by Geneva Lee
“I’m afraid that Tomas might be disappointed,” I murmured. Just getting Edward to go out was a step in the right direction, but I knew he wasn’t ready for a relationship. Still, it was good to see him talking with someone.
“It will take some time,” Jane agreed. “But in my experience, that doesn’t mean you have to be celibate.”
I laughed. “I’ll make sure to remind him of that.”
“Please do.” She continued to scan the room for prospects. Her hand tightened over my wrist as another man, bearing a striking resemblance to Tomas, entered the restaurant. “Well, hello.”
She licked her coral lipstick. Apparently, her evening’s target had been acquired.
“I think I’ll find Smith.” She didn’t need my help when it came to flirting.
Jane nodded absently, still watching the new arrival. “I think I’ll play hostess. Tomas seems otherwise engaged.”
Within seconds, she was across the room, her smile sparkling as much as her dress as she welcomed the man to the party. He must be related to Tomas. They looked too similar. But this man was slightly older. He had to have a good twenty to twenty-five years on him. I made a mental note to ask about him when I finally had a moment with my new friend.
Smith joined me, holding a plate of hors d’oeuvres, and I plucked a tiny piece of toast topped with foie gras from it. “Thank you.”
“I knew what you wanted, beautiful,” he said with a smile.
“Am I that predictable?” I asked.
“No, I just know you.” His eyes smoldered into mine and I took my time taking a bite, allowing it to linger near my lips, imagining what would come later. Smith’s gaze danced over my mouth as I savored the delicate hors d’oeuvre. As soon as its rich, buttery taste spread across my tongue, I closed my eyes and moaned with pleasure.
“You’re making me jealous,” he said in the lowered voice. “I’m supposed to be the one that makes you moan like that.”
“Consider it foreplay, Price.” I said, following the delicacy with a coy sip of champagne.
“There you are,” Edward called, moving to join us.
I looked around for Tomas but found he’d gone to greet the gentleman that Jane had zeroed in on. The three of them were standing in a corner, chatting as if they’d all known each other for years. “Who is that?”
“His uncle,” Edward told me. “He owns a vineyard or something in France.”
“But he came here for New Year’s?”
“I guess fate has plans for him,” Edward said wryly as we watched Jane flirtatiously place a hand on the man’s coat jacket.
“Fate or Aunt Jane,” Smith muttered. “I’m not sure which is a stronger force of nature.”
“It’s Jane,” Edward and I said at the same time.
“Everything looks beautiful,” I said to Edward.
“Wait until you see the menu.”
Edward’s proclamation proved true. I’d been impressed by my other experiences with Briar Rose, but it was nothing compared to this evening’s feast. Tomas had leaned into his French heritage to produce one of the best meals I’d ever had in my life. Somehow, even though we were all clustered next to each other in the room, the whole affair felt intimate. Courses were served family style to each table.
The hors d’oeuvres had been a taste of what was to come. More foie gras and fresh baguettes were delivered to the tables along with buttery escargot. Smith and I took turns scooping the tiny delicacies from their shells and feeding them to each other. Two main courses followed, a whole Scottish salmon served with a creamy béarnaise and a braised leg of lamb resting on steamed haricots verts. Each bite was more sinful than the last, made all the better by how much hungrier Smith’s eyes became as the evening progressed.
His hand slid to rest on the small of my back as we talked and laughed with our friends. Jane had Hughes, Tomas’s uncle, completely enraptured. It was a perfect night. When a platter of profiteroles and fresh strawberries were placed in front of us with a steaming pot of melted French chocolate to dip them into, I wasn’t sure I could eat another bite.
“I think I’m too full,” I whispered to Smith. But he’d already picked up a strawberry and dipped it into the chocolate. “Just one for me, beautiful.”
He brought it to my mouth and pushed it gently past my lips. My teeth sank into it, my eyes never leaving his as the tart sweetness of strawberry mixed with rich dark chocolate on my tongue. This was definitely becoming foreplay.
“Do you want to stay until midnight?” he asked in a husky voice.
“Do you have something else in mind?” I asked, feigning innocence.
“I can think of several ways I’d like to ring in the new year with you.” He brought his lips to my ear, brushing the stubble on his chin across the sensitive skin of my neck. “But one dance first.”
I nodded, lost to words, too intoxicated by the man next to me to think of a thing to say. My thoughts were already racing forward to being alone with him. Deep inside me, my core clenched in anticipation as he stood and offered me his hand. There was no traditional dance floor in the Briar Rose, but a few couples had pressed close together to sway to the jazzy music playing on the stereo. As we stood it shifted to a more bluesy rift, and I found myself laughing when I recognized the Rolling Stones. “They’re playing our song.”
“I know,” Smith said with a devilish grin as he swept me into his arms.
“You’re full of surprises tonight, Price.” I wrapped my arms around his neck.
“I guess I always feel romantic on our anniversary,” he murmured as I laid my head against his shoulder.
“What if I want you to be a little dirty instead?” I asked him.
“I think I can manage both. As you said, I’m full of surprises, and, beautiful, you’re going to be full of me soon.”
I felt the bulge of his erection press into my belly as if to prove the point. He bent to whisper in my ear. “I will never have enough of you. This year. Next year. Every year.”
It was perfect. The beginning that I wanted. Here with him, belonging to him, remembering our past but moving forward together. Nothing could tear us apart like the song said. When it’s final bars faded away, Smith looked down at me. “Should we say or should we go?”
“I think I’m ready for you to show me how you want to ring in the new year,” I told him, lowering my lashes flirtatiously.
“I’ll warm up the car.” Before he could move towards the door, he leaned and kissed me full on the lips. My mouth parted in welcome, a happy sigh escaping me as he pulled away with a smirk. “Consider that a sneak preview.”
I made my way back to our table to find my wrap and my clutch, scanning the room to say goodbye. Jane and Hughes were tucked in a corner, their heads close together talking. I hated to interrupt them. Instead, my eyes found Edward. He had just finished a dance with Tomas and gone to the bar to get another glass of wine. Maneuvering my way through the crowd, I joined him. Before I could stop him, he poured a glass for me, too. “Actually, we’re leaving.”
Edward frowned, his eyes narrowing in concern. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I think we just want to be alone,” I said, biting my lip. It occurred to me that maybe I should stay with my best friend, so he didn’t have to face the new year alone. But Edward didn’t seem concerned over my departure, instead he gave me a swift kiss and a smile. “In that case, happy early new year.”
I tapped my glass against his in a toast. “To a new start.”
“To a new start,” he echoed. I saw the same hope I felt in his eyes. This year had to be better than the last one for both of us. I downed the drink quickly as Smith reappeared in the doorway.
“I think your Prince Charming has arrived,” Edward said with a grin.
I wouldn’t consider Smith my Prince Charming. He was my dark knight, my savior, my protector, and my haven. At his hands, I’d found the beautiful pleasure darkness could bring. I found myself in places I’d never expected to go. And even now, w
alking through this shadowed path with him, I knew. He might not be a Prince Charming, but he was my happily ever after.
9
Smith
Belle’s hand stayed in mine as I drove through the wintery streets of Briarshead. The village was still filled with boisterous celebration, drunken crowds weaving with pint glasses, singing off the new with exuberance. The festive atmosphere faded along with the village as we took the country road that wound to our estate.
“It’s lovely,” she murmured watching the snowflakes fall out the window.
“I was thinking the same thing.” I raised her clasped hands and kissed the back of hers.
“I wish we didn’t have to go home,” she admitted in a soft voice.
“Beautiful,” I began, searching for the words that might remind her that the darkness would pass. It always had before. But I didn’t want to color this evening with its shadow, so I pasted a cocky grin on my face. “I thought you wanted me to take you home to ring in the new year.”
Belle twisted in her seat, dropping her free hand over my groin. She brushed the bulge there and my dick leapt to attention. “I do want to ring in the new year—with you. Only you.”
There was no mistaking the invitation behind her words. We were halfway to Thornham with few other properties nearby. The road showed no signs of other cars in the freshly fallen snow. It seemed we were among the few who had bothered to leave the comforts of their home for the holiday. We were alone, and it had been a long time since I’d had Belle entirely to myself. Turning the wheel, I pulled the car off the road near a small grove of trees. “Let’s not go home, then.”
I left the lights on and the engine running to ensure the cabin stayed warm and we could enjoy the winter scene outside. My wife bit her crimson-stained lip, her eyes fluttering as though a dozen wicked thoughts had just flown through her head. I reached down and put my seat back before crossing my arms behind my head to relax. It wasn’t an invitation or an order. I’d seen exactly what she wanted in her eyes, and I was more than happy to give it to her. Belle unfastened her safety belt and gathered her skirt so she could kneel in her seat. Her expert fingers had my trousers undone and my zipper down in seconds. She pulled my cock out, wrapping her soft fingers around it, and pumped the shaft as she lowered her lips to its crest. My eyes closed, savoring the pop of her lips over its tip and the velvet heat of her mouth wrapping around me. She took her time, stroking my shaft as she licked and sucked. I felt my balls tighten, but this time I was prepared.
I lifted her head away to find her lipstick smeared under her lower lip and her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Part of me wants to finish the job,” I told her in a low voice. “I wouldn’t mind seeing that perfect face of yours covered in me. You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Tell me how much you want to feel it on your skin, dripping down your neck.”
“Please, sir,” she whispered, her words panting from her.
“Not yet,” I said and her face fell. “I want to fuck you first.”
Her eyelids shuddered at the promise of my words, then she started to push up on the console. I placed my index finger on her lips. “No. Sit in your seat and be patient.”
Belle returned to the leather seat and I opened my car door, not bothering to stuff my cock pack in my pants. Shrugging off my jacket, I left it in the driver’s seat, knowing I wouldn’t want it restricting my movement. Snowflakes hit my rock hard dick, melting on contact with the hot skin as I circled to her side of the SUV. Opening the door, I offered her my hand. She stepped carefully out, her heels sinking into the snow before I lifted her off her feet and slammed her into the side of the Range Rover. Our mouths met in a tangled collision as my hand searched for the car handle behind her. I found it and spun her carefully, so I could open it wide enough to deposit her on the backseat.
She’d lost her shoes in the snow, but she didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she lifted her hips to allow me to hike the hem of her dress to her hips. I groaned when I saw the delicate lace garter holding up her sheer black stockings. It criss-crossed under her navel, forming an arrow that pointed to her bare pussy below.
“Has this been naked all night?” I asked, stroking a finger down her wet seam.
“Yes,” she purred. I wasn’t entirely sure if she was answering my question or if she was about to explode. I stepped between her open thighs, unable to wait any longer, sinking inside her with one deliberate thrust. Belle cried out, arching in the seat, as her legs circled my waist. Her hands reached to grab hold of my vest and she clawed up my front, bringing her lips to mine, as I drove into her. She hooked an arm around my neck so that her lips brushed lazily against mine and our eyes locked. Belle’s hips circled around my cock as I rocked in and out of her, bringing us both to the edge.
Snow had managed to blow through the open door, but she showed no signs of being cold. The flakes caught in her hair and lingered for a moment before melting to glistening drops. There was no sound in the silent night except our frantic breathing and the slap of skin against skin as I fucked her under the moonlight. Belle gasped in shallow bursts and I felt her clamping over my cock, inviting me to join her. She cried out as I spilled inside her, her fingers gripping me for strength as we left the past behind us and moved forward together.
When she collapsed against me, I smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Happy New Year, beautiful.” I slanted my face over hers and kissed her lips. “Any resolutions?”
“Do that more,” she said in an exhausted, but content whisper.
“I think I can help with that.”
I rearranged her skirt before lifting her back into the passenger’s seat. Then I bent to retrieve her heels from the snow, brushing them off and tucking them near the SUV’s floorboard heater.
“Thank you.” She gave me a swift kiss. I closed her door, brushing wet droplets from my hair as I returned to the driver’s side.
“Are you cold?” I stole a glance at my wife. Despite the weather, her cheeks were flushed from our lovemaking. A grin carved across my face when I realized I’d managed to keep her warm, even in the snow.
“Don’t look so smug,” she said, smacking my hand lightly.
“A man should always take pride when a wife is lit up like a full moon after he’s fucked her.”
“Is that right?” She leaned over the console to kiss me. Settling back into her seat, she pulled down the rearview mirror and gasped when she saw her makeup. “Lit up like the moon,” she repeated. “Bollocks. I look like I was left out in the rain too long.”
“Don’t.” I said when she went to fix the lipstick that had smeared from her lower lip. “If I promise to get you inside without anyone seeing you, will you keep it like that?”
She paused, turning from the mirror with a curious look. “Why?”
“Because it reminds me of how good you look with my cock in your mouth,” I growled. I reached over and brushed my thumb across her lower lip, smearing it more. “It makes me think of all the filthy things you can do with that mouth of yours.”
“Like talk back?” she teased, but her breath caught as I pushed my thumb past her lips and dragged it over her lower teeth.
“Oh, it’s a smart, pretty, little mouth,” I told her. “I love everything that comes out of it—almost as much as I love putting things in it.”
Belle practically vibrated as I plunged my thumb deeper inside. Her red lips closed over it, sucking it lightly.
Fuck, she was perfect. “Can’t wait to have me back in your mouth can you?”
She shook her head, her eyes round saucers that shone with captured moonlight. A hand crept over the console to my lap, but I slapped it away.
“You’ve already had that tonight,” I reminded her. “Maybe I want something in my mouth.”
She whimpered, squirming in her seat. I loved seeing her like this. Loved knowing how much she still wanted it. I had so much more to give her. Tonight and every night after.
“Do you want to go home? Or shou
ld I fuck you again in the backseat?” I demanded.
Belle pulled away, running her tongue over her lower lip as if to savor the taste of my skin lingering there. Her eyes hooded lustily. “Whatever pleases you, sir.”
Christ. We would be lucky to make it home tonight, at all. At least, the Range Rover had plenty of gas and heated leather seats. But before I could get back out of the car and shove her pretty little ass into the back seat, my mobile began to ring. Instantly, the air thickened around us. I pulled it from my pocket, checked the screen and answered immediately. “Is everything okay?”
Across from me, Belle’s demeanor shifted in an instant. She reached for her seatbelt and strapped herself in, casting terrified glances in my direction.
“Everything is under control, but you should come home,” Georgia said. “There was an incident.”
“What kind of incident?” I asked, throwing the SUV into gear and pulling back onto the snow-covered road.
“Nora has had some sort of allergic reaction. Paramedics are here.”
“What?” I roared.
“Everything’s fine. She’s fine. It was some type of misunderstanding. I figured you’d want to get home, though, since—”
“I’m on my way,” I cut her off and hung up on the phone to concentrate on getting us back to the estate.
Next to me, Belle had crossed her arms over her chest protectively. She looked too scared to ask what happened.
“Nora had some type of allergic reaction,” I said, trying to keep my tone as even as possible. “They had to call the paramedics.”
“I didn’t know she had any allergies,” Belle said, looking stunned.
“Everything is under control. Georgia is there, and Penny is fine.” I didn’t mention that I hadn’t even asked about the baby. I assumed that if something was wrong with my child, Georgia would lead with that.
Belle looked unconvinced next to me. “Smith…“
“Yes?” I asked as we raced home.
“Is anyone safe at Thornham?”
I was beginning to wonder the same thing myself.