Chapter Nine

 

Luke posed for a few photos with the servers cleaning up Jake and Cassie’s banquet room. It was a quarter past midnight and although he’d wanted to leave the reception much earlier, he was glad Abbey insisted they stay.

Maybe he was sentimental or some shit, but Luke had enjoyed watching Cassie miss Jake’s mouth with his piece of wedding cake. Jake had been a good sport about it and had carefully fed Cassie her piece, but then she ended up playfully biting his thumb. It was sweet and Luke couldn’t be happier for his big brother.

The cake was delicious. Luke had gobbled up a huge piece himself. Moist yellow cake filled with real strawberry filling and rich buttercream frosting. Abbey was around here somewhere with a huge chunk of it in a to-go container. He had plans for that cake once they got back to his hotel room.

“How fun! You caught the garter,” the sweet brunette server told Luke as she double-checked the selfies they’d just taken.

“Go figure. I guess I can catch too, huh,” Luke answered her with a smile. He was wearing the white lacy garter with a blue satin ribbon on his left arm. The silver charm with Jake’s and Cassie’s names and wedding date sparkled from the overhead lighting.

“Oh right, because you’re a pitcher. Thanks for the pictures, Luke. I appreciate it. I better
finish up so I can head home. Bye.” She put some dirty glasses in a plastic container on top of a wheeled cart and rolled it to the kitchen.

Luke exited the banquet room doors and met up with Rocco and Jake. Jake looked as happy as he had the minute he’d married Cassie earlier that afternoon. Cassie was pregnant but Jake was nearly glowing himself.

Rocco clapped Jake on the shoulder. “The gifts are loaded up and we’ll drop them off at your condo. Your folks have the wedding card box.”

“Thanks, man. We’ll see you at brunch around noon then?”

Rocco gave Jake a curt nod. “I’ll be there.”

Luke had been amused, watching Rocco and Hannah circle each other all evening. Both of them reluctant to fully relax and enjoy each other’s company, It was obvious there was something going on between the cute event planner and the Italian.

Luke hadn’t missed that Rocco seemed disappointed when Hannah hadn’t caught the bouquet. Hannah hadn’t intended on joining the single ladies in the tradition at first, but Abbey and Leah had dragged her out on to the dance floor. Leah had made an aggressive play and caught it. Although the big Italian Marine had put in a good effort, Luke had easily snagged the garter nearly out of Rocco’s hands.

He couldn’t resist teasing the man. “So, after Jake and Cass come back from their honeymoon, are you going to bring Hannah to their place for the wedding gift reveal party?”

Rocco didn’t respond.

“Did you ask her, at least?” Jake asked.

Rocco ran a hand through his hair and shrugged. “I asked her, what’s the big deal?”

Thank God for small miracles. “The big deal is you’re both obviously interested but holding back for no good reason.” Luke blew out a frustrated breath. Why was Rocco being so difficult about this? Hannah Hailey was a terrific woman. Pretty, smart, hardworking—Rocco could do a hell of a lot worse.

“Did she agree to come with you?” Jake asked.

Rocco nodded sadly but from Luke’s perspective, he should have been happy. “Yes.”

Jake’s smile beamed. “All right then, that’s great news. I like her, Cassie does too. This is a good thing, Roc. Relax and go with it.”

Rocco took a deep breath and shrugged again. He seemed unsure. “We’ll see. I better get going. See you at brunch.” Rocco man-hugged Jake and turned to Luke.

“Your shoulder holding up okay?”

Earlier in the evening Luke, Hannah, and Rocco has used Carlo Antonetti’s office to quickly reapply the emu oil cream to Luke’s sore shoulder. Carlo had helped Rocco re-secure his shoulder support and Luke had taken another couple of pain pills.

Luke rolled his shoulder, feeling only a dull ache. He would be fine. He wasn’t about to let a little shoulder soreness keep him from getting his hands on Abbey and fucking her until she begged him to stop. Not that he would.

“Yeah, man. I’m fine,” he told Rocco.

Rocco nodded and left, leaving Luke and Jake in the hallway alone. “Heath gone?”

“Leah dragged him out of here a little while ago.” Jake thought a moment. “He wasn’t resisting too much.”

Luke chuckled. Leah was determined, he’d give her that. He only hoped she didn’t live to regret it. “You think those two will be all right?” Luke wasn’t sure what Heath’s issue was with getting together with Leah, but he didn’t want to see either of them get hurt. Leah had been like a kid sister to Luke all these years and Heath his other big brother. Things could get complicated. He didn’t want to have to take sides if things went south.

Jake appeared somber. “Win, lose, or draw, I hope they give a relationship a shot. As long as Heath gives it his best, I’ll be all right with whatever happens. I think there’s real potential for them.”

Luke nodded. He hoped so. Good luck, you two. His heart swelled and his dick twitched when Abbey emerged from the ladies’ restroom with Cassie. Both of their smiles lit up the hallway.

Jake made a beeline for Cassie and took her hand. “Ready to head out Mrs. Tyler?”

Cassie beamed at Jake. “You bet I am, Mr. Tyler.”

Luke took the container of wedding cake from Abbey and the four of them walked to the curb where two limousines were waiting. It was still warm out with a gentle breeze. Antonetti’s outdoor lighting wasn’t too bright but allowed for them to see fairly well, even late at night.

Luke had insisted on a separate car for each couple and Jake, for once, hadn’t put up a fight. Jake wanted some alone time with his new bride on the way to the Fairchild Hotel. Luke couldn’t blame him.

After Jake helped Cassie into the waiting limo, he turned and hugged Luke tight. “Thanks for everything today, Luke. We appreciate it.”

Luke hugged Jake back, happy he was able help make the day special for him and Cassie. “No need to thank me, big brother. I only wish you would have let me do more.”

Abbey held on to Luke’s hand as they both watched Jake’s and Cassie’s car make its way through the parking lot. Abbey’s hand, small and warm in his, made Luke feel protective and grounded. He’d missed touching her so much. She had a way of making him feel at peace.

Once they couldn’t see Jake’s and Cassie’s car taillights any longer, their driver helped Abbey into their limo. Luke slid inside beside her, sinking into the plush leather seat.

The dim lighting inside the limo cast a halo around his princess, making her seem almost ethereal. To Luke, she was and always would be.

“Let me know when we’re close to the Fairchild,” he called out to the driver.

“Yes sir, Mr. Stryker,” the driver replied and then rolled up the privacy partition.

Abbey worried her plump lower lip. Luke felt the blood rush to his cock as he recalled the amazing blowjob she’d given him in the small banquet room earlier that evening.

“Are you upset we stayed until the end of the night?”

Luke reached out to her, pulling her onto his lap. She snuggled into him, warm and soft. I’ve missed this. Being close like this.

“Well…” he began. “At first I just wanted to leave so I could fuck you. But I have to admit, staying was nice. I’m glad you talked me into it.”

She kissed him lightly on the lips, her warmth spreading through him. “Good, I’m glad. I think their reception was amazing. I think everyone had a great time.”

Luke kissed her neck against her fluttering pulse, causing her to moan softly. “I think you’re right, princess. But now, I get you all to myself.”

He felt her shiver and he couldn’t help but feel ten feet tall. She appeared to want him as much he wanted her. He shifted her on the seat until she was below him and he was stretched out on top of her. He pressed his hard cock against her belly and she squirmed beneath him.

Abbey ran her fingers through his hair. Luke couldn’t get enough of her touch. He claimed her lips and demanded entry. He was finished waiting, he’d waited all day for her. She was his. Always had been, always would be.

Luke growled in satisfaction when she eagerly opened for him, plunging his tongue into her waiting mouth. Their tongues wrestled vigorously as they rode to the Fairchild Hotel, the motion of the moving car adding to their excitement.

Luke pressed his hard dick against Abbey again, and she pulled at his hair, the sting of his scalp driving him crazy. They ended their kiss, both of them gasping for breath. “See what you do to me? I’m hard as a fucking rock.”

“I’m so glad. I love your hard dick, Luke,” she murmured.

Abbey would have to wait for his dick. Luke had something else in mind for this princess. His mouth watered for a taste of her. He quickly positioned her so she was sitting upright. He kneeled down in front her on the carpeted limousine floor and took her shoes off.

She placed her hands on his shoulders. “What are you doing?” she whispered.

Luke smiled up at her and waggled his brows. “Going to get a taste of what I’ve been craving all day.”

Even in the dim light of the limo, he could see the excitement in her eyes. His girl loved getting her pussy licked. When they were younger, and he’d first asked her if he could eat her out, she’d been too shy. Eventually, he’d convinced her to trust him and let him try it. Since the first time she came from his tongue, she’d never refused him again.

Luke ran his hands up her legs, disappointed to find she had full hose on, not thigh highs. She had a full-length slip on too. Too many clothes.

Abbey helped him by lifting her ass up and bunching the skirt of her dress up to her waist. Luke yanked the hose off, not caring if he tore them. She wore sexy lace panties the same color as her dress. He admired them for a second, noticing the damp stain in the middle. Good, she was wet and ready for him. He tore her panties off and brought them to his nose. He inhaled her musky essence and groaned. So sweet, so Abbey.

“Hey! I got those special. They match my dress,” Abbey complained, though there wasn’t much bite in her tone.

He snickered and put the panties in his pocket. “I’ll get you another pair. Now spread those legs, baby, let me look at my pussy.”

Abbey smirked. “Your pussy?”

Luke raised a brow and took a hold of her legs. “Damn straight it’s mine.”

She placed her hands on his and spread her thighs wide for him. Good girl. The sight of her glistening wet pussy had him throbbing in his pants. His cock was so hard it hurt. He had wondered if Abbey shaved or waxed but was relieved to see her blonde pussy hair was neatly trimmed. He preferred a more natural look. Fuck, he just preferred Abbey. Period. Pussy hair or bare, it didn’t matter.

He pulled her hips forward so she sat right at edge of the car seat. She leaned back and closed her eyes. He got the hint and leaned in, inhaling the sweet musky fragrance that was Abbey. That belonged to him. “Spread your pussy lips apart for me, baby.”

Abbey didn’t hesitate and pulled her labia apart for him. That’s my girl. With him, he knew she felt less inhibited. She could turn that amazing brain of hers off for a little while and turn herself completely over to him. It was a heady feeling. Made him feel fucking amazing.

The sight of her glistening wet cunt make his mouth water. He could see her swollen clit peeking out from under its hood. She was perfect. She was his.

Luke swiped his tongue along the entire length of her slick pussy, from hole to clit. Abbey’s tangy natural flavor was like ambrosia on his tongue. One little taste would never be enough. Abbey’s sweet little whimper had him smiling. It wouldn’t take long to get his princess off.

Like a starving man, he devoured Abbey’s pussy, licking and laving at her. Tonguing her hole and nipping at her hard little clit until she was writhing against his face. She’d let go of her pussy lips and grabbed his head, tugging at his hair, pulling him closer, gyrating her hips against his probing tongue.

“Luke, please,” Abbey moaned.

His princess didn’t have to beg, not this time. He doubled down and inserted a finger inside her hot pussy. She clenched tightly around it. Luke’s cock throbbed, knowing it would be balls deep inside her hot, tight channel soon. If he wasn’t careful, he’d come in his pants like a teenager.

He flicked her clit over and over, her juices now coating his face, and he added a second finger. He worked over her clit and finger fucked her until she crashed over, screaming his name, sending a new wave of juices flowing from her pussy.

Abbey went limp in her seat, gasping for air. She let go of her death grip on him and gently stroked his hair. Luke removed his fingers and sucked them clean, savoring her taste. He tenderly licked her pussy clean as she squirmed, still sensitive after her orgasm. He placed a few soft kisses along her thighs and wiped his mouth with her hose, then put them in his pocket with her torn panties. He’d have to replace the hose too. He’d get her thigh highs instead. They’d be much easier to work with.

“Mr. Stryker, we’re two minutes from the Fairchild Hotel,” the driver announced through the speaker system.

Abbey startled, sitting up straight, trying to right herself. Luke gently moved her back against the car seat. He leaned in close, touching his lips to hers. “Taste yourself, princess.”

She tentatively ran her warm tongue along the seam of Luke’s lips. He plunged his tongue deep inside her mouth and she greedily lapped at him.

Reluctantly, Luke pulled away. He didn’t want to linger too long and risk embarrassing her if she didn’t feel put together by the time they arrived at the hotel. He never wanted to make her feel uncomfortable, especially in public. “You’re the best thing I’ve ever tasted, baby.”

Abbey shook her head and giggled. “I seriously doubt that.” She pulled her slip and dress back down into place.

Luke grabbed her shoes, holding them in his hand. Abbey reached for them, but he wouldn’t let them go. “Don’t doubt it, princess. Best. Thing. I’ve. Ever. Tasted.”

She rolled her eyes at him, took her shoes, and slipped them on. “Okay, if you say so.”

He gathered her evening bag and their cake container just as the limo stopped and the engine shut off. “I do say so. I almost came in my fucking pants.”

Two of Luke’s security detail met him and Abbey inside the Fairchild Hotel lobby doors. The luxurious hotel, located in Oak Brook, Illinois, minutes from Chicago O’Hare Airport was normally bustling, but at nearly one in the morning, it appeared quiet. The last thing he needed was to get deterred by Cobras fans when he wanted to get Abbey to his room as fast as possible so he could finally fuck her. He held on to her dainty hand, not wanting to lose their connection, even for a minute.

Luke noticed one solitary hotel front desk agent busy on their cell phone. “It’s quiet, Mr. Stryker. No issues,” one of the security men said. “Two men are waiting on your floor at the elevator doors to escort you to your room.”

Luke had reserved and paid for a block of rooms on the top floor for family and friends, including the honeymoon suite for Jake and Cassie. He’d ensured his and Abbey’s rooms were several rooms away from the block of reserved rooms and next to each other.

“Great, thanks. Let’s go, then.” Luke kissed Abbey gently, her essence still lingering on her warm, luscious lips. They were escorted through the vacant hotel lobby to the golden elevator banks. So far so good. No one’s noticed us.

They waited for the next available elevator and as the doors opened, a middle-aged couple dressed to the nines appeared out of nowhere. The man with a receding dark-brown hairline and a slight paunch in a designer black suit recognized Luke immediately. Shit. The man’s companion, a statuesque woman with red hair that obviously came out of a bottle, too much dark eye makeup, and a skin-tight, dark-blue cocktail dress showing off way too much cleavage, eyed Luke like he was a piece of meat. Double shit. So much for going unnoticed. Luke squeezed Abbey’s hand for assurance.

Luke’s security men stood at alert, watching the couple closely. Luke sighed. He just wanted to get to his room for shit’s sake. He needed Abbey something fierce. It had been ten long years. He should have been buried deep inside her by now.

Receding Hairline Man extended his hand and shook Luke’s hand firmly. He had a decent handshake, at least. “Luke Stryker! It’s great to meet you. I’m a Premier season ticket holder.” The redhead winked and slowly licked her lips.

Luke cringed inwardly. He wished Abbey didn’t have to witness this. He took a quick glance over at Abbey and she looked … amused. Great.

Premier season tickets were expensive, so Luke couldn’t just brush the man off. “That’s good to hear, sir. I hope you’re enjoying yourself at the games.”

The man laughed and reached inside his jacket pocket. Luke was pushed aside as his security detail descended on the man. The redhead squeaked and Luke placed himself in front of Abbey, his heart racing. He’d die first before letting anything happen to his princess.

The man held his hands up in surrender, a panicked look in his eyes. “Wait. Stop! I was just getting my business card, I swear. You can take it out of my pocket yourself. I’m not armed.”

“He’s never fired a gun in his life,” the redhead said.

Luke watched, cautiously optimistic as both security men patted the man down and removed a business card from his inside jacket pocket.

The man took the card and held it up. “See? My name is Alfred Gleason. I’m the best real estate broker in the area. I wanted to offer my services, that’s all. I handle properties here in the area, Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Elmhurst—anywhere the Chicago Metro area.”

Luke sighed, relieved there wasn’t an imminent threat. He took Gleason’s card and put it in his pants pocket. The one with Abbey’s hose and torn panties. He needed to get her to his room now.

“Thank you, Mr. Gleason. I’ll certainly keep you in mind when I’m in the market for property in the area.” Luke shook Gleason’s hand. “I have to be careful. I’m sure you understand.”

Before Gleason could comment, the redhead chimed in. “The least you could do is take a picture with us, don’t you think?”

“Please excuse my wife, it’s late. We’re tired as I’m sure you are. Gloria, honey, don’t be upset.”

Luke wasn’t tired, he was wired, horny as shit, and ready to sink into Abbey. But he would do his duty and pose for some shots with the Gleasons.

Luke posed patiently with a smile on his face as one of his security men snapped several shots with Gleason’s iPhone. Abbey snickered when Mrs. Gleason squeezed his ass behind her husband’s back. Christ.

They all rode up in the elevator silently, with the Gleasons looking through their photos. The elevator chimed and the doors opened to the third floor, the Gleasons’ floor. They said their goodbyes and Luke held Abbey tightly as they rode to the tenth floor.

Luke and Abbey were escorted, without further incident, to his room. Once inside, he tossed the cake container on the kitchenette counter and reached for her.

“Princess, I’ve got to have you, right now.” Luke plunged his tongue inside Abbey’s mouth, desperate for her. She responded in kind, tangling her tongue with his until they were both breathless.

Luke took her by the hand and led her to the bedroom he was using in the two-bedroom suite. He couldn’t get her naked fast enough.

He shrugged out of his tuxedo jacket and tossed it aside. Abbey turned her back to him.

“Can you unzip me?” She kicked off her shoes while Luke worked the zipper down her dress. “And don’t forget the little hook at the neck.”

Luke unhooked the tiny hook for her after two attempts, his hands shaking with need. He watched as she shook out of her dress and removed her slip, leaving her bare-assed and in her sexy cornflower-blue bra. The sight of her perfect ass had his dick pulsing in his pants. He wanted to take a bite of the succulent globes of flesh. He realized the panties he’d ruined were part of a set. Lucky me. Abbey unhooked her bra and slowly turned around, smiling seductively.

Luke’s mouth watered at the sight of her. Smooth porcelain skin with rounded hips and full tits with hard, dusky nipples, just waiting to be sucked and teased. Her pussy glistening with her juices. Mine.

Abbey came toward him and started in on his shirt buttons. “Someone’s got too much on, don’t you think?” she purred.

“Hell yeah,” Luke agreed. He made quick work out of the buttons she hadn’t touched and shrugged out of his shirt. He pulled off his t-shirt and Abbey gasped. Shit. He’d forgotten about the shoulder support. He felt fine. She didn’t need to worry.

Her eyes glistened with tears. “Oh my, God. What happened? Is that why you missed rehearsal? Because you were hurt?” Abbey gently touched his support-covered shoulder, a tear rolling down her cheek.

He took a hold of her hands and squeezed gently, trying to calm her down. “I’m all right, really, baby. Nothing’s broken or dislocated. I’m badly bruised, that’s all. A little sore, but that’s it. I promise, I’m fine.” He pulled the support apart and took it off. He felt better with it off. “Go on, princess, get on the bed. Please. I need you.”

Abbey hesitated briefly before nodding and climbing onto the king-size bed, positioning herself in the middle, lying against multiple fluffed pillows and the soft white sheets. She watched with a concerned expression on her angelic face as Luke made quick work out of undressing.

He gripped his throbbing hard cock and stroked himself from root to tip a few times, using his pre-cum as a lubricant. He noticed Abbey watching him stroke himself with avid interest. Good. His princess wanted him. “See what you do to me? I’ve been hard for you almost the entire damn day.”

He crawled onto the bed and she spread her legs for him. Her pussy glistened with her juices, her clit swollen and pink. “Someone’s eager, aren’t they?”

He slowly kissed his way up her body, starting with her ankles, calves, and up her quivering thighs to her drenched pussy. One quick lick ending at her pulsing clit had Abbey squirming beneath him and moaning. “Mine,” he whispered and kissed the light dusting of trimmed blonde hair on her mound. He could feast on her all day and night and never get enough.

Working his way further upward, Luke licked and kissed her abdomen. He paused a second, imaging what it would be like when she was swollen with their first child. He couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit jealous of Jake at that moment. His big brother was one lucky fucker with a baby on the way. Luke would do his best to catch up fast. If things hadn’t gone to shit between him and Abbey ten years ago, he suspected they’d have a couple of kids by now.

Luke licked her belly button, causing her to giggle. He placed tiny kisses further along her flat stomach until he reached her full, swollen breasts. He took a hard, dusky nipple in his mouth and laved it mercilessly with his tongue, making the tip even harder. Abbey grabbed a hold of his head, pulling him closer. He worked it over good and then turned his attention to her other breast, licking, nibbling, and biting her nipple until she was gyrating beneath him, her skin hot and flushed.

“I’m going to fuck these perfect tits real soon. Would you like that, princess?”

Abbey nodded her head enthusiastically but Luke was having none of that. “Tell me.”

“I’d love for you to fuck my tits, Luke,” she breathed.

He smiled and placed a quick kiss on her soft luscious lips. “But not right now. Right now, I’m going fuck your tight little cunt. That’s what you really want, isn’t it? My big dick inside you, right?” Luke positioned himself at Abbey’s entrance, rubbing the head of his cock along her slick folds, waiting for her answer.

“Yes, Luke. I want your big dick, please.” She moaned and rubbed herself along the tip of his hard cock. She was soaking wet, ready for him.

“Good girl, princess.” Luke pushed his way inside her hot, wet channel. Although Abbey was drenched for him, she was still incredibly tight, nearly strangling his dick. It took him a few strokes before he was fully seated inside of her.

She wrapped her arms and legs around him and he nearly lost it. She was everything he had ever wanted. Hot and sweaty, skin to skin had never felt this good with anyone else. He knew it never would be. Nothing compared to the feel of his princess—soft, warm, willing, trusting. She was perfection. She was home. She was his.

“Oh God, Luke. My big strong Viking feels so good.” Abbey groaned.

Luke pulled out and pushed back inside her tight pussy and groaned himself. Too good.

He’d forgotten she’d referred to him as her Viking when they were younger. And right now, fucking her after so many years, he felt like a Viking. Strong and powerful, even with a sore shoulder.

Luke thrust inside Abbey harder, her tight hot pussy gripping him like a vise. He wasn’t going to last long. Not this first time. He’d make it up to her next time. And there would be a next time, and another and another.

Luke pistoned into Abbey harder and harder, causing the headboard to bang against the wall. He didn’t care if anyone heard. In fact, he’d feel proud if everyone knew he was pounding into his woman.

He quickened the pace of his thrusts, Abbey moaning each time he pushed his cock back inside her, his balls slapping against her ass. He adjusted his hips, allowing his dick to bump up against her G-spot over and over until she was scratching at his back. He welcomed the pain, her desire for him bringing him closer and closer to the edge.

“That’s right. I’m your big bad Viking and you’re my hot little Shieldmaiden, baby.”

“Luke, I’m close. Make me come,” she panted.

Luke felt his own orgasm building. His balls drew tight and the base of his spine tingled. He stroked Abbey’s little clit as he continued to drive into her. She screamed his name as she tumbled over, causing him to go over too, shooting his load deep inside her waiting pussy. He’d never come so hard in his life. He felt it from the top of his head down to his toes. Because it’s Abbey.

Once he’d unloaded every drop of cum inside Abbey and he felt himself soften, he pulled out and lay down on his back beside her. The only sound in the room was their heavy breathing. She quickly snuggled up to him and he wrapped his arms around her, their skin still damp with sweat.

When their breathing returned to normal, Abbey sighed and lightly stroked his chest. He’d missed her touch so much over the years. Always so gentle, loving and tender. That was his Abbey.

“I’ve missed you so much, Luke. I love you. I tried so hard to get over you, but I couldn’t.”

Luke held Abbey tighter and kissed the top of her head. He didn’t want her having any regrets. The past was the past. Now they could move forward. Together. Like it should be.

“I’ve missed the hell out of you too, baby. You are the love of my fucking life, Abbey. Never doubt that. There were so many times over the years that I needed to talk to you. About so many things. Life on the road, each time we won the World Series, graduate school.”

Not having Abbey as a sounding board hadn’t been easy for him. He trusted her completely. Took her advice to heart. She’d never had an agenda when it came to him either, like most everyone else in his life did. Abbey’s agenda had only ever been to love him.

“I know I wasn’t there physically, but in spirit I was. As far as graduate school goes, it was tough, I know. And even though I was so hurt and angry, I watched every game. I cheered you on every time. I was thrilled every time you guys made it to the playoffs and won the World Series. The Cobras are what they are today, in large part because of you.”

Luke grunted. Not anymore. He pulled out of their embrace and laid Abbey down on her back, positioning himself halfway on top of her with his head resting on her warm chest. She wrapped her arms around him and gently stroked his hair.

He smiled as the bed smelled of them and sex. If only he could bottle it and carry it with him everywhere he went. “Yeah well, I’m done now. The team will have to continue on without me as their star pitcher.”

Luke felt Abbey stiffen beneath him. “But I thought you said your shoulder was just bruised? After a little recovery time won’t they put you back on the roster? You helped them win four World Series championships over the last ten years. Darren’s going to let them screw with you like that?”

God, he loved this woman. Fierce until the end. Ready to stand up and defend her man no matter what. How had he gotten so fucking lucky? He didn’t know or give a shit how, but now that he had Abbey back, he’d do everything in his power to make her happy. To make them happy.

He kissed her left breast and smiled when her nipple pebbled, humbled by her responsiveness. “My shoulder is just bruised, I wasn’t lying about that. But if you’ve been following my career, you must have noticed my pitching speed has slowed down. Not a lot, but it has. I’m thirty now and after ten years it’s not surprising or unexpected.”

He’d had a stellar career, no two ways about it. But physically, there were limits as to how long he could continue and remain effective. He’d always known that. He and Darren had planned for that eventuality.

Abbey growled in Luke’s defense. She knew he was right. “I know. You’re still one of best pitchers in the Major Leagues though, even with a slightly slower pitching speed.”

The events of the last few days had finally caught up to Luke. His eyes stung. Darren had stopped Luke from crying at the hospital when he’d told him about his diagnosis. But here, alone with Abbey and with only the soft light from one of the bedroom nightstands on, he felt free to release the pain and sorrow he’d been holding in.

“Even without my injury, though, you know Darren and I planned for this. If I hadn’t gotten hurt on Wednesday, I might have given myself another year, possibly two.” Luke finally allowed his tears to fall.

Abbey held him tightly, giving him the space he needed to just be. She sniffled and gently stroked his hair, comforting him the best way she could. 

“But Abbey, Darren’s sick.  The prognosis isn’t good, so we decided I’d transition to ownership of … everything now, rather than later. I haven’t talked to him in detail because of the wedding, but I’m guessing there’ll be a press conference early next week.”

Luke’s tears ran unchecked as he wept, holding his true love in his arms. He mourned the end of an amazing career, one he was so very proud of. He mourned what he believed would be the eventual loss of his uncle, his second father, his mentor, his advisor, the last of his immediate family. Although Darren could easily afford the best of care, money couldn’t fix everything. Rich or poor, cancer was a motherfucker. It didn’t play favorites.

Luke positioned himself fully on top of Abbey, resting on his elbows so he didn’t crush her. “It’s going to be all right, baby. As long as I have you beside me, I know everything will be all right.”

She brushed away the tears from Luke’s face and smiled affectionately at him. “I’ll be right here with you, Luke. I promise. I love you. I’ll help you and Darren however I can.”

Hard again since Abbey was naked beneath him, Luke easily slid his cock inside her. She was still slick from both of them coming earlier. Her pussy gripped his dick tight as he slowly thrusted in and out of her, taking his time, savoring the feel of her.

They tenderly made love as they kissed and whispered words of love and affirmation to each other. They were bound together heart and soul. When Luke shot his cum deep inside her, he prayed they’d created a life. The perfect combination of the two of them—smart, caring, ambitious, athletic. He hoped their first child would be a boy, chauvinistic as that sounded. He couldn’t help it. Men wanted mini versions of themselves. That was just how it was. Luke wanted daughters too, though. Pretty little versions of his princess. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought. His future family would be amazing.

“Luke, that’s the second time you didn’t use a condom. Do you normally not wear one?”

Shit. Luke had hoped she was so caught up in reconnecting after so many years that she wouldn’t notice they’d not used protection. He’d always used a condom, never went bareback. Too risky for many reasons. But Abbey was his forever. Luke had every intention of getting her pregnant as soon as possible.

“I’ve always suited up, baby. Every time. I’m clean though. You don’t have to worry about that.” Luke pulled out, immediately missing Abbey’s warmth around his dick. He placed her head on his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re not on the pill?”

She sighed and snuggled against him. “Well, no. The last couple of years have been brutal with night school and work. I didn’t do much dating, let alone have sex.”

Hope bloomed in his heart at the possibility that she could get pregnant this weekend. He knew he was being underhanded about it. He wasn’t letting Abbey get away again. Pregnant or not.

“So there’s a chance you could get pregnant?” Luke waited patiently while Abbey seemed to do the calculations in her head. Let it be the right time of the month.

Abbey stiffened against him, but Luke stroked her arm gently, hoping to calm her down. “Yes, maybe. Luke we have to be careful next time.”

Thank fuck. “Princess, would it be so awful if you happen to get pregnant from fucking me today? I’m not going anywhere, either way. You can trust me.” He knew he was moving fast, but he felt like he wasn’t moving fast enough. He had ten years to make up for. From his perspective, he and Abbey were behind schedule.

She blew out a breath and relaxed against him, her warm skin comforting and soothing. He wanted Abbey to believe they were together again. For good this time.

“I suppose not, although knocking me up like this might not go over well with my folks. Even as much as my father likes you. I’m his youngest daughter, his little girl. I think he has a shotgun.” Abbey giggled and kissed his chest. “I’ve always wondered what our children would be like. I was hoping for little mini Lukes to join the Cobras’ roster.”

He vowed to do his best to make Abbey a mini Luke as soon as he could. “Challenge accepted, princess. And don’t worry, I’ll handle your father.” He was pretty sure her father wouldn’t be too upset. Luke had an important surprise locked up in his hotel suite safe.