by S. Valentine
Gabi felt a fluttering in her stomach. “You are good enough,” she said firmly, as tears warmed her lower lids. “Why do you always doubt yourself?”
“It’s easier to believe the bad stuff.”
Gabi’s nails dug into her palms when she clenched her fists. She could see how broken Darion was. Eva toyed with him, messing with his emotions. She should have known she’d be at the centre of their troubles. Why did Darion allow people to knock him down? How could he not see he was an overall decent person?
“How about I tell you some of the good stuff?” Rising to her feet, she settled down next to him, and took hold of his hand. “You’ve got a kind heart, Darion. You’d do anything for anyone. To those close to you, you’re loyal, kind and real, and that’s rare these days.” She stroked his knuckles tenderly. “You may be complex, but I’ve never felt more loved, desired, or happy than when I’m with you.”
Darion pursed his lips as if weighing up something in his mind.
“As for Preston, you may not have had a good example with your own parents, but I know you’ve learnt from their mistakes. You’ll be a wonderful father. I believe in you. And you have all of the support you’ll ever need. You’ll never have to do it alone.”
He bowed his head with a soft chuckle. “He smiled at me the other day.”
Gabi thought she’d explode with admiration. How could Darion doubt his parental skills when Preston made him happier than she’d ever seen him? Everything happened for a reason and she truly believed he was made to be a dad. It was probably just what he needed to feel things he never had before—unconditional love.
“Preston will be proud of you. You’ll see.”
“What about you?” he asked, worry etched on his face again. “All of this is too hard for you.”
What did they do about wanting different things? “Darion.” She paused for a moment. “I’ll never change my mind about marriage and children. It’s something I’ve always wanted.”
He inhaled deeply. She waited, anxious at what he’d respond with. It would be the ultimate deal-breaker if he refused her that. Looking her squarely in the eye, he said, “If that’s what you want, then that’s what you’ll have.”
She was unable to stop the massive smile that surfaced on her face. “Do you want those things?”
“With you, I want it all.” Sliding his hands either side of her throat, he tilted her head up. “I’ve missed you like crazy.”
“I’ve missed you too,” she confessed, swallowing the painful lump that lodged in her throat.
“I hate myself for treating you like I did. I thought letting you go was the best option.”
“That’s never the best option.”
She squeezed her eyelids shut and pressed her lips gently against his. Darion reciprocated. He kissed her urgently, passionately, aggressively. His hands gripped her hair tightly as he pulled her as close as possible. Her heart swelled in her chest, and she was on the verge of tears. How could she love someone so much? How could it feel so good but scary at the same time?
As his tongue swept against hers, fast and needy, it was as if no one else in the room, in the world existed. Both of them had to stop running. Squeezing her arms around him, she felt an unfamiliar possessive streak. Darion was hers. She never wanted to let him go. She wouldn’t allow anyone to come between them, especially Eva. She made a mental note in her mind this was it. This was the man she wanted to be with forever. There was no going back. She had fallen for him hook, line, and sinker. No one would ever come close to what she felt for him. Together they would smash down every obstacle that got in their way. No more running.
“Let’s go home,” she said, pulling back and wiping her mouth.
She couldn’t wait to be lying in bed with his arms wrapped around her.
Chapter
Thirty-Six
Gabi squirmed on a soft moan, her pulse racing. Slowly blinking her eyes open, it took a moment to recollect where she was. She was in her own bed. The light from the alarm clock came into focus. It displayed it was 5 a.m. When she properly woke, she could hear a song playing quietly in the background. She recognised it as “Blue Eye” by Menace Beach. She knew it was coming from Darion’s mobile.
Before she could sit up, she was paralysed by tingles that trembled through her whole body. Then something warm and wet appeared between her legs. Glancing down, she noticed Darion was between her thighs. He was completely naked. On all fours, his perfect ass was in full view. As his tongue lapped at her clit again, she cried out in pleasure. Last night after the restaurant, they had barely made it through the front door when he’d pinned her to the floor. Darion had showed her how much he’d missed her. The sex had been hard, frantic, and mind-blowing as always. Now, he wanted her again. Even though she had to be up for work in two hours, she couldn’t deny him.
“I couldn’t sleep,” he told her, his voice low and husky.
“Ah…” she panted, when his fingers plunged in deep. “Darion…”
As he parted her, meeting her sensitive spot, his tongue circling her clit, she wriggled again. His lips and hands then met her lower tummy. He shuffled up the bed, placing a trail of kisses along her hips and chest, until he reached her neck. It sent shivers of delight down her spine. When he captured her mouth with his, it was so tender, and passionate, like he was proving how much he loved her all in that one kiss. The sound of the sweet song and Darion lavishing her with attention sent an incredible warmth through her. She had never felt so in love.
He pulled back and the love and longing he felt for her in return was clear. He ran the pad of his thumb across her lower lip gently, and stared at her intently, as if he could see right into her soul. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead tenderly.
“You’re not going anywhere,” he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. “Ever again.”
Sitting back on the heels of his feet, she took in his stunning nakedness. He wasn’t yet aroused, and was obviously taking his time. Her silk nightie tickled her skin when he removed it patiently. When she was completely exposed, he trailed his fingertips down her neck right down to her thighs. His eyes sparkled with lust, a small smile tilting his lips, as if she were perfect. He made her feel like the most beautiful woman alive. Her ego swelled at the way he worshipped her body.
Unable to wait for his next move, she gripped his arm and yanked him onto her. His bare chest pressed against hers was heavenly. She pushed her tongue into his mouth, massaging his greedily. They seemed to kiss for the longest time, until their lips were swollen, and their jaws aching. When Darion’s now hard cock brushed against her leg, desire pumped through her body like a drug. She wanted him more than ever.
The tip nudged her entrance, and she bit her lip, as a needy ache loomed in her stomach. As much as she wanted to grip his buttocks and pull him into her, she needed to get a condom. She reached for the bedside drawer. Darion linking his fingers through hers, stopping her, made her glance up at him.
“We don’t need one,” his voice was soft. Did he mean what she thought he did? She studied him questioningly, needing clarification. “We’re gonna want a family eventually.” He held her other hand, so both of her arms were now pinned to the bed. “Why delay the inevitable?”
“Is this what you really want?”
He answered her by pushing into her slightly. Her inner muscles tightened around him, and she cried out. Moving in deeper, the feel of his bare, moist cock caused her to throw her head back.
“Oh, Gabi…” He clenched his teeth. He thrust his hips forward on a loud groan, plunging in all of the way.
“Ah…” She gripped the bed sheets.
“Does that feel good?” He teasingly rocked backwards and forwards.
She nodded. She was unable to tear her focus away from his tight, tanned abdomen, and bulging biceps as he restrained her. Her breasts were heavy and tender, in desperate need to be fondled. Darion, with the ability to read her like a book, withdrew. He sat back on the be
d, and instructed her to sit on his lap. She did as commanded, wincing as she lowered herself onto his length. When he was in all of the way, he didn’t move, but instead wrapped his mouth around her breast.
Her head rolled back, and his tongue circling her nipple wrenched a moan from her throat. Her insatiable body was burning up and aching, and she couldn’t refrain from moving her hips. Her sex clenched and contracted around him. As he licked, sucked, and nibbled her breast, whilst cupping the other with his hand, the tension in her pelvic region built.
She buried her hands in his hair, lifting his head to find his mouth again. As their bodies connected, moving up and down in synchrony, their tongues wrestled. Their stares were fierce on one another, and their hands roaming. Every part of them was touching. The steady lovemaking was just perfect. They were taking their time, enjoying one another for as long as they possibly could.
“Hmmm…” she murmured, as he filled her even deeper. Her thighs trembled, her skin becoming hot and sweaty.
Taking hold of her chin, he forced her to look at him. She remained doing so, as he continued to swivel his hips and push into her. The leisurely pace was both torturous and pleasurable. She hooked her arms over his shoulders, and rocked back and forth.
“I’m close,” she told him, her chest expanding on heavy breaths.
“Me too,” he grunted, biting his bottom lip.
He rose to his feet, still holding her in his strong arms. She tightened her hold on him. With his fingers digging into her hips, he lifted her up and down. She whimpered each time she dropped onto him, unsure if she could take it. It was so good, it was almost too much. He increased the speed. A hot flush spread up her entire body. As she slid against his smooth, soaked chest, his cock filling her exquisitely, her stomach clenched. She was on the edge, getting closer and closer to an orgasm.
Darion’s jaw was twitching, his head thrown back as he tried to stay in control also. He thrust upwards several more times. Their moans mingled, and they were soon panting. Her over-stimulated body shuddered. With a few last breaths, she shattered around him on a loud cry. Pleasure spread through every inch of her body, and she clung to him.
“Fuuuuuck,” he growled.
His own climax met the last tingles of her own, and she felt his cock swelling. A hot throbbing sensation inside her signalled his release. He slammed into her, jerking and grunting. When the tremors died down, and he had nothing left, he sighed in total satisfaction.
Dropping onto the bed, he was still inside her as he softened. He buried his head in the nook of her neck, and she closed her lids, not wanting to move. Her limbs were weak, and exhaustion took over. Not only that but she didn’t want to separate from him just yet. She hugged him tightly.
When their bodies eventually cooled off, they crawled up the bed. Darion switched the music off and they lay facing one another. She began to get sleepy when he stroked her hair. A part of her wanted another hour’s sleep, yet the other part of her wanted to stay awake and talk to him about weird and interesting topics, which she loved doing.
Running her finger along his stubbled jaw, she whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest. She drifted into a peaceful sleep, with a grin on her face of how far Darion had come since she’d met him. Not only could he now declare his feelings verbally, but he finally wanted all the things she did. Everything was perfect. She hoped nothing would come along and burst their bubble.
***
Gabi pressed send on the email to her client. She had returned their manuscript to them to revise the edits. She spent a few minutes reading and replying to emails. It was 11 a.m. and her morning had been productive. She’d thought she’d be tired for the long day ahead, after Darion waking her up for sex; however she was giddy, pleased they were back together. She opened her drawer and placed the photograph of them back on her desk. She was admiring it when Mallory walked in.
“Got you doughnuts.” She shook the paper bag with a laugh.
“The doughnut deliveries are no longer necessary.” Gabi leant back in her chair.
Mallory threw her head back with a laugh. “Well, I can certainly see someone got frisky last night. Look at you all glowing, and chirpy.” Plopping onto the seat, she took out a doughnut and bit into it.
“Ah, what the hell.” Gabi leant forward and snatched up one. “They’re just too tempting.”
“So.” Mallory wiped the sugar from her lips. “I take it you and Darion sorted things out.”
She nodded. “We met up, had a talk, and it went well. He’s ready for commitment, Mal. No more running for either of us.”
“Now you can stop worrying and feeling like you’re in limbo. He doesn’t want the fun of The Black Door. He doesn’t want Eva, nor Gina, nor anyone else.” She beamed. “I’m thrilled for you, sweetie.”
“I just hope we can actually enjoy the relationship now, and not have to constantly fight battles.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“How are things with you?”
“As good as ever.”
“You heard much from Suze?”
She nodded. “Yeah. Me and Steve popped in to see her and Marcus yesterday evening. They’re fine too.”
A knock at the door disturbed them. Gabi yelled for them to enter. A man appeared carrying a large bouquet of red roses. The sweet smell invaded Gabi’s nostrils.
“Gabriella Woods?”
“Yes.”
“These are for you.”
She thanked him when he placed the flowers on her desk. When he left the office, she took out the card.
Darion: I’ll get better at this romance stuff, I promise. Love you. Can’t wait to fuck you later. xx
She shook her head in amusement at the last part. Darion was as devilish as ever. Before she could tuck the card away, Mallory plucked it from her hand.
“Ooh, Darion’s a sexy bastard.” She giggled. “Let’s swap. You can have Steve, and I’ll have Darion for one night of passion,” she joked.
“You’d want more than one night, Mal. Trust me.”
She huffed. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”
They broke into laughter before continuing to eat their doughnuts. Gabi remembered Darion’s words to her in the early days, “I know that if I have you now, that you’ll come back,” and he’d been absolutely right. The first time they’d gotten intimate, she was unable to refuse seeing him again. Unlike all of the other women who had probably returned for more, and were unable to capture his interest, Darion Milano was now all hers to keep. She thought of their future with glee. She knew a lifetime with him would be nothing but amazing memories, as it already was. They had so much to experience and explore.
***
After work, Gabi drove straight to Retox. It was lively with rock music playing, but at a volume where people could talk to one another. After ordering a glass of wine, she found Darion at the back of the club playing pool with Lennie. Travis was sat on a stool, watching.
“Hi.” She gave them all a little wave.
“Hi, Gabi.” They grinned back at her.
“Long time, no speak,” Lennie said. “Glad you pair sorted things out. There was only so much I could take of Daz moping around.” He nudged him playfully.
“Moping around?” Gabi teased him.
Darion set his cue against the wall and sauntered toward her. Snaking his arms around her waist, he looked down at her. “It’s the effect you have on me, darlin’.” He placed his lips against hers.
“I was moping about too,” she admitted. “Just a little bit, though.”
When his tongue met hers, and wrestled hungrily, she giggled in his mouth, when Travis and Lennie yelled for them to get a room.
“I’ll have her on this pool table right now if you don’t shut it,” Darion warned, his brows rising suggestively.
“No, you will not,” Gabi argued.
He nibbled her ear. “Fuck.
I wish I could shut the club now, and really have you on this pool table.” He cupped her ass and squeezed it.
Gabi giggled, the image actually exciting her.
“I guess we’ve got time to do everything once.”
She nodded in agreement.
“Wanna go to the office?” His voice was low and seductive, his eyes raw and glowing.
“Later.” She turned on her heel. “I’m going to get to know your staff.”
“You marking your territory?” He chuckled.
“Yes, I most definitely am.”
After an hour of chatting away with Addilyn and Raina, Gabi found she actually liked them. They seemed friendly, and not at all threatening. They were a far cry from the once seductive Gina and Eva. Derek, the bar manager, also ensured the place ran smoothly, and the girls were pulling their weight. Judging from the packed bar, Gabi was thrilled business was going well for Darion.
As she observed him laughing with Lennie and Travis, she realised she hadn’t seen him relaxed and cheerful in a while. She felt a rush of love for him. Finishing her drink, she ordered another. She was daydreaming about memories with Darion when her mobile bleeped. Fishing it out of the depths of her bag, she screwed up her face in confusion. Why was Darion messaging her? Opening the text, her pulse quickened as she read it.
Darion: I’ve got a surprise for you. x
Turning to face him she shifted in her seat. She watched as he slid his mobile into his pocket. When his gaze met hers, she noticed distress cross his face. What could the surprise possibly be? Usually his surprises were of a sexual nature, and sometimes they made her feel uneasy. Now The Black Door was gone, she hoped this surprise was something she’d enjoy.