by Kelley, HD
“Shouldn’t you let Drew and Anna know you’re here before we leave?”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, but then we’re leaving.”
Alec pulled me into his arms. “Considering all you’ve been through today, Isabella, I’m going to give you a pass this time, but this is the last time. Roll your eyes at me again and I will punish you, no matter where we are.” My insides tingled and I nervously bit my lip. Damn my body for being so turned on by him when I was busy trying to be mad at Spencer. “Now, let’s go find the graduates so we can get you out of here.”
He led me through the kitchen and into the back yard where everyone was gathered. Much to my dismay, Gladys spotted me from across the yard the second I stepped out of the lanai and she started in my direction. Snagging a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing waiter, I quickly drank it down. My plan to avoid Gladys had failed and liquid courage was all I had left.
“Izzy, it’s so nice to see you,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She moved in for a hug and I didn’t fight it. Making a scene wasn’t going to make this encounter any easier.
“It’s nice to see you too, Gladys.”
She released me then turned her attention to Alec. “And you must be Alec Payne.” She extended her hand to him. “Spencer has told me a lot about you.”
He kissed the back of her hand. “Mrs. James,” he said with a look that could melt even the coldest of hearts. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
Gladys’ cheeks glowed red and she quickly withdrew her hand. “Spencer said you were a charmer. In fact, he said you charmed the pants right off Izzy.”
I knew her sincerity only seconds ago had been too good to be true. The waiter walked by and I liberated another glass from his tray.
“Mrs. James, it was a pleasure to meet you but I’m afraid Isabella and I have some business to attend to.” He flashed a smile then pulled me away from that evil woman.
“Can we please go now?”
“Baby, Drew and Anna are leaving tomorrow morning. Don’t you want to see them?”
I exhaled loudly. “Of course I do, but you heard her, Alec. She thinks I cheated on Spencer and I’m sure everyone else here does too.”
“Who cares what they think?” He leaned down and kissed me right on the lips. “Now, stop pouting.”
“Mom,” Anna squealed as she ran toward me. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“And miss the opportunity to see you before your trip, not a chance.” Anna threw her arms around me and I squeezed her tight. She smelled familiarly sweet, not at all like the perfume she normally wore. “Are you wearing a new perfume?”
“Yeah, Aunt Val brought it for me. Do you like it?”
“It smells sweet. What is it?”
“Oh, I can’t remember right now, white gardenia or something.” My body tensed. That smell, alcohol, cigarettes and gardenias?
“Hey, what about me, where’s my hug?” Drew asked as he wrapped in his arms me, all thoughts of my nightmares vanishing instantly. Overcome by emotion, I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. My babies were officially grown up.
“Mom,” Anna complained. “Stop crying before you make me cry too.”
I took a deep breath to steady my nerves. “I’m sorry guys. I’m just so proud of you both.”
“As am I,” Alec said. “I can’t say enough how proud I am of your accomplishment. I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next.”
Anna threw her arms around Alec’s waist. “Thanks, Alec. That means a lot.”
“Yes, thank you, Alec, for everything,” Drew added.
We chatted for a few minutes, mostly about the cruise they were leaving for on in the morning. Spencer’s dad, Steve, started toward us, and my body tensed again. Alec must have seen my anxiety building because he quickly excused us.
It was hard saying goodbye to the kids, not knowing exactly when I’d see them again, but I’d never been so happy to leave a party in all my life. Most of the guests were from Spencer’s side of the family, and it was clear from my conversation with Gladys that Spencer had been less than honest about our divorce. He could’ve at least said it was an amicable split, but he chose to blame me instead. Maybe in his mind it was my fault because I’d been the one who demanded a divorce. Funny how he seemed to gloss right over the reason I’d done it.
Preston was waiting by the car when we approached, an almost expressionless look plastered across his face. He motioned over his shoulder, some sort of unspoken language that Alec seemed to understand perfectly. Alec kissed me on the top of the head then helped me into the car. I watched intently as the two men rounded the back of the car. I couldn’t hear what Preston was saying, but from Alec’s body language I knew it wasn’t good news. One hand fisted in his hair, the other at his side, until finally getting into the car.
“What was that about?”
“There was an explosion in the parking garage of my apartment in Manhattan,” he said, his voice barely audible.
“Oh my gosh, Alec! That’s terrible. Was anyone hurt?”
“There were a couple of minor injuries. Luckily, everyone is expected to be okay.”
My body tensed. “Was it him?” I asked, although I was pretty sure of the answer. Alec nodded slowly. Tears quickly filled my eyes. “I’m sorry, Alec. This is all my fault. It’s me he wants to hurt.”
“Baby, no. This isn’t your fault. We don’t know that the bombing is related to the attack on you.”
“Yes it is,” I cried. “This psycho is after me and now innocent people are hurt. Oh, Alec, what if he hurts you, or one of my kids?”
Alec unbuckled his seatbelt and slid over next to me, snaking his arm around my shoulders. “I won’t let anything happen to them, Isabella, or to you. And Preston won’t let anything happen to me.” I laid my head on his shoulder as I tried to still my tears. “Besides, he’s in police custody. He can’t hurt anyone now.”
“What? They caught who did it? Who is he?”
“That guy you met on the beach, Nathan, although that’s not his real name.”
“Nathan?” I gasped. “Why is he doing this? I don’t even know who he is.”
“We’ll know more as soon as the police figure out his real identity. The important thing is he’s off the streets.”
“Are you sure it was him?”
“The police are comparing his fingerprints to the ones they collected to be certain but we have him on video placing the explosives.” A shiver ran down my spine as I realized how close to danger I’d really been. Alec had been right all along. The danger was real.
• • • • •
Alec was much more relaxed with Nathan, or whatever his name was, in police custody. He’d insisted on moving me to a different hotel just to be safe, but I didn’t mind too much. I’d wanted to stay at the Wyndham primarily because of its’ proximity to the kids, but considering they were leaving in the morning it didn’t really matter where I stayed.
With the recent bombing at his apartment, I’d expected Alec to still be on high alert, but much to my surprise he didn’t object when I suggested we take a walk on the beach, or when I asked to have drinks by the pool afterwards.
“What’ll it be?” the bartender asked.
I turned toward Alec, deliberately biting my bottom lip, my gaze fixed on his eyes. “I was thinking Sex on the Beach.”
“And for you, sir?”
“I’ll have a glass of your best Riesling.”
“Coming right up.”
When the bartender moved away Alec leaned in and whispered in my ear. “Careful what you wish for, Isabella.” He kissed me behind my ear, sending goose bumps all the way to my toes. My sex tingled and I nervously bit my lip this time.
The bartender set our drinks down and turned his attention to the group of young women at the end of the bar. I picked up my drink and pulled hard on the straw, my eyes fixed on Alec’s wicked grin. “Yes, sex on the beach is definitely what I’m in the m
ood for.”
“Anything for you, Isabella.” He moved closer, his lips almost touching mine. “Dangerous, dangerous game,” he said. He pressed his lips hard against mine, his tongue begging me to let him in. My lips parted and he claimed my mouth in a passionate kiss that had my whole body on alert.
By the time I finished my second drink I was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol. It didn’t help that I’d barely eaten, but food was the last thing on my mind. My body was on fire and all I could think about was getting Alec alone. “Let’s go upstairs,” I said, hopping off the stool. My head started to spin and I had to grab on to the bar to keep from falling.
“After you eat.”
“But I don’t want food. I want you.” I folded my arms in protest.
“Pouting isn’t going to work, Isabella. You’ve had three glasses of champagne plus two very strong drinks. You need food.”
“I only had two and a half glasses of champagne. Now, take me upstairs and fuck me.”
Alec pulled me in to him, cupping my face in his hands, devouring me with a kiss. “As you wish, baby.” He tossed a hundred dollar bill on the bar then practically dragged me into the hotel, an ear-to-ear smile on my face celebrating the battle I’d just won.
As soon as the elevator doors closed and I found myself pinned against the wall with my skirt pushed halfway up my thighs. Alec parted my legs with his knee and before I could catch my breath was shoving two fingers inside me. “Alec,” I cried out but he swallowed my cries with his kiss as he continued to finger my pussy, his thumb rubbing hard circles over my clit.
I was on the edge of orgasm when the elevator stopped. No! I wanted to finish. I needed to finish. Alec scooped me up into a fireman’s hold and carried me down the hall to our suite before returning my feet to the ground inside the bedroom. “Clothes. Off. Now,” he said firmly. The shock of what just happened in the elevator hadn’t quite worn off yet and I was struggling to process what he was saying. Alec ripped open my shirt, sending buttons flying. “Naked, Isabella. Now.”
Making quick work of the rest of my clothes, in a matter of seconds I was completely naked. Alec’s chest glistened in the moonlight that flooded the room through the sliding glass door. I wanted to touch him, to feel his toned chest against my skin. I reached for him but he caught my wrists in his hands. “On your knees,” he said in a clipped tone. A rush of heat washed over me and my heart started to race. Was he mad at me? Had I pushed him too far? Letting go of my wrists he pushed down on my shoulders until I was kneeling in front of him.
He unzipped his pants and freed his growing erection. “You wanted me to fuck you, Isabella, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” He ran his thumb over my bottom lip. “And I think I’ll start here.” Holding his erection in his hand he rubbed the tip of his penis where his thumb had been. I opened to him and he slid his cock into my mouth. My tongue circled him as I gently sucked him in. He fisted both hands in my hair, effectively holding me in place, and began thrusting his hips. Deeper and deeper he thrust until I could feel him in my throat.
“God, Isabella, I love fucking your mouth.” When his thrusts became erratic I knew he was getting close. “I’m going to come,” he said with ragged breath. He started to pull away but I grabbed his ass and dug my fingers into his flesh, wanting to finish what I’d started. Relaxing my throat, I sucked him down as the evidence of his arousal hit the back of my throat.
“Fuck, Isabella,” he moaned as I continued to suck him all the way through his orgasm.
He pulled out of my mouth and lifted me to my feet. “That was so hot, baby. But I’m not done with you yet.”
With a flick of his tongue my nipple hardened, first one, and then the other. Applying just the right amount of pressure he rolled them between his fingers as his tongue roamed down my body. Alec lifted me up and tossed me onto the bed, spreading my legs wide as he pushed my knees apart, plunging his tongue inside me as he found my nipples once more, pinching and releasing, while his tongue explored my pussy. I was dangling on the edge of ecstasy when his tongue began its dance around my clit. “Alec,” I panted. “I’m going to come.”
“That’s right, baby. Give it to me.” He pushed two fingers inside my wet canal to finish me. The walls of my vagina clenched around him and my orgasm ripped through my body.
I tasted my arousal when Alec claimed my mouth with his. “I love seeing you come apart for me, baby. Knowing I’m the one giving you pleasure.”
“God, Alec. That was amazing.”
“Yes, it was,” he said as began trailing kisses down neck. “But, baby, I’m just getting warmed up.”
Alec leaned against the headboard and pulled me onto his lap, his erection throbbing against my sensitive sex. He covered my nipple with his mouth and he picked up right where he’d left off. I arched my back, pushing my breasts closer to his face as I ran my hands up his thighs, between his legs, my fingers lightly grazing his balls. Wrapping one arm around my waist he lifted me slightly while using his other hand to position his cock at my opening. Steadying myself on his shoulders, I lowered onto his waiting erection.
“Go slow, baby. You’re so tight. I don’t want to hurt you.” I eased myself all the way down his shaft, his penis deep inside me from this position. With his hands around my waist, he lifted me up and down his erection, rotating his hips with each downward motion. The friction on my clit was exquisite. I picked up speed, digging my fingers into his shoulders, rotating my hips now too. I reached behind me, arching my back, getting lost in the pleasure of my building release.
It wasn’t long before I was grinding into him, increasing the friction on my clit even more. “Yes, Alec, yes,” I screamed.
“That’s right, baby. Take me. All of me.”
“You feel so good. Oh, God. Don’t stop.”
Alec reached between my legs and rubbed my clit with his thumb. I climbed higher and higher toward my climax. “Come for me, baby. Let me feel your orgasm.”
“Yes, Alec. Yes. Yes. Yes!” I screamed as pleasure erupted.
With a few final thrusts Alec found his release soon after. I collapsed against his chest, too exhausted to move. “That was incredible, baby,” Alec whispered. “But I’m still not done with you.”
Chapter Twenty One
I winced as I crawled off Alec’s lap, my insides sore and swollen from the marathon fuck fest that began last night. Alec’s stamina could rival any man, or woman’s for that matter. Spencer had been my first and, while we had an active sex life, it was nothing like it was with Alec. I never knew sex could be that good, or could leave me that sore. “What do you think, baby. Have you been thoroughly fucked yet?”
“And then some,” I laughed.
“Are you sure? Because I’d hate to think I was depriving you.”
“Oh God, please, no more. I’m so sore.”
A smile crossed Alec’s face. “Just giving you what you asked for.” He kissed me on the forehead. “Anything for you, Isabella.”
Alec ran a warm bath and helped me in. Part of me was relieved when he decided not to join me. We’d have ended up tangled in the throes of passion and I was certain my body couldn’t take any more right now. “Sit down,” he said. “The warm water will ease some of the soreness.” I didn’t argue. There wasn’t a muscle in my body that didn’t get a workout last night. I made a mental note to choose my words more carefully with him moving forward. He’d taken my half-buzzed demand for sex as a challenge. A challenge he wasn’t about to lose.
When I got out of tub some time later I could hear Alec yelling. His voice was the only one I heard, so I guessed he was on the phone. He’d said he was going to order us breakfast, but his clipped tone suggested it wasn’t room service he was taking to.
Pulling on one of his shirts, I peeked out of the bedroom to find out what was going on. Alec was pacing around the room, his hands fisted at his sides. What could have him this upset at five in the morning? He’d been in such a good mood when he helped
me into the bath. What could’ve changed in that short amount of time?
“Have Marcus meet me on site. No. I’ll be there in a couple hours.” Alec reached up and pressed the button on his Bluetooth earpiece then turned his attention to me. “Eat,” he said simply, pointing at a tray of food on the table.
I lifted the silver dome off the tray and uncovered two omelets and a selection of fresh cut fruit. Grabbing a handful of grapes, I sat down on the sofa to eat them.
“You’re leaving?” I asked after a few minutes.
Alec sat down next to me. “I’m afraid so, baby.”
“Take me with you.”
“No, Isabella. It isn’t safe for you there.”
“Nathan is in custody, remember?”
Alec took my hand in his. “It wasn’t Nathan,” he whispered.
“But I thought you said the police had him on video at your apartment.”
“The video shows him placing the package but he swears he had no idea it contained explosives.” Alec squeezed his eyes shut. “And his fingerprints don’t match the ones from your house or the hotel.”
My head was spinning. What was he saying? Someone else was trying to hurt me? “What about the fingerprints in my room. You said Nathan had been there.”
“The fingerprints in the hotel room matched the partial from the alarm system at your house, and when the police discovered that Nathan didn’t work at the hotel everyone assumed it was him, including me.” Alec cupped my face in his hands, his eyes holding mine in an impassioned plea. “But it wasn’t him, Isabella. He’s not the one who hurt you.”
Wrapping my arms around Alec’s waist, I buried my face in his chest. Tears had already started to fall. If it wasn’t Nathan, then who was it? “Why, Alec, why is this happening?” I cried. “Why is someone trying to hurt me?”
“That’s what I’m going to find out.”