After Dark: The Complete Series

by Aymes, Kahlen

  Angel shook her head. “Um, my dad will want to purchase the dress, and I don’t want it to be too extravagant.”

  “Nonsense. You’re never too extravagant on your wedding gown. I never expected Alexander to get married, so we’re going to knock his socks off. Charles and I will help with the gown.”

  “But—” Angel began, but Cora waved her objection away.

  “Sonya, please.” Cora’s voice was quiet but commanding as she instructed the consultant. “The most beautiful you have, please. Designer or not, just bring out the most beautiful in the store.”

  Sonya went into the dressing room and returned carrying out five of the rejected dresses. “Yes, ma’am,” she said, disappearing out of the room.

  Angel stood there, grateful that Cora wanted to help and was willing to pay for the dress, but cash wasn’t the issue. She could pay for it herself, but she knew her dad would want to give that to her.

  “Cora, Alex and I have discussed it, and the important thing is just getting married. All the other stuff doesn’t matter.”

  Cora’s elbow was leaning on the back of the small sofa, and her right knee curled beneath her. She looked young and vibrant, a fresh pink hue kissed her skin. “Nonsense. Alex told me he wants only the best for you, darling.”

  Angel sighed. “But the best isn’t always the most expensive.”

  “Let’s just see a few, shall we?” Her request sounded indulgent, but Angel knew the consultant would bend to the purse strings and acquiesce.

  “He’s the best for me.” She sounded cheesy even to herself. Becca reiterated with gusto.

  Becca reiterated with gusto and made an over-exaggerated gagging motion, as if she were about to puke. “Excuse me while I vomit.”

  Angel’s eyes widened, and she shot her a warning look.

  “Alex would want you to have only the best, Angel,” Ally interjected.

  “Does he always get what he wants?” She and Alex had discussed it, and while she knew his position on giving her the “fairy tale”, he understood that it wasn’t the wedding that mattered to her. She didn’t know how she got here. Becca and she were going to have dinner and drinks, and instead, she was defending her views on not going overboard on the wedding.

  Allison huffed in amusement. “Now that you mention it, yes, and it’s maddening.”

  Becca laughed. “Angel, just try some on. And, remember, less is more. He died when he saw you in that backless dress, remember?”

  “When was that?” Ally asked.

  “Their first date. You should have seen Alex’s jaw drop. It was the only time I’ve ever seen him speechless.”

  “’Less is more means something else in this case, Becca.”

  “Why can’t it be both?” she asked, rolling her eyes. “Angel, live a little.”

  “All humor aside, Angel. Alex loves you; he’ll only get married once, and so will you. That said; let’s knock him on his ass, shall we?” Ally’s eyes danced with mischief as she grinned. “There are so few occasions where I get to witness him stumbling and stuttering, so give a girl a break.” She smiled brightly.

  “Please, just humor us, hmmm?” Cora’s finely tweezed brow rose, and she smiled softly. “There’s no harm in looking, is there?”

  “I suppose, but honestly, I don’t want Alex thinking it’s about money, and I don’t want to hurt my father.”

  Cora laughed. “Believe me, Angel. Alex realizes you don’t care about money, and let your father pay part of it. He doesn’t have to know he didn’t pay for all of it.”

  “We’re just looking now, anyway. I don’t want to buy a dress until the date is set, so this is all a little premature.”

  Sonya returned and ushered Angel into the dressing room. Two other consultants appeared, each of them carrying three dresses. They deposited them on the hooks on the wall, removed any remaining that Angel had already tried on, save the one she currently wearing, and disappeared. It was a well-oiled machine.

  The zippers were undone on the bags and several amazing gowns appeared. Angel was a little speechless at how beautiful some of them were, and she didn’t want to fall in love with a dress her father couldn’t afford, despite Cora’s insistence she would help buy it.

  Angel gasped at some of the exposed gowns dripping with designer labels and embellishments. Mark Zunino, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Vivian Westwood, Givenchy… Angel was speechless. “Holy shit,” she said without thinking.

  “These are breathtaking, Angel!” Becca said.

  Cora and Ally were not so blown away, looking at the gowns with a more critical eye, though they did like three of the five.

  Sonya shooed everyone out of the dressing room but Angel, and one by one, she helped Angel into each one. Angel’s heart stopped when she put on a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown in stark white. It was fitted close to the body until just above the knee and, rather than covered in ruffles or a huge skirt, it flared out softly. It was made of silk shantung and organza with small handmade embroidered flowers applied in almost complete concentration on the bodice that lessened until they were spaced about three inches apart at the hem. There was a detachable silk organza train. A small silk ribbon bow with a silver and crystal brooch on it at the center of the sweetheart neckline and a smattering of clear sequins on the hand-appliqued flowers. It was simply stunning.

  Cora, Becca, and Ally all gasped out loud when Angel stepped out of the dressing room, lifting up the front of the dress and stepping up on the platform. Sonya took the train and puffed it out, so it lay down as it would when walking down the aisle. For once, Becca was speechless.

  “Oh my God. Angel!” Ally cried.

  Cora’s hand went to her mouth, and her eyes welled with tears. It was exactly the reaction Angel would have wanted her own mother to have, if she’d have been in her life. “That’s just breathtaking, Angel. It’s perfect. Do you love it?”

  Angel looked in the mirror from her perch on the platform, her hand ghosted, in amazed wonder, over the luxurious fabric that felt whisper soft. It was light as air and so beautiful.

  “Wait!” Sonya said and rushed away, only to reappear a minute later. “Close your eyes.”

  She placed the matching veil on Angel’s head.

  “Oh my God,” Becca breathed. “That’s it, Angel.”

  “Yes, it’s stunning,” Cora murmured.

  “So beautiful,” Ally added.

  “Can I open my eyes?” Angel asked anxiously. As much as she had protested, she was anxious to see the finished look.

  “Yes.”

  When her eyes opened, Angel’s heart stopped. Her throat swelled and tears threatened to overflow. Angel looked ethereal as she stared at herself in the big mirror. Her dark brown eyes were wide with stunned wonder, tears started to tumble from her eyes. She never thought she’d feel so emotional over a dress, but it was more the prospect of wearing this for Alex.

  “Oh my God.” The veil was the same fabric as the trainwith multiple layers, full at her head, then tapering out to one layer that was about six inches longer than the train. “I… can’t breathe.” She reached up and wiped a tear away, though she wanted to laugh. “It’s gorgeous.” She fingered the sheer organza of the veil. It had a fine edging of white silk thread and was completely devoid of embellishment other than the sparkling headpiece. “It’s just so beautiful. I never imagined something like this.”

  “Gorgeous?” Ally was excited, her face flush and her hands clasping in front of her chest. “Alex is gonna lose it.” Her eyebrows shot up, and she nodded her encouragement.

  “You’re gorgeous!” Sonya exclaimed.

  “It’s beyond imagining,” Cora’s eyes were tearing up as well. “My son will be so pleased, Angel.”

  “It’s just perfect, Angel; though, you might like your hair up,” Becca added.

  Angel reached down and looked at the price tag. It was well over $12,000. “I love it, but it’s way too expensive.”

  “Angel,” Cora began, but Ang
el shook her head.

  Angel half-turned toward her, still on the platform, and the beautiful gown twisted around her. Her hand raised a bit to stop her. “No, Cora. I just can’t justify spending this kind of money on a dress.” She wiped a tear away. “I’m sure when we get closer to the wedding, I can come in here and find something I love just as much for much less.”

  “Alex would want you to have it, Angel.”

  “I know he would.” Her hands smoothed down the front of the dress over her hips, then she wiped away a stray tear that still trickled down her cheek. “He’s all sorts of amazing that way, but really, it’s not about the gown. It’s about him.”

  Cora sighed, love filling her expression. “He’s lucky to have you, Angel.” She could see Angel genuinely loved Alex, and she couldn’t want anything more for her youngest son. She got up and went to hug Angel tight. It was obvious she loved the gown, and she admired Angel very much. This was only further proof her son’s fiancé’ was not one of the bimbos after her son for his money or status.

  “Can we at least mull it over?” Cora asked gently.

  Angel hugged her back hard, closing her eyes. “It’s so pretty, but it’s just too much.”

  Cora pulled back and took a hold of both of Angel’s hands. “Just think about it, honey.”

  “My brother will be knocked senseless. That alone should be reason enough to buy it,” Ally added.

  Angel smiled at all four of the other women beaming up at her. “Okay, I’ll think about it.” She said the words to placate the women in the room, but deep inside, she knew she wouldn’t get this dress. It was breathtaking, all of the things little girl dreams were made of, and it would be amazing to have it… but she had Alex. Her heart swelled and burst, knowing that soon, he’d be her husband. He was hers. She was his. He proved it in every smoldering look, the sexy words he whispered, and when they made love, his possession screamed in every touch, every demanding kiss, and the way he took control of her body. She wouldn’t have it any other way. That was Alex. It was at the core of who he was, and she didn’t need anything beyond that.

  * * *

  Alex sat up in bed, propped up on his muscular arms. His tanned torso was cut and strong, the bumps of his stomach muscles showed above the sheet as it fell low on his waist, and he ran a hand over the stubble on his jaw. The weather was amazing, and the resort was five-star, located at Agios Ioannis Diakoftis on the eastern coast of the Mykonos. The bungalow was private, the service top-notch; everything first class. Cooks, valets, housekeepers, all so discreet, they didn’t even know they were there, other than the food that miraculously appeared, or the bed that was made in the mornings or turned down at night.

  He’d promised never to keep secrets from Angel, but surprises were the exception. This was a surprise all right, but somehow he’d managed to pull it off. He’d had her assistant cancel all of her appointments for three weeks, and had Becca, Allison, and his mother shop and pack a bag for her filled with an assortment of sundresses, shorts, tops, bikinis, flip-flops and lingerie from Entice. Alex told Darian the radio show would have to be reruns for three weeks. His best friend wasn’t happy about that until Alex spilled his guts. Then everything was miraculously fine. Satisfaction had settled over him the moment the car pulled up beside the private jet on the tarmac at O’Hare. To give her credit, she didn’t protest too much. A little at first when he whisked her into the back of the limo in outside her office building on Wednesday night, but once he’d told her he was taking her to Greece for a holiday together and started kissing her senseless, she had no choice but to shut up.

  The open French doors led out to a covered porch, the steps leading directly out to the beautiful, white sandy beach and the pristine aquamarine water; the sloping hills beyond the lagoon green and lush. It was glorious. Alex sucked in a deep breath as the soft breeze blew through the bedroom, scratched his stomach, and glanced outside. There was a private, freshwater pool, mere yards off of the beach, surrounded by a red-stained teakwood deck, offset with a stone patio. A private linen cabana was situated on the deck a bit away from the pool. It was all so magnificent. A perfect private oasis.

  Alex smiled at a sleeping Angel, naked and wrapped in nothing but a sheet. Her face was serene, and the eight-hour time difference called for a nap when they arrived three days before. Now the jet lag was finally under control, but the beauty of the whole situation allowed them to make love until the wee hours of the morning and sleep as long as they wanted, which was exactly what they had done. The lifestyle of relaxation was addictive. It was late afternoon. They’d gone walking through a local village, had lunch at a local restaurant, made love upon their return, then drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.

  He lay back down beside the woman who consumed his heart, turned onto his side, tucking one arm under his pillow, and stared into Angel’s beautiful face. She was so beautiful, serene in her repose. A new glow on her skin from the hours spent on the beach the day before only made her more breathtaking. Her engagement ring glinted elegantly on her finger. He needed to touch her, and his hand reached out to brush her hair back behind her ear.

  Angel stirred, her long black lashes fluttering open lazily, then closing again as a small smile curved her luscious mouth, and as her fingers closed around his wrist. “Mmmm…” she breathed, scooting closer to his body. She lifted her chin and kissed his chest.

  “Do you know how much I love you?” he asked softly. “If I could do nothing more than watch you sleep for the rest of my life, I’d be happy.”

  Angel smiled again. “I never thought Alex Avery, womanizer extraordinaire, would turn out to be such a romantic,” Angel teased, nuzzling into the skin of his neck.

  “Answer the question,” he commanded softly, his fingers making delicious circles on the skin of her arm and shoulder before sliding around her back.

  Angel wrapped an arm around his waist. “Of course, I do, silly.” She pulled back just enough to stare into his beautiful dark green eyes. The look on his face was serious. The little crinkle appeared above her nose. “Why are you asking me that?”

  “Just making sure.” His hand slid up and over her hip, down the slope of her waist, and over her ribcage making his cock twitch and start to swell. “Being with you is like nothing I’ve ever felt.”

  Angel swallowed. His intense expression gave her pause. It was the first time since they’d arrived in this beautiful place that he’d been this serious. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, babe. I’m good. Better than good. Sometimes, I’m still a little shell-shocked by you.”

  “Okay. It overwhelms me sometimes. My heart hurts with how much I love you.” Her eyes searched his, and her throat tightened. In spite of their teasing banter, or maybe because of it, he was the love of her life and there was no disputing it.

  Alex’s arms tightened around her, and pulled her close, and his head swooped to take her mouth in a hungry kiss. Soon their tongues were laving, and he was pressing Angel back onto the bed, his erection leaving her in no doubt of his desire.

  “Baby, do you want to take a bath with me?” she asked. Her breath was hot on the skin of his bare shoulder as her fingers skittered over the solid planes of his body.

  Alex had wanted to talk to her, but it could wait a few more minutes. His love and desire was once again taking over, but he nodded and rose from the bed, bending to slide his arms underneath and around his fiancée. Alex carried a still sheet-wrapped Angel into the large and luxurious bathroom, and sat her on the edge of the big Jacuzzi bathtub. Though the suites were meant for couples, the bathtub was more like a hot tub and could easily hold four people. He was naked, and Angel watched him bend to turn on the water and adjust it. Though she saw him naked on a daily basis now, she couldn’t help but admire the way the muscles moved beneath his smooth skin, enjoying the small amount of soft dark hair on his chest as it tapered down his belly. His cock was huge and so engorged, she could see it pulsing.

  “I’m one
lucky bitch,” Angel murmured, a teasing lilt to her voice. Alex smirked, and his breath came out in a huff.

  “It’s a good thing I’m not conceited,” he returned, meeting her eyes and reaching out to gently tug the sheet from around her nude form. His expression mirrored his happiness, his white teeth showing in his now tanned face. Angel remembered the first time she saw him about a year ato. He’d been tan like this, as well.

  “Have you been here before, Alex?”

  He shook his head. “No. Not this resort. I’ve been to Greece a few times. I love it here.”

  “Yes, it’s pretty.” Angel turned and slid into the tub. Alex soon followed her into the steaming water. There was room to sit across from each other, but Alex reached for Angel and brought her close, kissing her deeply while pulling her legs around him in one movement. She ended up on her knees, her arms wrapped around his shoulders as his cock bobbed against her. The water was hot, but her flesh was hotter. Alex wanted to bury himself deep within her, but he wanted to make love with her, not fuck. This was important. He’d never loved another woman, but loving Angel felt like his life force.

  She ground her hips into his at the same moment she bent to kiss his mouth. Alex groaned against her, the sound muted by the sound of the water still rushing into the tub. Her hands pulled and tugged at his hair as their mouths moved with each other. My God, he thought, his heart throbbing as much as his body. He couldn’t get enough of this woman. He’d never be able to get enough.

  “Uhhh... Do you think making love this much is obscene?” she whispered against his mouth as his body pushed into hers. “Uhhh….” she gasped.

  “No. It’s never enough,” he grunted.

  Angel bent her head and sucked his earlobe into her mouth, biting it softly. “I suppose this is what it will be like being newlyweds,” she whispered.

  Alex’s hands were on her hips, pulling her forward, in order to move back and forth on him. It felt amazing, and he liked having free access to her breasts, neck, and mouth.

  They were passionate, forgetting the running water, even as it spilled over the side of the tub, as they moved together. When Alex finally spilled into her body, Angel was gasping and jerking with the force of her own lovemaking.