by Alexa Riley
I can only hear the slowing of my heart as I fall out of the seat and my world goes black.
Chapter Twelve
Arabella
“Romeo!” I scream again as he slumps in the chair.
I shake his shoulders, but all it does it tumble us to the floor. Okay, so now he may have a head injury, too.
“Alfred!” I scream, hoping someone will hear me.
Pounding boots enter the kitchen and I’m nudged aside as two of the servants go to work on Romeo. Oh god, this can’t be happening. We were finally married. I thought this was the time where we could finally be together without all the drama. Think again.
“He’s been poisoned,” one of them says, holding up a glass tube that turns green, then blue.
“Is he going to be all right? How do you know?” I blurt out, needing answers.
“I don’t know, I’m not a doctor. I just got this really cool chemistry set on Black Friday,” he says, putting away the tube while the other man performs CPR.
“What?” I cry as the two of them try to save my husband's life.
“I’ve got a heartbeat,” the one giving CPR shouts.
“Don’t worry. The ambulance is on the way,” the other says, a phone to his ear.
Who could have done this? Why won’t people just let us live in peace? Is it too much to ask for a moment of quiet? It would probably make for a boring day, I suppose.
I hear a whisper. “Little love.” I gasp.
I reach out, taking Romeo’s hand and look into his eyes. They’re barely opened, just tiny slits as he tries to choke out the words.
“Arabe—” He tries to say my name, but I shush him.
“Save your strength. Help is on the way. You were poisoned.” Suddenly suspicion is crawling up my neck and I see that Romeo is in no shape to handle this.
Going with my gut instinct, I turn to face one of the Alfreds. “Go and get the stripper cook. She’s packing her things in the guest house. And send someone to find my father. I’m sure he’s not too far away.” Alfred nods at me and leaves as another one takes his place. “And you, go and make a bed for Romeo in the living room. Then have everyone assemble in there.”
I’m about to Nancy Drew this motherfucker and find out who tried to take the love of my life from me.
Gripping Romeo’s hand tighter, I lean down and kiss his cheek. His breathing is shallow, but his pulse is strong. I hope it’s strong enough for the both of us right now.
The paramedics barge in, and once again I’m shoved out of the way. I know it’s to save Romeo, but they could be a little more polite about it.
They immediately check the chemistry set and agree that he was in fact poisoned. I’ll be damned, I guess those things are pretty accurate. Once that’s confirmed, they hook him up to an IV and carry him into the living room.
The servants have arranged a bed for him, and he’s placed on it, along with the blankets tucked around him. Some of his color is coming back, and I can only thank god that he only ingested a small amount. When Romeo is stabilized, the paramedics leave and two of the servants stay with me as I make sure Romeo is comfortable and the drugs are being flushed out of his system.
“Mrs. Trope.”
I turn around to see the servant I sent away earlier take a bow. Behind him are the cook and my father. He steps out of the way and the two people who most likely did this step forward.
“Which one of you did this?!” I shout, clenching my fists. I’m full of rage that someone would dare hurt the man I love, the father of the possible baby growing in my belly, the man who has quickly become my entire world. I won’t allow this to go unpunished.
My father won’t meet my eyes, but the cook is looking at me defiantly. She’s traded in her bikini for a sequined ball gown. I can’t say I hate it, but it seems a little inappropriate for mid-afternoon.
“You are nothing to him,” she says in a French accent while she turns up her nose at me.
Romeo growls from the bed, but I place my hand on his chest to calm him.
“And you?” I ask, turning to my father. “What do you have to say about this?”
“I-I…” he stammers, wringing his hands. “I came here to make peace. To smooth things over.”
“And I’m supposed to believe you? Not so long ago you were selling me off to someone with better business connections.” I turn to the cook. “And you!” I say, pointing a finger. “What kind of over-the-top fly girl dresses like a stripper while frying bacon?”
She shrugs and flips her hair. “You know nothing about cooking.”
“I know enough to know that bacon grease can melt silicone and those tits of yours should be more careful.”
She gasps and puts a hand to her cleavage.
“Arabella, princess,” my father pleads as he looks to the cook and then to me. “Try to understand.”
“Understand what?” I say, narrowing my eyes. This is like a bad rendition of the game Clue.
“He made us do it,” the cook says, crossing her arms and looking at my father with contempt.
“Who made you do it?” I ask in confusion, looking between the two of them.
“Me,” a voice says from the other side of the room, and I stare in shock as the Duke of England walks into the living room.
He’s soaking wet with a sword sticking out of his chest, and there is murderous anger in his eyes.
“This can’t be?” I gasp and take a step back.
“Oh, it can be,” the Duke sneers, taking a step forward. I scream as he pulls the sword from his own chest and somehow manages to raise it above his head. “If I can’t have you no one can!”
“Why don’t you fucking die already!” I whip around to see Romeo sit up in bed with a bazooka in his hand. He pulls the trigger and the Duke flails as the bullets hit him and he falls back on the ground.
“Romeo!” I cry out as I throw myself into his arms. “I thought you were going to die. Then I thought I was going to die. How many more times can we escape life-threatening situations?”
“I don’t know. It feels like it’s coming to an end,” he says, kissing my forehead. “It’s okay, little love, calm down. I’m all right and I’m going to take care of everything.”
“Thank god you’re all right.” Relief floods me knowing that once again he saved the day.
He stands up and looks at my father and the cook. “If I ever see the two of you again, you’re going to end up like the duke.” The two of them nod and leave the house together, only this time they’re escorted out.
Romeo releases me and walks over to where the Duke is laid out on the floor. Blood is beginning to pool around him. I assume it’s from the bullets and where he ripped the sword out. Seriously, who does that? Romeo takes aim and before I know what’s happening he puts two bullets in his head and then turns to look at me.
“I don’t want him popping up again. Double tap, baby,” he says, and winks at me.
“Double tap,” I agree, and throw myself into his arms.
Chapter Thirteen
Romeo
Soft lips trail down my stomach and I keep my eyes closed. I don’t want this dream to end.
I was picturing Arabella naked on a beach. The vision of her rising out of the water wet and warm as she walked over to where I was lying in the sand made every inch of my body ache for her. I wanted to pull her down and shove my cock into her, but she whispered for me to lie still.
In my dream the sun shone down on us as her body moved over mine. It felt so real I didn’t want to wake up. But then I began to realize that this wasn’t just a dream anyone.
Her mouth on my skin causes a moan to slip past my lips. I open my eyes slightly to see her blonde hair tickle across my waist just before her mouth opens around my cock.
“Arabella,” I moan as she opens wide and takes me as far as she can go.
Her hot little tongue licks its way down my cock and to my heavy balls. They’re filled with cum just for her, and I throb at the tho
She looks like a porn star between my legs and I want to dirty her up. I want to dominate her, and use her for my pleasure. Her round ass is in the air and her mouth is full of my dick as she services me. I clench the pillow behind my head to keep from grabbing her. She wiggles her body and hums as she moves her full lips up and down my length. When my legs begin to shake and my cock swells with need the little vixen winks at me.
“You’re begging to get that sassy mouth fucked,” I grit out as she pops the head of my cock out of her mouth and smiles at me.
“Promise?” she asks and licks her lips.
“Get back on there and finish what you started,” I growl.
I barely take a breath before her mouth goes back to sucking my dick. My moan is guttural and I don’t know how much longer I can hold back.
“All the way to the back.” My voice is low and unsteady.
She swallows and the pulse of her throat on my cock is too much. Dreaming about her and then having her mouth on me is more than I can take. I let go of the pillow and push her hair out of her face so I can see all of her. I grip it tightly in one hand and then pull her off my cock.
“Look at me.” I say as her eyes snap to mine.
I use my other hand to stroke my shaft, keeping the tip against her lips.
“Stick out your tongue.” My voice is clipped and pained. I’m so close to the edge.
She does as I ask, and the wet warmth of her tongue against my most sensitive place has me blinded with need. I groan as I finally give in to what I want and spurts of cum shoot out, landing on her lips and chin. Her tongue tries to catch them, but I can’t control where it goes. After a second of trying to get some, her greedy mouth covers the head of my cock and sucks down every last drop. My balls throb as they’re emptied into her, but I’m far from satisfied.
Arabella looks up at me, grinning sheepishly as she licks the last of my cum from her lips.
“Get on my face. I need your cunt,” I order as I reach out, grabbing both her arms and pulling her up my body before she has a chance to do as I say.
She squeals as I put her knees on either side of my head and spread her thighs wide. Her pussy is pink and dripping for it and my mouth waters at the sight.
“Were you like this when you woke up? Or did sucking my dick get you horny?”
Her breath is shaky as she grips the headboard and looks down at me. “Both?” Her answer comes out like a question.
“I thought so,” I say, before gripping her hips firmly with both my hands and pulling her down on my mouth.
The taste of her nectar hits my tongue, and my hips thrust up, wanting my cock in there just as badly as my mouth. I’m greedy for her body, and I don’t know how to control it. Not that I’d ever actually try.
Her little whimpers are fueling my obsession as her hips start to rock. I drag my tongue up and down her pussy as she moves with the rhythm.
“Romeo, I’m close!” she cries, and I hear her grip the headboard tighter.
Now her legs are shaking and I feel like a god beneath her.
Looking up, I can see the little swell of her belly and the soft underside of her tits bouncing. If she reached back and touched my cock I’d shoot a load all over my stomach. But I don’t let that happen. Right now, it’s all about her and the pleasure she’s taking from me. I’m going to fuck her after this, but first I need her to cum on my face.
I hum as I suck her clit, letting the vibrations flow through her. She reaches down with one hand, gripping my hair as she cries out. Warm sweetness hits my tongue and I drink it down. I lap up every drop of her climax while she slows down her hips and tries to catch her breath.
“I’m not finished with you yet,” I say, and I flip us over and pin her down to the mattress.
Her pussy is still pulsing from her orgasm when I thrust inside her. My cock is thick and demands another release.
“Romeo,” she moans, her eyes falling closed and her legs spreading.
I lean down and kiss her, tasting the two of us together. It makes me growl and thrust harder, the animal inside me loving that she’s covered in us. Her legs wrap around me and her nails scratch my back. I love when she loses control and shows me who she belongs to.
It doesn’t take long before she’s cumming again and screaming my name. I’m not fighting it this time and I follow her over the edge into paradise.
Just before I pass out in a heap on top of her, I roll us over so she’s on top of me. We’re both gasping for air as she cuddles into my chest and I wrap my arms around her.
Sometimes you need to get away from the drama and just fuck the shit out of your woman.
Chapter Fourteen
Arabella
We arrived at Romeo’s Switzerland home late in the night. I guess this means I own it now, too. He keeps reminding me of that, but somehow I always forget. I guess having this kind of money and power never truly seeps in.
We’ve been married nearly three months now and every day is more beautiful than the last. I reach down and rub my growing belly thinking of all we had to go through in order to find this peace.
I stare out at the mountains as the fire roars beside me. I woke up hungry after only an hour in bed, so I snuck down for a snack and decided to stay and warm up. Romeo was fast asleep and I didn’t want to wake him up. He would have gotten out of bed and prepared me a seven-course meal. It’s funny, but I never knew a billionaire like him would possess such amazing culinary skills.
My hot cocoa is topped with marshmallows, and as I sip it I think about how lucky I am. I never thought I could have such peace, and I never imagined it would be with someone as handsome as Romeo. Although to be fair, most people wouldn’t find him beautiful, but I do and that makes me special.
I hear footsteps on the stairs and I shake my head and smile. He always knows when I’m not in bed. I don’t know why I thought I could sneak out now.
Turning around, I see him in the shadows. His big, bare chest is highlighted by the moon and I can see his pajama pants are slung low on his hips. He’s in the shadows, but I know he sees me. I can feel his eyes on me as I smile and raise my mug to him.
For some reason the way he’s standing sends a little spark of suspicion through me. What’s he doing? Before I can open my mouth he stalks over and glares down at me with angry eyes.
“Who are you, and what are you doing in my house?”
“What?” I ask, unable to comprehend what he’s saying.
“I said, what are you doing in my house? Did you sneak in here to have cocoa by the fire? I’m going to call the police.”
“Calm down, sweetheart. It’s me. Arabella.” I try to stand from the couch, but he backs away from me with his hands up. “What’s wrong? What’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“I’m going to give you two seconds to get out of my house and then I’m calling the cops,” he says as he backs away.
“Okay, this isn’t funny. I was down here having some hot chocolate and you come down here acting crazy. You’re upsetting me and you need to stop.”
The only light in the room is from the fire and the moonlight coming through the windows. Maybe Romeo is sleepwalking? I’ve never seen him like this before, and it’s completely out of character. I can’t see his eyes and I didn’t see if he took some medicine before bed. God, what if he’s been poisoned again? That seems a little dramatic to happen to him twice, but it would be super-over the top, even if it was creatively lazy.
“Okay, I warned you,” he says, as he reaches over and hits a button on the wall.
Just then an alarm sounds and the house is lit up like the fourth of July. Sirens are going off and suddenly the house is surrounded by what I can only describe as a SWAT team. What the hell? Are these people just sitting around ready to swoop in whenever the notion strikes?
Before I can scream in protest, one of the security guards has me turned around and is marching me out of the house. Did these people not see me arrive last night with Romeo? This is insanity.
Anger and betrayal hit me as I’m marched out of the front door and out into the cold. I’ve only got on a nightgown with a blanket wrapped around me and it’s freezing out. I’m huddled into the back of a police cruiser and before I’ve said a single word we are driving away from the house. From my husband.
Tears roll down my cheeks as the pain hits me. I clench my fists and think about who I could possibly call to save me. I have no one else. The one person in my life whom I trusted with everything I have just threw me out of our house. I grit my teeth as I think about him calling it ours just hours ago.
When we get to the police station, I’m taken to a room with a table and two chairs and a mirror on the wall. It looks exactly like the ones on cops shows, so I really don’t need to give any more details than that.
The officer sits me down and says someone will be with me shortly. Exhaustion from the travel and from the pregnancy weigh on me, so I lay my head down on the table and close my eyes. How could I have been so wrong about the father of my baby?
I’m startled as the door opens and Romeo enters the room. This time he’s dressed in a suit, but the kindness in his eyes is long gone.
He doesn’t sit down but instead crosses his arms by the door and stares down at me. I can’t even look at him right now or I’ll start shouting. It’s not good for the baby, so I take a deep breath and try to think through this.
“Tell me what you were doing in my house,” he orders, but I stare at the wall.
“You said it was ours,” I remind him and ignore the pain in my chest.
“Who are you!” he shouts, and I jump. He’s never raised his voice to me like this and it’s shocking.
I turn back to him and finally let all my anger bubble to the surface. “I’m your wife, Romeo!” I shout back.
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