CORAL - Fallen (A Romance Trilogy, Book 2)

by Delaney, Clair

  I throw my arms around him and squeeze him tight. I have no words. At least none that would explain the depth of feeling I have for this man, I am so in love with him. I would do anything for him, anything, lay my life down for his.

  “Hurry baby, your bath is nearly ready,” he softly says.

  “Ok,” I squeak and pad over to the mirror. Oh my god!

  I cringe with embarrassment; I cannot believe Tristan has seen me like this. Ugh!

  My make-up is all gone, well apart from the smudged mascara, and I have red cheeks and bloodshot eyes. I quickly cleanse my face, removing all traces of make-up clip my hair up on top of my head, then turn to Tristan, who is patiently waiting for me.

  “May I?” He asks.

  “What?” I say.

  Tristan chuckles at me. “You still have my shirt on. I meant may I undress you,” he says.

  “Oh!” I smile up at him and nod, feeling like a complete idiot.

  Tristan steps forward and starts unbuttoning his shirt, when he’s done, he slowly pulls the shirt across my shoulders and lets it fall to the floor, then he bends down and gently peels my knickers off me. Standing back up he smiles at me, then his eyebrows pinch together.

  “Here baby?” Tristan holds his hand out to me. I place my hand in his and step into the warm water, it’s the perfect temperature. I look up at Tristan and smile broadly at him.

  “Thank you baby,” Tristan leans down and kisses me then turns to walk away. “Don't leave me!” I squeak. “I don't want to be alone right now,” I whimper.

  “Ok,” he says, turning to take my outstretched hand and squeezing it tightly. “Want me to join you?” he asks his voice low.

  “Yes,” I whisper. “If you don’t mind, I can see you’ve already showered.”

  Tristan rolls his eyes at me. I lean back and watch the strip show…Hmmm yummy!

  “Don’t look at me like that Coral,” he scolds, slipping in behind me.

  “Like what?” I breathe turning to look at him.

  “Now you are being obtuse,” he says frowning down at me.

  “Your kind of hard not to look at you know,” I huff, turning away from him. I guess he’s not ready for anything like that.

  “Baby, I want you too,” he whispers huskily in my ear. “I just want you to eat first, ok?” Oh!

  I swallow hard. “Ok,” I whisper back, my belly clenching.

  “Would you like a massage?” he asks, kissing my hair, damp from the steam.

  “If you don't mind,” I softly say and turn my head to look up at him. He leans forward and softly kisses my forehead. Then his hands begin their tender massage across my shoulders, up and down my neck.

  As I lay my head against his broad chest and let the warm water relax my tense muscles, I can't help thinking about all that’s gone on tonight – I still can't believe that he knows and he’s still here – Even after telling him about not being able to conceive, he’s still here.

  What did I ever do to deserve this?

  “I know it’s trivial,” Tristan says interrupting my musing. “But how did your week go? Did you enjoy spending time with Susannah?” Damn it!

  I purse my lips together, trying to prevent any brain to mouth blurting. “Um, sure yeah, it was ok,” I say lightly.

  “Then why am I not convinced?” Tristan says his hands stilling against my neck. I was enjoying that massage!

  “Tristan,” I moan petulantly. “I don't really want to be talking about work right now. It’s not really important in the scheme of things,” I say hoping to placate him.

  Tristan is silent for a moment – Fuck! Then he kisses my hair and continues massaging me – Phew!

  “You’re right baby, not tonight,” he softly says. I sigh inwardly, glad for that conversation to be over. If he knew what I was up to, if he knew what Susannah has done…I close my eyes and push the anger away.

  “Ok, well how about what you’re going to do with the money you’ve been given. Any plans?” Tristan asks, his voice sounding all deep and husky – My insides swim with desire.

  “No, I'm still thinking about it,” I say my mouth dry.

  “Coral.” Tristan pulls me to the side so we can look at one another. “You still want to marry me?” He asks, his expression stark.

  “Yes,” I gush, even though I’ve been so confused about it, but since tonight…and telling Tristan…I feel different about it. I really want this. I want him, always.

  “Sure?” He questions. Tristan you have no idea how much I do! I nod, grinning like a fool. “Then will you move in with me?” he asks nervously.

  “Um...yeah, I suppose so...I…I haven’t really thought about it,” I say.

  “You haven’t?” He asks a little surprised. Shit!

  “Not really, I’ve had a very busy week and not much sleep and...” I gasp aloud – I haven’t given Tristan his presents!

  “What’s wrong?” he asks, his hands frozen in place.

  I can't believe I’ve forgotten about it, but then again, with what’s gone on…I decide later, when I’m done in the bath, I can give him them then.

  “Nothing, I just remembered something. Why do you ask anyway?” I say trying to change the subject.

  Tristan sighs heavily. “Do you want to move in with me Coral?” he asks in a firmer tone.

  I close my eyes and ask myself the same question – A clear resounding yes echoes around my head. “Yes, yes Tristan I do.” Leaning up I kiss his lips.

  “What do you want to do about your studio?” he asks.

  “I’m not sure, keep it I think,” I muse.

  Tristan looks heartbroken but he’s trying to hide it. Shit!

  “I know it sounds strange but having somewhere that’s just for me, that I can go to whenever I want’ – “You want an escape,” he interrupts, his voice low, his eyes boring into mine. Hit the nail on the head, again! How does he keep doing that?

  “You feel like you’d be trapped, living here with me?” He adds.

  My mouth pops open. I wonder if that’s come from George?

  “I...Tristan, I love you, more than...” I sigh heavily. “It’s not you, it’s me, and it’s not necessarily that I’m escaping,” I say, then shake my head. I’m not explaining myself very well. “I guess it’s more...I don’t know…that it’s just for me. A place where I can just sit and be still, do my meditating and yoga, and try to sort out what’s going on in my head, and I have Bob too. I feel like he’s my responsibility now. Besides, you know what they say ‘absence makes the heart grow stronger’ right?” I look up at Tristan feeling slightly guilty.

  He smiles down at me, but it’s off. Which begs the question, would I like it, if the person marrying me wanted to keep their own place, and the answer is no, I don’t think I would.

  I turn back around and stare at our naked feet.

  “But I’ll sell it if it makes you unhappy,” I add. “I don’t want to hurt you Tristan, and I don’t want you to think that I love you any less because I want to keep it...” I slap my hand to my forehead. “I’m not really making much sense am I?” I shake my head in frustration.

  “Coral, nobody thinks straight when they’re tired,” Tristan whispers into my ear. “Besides, I think it’s a good idea to keep your place,” he adds.

  I whip my head round. “You do?” I squeak.

  “Yes,” he says. “It’s an excellent investment, you could make a killing over the summer renting it out,” he adds.

  “Really?” I squeak again.

  “Yes.” He chuckles wrapping his arms tightly around me. I close my eyes and surrender to the feeling. Hmm…Investment…renting it out, I’ve never thought about that!

  “You are so understanding, Tristan.” I whisper. “That’s one of the many things I love about you,” I add. Tristan squeezes me even tighter and kisses my temple.

  “Made for each other,” he whispers.

  “Yeah...I think we are,” I whisper back. We sit quietly for a while both deep in thought... />
  After a while, the water starts to cool, so of course I shiver.

  “Come on, out you get. You need food,” Tristan says firmly. He’s not to be argued with.

  “No, I want to stay in here a little longer,” I argue – Because I can.

  “Coral, your body temperature is dropping because you haven’t eaten,” he states, running his hand through his hair. He gently pushes me forward and steps out of the bath.

  “What’s wrong?” I whisper.

  “I'm going to get dressed, then I'm going downstairs to order a Chinese. If you want a say in what to order, I suggest you get out the bath and meet me downstairs,” he says sharply.

  Ok, maybe I shouldn’t be winding him up right now.

  “I don't mind what you order Tristan,” I humbly answer.

  He turns and glares at me – Boy he’s moody tonight!

  “But I’m getting out,” I add.

  Tristan storms off into the bedroom, I lay my head back against the bath. Why am I trying to wind him up when he’s been so good to me, so understanding, so sweet; he deserves better.

  Feeling awful for being argumentative, I get out the bath, wrap a towel around me and walk into the bedroom to make amends, only when I get there, he’s already gone – Damn it!

  Stomping back into the bathroom I cream my face, and put on a little make-up to try and hide my red, puffy eyes. My skin feels really soft from the bath cream, so I don’t bother creaming. Hanging my towel up, I pad back into the bedroom.

  I quickly dress in my sweats and a vest-top, unclip my hair, run my fingers through it, and skip down the stairs to find Tristan. If I give him his presents, he may cheer up. I wonder if he’ll like them? I push the thought away, I’m sure he will.

  Walking into the kitchen, I see Tristan opening a bottle of wine. I feel shy again and I don’t know why. “Hi,” I smile shyly.

  Tristan walks over to me, pulls me up against the length of his body and tenderly kisses me. “Hi.” He smiles down at me. “I’ve ordered the Chinese,” he adds.

  “You’re hungry,” I say, realizing Tristan probably hasn’t eaten since lunchtime.

  “Very,” he says, smiling down at me. Releasing me he walks back into kitchen. “Want some wine?” he asks smiling back at me, his dimples deepening.

  “Yes please.” I look around me and see Tristan’s present propped up against the wall. Silently walking over to it, I pick it up and start walking, awkwardly, back into the kitchen. Tristan glances up at me, he looks mad.

  “Coral!” He scolds. “You could hurt yourself,” he admonishes rushing over to me and taking the weight of the presents.

  “It’s for you,” I tell him.

  “Me?” he smiles. “You got me a present?” he says a little shyly.

  “Yes,” I giggle. “I’ll pour the wine, you open them up.”

  “Ok,” he smiles shyly at me again, making my heart flutter.

  I kiss him lightly on the lips and Tristan picks the present up and follows me as I walk back into the kitchen, then he stops in front of the breakfast bar, by the table.

  I really hope he likes them. I wasn’t sure when I walked into that photography shop that they’d be able to do what I wanted. The black and white photo of Tristan’s folks is really old, but they scanned the image, sharpened it up, and now it’s blown up and framed, it looks really good. Just like the one of Tristan with his folks, and the one that I picked of the two of us.

  I watch him open the top of the large flat box and peek inside. I pour a little wine into our glasses, trying to watch what I’m doing, and watch Tristan at the same time is a trying feat.

  Reaching his hand inside, he pulls the first one out. I'm glad to see he’s picked the one of his Grandparents on their own first. His head whips round to me, and he just stares at me, open mouthed – Shit!

  I stop what I’m doing, and stare back at him. I don’t think he likes it. Double crap!

  “Coral,” he gasps, swallowing hard. “When did you’ – “I stole the photos out of your wallet, sorry,” I whisper feeling a little guilty. “Don’t worry though, the originals are upstairs, they’re safe. I made sure I took good care of them,” I add.

  “I...I don't mind that you did that,” he answers his eyes wide with surprise, his arms stretched out as he holds the frame out in front of him, staring at them. “They look great,” he adds, his cheeks flushing as he stares at them.

  I walk over as quietly as I can, I don't want to spoil the moment for him, and place our glasses of wine down. After a while, Tristan turns to me with bloodshot eyes. I think he’s overwhelmed – Oh no! I shouldn’t have done this now!

  “Tristan!” I gasp.

  He places the framed photo down, takes two long stride towards me, picks me up, and wraps his arms tightly around me, burying his face in my neck.

  “T-thank you Coral,” he chokes out. I wrap my arms around his shoulders and hug him tightly. After a moment, I pull my head up, take his face in my hands and kiss his lips lightly.

  “You’re very welcome.” I gaze down at his choked up expression. “You ok?” I ask softly.

  “Yeah,” he breathes. “I just wasn’t expecting that.” Putting me down, he turns us around so we are both looking at their smiling faces. Then he wraps his arm around my shoulder and kisses my temple.

  “There’s more in there,” I tell him but he seems a little dazed. Walking over I pull out the one of Tristan with his folks. “I’m sorry Tristan. I....I didn’t think it would upset you,” I add guiltily.

  Pulling another chair out I place that photo against it, then I do the same with the one of Tristan and I. Seeing it again, I'm glad I chose the one where Tristan and I are facing one another and smiling broadly, the look on our faces says it all.

  When I turn around, I see him run his hand through his hair, messing it up a little – I like that!

  “Coral...I...I’m amazed, thank you baby,” he says, his cheeks flushing. I think he’s shocked?

  I walk over to him, wrap my arms around him and just hold him. His arms snake around my shoulders, I feel him kiss my hair.

  “You smell so good,” he breathes.

  “Ditto,” I tell him back, smiling as I do. “Are you ok?” I ask hesitantly looking up at him.

  “Yeah just a little shocked, but I love them. I can't believe you got this done for me,” he says, surprising me – Why would he say that?

  I swallow hard and look up at Tristan; he’s still gazing at them. “Where are we going to put them?” he asks.

  “Wherever you want,” I tell him. “Here, one of your offices or your other homes. It’s up to you,” I add.

  “There not homes Coral, there just houses. Besides I’ve put them on the market,” he tells me, still gazing at the photos.

  “You have?” I say in surprise.

  Tristan nods once, still staring ahead. “My home is wherever you are Coral,” he says taking me by surprise again, and I melt. I feel like all the bones in my body have liquefied, I feel my heart repairing that little bit more, my soul expanding again for this wonderful man that has entered my life, and I know he’s right, he’s felt like home since I met him.

  “Me too,” I say.

  “I want them here,” he tells me firmly. “This is where you are and where I’d want my folks to be too, if they could be; besides they should be here because you got them made. They’re not just smiling at me anymore they’re smiling at you too.” Oh Tristan!

  “Tristan, I got them made for you,” I tell him again. “Not for me, or us, for you.”

  He squeezes me even tighter. “I still want them here,” he tells me.

  “Ok,” I squeak. Tristan picks up our wine glasses and hands one to me. “To us,” he says.

  “To us,” I click my glass against his and take a welcome sip.

  “Thank you baby,” he adds leaning down to kiss me. I welcome it, parting my lips for his taste…his tongue. He groans loudly as our lips connect, and our tongues find each other, and as
they do, something deep within me clicks into place.

  I don’t know what it is, I just know it feels different with Tristan now, much deeper than it did before, I didn’t think it could get any deeper. I feel like my soul has a different, warm, homely feeling inside it. The worst is over, I feel like I can let myself be loved and love Tristan back too, with my whole heart.

  I deepen the kiss, and I’m glad that Tristan doesn’t pull back, in fact he reciprocates, kissing me harder, deeper, a deep sound of longing rising up from his throat, it is desire.

  Hearing him moan like that is like a beacon of light to my libido. I moan in response and run my fingers through his hair, then I pull back for a second and stare up at him, I need to see it in his eyes, I need to see that same hunger that was there before.

  To my utter amazement, I see that not only is it still there, but Tristan is looking at me more passionately than he ever has before. Oh Wow…that look could be responsible for global warming…It heats my blood and sets my pulse racing, I feel like I’m on fire, my heart swells with love for this amazing man, I feel so blessed to have him in my life.

  “What is it?” he asks gazing back at me.

  “You still want me like that?” I ask.

  Tristan nods and leans down to kiss me again. “Of course I do. Always,” he whispers against my lips. “But food will be here shortly, I want us’ – I press my lips against his then pull back.

  “You want us to eat first?” I say.

  He nods once then leans down to kiss me again…

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  THE BAD MEN ARE BACK. No, please don’t! Mommy, Daddy, where are you? The bad man is on top of me, he smells bad, I can feel his hairy chest on me, his hands squeezing me.

  “Good Girl, just like that.” Mommy, Daddy, make him stop! He’s hurting me! Get off me, I don't like it, please stop!

  He turns me over and slaps me hard. I cry out. “Quiet!” he shouts.

  I stop crying. When he finishes, he stands and walks away. I keep still and lie on the floor, my belly hurts. The other man comes over, he pushes something inside me; it really hurts…Make him stop Daddy, make him stop...