Redemption (The Bet)

by Phal, Francette

  Ellie laughed and turned around, taking the shower gel from the shower basket, she grabbed the blue Loofah and poured the gel onto the squishy sponge. "I like the way your mind works, Grayson, but we aren't all billionaires. I have to work for a living." She handed the bottle to Nicholas and brought the lathered loofah to her lover's milk white skin.

  "So stop working." Nicholas casually replied, enjoying her hands on his body. "Being the girlfriend of a billionaire can have its perks."

  Ellie snorted, "Somehow being your kept woman, doesn't sound so appealing. Besides, I love teaching. I don't think I can handle being a stay at home Mom." The soapy Loofah glided along Nicholas well-formed chest, across his arms and back down to his ridged abdomen.

  "The children will enjoy having you home more often. I'd love having you home more often."

  "At your complete disposal, Nicholas Grayson's kept woman..."

  Refusing to meet his gaze, Ellie trailed the Loofah further down, purposely ignoring the raised shaft twitching for her attention. She wasn't angry, maybe slightly annoyed, but who could blame her? She felt like Nicholas was offering her just a role in his bed, instead of his life, old insecurities couldn't help but sprout forth. She didn't regret her decision, Ellie honestly loved Nicholas and every minute they spent together was unmitigated bliss. However, she couldn't help but worry, she wondered whether they were doomed to repeat mistakes of the past, doomed to fail no matter how hard they tried.

  Putting a hand beneath her chin, Nicholas raised her head. Hazel eyes, more green now than amber, met his own shuttered gaze, "We belong to each other, Ellie. You have no idea the sort of power you have over me. If anyone is the kept anything in this relationship, it's me. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you to see you smile. I am at your complete disposal. I love you, Ellie, if you knew how much, you'd probably run for the hills."

  As he knew it would, the conviction in Nicholas's storm grey eyes, the love Ellie saw there, put to rest any niggling doubt. Yes, they did belong to each other and no matter what happened Ellie had to believe that they would see it through together. Love wasn't everything, certainly it helped, but Ellie knew that if they were to have a fighting chance, they'd have to trust each other.

  "But you'd always find me." She said with a small smile, gliding her soapy hand down Nicholas arm and interlacing their fingers.

  Nicholas pressed his forehead to Ellie's and smiled, transforming his stern features into a boyish charm. "Nothing could ever keep me away." He sealed his words with a tender kiss. Stroking Ellie's inviting tongue with his own.

  "Don't ever let anything keep you away."

  Nicholas put to rest the need for words, lifting Ellie up against the wet glass. He permitted his body to talk for him, showing her exactly how much he needed her, how powerless she rendered someone who made it his business to always remain in control.

  Their echoing love cries resounded through the expansive bathroom, drowning out the rush of spraying jets. They remained oblivious to anything else but their matched rhythm, their fevered, slick bodies laboring for the same goal.

  Taking hold of Ellie's face, Nicholas kissed her open mouth, "look at me," through the haze of rapture, Ellie met Nicholas's gaze, "It's you and me, always. I promise never to leave you again."

  "Good," Ellie firmly kissed him, "you belong to me." With her arms wrapped around Nicholas's neck, she fisted a chunk of his dark hair, forcing his head back, she pressed her lips to the exposed column of his neck and clamped her teeth down, careful not to tear the skin, but deep enough to leave a mark. At Nicholas's groan, Ellie pulled away and admired her work. Her teeth marks glared back at her, bumpy and blistering red. She glanced up at her lover with an unrepentant smile.

  "Satisfied?" Nicholas nuzzled Ellie's wet skin, leaving a kiss in his wake.

  "For now."

  Their teasing banter turned into heated cries as they came, tightly holding each other until their shared orgasms ran its course.

  ~*~*~*~

  Quarter past noon they decided to take a break to replenish their bodies. Nicholas called the kitchen to order lunch and while he took an urgent call from his office, Ellie finished her shower and walked onto the open balcony adorning a downy bathrobe and nothing else. The day was bright; the sun beamed high in the sky, bringing with it a warm breeze that swept along her face and ruffled her damp curls. Off to the right of where she stood was a table set for two with an assortment of food. A pitcher of pink lemonade stood to the left of the array of delectable fruits and fresh leaf salad. It was veritable feast that could no doubt feed a small army. Ellie didn't think she could even finish half of what was in front of her but she sure as hell would try, sex on an empty stomach wasn't as gratifying.

  She took a seat and poured herself a glass of lemonade, careful not to spill. Looking out at the expanse of Nicholas's backyard Ellie admired the rolling hills with its verdant lawns that gave way to a copse of trees just off in the distance. She hadn't realized the manor was this immense and wondered what was beyond the trees.

  "There's a small log cabin a few miles in." Nicholas's sudden appearance startled Ellie from her musing. She looked up with a glare and received a tender kiss on her head in apology. "I didn't mean to startle you."

  "It's Ok." Ellie took a sip of lemonade, keeping his eyes on Nicholas as he took the seat across from her, newspaper in hand and a coffee mug in the other. Unlike Ellie, he'd chosen to keep his bathrobe open, leaving his chest and abdomen exposed. The tattoo she loved to trace with her tongue peeking out just the tiniest bit. The lower region of his body was covered by a pair of plaid flannel pajama pants. "When did you build a log cabin?" Ellie asked, distracting herself from the temptation of Nicholas's exposed flesh.

  "I didn't. My great grandfather had it built for his monthly hunting excursions, years before he met my great grandmother. But after they married, she put a stop to the hunts, choosing instead to use the cabin as a haven from the world. No one's been up there since they passed away." He brought his coffee mug to his lips and took a sip. "I'm thinking of tearing it down to build a playhouse for the kids."

  Ellie shook her head, "The kids have plenty of places to play, Nicky, and they don't need another one. Besides, that cabin has sentimental value; I hate to think of all those memories destroyed for something so inane. Maybe you could restore it?" she quietly suggested.

  "Why are you so attached to something you've never even seen?" Nicholas inquired.

  Ellie lifted her shoulders and quickly dropped them with a sigh, "It's not just the cabin. It's the memories attached to it." She fought to find the right words, her brow furrowed in concentration. "It's like your godfather's cottage; remember all the memories we have of that place? Both good and bad, they're ours and we created them in that cottage. Knowing that all we shared will forever be in the oaken walls just makes it that much sweeter." She flushed meeting Nicholas's intent stare. "It sounds silly, I know."

  "I'll have Samantha call a contractor, tomorrow."

  Ellie beamed, "Really?"

  Nicholas grinned. Ellie's smile rivaled the sun, instantly warming him. "Really. Now eat, so I can ravish you again."

  Ellie laughed, stood and reached for a strawberry from the assortment of bright fruits; she set it between her lips and bit into it. "You're insatiable." She stared at Nicholas through the veil of her lashes and smiled, her eyes alight with humor.

  "And you're a hopeless tease." Nicholas wrapped his hand around her wrist and yanked her between his parted legs. "Feed me."

  Staring down at him, Ellie shivered at the darkened shade of his eyes, "Ask nicely and I might."

  Playing with the white sash in his hand, Nicholas tugged on it and grinned when it gave way, "Please feed me."

  "Better. What does his majesty want?"

  Like a lion licking his jowls at the prospect of a good meal, Nicholas leeringly swept his tongue over his lips and stared at Ellie's partially exposed body, his fingers tugging the robe open, "Beautiful perky
tits," He settled his hands on at her hips and tugged her forward, "and hot wet pussy." He kissed Ellie's quivering abdomen, trailing his tongue inside her navel, licking the skin there as though it were candy. "Think you can provide that for me, Ellie?"

  Ellie's hands found their way to Nicholas's hair, "Oh God!" She jerked forward, her grip on Nicholas's locks tightened and she cried out as her lover's mouth engulfed a nipple. His tongue stroked, and swirled, sweeping from beneath the hefty mounds back up to the areola and back down again, while his fingers plied the warm lips of her labia and smoothly entered her, burying his middle finger knuckle deep.

  She was absolutely wanton. He made her feel so decadent and she loved every deliciously wicked moment. She rode his fingers while holding tight to his shoulders. He didn’t miss a beat when he sat her down on the table and Ellie was only mildly aware of dishes crashing to the ground before she lost all sense again. He was between her legs, breaking his fast on her honeyed sex and Ellie chanted his name, crying out in sheer ecstasy when his tongue and fingers fell in perfect rhythm.

  Ellie found it somewhat arousing tasting herself on Nicholas's lips and she deepened their kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. "We should really eat something."

  “I just did.” He said with a lascivious smile.

  "For food!”

  Nicholas laughed. "I'll only eat it, if you feed me."

  Ellie tenderly bit Nicholas's chin, "I spoil you."

  "What can I say, I'm a greedy man."

  At the sound of someone clearing their throat, both Ellie and Nicholas turned around to look at their intruder and Ellie immediately scrambled to cover herself at the sight of Nicholas's butler standing at the balcony entrance.

  Nicholas frowned, stepping in front of her. "What is it?"

  The butler's face remained impassive; he did however lower his head in respect. "My sincerest apologies, Sir, but there is a call for you from your downtown office, the gentlemen asked to speak with you on a matter of great urgency."

  All he wanted was a day without interruption, a day for him and Ellie alone to do with whatever they pleased. However, twice now, he'd been interrupted by some incompetent moron who didn't know his job description and who Nicholas was seconds away from sending to the unemployment office.

  Nicholas helped her tie her robe back up. "Hold that thought, I'll be right back." With a breath-stealing kiss, Nicholas pulled away and left with his butler trailing behind.

  Ellie picked up the broken dishes and the food that had fallen along with it. Once she was done, she swiped a waffle from the array of food and made her way back to Nicholas’ bedroom in search her discarded shorts. She found them strewn on a brocade ottoman a few feet away. Stuffing the waffle between her teeth, Ellie picked them up and dug inside the pockets in search of her cell phone. She found it in the back pocket and quickly she folded the shorts before heading towards the bed. Settling down Ellie flipped the phone open, the missed call message flashed on the screen. Ten missed calls, four voicemails and one text message from Maddie. Ellie bit into the waffle and grinned as she read the text.

  I doubt ur even awake yet. If u r ur prolly 2 busy getting laid 2 answer ur phone. I just wanted 2 check in & let u kno I'm OK. Last night was amazing! Call me L8R and we'll dish .Luvu

  Ellie deleted the message before dialing Gabe's home number; she'd call Maddie later, right now she wanted to talk to her babies.

  "Hello?"

  "Hey Ron,"

  "Ellie, how are you? How was your night?" the innuendo wasn't lost on Ellie and she was thankful that they weren't in the same room, otherwise her blush would've given her away.

  "I'm fine and my night…my night was eventful. How are you? Did the twins give you a hard time?"

  "I'm good. The twins were angels, although Dylan had an incident with Liam last night, but I think they managed to work it out. They're helping Gabe set up the Slip and Slide in the backyard, we're having a little barbecue later. Did you want to talk them? I have Bella next to me practically yanking off my arm to talk to you."

  Ellie laughed, "Yeah let me talk to her."

  "All right, one sec," there was the static of the phone being handed off to another and seconds later a very excited, "Hi Mom!" pierced Ellie's eardrum.

  "Hey Belle, how are you? I miss you, are you being good for Ronnie and Gabe?"

  "Yeah, Auntie Ronnie and I are cooking for the barbecue. We made fried chicken, mashed potatoes and I think she said we could make macaroni and cheese too. Last night we marinated the pork chops and steak, Uncle Gabe is going to grill those." She took a moment to breath and Ellie took her chance to speak.

  "Wow, sounds like Auntie Ronnie's been keeping you busy, huh?"

  "Yeah. Are you and Daddy coming to the barbecue? Dylan said you were kissing and hugging and you'll be here when you're done. Are you done yet? Maybe you can come here to kiss and make up!"

  Dear lord, Ellie silently thought, "Yes, we'll be there, maybe a little later though, we have things we need to talk about."

  "Are you going to kiiiiss?" she teased causing Ellie to burst into laughter.

  "Yes, we're going to kiss." Ellie looked up as Nicholas entered the bedroom and locked the door behind him; he smiled and walked over to her.

  "It's Bella." Ellie mouthed tilting her head to receive his kiss.

  Nicholas's eyes lit up and he took the phone from Ellie. "Hello princess,"

  "Daddy!" Even a few inches away Ellie could hear her earsplitting scream as though the phone was against her ear, but Nicholas didn’t seem to mind it one bit.

  Ellie watched as he sat against the headboard and animatedly spoke to his daughter, chuckling when she said something he thought was particularly adorable and empathizing with her during opportune times. He seemed to come alive, avidly listening and nodding his head, so carefree and sweet. There were so many sides to this man. Ellie had seen them all. What she couldn’t understand was how someone who was as sadistic, as possessive and ruthless as Nicholas was could be so endearingly sweet and loving to his children. How was it possible for him to love so tenderly, so profoundly and be able to torture without remorse? As much and as deeply as Ellie professed to know her dark haired paramour there was a part of Nicholas that would always remain a mystery to her.

  The harrowing events of their past shaped them into who they were today. With all the things she'd been through, Ellie could at least say she’d had family there to see her through it all. But Nicholas…Nicholas had no one and so he’d dealt with his pain as best as he could. Ellie didn't fault him for it, she just wished there was some way she could heal that part of her lover, something she could do to eradicate the sadistic drive in him.

  "...be a good girl for your Aunt and Uncle and tell your brother I said not to fight with his cousin, your Mom and I will be there as soon as we can. I love you too, bye princess." Ellie tuned back in for the last snippet of the conversation and took the phone away from Nicholas to say her goodbyes.

  "You okay?" Nicholas asked when Ellie hung up the phone, noticing the worry lines between her dark brows.

  Shaking his head, Ellie turned a blinding smile to Nicholas. "I'm more than okay." she fell on the mound of pillows beside him. "I'm in love."

  Nicholas laughed and tossed his bathrobe on the floor, before straddling Ellie's backside. He pulled her robe down and set his hands on her shoulders, kneading the kinks with care. "For someone so in love you're pretty tight," with a wolfish grin on his lips he leaned down and whispered. "Pun definitely intended."

  Ellie chortled and hid her face in the pillow. "You have a one-track mind, Grayson."

  "With a body like yours I can't help myself, one look at you and my cock stands to salute you." At Ellie's laughter, Nicholas smiled and continued his massage, using his fingers to knead down Ellie's back, giving the utmost care to her ass. He worked his way back up again, every now and then dropping a butterfly kiss on flawless skin, until he saw the familiar green and black dragonfly he'd branded her with so
many years ago. It still looked good, the black and green ink against his honeyed complexion looked as though she recently had it done.

  "Devlin always asked me where I got it and the meaning behind it." Ellie said softly.

  "What did you tell him?"

  "That it was a silly teenage whim. But I think he always suspected. He suspected a lot of things about us." Silence answered her; all she felt was Nicholas's breath, hot against her skin, right on top of the tattoo. He remained quiet, as though contemplating something; Ellie did not want to disturb him.

  "When I was little," Nicholas finally whispered, "I used to love dragonflies. They seemed so carefree, so full of hope. I once read somewhere that they brought luck to anyone who caught one, so one summer night, a week before returning to school, I managed to catch one."

  "Did it bring you luck?"

  "It brought me you." He dropped his dark head between her shoulder blades and pressed his lips at the base of her neck. "You're the better part of me, Ellie."

  Ellie didn't realize falling deeper in love was possible where Nicholas was concerned, but listening to him, seduced by the raw emotions in his hushed tone, she found herself falling deeper, hopelessly plummeting without anything to hold her up. No one could ever come close to making her feel the way Nicholas did.

  "Nicky." She softly moaned at the feel of her lover's tongue licking a hot wet path down her spine. Ellie felt the teasing nibbles and the open-mouthed kisses at her sides; strong, deft fingers manipulating her flesh, dancing seductively down each vertebra, sliding ever lower until they swept between his sun-kissed cheeks. Her hands fisting the sheets, Ellie arched her back as Nicholas wet tongue followed his fingers. Her heart thundered against her sternum, her pulse spiked, she could do no more than squirm in delight while Nicholas's tongue brought her once more to the precipice. She felt impossibly wanton; writhing on the bed like a bitch in heat, moaning for more. With Nicholas's fingers skillfully stroking her, Ellie came with a strangled cry.