The Perfect Wrong, page 38
My thrusts quicken, stealing more gasps from her throat. I reach up, gingerly cupping her throat with my hand, before I push my thumb into her mouth.
“Oh. Oh, shit. Chris!”
She arches her back like a cat in heat.
Her pussy clenches like she’s sucking me off.
Her mouth forms a perfect O, and then explodes in the glorious music I’ve been waiting for.
That high, chaotic sweetness.
That flutter she can’t control.
My hips go ballistic, rutting like I’m broken, hurling her deeper into the pleasure zone she’s already entered.
“Harder. Harder, woman,” I growl. “Show me your pussy still sucks every drop of come from my balls.”
And she does.
Goddammit, does she ever.
She becomes the world’s softest, wettest vise wrapped around my dick, and soon she’s not the only one screaming.
I go down bellowing like a fucking madman when I lose it.
My balls tighten. My free hand digs into her shoulder while the other yanks her hair, merging her into me. I root myself as deep as I can while my cock swells, erupts, and lights up every nerve, burying my seed in her depths.
Fucking dynamite.
And the bone-vibrating blast lasts a long time.
Thank fuck it does.
It’s our homecoming, the first of many, many minutes we need to make up when I’ve been away for too long.
When I finally let go and pull away with a reluctant groan, she collapses against the wall, catching herself with her palms stretched against the tile.
It takes us a full heady minute to catch our breath.
Then I reach for her and gently twirl her around to face me again.
Our tongues tangle, dancing and gliding for what feels like an hour under the steady warm patter on our skin.
I take my sweet time grabbing the soap and washing her then, savoring her with every caress, my hands tingling with her sweetness.
When my seed trickles out of her, I grab between her legs and push it back in.
“Keep it in,” I rasp, pressing my forehead to hers. “You need practice.”
“Practice for...?” She gives me a shaky smile, wonder in her eyes.
I don’t answer with words.
The feral look I give her should be enough, and if it isn’t, the way I drag my hand over her lower belly should say the rest.
I want you pregnant like yesterday, princess.
Mine, forever, in a pact of flesh.
I smile, knowing there’ll be a whole lot more where that came from. But if I have her leaking me at all, it’ll be for days.
“Ever heard of a little patience? They say it goes a long way.” Laughing, she pushes her hands around me and digs her nails into my skin.
“And I say that’s bullshit. Doesn’t go nearly far enough,” I throw back, kissing her soul out again.
Yeah, I’ve fully ascended.
Hell on earth to purgatory to heaven’s highest floor.
Every steaming kiss I steal tells me she’s back.
She’s mine.
And I’m never going anywhere without her again.
“I missed you so much. You have no idea,” she whispers, staring with wide eyes. “You just...you can’t let it happen again.”
“Leave that shit in the past, baby. It’s over and done. There’ll be other missions, but this time I’ll have full control on the ground. And believe me when I say Landon Strauss is a man who learns from his mistakes. We were surprised, and he sure as hell won’t let it happen again.” I kiss her again, pulling away and tracing her cheek with my thumb. “Here’s what you should worry about—making up for every day we missed. Every second. Are you ready to let loose and live, Delia Burr?”
“Yes! I can’t wait.” She says it with such enthusiasm my dick jerks, its appetite returning with a vengeance. “Just don’t ever scare me to death like that again.”
“Never-fucking-ever,” I whisper.
And I prove how much I mean it by grabbing her ass and pulling her into me, my mouth still molded to hers and entirely obsessed.
23
Silver And Gold Everlasting (Delia)
Weeks Later
A few days later, we’re back at Dad’s house, gathered around the table.
I forgot what having a nice family get-together felt like while Evie was in the picture.
Now that she’s gone, everything comes easy.
The conversation, the laughs, the smiles around the table. Dad talks up his plans to head up a new think tank working on sustainable aerospace technology.
Then Chris launches into his big dreams of how he’d like to help the world.
“Greyhounds, huh?” Dad says, amusement twinkling in his eyes. “I figured you were more of a husky guy. Or what about mastiffs? I grew up with one of those beasts.”
Grinning ear to ear, Chris shakes his head fiercely.
“Nah. Nothing compares with taking care of a deer dog—nothing short of loving your daughter, I mean. The old runners need their naps and head scratches like air when they’re too old for the tracks.”
“You’re sure you’ll be able to take this on with your new promotion?” Dad asks.
“Absolutely, Bruce. And Delia won’t admit it, but I think they’re growing on her too.”
I wrinkle my nose, laughing as he elbows me playfully in the side.
At first, I wasn’t sure about these crazy dogs. But over the last month, they won me over one face lick at a time. And when I saw my first greyhound in a silly pink sweater, I almost died from cuteness.
“Okay, okay! I mean, how could I not like them? You’ve only been dragging me to that dog park every weekend. Pretty weird for a guy who doesn’t even have a pup,” I say.
“Just wait, woman. Only thing up in the air is whether we wind up with more dogs or kids.”
God, it’s so good to see him laughing.
Like actually face screwed up, belly-busting laughing.
Even with how strong he is, I was scared the cartel took that away from him forever.
“Hard to believe,” Dad says, biting back a smile.
“What?” I ask.
“You two. Sometimes it’s hard to wrap my mind around just how adorable you are.” He sighs. “I’ll admit I wasn’t sure about this at first. But I owed Chris a chance after he saved your life, honey, and now I can’t imagine you with anyone else.”
“Let’s keep it that way,” Chris says gruffly. “I’m the only dude you’re ever going to see putting up with her crap—and enjoying it.”
I punch him in the arm while Dad chuckles.
“I knew you’d come to your senses, Bruce. You’re a reasonable guy—too smart and levelheaded for she we shouldn’t name.” He pauses, a question hanging on his lips he isn’t sure he should ask. Until he finally says, “Where is she, anyway? Have you heard anything?”
I grab Chris’ hand and squeeze.
He doesn’t know.
I wasn’t sure he’d want to after everything his mom did, and I wouldn’t blame him one bit for leaving it a mystery.
“She checked herself into a rehab facility somewhere near Seattle, last I heard. My attorney pushed to ensure she wouldn’t have any money released until she spends at least ninety days there.” Dad leans back in his chair, sipping his bourbon, a bittersweet smile on his face. “Thankfully, the judge was more than fair. I barely owed anything beyond the cost of treatment—and I’m happy to pay it if it helps that tortured woman.”
I can’t help but smile, resting my head on Chris’ shoulder. His tension relaxes.
Having Evie taken care of and far away from here is slowly restoring his confidence. I can’t expect miracles, but a crazy part of me hopes Dad might have a sane new woman at his side next year in time for the holidays.
Still, it’s not like their relationship was a total train wreck.
Would I have this gorgeous, obsessed man at my side if we were just a beach hookup?
If we didn’t have to fight so hard for us?
If this family didn’t know how strong it can be?
I wonder.
“You know, as crazy as she is, I think I’ll always be grateful to her for one thing,” I say softly, waiting for them to look at me like I’m the one who’s nuts. “She brought us together.”
Dad takes another long pull from his glass before answering. “You have a point. I’m just sorry it was made so painfully.”
“Gotta disagree,” Chris says sharply. “If she hadn’t held us back and trapped Bruce in that selfish damn marriage, I’d have had you sooner, Delia.”
His hold on my hand tightens.
Blushing, I shudder.
I can’t resist smiling, even as Dad frowns across the table.
Mr. Bluntness catches himself and flashes an apologetic smile.
“I know I should shut up and respect the journey or whatever, but I always knew where it ended,” he says, locking eyes with Dad. “I loved this girl from the second I saw her.”
My heart skips ten beats as he pulls me onto his lap and puts his mouth on mine.
At first, I can feel Dad’s awkward hesitation. I’m expecting to look at him again and catch the end of an eye roll.
But he’s actually smiling with his eyes, studying us, watching like he’s a little amazed. Like we’ve managed to capture something that’s eluded him his entire life.
“If you don’t mind, Bruce, I’m gonna take her for a walk and get some fresh air. It’s decent out there today and we’d better enjoy it.”
By Bay standards, it’s a tad chilly.
But I don’t protest as he pulls me into his arms and fetches my coat. Then we’re off, riding in his brand-new truck. I practically made him buy himself something nice with his new salary.
The old one would’ve been fine with a few more repairs and some body work, but why not start over with a clean slate?
New vehicle.
New life.
New love.
And as long as I’m coming on that ride, I’m ready to follow him anywhere.
Chris is oddly tight-lipped during the drive and then the walk out to the sand dunes. We wind along the cliffs and mostly deserted roads, staring at empty beaches.
I recognize Dad’s place in the distance. The big house looks tiny as we step out to the scenic overlook and take in the view.
“Brrr!” I push myself into his chest. “This better be good. It’s got to be like fifty degrees with this wind.”
“You’ve got all of me for warmth, princess. That enough?” His eyes are glowing as I nod. Like I’ll ever need anything more. “Anyway, didn’t have much choice. There’s something we’ve gotta get done by Christmas. Let’s walk.”
He leads us to the small winding staircase going down to the beach.
Even with my toes turning blue, I’m too curious to resist, so I follow behind him as fast as my boots will carry me.
I kinda love how every change in the seasons brings a few new outfits that make him want me more.
And I need to dress warm for the internship downtown coming up now that I’ve got my degree. The office is buzzing with reporters and media sharks who judge too much off first impressions.
Dressing to impress landed me a SEAL, so why not an awesome career, too?
By the time we’re leaving footprints in the sand, the wind isn’t as bad as I expected.
The Pacific looks as untamable as ever, the waters churning with the wind, slapping the shore with angry kisses.
Chris points at Dad’s place in the distance, aiming his finger at the small beach bar, now closed up for winter. It feels like forever ago when we met, right after I watched him striding out of the sea like some legendary creature.
My warrior prince.
My destiny.
It’s true and cliché and as campy as it sounds.
Guess how much I care?
“Over there. That’s where it started,” he says, hooking an arm around my waist and pulling me close. “You remember that night, babe? I still dream about it. I held on to it for life—literally, while those fucks were bashing me in the face.”
“I do. It’s all that kept me from breaking down every second you were missing. But I think about Vegas too, when we finally knew we weren’t crazy. Then I’d start crying because I wondered if it was all we’d ever have, a few good memories...”
I don’t mean to tell him about that and ruin the vibe, but it just bleeds out.
“I’m alive, Delia, and so are you.” He turns me around, holding me gently against his chest. And he reminds me how lively we both are when I feel his wall of hard, protective muscle under my face. “Believe it or not, I didn’t drag you here to fuck,” he whispers.
“For realsies?” I laugh because it actually surprises me.
I was sure he had something kinky in mind.
Maybe he’d throw me down, rip off my clothes, and warm us up the fun way.
Why do my nipples feel so hard just thinking about it? I swear it’s not the cold.
“That’s for later,” he promises, inhaling sharply “I just hope you still have the energy to keep up with me tonight once I show you this.”
I don’t get what’s happening when he pulls away.
What’s he doing?
A second later, the whole world condenses.
Everything swells brighter like a flame catching wind as he fishes around in his pocket, kisses me deeply, and slowly sinks to his knees.
“Cordelia,” he whispers, grabbing my hand with the same fierce confidence that always shines in those sea glass-green eyes.
Only, is there something else in that look today?
Is he nervous?
When I blink and look down at the little black box he’s holding, offering it like I really am his princess and that’s not just a cheesy nickname, I almost black out.
“Holy crap. Wait. Chris, are you...?” I bite my tongue and wince.
Real smooth.
But if there was ever a time to shut up and let him speak...
If this is what I think it is, I don’t even know how I’ll ever switch off tonight. Maybe for the next century.
A single flick of his thumb pops the box open.
I catch a glimpse of a gold ring inside studded with jewels.
Big rocks. Way bigger than a well-paid security specialist ought to be able to afford. It looks old, too,—gorgeously antique.
I want to pick it up for a closer look, but my arms are paralyzed.
My eyes are totally glued to him, my face hot, my lungs stalled and waiting for him to break the windy silence that falls over us like a spell.
“Marry me, Cordelia Burr.” It’s a command, not a request. I smile so hard my cheeks sting as he says, “You lit me up the first time I ever got my hands on you. In Vegas, you said you knew. So did I. I knew you’d bewitch me for life. You made me feel shit I never thought I could, much less describe. You showed I had it in me to fight for you, to fall for you, to give you the best of myself. Hell, you showed me what the best parts are.” He pauses, drawing in a shaking breath.
My hands tremble as I reach up, covering my mouth, hot tears streaming down my cheeks.
“You, baby girl, are something rare. Something intense that only comes along once in a man’s life. And I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let it slip away, or just string it along, pretending I’m happy having you as my girlfriend when I want you as my wife.” His breath catches. He comes so close to breaking I’m flipping screaming inside. “We... we started out just having fun. Fucking around. I teased you like you were my bratty stepsister, and I loved you like one too. But you were always so much more than that from the second I laid eyes on you. And now that I’ve had a thousand glances, I love you to death. Literally. So, will you give me the whole package? Will you give me forever? No retreat, no going back, no regrets.”
He stands, shoving the warm ring against my palm, letting me feel it.
For a second, he holds it, this small circular thing so hot against my palm it’s almost magical, warm as a heated stone.
“Feel that? It’s the heat of our entire future. Everything I want to do to you tonight and every night we’ll share. This world’s a gloomy-ass place sometimes, but you, Delia...you’re my light. My sun and moon and stars and galaxy, my spotlight, my torch, my—fuck. You see that? You blind me till I can’t even talk,” he says with a chuckle. “Be my wife. Be the hottest, sweetest mom my kids could ever ask for—the one I never had. Be mine and let me be there for you. I swear, I’ll help you shine on forever.”
“Pretty big ask,” I say softly, barely able to speak through the giddy sugar rush in my head. “What if I say no? What if I want to take things a little slower, just to wear you down and take the edge off?”
He grins and laughs.
“Then I’ll break you first tonight. I’ll tie you up and you won’t get to come till you give me a yes.” That hot glint in his eye warns he might be serious. “I suggest you stop fucking around, woman. I know you want this as bad as I do. Plus, I made your old man like me—who else does that?”
I can’t help it anymore.
The way his palm keeps pressing into mine, moving the hot gold against our skin, like he’s opening a portal to the rest of our lives...
“Yes! Yes, yes, yes, Chris. I’m ready to be Mrs. Triton.”
There.
I said it.
And I’m suddenly wishing for a cool breeze to come blasting in from the ocean. Something to keep me from feeling like I’m about to melt through the Earth’s crust.
Chris goes predictably nuts.
He grabs me by the wrist, stretches my hand out, and pushes the ring on my finger.
It’s a miraculously good fit. The right fit.
How did he know?
I have about two seconds to admire the strange new wonder on my hand before he picks me up and flings me around, tossing me high in the air before he catches me against his chest.
I crash down in his arms with a kiss that has my whole soul.
His teeth sink into my bottom lip, hungrier than ever.
My hands dig at his shoulders, desperate to get naked, famished to feel the man who’ll spend the rest of his life devouring me.
