by D. L. Raver
“If my father left debt behind, I’ll pay it. I don’t want that hanging over the Wilkes name.”
“There’s also the firm to consider.” I crossed my arms and leaned against the counter. “The partners will have to buy out your share unless you decide you want to keep it. You don’t, do you?”
“No. Absolutely not. The only reason to keep it would be for you. Do you want it?”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking it might be best if I went out on my own. Take on cases I want.”
“I like that idea.” She smiled and her eyes lit; I relaxed a little.
The microwave dinged, ending our financial discussion for the moment. At a later date, we needed to discuss how to best invest her money, but right now, my stomach growled at the smell of the pasta.
“Let’s eat. I’m starving,” she said as I watched her carry the pasta to the dining room, feeling grateful our fight had ended.
I followed after, carrying the plates and utensils. Knowing we could talk things out brought me a measure of peace. But Irelyn’s grief was far from over, and, unfortunately, there would probably be more meltdowns before the end. Just like I used to study film of the opposing team, today I had studied my wife and learned a few things in the process. Though I may never achieve perfection in our relationship, in the future, I would do better by her, my love, my life.
The next morning, I woke to strong-yet-gentle hands rocking me awake. I groaned and tried to push the hands away, but they persisted.
“Come on, baby. Time to wake up. It’s your birthday and I have a surprise for you.”
“I don’t want a surprise. Want to sleep past o-dark hundred.” Zolt brushed the hair off my face, and I batted his hand away.
“I promise, you’ll love it.” Zolt turned me on my back and positioned his body over mine.
“It’s still dark outside. Why can’t I have my surprise after the sun has come up?” I whined and tried to push him off me, but the man weighed a ton.
“It’s my first time to celebrate your birthday. We’ll nap later.” He waggled suggestive brows at me and his eyes glistened with sexual mischief.
“You’re not going to give up on this, are you?”
“Nope.”
“All right. I’m up. So, where is this surprise you’re so excited to give me?”
Zolt moved off me and stood, holding out his hand for me.
“Outside waiting for us. Put on some jeans and a few layers; it’s kind of chilly outside.”
“Outside? But, it’s still dark,” I whined again as I took his proffered hand and climbed out of the warm and comfy bed. I glanced back at the mussed sheets longingly.
“We’re going to watch the sunrise,” Zolt said excitedly, shifting from foot to foot like an over-sugared three-year-old. He was just too cute, and it made me love him just a little more. Not to mention how hot he looked in his jeans and black Affliction Royal Chromatic t-shirt with a longer-sleeved shirt underneath. “No time for a shower. I don’t want to miss it.”
I sorted through the clothes I’d brought; happy I had packed in layers, so choosing something suitable wasn’t hard. After pulling on a pair of jeans, I put on a red tank then added my favorite Harry Potter movie shirt. To top off the ensemble, I put on my Arizona Cardinals hoodie.
As I expected, Zolt’s lip snarled when he saw the hoodie, but I ignored him, tugging my hair into a high pony. I wanted to start introducing my love of the NFL into our relationship. Somewhere inside him, I could tell he still loved it, too.
“No commentary on my clothes, Hamil; it’s my birthday, remember?”
“I remember.” He smacked my ass as I walked past, and I yelped as he laughed.
He grabbed my hand, and I followed him down the stairs. His infectious excitement brightened my mood and reminded me of Chris. Instead of being weighed down by those memories, I embraced them; I didn’t want to ruin Zolt’s birthday surprise by becoming weepy.
We pulled on our coats and went outside. The chilly air instantly banished the last of my sleepiness. Stretching skyward, I took in stars that seemed to wink as I climbed into the waiting SUV.
“So, where are we watching at?” I asked as Zolt settled in the backseat next to me.
“Upper Lake Mary,” he answered, grinning widely.
“Sounds nice!” I kissed him on the cheek and interlaced our fingers. “Thanks for this. Chris always made a big deal of my birthday. This year, I was going to forget I had one.”
“Now it’s my job.” He brought our joined hands to his lips and kissed my knuckles.
After a short drive, we arrived at a prepared site complete with a burning campfire, blankets and pillows. I had to admit it looked very inviting.
We settled ourselves in front of the fire, pulling the provided blanket around us. A small camp table had assorted goodies: a thermos—which I hoped had coffee or hot chocolate—croissants, muffins, and other delectables.
Zolt poured two steaming mugs of the most delicious smelling chocolate I’d ever experienced.
He handed me one and I took a slow sip. “Yum! This is very tasty.”
“I had them put Kahlua in it for a kick.” He blew on his mug then took a sip himself. “It’s good. Hungry?”
“Sure. I’ll take a croissant.”
“Good choice. The lady called them a little bit of chocolate Heaven.”
“Chocolate croissants are my favorite. But, you knew that, didn’t you?”
“I called Rachel and asked. I wanted you to have everything you love on your birthday.”
“Crap! Rachel! I bet she’s pissed I didn’t call her, and that she’s missing my birthday.” I set down the mug and accepted the flaky, chocolaty goodness from the man who still grinned at me like a loon. “What? Do I have a chocolate mustache or something?”
“Nope! Just happy to be here with my wife on her birthday. Now, give me a bite.”
I held up the croissant and he took a huge chunk off, leaving half in my hand. Gooey chocolate dripped down his chin, and I moved in and licked it off.
“So good,” I cooed, licking my own lips.
“Let me see.” Zolt’s tongue slipped into my mouth, sucking and tasting, I responded greedily to his demanding kiss.
“Why’d you stop?” I complained as he pulled away from me.
“If we keep kissing like that, we’ll miss the reason I brought you out here.”
“Seen one sunrise—”
Zolt reached over me and handed me my mug. “Drink. Eat. Then, we’ll have early-morning dessert.”
“Mmm.” I took a sip then popped the rest of the croissant into my mouth, making a show of licking chocolate from my top lip with the tip of my tongue.
Zolt inhaled roughly, his eyes glued to my lips.
“You’re staring. Didn’t your mother teach you it’s rude to stare at a person while they eat?”
“She did, but I guess it didn’t stick.” He moved in to kiss me, but I leaned back.
“Oh, no, Hamil. Remember? Sunrise. We don’t want to miss it, do we?”
A log in the fire sparked and popped, breaking the sexual tension rising between us. Zolt stoked the fire and threw on another log.
“Good thing it’s just minutes away.” He sat behind me, nestling me between his legs and draping the blanket over us.
I drank the rest of my hot chocolate then relaxed into his embrace while we waited for the sun to rise.
Off in the east, the bright globe peeked over the horizon, lighting up the sky with a faint glow. The white light gave way to a very pale red with gold just above it, and the lake waters turned the same golden color as the horizon. Birds sang their good morning song, issuing the new day.
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect backdrop to my birthday.
“Lovely,” I said and tipped my head back to glance at my husband.
“Indeed.” He gently kissed my lips and I swooned.
Yeah, Zolt had that effect on me.
“Thanks for this.”
“You really are sweet.”
“I know. Now, how about that birthday fuck?”
“So much for being sweet,” I said, laughing.
“Oh, it will be sweet. Very, very sweet.”
Zolt laid back on the blanket, taking me with him, laying my back to his front. On my ass, I could feel him harden.
I turned over, making us face-to-face. Our lips met in a sweet kiss that soon heated as our tongues danced and teased. He rolled us over in one fluid motion, keeping our kiss unbroken.
“Too many clothes,” he said against my lips and sat up, stripping off his shirts, exposing his muscular chest to my greedy hands. I ran my hand over his ripped abs, watching his muscles bunch and flex as he pulled off his shirt.
I sat up, too, and began undressing, practically ripping my shirts off my back, both of us eager to indulge in the other’s body.
Zolt tossed the blanket aside, letting the chilly, early-morning air cool our now-heated skin.
My eyes fluttered shut as hot kisses blazed down the column of my neck, and I turned my head, giving him complete access. His mouth lingered warm against my skin, and he continued his travels to my breasts where he feasted on each nipple in turn.
I moaned his name and arched into him, wanting him inside me, giving me what I needed most.
“Zolt,” I said in a hoarse and needy voice. “I need you now, please.”
He didn’t hesitate, sliding slowly inside me. We both groaned as we moved together.
“Fuck, I love that you always feel so good. So fucking good.” His teeth grazed over my bottom lip, making me squirm beneath him.
“Mmm,” I mewled as we matched each other stroke for stroke, kissing languidly, driving ourselves to dizzying heights.
“Faster!” I demanded and lifted my hips higher so he reached that spot inside me that would relieve the burning deep in my belly.
“Irelyn!” he called as he picked up his tempo, his cock twitching inside me, giving me just what I needed.
Golden tendrils of orgasmic bliss swept through me as the sun finished its accent into the sky, and together, we fell.
We held each other close after, enjoying the sounds of the wildlife coming to life around us. Laying on his chest after sex was one of my favorite things.
“Happy birthday, baby. Did I do good?”
“Best birthday ever.” I lifted my head and kissed him soundly.
“I love you, Irelyn.”
“I love you, Zolt.”
For the next two days, Irelyn and I spent time discovering each other, making love, and generally enjoying this person I had married. I told her things no one, with the exception of Brody, knew about me, and she told me things I suspected only Rach or maybe her brother knew about her.
Things like I slept with my teddy bear until I was in high school.
“Aw, that’s so sweet. I can just imagine a younger you curled up with your teddy. Do you still have him?” Her smile was so cute that I didn’t mind her mocking me.
“No. I left him with my mom. Who knows if she still has him.” Now that I thought about it, I was kind of sad I didn’t have him. “So, tell me something.”
“Hmm. Well, Cory and I kissed once.”
“What?” I growled and sat up straighter; I couldn’t stand the thought of her kissing anyone but me.
“Calm down, caveman. It was one kiss, and a disastrous one, at that. We had absolutely no chemistry, and besides, I knew he liked Rach.”
“Good, because I’d hate to have to kick his ass.”
“Right.” She narrowed her eyes at me and a line formed between her brows. I quickly decided to change the subject. “You’re going to finish college, right?”
The firelight from the fireplace flickered off her blonde waves. I found myself surprised that with each passing day, I found her more and more beautiful.
“I guess. My trust fund won’t release for another three years if I don’t,” she said, shrugging one shoulder.
“I hope you will finish. You have what, two more semesters?”
“Yes, but I structured my degree to please Dad. A degree in Zoology wasn’t what I wanted. Ironically, I’m thinking of going in an entirely different direction.”
“Which is?” I asked and took a drink of wine.
“You’re going to laugh. I mean, like bust-a-gut laugh.” Her gaze dipped downward and she rested her cheek on her shoulder.
Shit, I wanted to throw her down and fuck her; her shy demeanor did things to me. “What?” I asked, saving that thought for later.
“I think I want to become a human rights lawyer so I can help women involved in sex trafficking and other atrocities. This whole thing with Marcus has opened my eyes to the sick practice. And I know there’s worse going on in other parts of the world.”
“If the issue weren’t so serious, I would laugh at the woman who shivered at the thought of becoming a lawyer, but I think it’s a great idea. Helping people is important to you.” I took her hand and kissed her palm. “I just want you to be happy. We have money and we have time. If you want to go to law school, do it.”
“And you? Do you want to stay in corporate and contract law?”
I ran my finger around the rim of my wine glass, my gaze avoiding hers.
“What, Zolt?” Her intonation rose with concern.
“When I came here to work with Jacob, I did so with the understanding he wanted to move into the sports arena and the representation of athletes. I didn’t think I was ready for that, but the more I think about it, the more I like the idea.”
“I love the idea. You’d be great at it. I can see it having been there yourself. I really can.” Irelyn grinned at me, and I could see the relief in her eyes.
“You look relieved.”
“I am. I hope one day you’ll be able to enjoy football again. It was your first love, after all; you never get over that, you know?”
“I do. Besides, I have a feeling my wife won’t give up her love of football, even for me.”
“Mmm, you’re right; I won’t.” She set down her wine glass and straddled me. “It would be great if you’d watch it with me because watching a good game makes me hot, like rip-off-your-clothes-and-throw-you-down hot.”
“Yeah?” I asked, abandoning my own glass.
“Yeah,” she answered, kissing me thoroughly, demandingly.
“That hot, eh?”
“Yep.” She reached between us and stroked my hardening cock. I let my head fall back and enjoyed her attentions as she sucked at the tender spot just behind my ear.
Things were just heating up when my phone rang. I ignored it, too caught up in Irelyn moving between my legs and unzipping my jeans. When it rang again, and again, she stopped and blew out a frustrated breath.
“Better check it; might be important.” She thrust the offending noisemaker at me.
Before I could check my messages, a demanding knock sounded at the door.
We adjusted our clothing, and I answered the door to find two of T-bone’s men holding out a phone. My heart fell to my feet; they wouldn’t be here if something else bad hadn’t happened.
“T-bone is on the phone for you,” Conrad said and shook the phone at me.
“T, what’s up?” I could hear the slight quaver in my voice.
“Z, it’s Brody. He’s in the hospital. We found him badly beaten with a couple of broken ribs, a broken arm, and a severe concussion. He’s in a coma.”
“Fuck!” I drew out the word and ran a hand through my hair.
Irelyn stepped in front of me and mouthed “what?”
“Brody,” I mouthed back. When her faced drained of color, I didn’t need to say more.
“We’ll be home in a few hours, and we’ll meet you at the hospital. I assume you’ve given the info to Conrad?” I looked at the large, brunette man filling the door who nodded his assent.
“Yes,” T-bone answered. “I’m sorry, Zolt. Brody insi
sted he didn’t need a guard. Said he was more than capable of taking care of himself.”
“Not your fault, T. Brody is a fourth-degree black belt. He is capable.”
“Not against two men with baseball bats.”
“Baseball bats! Holy shit, T.” I squeezed my eyes closed. When I opened them, Irelyn was staring at me, her eyes wide with fear.
“Just get here, Z. Your brother needs you.”
“On my way,” I answered and disconnected the phone, throwing it on the couch. I pulled Irelyn to me, holding her close. I wanted to scream and hit something, let out crazy-Zolt so he could fuck Marcus up.
“What?” she said into my chest.
“Marcus’s men attacked Brody. They beat him with baseball bats, and he’s in the hospital in a coma.” I clung to her as I said the words. I couldn’t believe Marcus would stoop this low. This wasn’t Brody’s fight, but that didn’t matter; anyone close to me or Irelyn was now fair game. I kicked myself internally for not anticipating this.
Irelyn had been right when she said we wouldn’t win if we didn’t start acting like him.
Now, I was ready!
What I saw some three hours later when I walked in the hospital floored me—seriously knocked the wind from my lungs. I almost didn’t recognize my own brother; his face had been turned into hamburger. My legs did the weeble-wobbles thing, but I didn’t fall down.
I dropped my head between my knees and sucked in air, the antiseptic smell firing up my gag reflex in triple time. For a split second, I wanted to run, get the hell out of the hospital where I’d spent the worst months of my life. But I wouldn’t do that to Brody, not when he’d stayed by my bedside after the injury.
When Irelyn gasped, I looked up in time to see her rush into the bathroom. I could hear her puking and knew seeing him must have turned her mind into a View-Master on steroids, clicking through all the horrible images of her brother dead in the dirt.
My attentions switched between needing to take care of my wife and my brother. When I heard the toilet flush, I straightened, figuring Irelyn would be okay. She had a strength about her that never failed to amaze me, yet funny enough, it was a strength she didn’t seem to recognize in herself.