by Anthology
He hangs up with his mom and dials another number, keeping it on speaker. "Hey, mom! I'm marrying your daughter on Saturday." My mom reacts very similar to the way his did. That sexy smile spreads across his face even more. How the hell did I get so lucky? The smirk on Talon's face as he handles the details is so damn sexy. I want to kiss him all over right now.
I watch him take my stress and relieve it little by little with each phone call. He asks Mom to work with his mom on most of the decorations and food. Of course she agrees because that's how both of our mothers are. His next call is Ivy, just like I knew it would be.
"Hey Ivy, I'm going to need you Saturday. We need a photographer for our wedding and I want up close and personal pics. It's perfect because you'll be right up front as a bridesmaid." I'm a little surprised when Ivy doesn't show as much enthusiasm. I need to check in on her today. She's been through so much with the trial and I know she hasn't been sleeping well.
Talon looks at me with an inquisitive reaction to Ivy's awkward silence and I simply shrug. "Yeah, for sure I'll do it. I'm happy for you guys."
"Geez Ivy, can you be a little more excited?"
"I'm sorry. Of course I'm excited for the two of you. You are the perfect couple and I've always been your biggest fan. It will make me so happy to share your day with you. I don’t mean to sound like I'm not excited; I'm just really tired."
"Is my brother there?"
"Yeah, just a sec." Talon takes the phone off of speaker to talk to Taron.
"You taking care of your girl? ‘Cause she sounds off."
"Yeah, okay, just making sure. Hey... I need a bachelor party this Friday. Ev and I are doin’ this on Saturday. Of course I need you there with me when we do this." Wait a second. I can't help but raise a curious brow to the kind of trouble a bachelor party thrown by Taron will bring.
"Oh, and Ivy needs to be in on it because we're going to make it a bachelorette party as......." He’s obviously interrupted by Taron complaining.
"We'll do that for yours if you ever man the fuck up. I want everyone in on it together. Make it happen, Taron." Talon's face lights up with amusement as I'm sure Taron is still protesting.
"Oh, and we need to have a session. Get Luke and Lilly scheduled and let me know when it is. I need to beat the shit out of those drums soon." His conversation ends and he smiles at me. He's pretty proud of himself.
"Is that you planning our wedding?"
"That’s me letting the people that mean the most to us be a part of our big day. Get dressed. I’m taking you shopping."
"Oh really? What are we shopping for?"
"You need something to wear on your big day." He pulls me into his arms and his hands begin to roam just like they always do. How do we ever get anything done when neither one of us can keep our hands to ourselves?
"Nice try. You can't see me in my dress before the wedding."
He leans down to pull my attention to his eyes. "Who says we're going dress shopping? I'm thinking of what you're going to wear under that dress."
"Who says I'm going to wear anything under the dress? So you're worried about how sexy my lingerie will be?"
"I'm not worried, just curious. Now, let's go shopping." He ends the statement with a swat to my ass.
"I'm not going anywhere without a shower."
"I can help you with that, too!"
"I fully expect you to."
Chapter Two
Ivy
THIS HAS BEEN THE longest six months of my life. Fighting in court to make sure Dylan pays for everything he’s done has been exhausting. The nightmares have been the worst. Taron has been there every night, kissing and caressing me through the emotions of reliving those awful moments with Dylan.
I just keep thinking about how much worse things could be right now if I hadn’t stopped Taron from beating Dylan to death. I run my open hand over my stomach and wait for her to kick again.
Dylan had tortured me so badly by stalking and attempting to rape me, that Taron was fucking done. When Taron finally got his hands on Dylan, he wouldn't stop. His fist just kept bashing and smashing Dylan's face. My screams begin to ring through my ears.
"STOP! I'M PREGNANT! YOU'RE GOING TO BE A FATHER! Please stop! Please, please, please. You're going to be a daddy. Please stop for our baby." His rage terrified me and there is no doubt in my mind those were the only words that would've stopped him.
"Mmmmm. Bring me those gorgeous tits, babe." Taron is completely insatiable now that I have pregnancy boobs. I've always had decent-sized girls, but shit if everything isn't swelling up. My sex drive is out of control. It was bad enough with Taron before the pregnancy, but now I just can't seem to stay satisfied. I climb over to straddle his naked hips and my short, silky robe falls open as I begin to move.
His hands surround my tender breasts, spreading the robe until it's falling off my shoulders.
"Damn, you get better every fucking day!" His hands move to my huge belly and the baby begins to move just as he does. "Baby girl, you're supposed to be sleeping when Daddy is waking up Mommy."
If the way Taron has been as a boyfriend is any sign of what kind of father he will be, then baby Heaven is going to have the best dad ever. He’s been very protective and attentive during the entire pregnancy so far. I'm so thankful that he accepted the news as well as he did.
I knew becoming a father would change his life, I just didn't realize how quickly and dramatically he would change. The trial probably affected a lot of that, but I'm just happy to know this man will be a part of her life forever.
"She's used to you waking me up every morning."
"Babe, you can quit moving those hips right now, because I'm not having sex while my daughter watches."
"Haha. She's not watching; she'll never even know the difference."
"Bullshit, Ivy. It's not happening."
"You know you want this." I throw my head back and let my long hair drape down my back as I slip the robe completely off. Taking the opportunity to frustrate him even more, I begin to run my fingers over my nipples. Damn if they aren't extremely sensitive and instantly harden when my fingers barely brush over each one.
At this point, I'm not sure if I'm torturing him or myself more. My fingers continue south until I'm dipping into my own wetness. "You know you need this."
"You’re insane right now, this is not happening."
"Damn it, Taron." Frustrated and honestly hurt, I move off the bed and grab my robe. Choosing not to bother tying it closed, I leave the room and go straight for the kitchen, mumbling the whole way. "He did not just turn down sex with me again. There is only so much of this a girl can take. It sucks bad enough that I'm fucking huge and I know I'm not attractive, but shit, he can at least pretend he likes what he sees." He's been a great dad by taking care of me, but he's holding back on me in the bedroom. It's making me feel like he's getting it somewhere else, but he's constantly with me so I know that's not possible.
I flip the water faucet on and start cleaning the dishes in the sink. I'm so pissed that I miss him entering the room. The water is splashing all over the counter and onto my stomach. I'm so huge right now; it's killing my back to lean over the sink. "Fuck this. I'm done doing dishes and cleaning up after his ass. He can just sleep on the couch."
"Listen to that sassy, fucking mouth. Do you really think you can keep me out of your bed?"
"Why should I even let you in my bed? It's not like you can handle looking at me right now. I'm so fucking huge I can't even reach the dishes in the sink. You get all grossed out every time I try to have sex with you."
"Really? We had sex last night. Why are you being crazy?"
"You haven't even seen crazy. You want crazy, I'll give it to you...." His hand covers my mouth and he pulls me back against his body—his hard, solid body that lights up everything in mine on contact every damn time.
"You need to stop. Shut that feisty mouth before you piss me off. You have no say about where I sleep. I'll travel the world to find
your bed." He slips his other hand down my side, headed straight for my throbbing clit that's full of sensation. Moving his fingers just slightly, he has my full attention. I couldn't speak right now if I had to call 911 for an emergency.
"You are even sexier today that you were the first day I met you. This right here is what you do to me every fucking day." He presses his hips against my ass and it's very apparent that he likes what he sees.
"You need to understand that I can't wait to take you every single time you want it, but I refuse to do anything to hurt you or the baby."
I try to speak through his hand, but he pulls me closer and holds my mouth tighter. He lowers his head until his lips are right next to my ear. "You can't argue with me. Our baby is awake and moving around. How do you expect me to spank your ass and fuck you like you want me to when my daughter is trying to play?"
I bust out in hysterical laughter and he finally removes his hand. Gripping the sink, I continue laughing at his expense. "It's not like she can feel us having sex!"
"I can feel her moving and that shit distracts me. Ivy, there is no way I can concentrate with that going on."
"Oh Taron, you know I can keep your attention, surely you know this. Besides, she isn't moving around anymore." I move my hand down his stomach and under the band of his shorts. I don't have to bother with layers because he isn't wearing any. His cock stands at attention when my hand comes in contact with it.
I turn just enough so my open robe exposes my chest to him. I always win our arguments, especially if I pull out the girls.
"You suck."
"I've been trying to, but you're being difficult."
"I can't win with you."
"Don't you see, you win all the time." I drop to my knees and pull his throbbing length into my mouth. Using just the right combination of tongue and suction, I have him completely lost almost immediately. What can I say? I know what my guy likes, and it's my job to remind him that I know.
Watching his body react to me is by far my biggest turn on. Taron is passionate. He loves with a passion that I've never felt from anyone before. I continue to show him who’s in control by making him forget everything else in the world.
"Ah fuck, Ivy. Marry me!"
I freeze—my mouth full of Taron and my mind spinning out of control. I know I truly love this man for so many reasons, but there is no way I’m marrying him. I've always said that I'd never trap a man. If we get married, he'll feel trapped. A man like Taron should never be caged.
I pull back and begin to stand up as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into him. Burying my face in his chest, I simply close my eyes. There is no way I'm going to talk to him about this right now.
What was it I said about showing him who’s in control? I'm pretty sure I'm losing control by the second and I'm seconds away from losing my shit. I feel the walls closing in on me and it isn't helping that he is completely surrounding me.
"Don't you dare." His voice comes out stern and frustrated. "Don't you dare shut me out, Ivy."
"Don't ask me to marry you." My voice sounds weak compared to his, but he better not mistake it as me being weak. I pull away from him completely and tie my robe closed.
"I didn't ask."
"You ass! Who says that during a blow job?"
"I was just reminding you not to get too comfortable being in control, because everything can change in an instant. Why won't you marry me, anyway?"
"Because, I'm not going to marry you."
"Yes you are."
"No, Taron, I'm not."
"Why the hell not? We’re together, we’ll have a family soon and we love each other."
"Yes, we'll have a family and we love each other, but we can have that without getting married. You're just saying all of this because it's what everyone says we should do. Well, fuck everyone else. I'm not doing anything I'm not ready for and I'm definitely not forcing you into something you aren't ready for. For fucks sake, Taron, you're about to finally go back on tour and you have so much going for you..."
"FUCKING STOP. This is bullshit, Ivy, and you know it."
"YOU STOP." Just as I begin to yell more to prove my point, my phone rings. I decide to welcome the interruption and answer it.
"Hey Ivy, I'm going to need you Saturday. We need a photographer for our wedding and I want up close and personal pics....." The irony isn't lost on me and Taron hasn't lifted his glare from me once. I do my best to ignore the hurt and anger coming from this man that I truly do love, but no matter what I do I can still feel him boring into my soul.
"Geez Ivy, can you be a little more excited?" My heart skips a beat when I realize my reaction isn't what it should be. This is a special time for Eaven and this situation is consuming my thoughts so much that I'm not showing her how happy I really am for her.
"I'm sorry. Of course I'm excited for the two of you. You are the perfect couple and I've always been your biggest fan. It will make me so happy to share your day with you. I don’t mean to sound like I'm not excited; I'm just really tired."
"Is my brother there?"
"Yeah, just a sec." I hand the phone to Taron and leave the room to escape his temper.
A hot shower is calling my name. I need to escape from him for a while so I lock the door behind me. Taron has been known to join me in the shower nearly every time I try to take one. Today, I need to think.
The bathroom begins to steam up as I watch myself in the mirror. I run my hands over my stomach and tears fill my eyes. This baby has become my everything and I refuse to let her get hurt by a father who might decide he’s bored with us.
The memories of my mother crying nearly my whole childhood flood my thoughts. I have no intention of letting my daughter go through that. I don't plan to leave Taron but I won't trap him, either.
The mirror is almost completely covered in steam, so I swipe it clean just enough to see my face. I notice the look in my eyes is such a change from a few months ago. Taron has almost healed me. He's been here for me through everything, but I just can't marry him. I can’t bring myself to trust he won't break our hearts in the future.
I move into the shower and let the water burn my skin. It isn't long before the door opens. Despite my efforts to keep him out he always finds a way in. He slides the door open but I don't turn to face him.
"You think locking the door will keep me out? We're in charge of the bachelor/bachelorette party Friday. I'm going out for some things. I'll be back." I hear the door close to the shower only to see him move to the other one closest to me.
"Ivy, don't fucking shut me out. We can table this for a while, but you won't be shutting me out." My eyes meet with his and the disappointment in his eyes makes me feel so guilty. Can I do anything but hurt him?
"I love you, woman. What more do I have to do to prove to you that I'm here for you forever?"
"Taron, I know you do. I just can't marry you." My head falls so I don't have to watch his face.
"Yes you can. You choose not to for whatever fucked up reason. Ivy, look at me." I look and finally glimpse a tiny ounce of understanding from him.
"I'll wait for you. I'm not going anywhere, so take your time to get used to the idea." He pulls my face toward his and stops right before our lips touch.
"Quit fighting the fact that I love you and want to spend forever with you." He pulls me against him even though I'm soaked from the shower. His kiss is deep and powerful, almost like he's trying to prove how much he loves me in this one kiss. He backs away, letting his eyes travel down my chest and stomach.
"I'll be back this evening. I need to get things going with Luke so we can get started on this new album soon."
"Okay. I'm gong to call Eaven and see if we can get some shopping done for her wedding."
"Text me when you head out."
"I will." He turns to walk out of the bathroom but something just feels unfinished.
"Taron." He stops moving but doesn't turn around. "I do love you. Please know it has nothing to do w
ith my love for you. Right now, you and our baby mean everything to me." My voice cracks as tears fill my eyes.
"I know you do, I'll see you tonight." He never looks back, walks right out of the bathroom and gives me all the space I thought I needed. If it’s space I need, then why do I feel this way?
Chapter Three
Eaven
"SIR, YOU CAN'T GO in there." How did I know this would be a disaster? I knew once he saw the skimpy lingerie on the hangers that he'd have a hard time staying out of here.
"I'll make it quick." The sales lady might as well call the police if she wants him out.
"Hey, you." I lean my head out of the door just as he turns the corner. His smile makes me so happy. This man deserves to be happy and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him.
"Hey, yourself." The grumble in his sexy voice lets me know exactly what's getting ready to happen and I'm looking forward to it. He hits the door to my dressing room just as I back up to make room for him.
"You're supposed to wait outside for me to come show you."
"There is no fucking way you're stepping out of here looking like that. This...." He runs his finger around the edge of the material on my chest. "And these..." His hand travels south until he touches the fabric barely covering me. "And this....." Both of his hands wrap around me until he has my entire ass in his hands. "And definitely this, is all for me."
His movements and words are so barbaric, yet romantic all at once. I love that he doesn't want to share any of me.
"Then you'll have to sit there and watch. No touching. I guess we'll be buying this one since you practically violated me in it."
"Hell yes we're buying that one. You look sexy as fuck in red." There really isn't much to this 'outfit', which is exactly why he loves it. I had planned to buy it anyway.
"Okay. You sit and just nod your head yes or no. No touching so we can actually leave sometime today."
I reach for the black lacy one. The bra is completely see-through and the panties are g-string with sheer lace in the front. After catching a glimpse in the mirror, I realize it’s actually very sexy on me. I meet his eyes in the mirror as I rotate to examine the different angles of it.