“And why the hell not?” Michael asks.
“Because, I’m not interested in a drunken night out.”
I start feeling restless, both Alex and Ethan notice. I’m uncomfortable in this chair, I need a comfy soft seat.
“Libby, come on, I’ll help you into the living room,” Ethan says standing. I nod.
“Alex, could you get me my medication and some fresh water please?” I ask.
Ethan and I leave the others as they start tidying up and Michael and Alex to have the conversation about his stag do. He’s very gentle with me as we walk slowly into the living room.
“You look a little tired, sis. You should've just had a quiet night, without having everyone here.”
“What and miss out on being surrounded by everyone I love. I don’t think so. Now you wanted to talk to me?” I ask.
“I do, but not when we have a chance of being interrupted.”
“Look, Ethan. I have eyes and can see the attraction between you and Sophie. It’s none of my business. But your statement Christmas night makes me think I must’ve been walking around with my eyes shut not to notice anything different between you and Lindsay.”
“I will make this brief.” His eyes drift toward the kitchen and back to me. “We were going to separate, then we found out Lindsay was pregnant and we tried to make a go of it.” Whoa. Not what I was expecting.
“Why didn’t you say anything?” I ask.
“Because, we all have our own lives to lead.”
Now I feel sad at the thought of my brother, not wanting to tell me his marriage was on the rocks.
“Libby, even if the events of that tragic night hadn't happened, Lindsay and I wouldn’t be together. We didn’t love each other. I mean really love. The love that I see with you and Alex, we never had that. We were comfortable with each other. But we both wanted and needed more.”
“Ethan, you still have to remember all the good times you had. You have a beautiful daughter from your marriage. You also have a lot to be thankful for. Me as your pushy sister, I just want to see you happy. Nothing more, nothing less. All I will say is that you need to be careful not to upset Lindsay’s parents. They are part of Lucy’s life.”
“I know that and no matter what happens in my future, they will always be a part of Lucy’s life.” He sighs heavily. “They knew we were going to separate, Lindsay had told them, because she had planned on moving back in with them.”
“I see. Look you have to do what’s right for you and Lucy, she has to be your top priority. But as I said, it’s nice seeing you happy. Just don’t rush into anything. Have fun, but be careful too. I don’t want to see you or Sophie hurt. That’s all I will say on the matter,” I tell him. He puts his arm round me, and I settle in tight against him.
“I love you, sis.”
“I love you too.”
Our moment is disturbed as Alex brings my pain relief and water. He smiles as he watches us. I know he is envious of the relationship Ethan and I have. He’s not really close to Connor, but he is closer to Sophie and I can see the relationship between them growing. I take the tablets and water from Alex.
“Libby, I’m going to head off home with Lucy,” Ethan says.
“Alone?” I ask, looking to Alex to see his reaction. But he doesn’t look all that phased.
“Yes alone. I want to get Lucy settled I have some work to finish off for the casino opening.”
“If you have any problems, let me know. I know I’ve put you under pressure, with this extra work,” Alex says to Ethan.
“No, it’s cool. It will all be done by tomorrow. I will email it, as soon as it’s ready.”
Sophie comes into the room, with Lucy babbling in her arms. It has to be said, she looks very relaxed with her. A natural. I look at Ethan, as he watches them both, smiling. Sophie notices Ethan watching her, and looks away shyly, embarrassed. Everyone else comes through into the living room. Ethan takes Lucy and says goodnight to everyone, and it’s not gone un-noticed Sophie walks him out. Sarah shakes her head, as though she disapproves. Well I suppose she will have her concerns over what appears to be developing between the two.
We all sit talking; I sit wrapped in Alex’s arms. My dad decides that if all the ladies are going out tomorrow, maybe the men should do the same thing. He thinks it would make sense and I suppose he does have a point. Now what will Alex opt to wear on our wedding day. I would love to see him in a kilt, he does have the legs for it. Kirsty and Sophie are both excited about tomorrow. So am I. As we sit talking, Alex strokes my arm. It’s very soothing, I feel the weight of my eyelids, grow heavy.
“Ssh, close them,” he whispers. “If you want, or I can take you upstairs.”
“Mm, that could be interesting.”
“Not happening. You’re tired.”
“Well in that case, I will just close them for a bit.” I feel myself sink further, toward Alex as my eyes close. I feel myself drifting away from all the conversations going on around me. Although a conversation between Alex and my Dad, has got my attention, well some of it anyway.
“Alex, have you spoken with Libby about where you are going to stay, when the babies are born?” Dad asks him.
“Briefly, but she is wanting to focus on the wedding first. But I do know where she wants to stay, it will just be a case of waiting to see if anything comes on the market, I guess.”
“I know exactly where that is. I have an idea about this, let me run it past Jane and we can talk tomorrow.”
“Libby. Libby come on let’s get you up to bed.”
“Do I have to move?” I ask without opening my eyes.
“Yes. Everyone has either gone home or gone to bed.” I open my eyes slowly, allowing them to adjust to the light. “Well sleepy head, I hope you’re not going to sleep the next seven or eight months away.”
He helps me to my feet and I stand gazing into his eyes. His eyes that don’t seem as dark as they were this time last night. I stand on my tip toes and kiss him. Smiling, he takes my hand and slowly leads me upstairs.
While Alex is in the bathroom, I undress leaving only my underwear and climb into bed. I am still tired, but I want him more. I just hope he wants me.
He comes into bed and switches off the light. There is a soft glow in the room, from the street light outside, shinning in the room. I turn to face him. He brushes his lips, lightly against mine. “Goodnight, my beautiful girl.”
“Eh, I don’t think so mister. If you think for one minute I’m going back to sleep, you better rethink. I want you.”
“We should wait a few days. Let you fully recover from your accident.”
“I’m fine,” I tell him. I wrap my arms around him, pulling myself closer. I feel him. Now how much restraint does he have? A lot more than me, is the answer to that question. “Please don’t make me beg. I want this, just as much as you do.”
“My job is to protect you. Keep you safe.”
“I always feel safe in your arms.”
“I always want you feeling like that with me. Now I have another two that I want to keep safe and protect.” His hand runs slowly across my belly, where he leaves it resting. His words pull at the strings holding onto my heart.
“That still doesn't help with just now. I still want you.” Desire runs through me, as I watch him face an inner battle with himself. He inhales deeply as he gazes at me, his brown eyes clouding over. His lips part slowly and I know this round goes to me.
I thread my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer, until our lips collide. I kiss him hard, taking him by surprise. His tongue moves in swiftly. He moans as he kisses me back. Hungry for the taste of him, our tongues caress. My head is in a spin, and all we’ve done is kissed. He slows the pace I’ve set, much to my disapproval.
“Slowly.”
I nod defeated.
His lips leave mine, moving around my neck. Small tender kisses are left behind as he travels. My eyes close and I enjoy the feel of his soft lips teasing me. Alex moves m
e slightly, so I’m lying on my back, all the time still keeping contact with small kisses. He pulls back slowly and gazes lovingly down at me. “You, Miss Stewart, are the most important person in my life. I would do anything to ensure your happiness, health and safety.”
“I love you with all my heart.” It’s comes out as almost a cry.
He continues his assault with his lips, downward but not stopping where I thought they would. No his soft kisses rain downward, past my heavy breasts, until he reaches my belly. Where he spends time, kissing my belly softly and whispering, although his voice is so low, I don’t make out what he’s saying. I can only imagine it has something to do with our two little miracles deep inside me.
He lifts his head and our eyes connect. In this moment all I see is the man I love with all my heart, not the businessman, not the arrogant man I thought he was. Just the man who has opened himself up to me, who has changed his vision in life and in turn altered mine.
He smiles before moving quickly, and removes not only my underwear, but his boxers as well. Well, now I know we are both heading in the same direction.
“Such a perfect body,” he says trailing one hand along my side. I inhale and let out a small laugh. I don’t know why, but his touch is tickling me. He silences me with a demanding kiss. A kiss that wants so much more. Distracting me from the touch of his wandering hand.
The touch I’m longing for.
I moan as his fingers slide downward, teasing me. He thrusts his hips, rubbing his erection against me.
“I think, before you get carried away.” He places a kiss on my neck, “you need to remember,” another kiss, “we have a full house.” This time as he kisses my neck, I move my head allowing him more access. “No screaming.” He takes control of the kiss that finds my lips. Our connection is made. No space between us. My control is slipping from his touch and a kiss that is devouring me. I push my tongue against his mouth, savouring him, drinking him in. I pull him toward me; I flinch from the slight pressure I feel against my side.
He pulls away immediately “Libby, we can’t do this. I won't have you in pain.”
I’m going to have to take control, or both of us are going to be left wanting and needing.
“Alex, I’m fine.” He shakes his head at me, moving and lying by my side. Not what I had intended. I roll over and straddle him. His eyes widen in disbelief. Well if he can’t finish, what he started, I sure as hell will.
“Let’s wait until you are feeling better.” This man is frustrating. I don’t answer him, instead I decide it’s time to take what I, we both want.
I rock against his erection. He moves his arms but I pin them in place with mine. I watch as he struggles to deal with his self-control. I smile smugly.
I move into a better position. Closing my eyes, I sink down on his length. I still, adjusting to the feel of him deep within. And that is just where I wanted him to be. I hear him groan. I free his arms, now that I’m where I want to be. I move slowly to start, but it’s not enough. I want more, so much more than I know he’s prepared to give right now.
“Please,” I plead opening my eyes and meeting his.
“I don’t want to hurt you.” I rise up from him and sink down deeper. “Fuck!”
“Please.”
“You’re impossible and very demanding tonight.”
He takes hold of my hips as he sets the pace. Slowly at first, up and down, over and over. But I can see him start to lose control. His eyes close, head back. I feel my orgasm building deep within. I change the direction of the pace quicker and quicker. Both of us searching for our own release. He thrusts against me, going deeper and deeper each time I sink lower onto him.
There’s no holding back, as my orgasm rips through me with such intensity and I muffle my scream as I fall onto his chest. Alex comes hard as he cries my name. So much for not wanting everyone to hear me.
I lie against his chest, listening to his heart rate. I could lie here all night, listening. It’s soothing, but then again it’s Alex who soothes me, makes me feel safe, secure and comfortable. No, comfortable is not a word that would describe Alex, he makes me feel alive, wanted and most of all loved.
31st December
“LIBBY, CAN I GIVE YOU a hand?” Alex says bringing my attention back to now. I turn away from the mirror that I have been staring into for the last ten minutes. I’ve been completely lost in my own thoughts. He’s standing already dressed for tonight. He is a man that wears a suit well. Very well. I expected the suit to be black, but it’s grey with a black shirt. He looks great, as he always does.
“Yes please. The zip is at the side.”
“You trying to kill a man, dressed like this? Red is my favourite colour on you.” His hand brushes lightly, against my bare skin on the back of my neck. My eyes close briefly, voluntarily, as I feel his lips press against me. I shake my head, I’ve not got time for all the thoughts running through my head just now.
“I know that.” The dress is very similar to the cream dress I wore in New York, and it’s one of Sophie’s designs. She brought it with her and gave me it today, and of course I love it. It’s a little shorter in length, but almost backless, leaving a lot of skin on show.
“What were you thinking about?” he asks, still with his hands on my back, making sure my thoughts are of only us now.
“Oh tonight. The last few days. How organised we are for the wedding. I still can’t believe how much we got done in a couple of days. Everything from the cake to dresses and everything in between.”
He turns me in his arms until I’m facing him. “Is that all, you look miles away?” he asks.
I ponder his question, trying to find the answer that will settle him. Everything in my life has moved so quickly these last few months. “It hit me today, how quickly my life is changing. Only three months ago, I was on my own and looking forward to carving out my career at hotel. All this between us, I never expected.”
“Libby . . .”
“Let me finish. There’s nothing I wouldn’t change at the moment, except the pace at which everything is happening. It’s all going so quick. I’m scared if I blink I might miss something. I’m also worried I won’t find the balance between our family life and my work life when the babies arrive. I’m scared that I might have to give up a part of myself that I’ve worked so hard to get. My career is just as important to me as yours is to you.”
“Baby, that’s not going to happen. We’re going to enjoy every minute of our wonderful life together. We will both find a balance in our lives. You’re going to work with Karl and Kieran over the next few weeks to ensure you have the right staff you need at the hotel. You won’t have to give up your career, just learn to balance both. I will need to do the same, and that includes travelling. I intend on looking over all my business interests with my dad and Michael and making some decisions over my assets. I want to be a hands-on dad as well. Even though my dad had a challenging career, he was always there for me growing up. I want to be the same for our two and any more we may have.” I splutter at the thought of having any more than these two.
“We will make it work. I promise, everything will be fine. You are looking so much better after some time off work. I know it’s only been a few days, but there is a difference in you, I see it. You’ve had no sickness, other than the other morning and we can both put that down to the alcohol. Let’s enjoy each day as it comes. Starting with spending New Years with our family. I’m looking forward to tonight; your dad took care of the guest list. Michael is happy to work tonight, allowing me time to mingle with the guests. The new manager doesn't start until next week, so I’m glad Michael is here.”
“I’m looking forward to tonight as well; you’ve worked hard to get casino ready for tonight. I presume everyone is waiting for me?” He nods as he, leans forward and kisses me on my forehead. “Well I suppose I better put my shoes on, grab my bag, then we should go.”
“Take your time, there’s no rush.”
I look
into the mirror, one last time before leaving the room with Alex. Tonight is so important to him, a lot of hard work and money has gone into this project. It’s the first one to be opened, the others in the UK will all open in a few weeks time. Alex has already said he wants to be at the opening of each, well of course he should. And given that I will be going as well, I’m going to have to be selective about what I wear to each. I don’t want to give the media anything to have them speculating about our private life. I’m really keen to try and keep it just that.
I’m excited to see how the casino looks all finished. All the other times I’ve been in so far, the contractors were still in. I know Michael is already there; he left the flat a few hours ago.
Downstairs, Alex’s parents, Sophie, Murphy and Joan are all waiting in the living room, having a drink. I’m glad Murphy and Joan are joining us tonight. It wouldn’t have felt right, not celebrating with them as well. The only one not drinking tonight is Murphy, he’s on driving duty. I did say I would drive, seeing as I wouldn’t be drinking, but both Alex and Murphy were having none of it. Their reasoning was the car for tonight is too big for me to drive. We have one of my dad’s cars for tonight, save us taking two cars. Me, I was more than happy to take both cars. Kirsty and Jay made their apologies, they are spending tonight with his friends. Kirsty sounded really disappointed to be missing tonight, when I spoke with her about it.
“I knew it was perfect for you. Look Mom, what do you think?” says Sophie. “It is stunning on you. I love how you look in it. Are you happy with the dress?”
“Of course you’re right. Libby it’s perfect on you.” Sarah replies first, smiling warmly.
“Soph, I love it.” Telling her the truth. “I could get used to having my own fashion designer at my beck and call. Although you will need to branch out, into a maternity range soon. An extra-large size in maternity clothes.”
“I’m sure I can come up with a few pieces for you. But we could have, just as much fun going shopping. Although I still think it will be a few months before you need anything,” she says, handing me a glass, of what I can only presume is orange juice. It’s all I’ve drunk the last few days, that and water.
He's Captured My Soul (Captured Series Book 3) Page 15