She squirmed as a shiver must have swept through her. The idea that he could make her wriggle with just whispered words sent a thrill through his own body. “That won’t be too difficult, Derrick,” she said through a chuckle.
He collapsed in his seat, sighing. “You went out on plenty of dates over the years, Kristina. I know… I had to clench my teeth as I waited for you to get home safely.”
She crinkled her nose and then chewed on her bottom lip. “Hmm… not sure how I feel about the fact that you know every guy I’ve ever dated.”
“Not every one of them. I tried to ignore them for the most part. I only followed you to the frat party because I knew it wasn’t a good idea.”
She peeked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Did I thank you for that by the way? He would have raped me.”
Unable to comment through his gritted teeth, he nodded his acceptance of her gratitude. The only thing that mollified him was the fact that when he sought the degenerate out a few days later, he was happy to learn he’d broken both his legs and his arm when he’d thrown him against the brick wall after pulling him off Kristina. He’d also been expelled for contributing to a minor when Derrick handed the Dean of Students papers on Kristina’s condition, courtesy of his medical office. “He got his reward,” he said flatly.
Kristina’s mouth turned up slightly at the edges, which caused a smile to spread across his face as well. “So I heard.”
She should have known he wouldn’t have let him get away with hurting her. Seemingly content, Kristina played with the radio controls on the steering wheel, finding a soft rock station that he’d preprogrammed. Within seconds, she sang along to an eighties’ Phil Collins song, surprising him. He wanted to comment on the fact that he thought she’d only listened to new age music, but held his tongue. She had a beautiful voice. How had he never known that? He’d known her for fourteen years and didn’t know she could sing like an angel.
Derrick turned his attention to his iPhone while Kristina’s voice filled the vehicle, surrounding him in an almost palpable warmth that flowed through his body. He was definitely looking forward to the next few days.
Yes, he almost shouted. He couldn’t believe his luck. They had a room. The luxury tower suite. It was eight hundred fifty dollars a night, but it was the only package that included a king-sized bed. But it also came with a spa treatment per adult per day. Kristina would enjoy that. He made the reservation and then researched all the activities he’d surprise her with later.
And then, he had the best idea. He found the contact information and typed out a quick email.
Kristina pulled up outside the Manchester City Hall, and Derrick looked up at the gray and beige building and then smiled when he saw the business next door. “Let’s run into Pearson’s first,” he suggested.
She peered in the direction he was looking at the jewelry shop next door. “Oh, perfect. I was wondering about that.”
As they walked up to the red awning, he turned to her. “Are you sure, Kristina? It’s not too late to change your mind.”
She patted his chest and huffed out a breath. “Um…” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Do you not know how I feel? You described it perfectly before our incredible kiss in the park. How can you think for a second that it’s not too late?” She removed her hands from his chest and rested them on her hips. “It’s way past too late, Derrick. We’ve been linked as long as I can remember. This is just the next step.”
Chapter Twenty-six
A few days of peace, Derrick? Not on your life, the rogue mocked silently as the running lights of the Navigator faded in the distance.
Like hunting prey, it would be fun to attack when the newlyweds thought they were safe. The lovely couple could have their honeymoon, but then it was time for retribution.
The new groom thought he was special, but Derrick wasn’t the only one with a human for a parent. Why they were stronger didn’t make any sense, but then again, neither did the hatred. Humans were the only beings more repulsive than Derrick. And as a human and Derrick’s wife, Kristina topped the list. Orchestrating and watching her die would be enjoyable. And after her death, Derrick would be putty. He’d no longer be able to function as overseer.
And then, the army would amass, ready to fight. No doubt when creatus realized someone was willing to take on humans, they’d want to join. Why would they want to continue to live in the shadows as they’d done for four thousand years? It was time creatus took over this planet and lived as they wanted, ate as they desired, killed anyone who stood in the way.
They were more powerful for a reason, and as one of the most powerful of their kind, it only made sense to lead.
Chapter Twenty-seven
As Derrick hung a left onto Fairway Drive, Kris saw the red rooftop and white stucco of the resort, which backed up against a snowcapped mountain range. He still hadn’t given her the name and refused to let her peek at his phone even when she said she was just going to search his music list.
When he rounded Mount Washington Hotel Road, she gasped, throwing her hand over her mouth at the same time tears poured from her eyes. It was like no place she’d ever seen in her life; even her dreams of her fairy-tale honeymoon had never looked so incredible.
The sun had started to set, but the rays reflecting off the snowy landscape made it seem brighter around the hotel as they cast the magnificent structure in a globe of light. The sky was a royal blue, and the horizon looked as if the sun had just melted into layers of yellow and pink streaks across the mountain peaks.
The Omni Mount Washington Resort was breathtaking. It resembled a chalet she could only envision seeing in Sweden or Colorado. She had no idea places as these existed within a couple hours of Boston.
It was a good thing they stopped at the Mall of New Hampshire in Manchester, because she didn’t think she’d ever want to leave. Derrick had practically purchased her an entire wardrobe along with all her toiletries and luggage, since she’d admitted—after much prodding—that other than a couple gym bags, she didn’t have any suitcases. And yet, he had only purchased a few things for himself.
She was thankful for the long wool overcoat they’d chosen together as she peered out of the vehicle. Every square inch of the property that didn’t have evergreen trees had a blanket of white.
After parking, they strolled into the entrance, careful to take their time to absorb all the beauty that surrounded them. Massive rows of white pillars atop wood floors covered by area rugs greeted them as they entered the lobby. Chandeliers, ornate crown moldings, and intricate woodwork adorned the great hall as her eyes traveled up to the twenty-some-foot ceilings. Her eyes gobbled up the lavishly, but tastefully embellished hotel. From the white wainscoting to the cherry wood banisters and gold draperies that contrasted brilliantly with the pale-yellow and cream-colored walls. Soft light filled the immense room from the lamps on tables scattered every few feet next to cozy wingback chairs waiting for a reader to curl up with a classic novel.
Before they headed to their suite, they meandered through several more rooms. Each destination had its own flair, whether it was small and cozy with a stone fireplace or grand and open, as the great hall. He trailed her through a small pub typical of New England with its deep stained wood and plush chairs and then into a nightclub that the hotel had dubbed The Cave due to its granite and stone clad walls. Kris imagined they could stay a month and not see every nook.
They trailed along a high porch overlooking Mount Washington, stopping to take in the last of the day’s light as it liquefied behind the range. Kris rested against the railing and peered out at the majesty and splendor sprawled before her.
Derrick moved up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he dipped his head to her ear. “What do you think?”
She leaned against him and he tightened his grip, molding her to his body. “I think it’s incredible; you’re incredible.” She inhaled a mouthful of the brisk mountain air and then released it in a soft sig
h of delight. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, my bride.” He pressed his lips to the bottom of her neck, working tiny kisses up toward her ear. “Ready to find our room, Mrs. Ashton?”
Kris turned in his arms. “Oh, yes.”
He raised her hand with the new wedding band to his lips and then led her to the elevator.
“What? No soaring up the stairs?” she teased.
Her new husband lifted her up against the wall of the elevator and nuzzled her neck, “I think I’ll save my strength for later,” he murmured into her ear, sending a buzz through her body, lighting her on fire from head to toe.
When the elevator reached their floor, Derrick released her, but only until they reached their room. He swung open the door then lifted her up in his arms, carrying her over the threshold of their honeymoon suite.
A large, but comfortable room similar looking to a bed and breakfast with its high back cushioned chairs, country patterned drapes, and bedspreads greeted them. Two walls of the suite had windows overlooking the snowcapped mountains, and bright orange and red flames licked gently at an iron screen in front of a fireplace. Her groom carried her to the king size bed but didn’t set her down. Instead, he held her in his arms as he sat on the bed. “Kristina, I want you so much right now, but I’m afraid we’ll never make it out of the room if you even allow me to kiss you.”
She laced her hands around his neck. “I guess we will have to take our chances then because I’ve been aching for you to kiss me since we said, ‘I do.’ That wasn’t nearly a long enough kiss.”
“Well, I couldn’t very well attack you in front of the Justice of the Peace, could I?” Derrick laughed.
“No one is here now,” she suggested.
Derrick wasted no time in lifting her to the center of the bedspread and sliding down beside her. “I do love this dress; it’d be a shame to wrinkle it.” He moved his hand around her back, and his fingers went to work unzipping the dress, but he paused. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not!” she burst out. “At this point, I wouldn’t mind if you ripped it off me.”
He smiled. “I couldn’t do that. It’s too beautiful, and then you’d think I’m an animal.”
Actually, she was thinking he was too gentle. Her body longed to feel some of his power. Every nerve ending seemed heightened with arousal. Their foreplay had gone on too long, and she was ready.
Kris moved her hands to his standard oxford, unbuttoning it as he continued to unzip her dress. She traced his tanned olive skin with its thin cropping of soft black hair over his chest; it felt incredible, the way a man was supposed to feel. His chest was firm and sculpted, and her heart raced as she ran her hands over his shoulders to remove his shirt.
He helped her at the end, and then she witnessed the restrained desire crumble in his dark eyes. There was no turning back at this point. His gaze spoke volumes without opening his mouth. A longing filled his eyes and she knew hers probably mirrored his. She’d dreamt about this moment so many times, even though she never imagined it in a honeymoon suite of a chalet with a fire crackling in the background. Somehow, Derrick had managed to fill even her unknown fantasies. She would never have thought to ask for this, never have believed it was even possible.
He ran his fingers over her collarbone, trailing a line up her neck and under her chin, lifting her head and kissing her softly. He moved toward her neck, his mouth working its way to her earlobe, stopping and nibbling there. “This is so different, Kristina. I’ve never experienced this.”
“Me either,” she said on an exhale. “It’s always just been cold.” She moved her hands up to his wide shoulders, pulling him down on top of her. “We have all weekend. Please don’t make me wait too long.”
He chuckled against her neck, his warm breath tickling her. “Why are you in such a hurry? Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving!” she yelped, throwing her head back to give him complete access. Derrick took advantage of her position, lowering her dress off her shoulders, exposing her. He trailed his hand over her shoulder and around to her back again, unclipping her bra deftly. He may not have ‘fallen’ or made love to a woman, but he’d definitely had sex. She shook the woman’s image that flashed through her brain from her head, knowing Derrick was with her, not Victoria—forever.
Chapter Twenty-eight
“Which dress should I wear tonight?” Kris called to Derrick, who was cleaning up for dinner. She laughed internally, remembering she didn’t need to yell.
“The white one. The restaurant is very formal,” he responded.
Kris pulled out the tea-length dress Derrick had helped her pick out this afternoon. She felt as though she was looking for a prom dress. He kept picking out formal wear with lace and silk, dresses that were appropriate for weddings and balls, not dinner at a ski lodge. But, he’d been here before, he’d said, so she trusted he knew what he was looking for.
When she’d seen the price, she’d shoved it back on the rack. But he pulled it back out, insisting she try it.
Kris twirled in front of the mirror, realizing she looked like a bride, not a teenager going to a ball. She decided to pull up her hair instead of leaving it long and straight as she usually preferred. It was official; she looked like Cinderella heading off to the ball. “All I need now is a fairy godmother to bring the pumpkin coach”, she chuckled under her breath, then clamped her hands over her mouth.
“I won’t do?” Derrick said through a laugh.
“That’s not fair—” A knock on the door broke off her complaint.
“Wait!” Derrick yelled, stopping her. He darted out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. “I’ll get it.” He shooed her away.
Only the fact that he looked so good in nothing but a towel kept her from arguing. And then she wondered, Was he worried? Did he think someone had followed them?
Derrick grabbed his wallet off the credenza as he opened the door. He exchanged a tip for a garment bag and a box, seemingly unconcerned that he was standing in the doorway covered only by a towel. The giggle that escaped curbed her irritation, until he turned and stared her down. Then she just flashed him a “what the heck are you up to” look.
After closing the door behind the room attendant, Derrick disappeared into the bathroom again, so Kris continued to get ready.
A few minutes later, he stood behind her dressed in a black and white tux, holding a box. “This is for you.”
Kris appraised him before lifting the lid. “Wow. You dress up nice. I’ve never seen you in anything but khakis.”
He smiled. “As do you. Let me see.”
Kris twirled in front of him, reveling as his eyes gobbled her up. They’d better get to dinner before they wrinkled another dress.
“Beautiful, absolutely stunning.” He leaned forward and placed a delicate kiss on her lips. “You’re only missing one thing.” He lifted the lid of the box, revealing a bouquet with a tight cluster of about eighteen cream-colored roses surrounded by lemon leaves and a white ribbon hand tie. It was simple and elegant.
“Derrick,” she gasped in a breath, “that’s a wedding bouquet?”
“I couldn’t manage a pumpkin coach, but I figured you deserved a wedding night, my love.” He held out his arm for her. “Shall we?”
Kris fought to retain the tears that threatened to overtake her, which would ruin her makeup. Unable to speak through the emotion choking her words, she nodded and accepted his arm.
Derrick trailed them to the elevator without uttering a word and then pressed the button for the top floor. When it stopped, he led her to a private room decked out like a wedding reception. A crystal chandelier and candelabras cast subtle light over a lone table covered with a white tablecloth, a centerpiece of more roses off to the side, and two beautifully adorned chairs with gossamer and ribbon. Soft piano music played in the background as moonlight streamed in through the glass windows, which once again offered a magnificent view of the mountain.
A host gre
eted them, escorting them to the table set just for them.
“Oh my…” Kris fanned her eyes. “This is amazing.”
Derrick pulled out her chair and helped her scoot forward. “I’m glad you approve.”
“How did… you do all this?” Her voice cracked, faltering with the love she felt enveloping her as though it were a tangible ribbon, interwoven through both of their souls, cinching them together forever.
He moved his head back and forth only slightly. “Every girl should have a fairy-tale wedding, even if it’s just for two.”
Kris leaned forward as he took his seat. “This is so much better than a formal wedding, Derrick. Thank you.”
Her husband dipped his head. “My pleasure, my bride.” Reaching across the table, he took her hand in his. “Thank you for marrying me, Kristina. I plan to make all your wishes come true.”
She smiled. “You already have.”
Derrick had taken it upon himself to pre-order their dinner, so there were no inquiries. He’d ordered her Filet a la Oscar, and she’d thought she’d died and gone to food heaven. She’d never thought of pairing filet with crabmeat, asparagus, and béarnaise sauce, but the result was delectable. It panged her that he could never sample such fine sauces. And pizza, even with the incredible food she’d eaten with him, she was starting to crave pizza. She needed to see if she could sneak off and get a fix one of these days. There had to be somewhere in the hotel that served it.
After dinner, Derrick twirled her across the floor, teaching her all types of dances. She started to ask where he learned all the styles, but then remembered he’d been alive since the sixties, so he’d seen a lot. And his father had been alive since the early nineteen hundreds. It baffled her to think that he’d actually been alive during World War I.
As they danced, the waiter cleared their plates, and when she needed a respite, they returned to their table to see a wedding cake for two in the center of their table.
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