“Precisely–the tabloids. Little of what they report is true. We’re very much committed to one another and will marry in less than a month, so I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in having anything more than a working relationship with you.”
I realize I’m scowling and more or less scolding him. He holds his hands up in front of him in defense.
“Whoa, Alayna, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I was simply feeling out the water, but I will let it go. I don’t want anything to jeopardize us working together.”
Inhaling a deep breath, I let the tension in my shoulders go a bit. “Thank you for understanding. Trust me; Damon Lear is not a man you want to cross.”
He chuckles. “What I’ve seen from you is you’re not one to cross, either, and I guess that’s appealing, but I’m done. Promise.”
I can’t help but smile and blush over his honesty. It’s flattering, but I’m taken and beyond happy with that fact.
The lady returns with two plates and places them in front of us. There is salad on the left and grilled chicken to the right. I think the coast is clear to relax around Phillip, so I can’t help but grab a fork and dig into my meal.
Damon
“Mr. Lear, there is a woman named Lori on the phone. She claims to be a friend of Ms. Kinkade’s.”
“Put her through for me.” My phone beeps, signaling the transfer of a call. “This is Damon Lear.”
“Damon, my name is Lori Rudolph. I’m good friends with Tiffany. She’s in the hospital and is not well. She told me about her visit with you, and I’d really like to meet and discuss her intentions with Cameron.”
“We can do that over the phone. What are you wanting?”
“I would like custody of him.” Lori tells me that she’s been friends with Tiffany for eight years. She has watched Cameron grow up, and he has spent a lot of time around her children. She has a girl who is eight and a boy the age of eleven.
“OK, that’s great. I will meet with her if necessary and get her on board.”
“Oh, that would be perfect. I must admit, that was easier than I expected.”
“I don’t know him. I also have no children. It sounds as if you would be more fitting for the job.”
It really does sound ideal for Cameron to go with her. I’ll happily pay for some of his expenses, but a nagging thought keeps popping up. Why does Tiffany want him with me instead of her friend, Lori? After we end the call, I dial Tiffany’s cell.
“Hello.” Her voice is noticeably low and weak.
“This is Damon.”
“I didn’t expect to hear from you again.”
“Lori called me. She said she’s willing to take Cameron.”
“Yes, but I don’t want that.”
“Why, Tiffany? It makes perfect sense for him to go with her, and I’ve been thinking; Alayna punched you. Although I believe she’ll make a remarkable mother, why would you want her raising Cameron?”
“I can’t say I love the idea, but Alayna stood up for what she thought was right, and she’s sort of a package deal. I don’t have much choice if I want him with you.
“Lori’s marriage stinks. She and Charles fight all the time. The kids witness it, and I don’t think it would be healthy for Cameron. I love Lori, but I think she is after your money.”
I fight a chuckle. It’s funny hearing that from Tiffany, but my mood turns solemn when I revert my mind back to the situation at hand.
“Tiffany, how sick are you?”
“I don’t have much time. Maybe a few months.”
“I need to think about all this.”
“That’s understandable.”
“I’ll be in touch. Take care,” I say before I end the call.
I decide to send Alayna a text message. She has a right to know immediately that I spoke with Tiffany again, but I also want to know that douche bag, Phillip, isn’t putting his hands on her.
Me: How are things going with Phillip?
Alayna: The meeting went well. I’m heading to the airport.
Me: Awesome. I spoke to Tiffany over the phone after one of her friends called me. I’ll give you details later.
Alayna: OK, I’m eager for us to fuck.
Alayna: I mean touch.
Alayna: I mean talk! Damn autocorrect.
Me: I’m all for one and two. Three … not so much.
Alayna: If I recall, your cock needs to be sucked first and foremost.
Me: Fuck, baby, your killing me. Get on that plane and back here to me. Love you.
Alayna: Love you, too.
Yeah, I’m smiling. I love that woman.
Alayna
Damon drove to the airport to personally pick me up, and from the hug I received, you would’ve thought we were apart for weeks. It’s late when we enter the penthouse.
“Do you want to take a bath? I can pour you some wine,” he says. I smile from his thoughtfulness.
“I might like that, but I have something to do first. Would you sit on the couch please … Sir?”
He smiles and heads right toward it. Getting on my knees in front of him, I stare into his dark eyes as I unbutton his jeans.
He lifts his hips, so I can yank them down a bit, along with his boxer briefs. With my right hand, I take hold of his growing cock and stroke it slowly. In an instant, his fingers are behind my ears, massaging my scalp, my hair moving in time with my strokes of his velvety skin.
A pearl of cum surfaces, and it’s my cue. My tongue swirls along the tip, licking up his juices before my lips slide completely over his warm cock. He groans and tightens down on my hair.
I take him far back before I’m sealing my mouth tightly around it and sliding upward, feeling the length of his raised vein.
“God, that feels incredible. Truth time. Tilt those eyes.”
I freeze when I reach the tip, and once again wonder where he gets his self-control. “Nod with your answer. Did Phillip hit on you again?”
Shit, now he wants to have this conversation?
I reluctantly nod. Barely able to see his eyes, I witness the dark storm that fills them.
“Did you remind him that you’re mine?”
I nod once again.
“Do I need to remind him?”
By way of shaking my head, I give him an adamant no. A smirk plays along his mouth, trying not to spread.
“You put him in his place. I know it,” Damon says before the smile wins.
I nod hard without letting his slick cock fall from my mouth. Saliva is building and slipping from my lips, but I will not let go.
“I fucking love you. Now, suck, baby.” Just like that, he’s lightly pushing my mouth back onto him. His words and actions hot as ever. “I know you will remain faithful, but if that asshole tries anything again, I’m taking a trip to Malibu.”
Nodding in agreement, I reassure him that he is ultimately my protector. Taking him as far back as possible, I fight the gag reflex before dragging my lips up his dick.
Damon’s gravely sounds have me moaning against his fiery flesh, and I want nothing more than for his cum to fill my mouth. I long to know that for a few seconds, he’s under my spell since the rest of my nights and days, I’m under his.
Sucking faster and harder, it’s not long before his cum is shooting against my throat. He groans and pulls my hair. I swallow it all and battle my own smile for bringing him to this moment.
Damon
“We’re having a quickie before you dress, so come out here, or I’m fucking you in our walk-in closet,” I say.
Alayna strolls out from the closet and raises her brow.
“Like that hasn’t happened before, and I know what you’re doing.”
“Yeah, trying to fuck my fiancé before I’m away from her for the night.”
“You’re also trying to mark your territory now that I’ve already showered. I told you that we are only going for the final fitting of our dresses and to dinner.
“I’m not having some wild bachelorette party
like you think. Shouldn’t I be more worried? Seth and Martin seemed eager to get you out for some hell raising tonight.”
I stand from the end of the bed and stroll over to her. Cupping her face, I plant a gentle kiss to her lips.
“There is not another woman on this planet who I would rather look at, think of, or be with. Now, let me fuck you sideways.”
She bursts into laughter. “Your bluntness is too much sometimes, but OK, sure. Remember though, you have to wear a condom until I’ve been on the pill a month.”
I groan loudly. “No more condoms. I mean it.”
“The doctor said I could get pregnant switching from the shot to the pill.”
“Yeah, and that percentage is minuscule. I hate wearing them with you. I want no barriers between us, remember?”
“OK, if you’re sure.”
“My dick is. That I’m certain of.” I smirk at her, and she giggles again. I love hearing her laugh, so I work hard at hearing that sound every day.
“We need to talk about the elephant that has been in the room for weeks,” she says.
I glance down at my cock. “She’s trying to make you disappear,” I say to it.
Alayna swats my chest. “I’m serious.”
“I’m marrying you in a week, so I’m sorry if I’m a bit preoccupied. Would you marry me no matter what decision I make with Cameron?”
“Yes,” she replies.
“Then can we decide once we’re married and back from our honeymoon?”
“Fair enough. I won’t mention it again until then.” She strokes the front of my jeans. “Look, he’s still here and ready to fuck me sideways.”
My lips slam to hers. I don’t need a child when I already have my whole world in front of me.
Chapter Eight
Alayna
“God, I’m going to get so fat,” Felicia says as she stares into the mirror and fiddles with her blonde curls. Her vintage inspired plum dress is flowing and looks lovely on her, but her pregnancy hormones think otherwise.
“You look beautiful.”
“I need food.”
I take another look at myself in the tall mirror. I can’t believe it’s really happening. Today, I will become Mrs. Damon Lear.
One of my girlfriends from St. Louis flew in for my special day, and along with Felicia, two of my old friends from Long Island will stand up with me. Damon will have George, Seth and Martin to support him. I can barely contain my excitement or my nerves.
“Where’s my purse?” I ask, glancing around the room off the bookstore where we’re being married. All the proceeds from our wedding help those struggling with homelessness and HIV/AIDS, so we found it fitting to marry in this venue, not to mention, we’re writers.
I guess because I have a heart and the fact a child is involved is why I care about Tiffany’s well-being. I truly hate that she will not recover to be there for her son. I can’t shake the feeling that we are meant to care for Cameron.
My friend, Sue, gives me my purse. I find a Snickers candy bar and hand it to Felicia. “Here. I had a feeling we’d need this.”
She grins broadly. “You’re a lifesaver. No more hangry bitch.”
“Yes, let’s not have that on my wedding day.”
“I can’t believe you’re tying the knot only a year after me. I remember how cynical you were that day, and then Damon stormed into your life and changed everything.” Felicia rips open the packaging around the chocolate delight.
“A snowstorm that I will always remember,” I say. Tears fill my eyes as I recall all Damon and I have been through and all the years Felicia has been a dear friend to me.
“Let’s get you into this incredible gown,” Sue says. Her plum dress is different from Felicia’s and fits her curvy body. Her auburn hair is flowing down her back, and while eyeing her, I get an idea that maybe she’d be just right for Martin.
Felicia devours her candy bar and washes her hands before she helps Sue and my other friend, Rory, button up the long row of pearls down the spine of my gown. They begin right below the intricate lattice design.
I shakily twirl the free red curls framing my face. The rest of my hair is pinned up in the back with a pearl at each end of the bobby pins.
A pearl necklace finishes off the ensemble. Oh, and my glammed up heels. “Can someone get my shoes from the box?”
Felicia opens the shoe box sitting on a chair. I watch her still before she turns. A tear is streaming down each cheek.
“OK, maybe your man isn’t so bad after all. Lord, Felicia get it together,” she says to herself as she fans her face.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Here, read.” She shoves a heel into my hand, but it’s upside down, and there is handwriting on the ball of the shoe I recognize as Damon’s.
You stepped into my world when I was stumbling. Thank you for grounding me. I look forward to every moment we will walk together, hand in hand, in this lifetime. You’re my world, Alayna. My entire world.
The tears come, so I’m fanning my face, too.
“Oh, gosh, tissue please.” Rory grabs one from a small table and hands it to me. “I don’t want to stand on this shoe.”
“Here, let me get a photo in case it rubs off,” Felicia says before she retrieves her phone and snaps a picture. I dab the tears under my eyes and slip on the heels that are studded in crystals and adorned with love.
The bouquet is last. The burnt orange and yellow circus roses are the centerpiece to a circle parade of purple roses, yellow freesia and cream calla lily. The stem is elegantly wrapped in plum colored satin.
“It’s show time, but your mother wants to speak to you for a moment,” the wedding planner says as she peeks into the room.
My mom, Judy, slips inside and grins.
“Oh, my, Alayna, you’re breathtaking. I can’t wait to see Damon’s expression.” Mom begins to tear up, so I hurry over and grab her a tissue.
“No, please don’t cry. I will again.”
She lets out a laugh as she dabs her eyes.
“This might bring the sappy side out of your father and Curtis.”
“That would be a first,” I say with a giggle. “Let’s go; it’s time.”
We both step out the door, and I hear the instrumental music playing as my bridesmaids begin their stroll down the aisle. My father turns, and I fear he’s going to fall down. He covers his chest with his hand.
“Lord, Alayna, you’re gorgeous.” Leaning in, he presses his lips softly to my cheek. “My baby girl is now a stunning woman.”
“Thank you, Dad.” I circle my arm in his and step into the room where all my hopes and dreams exist in one man.
Damon should be the one turning heads with his attire. His black hair and raven eyes match it perfectly. A cream bowtie stands brightly against the darkness of his tux. His eyes are shining, too, as he and everyone else in the room shift their gaze to me.
Dad holds my arm snugly against his side, and it stills my nerves a bit. It’s late afternoon, and the room has a soft hue to it. Lights are strung above us, and the seating is intimate in the space leading up to where Damon and his groomsmen stand.
Bookcases lined with novels surround them. My eyes are now glued to Damon’s, and I fight back the tears yet again. He smiles, his eyes softening the closer I get, and I feel no reservations for where I am at this moment. My future is poised before me.
Damon
Alayna … my sensual being is walking toward me. How will I even speak? She’s stunning and mine.
She chose me.
Of all men who she could’ve picked, she wants to share her life with me. That is a gift like no other.
Fred places her hand in mine before he takes a seat. We face each other and grin like fools.
“Thank you for the message on my shoe,” Alayna whispers. I wink and smile.
The minister from Fred and Judy’s church starts his spiel, and I’m having trouble following as I stare into rich, green eyes framed by long lashes a
nd flaming red ringlets.
Aside from a string of pearls, her elongated neck is bare, and I think about sinking my teeth into it.
Not the moment for that, Damon.
“This couple has chosen to share their own vows this evening,” the minister says.
I’ll admit I’m nervous as I pull on my bowtie a bit and then squeeze Alayna’s hands. I think about what I’m about to say in front of our closest friends and family. My beautiful angel smiles at me, and it calms my nervous energy.
“Alayna, for years I believed love was only for others. You came into my life and challenged all my false beliefs. You showed me I was worthy of receiving love.
“Your amazing qualities are what made me want to give love back and become a better man. I now know my life’s purpose. It’s to love and cherish you.
“I will be the best person I can be to bring you happiness every day for the rest of our lives together. That means until I take my last breath. I love you, Alayna June, and thank you for betting all your love on me.”
Alayna’s eyes are washed in tears, her painted pink lips quiver, and her hands shake in mine.
“I love you,” she mouths to me.
“Ms. Wynn, you may now say your vows to Mr. Lear,” the minister says.
Alayna
The minister instructs me to say my vows to Damon, so I swipe tears from under my eyes and place my hands back inside his.
“Damon, you have taught me so much in the short amount of time we’ve known each other. You made me realize I should never give up on what I believe in, and I believe in you. I believe in us.
“I also love who I am when I’m with you. I’m a confident woman, a sensual being, and a pillar of strength.”
Damon leans in and kisses my cheek before his mouth is to my ear. “Precious, you are all those things on your own, but I’m blessed to have every day to witness it.”
He pulls back, and I grin at him. The tears come again, so I cough lightly and try to regain my composure to finish my vows.
Vow of Devotion: 2nd Novel Addition (One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy) Page 6