Heartthrob (Bennett Brothers Series)

by Ahren Sanders

  “I never stood a chance,” I admit.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a mass of blonde hair glittering with multi-colored jeweled rhinestones.

  There’s a loud squeal of excitement followed by the uproar of laughter as she’s hurled into the air. My chest tightens, and I’m on the move. This is not a surprise. Without actually seeing who has her in his arms, I’m pretty sure who it is. Eddie Jarvis has been shooting mischievous glares my way all night, which should have been my signal.

  This is an ongoing joke with Shaw’s clients and Nick’s teammates that began with Shaw’s wedding. Find a way to get to the bride, piss off the groom—who will undoubtedly make an ass out of himself—and entertain anyone within hearing distance.

  Apparently, all we’ve gone through doesn’t excuse me as a target. I stalk through to where our guests have gathered in time to see Eddie spin her out, keeping her hand, then hauling her back to him until she collides with his massive chest and bounces. He’s careful to hold her upright, and she throws her head back, her face glowing.

  I close in, lock eyes with Eddie, and jerk my chin for him to release her. He grins wide, backing up two steps, and I swallow the growl growing in my throat. Nick and Shaw box me in shoulder-to-shoulder, laughing loudly.

  Claire’s head swings to mine, her own eyes dancing with happiness, and she winks, taking his arms from around her waist. I reach out and gently haul her to me.

  “No more disappearing.”

  “I didn’t disappear; I went to the restroom. It takes a team to help me with this dress.”

  “Next time, I’ll help you, and we’ll remove the dress altogether, problem solved.” I nip her earlobe. “Then we can properly begin our wedding night.”

  Her head slants back, and she cradles my face as we sway to the music. “I think we’ve officially won the title of the best Bennett wedding by far.”

  “I think my brothers would agree based on the Dream Racing.” Nick and Shaw quickly stopped bitching about the heat of Vegas in July when Claire presented me with my wedding present. With Rachel’s help, she arranged for my brothers and me to have a Dream Racing experience on the Las Vegas Speedway. Nick has always been known as the adrenaline junkie, but the instant I zipped the suit and stepped on the asphalt, it was a rush like never before. Shaw felt the same way.

  While the women lavished in their spa day, we three raced around a track at high-velocity speeds, talking trash and loving every minute.

  “I personally think the private suite at the concert was the icing on the cake,” she throws in.

  “Speaking of cake…”

  I glimpse around the room for Rachel to give her the signal we’re ready. She’s at the door with her eyes on me, but her mouth is moving rapidly to a man in a suit in front of her. He nods and disappears, and she whips her hand in the air in a circle then gestures to the patio.

  I dip my mouth to Claire’s, sweeping my lips across hers. “First, we have one more surprise.”

  She smiles against my lips, sliding her fingertips around my neck. “I never want this night to end.”

  Her breath hitches when I bend to pick her up and head outside. Rachel directs our guests outside as well. The fountain starts its show, and as a special request, a few fireworks light the sky. It took a ton of negotiations, but after Claire was kidnapped and returned safely, the Bellagio management team agreed to do a few fireworks.

  “Oh my God! This is unbelievable!” Claire shouts, whipping her face to mine. “How did you…” her voice trails off as her eyes begin to shimmer.

  “Nothing less than spectacular.”

  “A lifetime of spectacular.”

  “A lifetime,” I confirm.

  She settles her head on my shoulder, and we watch the show below us. For the first time since she went missing, I find a sense of peace and safety.

  My eyes fly open at the sensation of her lips traveling slowly along my torso, kissing lower and lower until her tongue rolls over the tip of my cock, which instantly stiffens.

  I peer down my body, seeing a curtain of hair hiding her face. My dick throbs when she wraps her hand around the length, stroking as she pays special attention to the crown. Her movements are unhurried and gentle, completely opposite of our urgency last night. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch the time and realize that was only a few hours ago.

  Her head bobs up and down, taking a little more of me each time, and my knees spread further to give her more room. She peeks up, her eyes wild and hungry as her lips curl into a smile. She hunches lower, releases her grip, and sucks me all the way in, holding our stare.

  Blood races in my veins in anticipation, and my hands itch to tangle in her hair. She speeds and slows, bringing me to the brink until my control cracks and I curl up, pulling her to her knees, and twist to place her under me.

  “Good morning.”

  “Always a good morning when I wake up with my cock in your mouth.”

  “Thought you may like that. Seemed like a desirable wake up call.”

  “Everything about you is desirable.”

  She shifts, locks her ankles behind my thighs, and glides along my length. “I woke up with an urge.”

  I sweep my tongue lightly across her lips and dip my forehead to hers. “I should be thanking you.” I thrust my hips, sinking until we’re flush. “I always knew life with you would never be boring.”

  “Are you referring to my healthy sexual appetite?”

  “That’s an added bonus.”

  She wiggles, clenching her pussy tight, bucking up as her eyes glow with mischief. “I think it may have something to do with the ambiance of this place. It’s magical.”

  “Glad you approve.” I nip at her lip and move in short, quick strokes.

  “Oh, God.” She arches into me, digging her nails into my shoulder blades. “Harder,” she demands, and I increase my speed, pummeling into her until beads of sweat trickle down my neck.

  She hangs on, her body curved off the bed and eyes glazing over. “You want more?”

  “Mmmhmm,” she murmurs.

  “Your turn.” I flip, bringing her on top, and see the glaze lift as she grins, biting along her bottom lip. Her nails skim from my collarbone to my hipbones and back again. She slowly rocks back and forth, taking her time, driving me insane.

  “What happened to ‘harder’ and ‘faster’?” I grunt.

  “I changed my mind. The view is great from up here.” Her fingertips continue to move along my abdomen.

  “Pretty sure my sight is better.” My eyes rake appreciatively over her naked form, traveling from where we’re connected and landing on her blinding smile.

  “I think I’m going to like this matrimonial bliss stuff.” She rolls her hips again. “If only I knew where we’d be celebrating next.”

  “Are you telling me you didn’t actually wake up with an urge, but a plan to seduce me?”

  “Seduction seemed like an excellent way to start our honeymoon.”

  The suspense is driving her crazy, and I contemplate keeping the information secret and staying like this until we leave. She immediately senses my stalling, and her eyes flare, daring me.

  She leans in, bringing my hands over my head and balancing on my forearms for leverage. “Where are we going?” Her knees brace and she lifts up, slamming back down and sending an electrifying jolt through me. My dick throbs as she clenches her inner muscles tight, doing it once again.

  “Somewhere close, private, and very mystic.”

  Her body freezes and she sucks in a deep breath. I watch in fascination as the pieces fall together. That was the first and only clue she’s gotten about the location of our real honeymoon. It wasn’t until last night that I told her our time here in St. Lucia was merely a two-day layover.

  Her thighs loosen and all sexual play halts. “You didn’t,” is no more than a whisper.

  “I did.”

  “You remembered.”

  “I remember everything.”

&n
bsp; She calls me on the lie by raising an eyebrow in question. “Okay, maybe I don’t remember everything, but this was important.”

  What I don’t tell her is that this specific detail was a memory triggered by a photo on Nick’s wall. It was his last college home game, and she had taken the picture of my family on the field. Bizzy had jumped on Nick’s back, her face tilted to his. Mom, Dad, and Shaw all focused on them. But not me, my eyes were on Claire as she encouraged us to scream in victory. That was five months after I met her and we’d shared countless calls, texts, and stolen a few private hours when I was in town.

  That night, after the festivities died down, she snuck into my hotel room, and we had our own celebration. I couldn’t keep my hands off her, loving the way she felt in my arms and missing her from the last visit to town. We knew our time was limited, so I spent as much time worshipping her body as I could before she had to leave.

  When I looked closely at the picture, my infatuation for her was written all over my face. Our conversation replayed in my head, and I knew, no matter what it took, Claire was going to her dream destination for our honeymoon.

  “I wish you weren’t leaving tomorrow.” She slides her hand around my neck and massages the muscles gently.

  “Me too.”

  “You seem stressed lately. Is something wrong?”

  “Nothing specific, general life is chaotic.”

  “Every time we’ve spoken the last month, you’ve been distracted.”

  “I’m sorry,” I tell her honestly. “This residency is kicking my ass. College, medical school, internship… none of that compares to these demands.”

  “Sounds grueling.”

  “Wait until you enter the medical working world; you’ll understand.”

  “It’s hard to believe we’re graduating in less than six months. I’ll finally be a nurse.”

  “And you’ll do great.” I squeeze her hip.

  She props on her elbow, keeping her other hand at my neck. “I think you need a vacation. That would help relieve stress.”

  “Grunt residents like myself don’t have time for a vacation. It’s not in my three-year plan. I’m lucky to get away these weekends to watch Nick play.”

  “Hmmm, that sucks. You should go to Mustique.”

  “Why Mustique?”

  “I hear it’s a magical, exotic paradise.”

  “Sounds like you want to go.”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Didn’t you mention your parents taking you on a graduation trip?”

  “Yeah, but that’s not a place you go with your parents. It’s a place you go with someone you love. Maybe I’m crazy, but in my mind, it’s a place for romance.” An undeniable sparkle lights her eyes.

  “And yet you think I should go? Not really the poster guy for love and romance.”

  A flicker of pain slashes through her gaze before she shuts it down and pastes on a small smile. “You’re right. A single heartthrob like you would never get any relaxation in. Women would be on the prowl the second you stepped off the plane. Maybe you should take your days off and learn how to surf.”

  “Grew up in Miami. I’ve known how to surf since I was five.”

  “How about kite-surfing? That always looks fun...”

  I jerk back to the moment to find Claire staring at me with amazement.

  “A magical, exotic paradise… for love and romance,” I repeat her words.

  “You blew me off after that night…”

  “I think we’ve already established I was a dick in denial, and my response is proof of that. What you don’t know is, when I got back to Miami, something wasn’t right. Symptomatically, things were fine, but I couldn’t shake the unwavering ache in my chest. My attitude was shit. It took two weeks to self-diagnose. It was jealousy and possession. I envied the fucker who got to experience that with you.”

  “That person was non-existent until a few minutes ago.”

  “Irrational, Claire. I’ve always been irrational when it comes to you. That’s why, in a few hours, we’re going to board a chartered plane and spend the next two weeks in a private villa in Mustique.”

  She closes her eyes and takes a few deep breaths. When she opens them, my chest tightens. The blue is glittering and sparkling so bright it takes my own breath away.

  “How long before we leave?”

  “Three hours.”

  She pushes up, sitting astride me, and bites down on her lip. “Hmm, wonder how I can show my appreciation?”

  I hitch up on my elbows. “Why don’t you start by kissing your husband?”

  “That’s an excellent idea.”

  Epilogue

  Claire

  7 Months Later

  Claire,

  I knew you could make miracles happen. The news of Carlos’ remission is the one thing I’ve ever truly wanted, and you helped make that happen. For that, you have my gratitude.

  It may not make sense to you, but every decision I made from the time I was fourteen was about protecting and providing for my family. There is no telling what my future holds, but there is comfort in knowing Carlos has you.

  I learned at an early age that there is no room for regret in my life. However, with you, that is different. This is my apology for all that I put you through. You are, and always will be, safe from me. I will not ask for your forgiveness but hope one day you can understand my actions.

  You have a gift, Claire. Don’t ever stop sprinkling your fairy love.

  All,

  Stefano

  “Wow,” Grace folds the letter and slips it back into the envelope.

  “How did Mathis react?” Bizzy asks gently, staring blankly at the envelope. I purposely didn’t tell them about the letter until today, so I could assure them in person I was okay.

  “Shockingly well. I was terrified this would push him back on the edge of madness, but he handled it calmly. We both went to talk to Ina and Carlos. They admitted to receiving a letter as well but assured us they had no personal contact. It’s not surprising Stefano heard the news. The police have concluded all along he had a way of getting information.”

  “Did you call the police?”

  “Mathis did. Detective Flores reiterated his desire to use Carlos as a weapon to pull Stefano out of hiding. Like always, we refused.”

  “He says you’re safe. Do you believe him?” Grace speaks up.

  “I always have.”

  The timer goes off, and I move to Grace’s oven to get the cakes. “Now, all that’s left is the icing.” I pop the layers onto the cooling rack.

  “It’s really sweet of you to do this, Claire, but unnecessary.”

  “It’s my gift to Nick.”

  “He’s not as torn up over losing as you think.”

  I glance at the bassinet in the far corner at a sleeping baby Kayla, and my heart melts. “I guess not.”

  Miami lost the last playoff game and won’t be making an appearance at the Super Bowl for the first time in three years. And Grace is right; he wasn’t nearly as upset as I expected. Kayla’s birth did a number on him, and for the second time in my life, I watched a Bennett brother fall prey to a tiny baby girl. He’s insanely in love with Grace, but he’s a fool over his daughter.

  Just like Shaw with Bizzy and Brinley.

  “Would you like some help?” Bizzy offers as I check the pot on the stove and shriek at the contents. A huge bubble of boiling chocolate explodes right as I reach for the spoon.

  “Shit, shit, shit, shit!” I jump around in a circle flapping my hand to ease the burn. Splashes of chocolate fly everywhere, splattering on my shirt.

  “What’s going on?”

  My head snaps up to find Mathis smirking openly as his eyes roam over my appearance. “What are you doing?”

  “Watching you.”

  “More specifically, what are you doing here?”

  “You’re here.” His explanation is simple, and I can’t miss the dreamy expression on Grace’s face.

  I gl
ance around the kitchen at the mess and back to the stove. “That’s supposed to be chocolate ganache, but I think it’s scorched.”

  I wait for a witty remark, but his only response is to continue to stare as if I’m the only person in the room until my skin prickles

  “Why are you ogling me? I know I’m a wreck.”

  “Not to me. You’re beautiful as ever, but if you must know, I’m standing here picturing you in this same predicament in our new custom designed kitchen. Imagine the destruction you can cause there.” His eyes glitter in a way that sends signals to my brain that I’m in trouble.

  He slowly prowls my way, his eyes never wavering until he’s close enough to take my hand and bring it to his mouth. My stomach pitches when his tongue darts out and licks the chocolate off every finger.

  “Stop—” I don’t finish the statement before his lips cover mine, tracing back and forth.

  “That house was perfect for us. I want my wife to have perfection. “

  “Perfection is laying it on a little thick,” I mumble.

  “It’ll be perfection once we’re through with it.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “You said that two days ago. I want a yes.” His voice drops low right before he nips on my bottom lip.

  I try to stay strong but my body betrays me, arching into him. “Mmmhmm.” My hands frame his face and attempt to deepen the kiss.

  “Say yes,” he demands, pulling back.

  “I’ll think about it,” I repeat.

  There’s a flicker of defiance in his eyes that spikes my blood, and I fight to keep from screaming. “You bought it.”

  ‘It’ being the run-down, desperately in need of renovation, beach house Mathis is hell-bent on buying. He’d mentioned finding a new place on the water after our time at my parents’ condo, but life was too chaotic. So many things were happening—our engagement, wedding planning, my kidnapping, the actual wedding—and the subject was dropped. But the minute we got home after spending two weeks in Mustique, he became a man on a mission. Up until two days ago, I thought he was looking at condo living until he took me to what I consider an old Floridian beach shack.

  To say I was surprised is an understatement. This house doesn’t just need a renovation; it needs an overhaul.