Found

by Jodi Kae

  “I told you that you couldn’t believe everything that Sav says, but where did you think I went and why?”

  “I thought maybe you needed closure from me, that you were going to leave me. I thought maybe you would go to the sex club you used to go to and have sex with someone. You didn’t talk to me about why you were leaving and where you were going, so it just left room for my brain to run wild.”

  “Why haven’t you ask me about it before now? Do you still think that I went to The X Club to blow off steam and find closure?”

  He looks so concerned as if my answer will make or break us. “I didn’t ask because I didn’t know where our relationship stood when you came back. I know I jumped you upon walking in the door and we made love, but people have meaningless sex all the time. You said so yourself.” Shit! Now he just looks pissed but I need to say it all and get it out in the open. “I am not saying it was meaningless because it meant everything to me, but I felt as though I still needed to guard my emotions. I had spent two weeks in captivity being brainwashed into thinking that my opinions, thoughts, and feelings didn’t matter. In that time I learned to shut myself off from any emotion until you came into The House. I was so confused by what you would say and how you acted toward me that I felt like it was just another way to break me. That you would tell me things so I would trust you and let down my guard but the outcome for me would not change. I didn’t ask you because I wanted you to tell me on your own and I wanted to trust you. I also decided that after eight days of living in the hospital with me and never leaving my side, that I could finally believe your whispers. I believe that if you have loved me for as long as you have whispered to me you do, then there is no way you would betray me in that manner.”

  The smile on his face is transforming as he prowls toward me and pins me on my back. He slides his legs between mine causing me to spread wide to accommodate him. We are in my room at the cottage on a full-size bed that isn’t much bigger than the hospital bed he was determined to make work. I like sleeping close to him anyway and when the temperature drops at night, he is my own personal heater.

  “Tori. Sav is an asshole and a good friend all rolled up into one person. I’m sure he told you that to spark some jealousy and get you worried that I was going to walk away if you didn’t show me something of how you felt other than hatred and fear. I was going to find closure but only in the aspect of destroying The House and the men who could hurt you. At one point I did consider setting you free because I thought you would never be happy unless I gave you a choice, but I am a selfish bastard and couldn’t do it. I was coming home to fight for you every day for the rest of our lives.”

  He is on his knees, between my legs, staring down at me. I am only wearing a t-shirt and no panties because every night he takes them off anyway as though he can’t stand having anything between us. He uses his hands to press my knees wide and the look on his face as he stares between my legs turns molten.

  “As far as meaningless sex, I have never had meaningless sex with you and never will. Every touch, every kiss, every taste has meant more to me than you will ever know. I cherish your gift of innocence and from the moment I laid eyes on your picture, I have wanted no other.”

  His hands slide down the inside of my thighs to where his eyes have traveled. He runs his thumbs along my sensitive skin and I am already burning up for more. I raise my hips and his eyes lock with mine.

  “Don’t move. This is your punishment for thinking anything about our making love could be meaningless to me.”

  I open my mouth to argue but he shakes his head and I stay silent. This is Jax in “he needs to control me” mode. The Dom in him needs to play and I really like his play. I don’t know how he thinks this is a punishment but I will be bad every day just to get this forbidden fruit. I am pretty sure I am the luckiest woman on earth.

  ∞∞∞

  If she is not pregnant by now, I will be shocked but if she is, I will be the happiest man on earth. She is only twenty-one and might want to wait a while so that will need to be discussed soon. I will have her often and never want to put a barrier between me and paradise.

  “Love, how do you feel about children?

  “I love children.”

  “I mean like having some of our own? I know you love the kids in the village and you have been so great to Alissa and Taylor. However, you are young and I don’t want you to feel pressure from me.”

  “Well.......how do you feel about having kids? I know your parents had you and Jana so late in life that they were gone before you were ready. You are getting up there in age and I wouldn’t mind helping you out a little. I have always wanted to have a family of my own and life is too short.”

  “Getting up there in age?” Is she kidding, I’m in my prime.

  “Yes, My Love. You are almost getting too old to have kids. I think we should start right away, so you don’t have to use a cane while playing soccer I mean football with your boys.

  The smile on her face is the only thing that saves her ass; literally. “If I didn’t know better, I would think you are trying to earn a punishment, Love. Don’t think I have forgotten about how many I already owe you.

  “Oh, I haven’t forgotten, My Love, and I’m looking forward to you doing your worst because it’s usually my best.”

  I show her I’m the boss even while she is trying to top me, but this is her game and she loves it. Old my ass; she has rejuvenated me and I’m sure she will keep me young.

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Promise:

  *pledge to marry someone else; betroth. *a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. *contemplate the pleasant expectation of.

  Ren jumps out of the car with her husband in tow, squealing in excitement about dress shopping. She decided that she needed to be here to share this with me since I missed out on hers, so they flew in two days early. Me, Ren, Jana and the kids are going to a bridal boutique in Fort Walton Beach. The boys are coming along, of course, but will not be able to see the final product. It is too late to design my dress, and this designer has only one of a kind dresses in his shop so I am sure I will be able to find the perfect one.

  My dad flew in with Derek and Ren but wants to sit on the beach and soak up some sun. I think he is a little overwhelmed with both of his daughters getting married in such a short amount of time. The reminder of his wife being gone for such a momentous celebration has drained him emotionally. He is so happy for us and loves our husbands, but it is a stark reminder of all that he’s lost.

  “That is the perfect one.” Ren claps

  “Oh my goodness, you look so beautiful, Jax is going to lose his mind,” Jana exclaims in awe.

  I have chosen a backless dress in white silk. It is form fitting and flows out a little at mid-thigh. The back is completely open except for three delicate strands of pearls that drape between my shoulder blades. The silk fabric starts just right above my butt, leaving not much to the imagination then flows to the ground. I will not be able to wear a bra and maybe only the tiniest panties available if any at all. This dress is pure seduction and we may not be staying for any reception or will have to show up late, very, very, late. I cannot wear heels on the beach but find a pair of strappy ones with pearls around my ankles and across my toes. These will be for our wedding night. I plan to wear the handmade sandals that were a gift from the village children. My sister pays using my dad’s credit card and Jax only allows it if he can pay for everything else. He has a problem with me wearing anything that another man purchased, even if it’s just my dad. I think that is because of what Savage brought to me when I first came to Costa Rica. I no longer own any of those things. He is possessive and obsessive and desperately in love with me. I have never felt more cherished in my life and can’t imagine what would have happened to me if he hadn’t found me.

  ∞∞∞

  We are all here at the FBO waiting on Sav. Apparently, he has had a hard time finding the elusive
Ms. Olivia. Derek sent him to some small town in Georgia where she was supposed to be staying, but Sav only had a run-in with a tiny sized woman with attitude at the B&B. His words, not mine. He has been driving here from Hawkinsville, Georgia and should be here any minute.

  Our crew consists of Tori and me, Derek and Ren, Jana and the kids, Snake, Boomer, Case, Jim, Nicholas and Troy Savage, when he shows up. Snake has agreed to pilot with Case as his wingman so I can sit with Tori during the flight. He saw first hand what happened to her on our flight to Costa Rica the first time and doesn’t want to be responsible for it happening again.

  Finally, I see a car racing up to the hangar. Sav jumps out and runs to the plane. As he boards, he is cursing the existence of all temperamental women until he sees Serenity and Tori on board, then he shuts up. Derek and I both laugh, earning dirty looks from our women.

  “You know, Troy, maybe you are the problem and not the women.”

  Serenity smiles sweetly at him.

  “Sugar, you could be right.”

  I think Sav is a sucker for a damsel in distress. No, I know he is. When it comes to Serenity and now Tori or the other women rescued from The House, he is utterly respectful. There may be help for him yet. It will be fun watching him fall in love. We just have to get him over the one that got away.

  “Ding, ding, ding. This is your captain speaking. We will be arriving at Limos International in thirty minutes. We would like all trays stowed away and your seats in the upright position. At this time, you will need to remain in your seats with your seat belt fastened. Thank you again for flying Snake Air, and all gratuities can be deposited in the bucket up front.”

  Everyone laughs and then I hear Serenity and Tori plot to set him up with one of their friends. Oh boy, that could be trouble. Snake is the ultimate bad boy that women hide their daughters from. These two have no idea what they would be getting into.

  Tori handled the flight very well, but the second we arrived at the river, she turned green. I think the village kids have been teasing her about snakes in the water. I send everyone ahead and make up some excuse about needing to drive to the village on the other side of the river and we can cross from there instead of traveling up the river by boat. I needed some alone time with her anyway. I want to show her the location of the wedding ceremony on the beach and make sure she approves. “This section of the beach is surrounded by high cliffs that protect it from strong winds. We will get a slight cool breeze coming from across the water from the east. Ina said they are covering the ground with flower petals and a handmade boardwalk so we can walk a little easier. The whole village is coming, and everyone is so excited.” I have been so busy pointing to the cliff face and the ocean and showing her where the boardwalk will go that I don’t even realize that she is crying.

  “Tori, what is wrong? Are you nervous or having second thoughts? If you are not ready, I am willing to wait as long as it takes. Just say the word and it is yours.” She leaps and I barely catch her.

  ∞∞∞

  “I love you so much right now. I am having a hard time believing the change in my reality. I keep waiting to wake up and realize that I am back in that house, and nothing could scare me more than to be away from you. I need you right here, right now, on this beach. Help me forget about everything but you and me. Tomorrow when I’m standing here ready to be your wife, I will remember that we christened this beach, reminding me that this is my reality forever.”

  Jax sets me on my feet and takes off his shirt then spreads it on the sand. He takes my hand and lays me down ensuring that my bottom is on his shirt, protecting me from getting dirty.

  “I love you so much right now.” He whispers in my ear. His whispers are so sexy.

  I giggle, and he groans. We are so desperate for this, and I know that this man is my reality and happily ever after.

  As we walk into the village two hours later, the village children come running, chatting excitedly about the wedding tomorrow. Jax tells them we need our beauty rest and will play football in a few days.

  As we walk into the house, my sister picks twigs out of my hair and gives me a knowing smile. “Lucky bitch, Derek made me wait for three days,” she whispers. We laugh, and I head for the shower. I am definitely lucky.

  ∞∞∞

  Standing here at the end of the handmade boardwalk waiting for my future is the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. Our family and friends are seated on both sides of the aisle, waiting to witness the most beautiful bride known to man. The acoustics of the song, Can You Hold Me, begins to play and Tori steps onto the boardwalk with her father by her side. I don’t realize that I’m holding my breath until Derek nudges me in the ribs and Ren gasps. “Holy shit!” Damn did I say that out loud? This woman, that dress, those shoes, is the perfect package. The village kids smile and point excitedly at her feet as she holds up the dress, so it doesn’t snag on the wooden walk. Her long silky hair is piled up on her head with ringlets hanging down to brush her delicate shoulders. This is the longest walk I’ve ever seen at a wedding. I need them to hurry so I can make her my wife. Nicholas has tears in his eyes but his smile lights up his face, and he looks younger. As they come to stop in front of me, he shakes my hand and steps down to the front row. Tori turns to hand Ren her bouquet of wild flowers, and I get a look of the non-existent back of the dress. Holy Shit! This time, I made sure to keep it inside my head, but damn. Did her father approve of this dress? I damn sure wouldn’t have. It looks more like lingerie with not much to the imagination. This is bedroom wear, and we will definitely be late for the reception.

  The priest goes through his routine, but I don’t hear anything he says because I am captivated by my woman. I repeat after him, staring into her eyes the entire time, and finally, “I DO. Forever and always, I do.” Now it is her turn, and my eyes are glued to her mouth and every word that comes from it.

  “I do, forever and always, I do.”

  I reach into my pocket and pull out a two carat, princess cut, diamond ring in a band of white gold with diamonds imbedded down both sides. She gasps as I slip it on her finger and look deep into her eyes. “I give you this ring as a token of my love and devotion to you. I pledge to you all that I am and all that I will ever be. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you.”

  She looks out to the audience and nods her head. Tito stands and comes running down the boardwalk carrying a pillow. He stands in front of Tori and raises the pillow for her to untie the ring. When did she have time to buy a ring? She holds it up, and I see that it is black with an infinity design in silver inlaid with two diamonds in the center of the connection of the symbol. She slides it on my finger.

  “With this ring, I promise to love you more every day than I did the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh and cry with you, love you through the good times and the bad, regardless of the obstacles that we may face. I love you, My Love.”

  “I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  ∞∞∞

  Everything seems like a fantasy that is going to disappear in a puff of smoke. As my dad walks me to the little alcove and around the rock face to see our family and friends, I think I am going to panic a little. Then I look down to the spot where Jax laid me down last night, and all the jittery thoughts go away. I remember trying to hurry to him and my dad holding me back to the tune of the acoustics. Who the hell picked something so slow anyways? I remember standing in front of my own personal Viking and promising to love him forever. But what I remember the most is after the amazing first kiss as husband and wife, Jax picks me up and runs down the boardwalk. Our family and friends were laughing behind us, but he doesn’t care. He runs through the sand and to a waiting jeep where he proceeds to drive like a bat out of hell to his house to consummate our marriage. The first time he doesn’t even undress either one of us. He lifts my skirt to move it out of the way so it won’t get ruined and unzips his pants. The second time, he placed me on my hands and knees an
d kissed every bare spot he can find from my neck to my ass, and there is a lot of bare. Once he gets down to my ass, he peels away the dress like a delicate wrapping, taking his time while I beg him to take me. When the dress clears my hips, he wastes no time in getting me completely naked and taking me how he wants me.

  “Come back to me, Love.”

  ∞∞∞

  We arrive at the celebration about two and a half hours later. Derek announces our presence because the priest is long gone. Everyone cheers and makes toasts, and all is right in my world.

  “Come here, Love. Dance with me.” We move to a spot down by the water and sway back and forth to ‘Can You Hold Me,’ our wedding march song. She is so beautiful inside and out, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.

  “Oh, I forgot to give you your wedding present.”

  She reaches into the pocket of the sundress she changed into for the reception, so her wedding lingerie dress didn’t get ruined on the beach.

  “Close your eyes and hold out your hand.”

  I feel her place something on my palm and wait impatiently for her to tell me I can look.

  “Open your eyes, My Love.”

  Sitting in the palm of my hand is my future. A pregnancy test with two pink little lines, signifying that I am going to be a dad. I am stunned silent, and my eyes are wet with happy tears. I look up to lock eyes with her tearful gaze. I scoop her up and spin her around. “I love you so much right now.”

  “I love you so much right now too, my husband.”

  “I’M GOING TO BE A DAD,” I shout to everyone. Ren comes running first, followed by everyone still at the reception.