Rivers of Ink

by Julie Archer

  Alicia’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide. “How long were you and Isobel together?”

  “Nearly a year.” Callan gulped down some wine. “Although for the last three months of that, she and Xander were having an affair. I found them together, in this flat, in my bed.”

  Alicia shifted until she was mirroring Callan’s position. She reached out and placed a hand on his knee. “I had no idea.”

  “Neither did I. My brother died in an accident on his way to see his girlfriend, my ex. He was on his way to meet her when he wrapped his bike around a tree. How fucked up is that?” He could see tears shining in Alicia’s eyes. He covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry for what happened with Ned last night. I let my feelings get the better of me, and I didn’t think of you. I got wrapped up in the past again.” His fingers caressed her knuckles, and he was pleased that she responded in the same way.

  “Oh.” Alicia’s tone registered disappointment, and she pulled her hand away a little.

  Callan took a deep breath as he externalised the words he had been mulling around ever since the early hours of the morning. “It’s time I looked to the future and made a fresh start.” Being around Alicia was the best thing that had happened to him in a long while. She made him feel better, lighter. “What I’m trying to say is that despite the weird, fucked up way in which we met, doing everything the wrong way around, I think we’re pretty good together. The way you fit in seamlessly to The Unbound Soul, the way you already seem to get me.” He pulled her towards him. “What do you think? Do you want to take a chance on whatever this thing is?”

  He looked into Alicia’s eyes, seeing the green flash that little bit brighter, her pupils dilating as his gaze dropped to her lips. She leaned forward and met his, her tongue gently teasing as they kissed. It was the briefest of kisses, though Callan felt it right to his very core. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  Alicia shuffled forward and wrapped her legs around his waist, so she was straddling him, her arse in the space between his knees. Her lips crashed against his, kissing him with the intense passion he remembered from their first time together, as her hands slid under his t-shirt, grabbing the hem and pulling it over his head. Callan manoeuvred Alicia so she was lying on her back on the sofa, her dark brown hair fanned across the cushions, her green eyes full of longing. He eased off her jumper and bent his head to the line of her cleavage, hearing her sigh as he placed a succession of kisses there. His cock strained painfully, and he reached down to free himself as Alicia wriggled out of her own clothes. He admired her smooth, naked skin, free of any inks, so different to his own marked and branded flesh.

  Callan licked the tip of one of his fingers and lightly stroked a line between Alicia’s folds, avoiding directly touching her clit, feeling her wetness. She squirmed underneath his touch, a hiss of breath escaping her as she clutched at the edge of the sofa. He quickened the movement and moved his other hand to her face, tracing her lips and inserting a finger into her mouth. Involuntarily, she started to suck, her tongue swirling around. Callan imagined she were doing the same to his dick, and he felt himself pulse, needing to be inside her. He pulled his hands away and shifted position, thrusting into her in one sweet movement, Alicia’s slickness providing him ease of entry. She gasped as he rocked backwards and forwards, building up to a powerful, almost painful release. As he heard Alicia cry out, he was so close to the edge, it was excruciating. With a final grunt he gave one last thrust and collapsed on top of her, gulping for air.

  “Ouch! You’re heavy!” Alicia wriggled out from underneath Callan, her bra awry, skin sweaty from their exertions. She propped herself up on one side, her head resting on her hand.

  Callan turned to face her, hitching a leg between hers. He replicated the smile on her face. “I’m sorry. I’ll make sure you’re on top next time.”

  Alicia’s eyes glinted wickedly as she moved to mount him, placing a knee either side of his hips. She towered above him, her voluptuous breasts encased in sheer lace and embellished with satin bows. “Like this?” she suggested, quirking an eyebrow at him.

  He didn’t think he’d be ready to go again in such a short time, but Callan felt his cock hardening for the second time as Alicia’s hand travelled down her body and reached between her legs. “Oh, exactly like that, Ali. Exactly like that.”

  14

  The next week rushed by, and all too soon the day of Aidy and Wren’s wedding arrived. The weather was bright and sunny, despite many weather reports to the contrary.

  Alicia woke alone in Callan’s bed. Since they’d made up properly the previous weekend, she had been there every night and had slowly started—with Callan’s agreement—to move some of her stuff in. Despite Nell’s reservations about the speed at which everything happened, Alicia was happy. She still saw loads of Nell, and Rory when he was around, and had also been getting to know Wren much better. They were a lot closer now.

  Callan had stayed with Aidy at a B&B close to the wedding venue, undertaking last minute best-man duties. If she knew Callan and Aidy, those duties would involve calming any nerves with a vat of whisky. She hoped they hadn’t overdone it.

  Her phone buzzed with a message. Callan sent her a picture of him and Aidy, enjoying breakfast in their room with the caption shame you can’t enjoy a sausage with us this morning… looking forward to seeing you later xx. Alicia laughed and shook her head. Instead of sausages, she made herself tea and toast and ate it while watching a bit of news.

  When ten o’clock came, it was time for her to get ready.

  She made her way into the bathroom and started all the trappings that went with looking fabulous for a wedding: she shaved her legs and underarms, washed her hair, and took a leisurely shower. She dried off and then moisturised every inch of her body with an expensive lotion she’d borrowed from Nell. It smelled amazing, an alluring mix of shea butter and ginger. Alicia sang along to the radio as she danced naked into the bedroom, wishing that Callan was there to enjoy it.

  Her dress hung from the wardrobe, and she ran her hand over the fabric, savouring the feel. It was a beautiful garment, with a structured bodice and a flowing skirt with an ombre design in light to dark shades of blue. It complimented Callan’s navy suit perfectly. Alicia slid into the midnight blue satin and lace panties with a matching push-up bra that she’d bought from The Magpie in North Ridge. She tingled with anticipation as she thought of Callan’s reaction when he found them later underneath her dress. She pondered the idea of sending him a picture now though decided against it. If he was with Aidy, she didn’t really want him seeing it, much as they had become good friends. She slipped the dress over her head. It fit like a second skin, clinging to her curves and hiding the bits she didn’t want emphasised.

  Alicia twirled around in front of the mirror and caught a glimpse of the time.

  “Shit! I’m going to be late if I don’t get a move on.”

  She hurriedly applied some make-up and shoved essentials into her clutch bag—a cute little rectangle in the exact same shade as the darkest blue of her dress. She wrapped a pashmina around her shoulders, and the intercom went announcing the arrival of the taxi. Alicia grabbed her overnight bag which she’d had the foresight to pack earlier and dashed down the stairs.

  The car sailed through the light traffic as it headed out towards Stratfield, a small country village around ten miles from Oakridge. The wedding was being held at The Stratfield Barn, a grand grade II listed building licensed for civil ceremonies, with a huge manor house for guests to stay in. It was impressive yet understated, and Alicia knew Wren had fallen in love with it the moment she set eyes on it. As they approached, Alicia could understand why. The manor house dominated the vista as the taxi wound its way up the driveway, and the Great Barn was decorated in the vintage colours Wren had chosen for her theme. She had shown Alicia pictures of the inside space, which had a grand beamed ceiling and heavy wrought iron chandeliers, which matched up exactly to Wren’s ideas. Alicia already knew it was going
to be a spectacular day.

  Callan was waiting outside the house for her. He was also dressed for the day, in the gorgeous suit he had modelled for her, his dark hair was styled differently, and less stubble darkened his jaw than usual. It didn’t make him any less handsome, and Alicia caught her breath as she laid eyes on him.

  “Hey, gorgeous lady!” Callan helped her out of the taxi and thrust some notes at the driver before twirling her around under his arm.

  “Hey yourself!”

  He caught her in an embrace, entwining his hands into the hair at the back of her neck and pulling her towards him. His tongue explored her mouth, and she responded, pressing her body against his.

  “Oi, you two! Less of that please, you’ll scare the wildlife.” Aidy waved at the nearby field full of cows as he walked towards them, resplendent in his morning suit. He kissed Alicia on both cheeks. “Ali, you look amazing.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled. “Nervous yet?”

  Aidy held out a hand that trembled slightly. “A little. Unless that’s the shakes after all the drinking we did last night.”

  “Let’s get this up to our room. The view from there is fantastic.” Callan took Alicia’s bag and put a hand on the small of her back, propelling her towards the manor house. “Aidy, I’ll see you soon.”

  The groom nodded and turned his attention to the next set of arriving guests.

  There were several staff milling around in the hallway, who greeted Callan as if he’d been staying there for ages and directed them to their room. Callan made a big show of opening the door, and Alicia gasped as she walked in, before he shut it behind them. There was a massive four poster bed with white floral drapes and light mahogany posts positioned so you could look out of the window directly onto the surrounding countryside.

  Alicia walked over to the window and rested her palms on the sill, drinking in the sight. As Callan had already alluded to, the view was stunning. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the side of her neck.

  “You want to know what I’m thinking?” he whispered.

  “I’m not sure, do I?”

  “I’m thinking how utterly hot you would look spread-eagled naked on that bed, tied to the posts, totally at my mercy as I make you come. And it will happen, Alicia, I promise you.”

  Alicia’s knees trembled as she slumped against Callan, the words making her insides contract with lust. He tightened his grasp on her as he hitched the skirt of her dress up. His teeth nipped her skin as he discovered the lingerie, and Alicia groaned. Callan’s fingers slipped underneath the satin and lace, gently stroking her as he continued to tell her what he’d do to her when she was tied to the bed. She felt herself growing wet under his touch, aching with need and longing for him to shift his fingers inside her. Instead, she pressed her palms onto the cool wood of the windowsill, almost hoping it would reduce the heat building up inside her. She raised herself up against Callan in an attempt to increase the pressure of his touch.

  “Jesus, Ali, what are you doing to me?” growled Callan. He pushed his groin towards her. His hand moved away from her clit and clutched at her buttock, the nails digging into her skin. She gasped, dismayed at his sudden withdrawal.

  “Please, Callan, don’t stop.” Her voice shook.

  He moved his thumb back into place and began to caress her more firmly as he finally inserted his fingers into her at the same time. The sensations flooded through her as she rocked against him. Her orgasm hit suddenly with a powerful shudder, and she rode the waves of pleasure as Callan continued to stimulate her.

  Alicia sagged against Callan’s chest, her breath coming in short pants. “If I knew we were going to start the day like that, I wouldn’t have worn knickers.”

  He gave a throaty laugh, the sound muffled by her hair as he buried his face into her. “If I’d have known you weren’t wearing knickers, we wouldn’t have made it to the bedroom.”

  15

  The ceremony was touching, with both Aidy and Wren coming up with beautiful individual vows that brought a tear to even Callan’s eyes. He couldn’t help looking around in Alicia’s direction every chance he could though. As he stood at the front of the congregation, listening to the happy couple’s words and knowing his girlfriend was watching, he filled with pride and pleasure. It had been a long time since he’d felt this happy, before everything that had happened between Xander and Isobel. The spontaneous interlude before the ceremony also had something to do with that feeling and he couldn’t wait until later to finish properly what they had started. As he wondered whether his tie was long enough to bind Alicia’s wrists to one of the bedposts, his cock twitched, still tender having not had the release he needed. He shook his head, trying to bring his mind out of the gutter at what was such a pure and tender occasion.

  The dinner and speeches went past in a flash, and his best man stories went down well. Day turned to evening and it was time for more guests to arrive. The barn had been transformed into a party space, lines of coloured fairy lights hung around the room, space had been cleared for a dance floor, and the DJ was hooked into the PA system, playing background music until it was time for the first dance. There were plenty of people milling around, chatting, catching up with old friends or family members they hadn’t seen for a while.

  Callan and Alicia were talking to Wren’s friends from Books ’n’ Beans when the DJ called for the crowd’s attention.

  Aidy and Wren headed to the centre of the floor, giggling.

  “Oh, God, I hope they haven’t planned a proper choreographed dance,” said Callan. “Or expect us to join in.”

  Alicia pouted at him. “It would be fun to dance.”

  He hugged her close to him as the music started—something by Ed Sheeran he vaguely recognised—and the couple began moving around the floor. There was nothing choreographed about it at all as Callan watched Aidy lumber across the room. The groom waved at his best man to join him.

  “Come on then, it seems I’m outvoted.” He pulled Alicia with him and drew her towards him. Their bodies fitted together perfectly, and Alicia rested her head on his shoulder. Their movement was barely perceptible as other couples joined them. His heart soared as she let out a contented sigh. It felt so right between them. He wanted to tell her how much she meant to him, how she’d taken the darkness out of his life and filled it with light. As he was about to speak, the DJ changed the music and a frothy pop beat filled the air. It kind of killed the moment for him.

  “Shall we get a drink?” he suggested instead. “I’m parched after all that effort.”

  “Oh, yes please. I think my champagne levels are dangerously low.”

  They walked hand in hand towards the bar, and Callan thought he saw a flash of blonde hair he recognised. He shook off the thought and spotted Jason getting a drink.

  “All right, mate? Glad you could come tonight,” he said.

  “Thanks, Cal, yes. Great evening so far and nice of Aidy to invite me at such late notice,” said Jason. “Alicia, you look lovely.”

  “Thank you.” She beamed.

  Callan spotted Jason had two drinks waiting in front of him. “Did you bring someone?”

  Jason’s gaze swept across the room. “Yes, she was here a minute ago.”

  “I thought it was nice of him to ask me.” A familiar voice came from behind Callan. “It would have been a shame to miss out on Aidy and Wren’s big day.”

  Slowly, Callan released Alicia’s hand and turned around to face Isobel. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  The clear blue eyes he had once fallen in love with fixed him with a triumphant look. “Jason asked me.”

  A knot of anger balled in Callan’s stomach. He felt sick. “You’re not welcome. Do Aidy and Wren even know you’re here?”

  “I bumped into Wren in the ladies. She was a little surprised to see me, yes, but I wished her well.” Isobel looked Alicia up and down. “She also mentioned you have a new girlfriend.”

  “L
eave Alicia out of this.”

  “Out of what? I’m not causing any trouble.” Isobel’s words were laced with saccharine sweetness, only Callan recognised the underlying venom.

  “Then you won’t mind leaving before you do.” Callan grabbed her arm and manhandled her towards the exit.

  “Get your hands off me!”

  “Why don’t the two of you go and have a chat?”

  Callan’s head whipped around at Alicia’s suggestion. Isobel’s did the same.

  “Clearly the two of you have some issues you need to sort out, so why don’t you get them off your chests and then move on?” Alicia looked between the two of them.

  “Are you sure?” Callan frowned at her request, questioning her motive.

  She nodded. “It’ll do us all good.” Alicia waved her glass in Jason’s direction. “Plus, Jason is going to get me another drink, and we can get to know each other better.”

  Callan marched Isobel out of the hall and into a quieter area, occupied by an elderly couple, and a woman with a sleeping baby in her arms and a toddler playing at her feet. He took them into one corner, out of earshot of the others.

  “Tell me why, Isobel.” He sank down onto the sofa. “And why Xander?”

  His blonde ex-girlfriend sat down beside him.

  “It just happened,” she said. “We didn’t plan it. You know we were always flirty at work, bantering and stuff. More and more frequently we worked late together, even though you were only upstairs.”

  “Did anything ever happen in the shop?”

  Isobel shook her head. “No. We were very careful not to arouse suspicion.” She looked at the floor rather than meeting Callan’s gaze as she spoke. “I’d go over to his place. When I told you I was out with friends, that’s where I was.”

  She had certainly never aroused his suspicions at the time. Callan had no idea until he found them together. “Why him, Is? Why did it go wrong for us?”