barn wood table I fell in love with when I visited this place. I was so immediately seduced by this table, it was the first thing I ordered for our new Manhattan townhouse. No way. I pivot my head back towards him so quickly I think I’m going to give myself whiplash. “Is this the place you used to rent when you lived here in Toronto?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “So we’re staying here during this gala week?”

  “Yes and no.”

  That�
��s it. He’s officially lost his mind.

  “I might be wrong here, but I don’t recall you drinking on the flight over. Honey, what’s going on?”

  “About the galas…”

  Uh-oh. “Did you lure me to this city under false pretenses, Mr. von Henningsen?”

  “Well, technically the galas are still taking place, but you and I won’t be attending. I already have members of my team who will represent my company. These next few days are about you and me.”

  I don’t get it.

  “We crossed the Atlantic just so we can be together? How different is that from Paris? Or did you want us to come back here for a tour before we get married?” I laugh.

  “Absolutely not.” He’s irked by my comment. “I intend on fucking you in every room in this house, including the deck and the yard,” he says, pointing above his head and motioning over his shoulder.

  My eyes follow his pointed finger before meeting his gaze. And they say women lose their marbles just before their wedding day.

  “Couldn’t you fuck me on the deck back home?”

  “Yes, but as beautiful as Paris is, there’s something this place has that the city of light doesn’t.”

  “And what’s that?”

  Now he’s really piqued my curiosity. I mean Paris has everything anyone can ever imagine—from the extremely romantic to the very kinky.

  He takes a step closer to me, and I lower my eyes momentarily to the visible ravenous craving I see. Holy hotness. “This home and the bed on the third floor where I first fell head over heels in love with you a year ago. When I woke up the next morning and I saw your outrageously sexy body sprawled like a queen’s on my bed with your cascade of dark curls everywhere, I knew there was no way out for me. You had my heart. I just needed to find a way to get yours.”

  “Ha!” My hands clasp over my mouth to muffle my surprise.

  “Happy anniversary, my love.”

  My eyes well from his confession as I try to fight back the tears. “You… You keep doing this to me. You always catch me off guard in the sweetest possible way. I so didn’t see that coming. You can be so unwavering, domineering and commanding with me—and FYI, I’m certainly not complaining—but in the same breath you’re the man who showers me with so much tenderness. I can’t believe you did this for me.”