Danielle was still giddy. “I wanna go outside.” She went through her drawers and collected a warm outfit. “This is so much fun.”
After he had gotten up, Alex put his arms around her to stop her progress. “It’s cold and wet, you know.” He glanced outside at the still falling snow.
“I don’t care.” She leaned back on him. “I’m too excited to be cold.”
Marie sat on her bed. “Snow isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.” She was disappointed. Logan had rented them a hotel room in Atlanta for a semi-romantic night. She had looked forward to it.
“I’ll get dressed.” Alex kissed Danielle’s temple. “Dress really warm.”
* * *
About 15 minutes later, the two couples were on their way downstairs. Alex took Danielle’s hands in his while she negotiated the outside stairs. “Careful. I don’t want you to slip.” He looked at her feet and wished he had gotten her waterproof boots. At least they were warm.
“Wow, it’s so beautiful.” Danielle was amazed. Her mouth opened in awe. Everything was quiet. The snow even muffled footsteps. “I can’t believe it.” It didn’t seem real to her. The entire campus was white. “Does it always look like this?”
His arms around her, Alex led her away from the steps. He nuzzled her neck through her scarf. “For a little while.” Memories of his Christmases spent up north came to him. His family came from New York City. “Up in New York, it takes only a few cars to turn it black. But the parks stay pretty for a day sometimes.”
She leaned her head on him and smiled. He had traveled many places she never thought she would see, ever. The stories he had told her of family vacations sometimes made her sad that she didn’t grow up in a happy household like he did. He never bragged and only gave her details when she insisted. Maybe we’ll make happy memories together. She hoped they would.
Alex ran a hand over her abdomen but only kept it there for a moment. “I’ll take you guys skiing one day. We’ll take a lot of family trips. OK?”
“OK.” She couldn’t stop the pair of tears that fell. Her eyes closed as she imagined it. A normal life would be great. “One day.”
He turned her around and hugged her tight. “Hey, don’t cry.” He touched his forehead to hers. “My family thinks of you like a daughter now. So, things will never be the same again. You’ll see.”
Marie stood nearby with a scowl on her face. She wasn’t angry that Alex and Danielle were happy but still annoyed her plans were ruined. One look at Logan told her he wasn’t as upset about the change. He just looked around and took in the scene that played out. Maybe it’s not so bad. She caught sight of a few other students outside who were throwing snowballs. Snow was rare in Gainesville, so it was a sight to see.
It took a few minutes for Danielle to let Alex go. “I never made a snowball before.” She bent down and tried to grasp the snow, but it fell through her fingers.
Alex laughed. “Not like that.” He scooped up snow with two hands and squished it together. “You have to pack it to make it stick.” He worked it into a ball and showed it to Danielle. “See. Like that.”
She giggled and tried to do the same, but hers was misshapen. “So cool.” She looked up and tossed it at Alex.
“What the…” He lowered his eyes at her. “You’re going down.” His tone was half-serious, half-joking. Quickly, he created another snowball. “You better run.” He watched her try to run away and aimed at her ass.
Danielle squealed when it made her cheek sting. “You’ll pay for that.” She bent over and gathered a large bundle of snow, and then packed it as best as she could. When another of Alex’s shots hit her ass, she fell face-first into the cold snow.
Logan laughed as Alex rushed over to Danielle. Then he laughed harder when she pulled him down as well. He clutched his middle and bent over in hysterics.
“You want a taste of that?” Marie came up behind him and slapped him on the bare neck with a handful of snow. “Cold, huh?” She started to laugh as well. When he whipped around and lifted her up, she flailed. Retaliation had not been expected.
“Keep that up, and we’ll be fucking in the snow,” Logan whispered in her ear while he held her off the ground. “I’ve had a fantasy of doing that forever.”
She righted herself in his arms and looked down. “We’ll have to do that tonight.” She winked. It would definitely be different.
Alex rolled Danielle to her back and caught Logan tackle Marie to the snow also. It felt good to act like teenagers. He looked down at his baby’s mother. “So what do you think of snow now?”
“It’s… c—cold” Her teeth chattered, and her clothes were soaked to the skin. “B—but… fun.” She gripped Alex’s jacket, to make her hands stop shaking.
With a sigh, Alex kissed her trembling lips. “It’s too cold for you. You need to go inside.”
“I—I’m f—fine.” Even her lips quivered.
Alex shook his head. “Nope. Time to go upstairs.” He kissed her lips, which were slightly tinged blue. “Let’s go.” He got to his feet, and then pulled her to hers. “Hang onto me.”
Chapter 30
By Friday, the weather had warmed enough that the snow was almost completely gone. Danielle and Alex had delayed the trip to his family’s house until the roads were clear. Marie and Logan left the day before. They arrived at their homes late, but safely. Christmas was only two days away.
Alex and Danielle were asleep in his room. He began to stir and ran a hand over her soft skin. First, he gently squeezed her right breast, which felt even larger than it had the day before. Then he caressed her all the way down to her belly. His eyes widened as he explored her cautiously.
“Finally,” he whispered.
His large hand cupped the small bump. He grinned from ear to ear. Nothing could have made him happier. The ability to feel that his child had grown felt incredible. Slowly, he pulled Danielle closer and leaned his cheek on her temple. Her quiet breathing became so soothing, his eyes closed.
When his eyes opened again, he softly called to her, “Babe, wake up.” He kissed her cheek. “Danielle, you gotta see this.”
She groaned and leaned against him. “What?”
He rubbed her belly. “The baby grew.”
“Huh?” She was still very out of it. Sleep had become difficult, slightly uncomfortable. “What grew?” She noticed his hands caress her body and assumed he was talking about his stiff cock against her ass cheek.
He groaned when her hips moved. “Your tits and the baby.” He squeezed her breast.
She had not caught everything he said. “I have to pee.” She crawled away from him and grabbed his shirt off the floor.
He watched her leave, and then lay on his back. His naked body splayed out. When she stood, he could see the baby bump. Then reality hit him. It meant other people would know soon. I’m gonna be a father. His mouth opened a bit as reality hit him. Their lives had already changed so much. We can’t live here with the baby. He didn’t want to ask his parents for help. His mind spun. Since he was 21, he had access to his trust fund. Should we get an apartment? His mind was flooded with obstacles and possible solutions.
Danielle came back in the room and smiled at Alex. He was lost in thought. She climbed onto the bed. “You getting up?”
“Huh?” He looked up. “Hey.” He grinned and sat up. “You look so beautiful.” He ran one hand down her arm and the other over her abdomen. “Wait till my mom sees.”
She glanced down. Her belly protruded more than she expected. I’m fat. She couldn’t help the thought.
“You’re not happy?” He lifted her chin. “Talk to me.”
On the verge of tears, she replied, “I’m getting fat.” She was conditioned to think that way.
“No. No. No.” He threw his arms around her and held her tight. “It’s just the baby.” He raked his fingers through her multi-colored hair. The blonde had not grown out completely. “I love your belly. That’s my kid. Please don’t say you’re fat. You
’re not. You’re beautiful.”
She was torn. Although she knew her body would change, she wasn’t ready. Years of insults from Brian had altered her idea of beautiful. In other words, “beautiful” was anything but her. As Alex continued the soothing words and gentle caresses, she realized she could get past Brian’s insults. If Alex loves me and thinks I’m beautiful, maybe I am. He could have any woman he wanted. But he chose me, only me.
“Can you smile for me, beautiful?” Alex pleaded. He hoped it would help change her mood. “Please?”
Danielle met his sad eyes. He obviously was hurt she didn’t like herself. She forced a smile and knew everything would be fine with him at her side.
“That’s better.” Alex kissed her lips. “If you’re still tired, you can sleep in the car.”
She touched his face, still amazed he wanted only her. “Who’s gonna be there?”
“Everyone.” He kissed her again. “Can’t wait for Liz and Abigail to meet you.”
Her eyes opened wide. “You have more sisters?” She had no siblings.
Alex laughed. “I told you I had a big family. Abigail is my sister-in-law. Mark’s wife.”
“How do you keep track of them all?” She was lucky she could remember the ones she met already. “Do they all have kids?”
He nodded. “Yep. I’m the last one. I guess I’m the baby, so it makes sense.” He brushed her nose with his. “You ready to get going?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She wasn’t sure what was expected of her. They were to spend Christmas break at his parents’ home. “Do we have to get everyone gifts?”
He smiled. “Already taken care of.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “When you and Marie went shopping last weekend, so did me and Logan.”
She relaxed. That was one less worry. She thought they had to go shopping on Christmas Eve. An insanely busy mall would trigger anxiety. More of his family at the house was complicated enough.
“Time to get up.” Alex slapped Danielle’s ass lightly, and she pressed against him. “Did I hurt you?”
Ashamed, her face heated up. “No. It made my insides… uh… react.”
“It did?” Alex lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “Liking that is not wrong. It’s different when I do it. I’m not trying to hurt you.” When she tried to pull away, he held her tight. “Look at me. Please.” She did, and he took a deep breath. “If it turns you on, we can try it during sex. Some girls can cum from a slap at the right time.” She flinched. He quickly pulled her into his arms again. “Forget it. I’m sorry I brought it up. I won’t do it.”
She nodded and sighed. “OK.” She was afraid she would fear him if he did it during sex.
“I’m gonna go take a shower.” Alex winked at her. “Wanna join me?”
She couldn’t hide her smile. They had never taken a shower together at school. When he got out of bed and took her hand, she didn’t hesitate. Minutes later, they snuck into a stall together. There were still plenty of students on campus. If they were caught, someone could complain. It was rare, but possible.
Alex licked his lips as Danielle walked under the water’s flow. He watched her wet her hair, and then she ran her hands over her body. He had the need to touch her. He grabbed the soap and washed her body as she did her hair. When her head went back to rinse the shampoo, her breasts thrust out. He couldn’t resist. On his knees, he licked her nipples just before he sucked the right one into his mouth. The water sprayed all over as he moved.
When she glanced down, she was surprised. He rolled her left nipple between his fingers. She shuddered and grabbed a fistful of his hair. The water enhanced the pleasure somehow. Then he switched sides, and she gasped. His fingers traveled over her hips with a feather light touch. It didn’t take long for her to want more. She boldly pushed his head down.
“I know what you want,” Alex mumbled as he kissed his way down her body. “Love the taste of you.” He dragged his tongue down to her mound and took a deep breath. Since he already washed her, he was happily surprised he smelled her arousal. “Beautiful.”
She gripped his hair when his tongue dug into her folds. He urged her legs open wider, and she adjusted her stance. Then he buried his face and made her moan. She pulled his hair while he suckled at her. One hand moved to his shoulders when her legs buckled. She panted, unsure what was next.
Alex felt her lean on him and stepped up his game. He ignored the water that flowed over his head. He sucked harder and thrust two fingers into her. Her soft moans had gotten him hard. After he had rubbed her sweet spot within a few times, she started to squirm. He knew what that meant. With more urgency, he worked all three areas. Her nails gouged his shoulder, and he groaned.
Scared of discovery, Danielle cried out quietly. She lost her balance, but Alex caught her. Then he lowered her onto his lap. The water fell on her back, like a light massage. Her eyes opened wide when he penetrated her as she came down. She watched as he disappeared inside her body.
“Perfect.” He moaned when she had taken all of him. “This way we don’t hurt the baby.” He glanced down at her tiny belly. “Set your feet on the floor. I’ll move you.” He slowly lifted her up, and then brought her down again. “Ah, yeah. Love this pussy,” he whispered.
It took her a bit to get over that she was on top, and he still did all the work. He was so strong. She never thought about sex in that position. When he leaned his face toward hers, she closed the distance and pressed her lips to his. Over the shock, she wove her fingers in his hair and deepened the kiss. She gasped into his mouth. It was hard to believe how amazing it felt. He was able to graze her g-spot with every stroke.
His body tingled all over. He held her higher so he could pump up into her. It took concentration, but that would help him last. Sweat poured down his back while the water from the shower hit him in the face every once in a while. He didn’t care. All he wanted was his woman satisfied and stress-free. When his arms started to feel the burn, he gritted his teeth and thrust faster.
“Alex… Alex…” Danielle whimpered as she was blinded by a powerful orgasm. “Ah!” His mouth quickly silenced her scream.
He moaned as she quivered within. She scratched his back, and he growled. Her nails always drove him up a wall. He closed his eyes when she continually throbbed around him. I can’t take much more. He held her hips to his and forced his release back. When he was sure it abated, he slid his hands down over her butt and gripped her cheeks hard. Then he lifted her until only the tip remained before he slid her down and let her engulf him completely.
Danielle clung to his shoulders as he moved her again. His rhythm was faster, with longer strokes. She didn’t think she could orgasm again, but he sure tried. Each trip down urged her to claw at his skin. She was immersed in pleasure. How does he do this to me? Her breath sped up as he went even faster. She kissed him harder to stay quiet. They both moaned into each other’s mouth. Seconds later, her head went back. The shower water fell over her chest.
“Aye!” she cried out just as the pressure gave. Euphoria came over her in waves. “Alex, God!”
Alex gave up the fight and held her hips flush against him. He called out her name while he flooded her body with his seed. “Wow.” He held her close and leaned on the wall for support. “I love you, beautiful.”
Chapter 31
As soon as Alex opened the door to his parents’ home, he smiled. The house was already a flurry of activity. Voices came from every direction. He tugged Danielle in behind him. She seemed a bit reluctant. They had talked of Christmas traditions on the trip south. She went to her grandma’s sometimes. When she and her mom were well enough, that was. After she moved in with Brian, that became a yearly thing.
Danielle wondered if her grandmother was alone that year. She couldn’t take the chance of visiting, though. No one would protect her from her father. She wouldn’t subject Alex to her family’s hate and violence.
“Uncle Alex is here!” one of his nephews shouted from so
mewhere.
Alex squeezed Danielle’s hand and led her to the family room. “Hey, everyone!” He grinned widely. Then he pulled up Danielle’s top a bit. “Look. She’s showing.”
She quickly shoved her shirt down. “Don’t.”
“I wanna show them,” Alex whispered. “Please.”
Tears pooled in her eyes. She pulled back. “They’re gonna see.” If anyone got a glimpse of her scars, she would be humiliated.
“Oh.” He finally understood.
Carol came closer. “It’s OK. Leave her alone.” She hugged Danielle. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m good. Thanks.” Danielle smiled. She liked Carol.
Nathan was close behind her. “Hey, man.” He clapped his brother on the shoulder. “You haven’t called lately.”
“I know.” Alex sighed. “Sorry. Things were crazy with school and shit. The trial stuff takes up time, too.”
Nathan worried his brother took on too much. “Let me know if you need to talk. I’m always here for you, bro.”
“OK.” Alex smiled at Sara who headed their way. “ ’Sup, Sis?” He laughed. She hated when he used slang.
Sara patted Alex’s cheek. “Always the comedian. How’s things?” She knew about the possible complications with Danielle’s cervix. They were an open family, for the most part.
Alex threw an arm over Danielle’s shoulders. “Going well. Doc says she’s healthy. Nothing to worry about.”
“Can I get a drink?” Anxiety built for Danielle. There were many more people there than Thanksgiving.
Eyebrows up, Alex stared at her. “Why’re you asking? You can do what you… want.” Then he muttered, “Shit.” He pulled her closer. “What is it?”
“I don’t know.” She gripped his shirt. The year before, Brian took her to a Christmas party that ended with him accusing her of flirting. “Memories?”
from Pain to Pleasure (Gainesville Book 1) Page 28