by Lucy Darling
Our marriage is going to be a simple one. Not much about our lives will change. She’s free to do whatever she wants as long as she’s in my bed each night. I groan thinking about it. I reach down and adjust my cock.
It would be nice to have someone to come home to when I don’t crash in my office. I’ve passed out more than once on the sofa in my office while reading over a contract.
She’ll enjoy her freedom. I’m sure there will be a few events we’ll have to go to from time to time. Having a child might complicate that. I’ll worry about it when it happens because it will be happening.
“Fuck.” I’ve never wanted kids. Not even when I hatched this plan to make Kennedy mine had I thought about them. Until this need to bind her to me further than a piece of paper rode me hard. Not to mention the fact that there will be no missing she belongs to me when she starts to show.
I shake my head at my barbaric thoughts already knowing I’m so fucked.
I’m so fucked.
6
Kennedy
“I’m going to miss this.” I turn my head to look at Kinley, who is in bed with me. All our lives she’s been sneaking in to sleep with me. Now that we’re older, we don’t have to hide it. That doesn’t mean that we don’t get comments from Mom. She never misses an opportunity to get a dig in.
“Me too,” I agree. I go back to looking up at the canopy. My life is really going to change soon. In less than a week I’ll be married and moving in with a man I hardly know. Plus all the other things that go along with being someone's wife. I have no clue what those things are, but I’m sure in time I’ll figure them out. I expect my stomach to turn at the idea of moving in with a stranger, but it flutters instead.
“He seems cool.” Kinley rolls onto her side, propping her head up on her hand. “I think he might let us have random sleepovers. He might even give me a key.” She wiggles her eyebrows.
“You’re already pushing it.” I laugh, having no doubt she will in fact ask him for a key. I wish I could be a little bit more like Kinley. Not only does she say what she wants, but she can always make me laugh. “Besides. I have a feeling my husband is going to be MIA a lot, so you can crash whenever.”
She lets out a long sigh. “Already having marital problems,” she teases as she sits up on the bed. “You think he’s going to be like Dad?”
I shrug. It’s what I’m used to seeing. Especially in these groups. Their main concern is always work. Everything else takes a back seat to it. That thought sours my mood.
“If you mean that he’ll be working all the time and have mistresses, yes, I think it is highly likely he’ll be the same as Dad.” I don’t want to kid myself. I’m going into this with my eyes wide open. It’s the safest way for me. It will help me to not get hurt. In time maybe Gerrit and I can even be friends. He was awfully charming the few times I met him. I don’t think sex will be hard either. Not with how he kisses me. I didn't know a kiss could be that intense. I guess that's the difference between kissing a man and kissing a boy.
“I’ll punch him in the nuts.” Kinley pulls her cell phone out.
“I think he would be discreet. If he’s looking for a wife for show then he cares about appearances.” Our mom is the same way, always worried about what people might think.
“In all of his pictures he’s either alone, with his mom, or sister.
Then again, Gerrit can flip a switch going from sweet and charming to a predator ready to pounce at any time. I’m guessing you have to stay on his good side.
I wonder if I’ll have to walk on eggshells once I’m married, knowing at any minute my husband could whip out that tone of his that has everyone snapping to attention. Mom is a pro at cutting us down with a few choice words.
My phone buzzes with a text from Gerrit’s mom. It’s a picture of a handsome older gentleman holding up a dress. He looks almost identical to Gerrit, and I know instantly that it’s his father. A second later another text comes. This one is of a pair of heels.
Evelyn: Do you think these go together?
She’s asking my opinion. It makes me smile. My mom has never done that in my whole life.
“She’s a doll,” Kinley says, sneaking a peek at my phone. “At least you know you won’t have a monster-in-law.”
“It's the small things,” I joke before I text her back telling her it’s perfect. She’s still on the fence and asks if I’m not too busy if we could go look at shoes.
Me: I’d love to. I still haven't gotten mine for the wedding yet.
“I think she is using this as an excuse to get to know you.”
“Is that a bad thing?” It warms my heart that she’s making an effort to get to know me. It also makes me sad that I’m lying to her in a sense.
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s clear she loves her sons. She wouldn't stop going on about Gerrit’s brother Luke. I think I know his entire life story.”
“Sounds like she’s trying to play matchmaker.”
“Oh crap. Are we going to talk about your man putting Mom in her place? I have to admit that it was marvelous.” It was. It had me falling a little more for him. The fact that he stood up for me warmed my heart. Or maybe he really hates tardiness. Either way, it was nice to watch my mom stand there in shock. For her to be the one that was nervous and scrambling for her words. I know I shouldn’t have, but I’d taken pleasure in her discomfort.
I was so sure she was going to say something back to him. It surprised me that she only pursed her lips and sat down. The rest of the time she looked as though she had swallowed a lemon. We got an earful about it later. She went on and on about neither one of us having stood up for her. That she was shocked I’d let him speak in such a way.
“It’s going to be so entertaining watching the two of them. That much I know. Gerrit isn't one to back down.”
“No he’s not.” Kinley falls back onto the bed with me once again. I hit the light next to my bed, and she pulls the blanket over us both. My phone dings again. The word husband lights up my screen and it can only be Gerrit. I still can’t believe he took my phone. Actually I can, but programming his name as husband?
Husband: When you got home you should have texted me you were safe.
“What the hell?” I show it to Kinley. He’s either worried about me or really controlling. Only time will tell. I debate sending a text back. Before I can do anything, it dings again.
Husband: Goodnight.
Well then. He issues his order and then bounces. I drop my phone onto the nightstand, remaining as confused as ever as to who Gerrit Kane truly is.
7
Gerrit
I lean back in my chair, tossing the signed baseball in the air and catching it. My CFO and CBDO continue to argue it out over this conference call. I promoted Martine to chief business development officer less than a year ago.
It’s his job to bring in new opportunities and to come up with a plan on how he will make the opportunities play out in our favor.
I let them go at it because it’s good for Martine. That and my mind keeps drifting to Kennedy and why she hasn’t responded to my two texts that I sent last night. That is not going to work for me when we’re finally married.
“It’s not worth the time.” Abigail’s patience is finally wearing out. She hates nothing more than repeating herself.
I catch the ball again as Emily lets herself into my office with a few folders in her hand, closing the door behind her. It was a good day in the business world. It was a gamble when I bought the Fero estate years ago. I’d gotten lucky and someone told me the family was having problems. I swooped in, making an offer that put a large dent in my bank account five years ago.
I’d snatched it up and then I sat on it for a while. It wasn’t long before offers started coming in. A few times I’ve been tempted to let it go because I would have made a good profit off it, but Abigail reminded me that we didn’t want only a good profit. We wanted a fucking phenomenal one. She was the best when it came to numbers
. I’ve never seen anyone that can even hold a candle to her when it comes to working with them. It’s why I hired her and trust her opinion.
The land lies far out of the city and could be used for so many things. I didn’t want the headache of breaking it down and selling it in chunks.
It was worth the wait when I got a call from Google wanting it for their new development. They were going to put in all kinds of shit from my understanding. Even a campus.
Emily stops before she gets to my desk, her lips pursing for a moment as she looks at the baseball, making me remember she got me the ball. I can’t remember why. It may have been for the Christmas exchange. I frown at that. I’m sure this ball cost more than the allotted amount you were supposed to spend.
“Just hear me out,” Martine tries again. Abigail sucks in an audible breath. I take her cue and finally cut in.
“You heard her, Martine. The profit isn’t worth the time.” He tries to talk again, but I keep going. “I know you’re new at this and I promoted you because I knew you’d have great ideas like you did with the Warner deal. That said, Abigail should be very important to you. She can give you the numbers and show you the data. If she says it’s not a good idea you should listen to her. I trust her implicitly when it comes to this.”
He starts talking again, saying that we’re both right and that he does trust Abigail. I half listen as they continue talking about other business ventures. I motion for Emily to give me the files she’s holding. I hand her the baseball. She puts it back on its stand as I open the files.
“Abigail, when you and Martine are done, stay on the line.”
“Of course, sir.” They say their goodbyes, and I give Emily a look. She continues to stand at the end of my desk.
“Did you need something else?”
“No, Mr. Kane.” She turns, heading out of my office. I watch her go, wondering if it’s right that she freely comes in and out of my office, always shutting the door. I’ve never given it much thought before now. How would I feel if Kennedy let a man do this? When I’m hit with instant anger I have my answer. I make a mental note to correct Emily’s behavior.
“You know what I have here?” I ask Abigail.
“I knew this day would come.” I could hear the excitement in her voice as I finally sign the contracts. It’s done.
“You had a hand in this. Don’t be surprised when a large deposit hits your bank.”
“Kane.” She gasps. “That’s not necessary.”
“It is, and it’s already being done as we speak.” She not only deserves a cut, but happy employees who feel as though they are a part of the team are loyal.
“Thank you.”
“Try not to kill Martine. I see potential in him.”
She laughs. “I agree.” She pauses for a moment. “I don’t want to step out of line here, but you’re not as excited about this as I thought you’d be.” She's right. Where is the normal thrill I get after something like this?
“Been busy wedding planning. It’s only a few days out.” I use that excuse, and she buys it before hanging up.
My mind drifts to Kennedy again. It has been a habit of mine since I first laid eyes on her. I thought if I made her mine, tasted her, got her underneath me calling out my name in pleasure this obsession would cool off some. I don’t think it will ever fully go away, but I need to control it. It can’t control me.
I grab the back of my neck. After that kiss it has only gotten worse. I’d heard of wet dreams but I was lucky to never have that embarrassment in my childhood. They are here now. One has woken me up every night since that kiss. I reach down, adjusting my hard-on before I hit the intercom.
“Email me Kennedy’s full schedule.”
“Okay, but is there something I can handle for you? I know that—“
I cut her off. “Yes, you can do something for me. Email me the schedule.”
When my email dings with the schedule, I’m hit with that familiar thrill. But this time it isn’t from a business deal.
I pull up the schedule and check the notes from the security guard I have on Kennedy. He updates them consistently. He’s been well worth his pay. I’d pay him triple if I had to.
I pause, looking at the time. She’s with my mother. Why? How come my mom hasn’t mentioned that they were going out? I pick up my phone to call her but stop myself. That would be way too fucking obvious. I grit my teeth thinking it over for a minute before I alert my driver that I’m coming down. I’ll have to come up with another plan of action if I want to see her.
I am rather good at them when they involve something I want more than anything else… Kennedy.
8
Kennedy
“Mrs. Kane!” I shout but immediately put my hand over my mouth. I forgot that we are in a department store.
“I told you to call me Evelyn. If it’s too hard to remember, you could always call me Mom.” She smiles, handing me the lingerie before letting the curtain in the dressing room fall back closed. I stand there for a moment thinking about her telling me to call her Mom.
She didn't look like she was joking. Evelyn is a mom in every sense of the word. I’ve only spent a handful of hours with her, and I can already tell. I wonder what it would have been like to grow up with a mom like her. One that loved you unconditionally. One who didn’t criticize everything you did or wore.
Kinley and I have always had a special bond since we were little girls. It’s always been us against the world. Not only because we are sisters and love each other. But because we trust each other. We knew that we would always be there for each other and would never do anything cruel or mean to one another.
I hold up the white lingerie that Evelyn gave me. We were supposed to be looking at shoes. How did I end up in this dressing room with my soon-to-be mother-in-law picking out lingerie for me?
“You gonna try it on?” my sister asks. I can tell she is trying to fight a laugh. I pull the curtain open and glare at her.
“Even if I do it’s not like I’m going to model it for you.”
She rolls her eyes. “It goes on under your wedding dress that I have to help you into.” She smirks. I huff, letting the curtain fall back closed. It takes me a second to get into it. Once I have it on, I gasp when I turn to see myself in the mirror.
For once I don’t hate my hips. I have a perfect hourglass figure. It makes me feel sexy. It instantly makes me wonder what Gerrit’s reaction will be when he sees me in it. Kinley pops her head in, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Damn, sis.” I bite my lip. “Does it look good?”
“Oh yeah.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “How’s the downstairs? You going to need a wax before your big night?” I look down at myself. I hadn't even thought about that. I keep myself trimmed up, but with the light on the white material you can see even the smallest dusting of my hair.
“Isn’t that painful?”
“I think. I’ll get one with you.” She lets the curtain drop back and off she goes. Hopefully not for more lingerie. I stare at myself for a moment longer, hoping that Gerrit thinks I look as sexy as I feel in this.
My lips tingle thinking about the kiss he gave me when I was fully clothed. The thought of how he’ll react to seeing me in this makes my nipples hard.
I turn when the curtain starts to open again thinking it's a store associate that has something else for me to try on. I’m pretty sure Evelyn thinks I’m a doll. She keeps picking things out for me and having them sent to the fitting room. Yet, when I look up, my gaze locks with Gerrit’s. I stand there for a moment in shock. He steps in, quickly closing the curtain. He gives it an extra pull like he’s trying to make sure it’s securely closed.
“What are you doing?” I try to cover up with my hands, but there is too much skin showing to cover anything up.
“I’m taking what’s mine.” Before I can even process what he said, his hands are in my hair as his mouth comes down onto mine in an all-consuming kiss. I open for him, letting a tiny moan escape me
.
“What the fuck is she wearing? Is she trying to kill me?” He says so low I almost don’t hear it. I don’t think he meant to say it out loud. I can’t answer anyway because his mouth is back on mine again.
Who knew a kiss could make your whole body light up? I’ve had a few kisses in my life, but they were nothing compared to this one. It is what dreams are made of. As he dominates my mouth, he presses me against the mirror on the wall.
I let out a gasp when I feel his hand slip into my panties. His mouth leaves mine as he kisses my neck. His hand slips down more before his fingers part my sex. My breathing is heavy as I fight not to moan.
“Want me to play with your clit, love?” I nod my head. He gives my neck a small bite that goes straight to my throbbing clit. “Then say it.”
“Please touch me.”
“I think you can do better than that.”
I whimper. My shy side begins to rear its head, but before I can clam up, Gerrit gives me another little bite.
“Please play with my clit. Make me come.” My face feels as if it’s on fire at my words.
“See, that wasn’t so hard. All you have to do is ask and I’ll make it happen for you.” I think he’s trying to tell me something, but I can’t think straight right now.
His fingers find my throbbing clit and begin to give me what I need. I almost feel ashamed at how wet I am. Is this normal? I’ve never been this turned on in my life.
His mouth travels down to my breast. He gives a tug and one of my breasts falls out. He devours it. I shake my head. The sensation is almost unbearable. I’ve never felt this much pleasure before.
“I can't, it's too much,” I breathe out. I feel the orgasm pushing down on me, and I know this one is going to be nothing like the few I’ve given myself.