by Colet Abedi
“I can’t get enough of you,” he admits softly, letting me see the confusion he’s feeling in his depths.
He moves his shaft to press up against my wet core, the tip teasing me mercilessly as my emotions rage in desire. I buck up against him and watch as he growls with desire.
“I’m not going to let you leave me,” he whispers harshly, his eyes feral with longing.
I try not to think about what he’s saying, what it even means and only focus on this moment.
“Michael…” I say with longing, begging him with my body.
“No.” His blue eyes are on fire with such deep emotion. “I won’t let you.”
“I’m here now,” I whisper back, my hands pulling his mouth back down to mine. But he won’t budge.
“Take this chance with me.” His voice is hungry with longing.
My body stills at his words.
The implication of what he’s asking vibrating through my heart and soul. He wants to try. Is that what he’s saying?
“Abby,” he groans as he leans down and kisses me again, with more force and urgency than I’ve ever felt from him before. “I need you.”
I close my eyes in bliss as I allow his words to crush the fragile wall I had put up to protect myself. I need you is not I love you.
But it’s something.
It’s an opening.
It’s hope.
“Look at me,” he commands.
And I do. And then I tell him the words that have been locked in my heart forever. Because I realize, he should know.
“I love you, Michael Sinclair,” I whisper to him as my eyes fill with unshed tears. “I love your kindness. Your generosity. Your heart. I’ve loved you from the moment you protected me against Davis when I was a child. I love—”
He doesn’t let me finish my words.
I hear him groan in passion as his mouth takes mine and his cock plunges into my body. I scream out in need as he moves inside me, giving me the fulfillment that I’ll die without.
But this is different.
Something about the way he touches me. The sweet words of passion he whispers in my ears. The tender way he cups my face as he kisses my mouth. Everything about it is different.
It’s filled with love.
We both come at the same time.
Exploding and calling out each other’s names as our bodies tremble in ecstasy. It’s a long time before I can move. Before I can think. Before I can breathe easy again. He rolls to his side and pulls my body to his as he rubs my hair, my back, his hands touching my naked skin as I let the beauty of the moment sweep over me.
Neither of us says a word.
We don’t have to.
And I let myself close my eyes and fall asleep, feeling safe and utterly loved in his arms.
***
“Try this shrimp.”
We’re sitting across from each other on his bed with a giant platter of food between us. I’m wearing his T-shirt with nothing else and he’s bare-chested with boxers on, both of us spent from the passion we shared and the time we spent in the ocean. I’ve never felt more comfortable or happy in my life.
I take the food he offers and lick his fingers for good measure, watching the way his eyes light up in desire.
“It’s delicious,” I tell him, smiling in pleasure over the way he’s staring at me.
“You’re so sexy.”
“So are you,” I reply, letting my gaze move over his rippled body before settling on his mouth.
“Fuck,” he groans, leaning over the platter to kiss me lazily.
I playfully pull away from him and try to focus on the food in front of me.
My appetite is back with a vengeance.
“Don’t distract me,” I tease him.
“Food didn’t interest you before,” Michael says, raising a cocky brow.
“That was before.”
He throws his head back and laughs as I shamelessly gorge on the food, not caring a lick if it’s ladylike or not.
“What would your last meal be?” he asks as his eyes dance with mirth.
“You’ll have one more question after this,” I tell him flippantly as I pop a piece of sushi in my mouth.
“I think I’ll get more questions after I’m done,” he says rather arrogantly.
He’s probably right.
“Spaghetti Bolognese, Margherita pizza, and a giant chocolate cake.” I close my eyes in pleasure just thinking about it. “An entire one, of course.”
Michael roars with laughter.
“You couldn’t eat an entire cake if your life depended on it.”
“Try me,” I tell him with a wink. “Sugar is my weakness.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Michael says, his eyes alight with pleasure.
“And you?” I ask as I lick my fingers, savoring every taste.
“Allow me.” Michael grabs hold of my hand and proceeds to lick every single one.
My body begins to throb with need, and I try to pull my hand away, but he won’t let me. When he’s finished, I’m wet with desire, the food completely forgotten.
He smiles knowingly before dropping hold of my hand and picking up a piece of sushi, knowing full well how turned on I am.
“What would your last meal be?” I stare at that mouth of his and think about all the pleasure that is about to come.
He plops the sushi in his mouth and casually leans back on his hands as his gaze lazily runs over my face.
I wait for him to respond.
“You would be my last meal.” His voice is husky with desire.
It’s all I need to hear before propelling myself into his arms and giving him exactly what he wants.
***
“Tell me what you’re thinking,” Michael whispers into my ear later in the day, after we’re both spent from the afternoon of lovemaking.
“Is that your last question?” I return with a teasing grin.
“It is.”
“I’m thinking I love you,” my voice is strong.
He squeezes me tightly and pulls me against his naked body before kissing my mouth. I pull away so I can stare into his eyes. He’s still scared. Unsure. I can see it. But whatever he was fighting against, I know he’s finally given in.
To me. To us.
To the chance of what can be.
“Abby…” His voice is tender, hesitant.
“I just wanted you to know,” I tell him, bringing my fingers to his lips and smiling into his beautiful face.
Michael stares at me, an enigmatic look in his eyes.
“I want to be with you. More than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. Do you know I stalked you at the coffee shop for a week before I finally found the courage to come in?”
My eyes widen in shock. “I don’t believe you.”
“It’s the truth,” he admits with a rueful smile. “I was fighting myself and then I saw you from the window looking adorable in that hat and apron and I couldn’t stay away.”
My heart pounds in happiness. His confession means everything.
Everything.
“I’m so glad you did.”
“Me too.”
I stare at his ruggedly handsome face. One I’ve dreamed about my whole life. I realize this is all I’ve ever wanted. To be with him. For him to give us a chance. I’m going to put my heart out there and gamble everything just for him. The air is electric between us as we stare at one another. Both of us afraid. For different reasons. But willing to take a chance.
“This is all we need right now.” My voice is tender as I stare at him with all the love in the world. “The rest… let’s just see where it takes us. I can wait...”
“Wait?”
“For your love.”
His face is strained for a brief moment before he closes his eyes. When he opens them, my heart stops.
My dream…
He’s just given me my dream. And it’s all there in his eyes for me to see.
“You’ve always had
my love,” he says softly.
A myriad of emotions wash over me as I close my eyes in pleasure, allowing myself to soak the moment in. I’m so overcome with joy I can’t even find the words to speak.
“I love you, Abby.” He finally gives me what I’ve longed to hear my whole life. I can hear him say it a thousand times and I wouldn’t get tired of it.
After an emotional few minutes of declaring our love for one another, Michael pulls my body to his so I’m laying on his chest, giving me full access to be able to stare down at him and look into his eyes.
“I want to take you to Africa.”
“When do we leave?” I ask quickly.
He gives me a smile.
“After Costa Rica?”
“If my boss will give me time off work,” I tell him with a shrug. “He’s a bit of a tyrant though…”
“Shall I talk to him for you?” he asks with a teasing grin.
“He’s pretty stubborn,” I reply. “But maybe there’s something I can do to sway him.”
I rub my breasts against his chest and watch how quickly Michael’s eyes light up with desire.
“It might work,” he says in that sexy voice of his.
I smile playfully.
“And after Africa?” I ask teasingly. “Where are we going then?”
“I want you to come with me to see my brother and Sophie.”
His voice is so solemn and the look in his eyes so intense that it takes my breath away. Michael taking me to see his brother is more than I thought would be possible—at least, just yet. And it speaks volumes.
“Yes.”
His strong hand cups the back of my head and pulls my mouth down to his and he kisses me with such passionate tenderness that it brings tears to my eyes. When he finally breaks the kiss, I pull away to stare into his eyes again.
An understanding moves between us.
“Tell me again,” he whispers to me, his gaze possessive.
“I love you, Michael Sinclair.”
EPILOGUE
“You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Sophie says to me as she takes in my appearance.
I look over at my friend and smile in gratitude. Sophie’s glowing in a way that only pregnant women in love do. Since her marriage to Clayton last year she’s been my constant companion. Lucky for me, the two moved to London and live close to Michael and I. We’ve become inseparable and have even taken on the lead to chair a few of Michael’s causes to help endangered wildlife.
“Thank you,” I reply gratefully as she squeezes my hands in excitement.
“Not feeling the need to run away this time?” she asks with a raised brow, referring to the time we met and I was about to make the biggest mistake of my life.
“Not in the least,” I reply with such passion that she bursts out laughing.
“I’m relieved to hear it.”
“Can you believe it’s finally happening?” I ask her, referring to the whirlwind engagement and wedding I let my mother plan in less than three months time.
Michael hadn’t wanted to have a long engagement and insisted we be married by Christmas. My mother had balked at the idea and had even tried to sway him, but once Michael put his mind to something… well, it was never to be deterred.
She had begrudgingly gone along with his orders and had actually planned a beautiful event that she was beyond proud of. I let her have it, all things considered.
“Wait until you see what your mother has put together,” Sophie tells me, her voice in awe. “The grounds look like a magical fairy garden.”
Michael had insisted we marry in Bath, on the estate his brother was buried on, wanting him to be part of the day. His poignant request was not one I could or would ever deny.
“I can’t wait to see,” I tell her as I smile in excitement. “And you look stunning, Sophie.”
“I look like I’m about to pop,” Sophie glowers, putting her hands on her giant bump. “And if that’s not bad enough, having Clayton follow me around like I’m about to trip over something at any minute and hurt myself or the baby isn’t so fun. Trust me.”
We both share a laugh. It’s astounding really how much Clayton has changed since Sophie’s come into his life. There’s a glow about him that was missing before and such happiness he exudes that it’s made everyone think Sophie put some magic spell on him.
“He loves you,” I say the obvious.
“I know,” she admits with a dreamy sigh. “That’s the only reason why I’m putting up with it.”
“Have you seen Michael?”
“He’s holed up in the guest house with Clayton and some of his friends from school. From the hangover Clayton had this morning, I know they must have had too good of a time last night.”
“I’m glad,” I tell her.
There’s a knock on the bedroom door and we both turn to see my mother enter, looking as regal as ever, carrying a small jewelry box in her hand. Sophie quickly excuses herself, leaving us alone.
I face my mother and smile as her gaze sweeps over me. I’m more than surprised when I see tears glistening in her eyes.
“You look breathtaking,” she tells me, her voice filled with emotion. “Absolutely breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” I return, suddenly overcome with emotion.
“I wanted to give you this,” she says, holding out the black velvet box. “Your father wanted you to have it on the day of your wedding.”
My eyes water at the mention of my father and I reach out to shakily take the gift.
“They belonged to his grandmother and they’re now yours.” Her voice is soft as she watches me pop the box open.
I gasp when I see the beautiful sapphire earrings staring back at me. They glisten against the light and I admire the delicate beauty.
“Let’s put them on.” Her voice is filled with emotion as she helps me with the sparkly studs.
I force myself to blink away the tears that threaten to fall.
“He would be so proud if he could see you now. Of the woman you’ve become.”
“He’s here. I can feel him.”
She takes a step away and stares at me. She nods her head sadly in agreement.
“Yes, my dear,” she says. “I know he’s here.”
We stare at each other for a long moment. I see her for who she is. Because of Michael, I’ve finally been able to accept her with all the flaws and attributes.
“Thank you,” I tell her softly.
“For what?”
“For putting all of this together,” I say. “I know you didn’t approve—”
“I never wanted you to get hurt,” she admits. “I wanted you to have a wonderful, safe life. I know it didn’t seem like it a lot of the time, but I promise you that’s all I ever desired for you.”
“I believe you.”
I take a step forward and pull her into my embrace and let her feel the love I have for her.
“I’m finally happy,” I whisper to her. “I love him so much.”
“And he loves you.” My mother pulls away from me and wipes the tears from her eyes. “It is a good match.”
“It’s a perfect match.”
She smiles in pleasure and nods her head before heading to the door.
“Are you ready to marry the man of your dreams?”
“I think I’ve been ready forever.”
***
The ceremony was beautiful. The reception was second to none. According to my mother, people would be talking about it forever. But for me, only one thing mattered.
Michael.
Walking down the aisle to him. His handsome face staring at me with all the love in the world when we said our vows. His mouth crushing mine when we were done.
Dancing in his arms for the entire night. Holding his hand. His words of love. Of joy. And encouragement.
Looking down at my ring finger and knowing I was Mrs. Michael Sinclair.
Forever.
Later, when the party was over, we spe
nt a night of love and incredible passion in each other’s arms, with him holding me close to his body as he always did, and me getting to look into his eyes and see the love that was all mine. Forever.
“I love you,” I tell him softly as his bright blue eyes stare into mine.
“I love you,” he replies tenderly. “So much.”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing you say it.”
“I’ll never get tired of saying it.”
I lean up to kiss his soft mouth and sigh in pleasure. Who knew proper Abigail Walters would ever tame Michael Sinclair?
Dreams do come true.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Colet Abedi is a television and film executive based in Los Angeles. She had her first taste of living her dream as head writer and showrunner for the FOX-owned MyNetworkTV serials, American Heiress and Fashion House. She is the creator and executive producer of Unsealed: Alien Files. She is the co-author of young adult fiction novel, FAE. FAE was optioned by Ridley Scott & Giannina Scott.
Colet is a native of California, graduated with a B.A. in English literature from the University of California at Irvine, and currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three dogs.
Find Colet Abedi on the web at
http://coletabedi.com/
https://www.facebook.com/coletabedifan/
Tweet me: https://twitter.com/ColetAbedi
Follow me on Instagram @coletabedi
THE MAD LOVE SERIES
https://tinyurl.com/y9w3zhlj
https://tinyurl.com/yaznbc58
https://tinyurl.com/y9r9syol
https://tinyurl.com/yaqfhoz9
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My special thanks to Nina Grinstead for her overall awesomeness and amazing attitude. Nina… I wish there were more people like you in the world.
A special thanks to Christine Estevez for all of her help.
To my friends. Thank you for being the best support group ever and putting up with all my crazy.
To my husband and my family. I love you all more than you know.