The nurse clears her throat. “Please sit her back down in the chair. I must wheel her all the way out to the car. It’s hospital policy.” I place her back down in the chair and send a harsh glance at the boy.
“I’m taking her home,” he says.
Like hell, he is!
I follow the nurse and say, “My car is right there. She’s going with me.”
He walks next to Alyssa as he speaks to her. “Tell him, Ally. Tell him you want to go with me.”
The pain medication has her a bit loopy. She looks ahead at my car, a faint smile on her lips. “Hmm. I’m sorry, Kyle. Do you see that badass ride? Is that a jaguar?”
Kyle looks up at the car. “Yeah, but, Al, tell him you’re coming with me.”
Stopping at my car, the nurse gives me a look that tells me to take this elsewhere. Which I plan to do, but the jackass just took my mate’s hand in his, lifting her up. And now he’s hugging her, whispering something in her ear.
She’s mine!
I want to yell it at the top of my lungs. Instead, I wrap my arm around her and pry her away from him. “Her father knows I’m taking her home. He wouldn’t be pleased if I allowed her to go with anyone else,” I say as I open the door and help her into my car. “I suggest you take it up with him if you’d like to see her once she’s home.” I strap her seat belt, then stand back up, facing the boy.
“See you at home, Kyle.” Alyssa smiles and waves. Before I turn and close the door, I hear her say, “This car smells magnificent. Is this real leather?”
I move around the car as the boy gives me an extremely confused look. “Who the hell are you, dude?” he asks.
I don’t bother to answer him. Once in the car, I drive away. Alyssa watches him through the rear-view mirror.
“That went poorly,” she says. “Why did you snatch me away from him? I told you who he was. I know dad wanted me to ride home with you. It wasn’t like I was going to go with him. A minute or two to explain things to him would’ve been nice.”
Pure anger flows through my veins. I grip the steering wheel. “Alyssa, have you no anger towards him? His lack of communication made you so distracted you nearly got yourself killed.”
Alyssa’s head leans on the leather headrest. She turns her head to look at me. “It isn’t his fault I let myself get into such a tizzy over not hearing from him for a while. Not even a whole day had passed, and I was all upset like a crazy person. Don’t be mad at him.”
“Well, I am. If you were mine, I’d never go somewhere without letting you know,” I say. “If it was important, I would want you with me. He left you alone and neglected to call or leave a damned text message. That’s inexcusable in my book.”
Her arms cross over her chest, a clear sign she’s not happy with me right now. “Well, I’m not yours. I’m his. So you’ll have to get over it if you want to be my friend, Eden. Kyle and I are a package deal.”
I have to put this anger away. It’s pushing her from me. Her words are like stones being thrown at my head. The idea of telling her who she really is does battle with the idea of bringing her around to that reality slowly. She’s in no condition to receive the information.
Much calmer now, I reach over, dragging my knuckles across her cheek. “I’m sorry, Alyssa. I don’t know what got into me. I want us to get along. Anything to make my princess happy.” I smile over at her. Her arms uncross and she lays her head back.
“Good,” she says, closing her eyes. “This is the softest leather I’ve ever felt. Does the top come down?”
Good, she’s loving my car. I knew she would. “It does, but I’m not dropping the top today. Once you’re better, I’ll take you for a ride with the top down.”
Blinking back visions of her sitting in the passenger side, her silky hair flowing around her gorgeous face, I’m hard in places I’m supposed to be steering clear of with her for now.
The thump in my chest is back. I look at her in the bright sunlight. She’s here with me. It’s reality, not a dream. Her hand looks so inviting lying in her lap. I take it in mine, stroking her knuckles with my thumb. It does little to ease the tightness in my pants, but I don’t mind.
Without opening her eyes, she says, “When Kyle comes over, none of this, okay?”
When Kyle comes over. That’ll be never!
“Agreed, baby.”
CHAPTER 13
ALYSSA
After all the theatrics, Kyle hasn’t even shown up. Mom refuses to give me my cell because I need to be resting. It’s Saturday night, and I was supposed to get to go watch his band play for a while, but now I can’t.
With no cell, I can’t even call him to let him know I won’t be there. He’ll be crushed, I guess.
My bedroom serves as my new prison, albeit a nice one. But still I’m held against my will. Mom helped me bathe, which was embarrassing. I couldn’t do it myself, though. And I overheard her tell Eden the strangest thing. She asked him if she should help me, as if it was up to him.
What they have going on is mind numbing, and my mind is already a bit on the bad side anyway. Thanks to the magic pills they sent home with me, I have no pain, but man, am I out of it.
Eden either carries me or holds me so tight to his side that I’m almost a part of him. Which ain’t so bad. Except I’m not proud of myself for liking it.
I hear footsteps in the hallway. “Hey!” I shout, wanting some company.
Scotty pops open my door, sticking his head in. “Hey, sis, what’s up?”
“I’m bored and lonely.”
“Cool. I’ll get my Xbox and you can play games with me. That ought to un-bore you,” he says, taking off before I can tell him I’d rather be covered in chocolate and left on an ant hill.
Mom must have seen him coming back up the stairs with his idiot box. “Where are you going with that? You know you’re not allowed to have that thing in your room. You’ll never sleep if we allow it.”
“Mom, chill, I’m taking to Al’s. She’s bored and lonely. She told me to.”
“Take that thing right back downstairs. She can’t have that kind of noise in her condition. It was nice of you to offer. I’ll tell her I sent you away.”
I mouth a silent thank you to God for the intervention. My door opens and Mom comes in with a smile on her face. “Well, don’t you look lovely, all propped up in bed with your precious unicorn PJs on.”
Yes, she’s dressed me in pajamas from seventh grade. She must’ve found them in the back of my drawer. The fact that they fit isn’t even plausible. I think she picked them for me just to make me look twelve in front of Eden.
Plus, she put my hair in a braid after she washed it. Some braces and I’d look like a nerdy sixth grader at a sleepover. “Yeah Mom, I look like a million bucks. Can I please call Kyle and let him know I won’t be there tonight?”
Her hands go to her hips and her head lolls to one side. “Now, dear, he knows you have a concussion. I’m sure he doesn’t expect you to be there.”
“Probably not, but I’d like to talk to him anyway. He and Eden had a little thing at the hospital and I want him to know it’s all cool.”
“Do you realize what time it is, sweetie?”
It’s dark, but I’ve no idea of the time. “Why?”
Crossing the room, she grabs the remote to my television. “Because it’s nearly nine. I’m sure he’s already playing,” she says as she hands it to me.
She’s right, damn it!
“I’m still bored and lonely, Mom. Come watch a movie with me,” I plead.
“No can do, sweetie. Your father and I have a hot date in the backyard. There’s a meteor shower tonight. I’ll send Eden up, He’ll be happy to watch a movie with you,” she says, then flounces out the door.
She’s sending Eden into my bedroom now? What in the hell is going on?
Flipping on the TV, I search the guide for a movie. I’ve woken up in the twilight zone, or perhaps aliens have invaded and my parents are now pod people. Not sure which, but something isn’t right.
A slight rap on the frame of my bedroom door brings my attention to it. There he stands, waiting for me to allow him in. He’s showered and changed into loose-fitting, black pajama bottoms, a white T-shirt, and bare feet. My gaze rests on them.
Yep, just like I thought. His feet are perfect, just like everything else on him.
Eden’s velvet voice draws my attention back to his gorgeous face. “So are you going to invite me in, Alyssa? Your mother has informed me of your boredom. I’m here for your amusement, princess.”
With open arms, I say, “Please enter my prison, Eden.”
His chuckle is cute as he moves fluidly across the room, taking a seat on the bed, facing me. In an instant, his knuckles drag across my cheek, making my breath catch in my throat.
Why does his touch do this to me?
“How do you feel, baby?”
Princess and baby in a matter of seconds. He knows how to say the sweet words. My smile is a product of them. “The same. Light headed and groggy.”
His hand creeps up my arm, settling at the back of my neck. He pulls me forward, touching his lips to my forehead.
God, his lips are soft!
Moving his hands to my shoulders, with gentle pressure he eases me back to lay my head on the pile of pillows my mother has placed on my bed.
“If your head is light you shouldn’t be sitting up,” he tells me.
The emerald color of his eyes is the most beautiful color I’ve ever seen. Or is it my drug induced state which makes me see them this way?
“Your eyes are gorgeous.”
OMG! Did I just say that out loud?
His velvet voice is but a whisper. “They are nothing compared to yours, precious.”
Now I can add precious to the list of endearments this guy has in his vocabulary of loving words. Perhaps he’s a ladies’ man.
His charm may have worked magic on my parents, but I’m savvier than they are. It will not work on me.
“Stop messing with me, Eden.” I bat at his arms, which I find have been placed on either side of me, his face too close to mine.
A sigh from him gives me enough information to know he wants to kiss me. I can’t let that happen. In slow motion, he pulls himself out of my personal space.
“Do you have to accuse me of messing with you? I’m merely stating a fact. Your beauty is beyond compare. You should know that.”
“Ha! What a line, Eden. Tell me do all the girls fall into your bed with that one?”
The pained expression on his face makes me regret my words. “No one has ever fallen into my bed, Alyssa. I am made for one person and one person only.”
No way! I’m not buying that. “Please lover-boy! Tell me more of your lines. They are priceless. And just who is this one person you’re made for? Do tell.”
In haste, he moves off my bed. The bottle of pain pills sits on my nightstand. He opens it taking out one of them.
Holding out the pill and a bottle of water, he looks at me with what appears like hurt in his eyes and says, “Your mother told me to make sure you take this. So please do that for her.”
His face is blank, making me feel like an ass. I take what he’s offered and swallow the pill down. I’ve never talked to someone so meanly.
Why did I just do that?
“Eden, I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I never talk to people like that. You get so close to me sometimes that I think you’re about to kiss me. Some things I can’t allow. I am taken. You need to remember that,” I say and find he’s placed his hand over his stomach.
He seems as if he’s in physical pain. Why would that be?
His expression softens as he takes a seat in a chair which has been placed next to my bed. A chair which has never been there before.
“I remember, Alyssa. You belong to that boy. The one who plays with his band tonight instead of sitting with you and making sure you have everything you want. The one who is probably singing to some other girl while you lay in this bed with an aching head and body, because he left town with no mention of it to you.”
Taking the remote to the television from the side of my bed, he presses a button on it, choosing a movie. The Notebook springs up on the screen.
Incensed, I sit up and say, “How dare you, Eden! You don’t know him at all! He’s the best guy in this whole world. He has waited for me since we were ten years old. No one else has turned his head, not once in almost eight years. How it hasn’t happened, since I’ve been kept under lock and key with a plethora of over-the-top rules and regulations is a mystery to me. But he hasn’t, and he’s had every opportunity to find someone else. I will not let you or anyone else speak negatively about him.”
Rising, he places his hands on my shoulders easing me back again. “Sorry, I upset you. That was not my intention. I shall keep my thoughts to myself. If it helps you to know, I was not trying to kiss you. I would never do that to you. Just rest, Let the pill do its job and watch this movie with me. It’s one of my favorites.”
Tucking me in tightly before he takes a seat in the chair again, his eyes fall on the television screen. I feel shut out. My rant has made him tire of me.
We’ll never be friends if I keep jumping to conclusions. For some reason, I would hate it if we couldn’t become friends.
It’s a mystery to me why that is, but I want him in my life. Even though we’ve just met, I would miss him.
The silence surrounds us for an hour as we watch the movie. It comes to my attention most men don’t care for romantic tear jerkers, like the movie we’re watching.
As a matter of fact, most men wouldn’t be so attentive to a girl they’ve just met. He dresses like a fashion model and his hair is always immaculate.
My parents trust him to spend time alone with me. Hell, he even told me he would never kiss me. That’s it! He’s gay!
The click of the television breaks my train of thought. Eden rises, coming to my side, making sure I’m comfortable.
“What a sweet way to pass on to the next world. Don’t you think?”
Oh, the movie. He wants to talk about the movie. Yeah, straight guys never want to talk about a sappy love story.
“I suppose it would be the best way to go,” I say. “If you were all in love like they were.”
Turning off the lamp next to my bed, Eden kisses his fingers, then places them on my cheek. I find it a sweet thing to do.
“One day, may that kind of love find you, princess.” He retreats to the bedroom door.
“Goodnight, Eden,” I say as he closes the door behind him.
I can’t see his face in the dark, but I bet he’s smiling. “See you in the morning, baby.”
Too bad he’s not into girls. He’s a rare find. Laura might’ve liked him. If I wasn’t already spoken for, I’m sure I’d like him.
He’d be hard to say no to, though. Crap, he’s hot. Such a shame for all the eligible girls in the world.
CHAPTER 14
EDEN
Alone in the kitchen, I make a plate of scrambled eggs and toast for my mate. I’ve sent Toni and David out to buy some things for her. I’m making dinner for her this evening.
Our chef taught me how to prepare a lobster dinner for her. It’s her favorite and should help me win her over. After all, what female doesn’t like a man who can cook, and her favorite meal, no less?
Last night she gave me such a tongue lashing over how I spoke of that boy. I have to be careful what I say about him. She’s fiercely protective of him.
Her love for him must be strong and it makes me incredibly imbalanced. I struggle between sorrow for her soon to be broken heart and anger at myself for letting this happen to her.
Scotty is off at school and we’re alone this morning. As alone as we can be with the invisible boyfriend ever hovering at her side.
How long will it take her not to hear from him before she gets mad about it?
Taking the tray of food up the stairs, I tap at her bedroom door. “Come in,” her sweet voice answers.
She sits up as I enter her bedroom. She looks radiant and seems to be making a swift recovery, as her color is much better. She couldn’t get any more beautiful, and yet she does.
“I made you breakfast, princess. Your parents took Scotty to school, then they had to run some errands. You look as if you’re feeling better.”
Placing the tray over her lap, I catch the smell of lavender as she shakes out her hair. “I must look a mess, but I do feel much better. Please excuse my appearance, Eden.”
If this is a mess, I’m one lucky man.
“You look as beautiful as you always do, baby. You eat while I run you a warm bath. You can bathe after breakfast. Should I find you something to wear?”
Her eyes dance as she looks at me. “Why not? I should think you could pick me out a much better outfit than I could ever hope to come up with.”
My taste in clothes has not been lost on her. How fun it’s going to be to introduce her to all the latest designers.
Linda already has her closet at home and on the jet, filled with beautiful things. She’s going to be so surprised.
“Good. I’ll make you look great.”
Shaking a fork full of eggs my way, she says, “I’m sure you will. I trust your judgment, Eden. Thank you for doing all this. These eggs are cooked just right. As a good cook and fashion coordinator, plus easy on the eyes, you’ll make someone a very happy man.”
What did she just say? I’ll make someone a happy ‘MAN?’
No way, not her too. “Oh yeah, princess? Do you really think so?”
Stuffing eggs into one of the pieces of toast, she looks at me. “Of course, I do. And I want you to know I’m cool with your lifestyle choice. No judgments here, guy.”
My lifestyle choice! How could she think such a thing?
I feel the need to get away from her and regroup. “Let me get the bath water going,” I say. “You’re nearly done with your breakfast.”
Making her bath, I find her shampoo and take a quick whiff of it. How badly I want to bury my face in her lovely locks.
Shit! She’s come in and caught me smelling her shampoo.
“You can use it too if you like it, Eden.”
She goes to brush her teeth, her pajama bottoms hanging askew on her narrow hips. The back of her hair is a bit messy, yet still gorgeous.
She wipes her mouth after she rinses out the toothpaste and peers at her reflection in the mirror. I think it’s time to let her know without a doubt that I am not gay.
Moving in behind her I put my hands at her waist and straighten her PJ bottoms. Her eyes catch mine in the mirror.
She smiles at me. “Thanks, Eden.”
A platonic gesture, she considers it. I need to step it up. I wrap my arms around her, laying my chin on her shoulder as I look at her in the mirror.
“Beautiful, even in the morning after a tragic accident. Do you ever look bad?” I ask.
Her hand strokes my cheek. “I do right now, you tease. You, on the other hand, look devastating, you handsome devil.”
She still thinks I’m gay. I turn her in my arms, holding her tightly against me as I look down at her. She smiles innocently up at me, placing her hands on my shoulders. Well, at least she feels free to touch me and let me hold her since she thinks I’m not into her.
“Your bath is ready, cupcake.”
“Thank you. That’s so sweet of you.” Her sentence is punctuated by a sweet kiss on my cheek.
Okay, I can’t take any more of this. Not releasing my hold on her, I steadily walk back towards the bath.
She giggles as I move her with me, making me crazy for her. A quick turn and I have the wall behind her. Before she can figure out what I’m doing, I press her body against the wall and run one of my hands to grab a section of her hair. Pulling it back, I press my lips to hers.
The angle of her head makes her lips part and I thrust my tongue into her mouth. Her breath sucks in as she gasps at my sudden intrusion.
I’ve waited forever to feel her like this. Heat radiates all over my body and already I grow hard with a need for her.
Though I don’t want this kiss to end, it has to. I soften my kiss, then pull my lips off hers. Her cheeks are pink, eyes wide, and mouth slightly open.
“Did that feel gay, Alyssa?”
“No, no it did not,” she says, nearly breathless.
I let her go and walk out of the bathroom, closing the door behind me. The wall holds me up as I fall back on it.
My knees went weak when our lips touched, but I managed to hold it together. How fortunate for me she’s mine and I can kiss her for the rest of my life.
Now that I’ve tasted her, I will have to fight myself even harder to give her the time to come to me.
Maybe I shouldn’t have done that after all. Shit! I hope I didn’t push her away.
She’s probably in there right now thinking of herself as a cheater. I’ve probably made her hate herself.
This was a mistake. I’m not even supposed to touch her like that. It’s exactly what Linda told me not to do, but I did it anyway.
Damn, do I ever do what people tell me to?
I think too highly of myself. The tutoring was to temper my lusty ways. I’ve frightened her. I know I have. Her eyes were wide and full of fear.
Or was that something else I saw?
Hell, I didn’t even wait to see what she thought about it. I took off like I’m some cocky male on the prowl.
How could I do that to her?
She’s too special to be treated like that. I had wanted her to ask me to kiss her, not take it as if I’m a thief.
Thumbing through her closet, I find very little which is appropriate for such a special creature. Plain, plain, plain.
How could I have let her live like this?
Like she’s a normal, middle-class girl, when she’s so far from that. My hand lands on a royal blue sundress. It’s inexpensive, but still pretty. She can wear this if she’ll still wear what I pick out.
She may send me away, or try to anyway. She can’t really do that, but she can say it and I’ll have to give her some time.
Damn it, I’m a fool!
Dropping the dress on the bed along with the silver sandals I found, I give a longing look at the closed bathroom door. How I wish I could take back what I’ve done.
A note!
I’ll leave her a note to help her not be furious with me. Then I’ll wait for her to come to me.
Damn, I pray this works.
CHAPTER 15
ALYSSA
What the hell was that?
Soaking in the bath Eden made for me, I’m still tingling from his kiss.
How could I have ever thought he was gay?
He surprised me by holding me against the wall and kissing me. I’d never have allowed that if I hadn’t been so free with him, physically. I thought he was gay. Why wouldn’t it be okay for him to touch me?
Well, he was really holding me, now that I look back at it. I hate to admit this, but that short kiss made me feel something I’ve never felt with Kyle. Maybe it’s a mistake to think Kyle’s the one for me.
No! Don’t even think like that!
Kyle is sweet and charming and honest. Something I guess I’m not.
Oh, I am a cheater. A horrible person. Should I tell him about the kiss?
No, definitely not. It would only hurt him. But how can I look him in the eye and lie?
Even if it isn’t a spoken lie, but an omission of a small fact, it’s still a lie. I go under water. Maybe I could drown myself in this tub and never have to face him or Eden again.
I pop back up as the air runs out of my lungs. Death is too good for me. I’m an intolerable human being. I have to face this thing with Eden, whatever it is.
I cannot let my relationship with Kyle go just because a hot guy showed up on my doorstep and seems to want me.
No matter what Eden says, I know he’s a ladies’ man. He’s too slick not to be. So focused on me, like a wolf on its prey. I will not fall for it.
I get out of the tub and dry off, wrapping my hair in the towel. Pulling on my robe, I cross my fingers Eden is not waiting in my room for me.
He does know I have to get dressed. As I open the door I don’t see him anywhere.
Thank God.
He’s laid out a dress and sandals for me to wear.
Should I wear this?
After all, if he’s so hot for me, wearing something he’s picked out may not be a good idea. No, I better go a lot plainer than this. A T-shirt and jeans with an old pair of sneakers. My hair in a simple ponytail. No make-up and no perfume.
Should I put on deodorant?
That’s a stupid question. Of course I should. I’m not an animal!
What’s this?
A letter fell from the bed when I picked up the dress. Christ, he’s left me a letter.
Shit! I hope he hasn’t left!
Alyssa,
I fear I may have over-stepped your boundaries. I am truly sorry. The thought of you believing I wasn’t one hundred percent heterosexual was too much for me. That is no excuse for taking you like I did. I’m well aware of your love for another and it was wrong of me to put you in the position I have.
You’re a wonderful person. Please don’t think otherwise. I did that to you against your will, and I swear to you it will never happen like that again.
I beg your forgiveness. You’ve become very special to me. If you shut me out because of my bad behavior it would hurt me to the core. I’ll be in the guest room waiting for you if you can accept my apology and give our friendship another chance.
Yours forever,
Eden
How sweet he is. How can I be mad?
I assume he had to prove he wasn’t gay somehow. I jumped to a conclusion and I had to pay the price, I suppose.
It wasn’t a bad price to pay. Kyle doesn’t need to know about it. Just a silly thing which sometimes happens between friends, right?
Yeah, who am I kidding?
I guess I’ll wear the dress he picked out. I don’t want him to feel any worse than he already does.
Perhaps he isn’t the ladies’ man I assume he is either. I guess he could be genuine. His high class and culture are different. That’s all it is.
I’ve never known someone like him before. I’m sure all wealthy jet-setters are very much like him.
After getting myself dressed and fixing my hair, I’m finally ready to face him. At the guest bedroom door, I knock. “Eden, are you in there?”
The door opens and his sheepish smile greets me. “You came.”
I take his hand and pull him out of the room and into the hallway. “Of course I came. Your letter was very sweet. I forgive you, Eden. I understand why you did it and I apologize for being so presumptuous. It was wrong of me.”
He leaves a quick kiss on my cheek. “Thank you, Alyssa. I would hate it if you were mad at me. Plus, your mother called me and asked me to take you to a doctor’s appointment she made for you with Doctor Baker.”
Crap!
“Do you know why?”
His arm goes around my waist as he holds me tightly to his side and walks down the stairs. “The doctor at the hospital said you needed to follow up with your own doctor. Don’t you remember that?”
“Oh, yeah.” Thank God it’s just that. The last time I was supposed to go see Doctor Baker it was for a female inspection, and I’m not down for that.
Helping me into his bad-to-the-bone Jaguar, Eden moves across me to fasten the seatbelt. “I can do this, you know,” I say as his cheek brushes past my lips. He’s so close.
He pauses in front of me, so damn close I can feel his warm breath on my face. “Sorry. I suppose it’s odd to you, but I feel the need to keep you protected, princess.”
The door shuts before I can reply. Not that I need to. I mean, what do you say to that? You surely don’t tell him to stop.
He slides into the driver’s seat and I’m sorry I looked over because he’s even more appealing as he sits behind the wheel of this bad ass car.
He opens a compartment and puts on a pair of sunglasses with the word Ray-Ban on them. They look expensive and he looks even hotter.
Shit! Why do I have to be taken?
The touch of his hand on mine takes my attention away from his face, which apparently I’ve been gazing at without realizing it.
“Open the glove compartment. There’s a gift for you in it,” he directs me.
“Another gift, Eden. Why would you do that?” I ask as I open the compartment and spy a black box with a pink ribbon around it. I open it up to find a pair of sunglasses, also with the word Ray-Ban on them.
“Oh my God, you really shouldn’t have. These must be expensive. I can’t take them.”
Reaching over me, Eden pulls them from the box and places them on my face. “You can take them, princess. I have more than enough money. And they look good on you,” he says as he flips the visor down, revealing a lighted mirror. “See for yourself.”
Wow! I look like a million dollars.
“Okay, I’ll accept them. It would be a damn shame to let these things go to waste. Thank you, Eden.”
He gives my cheek another quick peck. “You're welcome, Alyssa. Now you can decide if we leave the top up or put it down.”
Although I know it will bring us lots of attention, something I don’t much care for, I answer, “Down. Definitely down.” A push of a button and the sky opens up to us. “Can I mess with your radio, Eden?”
With a gesture to the screen, he says, “Mess away, baby doll.”
As he pulls out of our driveway, I find some hard rock and look to see if he approves. Kyle hates it. His head bobs a bit, so it’s a hit. Finally, someone who likes it.
“So, you like the hard stuff?”
Taking my hand in his, he lifts it to his lips, placing a kiss on top. “I listen to everything. But I must confess to the hard sounds of this music being my favorite.”
“Mine too,” I say, wondering what else we have in common.
As we drop off a particularly steep hill, I feel as if we’re flying. My stomach drops and my head goes light. “Oh!”
Eden’s head snaps as he decelerates. “I’m sorry, Alyssa. I went too fast. I have to be more careful.”
I laugh. “Don’t be sorry. That was fun, like a roller coaster.”
Shaking his head, he says, “I need to be careful with you. Speed is one of my downfalls, but I shouldn’t put you in danger because of it.”
“That wasn’t very dangerous, Eden. Come on, lighten up. I’m not a china doll,” I say as I roll my eyes.
Lifting our clasped hands, he lands another kiss on mine. “No, you are no China doll. You are much more precious than that, my princess.”
Several people walking down the main street in town openly gawk at us as we drive by them. “Okay, now the top down thing is embarrassing. Do you see how they stare at us?”
Eden shrugs his broad shoulders. “So let them. The car is beautiful and should be looked at, as should you.”
“I doubt they’re looking at me. It’s you they stare at, Mr. Too Good Looking,” I say with a giggle.
He mumbles something about hating being called mister, and somehow he’s found my doctor’s office without me telling him where it was.
“Here we are,” he says.
“I see that. And just how did you know where it was?”
Turning, he pulls his shades down slightly so I can see his eyes. “GPS, sweetheart.”
I’m dumb!
“Oh, yeah, I guess this thing would have that.”
I go for the door handle, but he stops me. “Uh uh, let me.”
He gets out of the car and moves quickly to my side, opening the door. I go for my seat belt and somehow he’s managed to come across me and beat me to it.
Crap! Does he think I can’t do anything on my own?
On my feet, he has me wrapped in his tight grip with his arm around my waist. I say, “I can probably walk on my own now. I really do feel much better.”
“I don’t want to take the chance of you getting dizzy and falling. Just let me do this for you, princess,” he says as he places another kiss on my cheek.
How can you say no to that?
The receptionist looks up at us as we walk in. To my surprise, she comes to the door. “Come on back, Ms. Devlin.”
“Wow! Never have I been seen so fast,” I mutter.
With her eyes on Eden as we pass, she says, “You must be Mr. Fontaine.”
What the hell?
“Please, call me Eden,” he says as he glances at her.
She takes us to a room, gesturing for us to go in. “Doctor Baker will be right with you. It’s so nice to meet you, Eden,” she says before she finally pays me—the patient after all—a little attention. “Ms. Devlin, I do hope you’re feeling better.”
“Much,” I say as she turns and leaves.
Yeah, she really gave a shit. Eden picks me up by my waist, sitting me on the exam table.
“I could have gotten up here on my own.”
His finger touches the end of my nose and he grins. “I know you could, but why not let me help you?”
“Hey, how did the receptionist know your name?”
Standing in front of me, he plays with a piece of my hair. “Your mother told them, I suppose.”
Doctor Baker does a quick knock before he enters the small examination room. “How’s Miss Alyssa doing today?”
Eden turns away to shake his hand. “Good afternoon, Doctor Baker.”
“Mr. Fontaine, how nice to meet you,” the doctor says with a huge smile.
Damn, what’s with this guy and his super charm?
Eden moves from in front of me as the doctor turns his attention to me. “Let me take a look at the bump on the back of your head, Alyssa,” he says as he moves to my side and touches the still tender area.
“Ouch!”
Eden has my hand in his before I know he’s done it. “Did he hurt you?”
The doctor looks at Eden with wide eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”
Eden’s eyes narrow as he looks back at the doctor. “See that you are.”
What in God’s name!
“Eden!” I reprimand him, then turn to look at my doctor. “I’m sorry, Doctor Baker. It barely hurt at all. I’m fine. It’s a little tender. Perhaps the word ‘ouch’ was a bit much for how it felt when you touched the bump.”
“Please, don’t apologize to me, Alyssa. I should be careful not to hurt you. Now let me listen to your heart,” he says as he places the stethoscope on my chest.
Eden leans in close to me as he watches the doctor’s hand very near to my left breast. Doctor Baker moves the stethoscope a bit closer to my breast and Eden clears his throat.
My doctor steps back, removing it from my chest and placing it on my back. “Take a deep breath for me, please, Alyssa,” he says. and I do as he’s asked as I watch Eden bird dog my physician.
What is wrong with him?
“Everything sounds good. The MRI results were sent to me this morning and they look good. No damage done,” Doctor Baker informs me.
“That’s good to hear,” Eden says with a sigh.
“So I can go back to school tomorrow then?” I ask.
Incredibly, instead of looking at me, my doctor looks at Eden. “You’ve been the one with her the most. What do you think?” he asks Eden.
“It’s better for her not to attend. There’re only a couple more weeks of school anyway. She’s done with her actual school work. Write the excuse for the remainder of the school year,” Eden orders.
“Wait one minute,” I interrupt the dictator. “First, how do you know anything about my schoolwork? Second, I feel fine and maybe I want to go back to school.”
The doctor gets out a pen and begins writing on a pad of paper. “No, Alyssa, Mr. Fontaine is right. If there’s no academic reason for you to go back to school, I see no reason to risk your health. If you were to get dizzy for even a second and fall again, I would be held responsible for your injuries. You wouldn’t want me to get into trouble, now would you?” he asks me with a smile.
“Of course not, but I feel fine and you said I’m okay.”
Eden places his hand on my chin and he pulls me to look at him. He’s so damn close to me. “Alyssa, do as the doctor says. You don’t want to get him in any trouble.”
This is insane!
“I suppose I have no choice in the matter,” I say as I concede defeat.
Eden smiles at me. “Where your health is concerned, listen to your doctor, princess.”
Damn, damn, damn! What the hell is this?
The doctor turns back to us. “I’ll call the school and tell them her situation. Once I fax this excuse over, there will be nothing else you need to do. Take good care of her for us,” my doctor since I’ve been born tells Eden, leaving me dumbfounded.
They shake hands again. “I will. Her health is excellent, thanks to you. Great job, Byron,” Eden says, making my mouth drop open.
Did he call him by his first name?
The doctor exits the small room with a wave to me. “Goodbye, Alyssa. See you soon.”
“Eden, how the fuck did you know his first name?”
His expression is one of disgust. Putting his finger to my lips in a gesture for me not to speak, he says, “Alyssa, my princess, please do not allow that language to pass through those precious lips again. It’s beneath you to speak filth.”
If I wasn’t embarrassed by his reaction to my use of profanity, I would yell some other nasty things at him. “Okay, sorry. I’ll re-phrase that. How do you know his first name? I don’t even know it.”
“Your mother told it to me,” he says as he lifts me off the exam table, running his strong arm around my waist and taking me out of the small room. “Now tell me where you would like to go and have lunch.”
“I’m not allowed to go out anywhere with the male species until I turn eighteen, Eden, sorry.”
At the car, he opens my door and as soon as I sit down he reaches across me to fasten my seatbelt. Pulling the sunglasses I had propped up on the top of my head, he puts them back on my face, then puts his back on. His movie star look is complete.
“I’ll call your father and get his approval,” he says, closing my door and walking around to get in.
“Good luck with that,” I say, pulling down the visor to check my reflection.
Before Eden can get in the car, a tall, leggy, blonde woman walks up to him. Her skirt short and her hand extended, she says, “Hi, I’m Lacey Patterson. I’m a realtor here and noticed your exceptional vehicle. I’ve never seen it around town before, nor yourself. Are you new?”
What the hell is this woman doing?
Eden shakes her hand. “I’m just visiting for a while.”
She leaves her hand in his after the shake. “I’d love to show you some of the homes I have. This is a great town to buy investment property in. We have a great many people who vacation here.”
Eden looks down at how she’s refusing to let his hand go. “Not interested in making any purchase here. I’m just down, visiting the in-laws.”
“I’m ready, Eden,” I snap, making her turn her attention to me. For Christ sakes, there is no way she could miss seeing me sitting right here. The top’s down, for the love of all that’s holy.
Finally, she releases his hand. “Sorry, I’ll leave you two alone.”
Her ass wiggles back and forth under her too-tight skirt as she sashays away from Eden.
What a whore!
Eden slides into his seat and starts the car up. “Thanks for the save, princess,” he says as he takes my hand, placing a kiss on top.
I grin and say, “Not a problem there, hubby. Visiting the in-laws, you say?”
“You caught that, huh? Must have been listening in pretty hard. I do believe I see a bit of jealousy in your gorgeous sapphire eyes.”
“Jealousy, ha! I was saving you from the old hag,” I say and turn to look away.
The people on the sidewalk actually point at us as we drive by them. What a bunch of nosy people we have in this town. It’s as if they’ve never seen a convertible in their lives.
A ringing noise brings my attention back to the radio as my father’s voice fills the speakers that seem to be everywhere in this magnificent machine.
“Hi, Eden. What can I do for you?” my father asks.
“I would like to take Alyssa to lunch and she’s informed me she’s not allowed to go anywhere with male individuals. Would you like to assure her of your approval?”
“I suppose you have me on the car phone?” he asks.
“I do.”
“Okay, then. Alyssa, it’s fine for you to go anywhere you want with Eden. We trust him implicitly. Have a good time, honey. We’ll see you when you get back home. Doctor Baker called and told us about your appointment. Looks like it all went well.”
“Who are you?” I ask in amazement. “Where are my real parents?”
A laugh is the only answer I receive as it dies away and the hard beat of a rock song fills the speakers. “So where would you like to eat, my lady?” Eden asks.
Not sure how to take any of this, I let it all go. Perhaps my parents have a deeper friendship with Eden’s parents than I realized. Yeah, that has to be it. I am hungry, so why not eat while we’re out?
“I’d like a burger, and Trixie’s has the best in town. It’s just up this road a bit.”
Placing his hand on the headrest of my seat, he looks over at me. The wind is moving the longer top of his dark hair around just enough to make him look like he’s doing a photoshoot for some men’s magazine.
He’s a sight to behold and I am an awful person who cheats on her devoted boyfriend.
“Trixie’s it is, baby.”
I have to look away, out into the small town we drive through. I watch the people walk down the sidewalk. My small town looks somewhat different from inside of this perfect machine with this perfect guy driving me through it.
It’s almost as if I’m not a part of it at all. The people I see look at us as if we are some sight to behold. None seem to recognize that it’s just little ol’ me riding in the passenger seat.
The car slows as Eden prepares to turn into the parking lot. “You sure about this place, Alyssa?”
Taking notice of the three motorcycles in the parking lot and only a couple of cars, I say, “Don’t worry, Eden. It’s nearly three in the afternoon. Not a prime time for most people to eat. The food’s good, I promise.”
“Should I put the top back up? I mean, will the car be safe out here? This place looks rough,” he says with hesitation.
I laugh. “Leave the top down. It’ll be fine. This place isn’t as bad as it seems. Come on now. I’m famished.”
Before he gets out, he hits the button on my seatbelt, releasing it. “Let me get your door for you.”
“I can get out on my own,” I protest and reach for the handle.
He grabs my hand and pulls it back up to his lips, touching it gently with them. “Princess, let me open your door, please. It’s not right for a lady to get out of the car unattended by her male driver.”
“Fine,” I say.
He slips out of his side and comes around. His gait as he moves in front of the car is smooth and refined. One of his hands moves through his hair, making it lay in the most perfect of ways.
As he opens my door and takes my hand to help me out, a sudden flash fills my head. It’s the large birds which flew over Kyle and me in the forest.
Yet, I can see them clearly above me, so close I could touch them if this was real. I feel Eden’s arm around my waist and I lean into his side for support, feeling weak-kneed.
“You okay?” he asks.
Shaking my head to clear the vision, I nod. “A weird, light-headed thing just happened. Maybe the doctor was right not to send me back to school. I would’ve fallen if I was on my own. Thanks for being here, Eden.”
Pulling my sunglasses off and placing them on the top of my head, his eyes search mine as if confirming I’m okay. “You sure you’re fine?”
I nod and he begins walking into the café, holding me tightly against his side. He’s so sweet and kind and compassionate.
Too bad I belong to another.
CHAPTER 16
EDEN
Placing my sunglasses on top of my head, I open the door for Alyssa to enter the dark bar. She calls it a café, but it’s a bar, and a dingy, smelly one at that.
I sweep the interior to find some bikers at a pool table and an elderly couple in one of the booths, drinking beer. They hold hands across the table and I find it cute, yet misplaced in this rat hole.
The large redhead behind the bar looks us over as she moves to follow us. I find us a booth and slide my mate in, sitting next to her.
The waitresses’ gravelly voice, from what has to be years of smoking, grates on my ears. She tosses a menu to Alyssa and hands one to me, then says, “Well, hello there. I’ve never seen you around here before. Are you new to Cloudcroft?”
“Just visiting. Can you give us a minute?” I ask as I see her look over at my mate and narrow her eyes.
“Ain’t you that Kyle boy’s girlfriend?”
Alyssa’s cheeks glow pink. “I am. This is my parents’ old friends’ son, Eden. I’m showing him around town.”
“Cozy. So you want the usual chocolate milkshake?” she asks, letting me know my mate and that boy attend this nasty establishment quite often.
How he could take her to this type of place is unsettling. Behind her parents’ backs, she’s come here with him.
What else has she done with that boy?
“You should try the double meat, double cheese burger. It’s delicious. Kyle always gets that,” she says as she innocently looks up at me after stabbing my heart by saying that boy’s name and suggesting I would like anything he does.
The exception being her, of course.
“What are you having?”
“The regular burger and fries. Dairy doesn’t agree with me. The milkshakes I get are made with almond milk instead of regular cow’s milk. They don’t carry any cheeses I can eat,” she says as she places the menu that had been tossed at her at the edge of the table.
If we were anywhere else except her hometown, I would have barked at the waitress for her inexcusable behavior. “I’ll get whatever you get,” I say.
The waitress’ hand lands on my shoulder and I jerk my head around to look at it. Her red nail polish is dull and chipped and she smells like cigarettes. How could she possibly think she has a chance in hell with me?
“Sugar, you want a beer, or something maybe a little stronger with your burger and fries?”
“I’m eighteen, ma’am,” I say as I look up at her to find her yellow teeth flashing beneath her red-stained, thin lips.
Perhaps the only thing thin on the woman, except her ultra-thin eyebrows.
Her finger goes to her lips as she says, “Shh, I won’t tell on you, handsome.”
“No, thank you, ma’am. Just the burgers, all the way with mustard, the fries, and her shake made with almond milk. I’ll have a bottle of water, please.”
She pats my shoulder. “We have curly fries, baby. Would you enjoy some of my curly fries?”
Are you kidding me!
“No, ma’am. The regular fries will do us just fine, I assure you.”
Her hand slides down my shoulder along my arm, leaving me with an itch to bathe. “I’ll be right back with your drinks then, cutie pie.”
I turn to see Alyssa watching the waitress walk away. “Wow!” she says with a shake of her head. “I never knew we had so many skanky women in this small town. Eden, you bring out the beast in females. You must get that kind of stuff all the time. You handle them so well. If a man did that to me, I’d probably slap him.”
I drag my knuckles across her firm cheek. “If a man did that to you, I’d punch him.”
Her giggle tickles at my ears. I love it!
“Neanderthal,” she says as she gently punches my arm. “I can’t believe she was willing to give you alcohol. Tell me what other things women have offered you for a moment of your attention.”
“You don’t really want to know that, Alyssa. Just like I don’t want to know why in the world you would frequent such an establishment as this,” I say as I scan the dirty bar.
The lights flicker over a pool table as the bikers swill from large glasses of dark, frothy topped beers. Their protruding bellies are a testament to their devotion to the fattening spirit.
Her smile dazzles me as she leans in a bit closer. “Watch how you talk about this place. Those bikers call this place home and anyone who speaks ill of their home usually finds themselves sprawled out in the parking lot with boot prints on their asses. Oops, sorry. Don’t want to offend your delicate senses by cursing. I meant to say bottoms.”
Placing my hand behind her neck, I pull her to me, leaning my head to speak in her ear. “It is not my delicate senses I worry about. It’s your honor I wish to protect by reprimanding your use of vulgar obscenities. With a mouth so beautiful, it’s a crime to let disgusting words flow out of it.” I leave a kiss on her cheek to soften my correction.
The glow of pink on her cheeks shows me she’s taken in what I’ve said and I’m pleased to see it. “How you speak is so … what is the word I’m looking for? Eloquent. Far beyond your years, Eden. I’ve never thought about the words I use making me seem dishonorable. You’re right, though.”
I’m right! That’s a step in the right direction. She’s beginning to trust me.
The cigarette smell is back and I turn to find the waitress back with our orders. She tosses my mates’ basket with her burger and fries in it and a fry falls on the table. I quickly pick the fry up and hold it near her face, which is much too close to mine as she leans over me to throw food at my princess.
“If you weren’t tossing things at this young lady, you might be able to keep the food where it belongs. See that you stop, or your tip will reflect my disapproval.”
Her eyes widen and she pulls her ample body up. “Sorry, sir. It won’t happen again. I promise,” she says, then her eyes dart to Alyssa. “Sorry, Ally. I didn’t mean to do that.”
Alyssa blinks back at her. “It’s okay. No big deal.”
No big deal! Really! So she feels it’s just fine to have someone treat her disrespectfully.
That is what he made her feel like when they came here. A common girl who is treated with no respect at all is what he’s made her.
“Mmmm, take a bite, Eden. It’s really good,” Alyssa says with a moan.
Not one bit mad. Wow!
“Okay, then, here it goes.” I lift the grease-laden mess to my mouth and take a hearty bite. I’m immediately sorry I took such a large bite of the foul tasting—dare I call it a burger?
Her face lights up. “See, it’s good, right?”
I swallow the horrible stuff, then wipe the grease from my lips. “No, it’s not. It’s quite possibly the worst thing I’ve ever tasted,” I say as I take the cap off my bottle of water and try my best to get the nasty taste and greasy film out of my mouth.
What I would give for a toothbrush right now!
Alyssa laughs and takes another bite. I so badly want to take this burger—if you can call it that. I doubt there’s any real meat to the thing—and toss it in the trash.
She swallows and wipes her mouth. “You have to be joking. These are the best burgers in town. Come on, try another bite, Eden.”
“If you truly believe that, then we must educate that pallet of yours,” I say, then tweak her cute little nose.
She scrunches it up, making her even more adorable. “And just how might you go about doing that?”
Another bite she takes, making my stomach hurt at the sight. Only the best foods should pass through that delicious mouth.
“I’ll take you to the finest restaurants this planet has to offer.”
A smirk forms on her sweet lips and I wish I could kiss it off.
“Only if I agree to that, and I am quite taken, if you will recall. A friendship is one thing and traveling around to eat is quite another. Kyle will not cotton to the idea of me and you traipsing all over just so my pallet can be refined.”
There it is again, the stab in my heart every time she says his name.
“What that boy doesn’t know won’t hurt him, princess. I have a jet. Let me take you to one tonight. I know the perfect place to start your education.”
With a gleam in her eye, her smirk turns into a full-blown smile. “You have a jet?”
She’s interested now. I might be able to talk her into it.
“I do. We could be there in about an hour. What do you say?”
“Dad would never allow it,” she says, but she’s still smiling.
She’s finished the awful burger and drained her glass, so I guess she’s done eating. “Let’s get out of here and go ask him,” I say as I stand and pull her to come with me. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I hold her close.
“He’ll never agree to that, Eden. But you can ask, I suppose.”
A beam of dust-filled light comes in as the door opens. A gangly boy with a light brown mop of messy hair walks in. He turns back and gives a thumbs up, then closes the door. The boy heads straight to us, his eyes on my mate.
“Sup, girl?” he drawls.
“Hey, Cody,” Alyssa says, as she wiggles in my grasp a bit. “This is, Eden. Our parents are friends and he’s visiting for the week.”
His eyebrows go up and he gestures to the hold I have on her. “And just what is this about, Al?”
“Didn’t you hear about my accident?”
He frowns and answers, “Yeah, and you don’t look like you got hit by no truck.”
She giggles. “That’s because I didn’t, silly. I stopped, then fell and hit my head. I get dizzy pretty easily, so Eden has been kind enough to help me get around, or I’d be stuck in bed.”
“Convenient, isn’t it?” His eyes move over my entire body, sizing me up.
I perceive him as no threat. He doesn’t ruffle my feathers even a tiny bit.
“We were just on our way out,” I say as I propel my mate forward, away from him.
He stands in place and watches us leave. I drop a hundred in front of the red-head and proceed to the door. I can feel his eyes burning a hole in my back.
“Don’t you want your change?” the waitress calls out.
I lift my arm and wag my finger as I gesture a no back to her.
“Have fun, Al,” I hear the boy say as I open the door.
The light is bright and I’m blinded for a second. Pulling the shades from my head, I put them in place. Alyssa does the same thing.
“The light is killing me,” she mutters.
Looking back up, I see a tall black truck parked right next to my jag. The tall blonde guy from the hospital is leaning up against the hood of my car. His arms are crossed and he wears a very pissed off expression.
Fantastic. An interaction with the boy who’s treated my mate like a common girl for years.
This should be good!
CHAPTER 17
ALYSSA
I struggle to get away from Eden’s tight grip. Kyle already looks pissed. This won’t help matters. “Eden, let me go. He’s mad enough,” I hiss.
“I’m not letting you go, Alyssa. So stop wiggling,” he says with a harshness I’ve yet to hear from him.
“What the fuck is this shit, Ally?” Kyle asks as he gestures to the hold Eden has on me. “All hugged up on him, and are those matching sunglasses? Well, how fucking cute are the two of you? Tell me when the fuck you broke up with me, Alyssa. And when does this guy leave your house? His car’s there all through the night.”
Eden smirks. “Stalk much?”
“Don’t, Eden. I haven’t broken up with you, Kyle,” I say as I strain my brain to come up with the words to say to calm him down before he takes a swing at Eden. “I have a concussion. I get dizzy out of nowhere. Eden has been kind enough to brace me so I can walk instead of being cooped up in my bed all the time.”
His arms are crossed and the expression on his face tells me those words softened his demeanor none.
“I’ve had a couple of concussions playing football, Al. No one had to hold me up for days on end. Let’s just say someone did carry me around—a hot nurse, maybe—would that have gone over for you, Ally?”
Obviously he doesn’t get it. “Okay, I see you’re jealous. There’s nothing to be jealous about. Come out to the house later and we can all get to know each other. I’m sure we can all become friends,” I say, then he drops his arms to his side and a glint of a tear threatens to fall, breaking my heart.
“Come to me, Ally. I just need to hold you, then I’ll believe everything can be all right.” His arms open up for me to go into them and I want to.
I look up at Eden. “Let me go.”
His eyes are impossible to see through the dark glasses, but by the small wrinkle of his forehead, I assume he’s frowning. “I’d rather not.”
Kyle flies off the hood of the car. Grabbing Eden’s shoulder, he pulls back his fist. “No! Kyle, don’t!” I scream as his fist moves through the air towards Eden’s face.
Eden doesn’t even take a step back. His free hand catches Kyle’s fist as though it was a baseball which had been tossed to him. “Not going to happen, guy,” Eden says with an eerie calmness.
Kyle’s eyes widen in disbelief. “What the fuck? Who the fuck are you? Why are your hands on my girlfriend?”
Eden lets Kyle’s fist go and takes a couple of steps back, taking me with him. “Your language is disgusting and I’m afraid it’s rubbed off on Alyssa. A gentleman doesn’t use such words in the company of someone as precious as she is. This bar is also no place to take her to. I’m quite sure you’re not a person she needs in her life. You’ll only bring her down.”
My mouth drops open with what he’s told my sweet Kyle. I jerk myself from his tight grip and stand next to Kyle.
“Eden, how dare you! It’s not your place to speak to him like that. I will not have it,” I shout, then take Kyle’s hand and lead him to the side of his truck. “I’m sorry he said those things to you. He’s extremely upper class and sees things differently than we do.”
Kyle backs me up against his truck, pressing his body to mine as he hugs me. Lightly, he kisses my cheek.
“Kiss me, Ally. Show him what I am to you. He needs to know. He’s trying to steal you away from me. Can’t you see that?”
“He can’t do that. I’m solidly with you. Have faith in our relationship and how I feel about you. I love you, Kyle.”
“Kiss me, then, and show him.”
His eyes beg me, but something in me feels it’s wrong. Eden needn’t see us together like that to know my heart is Kyle’s.
“Come to my house later, Kyle. It’s not right to kiss you here in this parking lot where everyone can see our business. You’ve never asked me to do this before. You need to trust me.” My heart beats hard against his chest.
His mouth moves closer to mine even though I’ve told him no. “Don’t be mad at me, Ally,” he says just before his lips land on mine.
A hand grips my shoulder and I’m yanked away from Kyle. Carrying me away by my waist, Eden places me in the car without opening the door.
“Eden!” I yell as he buckles my seatbelt. I see Kyle moving up fast behind him. “Kyle! No!”
My eyes must be deceiving me because Eden’s feet don’t seem to move, or they move so fast I can’t see them.
He has Kyle pinned to the side of his truck, his hands on Kyle’s shoulders as he says, “This stops now. She said no and she will not be disrespected. Talk to her father if you wish to see her. Although I doubt he’ll allow that once I let him in on how your influence has affected her. If you care for her at all, you’ll leave her alone. She’s far too special for what you have in mind for her. By the way, how is it you think so little of her that you’d take her to your bed with no vow between you?”
Kyle struggles to move, but can’t seem to. “You’re ancient, dude. Our personal relationship is none of your business. She’ll be of legal age to consent to a physical relationship in mere weeks, and you can bet she’ll consent to whatever I ask her to. She loves me, dude. Get over it.”
I can’t take this anymore. “Eden, let him go! I’ll talk to him later.”
Eden looks back at me, his jaw clenched. “As you wish, Alyssa.”
He does like I’ve asked and my heart throbs in my chest as Kyle looks like a fallen man. Finding himself unable to get out of Eden’s hold must have made him feel weak. I’ll have to let Eden know he can never handle Kyle like that again.
I offer a small smile to Kyle, who looks back at me with a dejected expression on his poor face.
“Please let me in when I come over, Ally. We have to fix this. I’ve been over every day and your father won’t let me in. I’ve called and left messages and texts. They’re stopping you from seeing or even talking to me.”
Eden slides into his seat and starts the car, peeling away.
I call out to Kyle, “I didn’t know, Kyle. Come tonight.”
As I turn back around, I find tears falling like rain down my cheeks.
“Eden, why would my parents do that? Kyle’s not what you think. He’s a good guy. The cussing is just words. Everyone uses them. He’s never done anything to me I haven’t allowed.”
Eden hands me a handkerchief. “He kissed you when you told him not to. How many other things has he done with no one to witness?”
“Is it you behind my parent’s actions? Do you have some hold over them? They’re aliens to me since your arrival,” I say as the tears dry up and an anger the likes of which I’ve never felt before wells up inside me. “I find it odd that you came here with at least two gifts for me. You had no idea about me, having never met me. Are you someone who’s stalked me online or something? There’s a chance you’re blackmailing my parents to get to me. Is that what’s happening here?”
Eden reaches for my hand and I draw it back. “Alyssa, princess, don’t think like that about me. I’m no crazy stalker. I have no hold over your parents. I’ve come to care for you since we’ve met. It is true that I would like to have something more than a friendship with you. That boy is not right for you. You’re making a mistake in thinking he is. Your life with him would be a string of trailer parks and hardships.”
“You’re a snob, Eden. A heartless snob. I’m afraid I can no longer be your friend. Once we get home, I want you to leave me alone. I want nothing else to do with you during your stay or ever again. Whatever is going on is stopping now. I’ll have no more of it, or you,” I say, clenching my fists so hard my fingernails dig into my palms.
Pulling to the side of the road, Eden takes me by the shoulder, making me turn towards him, but I look away. “Alyssa, please listen to me,” he begs, but I won’t look at him. He takes my chin and pulls my sunglasses off. “Look at me, Alyssa.” I meet his eyes and make sure he sees the anger in them. “Good. I can’t stand the thought of not being in your life. Please reconsider.”
“Fuck you!”
He flinches and I’m glad to see it. “Alyssa, please. You’re too good for this behavior. I’ll do anything you want if you don’t shut me out. Life is not worth living without you in it. Can you understand me? Would you not miss me at all?”
“Eden, I’ve never felt better or worse since I’ve met you. You’ve made me happy, and when you kissed me I honestly had to question if Kyle was the one for me. That kiss felt like we were one and the same. A sense of being whole enveloped me. But this side of you is too much to take. Judging others is not something I do or allow in my life. You speak of Kyle as if he were a piece of trash to be tossed away with no remorse. That boy, as you continue to call the love of my life, is a fine man and he will make something of his life. Truth be told, I’d live wherever he wanted. I love him that much.”
The hold he has on my chin softens and his knuckles graze my cheek. “That kiss made me feel that way too, Alyssa? I suppose the way I’m beginning to feel about you has me being something I’m not. Perhaps jealousy is why I’ve said the awful things about that boy—sorry—about Kyle. I’m no snob, and I don’t really think he’ll live in trailer parks.”
“So you felt it too?” I ask as I pull his sunglasses away from his face so I can see his eyes. He nods and I confess, “I’ve never felt that with Kyle.”
Intensity covers his face. “So we should try it again and see what we feel, shouldn’t we?”
“It isn’t right, Eden. I’m still with him. I would never want him to do this to me.” My heart aches with the struggle I’m having.
“You owe it to yourself to be sure, Alyssa. If he’s not the right one for you, it would be a sinful existence to go on with your plans when you can have a better life with someone else. A better connection with someone else might be possible.”
The constant current of electricity as his hand touches the top of mine cannot be denied. I bite at my bottom lip as I look at our hands on my lap.
Why does it do this to me?
I look up at him and ask, “What does your hand feel like right now?”
Leaning into me, his voice is but a whisper. “A current flows between your hand and mine. It’s happened every single time I’ve touched you.”
He’s right!
“Have you felt this with anyone else?”
Slowly, he shakes his head as his eyes look deeper into mine.
Damn it, this is too intense!
“Eden, I know what will happen if I let you kiss me, and it breaks my heart because I’ll have to break his and I do love him.”
The glisten in his eyes tells me much. “I know you do.”
A tremble runs through him and I feel it in my core.
How can that be?
“Take me home. I’m not ready for this.”
His eyes drop and he turns back to the steering wheel. “As you wish, Alyssa.”
He parks next to my jeep and I sit, waiting for him to do his thing. My door opens and he sets me free from my seatbelt, then takes my hand. The current of electricity is there as if on cue.
This can’t be normal, but it doesn’t mean love either. What I have for Kyle is love, real love. So this must be lust.
Eden is beyond hot, rich, and classy. So very worldly and so different from anyone I’ve ever known. He’s like a movie star come to life and he wants me. Of course I feel something for him, but my heart belongs to Kyle.
His arm goes around my waist and my whole body tingles as he pulls me close to his side. I want to cling to him forever, and if I lost this I know I’d miss it.
Why the hell is that?
CHAPTER 18
EDEN
Alyssa has confessed to feeling something for me. I’m so close to her deciding to be with me of her own accord. It will make things so much easier on her once she learns the truth about us and what we are.
The vibration between us is apparent to her as well. Her allegiance to that boy stops her from testing the waters further with me. I have an idea, though, and it has my plans for this evening changing.
Instead of cooking lobster for her, I want to show her how our lives will be. I’ve made reservations at a five-star restaurant in Maine.
It’s a far cry from the bar where we went to at lunch. This will show her how she should’ve always been treated like the princess she truly is.
After protesting about my invitation to fly away and have dinner with me, her mother talked her into going. I’m not allowed to call this a date or even kiss her, but I hope my actions and the serene setting will change her mind about that.
Dressed to impress, I wait for her in the living room. Toni comes in and clears her throat. She’s helped Alyssa get ready and given her one of the dresses I brought for her, though she’s told her they had purchased it and planned to give it to her as a graduation gift.
Shyly, Alyssa steps from behind the wall which has kept her from my view. Involuntarily, my heart and breath stop.
How can she be even more beautiful than before?
Soft tendrils fall from a loose pile of curls artfully placed atop her perfect head. A gold band glimmers, separating her long bangs from the many curls.
The addition of makeup enhances her natural beauty. The black eyeliner makes the sapphire color of her eyes entrancing. Her lips, like cherries, beg me to kiss them and I pray she changes her mind about kissing me.
The long white dress, held at the waist by a gold belt, is made of several layers of gossamer and it appears to float around her. The neckline of the haltered top plummets in the middle, accenting her perfectly-formed breasts.
A frown covers her face. “I knew it, Mom. It’s over the top. Way too much. I’ll go change.”
“What? No! It’s perfect, as are you, Alyssa.” My heart finally beats again and I find my voice.
Her perfect brows draw together. “But you didn’t say one word. I know it’s too much, Eden.”
I give her a grin. “I was speechless, princess. You are beyond anything I’ve ever laid my eyes on.” Moving to her side, I place her hand in the crook of my arm. “Forgive me for being so taken in by your beauty that I failed to breathe or let my heart beat.”
Strolling away with her in tow, I cast a glance back to see Toni and David. “Don’t wait up. She’s safe with me,” I tell them.
In unison they say, “Goodnight.”
Alyssa looks back at them with a puzzled expression. “Aliens. It has to be aliens who’ve taken them over. Goodnight Mom and Dad, if that’s who you really are.”
Their smiles follow us out the door as I escort my mate to the car.
***
The jet is a shiny, black gorgeous piece of machinery. Its beauty is not lost on Alyssa. “Holy crap, Eden. Is that yours?”
I lead her up the stairs. “Do you see the emblem there?” I gesture to the fiery Phoenix on the jet’s tail. “This belongs to the organization our families are a part of: The Phoenix Foundation.”
Her head swivels as her eyes show confusion. “My parents are part of some group and they’ve never bothered to mention it to me. Do I even know them at all?”
As we step onto the jet, Lana, a woman in her late forties with tight red curls, smiles at us. “Hello, Eden. This must be Alyssa,” she says, extending her hand to Alyssa who takes it in a shake. “My name is Lana and I’ll be your stewardess.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lana. I suppose you fly Mr. Jet-Setter around a lot,” Alyssa says.
With my hand on the small of her back, I direct her to our seats. Alyssa looks back at Lana and says, “Tell me, is he always this attentive to the young ladies he takes out.”
A peal of laughter comes from the woman’s mouth. “Oh my! No! He’s never had another young lady in here. You’re the first, Alyssa.”
The look on Alyssa’s face is priceless. With her wide eyes and her mouth in the shape of an ‘O’, I have to laugh. “Did you honestly think I was a ladies’ man?”
The nod of her perfect little head tells me she did.
The pilot comes in from the cockpit and gives us a wave. “Hello again, Eden. And this lovely young thing must be Alyssa,” he says and Alyssa gives him a nod. “I’m your pilot, Jeffery. Have you flown before?”
“Once. It was a big plane, though. We went to Disney World in it. This is much better.”
Jeffery smiles at her. “Well, let’s get this show on the road. I hear you two have a big date in Bath, Maine.”
The word date makes Alyssa frown at me. I smile back and whisper in her ear, “I can’t help that this looks like a date to the untrained eye, princess. It’s okay. You and I know what it really is, right?”
“I suppose,” she says with a slight tremor to her voice.
I must’ve left that information out when I called Jeffery earlier. People at the restaurant will think it too.
I can’t control the world, now can I?
Lana gives us a smile before retreating with Jeffery to the cockpit. The engine starts and Alyssa looks nervously out the window as the sun sets. I take her hand in mine and place a kiss on it. “Are you nervous?”
“I’ve been nervous, Eden. Now my butterflies have transformed into pterodactyls.”
The jet rolls forward and her eyes widen. “Just sit back and hold my hand as tightly as you need to. We’ll be up in the air in no time and it’ll be smooth flying. I’m sure you’ll love it,” I say, and she leans her head back against the seat and closes her eyes.
How will she feel when she can fly on her own?
Her hand holds mine in a death grip. I watch her closely as she breathes in deep breaths. We level off and her eyes open. “That wasn’t so bad,” she says. Lightening her grip on me, she smiles embarrassedly. “Oh, sorry! I just about squeezed your hand off, huh?”
Touching her bare shoulder with the tip of my finger, I trail it down her arm. “That’s what it’s there for, precious. Yours to use as you need to.”
The cherry red of her lips is proving quite impossible to resist. When I draw my eyes up, away from them, I spot her eyeing mine. Her tongue darts out to lick hers. Perhaps she wants to taste mine as well.
Please let her change her mind about the no kissing rule.
Lana pops out of the cockpit. “I’ll bring you two something to drink. Eden likes this little alcohol-free cocktail I make,” she says, then pops into the small galley door.
Alyssa giggles, and I almost grab her and kiss her, it stirs me so. “She’s adorable, Eden,” she says.
“She’s the sweetest. Jeffery and Lana also belong to the organization our parents do. I have to confess something to you.”
The tension in her body is obvious. “No! Please, no confessions.”
I laugh. “It’s nothing bad, princess. It’s just I can’t take my eyes off you. You’re gorgeous. I’ll be the envy of every man this evening.”
The fluttering of her eyelashes beats her blushing cheeks as she swats playfully at my arm. “Eden! You big flatterer. Look at your own reflection, Mr. Fashion Model. The women will all swoon as you pass their tables, silverware will drop from feminine hands, and conversations will be halted.”
She finds me as enticing as I do her. This is working. Soon she’ll choose me on her own, without being made to marry me. She’ll want to.
Please, let her want to marry me.
“You seem deep in thought, Eden. Let’s not read too much into this. Our outer appearances may be looking fine this evening, but it’s what’s on the inside which counts. Don’t you agree?”
“I agree with you, wholeheartedly, princess. I find you beautiful inside and out. Your good nature and kind spirit are as beautiful as your plump red lips and sapphire eyes. I could go on and on about all which is appealing about you.” She’s told me she thinks what we feel is lust, so it’s imperative I show her I love her thoroughly, not just physically.
“I must confess you have a few beautiful characteristics as well. Your hatred for Kyle is about all I can find wrong with you,” she says, and it makes me feel terrible that she thinks I hate anyone.
Pulling both her hands to my chest, I lean forward. “Alyssa, please know I have no hate for him. The feelings I have for him are from insecurity in myself. I have to admit to you that it is jealousy which I feel. The moment I laid my eyes on you, I felt something stir in me.”
A smirk forms on her precious lips. “Yeah, that was probably just your male hormones, Eden. I was lying on the ground, probably a pool of blood forming around my head, and you felt something for the poor girl laid out on the pavement. Most guys would.”
She isn’t taking me seriously. Remembering something from the hospital, I trail my fingers lightly over her collar bone. “I doubt my hormones and your accident are all to blame for my reaction to you. If I recall, you reacted to my touch much in the same way.”
Lana pops back out of the galley with our drinks in her hands. “Oops! Hope I didn’t interrupt you two lovebirds.”
Alyssa rolls her eyes. “It’s not a date, Lana. Sorry for the confusion. I happen to have a boyfriend. Eden is just being kind enough to show me how great a fancy jet ride and a meal at a five-star restaurant can be, since he’s filthy rich. I made him take me to a café this afternoon and he wants to show me how much of a dive it is since I keep singing its praises. That’s all. Don’t read anything more than that into it. We’re friends, that’s all.”
Lana hands my mate her glass of dark red liquid with a knowing smile on her face. She’s not the best poker player I’m going to guess, as she looks as if she’s about to blurt out what and who Alyssa really is.
“I see. My mistake,” Lana says to Alyssa. “It’s just that the two of you have a glow about you I’ve seen few couples have. Finding someone who can make your inner self spark so much that the outer self glows with the intensity is rare. One with such a gift would seldom think of a relationship with another, I would think. So do tell about this boyfriend, then, because he must be something extremely special if he outshines what you and Eden have going on.”
Though Alyssa has held Lana’s gaze as she spoke, she drops her head, perhaps in embarrassment. She says, “So you mean to tell me it’s obvious? I can’t hide it?”
Lana hands me my drink and lifts Alyssa’s face up by her chin, making her look at her. “Nor can he, child. I’m sure this high school boyfriend is fantastic, but the man who sits next to you brings something out in you, and you in him. I should say, if it was me, I’d give this thing you two have a better chance. It’s rare and shouldn’t be taken for granted.” Lana takes her hand away and stands up, retreating back to the galley, pausing long enough to look back over her shoulder. “But that’s just me, sweetheart. You have to do as your heart tells you to.”
We sit in silence for a minute or two as Alyssa stares out the window into the dark night. I pray what Lana has said is not making the wheels in her head spin out of control. I guess I should’ve stopped Lana from speaking her mind, but it needed to be said, I think.
I sip my drink, then place my hand on her shoulder. “I’d love to be able to hear your thoughts. Would you like to share them with me?” I ask.
“It’s going to kill him, Eden.” Her voice quivers and my heart breaks for her.
This is all my fault.
I toss the rest of the small drink down my throat, then rise and leave it, as well as hers, on the small table by the galley. Her eyes have not moved from the window. Tiny tears wait to fall. I drop to my knees in front of her and take her hands in mine, laying them on her lap. “Please look at me, princess.”
Her breath pulls in deep as she turns her head to look down at me. “There is nothing you can say that can make this better. I need more time, Eden.”
That is the one thing we don’t have and it kills me. “Should I leave you alone?”
Her eyes glisten as the tears threaten further. “I fear it would kill me if you did. Even as you said the words, my heart felt as if a sharp dagger had been plunged into it. I’m a mess with a boyfriend. You should want none of what I have to offer, which is nothing but a lot of drama.”
The fact she thinks she has nothing to offer makes me furious at myself. I did this to her.
“You have much to offer, Alyssa. Stop talking down about yourself. It’s beneath you. You’re special and will do amazing things with your life. You were not born to be ordinary. Not one day of your life should have been spent that way. Set him free, and he’ll begin to heal and so will you.”
One tear rolls down her pink cheek. I quickly brush it away with my thumb. “I can’t do that, Eden. I just can’t hurt him like that.”
The softness in her heart, which she was born with to fulfill her destiny, has taken in that boy and I doubt it will ever release him. The capacity to hurt people is not something she was built with, nor was I.
It’s obvious our protectors will have to deal with this situation, and now I fear for the boy.
Sitting back down in the seat beside her, I put my arm around her and gently push her to lie her head on my shoulder.
“This is not how I want this evening to move forward. Put this out of your head and let us have an enjoyable evening out.”
One of her silky black tendrils tickles my nose and I sneeze.
With a small giggle, she lifts her head and looks at me. “Deal! Show me your world, Mr. Fontaine. I’m eager to see how the other half lives. Show me all I’ve been missing. I hope the chef can beat the lobster I get at the Lobster Shack. It’s pretty dang great and it’ll be hard to beat.”
A turn in her attitude has taken place. Although cheery, I know she’s repressing emotions and thoughts, which is never good.
I’ll go along, though. Once our protectors deal with Kyle, she’ll have no choice but to move on. She’ll need me more than ever then.
CHAPTER19
ALYSSA
This place is beyond anything I imagined. The instant we arrived, we were seated in the most elegant, small, private dining room. The waiter placed a napkin on my lap and later tied a bib around my neck so I would get no lobster juices on the gorgeous dress my parents gave me.
Eden shines like an angel across the table from me. He was right. This is so much better than Trixie’s or the Lobster Shack.
The stewardess on the private jet, an adorable woman with a warmth about her which makes her easy to like, said something disturbing about us. She said we glowed.
If that’s true, which I pretty much think it is, then Kyle will see it as well. Though I’m trying my hardest not to, I’m falling hard for Eden.
The lifestyle he leads is so different from mine that I don’t understand how we’ll work out anyway. Yet I find myself thinking maybe we could.
This place is something I could get used to. The food is another thing which would make me happy.
The man who sits across from me, making me laugh like I never have in my life, would definitely make my life more enjoyable.
My high society skills are sorely lacking. Instead of embarrassing me about my shortcomings by telling me how I need to do every little thing, he’s made light of my inexperience.
I just about slapped the waiter when he leaned over me, placing a linen napkin on my lap and smoothing it out in what I thought was an attempt to cop a feel. Eden joked with the waiter about it, leaving my dignity intact.
Carelessly, he pops a mint into his mouth. His luscious caramel-colored lips open to accept the dainty pink thing. A flick of his tongue as it runs quickly over his bottom lip makes me bite at mine.
“So, better than the burger at Trixie’s?” he asks.
I blink and look from his lips to his eyes. His gorgeous emerald eyes. “Uh, yeah,” I mumble like an idiot.
What he does to me is insane.
He rises and comes to my side, holding his hand out to me. “I would be very pleased if you would come and dance with me, princess.”
Since the bib has been removed and the napkin is long gone, I suppose I can spare him a dance. “If it would please you, then by all means, yes.”
My hand tingles in his as he leads me to a dance floor with several other couples dancing on it.
His arm wraps around me as he pulls me close to him. Our eyes meet for a second before I lay my head on his chest.
He moves me about and somehow my feet follow as if we’ve danced together forever, which we haven’t. Our bodies seem perfectly fitted together.
He’s taller than I am, but just the right amount of taller. The top of my head comes to his broad shoulders, making my head fit perfectly against his chest. The music is soft enough for me to hear the soft beat of his heart.
After this night, I have to make a choice between Kyle and Eden. I don’t want to string either along any longer. I feel it’s cruel and can no longer take giving them pain.
My choice seems clear. I know this. Yet my heart refuses to let Kyle go. It tells me I love him more.
A warmth fills my ear as Eden’s velvet voice speaks softly. “You dance like an angel.”
My heart speeds up. That’s what happens to me all the time with Eden. My heart either drops a beat or speeds up. Sometimes it aches, and when he asked me if he should leave me alone, I felt a sharp, stabbing sensation.
Every time we touch, it seems electricity flows between us. For Christ’s sake, he just looks at me and heat rushes through me, straight to my lower regions.
This thing we have is too intense. Like most things of that nature, I fear it will burn out just as quickly as it came on, leaving me destroyed. I would have destroyed Kyle for no reason.
The music ends and Eden still holds me. I pick up my head and smile at him. “Thank you, Eden. You certainly know how to show a girl a good time.”
Running a finger along his jaw line down to his chin, my body threatens to betray my very own rule of no kissing on this little outing I’ve allowed him to take me on.
“Alyssa, you’re the only girl I wish to show a good time.” His finger mimics my motions and my jaw clenches to stay in control.
If I allow a kiss, I’ll never be able to do what I have to. The life he leads is beyond fantastic, but I’m ordinary, no matter how Eden sees me.
I fear he looks at me through rose-colored glasses. I could never rise to his standards. Even if I managed to do it, I could never keep it up.
Normal has always been my life. It’s much too late to change that now. I’d never fit into his world.
“This has been fun and a great adventure, but I think it’s time to go back home, don’t you?” I ask.
“I could hold you like this forever, but if you’re ready to go, we will. As always, princess, your wish is my command.”
The hour is late and I’m exhausted. As we sit on the jet’s seats, I lean my head on Eden’s shoulder.
Once we level off, he kisses the top of my head and says, “Come, precious, you can lie down on the bed.”
He leads me to a door at the back of the small cabin and opens it, revealing a large bed with a dark red bedspread and plush pillows.
“Eden, this is beautiful.” I plop onto the soft bed. It’s heavenly and I kick off my shoes and lie back.
Eden stands, watching me as he smiles. This will be our last outing together and our last night together. It should be more than what I’ve allowed it to be. This thing we have should go out with a bang. I pat the bed next to me.
“You want me to lie down with you?” he asks with raised eyebrows.
I nod as I bite my lip in anticipation of what my body will do when he makes his next move. In slow motion, he kicks off his shoes, takes off his jacket, and tosses it on a chair. His hand runs through his hair. The dim light casts dark shadows over his tanned face.
My heart stops as he climbs onto the bed on his hands and knees and says, “Alyssa, I know you said no kissing and I respect your wishes. I only want you to know I’m exercising the most self-control I’ve ever had to because of my deep respect for you.”
Why does he respect me so much? And why do I want him to ignore my rule, hold me down, and take me like he owns me?
The way his body hovers over mine a bit is leaving me breathless. My entire body prickles with anticipation, need, want, and desire. I can’t deny it anymore.
“Eden, will you kiss me and end this torture I’m putting us both through.”
Emerald eyes twinkle back at me and small wrinkles form at the corners as he smiles. “As you wish, princess.”
Pushing my hair from my face, our eyes search the others’ for what seems like an eternity. This kiss hasn’t happened and I’m already breathing hard, and so is he.
Slowly, he inches his face closer to mine and our eyes close. Warm breath fills my slightly open mouth as his lips nearly touch mine. I suck it in, tasting him and what might possibly be his soul.
Sweet Jesus, this is intense and our lips have yet to meet!
Pulling in a breath, he sucks mine out and groans as he does. My body shakes as I run my tongue around my mouth finding the sweetness he left there.
It’s everywhere, behind my front teeth, around my molars, and down my throat. The smell of flowers fills my nostrils as blood rushes to my lower regions, setting them on fire. He hasn’t even kissed me and I’m ready to pull my clothes off and give myself to him.
His hand strokes my cheek as his lips touch mine very gently. Stars fill my head. Some galaxy, dark, yet full of light, pulses in my mind.
A sound comes from me without my realizing it—a tiny shriek. Eden moans and deepens his kiss, filling my mouth with his sweetness and prompting me to arch my body up to his.
I run my arms around him and pull his body to mine. Our tongues intertwine as we taste each other and explore the deep recesses.
I want more!
My hands run up his well-muscled back to find his feather-soft hair. I press his mouth harder to mine as I entangle my fingers in his thick, dark locks.
Heat fills me and I want to know if this is affecting him in a similar way. Moving my leg between his, I press it to him, finding him rock hard, long, wide, and on fire.
Another one of his breaths flows through my mouth and into me. It’s the most unreal thing I’ve ever felt, as if we’re one and the same.
Freeing one of my hands from his luscious waves, I let it travel over his back and down to his waist where it makes the way south, snaking around to touch the hard, throbbing object between his legs.
My reaction to the excitement and want makes me take in a breath, his sweet taste renewing itself as if it’s an entity of its own.
He pulls his mouth from mine and sits up. My hand is still on his ample package and he looks at it. His voice is rough and raspy. “That’s what you do to me on the outside. Tell me you feel what we do to each other on the inside.”
I find mine just as raspy as I answer, “Yes, I do. Eden, I want to feel you inside me. I know this is sudden and too fast, but I crave it. I need it. Please.”
He crashes down on me as he straddles my body, his tongue tracing a path from my collar bone up my neck, making my body rack with the desire which takes my mind away from anything that isn’t Eden.
His tongue flicks my earlobe and my insides quiver. Hot, wet breath fills me.
“Tell me how you feel about me, princess. How important am I to you?”
“You’re everything to me, Eden,” I say as I run my hands over his back and butt. “Please show my how you feel about me.”
Trailing kisses back to my neck, he lifts his body up and looks into my eyes. “Alyssa, do you love me?”
I blink up at him. Do I?
“I think I do, Eden.”
“I know I love you, Alyssa. I need more than an, ‘I think,’ if we are to do more.”
“Kiss me again. I want to be sure.”
Achingly slowly, he brings his face back to mine. I draw in my breath and he blows his into my mouth. I suck it into my lungs, sending my heart into a frenzy of super-fast beats.
My body twists as my lips have to have his. He gives them to me and I nip at his bottom lip as he consumes me. I grind myself against his erection and a moan rattles his chest.
His forehead presses to mine as he pulls his mouth away, but leaves it so our lips still brush one another’s. “Do you know now, Alyssa?”
My body aches to be one with his. Sensations I’ve never felt flow through me, and I’m acutely aware I will never have this with Kyle or anyone else. This has to be love, because I will surely die if I ever lose this. If I ever lose him.
“I love you, Eden.” The words barely leave my lips before he’s back in my mouth. His hand squeezes my breast and I cry out with the pleasure of it.
His lips leave mine and I feel almost abandoned by his action until he connects his mouth to me again at the breast he’s unleashed beneath his hand. Then I feel one with him again, though I need more.
An animal hunger for him tears through me, so I grind against him again in a reminder of what I want from him. What I need from him.
I push my hand between us to unleash the thing which is causing his slacks to nearly burst. He lifts up to allow me access to the button and zipper.
My hand moves inside of his tight boxer briefs to find satiny-smooth skin over the hardest thing I’ve ever felt in my life. The smooth over the hard is other-worldly and my whole hand strokes it, finding a bulbous end which has leaked a bit.
I run my finger over the tip and Eden groans against my breast, which he suckles at in between mind-blowing bites that threaten to make me burst inside.
My hand now wet with his juices, I want to know what it tastes like. As I bring it to my lips, he stops and looks at me, watching me place my fingers in my mouth.
I should be embarrassed that he’s caught me doing this, but I’m not. With his rapt attention, I can almost read his mind. Will I like it? I swear he’s thinking that.
The moan I make comes through no will of my own. He tastes like honey and cream and I want more. I’ve closed my eyes with my reaction to the deliciousness of him. When I open them, he’s there, waiting for me to remove my fingers from my mouth.
“May I taste your sweet innocence, princess?”
My God, he wants to taste me down there. Should I say yes?
My eyes brighten with the thought of what he’s about to do. “You may,” I say as I trace his lips with one of the fingers I’ve released from my mouth.
Sheer delight travels over his face as his lips find mine for a moment, then trail down my chest to his destination. My heartbeats shake my body as I wait for the touch of his lips in an area which has gone untouched.
“I love you, Alyssa,” he says, before his head disappears beneath my dress.
Although already very hot in that area, I can feel his hot breath on me. My body tenses for its reaction to his touch.
His lips touch me gently, kissing my inner thigh. He trails kisses to the center, then I feel it. His lips touch me there and a streak of white hot heat travels over my body.
My hands clench the bedding as I almost fall apart. He makes an mmmm sound, which vibrates something down there and I nearly burst.
He’s kissing me there and it feels even better than when he kissed my mouth. Flicks of his tongue against something that is hardening on me drives my body insane and I can’t think anymore.
“Eden! Eden! Don’t stop, God, don’t stop!”
His hands move to grip my bottom, pulling me to him as he kisses, sucks and nips at me in a most pleasurable way, which makes no sense at all. Something begins to quiver in my core and my body shakes, my legs tremble, and my heart pounds. Then I shatter into pieces.
Was that an orgasm? Shit, that felt incredible!
Moisture leaks from me, and then he’s there, lapping at it, his tongue going into me. Inside of me, his tongue fills the space I craved him to be in and I’m almost whole, close to complete. I never felt incomplete until he came along.
I’m tired all of a sudden, like beyond tired, and content. Eden kisses down one leg as he moves from under my dress. His hair hangs in damp strands around his smiling face as he stands up, looking down at me.
“Can we both agree on something, baby?”
I nod my head yes, because I will agree to anything the man says for the rest of my life. He lies his body next to mine, using one hand to hold his head up, one of his fingers makes spirals on my chest.
“We belong to each other now. No one else. I am yours and you are mine.”
He is mine!
I cannot believe he even wants to be mine. He has class, money, and looks. Crap, he’s lacking not one thing, and he wants to be mine.
“I’d love that. I love you, Eden. I do.”
The light hits his eyes just right and they sparkle. “I love you too, Alyssa. I only have one more thing to say to you, then we must clean ourselves up and be presentable, as I’m sure we’re going to land soon.” All humor leaves his eyes, leaving them as serious as I’ve ever seen. “I do not believe in real intercourse until after marriage. With that said …” he turns over and grabs a black box from a drawer in the nightstand. Pulling me up to a sitting position, he kneels on one knee in front of me.
My mouth drops open and I am speechless. More than that, I’m mindless. I cannot accept what he’s about to ask of me. I look around the room for an escape, but there is none.
“Alyssa Shaylee Devlin, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“How do you know my middle name?”
His face makes me laugh as he pulls it back in confusion. “Alyssa, please. I’m being serious here, baby.”
“You are?” I ask. “You can’t possibly be. We don’t even know each other. This is our second kiss. Well, a bit more than a kiss, but you know what I mean.”
Still kneeling, he cocks his head to the side and opens the box. An enormous diamond ring appears, yet he doesn’t even gesture to it.
“So, making love is not a thing you care to do anytime soon, then?”
“I’d like to. I’d do it right now if you would,” I answer.
“Your immortal soul means nothing to you?” he asks, and I can’t believe he’s serious.
“Really, Eden? I mean, I declared my love to you. There are some who don’t even do that much before they hit the sheets together.”
As he leans on my knees, the ring on my thigh takes my attention for a second before he speaks. “Alyssa, just as the vulgar language was overlooked by you as something everyone does, this has been as well. You should not give yourself to someone completely until you have made vows to each other. Feelings are involved and in many cases offspring, um, I mean, children. You wouldn’t want to do such a thing with no commitment. It’s reckless in more than one way. Not to mention, one day you will not live here. You’ll face Our Creator and then what?”
“Our Creator? You mean God? He doesn’t care if we get a paper from the courthouse or not,” I say, and my eyes can’t seem to stop catching how the diamond in that ring sparkles.
His delightful laugh perks my ears and takes my attention to his mouth. His delicious mouth, which I wouldn’t mind taking another taste of if he would just let me.
“I care nothing about the paper either. I do care about making a promise to Our Creator, though. I’m afraid I won’t be able to complete the act until we have. I love and respect you way too much.”
My mouth moves before my mind does. “How long until we can marry?”
His eyes sparkle. “Does that mean yes?”
“How long?” I look him squarely in the eyes.
“As soon as possible,” he answers.
I look into his eyes, making sure he’s serious. “I’ll be eighteen in a little over a week. We can go to Las Vegas and get it done.”
A frown covers his very gorgeous face and I don’t like it. I want to see that face only with happy expressions.
“I want a priest to do it, Alyssa. I have to insist. It’s not about the paper, which we will have too. It’s about a priest and a ceremony and our families witnessing it. It can still be on your eighteenth birthday. Please understand. I’ll talk more with you about it as we stay together throughout our engagement.”
Our engagement! That ring is gorgeous and so is he. Inside and out, he is, and he makes me feel like no one else could ever do.
“Yes! I will marry you, Eden.”
I can’t believe it!
His hands shake as he takes the ring from the box. I hold out my left hand and then I see it. The little heart-shaped diamond ring Kyle gave me.
Eden sees it too and frowns. “You’ll need to take that off, Alyssa.”
What am I doing? This will kill Kyle.