by A. M. Kusi
She reached out her hand to his cheek, the jolt of electricity burning brighter than a thousand suns. “I love you too—I tried not to. But I can’t stop. You’re impossible not to love.” Her voice cracked, as hope burned in those blue eyes staring back at her. “I want you to be that man, Bently. But I can’t go through this again.”
He flinched as if her words had been a physical assault. He nodded solemnly and looked down. “I understand.”
No, you don’t. That much was clear. She took his face in both hands, forcing his attention to her once again. “So, don’t fuck this up. You get scared, tell me. You want to run, tell me. You want to push me away . . .”
“Tell you,” he finished.
“Can you do that? Can you communicate with me?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes.”
“Will you speak to a therapist? Regularly?” she asked. He had to have help for the trauma, and therapy had been beneficial to her healing. She couldn’t be with a man who thought seeking help was showing weakness. This was her test. Would he do this for his own good?
He hesitated and swallowed hard. “Yes.” His voice was scraping and raw. “I’ll do it.”
She let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Relief blew over her, a light, warm breeze on a summer day. She blinked the remaining tears away and smiled. “Then, yes for me too.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, his kiss hungry. His lips melded with hers, releasing the floodgates of passion. She burned bright and hot like she’d swallowed a flame. His tongue danced with Belle’s. She dug her nails into his shoulder as he crushed her against his hard ridges.
“I need you.” She panted.
Bently froze. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Belle grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs to her bedroom. He shut the door behind them as she moved towards the bed. She lifted her shirt over her head before reaching for her pants.
His eyes took their time, drinking her in. His hands clenched at his sides.
“Don’t hold back,” she said.
“I don’t want you to think this is all I want from you,” he ground out, his self-control seemingly hanging by a thread.
“Is it?” she asked, unhooking her bra and letting it fall to the floor.
“No!” His voice was sharp.
“Okay, then.”
He swallowed as she hooked her fingers under the elastic of her panties and tugged them down her legs, leaving her bare.
“You exposed your deepest darkest secrets to me. You let me in and I sat with you through the pain. Now, I’m standing here, naked and vulnerable. I’m asking you to join me. I’m asking you to connect with me in a way that I’ve never done with any man but you. I’m asking you to make love to me, Bently.” A chill skated across her skin as he stepped closer. He reached out, tracing the line of her jaw before he tipped her chin up. His hulking frame towered over hers. She felt so tiny next to him, and yet so safe.
“You’re truly the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen, both inside and out. You must have been sent from heaven, my sweet angel, because there’s no one else on this earth who holds a candle to you.” He bent his head and kissed her, long and deep. Taking his time as he explored her body with his hands, he left no inch left untouched. His rough palms skidded over her skin gently, a perfect contradiction. Belle was cherished and loved. Adored and worshipped. Frantic and needy.
She reached out and pulled his shirt over his head as he undid his pants, leaving them in a pile on the floor. He dropped to his knees and spread her legs. Her stomach clenched as his gaze turned dark, focusing on the juncture of her thighs. He leaned in, his pink tongue darting out and licking through her already slick folds. Fire bloomed like a flower, blossoming and growing. Her skin tingled. Her knees trembled and wobbled weakly.
“Bently,” she gasped.
He gripped her ass, pulling her closer, spreading her wider as she tugged on his hair, seeking balance in the erotic chaos.
“I missed your taste. Never going to give this up again. You’re so perfect. So fucking beautiful, every part.” He licked again, spreading her wider. Bently pressed two fingers inside her, and curled them. The pads of his fingers knocked the sensitive spot deep within her. Her body vibrated and her core clenched in a tortured blend of pain and pleasure.
She whimpered.
He sucked her clit, teeth grazing, sending her over the edge as white-hot bliss consumed her body.
“Bently! Oh god! Fuck!”
He licked her gently as she came down before he kissed her thighs. Trailing up her belly, he pressed her gently onto the bed, crawling over her. She pulled his boxers down, and he helped, leaving him completely naked. His hard cock jutted out between them, nudging the apex of her thighs.
Belle reached over, stroking the hard velvet length as his muscles bunched and tensed. A drop of precum beaded at the end. She pressed his chest, pushing him onto his back before she climbed on top. Belle bent to lick the tip of his cock. The salty taste incited a primal fever inside her.
“Fuck,” he swore.
She reached her hands out to his hard abdomen, dragging her nails over his toned six-pack as she took him all the way into her mouth. He throbbed and pulsed inside the well of her lips.
“Jesus, fuck! Belle . . . Angel,” he pleaded before he groaned. His breaths became shorter as she pumped him in and out of her mouth. She swirled her tongue over the tip.
Two hands of iron gripped her and pulled her up. “I need to be inside you, right now.”
His tone left no room for argument. Her core throbbed with an empty ache. She wanted him more than her next breath. She lifted her hips over his swollen cock and slid down, taking him in from root to tip until he bottomed out. She hissed. He felt so good. So right. Stretching her, filling her all the way to her womb.
His hands gripped her hips roughly. Her skin burned hot. Awareness prickled through every nerve ending with a hurricane of sensation. She began to move, thrusting up and down, riding him as pleasure tumbled through her. His half-lidded eyes focused on hers as one hand played with her breast and the other gripped her neck, pulling her to his mouth.
“Your pussy feels so good. So tight.”
She kissed him, nipping at his bottom lip as she increased the pace. His pubic bone hit her clit just right as she whimpered. A sheen of sweat formed between them. Belle rocked back and forth, moving, grinding against him. His hot tongue stoked the all-out blaze inside her.
He pinched her nipple, fueling the pressure building. Strong merciless hands gripped her hips, pushed her up, and slammed her back down. She cried out. The pleasure overwhelmed and overpowered her senses. She was not in control anymore, or maybe she’d never been. It was too much—all-consuming. Fire and ice. Dark and light. The violent euphoria took over her. She flushed with heat. Her orgasm quaked and splintered inside her. She was soaring, enveloped by the stars and heavens above that glimmered and flashed in her eyes. Souls merged. Breaths mingled. Bodies tangled. She wasn’t sure where he ended and she began.
His brows drew together. His gaze focused and intent as he bit his lip. “I love to see you come apart, Angel. It’s the most beautiful sight in the world,” he gritted as she rocked faster.
He smacked her ass. The burn mingled with the pleasure sent another orgasm rocketing through her. Her eyes rolled back in her head. She bowed from the intensity, tucking her face in his neck. “Bently. It’s too much.”
He flipped her over onto her back, never breaking the connection as he slipped between her legs. “Then let me do it for you. Let me carry you.”
Bently grunted as he slid in and out of her, holding her as she came apart again and again. She surrendered to him, boneless and limp as he thrust her towards the heavens once more. He was there, each time she came down, to catch her, encompassing her with awe and
reverence as everything else ceased to exist.
“I love you so fucking much,” he said, kissing her cheek and neck before locking his eyes on hers.
“I love you too.” She clenched her inner muscles.
Bently thrust twice more, roaring as he released inside her. Bently held her, body and soul, while she floated back to earth.
“Thank you,” he said.
“For the orgasm? I think I should be thanking you.” She chuckled as he slid out of her.
He tucked her against his chest, his mouth by her ear. “Well, that too. But I meant for giving me the most amazing gift. For loving me.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. Her emotions were all over the place. Sex with Bently wasn’t just amazing—it was transcending. She’d been destroyed and put back together. He’d exposed and protected all at once. Elation lit every cell in her body. She was happy, truly and incandescently blissful.
For once in her life, she could let go, and without a doubt, she had someone who loved her enough to catch her when she fell.
Chapter 40
Belle
The scent of peppermint and chocolate wafted over Belle as she followed Remy into the café. Jasmine and Mia trailed behind, and they shook off the chill as they browsed the menu above the counter.
“This place is cute,” Mia said.
“I love coming here whenever we visit the city,” Remy replied.
“Their chai latte is to die for,” Jasmine agreed.
When Belle got to the counter, she ordered a peppermint latte with extra whipped cream. She joined the ladies with their drinks at a table, their shopping bags set underneath.
“I can’t believe I’ve been so last minute this year. I’ve just been so busy.” Remy sighed, unwrapping the scarf from her neck.
“Dios mio. I know. It’s impossible to shop for your brother.” Mia chuckled.
“I’m sure Dre would appreciate you in something lacey . . . or is he a leather kind of guy?” Jasmine teased.
Remy covered her face with her hands and shook her head with a grimace. “Ugh! You guys, he’s my brother! Stop. I don’t need to know that answer.”
Belle laughed.
All three women turned to look at her.
Remy reached out her hand to Belle’s. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have you with us today. It’s so good to see Bently committed to someone finally.”
Jasmine set down her tea. “I’m just glad you’re a genuinely good person. You make him smile.”
“Bently is always smiling. I swear those Evans boys have a devilish smirk permanently plastered onto their faces.” Remy laughed.
Jasmine met Belle’s eyes, knowingly. “Yeah, but now it’s for real.”
Belle grinned reassuringly. “He’s definitely changed my life.”
“Aww, she’s totally smitten.” Mia giggled.
“And now we have another sister!” Remy cheered.
Belle tapped her cup against the others’ before she sipped her peppermint coffee. The warmth started in her chest and blossomed. She glanced around at the small group of women. Sisters. She was being welcomed into their family. She’d never had anyone but TJ, now it seemed she had been adopted into the fold.
***
On Christmas morning, Belle turned down “Let it Snow” as Bently pulled his truck into Jasmine’s parking lot.
“Christmas by the sea,” Belle mused.
“Jasmine was so excited to host this year.” Bently turned the ignition off.
“Did you get the gifts I picked out for Mr. and Mrs. Stone?” TJ asked.
“Yes. They’re in the back,” Belle said.
“Good.” TJ sighed with relief. He almost seemed as nervous to impress this family as she was.
Bently leaned across the console and kissed her as if sensing her unease. “Come on. Let’s go have some good food and laughs.”
He opened his door, sending a rush of cold air inside the cab. She smiled as he came around to help her down. TJ climbed out after them.
“You go on in and I’ll get the gifts.” Bently kissed her cheek. He could barely keep his hands off her and she loved it.
“I’ll bring the wine in.” She reached into the floor of the truck and grabbed the three bottles.
Bently shut the door behind her. Belle walked up to the front of the inn, the sound of laughter and revelry bleeding out into the snowy afternoon. She closed her eyes, tipping her head upwards, listening to the sound of the waves crashing in the distance. The air was salty and crisp, carrying the essence of the ocean in the breeze.
TJ and Bently chatted and joked as they came closer and her heart squeezed. She opened her eyes, her joy spilling down her cheeks. This was everything she thought she’d never have. Everything she had been afraid to hope for. A lifetime of Christmas wishes, of lonely Decembers, of darkness and pain had brought her to this moment.
Concerned blue eyes met hers. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “Just happy tears.”
Bently leaned in, his woodsy scent caressing her senses as he kissed her forehead and then her lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She smiled.
“Yeah, yeah. We get it—you’re both sappy in love,” TJ joked as he pushed past them to the front door as it swung open.
Belle and Bently laughed.
Jasmine greeted them. “Come on in, guys. You’re the last to arrive and Lyra is getting more impatient by the minute to open her gifts.”
Bently gestured for Belle to go first. She held up the bottles of wine. “I brought a little something to spread the cheer.”
“Ooh, looks like the good stuff too,” Jasmine approved as they filtered in through the inn and made their way back where the kitchen was.
Belle greeted Remy with a hug and Mia lightened her load by taking two bottles from her arms.
“Mama, you remember Belle,” Remy said.
The dark-skinned woman turned her kind brown eyes on Belle.
“Mrs. Stone, merry Christmas.”
“Call me Tilda, or Mama T, please. And my husband goes by Mathew. No need for formalities here. You’re family now.” Tilda held out her arms.
Belle set down the bottle of pinot on the counter and walked into the tall woman’s embrace. She was still so overwhelmed with gratitude. Everything was so much better than she’d ever imagined it could be. It was hard to believe this was her life now.
Tilda released her with a squeeze. She spoke low enough for only Belle to hear. “I’m so glad Bently found his happiness finally. That boy is like a son to me. I knew it would take a special woman to reach his guarded heart. Take care of him.”
“I will,” Belle promised.
“You will what?” Bently asked, sweeping his arms around her and pulling her back firmly against the front of his chest as he kissed her cheek. “Hey, Mama T.”
Tilda’s eyes shone with joy. “How are you doing, son?”
“Better than ever. How are you?”
“You look like a man who’s finally content.” She smiled. “I’m good.”
“Uncle Bently is here! Gramma, can we do gifts now?” Lyra ran into the kitchen.
The adults chuckled.
“Yes, sweetheart. Let’s go.”
Belle sat between Bently and TJ as the family gathered around the large tree in the sitting room. They exchanged gifts. Lyra tore her presents open with glee and excited cries. Mikel held Phoenix and helped him slowly tear at the paper, taking care not to let him eat it. Jasmine held Zoey close, letting her gifts pile up.
Belle nudged Bently, nodding towards his sister. He took her cue and reached over to grab his niece. “Open your gifts, Jaz.”
Jasmine looked towards them before she nodded. Some unnamed emotion flitted through her features. The girl seemed to keep so much inside.
/>
Jasmine got to her feet. “I’m just going to get a drink.”
“I’m worried about her,” Bently said quietly after she passed by.
“It seems like something is troubling her.”
“I just wish she’d talk to me.” Bently sighed.
“Let me try?”
Bently leaned in. “I’d appreciate that.” He kissed her cheek.
Belle stood and walked into the kitchen. Jasmine poured the remnants of a bottle of wine into an empty glass as she approached.
Jasmine grabbed another glass and motioned to it.
“Yes, please,” Belle answered the unasked question.
Jasmine filled the glass halfway with wine before sliding it towards her.
“Are you okay?” Belle took a sip.
Jasmine swallowed, turning towards her and nodding. “Of course. It’s Christmas. I’m surrounded by family and people who love me. I have a healthy baby girl. What else could I ask for?”
Despite her words, sadness flickered in her green eyes.
“I don’t want to overstep. But I just wanted to let you know that it’s okay if you feel sad even though you have everything you listed. It’s okay to want more.”
Jasmine looked down and nodded. “I’m so happy you and Bently found each other, as well as Mikel and Remy. I’m happy my brothers and my friends are blissfully in love. Some days it’s just harder than others to go it alone. I feel like maybe I’m depriving Zoey of what she could have. Of what she needs.”
“You mean a father?”
“Yes. I want to give her everything I never had. Maybe it’s stupid, but I hate that I won’t even be able to tell her his name when she asks someday.” Jasmine took a long chug of the wine.
“I don’t know my father’s name either. I like to think I turned out okay, despite . . . everything.” Belle searched for any words of encouragement to lighten the heaviness in Jasmine’s eyes.
Jasmine glanced at her, drawing in a deep breath. “I’m sorry to dump this on you.”
“It’s really not a problem at all. We all need someone to listen to us . . . someone who can understand. Someone who knows from experience how overwhelming and hopeless things can feel.”