Protect Me

by Jennifer Culbreth

  “We saved the best for last I guess.” Ryan grabbed the last present under the tree and came over sitting next to Abbi. Unwrapping it he found a canvas wall hanging with the words “Home, where the Ho & Me come together.” “Ha, well we can hang it next to the picture of George.” He held it up, as his mom and dad chuckled.

  “I figured you two would get a kick out of that one if you’d gotten it.” His dad held his glass up.

  “Ah, thanks dad.” Ryan laughed.

  As Judy and Jace left out of the door and his parents were heading upstairs to their suite, Ryan walked back towards the great room finding Abbi setting their gifts onto the mantle above the fireplace. He came up behind her wrapping his arms around her waist.

  “Well, I have to say that was a successful party. You make a great hostess.” He turned her around taking her hand in his and grabbing her waist, swaying side by side slowly dancing to the music softly playing in the background.

  “Yeah, I have to say I think it was a success too, but I am completely exhausted. Next year Judy is helping me cook.”

  “Well, I like the sound of that. Next year.” He smiled down at her.

  “Oh yes, you are stuck with me I’m afraid.”

  “Nothing scary about that.” He leaned down meeting her lips with a soft kiss. “Let’s get upstairs and head to bed. You don’t want Santa skipping by the house because you weren’t asleep.”

  “According to the up to date Santa tracker on my phone, he is currently on the East Coast.”

  He led her upstairs towards their room. Once they made it through the door he left her sitting on the bed taking off her shoes. He walked into the bathroom turning the shower on, as the hot water poured out of the shower head filling the room with steam.

  “Babe, the shower is ready for you when you’re done.” He spoke towards the bedroom.

  She came in the door in just her lace bra and panties. “You mean you’re not going to join me?”

  “I actually have to run into my office for a few minutes. I will be back in just a little bit though. Take you a nice long relaxing shower, after today you could use it. You were amazing today.” He leaned in kissing her before giving her a light tap on her ass.

  “Ok, but if you get bored I will be in here, rubbing my body down with soapy water. All over. My. Body.” She unhooked her bra and let it fall to the floor, pausing a moment before sliding her panties off.

  “Good Lord woman. You sure do make it hard to walk away.” He leaned down and kissed her passionately, wrapping his hand up into her hair as his other traveled to her waist pulling her close towards his body.

  It took every muscle in his body to take a step back and leave out of that bathroom. Even as he made it out the door into the bedroom, he turned back around fighting against himself to walk out into his office, but he had something he needed to take care of. He walked down into his office and turned on the lights. Making his way over to his large desk he grabbed the set of keys sitting right behind the picture of him and Abbi at the Dodgers game that sat up on the credenza. Unlocking the bottom side drawer he reached inside and grabbed what he needed and then closed it back. He locked it before setting the keys back behind the picture and walking back towards the bathroom.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Man, what a long night. It had been years since she had been around family of any kind. And it had been so nice having Ryan’s parents there to spend the holidays with them. Overwhelming at times yes, but only because she didn’t want to let them down. She wanted to live up to the reputation they had for her in their heads. They thought so highly of her already that she didn’t want to disappoint them. She rinsed the conditioner from her hair before turning to face the shower to rinse the rest of the soap from her body before turning off the faucet. If she stayed in here any longer she would be completely pruned. Softly from the radio speakers from overhead she could hear the sounds of the classic version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.

  Opening the shower door she grabbed the towel hanging on the hook before stepping out. Looking up she noticed Ryan’s writing scrolled across the mirror. In large letters she saw the words “Abigail Elizabeth Hastings, I love you more than my own life.” Her heart swelled, her stomach dropped. Ryan had never said he loved her before, a part of her already knew it but he had never said it before. She called out to him before turning towards the door.

  “Ryan?” Tears filled her eyes. She felt as though she had been cast into a dream. While she had been in the shower he had brought in large vases filled with beautiful red roses along with candles. How did she not notice the flames through the glass?

  Ryan stood just inside the bathroom door staring at her wrapped in her towel. His eyes glistening before he dropped to the floor on one knee. Shakily she made her way over to him as the tears streamed down her face.

  “Ryan, what? What is going on?” She choked out.

  “Abigail Elizabeth Hastings. You are my rock, my best friend, and my soul mate. I love you more than I love myself. I pray for you and for us every day. I want to honor you, protect you, and cherish you for the rest of your life. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He reached up and took her left hand as a tear rolled down his face.

  “Ryan.” Her heart clenched, exuding with joy. She thought at first she was going to pass out from holding her breath, as she began to see the look of worry on his face. Realizing she hadn’t actually answered him she almost shouted. “Yes! Of course. Ryan. Oh I love you too. So much” Her words were cut off between her sobs.

  She wiped the tears from her eyes as he opened the box; a stunning white princess cut diamond that had to be four carats sat in the middle of the elegant ring. Framing the center stone were numerous white diamonds that also carried down each side of the platinum band.

  “Ryan, it’s beautiful.” She smiled as he slipped it onto her ring finger.

  As he stood she jumped onto his chest wrapping her arms around him and hugging him as tightly as she could. This man completed her. There was no doubt that he was her soul mate, the reason why her path had brought her out here.

  “We are getting married! Ahh!” She jumped up and down as he laughed.

  “Whew, well you had me going there for a second. I thought you were going to say no.” He stood shakily.

  “Oh, I could never do that. Oh Ryan. I love you so much.” She pulled him down to her, kissing him, sliding her hands up into his hair as her tongue slid into his mouth.

  His hands found her waist and pulled her up to him, her legs wrapping around him. Her towel dropped to the floor as his hands traveled up and down her naked body. The sink counter was the closest thing to them. He made his way over to it stumbling as he kissed her. Toothpaste and perfume bottles knocking over as he placed her down. The cold tile against her ass made the flames spring to life. She reached up stripping his shirt off of him as he knelt down in front of her. Spreading her legs apart, not stopping he dove straight into her pussy. He spread her open as his tongue slid deep into her. She gasped as she knocked back against the mirror. Her hands slid through the steamy condensation. She couldn’t get a grip on anything to pick herself back up as he ravished her clit. Sucking and licking, she could feel his tongue twirling circles around her. Her body convulsed as her hands traveled to his hair. The new addition on her hand shined in the light as she gasped for air.

  “Shit. Ryan. I am going to come.” Her voice was shrill.

  He quickened his pace sliding his finger deep inside of her, sending her off the cliff. She could feel the warmth staring at her core and slowly easing up through her body as her muscles tensed and relaxed then tensed again. The waves racked through her so hard. It was the hardest orgasm she had ever experienced. She squeezed her eyes shut as she screamed out Ryan’s name. He kissed her throbbing clit as he made his way up her body. Taking her lips and sucking against her bottom lip.

  “Taste yourself baby, you taste so sweet.”

  “Ryan.”

 
; “Yes baby?”

  “Make love to me.” She slid her tongue into his mouth tasting her sweetness on his lips.

  He didn’t speak, his hands picking her up off the counter as her she again wrapped her legs around his waist. He bumped off of the door frame, knocking into the wall, the whole time kissing her, leading them to the bed. He dropped her down onto the bed, standing at the edge she watched him with desire flaming over her skin, as he practically ripped his pants off dropping them and his boxers to the floor. His body came down on top of her pressing her down into the mattress as his lips met hers. She reached up and grabbed the back of his head pulling him hard into her mouth. Her legs wrapped around his waist as his hand traveled down to his erection, guiding his cock into her. He slid inside of her, her wetness making it easy for him to thrust deep inside of her. She gasped at the immediate sensation of fullness.

  Every inch of his length filled her up, stretching her wide open. She could feel it in her stomach as he pumped in and out of her. Moans leaving her lips as his mouth lingered just above her breast. His warm breath blowing down on her nipple caused it to perk up. She could feel his tongue as it slid along the peak, flicking back and forth before he took it, sucking on it hard. Her body reacted, as she pushed herself up towards his mouth. Flames spread down her body as her muscles clenched, her toes curling up as he thrust in and out of her. Her hands gripping his biceps as the glitter of light from her ring cast off into the room.

  He slowed his movements, looking down into her eyes. “Abbi, I love you.”

  “I love you too Ryan.”

  He rolled, never leaving contact with her body. Propping himself up at the edge of the bed sitting her up in his lap. The fullness from his cock as she sat down onto him caused her to throb with pleasure. His hands traveled up and down her back before his fingers ran up through her hair. She leaned back into his hands as she rocked her hips back and forth. Slowly he ran one hand down her back caressing her ass. She was close, she could feel the waves slowly building, starting deep inside of her, sparking through every nerve and muscle in her body. His hand slipped in between her ass cheeks, slowly rubbing circles around her entrance.

  “One day I am going to take you here.” He gently slipped the end of his finger into her ass.

  Her body went rigid, the sensation was unusual, but she slowly relaxed as he began to move his finger. She moaned out as his finger pumped in and out of her ass, his cock deep inside of her pussy. The feeling was amazing, hitting nerves she never thought existed. As she rolled her hips faster she heard the low growl coming from Ryan’s throat. She was throbbing around him, teetering on the edge until one final thrust threw her off. Her ass and her pussy pulsating around him, she gasped for air as she felt his hot come shoot inside of her. They moaned in unison as she slowed her movements. Sitting in Ryan’s lap, his hands on her waist she slowly opened her eyes.

  “That was amazing.” She leaned in and kissed him.

  “It’s always amazing with you baby.”

  She just sat there soaking up the warmth from his body. She leaned into him laying her head against his chest. His skin smelled lightly of cologne and sweat. This was the man she would spend the rest of her life with. She would want for nothing. Not family because she now had his, not friends, not love because she knew that he would shower her in it every day for the rest of her life. It was a feeling that she wasn’t used to. At that moment she felt a calm come over her. She had made it. She had succeeded. Most people would have tucked tail and ran at the first sign of trouble but it had never been an option and it was all for this man because in her heart of hearts she knew now that he was her destiny. Fate had made damn sure she wasn’t faltering from its plan any longer.

  She leaned up kissing him, sliding her tongue into his mouth teasing his own. Gently she maneuvered herself off of him as they lay back onto the bed.

  “Are you tired baby?” He rolled over propping himself up on one hand.

  “After that I am exhausted. Exhausted but completely satisfied.” She smiled as she held her left hand up in front of her.

  “Do you like it?”

  She looked over at him. “Are you kidding? I absolutely love it, but I have to say, I love the man who gave it to me more.” She rolled over meeting his lips in a gentle kiss.

  “Ok, bedtime. Santa is going to skip over our house because someone is so irresistible she keeps me up till the wee hours of the morning. I am going to go get cleaned up. Join me?” He smiled before he got up heading towards the bathroom.

  “I thought we agreed no presents.” She said still gazing into the sparkling light of her ring.

  “I agreed to that, Santa didn’t.”

  There was no use. The shower was running and “Frosty the Snowman” played loudly over the speakers. This man was impossible. She should have known better than to think he would go through the biggest holiday of the year and not get her something. She wondered what it could be. Was he serious about getting a new oven? She imagined he better ok that with Trish first. Maybe he had bought her a laptop; she had been dropping hints here and there. Or maybe if she was lucky, he would have gotten her a pony, who doesn’t want a pony? But then again who has room for a pony in LA? Where on earth would she put it, in one of the spare bedrooms?

  She snuck into the bathroom, the steam from the shower already fogging up the mirror. Quietly she scrolled the words “I can’t wait to be your wife” into the glass before turning to join him in the hot shower. He caressed her body as he ran his soapy hands over every inch of her skin.

  “I thought I said it was bedtime?” Ryan smiled.

  “You agreed to that.” She grinned. “Not me.”

  Even though she felt so exhausted, she couldn’t help herself. Turning towards him she reached down and grabbed his slight erection. Apparently he couldn’t help himself either. She felt his hands slide down to her ass as he grabbed her and pushed her back against the wall. Her lips immediately found his as she stroked his cock up and down. His erection hardening as the hot water of the shower cascaded down their bodies.

  “Hook your legs around me baby and hold on to my neck.” She could feel his lips against her ear as she did as he asked.

  Her hands locked around his neck as he lifted her onto his length. A moan escaped her lips as he pressed into her. She could feel every inch of him spreading her apart as he thrust in and out. His hands traveled up to her hair gently tugging at it forcing her head back. His lips found her neck as he kissed his way up to her ear lobe taking it into his mouth and sucking on it. It was pure ecstasy. The prickling sensation made its way down her neck hardening her nipples before it shot deep into her belly. She could feel every nerve in her body tingling. She needed release before her body gave out on her.

  She reached one hand down to her breast and fondled her nipple as Ryan quickened his pace pressing her hard into the shower wall.

  “You’re so sexy.” He growled into her ear. “Look at me when you come baby.”

  The possessiveness of his voice captivated her and drew her in. She found his dark eyes that burned with flames as his last thrust sent them both over the edge. Her fingers dug into his skin as she found her release. She could still feel him throbbing deep inside of her as she snapped back into reality, smiling up at him as he slowed his movements inside of her. Gently she slid down his body as he leaned down and took her mouth against his pulling back under the water as he finished rinsing them both off. He wrapped the large towel around her body taking his time to dry her off before they stepped out of the shower.

  “I can’t wait for you to be Mrs. Dixon either.” He placed a light kiss onto her neck as she smiled up at him. “Get to bed sleepy head. I will be right there.”

  She dropped the towel to the floor and made her way into the room. Climbing into the middle of the bed she wrapped the covers around her naked body. She barely heard Ryan’s footsteps coming out of the bathroom before the darkness overtook her, sending her off to dream of white lace and flow
ers.

  *****

  Ryan awoke early. Too early. They hadn’t gone to bed until well after midnight and it was still dark outside. But he had something he needed to make sure was done this morning. He quietly slipped out from underneath Abbi’s arm, softly placing it back down onto his pillow. He looked down at Abbi as she slept, she was beautiful, absolutely breath taking and to imagine that she was his. Soon she would become Mrs. Abigail Dixon. He still didn’t understand what he had done to deserve her. Sure he had always provided for his family and been loyal to his friends and brother’s in arms, but he had also done things that weren’t good. At least in his eyes they weren’t good. He only prayed that once he talked to Abbi about them, that her view of him wouldn’t change, but for today, he needed to slip downstairs and take care of a few special Christmas presents he had arranged without anyone knowing.

  He walked into his closet, too nervous to turn on the light he walked to the back from memory. Grabbing the drawer handle opening it and retrieving what felt like a pair of lounge pants. Turning around he took a few steps towards the other side of the closet, reaching his hands out in an attempt to find the other side of the room. Damnit, he found it alright. Holding his breath as the throbbing in his foot stopped, he listened to see if she was stirring. Nothing. It was quiet except for the low hum of the fan. He dressed as best he could in the pitch black and headed downstairs.

  Making it to the entrance of the house he disarmed the alarm and slipped outside meeting a set of headlights pulling up into the driveway as he made it down the front stairs. The brisk morning air bit at his exposed skin. He wanted to be back in bed enveloped by Abbi’s warmth. As the vehicle pulled up he eyed it from front to back. He had to give it to him, the man had good timing. Stepping up to the front of the garage he flipped open a small box containing a keypad and entered in a series of number. Simultaneously the garage doors all opened and the vehicle pulled into the first bay. Ryan walked up to the driver’s side as a short stalky man hopped out reaching for Ryan’s hand.