Suspended Desires, page 10
When we return to the car an hour or so later, I grab the keys off her, laugh, and run off to the driver’s side. “It’s the passenger seat for you this time, miss,” I call out as I slide behind the wheel.
She has her bottom lip pushed out as she stomps her way to the car and huffs into the passenger seat with her arms crossed. She’s so cute when she pouts. I lean over the console and capture that bottom lip with my mouth.
I pull back, start the engine, and drive us along all the winding roads while Willow sings “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs at the top of her lungs. I’m so distracted by the sound of her voice that I don’t notice the big black SUV sitting in the middle of the road, and have to slam on my brakes. Willow flies forward in her seat, with her palms slapping against the dashboard to stop her head from hitting it, as we come to an abrupt stop.
The moment I look up, I’m staring into the dark eyes of Isaac Maxwell. He’s alone, without his guards or usual entourage. I plead with Willow to stay in the car while I sort this out. She huffs but seems to listen as I exit to approach Maxwell. He lifts his hands in a placating gesture.
I roll my eyes, take a deep breath, and come to a complete stand still when he calls out, “I just want to talk, Tristan.”
My lip curls into a snarl. “After you tried to kidnap and do God knows what with my girl. Oh, and you also killed my pilot, or did you forget that little mishap already?”
He takes a step forward, and then another, as he slowly approaches me. “I had no other way to do it, Tristan. We needed to talk, and I knew if I had the girl, you would come for her. I’d never hurt her—or you, for that matter. I just needed you to know that you’re my grandson.”
I hear a car door slam shut, but my mind is too foggy to take in what that means. “Wait… what? what did you just say?” I must have heard him wrong. My grandfather died when I was younger, at least that’s what my parents had always told me.
My hand’s engulfed by something warm, and that’s when I realize she’s right beside me. I should have known she wouldn’t listen and stay in the damn car. But I must admit her presence grounds me and helps clear some of the fog, enough for me to speak anyway.
“What do you mean you’re my grandfather?”
Willow’s hand stills in mind and her body goes stiff as Isaac huffs out, “Can we go somewhere and talk? I need to explain.
“How can I trust you? Your reputation precedes you. And now you’re telling me we are related?” My body’s on edge. My hands are sweating and my heart may just jump out of my chest as I freeze, remembering something Carlos said. I take a steadying breath and straighten my posture. “So you killed your own child?” My hatred gets the better of me. I can feel my temperature rising and my stomach churning as my pulse pounds in my temples. I reach out, grabbing Isaac around the throat and repeat the question. “So you killed my parents? Your own child?”
Willow tugs at my shoulder, pulling me back from the brink of madness. Isaac takes a deep breath as I drop my arm and release him.
Clearing his throat, he growls out, “You were meant to be mine, Tristan. My next in line, but your parents stole you from me. They ran away and hid you from me. Then, after my son refused to step up and take over my empire, all because he got that bitch pregnant, everything was passed down to you.”
Crack. I punch him straight in the face. “Don’t you ever call my mother a bitch,” I hiss as he spits blood onto the ground. “Why don’t I have your last name, if you are who you claim to be? If I am who you say I am?”
“Because my son changed his name. Took your mother’s name instead. You’re a Maxwell, son.”
“Don’t call me son. I could never be related to a killer like you.”
He laughs. “Ohhh, but you are, Tristan. You are, and you will be taking over for me. You are my blood.”
Willow remains silent but her death grip on my hand tells me all I need to know. But before I can comfort her, I hear tires screeching in the distance, heading this way. I pull Willow’s hand and whisper, “The car. Now. Let’s go.”
Isaac follows suit, returning to his SUV as he calls out, “We will be in touch soon, Tristan. This is just the beginning.
I freeze before pivoting on my heel. “I want nothing to do with you. Don’t contact me again. I’ve lived my life without you, and definitely plan to live the rest of my life much the same.” I quickly jump into the car with Willow by my side, and time stills as Isaac drives past us, his eyes never leaving mine. It sends a chill down my spine.
Because everything in my soul tells me this is just the beginning.
I look up and recognize the car coming to a screeching halt in front of us. I see Tommy and Austin stepping out with their guns raised until they realize it’s just us. They drop their aim and reholster their weapons. I nod in their direction and they slip back into their car to follow us to the carnival site.
During the drive, I try to regain my composure, knowing Willow is safe and with me.
Once we pull to a stop outside the circus gates, Tommy approaches our car, opens Willow’s door, and pulls her into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re okay. You guys had us worried.”
Carlos and his men are already surrounding us as he pulls Willow from Tommy’s arms into his own, telling her how glad he is to see her and to not disappear again. His gaze lands on mine and I see the fires of rage burning in their depths. “What happened? And where have you been?”
Before I can answer, he’s gesturing for us to follow him, and Willow and I do as were told like two properly scolded children. We take a seat in front of his desk and promptly explain what happened. Though everyone freezes when I relay Isaac’s claims about my family.
Carlos looks up, confusion knitting his brows. “So it’s been you all along, the one Willow was being forced to marry?”
I laugh. Not because it’s funny, but because it’s just all so much to take in. “Hmm, I guess so, unless my parents have some more kids they didn’t tell me about—oh god, please don’t let that be a possibility…” I whisper that last part to myself. I wish my uncle were still alive right now. I have so many questions and I bet he would have all the answers. Maybe it is time to settle his will after all…
Willow is so quiet it’s scaring me. And I can’t help but wonder what’s going on in that pretty mind of hers. Grabbing her arm, I pull her out of the office. I know just where to take her to find out what she’s thinking.
As I guide Willow around the grounds, a whiz of brunette locks comes flying towards us. I feel Willow's body relax as she is pulled from me into Hazel’s arms, and I watch in awe, recognising the love they share for each other. Hazel rubs Willow’s cheeks. “Girl, I will tie you to your bed if you carry on giving me heart attacks like this. Stop disappearing. It scares me.”
They both laugh out loud when I respond, telling them I very much like the idea of Willow being tied to my bed. The mood lightens and Hazel skips away, back to where she came from.
We continue towards the merry-go-round, before slipping back inside Willow’s secret hiding spot. I sit Willow on the chair in the corner and kneel in front of her, so we are eye-level. “Tell me what you’re thinking?” I hold her face in my hands as a single tear runs down her cheek. I lean forward and lick it off. “Save those tears for the happy moments, baby girl.”
She sighs and takes a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Tristan. I’m sorry you’re related to that man. I’m sorry your parents are gone, and I’m sorry there are so many unanswered questions.”
Pulling her off the chair and onto my lap, I push her hair from her face. “Aw, my sweet angel, always worrying about someone else and never about yourself. What did I do to deserve you? Don’t worry about me. I promise, no matter what happens next, no matter what truths we uncover, I will always be by your side. And thank you for today, angel. It’s a memory I will cherish forever, watching your face in pure bliss as the water crashed all around us. It’s funny really, seeing as it’s kinda like our love right now. So much chaos all around us, yet I find my peace in you.”
She leans up, another tear escaping from those beautiful chocolate eyes, and kisses my mouth gently. I deepen the kiss, pushing my tongue into her sweet mouth and kissing her so it’s the strongest memory she has from this past hour.
We slowly walk back to her room after a long chat and I snuggle her against me in the bed. I lower my lips to her ear and whisper, “Oh, the things I’m going to do to your sweet body tomorrow before we head back to my apartment.”
Tomorrow we will be going home. Her grandfather agrees that she belongs with me. And his acceptance makes it all that sweeter. She’s happy to have him on our side. She finally seems at peace with it all. Now, to sort out my past so we can move into our future and start our own family.
With the thoughts of the little family we will create, I fall into a blissful sleep with my girl’s soft sleep noises filling my ears and my arms locked tight around her tiny frame.
Chapter Nineteen
I wake up early, wanting to get breakfast. I really want to spend some time with the man who raised me before everyone else is around.
Tristan stirs and pulls me back to him. I kiss his gorgeous face and tell him to sleep in for a bit. “I’m going to see my grandfather. I want some time with him before the day starts and I have to leave him,” I whisper into his lips as his stubble tickles my chin. I giggle when he pulls me in, deepening the kiss.
I push off him and hear him growl, “Come back.”
And laugh as I make a run for the door. I straighten my tee shirt and jog in the dark towards the cafeteria, where I know my grandfather will be. We’re both early risers. Getting to see the sunrise with him always made me smile. I don’t necessarily like mornings as much as I’m used to them, and those were some of the most special moments we had together. Our routine was simple. Always coffee first, then sunrise and chats.
Like every time before, my grandfather has my coffee waiting for me. Just the way I like it. I hold the steamy mug in my hands and take my first sip, moaning as he laughs at my coffee trance. We move outside to watch the sun come up, and he places an arm around my shoulder, pulling me to his side. I snuggle closer and breathe in the morning air. The birds singing their happy morning songs has me sighing in contentment. It feels perfect.
My grandfather clears his throat. “Willow, I’m so happy you’ve found Tristan. I know you’re leaving with him today, but this will always be your home. Whenever you want to come back, you just tell me. I will fly you straight to wherever we are, even though I’m sure that man of yours will do the same, if you just ask.” He glances my way before adding, “All I wanted your whole life was for you to be happy, and I’m so glad he’s brought that gorgeous twinkle back to those big, brown eyes of yours—eyes just like your mother’s.” I breathe in, releasing a long slow breath as he grins down at me. “It’s not going to be the same with Hazel in your spot as the main trapezist, but I understand your life is going in a new direction. I can’t wait to see all you will accomplish in the future, Willow.”
With that, I stretch up on my tiptoes and place a kiss on his cheek. I notice his new wrinkles and how much he’s aged over the last few weeks. I guess the stress has really gotten to us all lately. He’s such a handsome man, and I hope one day he finds someone to spend the rest of his years with, especially now that I’m leaving. I know he’s always been head over heels for the carnival chef, Miss Page. She’s so lovely and cooks the best food. That thought makes my stomach growl. I sure am going to miss her cooking.
My grandfather turns around and grabs my hand. “Come on, my girl. I guess your stomach’s trying to tell us both something.”
As we enter the cafeteria, my gaze lands on a pair of bright-green eyes, which are looking straight at me. And I pause midstep, having to catch my breath at the sight of this man while knowing he’s all mine.
Tristan stands, pulling out the chair beside him for me—always such a gentleman—then leans down, kisses the top of my head, and murmurs, “Let me go get your breakfast, angel.”
I watch his long strides and laugh as he smiles and jokes with Miss Page, amassing what looks to be the biggest plate of pancakes I’ve ever seen. I lick my lips and Tristan stills, his gaze following the action. His pupils dilate and I know exactly what he’s thinking…
Filling a bag with all my favourite things to take with me, I gaze up at my silks. “Hmmm… why not a little more practice before we leave? It’ll be fun,” I say to myself.
I stretch and get changed before deciding to start with the baby-pink silks. They are so soft and shiny and go with the white leotard I picked for this practice. I turn some music on and slip into the world I love so much. My head’s immediately clear, even with the big move happening today, and my breathing steadies as I climb the silks. Once I reach the top, I wrap the silks around my body and spin myself out to the middle section. I stretch, pulling one leg up by my face and pointing the other down, and I roll my neck and breathe out, doing a few pirouettes in the air. I’m in my element. Being up here, wrapped in silk, brings a calm to me I never realised I had. But as I think about it more, I know I lose myself every time I’m up here, looking down on the world.
As I descend along the silks, coming to a quick stop, I look up into Tristan’s eyes. I release a startled breath, having not heard him enter the room. His smile is so wide, and I love that look on his face. I may have to do this more often if it means I get to see that smile brighten his features. It’s as if he can sense my calmness in these silks and it eases his tension as well. It only takes his long legs two strides before he’s within reach. I hold myself midair and kiss him deeply, tasting the maple syrup from breakfast still on his lips. I want more. He’s so delicious.
He pulls back, looking at me as his gruff voice fills my ears, “Will you be too sore after your practice, if we get one more use of these silks, Willow?”
I smile at him. “You’re naughty, Mr Alexander. But, no, I’ll be fine. I would love nothing more than to watch you fuck my body in these silks.”
He growls, “You’re a very naughty toy, angel, and I plan to use this body so relentlessly your legs won’t be working by the time I finish with you. And I’ll have to carry you out.”
I can feel my temperature rising as his intense gaze watches me strip out of the leotard. He grabs me once I’m naked and pulls me flush against him. The outline of his thick cock presses against my belly, as he wraps the silk around my back, and before I know what’s happening, he flips me upside down. The silk slides up my thighs, holding me in place as he licks me all the way from back to front. I melt instantly, as his tongue swirls around my clit, and he inserts a finger inside my tight walls. All the blood rushes to my head, making me gasp for air as he eats me like I’m his favourite meal.
He growls into my pussy, sending vibrations through every nerve ending and making my toes curl. Then he flattens his tongue, licking harder and sending me over the edge. He muffles my moans, slipping his pants off and shoving his cock into my mouth while I’m still upside down. At this angle, his huge cock easily slips all the way down my throat, and the noises coming from him spur me on.
Taking him farther into my throat, I raise my hand and rub his balls, feeling them tighten beneath my fingertips. He’s right on the edge, about to release all his salty sweetness into my mouth, but he pulls out his cock suddenly, and I groan at the loss. Before I can properly verbalise my complaint, he flips me upright, the silk around my back riding up and catching under my arms as he slides his cock into my pussy. In one thrust.
I scream out his name. The sensation of the blood rushing from my head to other parts of my body has me spinning, as his thick cock impales me over and over again. He has me swinging back and forth in the silks onto his huge cock with ease. It’s all too much, and I’m flung into another orgasm so unexpectedly that I lose my breath and see stars. I feel his body still inside me as he grunts his release, and I swear his cock grows even bigger as the warm spurts fill me up completely. I’m so content as he loosens the silks to pull me into his arms. His cock slowly softens inside me as he walks us over to the bed.
Laying me down, Tristan gently removes himself from my tight walls still holding him hostage, and walks to the other side of the room. I hear the water running in the bathroom, and the next thing I know, a warm cloth is being pressed against my entrance as he wipes me clean of our combined essence. He deposits the washcloth into the laundry basket and climbs in bed behind me. I snuggle all the way into his arms.
This is heaven. I could live here forever, perfectly happy and full of his seed.
I drift into an early morning nap I didn’t know I needed, but he must have worn me out good and truly. I wake without him beside me and stretch out my tender muscles, sore after both the practise and the extracurricular activities from earlier.
I look to the door as the handle turns, and Tristan smiles at me as he enters the room, “Ready to go, Miss Santiago? Our chariot awaits. I’ve already had your bags placed onboard. Was there anything else you wanted to grab before we said our goodbyes?” I feel my smile drop as he rounds the bed, coming to my side before he says, “Willow, we are only a helicopter ride away. It’s not goodbye forever. We can come back whenever you feel the need to visit.” He laughs, then adds, “Hazel has already given me an earful and accused me of stealing you. I let her know she can come stay with us at the apartment whenever her carnival schedule permits.”
I smile at him. This man is so amazing. He always knows what to say to make me feel at ease. Getting up, I quickly jump in the shower, washing all the stale lovemaking from my body, and throw on some comfy clothes for the short helicopter ride back to the city.
When I’m finally ready for our trip, I look around, tearing up a little as I leave my childhood space behind me. Before I turn around, I feel a pair of slender arms around my waist and immediately know it’s my gorgeous, crazy friend. She holds me tight, and I can’t hold back the waterworks. Spinning around to face her, I freeze as every face I have seen throughout my childhood stares back at me. I’m at a loss for a minute. Then I feel Tristan grab my hand. He knows I need his support in this moment.
