“I’ll give you what you want if you submit to my simple demand.” Without arguing any further I hold his gaze. “Good girl.” Nikolaj moves one hand up my face until it’s curled around the top of my head, giving him leverage to drive into me even harder and faster. My hands leave the bed I was still holding onto for dear life and wrap around him, gripping him tight. “Show me you love me, sweetness.”
“Ah,” I whimper, lost to my looming climax.
In one swift motion, his hands travel down my body so quickly I barely have time to register them. He slides his knees between mine and lifts my legs up so high I’m nearly bent in half. One arm holding my right leg, he braces his weight on the other against my shoulder. “Ciara, come for me,” he rasps. He swings his hips back and thrusts forward once, twice, three times. Lord have mercy. He glides his free hand down my stomach until he reaches my pussy. The second his fingers pinch my clit, I’m gone.
“Nik, Nik, Nik,” I pray.
My pussy tightens greedily around his cock and I clench him until he loses control.
“Dammit,” he lets out before screaming my name as he comes with savage force. He jerks and it’s clear his release is plowing through him as he pours himself inside my voracious pussy. “Jesus fucking Christ,” he growls, moving helplessly. He collapses against me, pressing his hands against the mattress to avoid crushing my body. He’s as drained and depleted as I am. My heart is still pounding like crazy when he flips us over so he’s lying on the bed and I’m now on top of him. He wraps his arms around me. I drop my forehead against his shoulder and listen to the rhythmic sound of his heavy breathing. “Hey, are you okay?” Nikolaj grunts between breaths.
I slowly lift my head and meet his gaze.
“I’m still not sure,” I manage after a few silent seconds.
“I love you so much.”
“Ditto, Nikolaj. I love you.”
“Damn, we both came so hard.”
“I’m surprised this bed is still standing.”
“We have a few more days to rectify that.”
I shake my head at him. “You keep pushing me over the edge.” I smile.
“Of course. And I’ll do it over and over and over again before you fall asleep tonight.”
“I won’t survive this,” I lament.
“You always do,” he chuckles before dropping a tender kiss against my lips.
BOOK 6—ALWAYS & FOREVER
Chapter Ten
Three days before the wedding
After a four-day sex marathon in Toronto, Nikolaj and I returned to our Paris apartment absolutely exhausted. We’ve devoted the last few days to tying up last-minute loose ends before the big day. It’s been exhilarating and scary to realize how quickly my life is about to change. As a result, it’s been nearly impossible for me to focus on my design projects, and I’ve had to rely on my staff more to keep pushing things forward.
As usual, both my local and my New York City team have blown me out of the water with the way they’ve selflessly jumped in. In some cases, taking on more projects than usual, to ensure the work remains on track. It goes without saying I haven’t left Paris even to go on short day trips to Berlin because I’ve been way too consumed by the approaching wedding. Luckily, most of my clients, including the Ellisons, have been extremely understanding.
I’m not the only one who’s been very distracted. Nikolaj’s jet has been grounded since we got back from Canada. Instead of conquering the world of gaming, my fiancé has been coercing me to play tourist all day in the city of love instead of working. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t enjoyed every second of the time I spent combing the streets of Paris hanging from Nikolaj’s arm.
This morning, Nikolaj fueled the jet and we headed to the South of France. We were giddy at the realization that the next time we board his plane it will be as husband and wife.
Today’s a monumental day for us. We’re treating our relatives to a big celebratory dinner. Family, food, fun and fables. These four things are inextricably linked and at the root of my upbringing. Although Diego didn’t have a direct hand in raising me, it turns out the Echevarrias share the same values. Each major event that has ever occurred in the Herrera or the Lafuente clans going back generations has always given rise to unforgettable stories, and this is the beginning of mine.
Nikolaj’s family is far more reserved than Diego’s or mine, but slowly we’re rubbing off on them. Diego’s idea to throw a party in Barcelona a few weeks ago was brilliant. It allowed Nikolaj and I to bond with close family members from both sides. Many of those same people will gather today at Château de Balzac in Grasse and we’ll also be able to reunite with a few family members we haven’t seen in a while. People are flying in from all over the world—New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Copenhagen and London.
Desperate for a much-needed break, Harley is flying in directly from Puerto Rico where she’s spent the last seven days basking in the sun and doing her best to forget all about Darius and Lamar. From her excited text messages and photos, I’d say Miguel Santoro, a tall dark-skinned Puerto Rican, has been helping immensely. She’ll be coming to my wedding solo sporting a fabulous tan. Bryce and Sofia are using her as an excuse to stop by the Latin island for a few days before coming to the wedding since Harley is flying in with them.
There will be eighty people attending the wedding. Technically, the property only has enough rooms for sixty, but Diego and my mom kept adding relatives… and I didn’t have the heart to say no to my father. Colette’s team has been brilliant at finding bed-and-breakfasts located near the castle to accommodate those additional guests. They’ve also organized car services to bring them to and from the wedding and the dinner reception in a couple days’ time.
God only knows what we’re in for tonight. I’m sure Nikolaj’s family will behave, but I can’t vouch for mine or for Diego’s. If tradition serves as any lesson, tonight should be anything but predictable.
Nikolaj and I arrive at the château at three o’clock. I expected to be whisked away to one of the rooms on the upper floors, but instead, Louis, our concierge, walked us to a little house located not far from the castle. On the way there, Louis explained that this private house used to be a maid’s quarters and Kayla decided it would make for a perfect oasis for a soon-to-be married couple seeking refuge from well-meaning, but overbearing parents or siblings. It allows us to be close by, but far enough to have a sense of privacy. No wonder this woman is running a multibillion-dollar real-estate empire. She’s brilliant.
Our century-old renovated accommodation is tucked away in the middle of meticulously maintained bushes and trees. Boxwoods line the pebblestone walkway and fields of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s yet another little thing that adds to this already magnificent experience.
Much to my surprise, things were a little more hectic than expected when we arrived. Nikolaj and I thought we were going to have plenty of time to kick back at the bar, but we had just enough time to meet with Colette for a few last-minute details, then shower and change before we need to run back to the backyard to greet guests. Dinner will be served at seven o’clock, but the festivities kick off at cocktail hour. As per Diego’s request, everyone is to arrive at five, but knowing my side of the family, the von Henningsens will be the only ones showing up on time.
Nikolaj is already ready and he’s patiently waiting for me. He’s sitting in the living room area of the house flipping through Le Figaro pretending he can read the French newspaper. Secretly, I’m sure he’s checking out the sports scores.
I’m putting the finishing touches on my look. Both Sofia and Harley have been texting me all week to find out if I’m nervous at all. I guess it would be expected that I’d be anxious about taking such a huge life-changing leap, but I’m not. I’ve been very certain of this since the day Nikolaj proposed. I see today as the start of the countdown to me becoming his wife.
I take one last look in the mirror and I grin at the woman staring at me. Let’s
do this. I turn on my heel and I grab hold of the antique glass handle. Inhaling deep one last time, I swing open the door. I walk to the bedroom and grab my clutch before joining Nikolaj.
He lowers his newspaper and his jaw drops. He blinks a few times before the corners of his mouth lift upwards. He eats me up from head to toe with a voracious stare. Although he remains silent, his sparkling eyes are a dead giveaway.
Nikolaj’s eyes register unfiltered lust, but the cocky grin he flashes me is undoubtedly mischievous. “Holy Jesus. Are you the mail-order bride I paid for? Damn, I got my money’s worth. That agency is getting a glorious review from this happy customer.” I don’t know what I expected him to say, but his comment takes me completely by surprise, I burst out into laughter. Nikolaj digs in. “You know I’m going to have to test the merchandise before we walk down the aisle in two days.” He waggles his eyebrows. “I’m warning you right now, you’re losing your virginity tonight. Fuck waiting until the wedding night.”
The last part of his comment makes me lose it. I’m laughing so hard I’m actually cradling my stomach. “You wish,” I finally manage to retort.
He gets up from the couch and strides towards me, closing the gap between us. “Seriously, baby, you always blow my mind, but right now you’re breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” I say, sleeking my already gelled hair back. “I wanted to wear something demure for tonight.”
“Uh, okay. I think you missed the mark, love.”
“Oh, no.” I grimace, worried.
He reaches out and cups my face in the palm of his hand. “There’s nothing timid or meek about what you’re wearing. You look sizzling hot. Were it not for the fact that all the men tonight are relatives, I would’ve had to hire a bodyguard to protect your honor.” He grins.
“You’re too much.” I blush, hitting his arm playfully.
He lifts my chin until our eyes meet. “No, Ms. Herrera, in this dress, you’re the one who’s too much.”
The second I saw this Ralph Lauren design on their Fifth Avenue boutique, I knew it had my name written all over it for the family dinner. The dress is sexy, but elegant. What attracted me the most to it is the pale blush-pink color which reminded me of the dress I wore the night Nikolaj and I went out for dinner in Barcelona after he had flown all night from Tokyo to be with me. The slight shimmer in the fabric is so flattering to the body and the matching leather belt cinches the waist perfectly. I particularly love the sheer fabric that drapes around the deep V. The cap sleeves and the fact that it hits me right below the knee prevent the design from being too formal.
I’ve paired the couture with bejeweled high-heeled strappy silver sandals. Christian Louboutin, of course. I’ve adorned my right wrist with the constellation of diamonds Nikolaj gave me as a gift the day he asked me to be his girlfriend and I’ve popped in dangling diamond earrings Diego gave me on my last birthday to finish the look. Since I want to showcase the detailing around the neckline and the stunning bling my father gave me, I’ve pulled my hair back in a tight low chignon. It’s true, I wanted to get my look just right, but Nikolaj’s reaction is way more than I expected.
“It was love at first sight for me and I’m glad you like it.” I nervously smooth down the fabric of my dress.
He traces the deep V slowly and languorously. “Are you wearing a bra underneath this?”
“Of course. Both Diego and Emilio would have a heart attack if I wasn’t. And I think my mom would drag me by the hair back here until I rectified my wrongdoings.” The deep V stops right on the cusp where classy can turn into trashy.
“How long before I’m able to peel this off of you?”
“Well, considering all these people flew in for us, we should stay until the end of the night.” I push up onto my toes to kiss his chin.
Nikolaj groans. “Alas, you bring up a good point. It won’t prevent me from starting a mental countdown when the clock strikes ten.”
“Trust me, I’ll be doing the same.”
Nikolaj looks down at his Cartier watch. “Okay, baby, we’re already a little late. Let’s go greet our family and friends before I change my mind, grab you in my arms and sprint to the jet so we can go to Vegas and get married in one of those dingy chapels on the Strip. I know I said that wasn’t an option before, but I’m pretty sure the second both of us walk into the garden, we’ll regret this whole family thing.” Nikolaj chuckles, extending his arms so I can nestle my body into him. He cradles me and we walk out. It’s a perfect late-summer night and although it’s a short distance from the private house to the castle, it still gives me plenty of time to appreciate the serenity of the evening.
Suddenly a vision pops into my head, and I shiver.
“You’re worried, sweetness?”
“Very. This evening can either go smoothly or not.”
“Right. My money’s on your aunt finding a way to attract too much attention to herself. I wouldn’t put it past her to cause a little drama.” Nikolaj laughs.
“I agree.” I sigh heavily. “Carmelita has the potential to be the biggest disaster of the evening. At least she’s already had a chance to salivate all over your cousins, but depending on how much she drinks, things might get ugly.”
“Unless she bumps into a young unsuspecting staff member. Should we warn the hotel?”
“Nah. Diego promised to keep her in check, but I know the second the music starts, he’ll forget all about his needy cousin.”
“As long as your eccentric aunt doesn’t end up getting herself arrested for indecency we should be okay, right?”
“One would think so, but her over-the-top text messages worry me.”
“She’s still at it?”
“Yup.” I shrug. “She really is trying hard. Too hard. Do you know I had five texts from her before breakfast this morning? Five. Ranging from if she can get her legs waxed upon arrival, since she planned on getting here around lunchtime, to whether she can get a mani-pedi, or should she take care of all grooming before leaving London—as if I know! I didn’t want to bring it up, but she’s also been sending me text messages incessantly since she’s arrived to find out if my parents’ room is next to hers. Mom begged me a long time ago to ask Colette to place them at opposite ends of the château. My parents still feel like they’re on an extended honeymoon, if you know what I mean, and Mom doesn’t want her room anywhere near Carmelita’s.” I exhale.
“Honey, that’s a little too much information on your parents.” Nikolaj frowns.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I can’t think straight when it comes to Diego’s cousin.”
“Take a deep breath and remember she’s like cognac.”
I wince inwardly. “Yeah, right. At this rate, I might have to chug down the whole bottle in one sitting just to get used to her.”
Nikolaj’s booming laugh rips through the sky.
We’re only a few steps away from the entry to the garden and I can already see the silhouette of many of our guests. Nikolaj unwraps his arm from my shoulders. He reaches for my hands, twining my fingers with his before smiling down at me. “Ready?”
“Only if you promise to hold my hand the entire evening.”
“Deal,” he says, tightening his grip on my hand before leading me in the direction of the open space reserved for us.
We’re still a few steps away from making our entrance, but we can already hear Diego and Jonas in an animated conversation. Nikolaj and I stop at the threshold. The plush surroundings act as a shield and Nik and I giggle silently when we listen in on the debate.
“You have it all wrong, Jonas. My cousin wasn’t throwing herself at your nephews. For God’s sakes, she could be their mother.”
“With all due respect, Diego, she nearly chased down Adam at your party in Barcelona a few weeks ago. And when he dodged her, she turned her sights on Georg and Mikkel, who also ran for cover. The fact that Christian came with his nanny and twins saved him from her. I hope you’re not offended by me speaking my mind like this.”
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br /> My father laughs warmly before answering. “Jonas, dear friend, not at all. But listen, we’re Latin. Carmelita’s friendliness is often misconstrued as eagerness.”
“Well, I’m not sure if the blond waiter I saw her running after a few minutes ago is very keen on her friendliness.”
“Jonas, I know she may come across as man-hungry, but I can assure you she just loves meeting new people.” Diego is always the consummate diplomat.
“Men, especially.”
“Indeed.”
Both fathers laugh.
“Perhaps she’ll change her focus once my brother-in-law arrives.”
“So I’m not the only one who noticed that your brother-in-law Gustav and my cousin seemed to be particularly friendly at my party. Julia was arguing with me, but I know what I saw.”
“It was blatantly obvious.”
Nikolaj places a hand on each of my shoulders and looks into my eyes. “It’s half past five now and in about thirty-six hours our two families will become one. Are you ready for this?” Since there are so many people already waiting for us in the outdoor reception area and the music is playing in the background, no one can hear us, but I’m relieved he’s whispering.
I take a step closer to him. I fist the lapel of his jacket with both hands, get on my toes and pull his luscious lips toward mine. “Are you?” I ask against his mouth.
“Hell, no.”
“What should we do then?”
He squints. “Time to face the music, love.”
“Damn right.”
Nikolaj takes my hand into his and we circle the big bush we’ve been hiding behind just in time to follow Diego’s and Jonas’ incredulous stares. Both men are laser-focused on Aunt Carmelita. She’s wearing another outrageous outfit—this time it’s head-to-toe Pepto-Bismol pink—and she’s posted at the entrance of the door leading to the back of the castle flirting hard with a tall member of the hotel staff.
Jonas shakes his head disapprovingly. “She’s impossible.”
Diego sighs. “Let’s be honest, she’s incorrigible. I should—”
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