Soothingly, I say, “Let it go. They’re drunk.”
“Those horny bastards made an inappropriate comment about my wife.”
I give him a light tap on the knee and turn to him. In a low voice, I say, “It’s been handled. Focus on my next lesson. I’ll need a refresher course before the game tomorrow. I can’t wait to see Sam’s face when she realizes you’ve won.”
He lets out a long breath. The two drunks up front don’t even realize the ass-beating I just saved them from.
Damien gives me one of his sexy grins. “You have gotten behind on your lessons.”
His sensual tone has the air thick with desire, and I lick my lips as I relive parts of our honeymoon.
Playfully, I respond, “What do you call Italy then?”
“The halftime show,” he responds.
I have to bite my lip in order to stop myself from tackling him on the spot to relieve the dull burn that has started in my lower half.
“Hmm, I like halftime.”
His devilish grin broadens at my response.
Hoping there’s time before the event tonight, I ask. “What time is the event tonight?”
“I like where your thoughts are going, baby.”
Geez, he has a straight line to my libido anytime he gets that look.
The captain makes an announcement that we are next to take off. I try to push what I actually want to the back of my mind because I’m not going to do anything to provoke anyone on the plane today, considering how volatile it’s already been.
My head immediately snaps down to my e-reader, and I focus on the words.
Halfway through the flight, I’m snuggled against Damien’s side while I’m engrossed in my book. The two guys are now getting what I assume are very watered-down drinks as they converse with Ben. I’m not sure how he can even understand what they’re saying because of all their slurring.
Damien brings his head down to mine. “Are you okay with my parents being there tonight? With our current situation, I didn’t want anything to be reported back to them. I won’t allow them to disrespect you, Alli.”
“It’s fine. Maybe now that we’re married, it’ll be different. You said that they would want some kind of reception, and I’m fine with it, Damien. You gave me my dream wedding. I will do whatever you want to do on this. We’re married, and nothing else matters.”
He picks up my hand and gives it a light kiss as he rubs my wedding ring. Images from that day come back to my mind.
“It’s you and me, Damien. I don’t care about all the other stuff.”
“Good, baby, because you’re everything to me. I want to run something else by you that I’ve been thinking about.”
I can sense he’s not sure of what my response will be to whatever he’s about to tell me.
“Sure, what is it?”
“Do you remember when we were at the event in Vegas?”
I shudder at the memory.
“I know, baby. I didn’t mean to bring that up. The part I was referencing was when you said that Sam would make a great undercover employee to help me snag players easily and cheaply.”
I think back on it for a minute and then giggle. “Yes, that sounds vaguely familiar. You want to offer her a job, don’t you?”
He gives me that cat-ate-the-canary look. “I do. I think my new sister-in-law will prove to be quite useful. It’s up to you though.”
“Don’t be crazy. Of course you can. She’s going to be ecstatic. You know she’s going to take it, right?”
Sam will be so excited when she gets this offer. I love that I will be able to see her when we travel.
“I have a feeling that she will. So, you’re good with it?”
“Yes, completely. The players aren’t going to know what hit them. Plus, it’ll soften the blow when you win the bet. She’s going to be pissed.”
He chuckles lightly as I give him a kiss on the cheek. He’s not only making my dreams come true, but he’s also giving Sam something she has only dreamed about.
He leans in closer. “I wanted to let you know that I’ve finished the message to Martin, and I will give it to Bane when we get off the plane.”
I totally forgot about Damien having a gambling ring with all the news of Ben sleeping with Cassandra. Damien hands me his tablet.
On the screen is a simple message.
I look at him, confused. How in the world is that a message?
Damien leans in and whispers in my ear, “It translates to, Next clue, Mar. We used to put Dam or Mar at the end of our messages. It was our safety net, so to say. The code is in the email address. The underscore separates the message. The first number in each set represents the number of lines the following numbers relate to. So, the first number two tells Martin to look at the first two lines, and the following numbers tell him to take the first, third, and sixth letter from both lines. After the underscore, the number one tells him to look at one line and take the first, fourth, ninth, tenth, and fifteenth letters from that last line.”
Looking at the article, I make out the message.
There’s no way anyone can hear Damien over the plane engines.
I let out a little snort. “You guys really used to communicate this way? What happens when people call the paper and say the email address is bad?”
He takes the tablet back as he responds. “They won’t because the email address works. I just set it up, and they will get an automated message, thanking them for the resume and telling them they will be contacted if we are interested.”
This is so intriguing. There’s no way that I could do something like this. I would be so nervous about getting caught. I know my actions would scream, I’m doing something wrong.
“How will he respond?” I ask.
“Either with a message back to me via the paper, or he’ll write to the email address. Communicating this way should be fine since we haven’t done this in over eight years. We were the only ones who knew about it. Since he wanted me to use this method, I know he hasn’t told anyone.”
I rub my hands together quickly as if I’m concocting a plan. “Geez, you’re quite the mastermind. Were you successful in the underground gambling ring?”
I find this so interesting. Thinking about the mischievous side of my husband is funny since I know it’s in the past.
He gives me that look, silently telling me, Of course I was good at it, but then he indulges me anyway. “We were. I’m not that person anymore though. You know that, right? It’s in the past.” He’s penetrating me with a serious expression again.
“Yes, but thinking about you doing that is kind of hot. I bet you were a badass.”
He leans in closely and nibbles on my ear.
Oh geez, this man just increased my body temperature by ten degrees. Does he not want me to show restraint on this flight?
“Well, I’ve got a twenty that says you’ll be naked and beneath me within five seconds of walking through our hotel room door.”
I turn to him. “I’m not betting against you on that. I want you to win.” My voice goes a little loud, and I immediately look down as if I’m reading. Nice—like passengers up at the front of the plane wouldn’t be able to tell what I’m talking about from looking at my flaming red cheeks.
My eyes lift back up to Damien as he chuckles and gives me that devilish grin, assuring me that he will make good on his bet. My cheeks continue to get hotter as I bend my head farther down.
I know that a lot of people would think I’m crazy for not demanding every little secret from Damien’s past, but I’m in love with who he is now, not who he was when he was going through a hard time. I’m mostly concerned about his parents. It’s not that I’m worried about them coming between us, but I think they are going to drive a permanent wedge in their relationship with Damien. There are some things that cannot be undone. I hope that they don’t push it that far.
My mom always said, It’s the trials in life that make us stronger.
We’ve definitel
y had our trials, and we have come out stronger for it. Here’s to hoping our biggest problem is soon behind us.
The team event this evening will be our first official outing as husband and wife. The thought of dinner with the entire team has caused my stomach to be in knots all day.
When we pulled up to the hotel in North Carolina, an abnormal amount of photographers were waiting for us outside. I could hear the words pregnant, baby, wedding through the car window. Needless to say, between the flashes and the shouting, I just kept a smile on my face and continued inside the hotel with Damien’s arm around my waist to get ready for tonight’s event.
Standing in front of our hotel room mirror, I look at myself to see if I need to make any last-minute changes prior to leaving for tonight’s team event. The team is sponsoring a fundraiser for a local hospital. I chose a tight-fitting black dress that reaches just above my knee. It’s a one-shoulder dress with a lot of straps that crisscross in an intricate pattern down to the lower part of my back.
Hopefully, it negates all the pregnancy rumors flying rampant out there.
I’ve paired it with diamond earrings and a tennis bracelet that belonged to my mother. When she got them on her tenth wedding anniversary, my dad told her, There are moments when I cannot articulate the love I feel for you. When that happens, I have to rely on something else. Take each refraction the diamonds reflect and multiply it with my love by a million, and you still won’t come close to how much I love you.
As a kid, I loved looking at the earrings and bracelet in her jewelry box. I twirl my wrist and watch the sparkles dance across the wall, remembering my dad’s words.
Wearing some of the tallest heels I have ever worn, I hope to accentuate my toned legs. My hair is in a loose French twist to show off the intricate pattern of the dress on my back. Pieces of hair are artfully released to frame my face.
I look down at my hands and see that they are shaking ever so slightly. Clenching them in and out, I try to get rid of the jitters. I’m so nervous about being presented as Damien’s wife for the first time. Being the girlfriend was different because no excess expectations accompanied that title. Tonight, everyone is going to be watching me, judging me, and seeing if I’m worthy of the sports mogul’s love.
Why did I agree to come to this? I’m not ready for this.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
I jump and let out a surprised scream at Damien’s voice.
Geez, I was lost in thought.
“Alli, what is it?”
“It’s nothing. I was just thinking. You startled me.”
As he comes up behind me, his eyes rake over my features, looking for the truth in my reflection in the mirror.
“This works both ways, Alli. You want full disclosure from me, and I deserve the same.”
I dart my eyes around the room. How do I explain this, so he doesn’t overreact and cancel going to the event tonight? Taking a deep breath, I look him in the eyes.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just nervous about meeting everyone as your wife tonight. The title just comes with a lot more scrutiny. I’m just afraid that I won’t be good enough, considering who you are.” I chew on my lip and look down since my hair is out of my reach, and I cannot twirl it in my fingers.
“Alli…” He puts his index finger under my chin as he brings my eyes to meet his in the mirror. “I don’t care what anyone thinks. You’re mine, and that’s all that matters. The fact is they are still going to be enamored with you and pissed at me for taking you off the market.”
I laugh at how he thinks everyone is infatuated with me.
He continues. “You look absolutely stunning. Are you still nervous?”
I lift my shoulder in a noncommittal shrug. Is he crazy? Of course, I’m still nervous!
His muscular arms come around me, and his hands splay out on my hips, moving toward my stomach. “Part of me wishes you were pregnant, and the rumors were true.”
I totally freeze. Um, that came out of nowhere.
He’s hidden his face in my neck just above my shoulder as he kisses me there, so I can’t see his facial expression. All I can see is his artfully messed-up black hair as he continues to give light kisses over my shoulder.
I thought he was supposed to be calming me down. This so does not help.
“Damien…I’m not…I mean, we just…one day, I want…”
He raises his head, and I can see the desire in his eyes. I’m completely panicking at this point, and my pulse quickens as I start breathing more rapidly.
He kisses my cheek. “Shh, I know you’re not ready, and there’s no rush. It’s just that I love the thought of you carrying my child.”
I give him a weak smile as I take a deep breath. Okay, he doesn’t mean now. I have some time to process it all and to get ready.
“I want that, too…someday.”
His hands continue moving around my stomach, and then he starts trailing his fingers down my legs. Our eyes lock in the mirror, my blue-green to his blue. Faster than what I would think possible, my skirt is pulled up about six inches. Damien’s hand moves up the inside of my thigh. My inner muscles begin to quiver.
Into my ear, he whispers, “You’ll be a perfect mother.”
I moan as his hands reach their destination, and he begins to tease me.
“There’s nothing to be nervous about tonight, baby. You’re beautiful. Every time you rub your thighs together, you won’t be able to concentrate on anything but wanting my dick inside you.”
He dips his fingers inside, and as his thumb strokes my clit, he brings me closer to my release. I close my eyes, relishing the feeling.
Just as I’m about to reach my orgasm, Damien withdraws his hand, pulls down my dress, and gives me a kiss on the back of the neck.
What the hell?
“Damien…” My voice is frustrated.
Turning me around to face him, he takes my face in his hands and kisses me. “It’s time for us to go. You won’t be nervous now.”
I just look at him, shocked and irritated. Yes, he is right. Right now, I can’t focus on anything but how bad I need him.
Oh, I am going to kill my husband. I let out a huff as I stomp past him to the door. My attitude might be considered as having a bitch-fit, but he totally just left me hanging. I’m not even going to ask him to finish because I know that he won’t. My aggravation reaches an all-time high when I hear him chuckling softly behind me. Payback can be a bitch. I stop at the door and wait for my ever agitating other half. I grab my clutch with my phone as he reaches me and puts his arm possessively around my waist.
“Shall we, Mrs. Wales?”
“We shall.” I give him my so sweet smile. Right before he opens the door, an idea strikes me. “You know, each time I have a chance, I am going to get myself off tonight.”
He spins me around to face him, putting his leg between my thighs.
Boy, that got his attention.
I can see the determination in his stature. He’s still not giving in. “Alli, trust me to know what you need.”
He tortuously moves his leg back and forth, and I moan at the friction. I try to rock against him, but he has my hips pinned to where I can’t move them. His lips are just out of reach.
He kisses my neck as he says. “This is what you need right now. I know you better than anyone.”
I give my best pouty, sexy face, and he smiles. He might know my body better than anyone, but it still doesn’t take the edge off of how sexually frustrated I am right now.
He spins me back around and grabs me even more possessively than before as we make are way to the door.
I love it when I bring the beast out to play.
Before he opens the door, he says. “I mean it, Alli. Please don’t get yourself off.”
I turn my head slightly to smile seductively at him, and his grip tightens on me. A sexy growl emits from his throat. As we walk through the doors, we are immediately flanked by security, and right now, they don’t
even bother me with how keyed up I am feeling.
Bastard.
The banquet hall is done up in black and blue to support the team. Tall flower arrangements in silver vases are on the center of all the tables. The tables themselves have black tablecloths and blue dishes. The walls are draped in black-and-blue curtains. The contrasts are absolutely stunning.
Most everyone appears to be in black. I’m so glad I went with the dress color I chose. Sam would have gone with an outfit in white or red to totally stand out in the crowd. I can’t wait to see her tomorrow morning. She’s not staying in the same suite as us, but security has been notified to grant her access, so we can have breakfast together. Damien is going to be in meetings most of tomorrow.
I hear Damien swear underneath his breath, and I look up at him and then follow his gaze.
Oh shit.
His parents and Cassandra are here. Cassandra is giving Damien one of those sexy looks as they walk towards us. Ben probably knew Cassandra was meant for the extra ticket all along.
Ugh, Ben and Cassandra are both sleazeballs.
I can’t wait until Damien throws Ben out on his ass, and he’s standing in the unemployment line. Thinking about what we went through in Vegas has me wanting to become violent toward him, and that is not in my nature—normally. I don’t want a scene, especially at Damien’s side on my first night as his wife.
Damien looks like he’s about to have Cassandra thrown out, and I touch his stomach to get his attention. Immediately, his gaze is focused on me.
“Let it go. Not tonight. Please. We’re together. They can try to cause us problems, but we know the score now. I’m not going anywhere. Just focus on my need for you right this minute. I want you inside me.”
He looks me over, heat growing in his eyes at my words. I’ve learned this evening that sexual foreplay does wonders to subduing a person’s mind in stressful situations.
Damien nods and gives me a kiss on the cheek. That small contact causes my need to burn even more intense than before. I slightly shift my legs to try to get some satisfaction. He gives me a knowing smile.
Love Me (Trust Series #2) Page 8