Burn: Book 3 (The Heat Series)

by MJ Masucci

  “Ava, sweetheart, I’m going to come. Take your mouth off.”

  She ignored his plea and continued, bringing him to the edge and then taking him over as two strokes later, he began to come. He half expected her to pull away, but she held him in her mouth as he finished. Then removing her mouth, she cleaned him with her tongue. A satisfied look crossed her face when she was finished.

  Xander just shook his head as she got up to change, leaving him lying on the bed to catch his breath. He was spent and realized that once again they had used sex to smooth over a rough patch in their relationship. Maybe Dr. Hornung had it wrong, that they were having sex because they couldn’t get enough of each other rather than using it as a tool.

  His thoughts were interrupted when Ava came sauntering into the bedroom wearing the emerald green baby doll she had purchased from Victoria’s Secret. He looked hungrily at her.

  “You’re killing me,” he growled as he felt himself stir.

  “My period is over tomorrow. You will just have to behave yourself.”

  She came to the bed as he stood up and retrieved his boxers. He pulled the covers back and got into bed, patting the space near him. After she had laid down, he began to kiss her.

  “You have no idea what you do to me.”

  She giggled, “I think I have a pretty good idea.”

  “No, you don’t. Do you know what my life would be without you? Do you know what my life was without you?”

  Turning on her side so he wouldn’t see her tears, she thought back to the conversation she had earlier with Sam. He wouldn’t be alright without her. His heart would shrivel, and he would live a life of solitude. She buried her face in her pillow, and Xander thought she was tired, so he reached over her and turned out the light.

  Her tears silently fell as his breathing became even with sleep. Tomorrow she had to make the changes she was planning. He would be taken care of financially if and when something happened to her. She knew it wouldn’t make up for the loss, but maybe it would ease some of his pain.

  Chapter 28

  Ava loved the start of the fall holidays. In a few short hours, she would be boarding a plane to Georgia with Xander to visit her family. Her in-laws, Peter and Gabby, had flown down the day before. She was (and wasn’t) looking forward to her visit.

  The prospect of having to sleep apart from her husband was unsettling. Her bed would be cold without him there to warm her, but it was her father’s house. Even though Felice was her ally, Jason had put his foot down. Until she and Xander were married, they would not share a bed in his home. It made her want to tell him that they were married already, but she renewed her promise to Xander not to reveal their status.

  She finished packing, and before she zipped up her suitcase, she checked to make sure she had everything. Xander wouldn’t be home for another hour since he was finishing up last minute details on a case. He was probably one of the few people left in the office. Most had gone home at noon time as had she.

  Her nerves were a bit frayed from the impending flight, and she poured a glass of wine which she sipped while she paged through Brides magazine. It was only 1:40 PM, but she needed something to calm her. The wine had made her sleepy and the next thing she knew, Xander was shaking her.

  “Wake up sweetheart. We have to leave.”

  She yawned loudly, “What time is it?”

  “Just after 2:00. I finished early. The traffic is crazy out there. We need to leave now in case we are delayed going to the airport. Did you pack for me?”

  “Yes. We're all set.”

  The traffic to JFK airport was epic. They made it just in time to get through security before they were called to board their plane.

  “Lucky we ran, or I don’t think we would have made it to the gate in time,” Ava said breathlessly as they sat in their seats.

  Xander instinctively reached over and buckled her seatbelt. She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. They were fortunate because the seat next to them was empty and they were able to spread out, which was surprising since it was the biggest travel day of the year.

  Upon takeoff, he held her hand as she squeezed his tight. She let go as soon as they were airborne. During the flight, they chatted about this being the first traditional holiday they were spending together, married or otherwise. As they got closer to landing, Ava began to anticipate the reaction of her family to her husband (even though they thought he was still her fiancé.)

  She also worried about David. She hadn’t seen or talked to him in months, and the last time they were together their relationship was frosty. He simply couldn’t accept that she was with Xander. I wonder if he will ignore me again? It pained her to think about it because he was once a good friend to her when she needed support.

  “Hey, are you listening to me?”

  “I’m sorry, did you say something?”

  “Yes, I asked what type of car you rented?”

  “A sedan. Sorry, it’s not a Corvette,” she chuckled.

  “I already have one of those thanks to my lovely wife.”

  He kissed her just as the captain made an announcement that they were on final approach to Atlanta International Airport. Ava checked her watch; it was just before 7:45 PM, right on time. Unfortunately, they had to wait over a half hour to get their bags, and by the time they got to their rental car, it was close to nine.

  “Let’s get out of here. I hope we don’t hit traffic.”

  Xander threw the bags in the trunk, slammed it and got into the driver’s seat. Ava was waiting with her belt buckled. He smiled at her.

  As they got closer to Sandy Hills, her stomach began to knot. She was happy for one thing; the Wilders would be there as a buffer. Her father wouldn’t dare start an argument with Xander while they were in attendance. Her phone chirped; it was text from Felice asking when they would be coming. Ava let her know they would be there before ten.

  As soon as they walked into the house, her father gave her a big bear hug and shook Xander’s hand. Felice took them upstairs to get settled in their separate rooms. Gabby and Peter were already asleep in the bedroom at the end of the hall. Xander would be staying in Brooke’s old room directly across from Ava.

  They declined the offering of food because they were tired and each went to their rooms to get ready for bed. Ava slowly undressed while looking at the large queen sized bed. She didn’t want to sleep without her husband, but she needed to obey her father’s rules.

  Across the hall, Xander was doing the same. He sat in bed waiting for the house to go quiet while he read the news on his phone. When he didn’t hear any noises in the hall or downstairs, he crept to the door, opening it a crack. No lights were coming from the room his parents occupied or from Ava’s. He was determined to spend at least part of the night with his wife.

  Tiptoeing across the hall, he silently opened the door then shut it just as quietly. The light from the bathroom was on, and it illuminated part of the bedroom. Ava was lying on her back with her arms splayed out. Her hair was spread out on the pillow like an auburn halo. She was partially covered, and he could see she was wearing the champagne colored satin nightgown he loved so much.

  He went to her and kneeled down next to her bed, running his fingers over her arm until her eyes fluttered open.

  “Are you crazy, you can’t be in here,” she whispered.

  “You’re my wife, and I’m going to sleep with you even if I have to wake up at five to go back to my room. Now move over.”

  She sighed and moved to the other side of the bed. Xander slipped in next to her and pulled her against him. The smooth satin of her nightgown slid across the skin of his legs, arousing him. Feeling his arousal against her hip, she told him no.

  “Why not,” he whispered.

  “You know why. You shouldn’t even be here.”

  Ignoring her, he moved the hair away from her neck and began to suck. She bent her head back against him, enjoying the feeling of his mouth. The murmurs of no ceased as he continued to
move his mouth down to her shoulder. He splayed his hand against her belly and pulled her back against him.

  “We can do it slowly. I promise to be quiet.”

  She felt her core clench as the memory of a slow fuck entered her mind. He could be quiet, but if he did her like that, she wasn’t sure she could. His teeth nibbling at her collarbone brought her back. When she didn’t say anything, he pushed her onto her back and started to suck her hardened nipples through the thin cloth of her nightgown. A low moan escaped from her, and he clamped his hand over her mouth.

  “Shh, my parents might hear.” Xander started to laugh, which didn’t help matters. They were married adults, and they couldn’t make love because they were worried about their parents! The thought was totally ludicrous.

  “Why are you laughing?”

  “I think it’s funny that I have to worry about them hearing like when I was in high school.”

  “You had sex in your house when you were in high school?” This was another tidbit of information Xander had not shared with her.

  “A few times,” he lied.

  The fact was that as soon as Xander started having sex with his high school girlfriend, Sylvie, they had it all the time right under his parent’s nose. Lidia was at college, and Suzanne had moved out to start her career. His bedroom was at the end of a long hallway, and he often sneaked in with Sylvie after his parents had gone to bed on weekends. After they had broken up, he had brought numerous one night stands in his room to fuck. He was young, good-looking and desirable. So why not? It was a fact he would not reveal to his wife. He used women solely for his pleasure back then.

  “How many?”

  “It’s not important,” he said as he silenced her with his mouth.

  Minutes later he had her naked and under him with his cock poised at her slick opening. She was too overwhelmed by her passion to tell him to stop. It had been a few days since they had made love and that was too long. He thrust into her, and she softly moaned causing him to shush her with his lips.

  His hips moved slowly against hers, and she clung to his ass pulling him into her. He reached between her outstretched legs, pulling them around his waist. This allowed him to go deeper, hitting the spot that caused her breathing to become more rapid. Xander was pressed against her breasts, and he could feel her hardened nipples against his own.

  “Fuck, you feel so good.”

  Ava took this as a sign, and she tightened around him, which elicited a series of pants from him.

  “Easy, this feels too good to come yet.”

  His pace became varied, slower then faster. She could feel her insides burning white hot as he kept his rhythm. This was well worth the wait and the risk of them being caught. Then his movement ceased.

  “No, why are you stopping?”

  “I’m so close. I don’t want to disappoint you again. You need to come first.”

  “I’m there; I’m ready.”

  All at once he slammed into her, his flesh slapping against hers as his pace became frenzied. He moved his hips in a circular pattern and watched as she closed her eyes, bit her lip and arched her back, pushing her chest tight against him. She whimpered, and he felt the familiar feeling of her rippling around him as her orgasm tore through her body.

  One, two, three more strokes and he was joining her as he climaxed, continuing to pound into her until his legs were shaking and he collapsed, spent. He buried his face into her hair inhaling the scent of lavender, sex, and her sweet perfume.

  He gently pulled out of her, and she winced making him concerned and feeling guilty.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  “Just a little sore. It’s been a few days.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Stop. Don’t ruin this by becoming overprotective.”

  He rolled off her and placed his head on her chest. Her heart was pounding, and he listened to it as it got slower. She placed her arms around him, holding him as he often did to her.

  “I love you, Xander, but you’re going to have to go back to your room now.”

  “Hell no. I’m staying here. You can set your phone alarm for five, and I’ll go back then. I want to sleep with you tonight.”

  She didn’t argue and reached to set her phone for five. If she had been paying attention she would have realized that the time was set for 5:00 PM and not AM.

  The next morning she squinted at the sun that came through the window. She and Xander’s limbs were intertwined around each other when it dawned on her. Why is the sun up this early? It placed fear into her. She reached for her phone and saw it was not five, but 8:24 AM. The house below was coming to life as she heard voices filter upstairs.

  “Baby, get up.” Xander yawned and grinned at her. She showed him the time on her phone.

  “Fuck, why didn’t your alarm go off at five?”

  “Because I set it for PM not AM. You have to go to your room without being seen.”

  He hopped out of bed and donned his boxers then went to the door and cracked it open. No one was in the hall, and he was sure the voices he heard downstairs were Jason, Felice, and his parents. He quickly moved out the door shutting it behind him only to encounter David who stared at him.

  “That’s Ava’s bedroom. Why are you in there?”

  “Mind your own business. She’s my fiancée.”

  “I seem to remember Jason saying that you couldn’t share a room. And I’m quite sure that having sex under his roof would get you thrown out.”

  “We didn’t have sex.”

  “You’re a fucking liar. I heard you since I was sleeping in this room last night.” He gestured to the room next door to Ava’s.

  “Why aren’t you in the pool house?”

  “That shitty repair you did on the water heater only held so long. It sprang a leak day before yesterday and Jason has to replace some of the hardwood in the living room.”

  “Fuck you, David. You’re a jealous asshole. I’m no longer in this conversation.” With that, Xander went into his room to shower.

  Just then Ava opened her door to see what the commotion was and came face to face with David. He scowled at her as he surveyed her nightgown. Then he rolled his eyes and walked away, leaving her to feel the pain of his rejection. She thought that he would at least speak to her.

  After they had each showered, they met their family downstairs for breakfast. Everyone was finished by the time they arrived in the kitchen. It had all the smells of Thanksgiving as Felice and Gabby had started to prepare the meal. Natalia had made several pies the day before and Ava’s favorite, apple strudel.

  She and Xander sat down at the table with cups of coffee and plates of the strudel. Her appetite had finally returned as she bit into the pastry. He reached under the table to caress her leg, and she blew him a kiss. She wanted to tell him about David’s reaction to her since his door was already closed when it happened. It would have to wait until they were in private.

  They chatted with her stepmother and Gabby while they ate, offering to lend a helping hand with the meal. However, the women shooed them out of the kitchen telling them to relax and watch the parade on television. When they came into the room, David, Peter, and Jason were already there.

  “So how did you two sleep last night?” Jason asked.

  “Oh, fine Daddy. The bed is very comfortable.”

  “And you, Xander?”

  “Good, I slept great,” he said as he winked at Ava, which caused David to scowl and leave from his seat on the sofa.

  Walking out of the room, Ava followed him into the library.

  “I don’t want to talk to you.”

  “Too bad. You’re going to have to talk to me sometime.”

  “I believe that I don’t. Fuck you, Ava. Don’t come in here with your sweet little innocent act. I know what you were doing in your room last night.”

  She slapped his face hard, “How dare you. He’s my fiancé.”

  “This is also your father’s house,” he threw back at her,
rubbing his reddened cheek.

  “Really? If I said I would fuck you right now would you take me up on offer?”

  “No, I wouldn’t. I’m over you. You’re not worth my time anymore.”

  The look on her face told him that his words had done the damage he had intended. He had sliced into her heart, wounding her. She turned and walked out of the room. David wanted to go after her and take her in his arms to make up for what he said. The words hung in the air like a cloud of acid.

  Ava went into the living room and sat on the couch looking dejected. Xander was alone since Peter and Jason had gone to the kitchen for a snack.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “David.”

  “He cornered me in the hall when I was coming out of your room this morning.”

  She looked at him with fear.

  “I told him to mind his own business.”

  “Well, he was pretty ugly to me this morning after you had already gone across the hall and just now, he told me that he didn’t want to sleep with me any longer. That he was over me and I wasn’t worth his time.”

  Xander knitted his eyebrows together and clenched his fists, “I should kick his ass for saying that.”

  “Don’t bother. If it’s true, then I’m glad.”

  “It’s not true. He still wants you. I saw how jealous he was this morning. He wishes it was him.”

  “I just want things to go back to the way they were. I wish I never slept with him.”

  “Even if you hadn’t, he would still want you.”

  Ava heard voices of children in the foyer. Her sister and brother had come with their families, and she was anxious to see her nieces and nephews.

  “Let’s go see everyone.”

  They left the library and went to see the little family members. William ran to her, and she hugged him tightly in her arms, planting kisses on his face. He refused to let her go as she reached her hand out to the other children. Mikey and Elizabeth had grown since she last saw them as had Jackson. Alicia put him down on the floor, and he toddled around the crowd. The last time Ava had seen him, he was crawling and trying to stand. As Xander distracted William, she took Savannah from Brooke’s arms and held her. The baby now had a full head of blonde hair and several teeth. She grasped Ava’s hair and pulled.