"Oh, isn't this nice,” she said as she gave him a hug and a kiss before she sat down. “Do this for me every morning and I might be persuaded to marry you,” she joked.
"Too late,” he told her. “I'm already getting married today."
"Then I guess I'll just have to steal you away,” she answered. She looked up at him for a moment. “I love you,” she said softly.
"And I love you.” He dropped a kiss on her temple and joined her for breakfast.
They left for the airport around ten in the morning. Their flight didn't leave until 1:30 p.m. but it was at least an hour trip to the airport in Burlington, Vermont and since it was the Memorial Day weekend, they didn't want to get hung up in early holiday traffic.
Altheia had notified the Post Office of her intent to not return to work, so there was nothing left to stop them from leaving.
After checking their bags at the airport, they had a light lunch, both of them almost too excited to eat. Altheia felt like a little girl on her way to the seashore, something she loved as a child, but didn't get to do since her grandmother had died when she was 7 years old.
After lunch they checked in at the gate to get their seat assignments.
"There's been a change in your ticketing,” the attendant informed them. “It seems you requested an upgrade to First Class?"
Michael looked at her for a moment, confused. “We didn't ask for First Class."
"Well, it's right here in the computer, all paid and confirmed."
Michael looked at her and then at Altheia. Suddenly comprehension dawned on him. “Oh God, Grandmere,” he whispered.
"Who?” Altheia wanted to know.
"My grandmother,” he replied. “She must have done this. We called Caesar's to let them know what flight we were on so they could meet us at the airport. She must have called them back and got the flight number and changed the class. It's something she would do.” He shook his head and grinned at her. “Well, we might as well relax and enjoy it. My grandmother is used to getting her own way, and she loves to spoil her family."
"Oh. How big is your family?"
"Only me and my grandfather."
"She must be so lonely, to have lost her son and then to have your grandfather throw you out.” She couldn't resist taking his hand in hers. “And you must miss her terribly."
"Actually, we manage to get together about twice a year when grandfather is out of town on business. We both meet in Baton Rouge and have lunch. Grandfather would have a fit if he found out, but the servants are loyal to my grandmother and would never betray her."
"Servants?” Somehow the thought of servants made her realize just how different they were socially. She suddenly wasn't so sure if she'd be able to fit in.
Michael must have sensed her sudden apprehension, because he wrapped his arm around her and tugged her close to him.
"Don't worry about it. I haven't lived there since I was twelve. And for almost eleven years I lived on a reservation. I'm no more used to servants than you are,” he reassured her. “And I don't plan on returning there to live."
* * * *
The flight was smooth and Altheia thought First Class was a real treat. They had champagne, a light snack and fresh strawberries for dessert. Michael wouldn't eat them, but he delighted in feeding them to her with his fingers.
The sky was clear and she felt she could see forever. She began to relax, certain she had made the right decision in agreeing to marry this unique man. She shivered in anticipation of their wedding night. She had wanted him badly last night, but she felt abstaining was only going to make tonight more glorious.
"What's the matter?” Michael had noticed her shiver and was afraid she might be having second thoughts. Dear God, don't let me lose her now, he prayed.
"Nothing's the matter.” She smiled at him. “I was just thinking about tonight ... our wedding night."
"Yeah,” he whispered, relief flowing through him. “I can hardly wait. After last night, I may not let you out of bed till morning.” He leaned close and let his tongue lap at her ear. Another shiver ran through her body, delighting him. “In fact, we may just have to have all our meals in bed, because I may decide not to let you out for days."
Altheia whimpered with need as he whispered in her ear. She was almost sorry she had asked him to wait. She wanted him so badly. But then she thought of the lovely gown she planned to tease him with and she was glad, though she had a feeling that he wasn't going to care how enticing she looked in it, since she doubted he'd let her keep it on for long. Now she could hardly wait.
* * * *
After leaving the plane, Michael spied a tall man dressed in a chauffeur's uniform holding a placard in front of him with the name Lafayette printed on it in bold letters.
"Damn,” he groaned. “I have a feeling Grandmere hasn't finished with her surprises yet."
Altheia blinked when he pointed out the man waiting for them.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette,” he intoned. “My name is Charles and I will be at your disposal during your stay in Las Vegas. Anything you need ... tickets, reservations, transportation, anything, it will be my pleasure to obtain for you. Now let me get your bags and we can get you settled in at Caesar's. Your rooms are ready for you."
"Rooms?” she mouthed as she looked to Michael in total surprise.
Michael just grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
When they reached the hotel, Charles turned them over to the concierge.
"You only need to call the desk and they will notify me that you need my services,” he said before he left them. “And I'll be here to pick you up at 4:00 p.m."
The concierge personally escorted them upstairs. Reaching the end of a well appointed corridor, he stopped in front of a set of double doors. Opening them with a flourish, he stepped aside to let them enter.
"The honeymoon suite,” he said. “We at Caesars hope you enjoy your stay. If you need anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to call. I believe reservations have been made for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Someone will be here to escort you.” Handing Michael the key, he turned to leave.
"Wait,” Michael managed before the man could leave, fumbling for money for a tip.
"Oh no, sir,” he said as he realized Michael's intention. “Everything's been taken care of.” He again turned away, then paused as if he remembered something. Pulling an envelope out of his jacket, he turned and handed it to Michael. “I was requested to give this to you upon your arrival. Good day.” Closing the doors behind him, he left them alone.
They stared at each other for a few seconds and then Altheia began to giggle.
"They think we're already married,” she said between giggles.
"Soon,” he answered as he drew her into his arms. “Are you sure you want to wait till tonight?” he asked as he began running kisses along her jaw and down her neck, his fingers trying to push her collar aside.
Altheia felt her body begin to respond and for a moment she didn't want to wait. Then her eyes opened slightly and she looked over Michael's shoulder. Getting her first clear look at the suite behind him, she gasped and stiffened in his arms.
"Michael!"
Looking up, he noticed her eyes grow wide as she stared over his shoulder. Slowly he turned around, his arm falling to her waist. His breath caught as he stared at the suite laid out before them.
They were standing in a foyer. In front of them was a balcony with stairs leading down both left and right. The suite was two stories high with the entire outside wall made of glass.
Michael led her to the balcony overlooking the floor below. The view through the windows was breathtaking. They had a bird's eye view looking up the Strip. Michael thought the flashing multicolored casino signs would make the Strip a fairyland after dark.
The suite was laid out below them in opulent splendor. Directly below was a kitchen and bar area with a snack bar and chairs. A large circular pit fireplace stood in front of the wide expanse of windows, with two custom curved sofas on either side.
To the left, beyond a glass brick wall, they could see a large pool big enough for two. And the wall of windows were frosted for privacy.
Hanging from the glass wall between the pool and the fireplace appeared to be a large projection screen television.
To the right, almost hidden beyond a wall of potted trees and plants, was a king size bed with a down comforter and masses of pillows. There the glass wall was frosted only about six feet up, leaving the rest clear to the night sky.
There were vases of flowers all over the suite ... roses, orchids, lilies. On the bar below they could see a bottle of champagne chilling in a huge silver bowl.
"Wow!” Altheia was almost struck dumb. “This place must cost a fortune."
"Yeah.” He was impressed also. He'd never stayed anywhere this fancy before. In fact, the Hilton was more his idea of splurging.
"Well,” he said, taking her hands in his, “do you want to explore this dump? See if it's up to our standards? Maybe we'll just have to move to the Holiday Inn."
"Are you kidding?” She playfully slapped at him. “You can go. I'll be fine right here, thank you very much."
"Oh Michael,” she said later. “I feel like Cinderella. This is real, isn't it?"
"Why don't we try it out and see.” Grabbing her, he dragged her down on the bed and on top of him.
"Kiss me,” he demanded.
Some minutes later, he had her blouse pushed up and her breasts in his hands. He leaned up to lap at her hardened nipples, a growl starting deep in his throat.
As she moaned and arched against him, he took the peak in his mouth and suckled. Her hands roved uncontrollably across his chest. Suddenly wanting to feel his bare chest against hers, she ran her hands across to the buttons, intending to rid him of the now offending garment. Suddenly her hands stilled as she brushed the letter he had slipped into his breast pocket.
Reality battered against the lust suffusing her body and she shuddered. Gently she pulled back from his questing lips.
"Michael,” she pleaded breathlessly. “We have to wait."
Michael's eyes were heavy with passion. What was it about this woman that made him lose control whenever she was close enough to invade his sense of smell, of taste? His body shook with need as his manhood strained against the confines of his pants. He groaned as he released her and fell back on the bed.
"Woman, you'll be the death of me yet,” he growled.
Shaking, since she was feeling much the same as he, she prudently moved to his side, careful not to touch him.
"I concede. It is real,” she said quietly as she watched him.
"Yeah.” A slow smile lit his lips. “Definitely real.” He reached out and ran a finger lightly down her throat and around one warm, heavy breast.
With a sigh he dropped back to the bed.
"I think it might be a good idea if we got out of this bed, don't you?” he asked quietly. “Because the next time I touch you, I don't think I'll be able to stop."
Nodding, Altheia quickly slid from the bed, pulling her blouse down as she went. Entering the main room, she slipped behind the bar to investigate the small refrigerator hidden there.
"Would you like a soda or juice?” she asked. “They seem to have thought of everything. There's even little bottles of liquor and milk and cream."
"Just a glass of ice water.” He sat across from her on a chair at the bar and smiled.
She poured herself a diet soda and Michael a glass of ice water and set them on the bar. Coming around, she sat in a chair next to him.
"I love you.” She smiled back at him. Remembering the letter, she reached out and plucked it from his pocket. Holding it up she asked, “Who do you think it's from?"
"Grandmere,” he grinned, grabbing it from her fingers.
Darling Michael,
Surprise! I hope you and your new bride like the accommodations. I wanted my grandson to have only the best. I wish I could be there to see you get married. Please enjoy yourselves and do come home to see me soon. I can hardly wait to see the lovely lady who has captured you heart.
Forgive an old lady for interfering, but I didn't think you would mind. Besides, I intend to present your Grandfather with the bills. Since it was his decision that kept you away all these years, it's only fair that he pay when you finally do what he wanted. The joke will be on him when he gets the bill. So don't hesitate to enjoy yourselves. After all, paybacks are hell.
I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty of arranging for your wedding at a nice little chapel at 4:30 this afternoon. Charles will be there to pick you up at 4:00. If you would rather go somewhere else, Charles can help you. I've also arranged a celebration dinner at 5:30 at Caesars. All your favorite foods Michael. Indulge me, you won't be sorry.
Well, don't let me keep you. I'm sure your bride has a million things to do to get ready. Tell her she has an appointment in the hotel beauty salon if she wants to use it at 2:30.
All my love Michael. And the best to both of you. May your lives together be long and fruitful.
Love,
Grandmere
"Your Grandmother sounds like a very special lady."
"Yes, she is. And I don't know how she puts up with my grandfather. He can be a bastard when he sets his mind to it. I guess all the money and power went to his head."
"Your grandmother seems to be able to handle it all right."
"Grandmere comes from old money. She grew up with servants and privilege. Her parents owned one of the last plantations in New Orleans. They lost everything they owned in the stock market crash of ‘29."
"Well anyway, it looks like we're going to get a taste of it for the next few days. So, would you like to marry me at 4:30? Or did you want something else?"
"After all this,” she gestured to the suite behind her, “I can't wait to see what else she may have planned. That is, if it's all right with you."
"Sounds good to me. What about the beauty salon? Are you going to go?"
"In a heartbeat. First I want to call down and find out what services are available."
While Altheia was making the call, Michael began to explore the cabinets and the fridge. All the frustration was starting to make him hungry. And he had a feeling he was going to need all the strength he could find tonight. In one of the cabinets, he found a tin of goose liver pate and crackers. Yeah, that would do just fine.
He was devouring the pate and crackers like he was starved when she returned.
"Hungry?” she asked as she intercepted a cracker slathered with pate and popped it in her mouth. “Mmmm, delicious.” She started to lick some pate off her fingers when Michael grabbed her hand. Bringing her fingers to him, he put them in his mouth and cleaned them with his tongue. A flash of heat shot through her body to settle in the pit of her stomach. Tonight seemed so far away.
Michael let her fingers slip from his mouth, but continued to hold them in his hand. His eyes promised her more if she would only ask.
With a sigh, she gently removed her fingers from his grasp, a shiver running down her spine.
"I've got to get ready. They're expecting me right away. You can get dressed here and pick me up downstairs when Charles arrives. I don't want you to see me until then. I want to surprise you."
"Honey, I'm surprised that you even want to marry me. I keep expecting to wake up and find out this is all a dream."
"Oh, it's no dream,” she whispered. Leaning down, she touched her lips softly to his. In seconds, the kiss deepened, her tongue slipping out to tease. He opened to her and she swept inside, tasting, exploring. Michael pulled her onto his lap, taking control of the kiss. Before he lost control, Altheia gently pulled away from his embrace. “I've got to go, Michael. Just a little bit longer."
A deep growl fell from his lips; he didn't want to wait any longer. His body was screaming for release. She was already his; what the hell did he need with a piece of paper? Lust was fogging his mind and he no longer understood the reason to wait. But befo
re he could act, she was standing on the balcony above him, her arms loaded with clothes bags and shoes and he didn't know what else.
"I love you, Michael,” she called down to him. “I can hardly believe the next time I see you, we'll be getting married. Finish your pate and I'll see you soon.” In a swirl of motion, she was gone.
Michael groaned. Soon was not going to be soon enough. But it was going to have to do. She wouldn't appreciate it if he kidnapped her out of the salon and brought her back here to ravish her. With a sigh, he reached for another tin of pate.
* * * *
At four o'clock Michael was dressed and ready to go. In fact, you could say he was downright impatient. When Charles arrived at the door, Michael answered it on the first knock. A few minutes later, he let himself into the beauty salon. For a moment he felt a wave of panic when Altheia was nowhere to be seen. Just as he was about to tear the place apart looking for her, she stepped out from behind a screen at the back of the room. Michael froze, losing his ability to breathe. She was definitely breathtaking.
Altheia hesitated when she saw Michael standing there in the middle of the salon. He looked as out of place as a man could look in a woman's domain.
He cut an imposing, masculine figure in his black dress pants and formal dinner jacket. A pristine white dress shirt and formal bow tie made a perfect foil for his bronze skin and silver hair. His cobalt eyes were bright as he stared at her. She found it hard to believe that this absolutely handsome man was about to marry her.
Michael's thoughts were running on much the same lines, but he was wondering what he had done to be so lucky as to have won this fabulous creature before him.
She was a vision in ivory. Her dress reminded him of the twenties. It fell mid-calf with a deep hem of handmade lace. It was a sheath style that skimmed her body, tantalizing as it caressed her curves as she moved. As she stopped before him, he could see her nipples harden and thrust against the fragile chiffon of the dress. It had short cap sleeves with more deep lace dripping down her arms. Dropping low in the front, it showed a generous amount of cleavage, giving him a moment of jealousy at the thought of any other man coveting her.
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