OWEN and ADDY_A RED TEAM WEDDING NOVELLA_THE RED TEAM, BOOK 14

by Elaine Levine

  Addy rubbed her hands over his broad shoulders and bulky arms, easing her hands up to his face, holding him in place. It didn’t keep him still. He nuzzled the stretchy lace of her bodysuit as he made his way down her chest, over her stomach, to her mound.

  The bodysuit came with a pair of attached panties that opened at the crotch and only had front coverage. Owen knelt on the floor at the foot of the bed and pulled her down to the edge of the mattress. Spreading her legs, he explored the fabric and the places it exposed on her body. She gasped when his fingers touched her clit, and then his mouth was there, sucking, stroking, working her into a fever of need. Each time she almost came, he’d slow down.

  “Owen! Now!” She fisted the bedspread, unable to arch up against him, since he was holding her hips up. He stood between her legs and, still holding her hips where he wanted them, entered her, hard and hot and so rigid, filling her. His hips pumped as he pounded into her. She cried out, begging him for more, for everything, for all of him. He changed his hold to one arm under her hips, freeing a hand to play with her clit. She lost whatever control she had remaining over her own body. Ecstasy took her. She was aware at some level that Owen had come with her, but the echoes of her release lasted longer than his.

  When it was over, she was done. Empty and yet restored. He lifted her up to the pillows, settling to her on top of the bedspread. It was dark in the room—the only light came from the overhead hallway light between the closet and bathroom. It was enough to let her see the intense look on his face.

  She smiled up at him. “What is it?”

  “Did I hurt you?”

  “Of course not. You never would.” She touched his face, hoping to ease some of the tightness she saw. “Did I torture you too much?”

  “No. Just right. What made you think of this?” He nodded at her sexy bodysuit.

  “The girls and I were talking about having a bachelorette party. I was worried they might be partied out, with Thanksgiving and then Christmas and then Max and Hope’s wedding. Some of them came up with the idea of having a fuckfest.”

  Owen’s brows lifted. “Fuckfest? Who suggest— Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

  “They thought it was funny imagining you losing your control.”

  “Oh, did they?”

  “Yeah, but the really funny thing was seeing them trying to sex me up. I’ve been pretty shut down in that area since I was abducted.”

  He rolled over to his side and braced his head on his hand. “So how did they ‘sex you up’?”

  “Remember when we took over the game room and locked you guys out? Well, we were brainstorming what to do for the wedding. Things got a little raunchy.” She felt a little sad revealing what she told the girls, but maybe it was time that he knew. “I told them that I sometimes wished you’d lose control, that sometimes I feel you’re too careful of me.”

  “Well, yeah. I love you. You’ve been through hell and back. I don’t want to take from you more than you can give.”

  “But that’s just it. Sometimes your carefulness reminds me of all that happened, all that’s between us.”

  “I don’t mean for it to do that.”

  “I know. But that’s when the girls started brainstorming how I could push you over the edge, break through your control.”

  He circled the soft flesh of one breast, moving around the pasty that was still affixed to her nipple. “I’d say you accomplished that goal tonight.”

  She nodded, feeling rather pleased with herself. “I did, didn’t I? They pulled up some sexy lingerie sites, then somehow we all started watching porn in the hopes that I might learn some moves.”

  Owen laughed, and Addy could feel herself turning bright red. She wondered what color her eyes were at the moment.

  “You watched porn?” he asked, shocked.

  “I did. They knew sites that mostly featured female enjoyment. It wasn’t awful. In fact, I kind of enjoyed it.”

  “They’ve corrupted my innocent soon-to-be-wife.”

  She hit his shoulder. “I’m a long way from innocent. Do you hate me?”

  His brow wrinkled. “Hell no. You want to try something, I’m all in. Not sure I’d go for full-on role playing, but a new position, a new toy, some temporary rules, sure.”

  “I love you.”

  He kissed her forehead. “I love you. Thank you for tonight. I was wondering where our kids were.”

  “We worked that out, too. Troy is having a sleepover with Zavi, and Augie is with the pride. Wynn was keeping them all in the movie room so they wouldn’t see when you lost control.”

  “You girls had this all figured out, huh?”

  She fought a guilty grin. “Maybe.”

  “For the record, I didn’t lose control. I got exactly what I wanted. You. No walls. No fears. No worries. Just a straight line to your soul.” He rolled over, lifting her on top of him. “Since this is our fuckfest, and the night’s still early, I’m sure we have several more fun things we can do while you’re wearing that outfit.” He entered her, watching her in the soft light.

  Addy moved over him, her hands on his ripped abdomen. Sometimes it really was a shock knowing he was hers now, forever, after all the hell they’d both been through. They had the new beginning she’d yearned for. “You did lose control, Owen.”

  He grinned. “Maybe I did. Just a little.”

  “Just a lot, or you wouldn’t have carried me from the dining room.”

  “What’s your point?”

  “I win.”

  He started thrusting in her. “I think we both win.”

  9

  Saturday dawned a dark and snowy day. Addy caught the delicious scent of coffee before opening her eyes. Even better than having coffee in bed was the gorgeous man bringing it to her. He grinned as her eyes focused on him.

  “Morning,” Owen said.

  Addy stretched and smiled. “Morning.”

  “Would my almost-wife like some coffee?”

  “Your almost-wife would kill for a cup. Or three.” She pushed herself up just as Troy ran into the room. His brown hair was tousled and his feet were bare, but he already wore his wedding suit. He crawled up next to her. She and Owen exchanged smiles.

  “I see you’re already set for the wedding,” Addy said.

  “I am. I’m the ring bearer, Mom.”

  “I know. But the wedding isn’t until this afternoon. You can’t wear that until then.”

  “But this is a big day.”

  “It is. And I promise you won’t miss it if you wear play clothes until later.”

  “I’m the only ring bearer, right?”

  “You are.”

  “Good.”

  “Why?” Owen asked.

  “’Cause Zavi wanted to be one, too, but I said he couldn’t be.”

  “Why can’t he?”

  “Because I’m your son. I want to bring both rings.”

  Just then Zavi, also already in his suit, hurried into their room. He climbed on the bed and gave Troy a dark look. Addy sent Owen a glance, catching his raised brows and a smile he tried to hide.

  “Good morning, Zavi,” Addy said.

  “Morning, Aunt Addy.” He rubbed his eyes as his bottom lip quivered.

  “Did you have some breakfast?” she asked.

  “No. Troy said I can’t be a ring bearer today. But I have a suit. And I already did it once, so I know how to do it. He hasn’t done it before.”

  “You aren’t their son,” Troy said. “I am.”

  Zavi looked crushed. He got off the bed and slowly crossed the room, his little shoulders slumped. Addy sent Owen a silent plea, hoping he’d find a solution.

  Owen put his coffee mug on the nightstand then sat on the edge of the bed. “Zavi, come here.” Zavi did, but he was heaving ragged breaths as he tried not to cry. Owen lifted him up onto his leg. “Troy, you too.” He lifted Troy onto the opposite leg. “You boys are friends, right?”

  “Yeah,” Troy said.

  “Yo
ur friend’s hurting, Troy. We don’t leave our friends hurting. Is there something you could do to help him feel better?”

  Zavi sniffled and swiped at a tear.

  Troy glared at him. “I’ll be nice to him at the wedding.”

  “You should always be nice to your friends.”

  “He can’t be a ring bearer. We don’t have two pillows.”

  “I’m sure we can find another small pillow in this huge house.”

  Zavi looked so sad—Addy had no idea how her son could deny him. She sipped her coffee, then ventured into the fray. “Troy, wouldn’t it be nice to share your big day with your friend? Sometimes friends are few and far between. Today’s a day you’ll both remember for a long time—and that makes it even more special.”

  “We could go try to find another pillow,” Zavi suggested.

  “Okay,” Troy said. “If we can find one, then we can both do it. I think I know where we can get one.” They got off Owen’s knees. Troy put his arm around Zavi’s shoulders as they walked to the door. “I’m sorry I made you cry.”

  Zavi shrugged as another ragged breath left his chest. “It’s okay.” They left the room.

  Owen chuckled and leaned across the bed. He grinned as he reached for Addy’s hand. “First catastrophe of the day averted.”

  Addy smiled. “I’m so happy.”

  “You ready for this?”

  “I am.”

  “Do you have your vows memorized?”

  “I do, but I’m bringing them on paper anyway just in case I get flustered. How about you?”

  “They’re all in here.” He touched his chest. “I can’t forget them.”

  Everything Owen said and did drew him deeper into her heart. He treated her and her boys as if he cherished them. “I’m so glad you never found someone else to love. I know that’s selfish of me, but—”

  Owen shook his head. “No, it’s not. You’re my great love, Addy. No one else compared. No one ever could.” He stood up. “Now let’s go have breakfast before they hide you away, and I have to be without you for hours.”

  “Hey—Case,” Lion gestured to the limp sides of the tie draped over his neck. “Can you help?”

  Casey’s heart squeezed to the point of breaking. “Sure.”

  They were alone in the little alcove that led out to the gym wing. Casey gave him a quick smile, then got to work. Better to finish quickly and get away from him before she embarrassed herself. Unfortunately, neither her hands nor the tie cooperated. Her first attempt was a mess, and she had to pull it all apart and start over.

  He frowned. “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “You don’t seem yourself.”

  She licked her lips, trying to drag herself away from the cliff she was standing on. He was a man. She was girl. How much clearer could her mom have made their differences?

  “I miss you.” There. She’d said it. The truth. The whole truth, and everything it held within. He’d only been gone a week, and already her heart was like a puppy dropped off on the side of the road. She could feel heat climbing up her neck.

  He tilted his head. “You’re pretty when you do that.” His lips twisted into a half-grin. “You’re always pretty, but I like it when you blush. It’s like your face blooms.”

  Her eyes watered. She blinked to clear them. “Do you think the next eight years will go fast?”

  His brows lifted. The scrolling lines of the tattoos above his eyes were only partly obscured by his naturally tawny brows; she stared at them instead of his eyes.

  “I hope not,” he said. “I’m looking forward to every moment of them.” He frowned. “Why did you ask that?”

  She shrugged. She finished his tie and forced her hands away from him. “I guess I’m not looking forward to all the years of school and college that I have left.” …Before we can be together. Did he read between the lines? Had she said too much?

  He smiled. “I guess that part will go quickly. Especially if you make it fun.”

  How could it be fun without him?

  “That’s what I intend to do,” he said. He gestured toward the door. “Ready to go in?”

  “Not yet. I’m running some errands for my mom to help Addy.”

  “Okay. Catch you inside.”

  A knock sounded on Addy’s door, then it opened. She froze, worried Owen would see her before the ceremony, but it was Troy’s little face that popped around the door. He and Augie came inside.

  “Hi, Mom,” Augie said. “We just wanted to come by and—” He stopped and stared at her. “Wow. You look great.”

  Troy ran up and hugged her hips. She held her arm out for Augie to join them. “Thanks, honey. You know what’s best about today? I get to have both of you at my wedding. I can’t think of anything better than that.”

  “You can’t?” Wendell asked as he came into the room. “What about having your brother there to hold your bouquet?”

  Addy laughed. “Well, that too!”

  “We’ve been staying with Dad, doing boy stuff so you could do your girl stuff,” Troy said. “Are you finished yet? Everyone’s downstairs waiting.”

  “Are they?” Addy looked over at Wendell to confirm.

  “Well, everyone except for the female half of the group, who are all here,” Wendell said, nodding toward the women sitting on the chairs and bed.

  “I guess that’s our cue to head down,” Mandy said as she lifted herself out of one of the chairs in Owen’s room. She gave Addy a hug and made a little adjustment on her hair. It was pulled up at the sides and fell behind her head in wide curls, with a froth of baby’s-breath for decoration.

  Ace snapped a picture of that moment. One by one, each of the ladies gave Addy a hug then slipped out of the room.

  “Jax, take the boys out to the sitting room,” Ace said. “I want a last word with Addy.”

  Addy smiled at Ace, hoping to ease the tension in her friend’s face. She took Ace’s hands. “You don’t have to say anything.”

  “I do. We’ve been in this spot before. I could have—should have—stopped it before.”

  “No, you couldn’t have. You were barely older than Augie is now. And we were never in this spot. Today is filled with hope and joy. It’s the only day like it I’ve ever known.”

  Ace nodded. “I hope that we can be friends, Addy.”

  “We are friends. All of us. No matter what happens, we’re family.”

  Ace nodded. “I like that.” She hugged Addy, then lifted her camera. “I’m going to go ahead of you so that I can get some candid shots of your procession.”

  When she left, Addy took a last look at her reflection. Her dress was a tea-length white satin overlaid with guipure lace in a floral pattern. The fitted bodice had a sweetheart shape with narrow off-the-shoulders sleeves. A wide satin ribbon wrapped around the waist for a big bow in the back of the dress. The flaring skirt was made possible with several layers of stiff crinoline underskirts. She loved it and couldn’t wait to see Owen’s expression. She’d been shocked that Val’s friend had had just the right dress for her based on the pics she’d had Val send in. Maybe one day, she’d have a daughter who might wear it to her wedding.

  A knock sounded on the door. “I’m coming, Wendell!” she called out as she hurried over.

  “It’s me,” Owen’s deep voice came through the door.

  “No! You can’t see me. Owen!”

  “Addy, I need to.”

  She set her hand on the door. “Why?”

  “I have a gift for you.”

  “Owen, you can’t come in.”

  “Then I’ll send Augie in with it.”

  Addy stepped back as the door opened. Augie slipped inside, quickly followed by Troy. Their eyes were happy. Augie handed her a long, narrow box.

  “Owen, what is this?” she asked, letting her voice carry through the cracked door.

  “A gift. I want you to wear it today. Please.”

  Addy’s hands shook as she ripped of
f the wrapping. She looked at her boys before opening the box.

  “Hurry, Mom,” Augie urged.

  She flipped the case open and gasped. There, lying on black velvet, was a bracelet of aquamarines and diamond baguettes that alternated the entire length.

  “Oh my God. This is gorgeous.”

  “You like it?” Owen asked.

  “I love it.”

  “Have Augie put it on you.”

  She handed him the bracelet then held her hand out. He snapped it around her wrist.

  “It’s beautiful, Mom,” Troy said, gently touching it.

  “I love you, Owen.”

  “I love you too. C’mon, boys. We need to get downstairs.”

  Both boys hugged her. She waited for them to leave the sitting room. “Is it safe, Wendell?”

  “All clear,” he replied. “Ready to do this?”

  “I am so ready.”

  He held her hand as they walked down the hall. Outside the gym, they faced each other, pausing for a moment. Her brother’s expression was heartbreakingly serious.

  “I love you, sis.” His words were heavy with so many things spoken only by his eyes.

  She smiled. “I love you, Wendelly.”

  He nodded. “Shall we go in?”

  “Yes!” She laughed.

  The doors to the gym opened for them, held by Kelan and Ty. They both gave her fortifying smiles and seemed as happy as she was.

  There was a big area between the door and the altar. Despite their practice walk during the rehearsal, Addy suddenly wanted to run forward. Wendell held her to a slow space. She caught Owen’s gaze. He solemnly held his hand on his heart.

  “Jesus, does that man love you,” her brother whispered.

  Addy’s heart beat a fierce rhythm.

  Wendell handed her off to Owen, then took his place behind her. She reached over and handed him her bouquet, which he took with a wry smile.

  Owen reached for her hands. She was grateful his grip was so steady and firm. His pale eyes held hers captive, reminding her that she was here, with him, at this new step in their lives. His thumb brushed across the backs of her hands.

  “You are so beautiful,” Owen whispered as he kissed her forehead.