Always You (Best Friend Series - C. M. Steele

Always You Best Friend Series

Copyrighted © 2016 C.M. Steele All rights reserved. All characters appearing in this work for dpg are fictitious. Any resembblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Chapter 1 It was my final spring break before I graduated from college. Real life was just a stone’s throw away and I couldn’t wait for it. I drove my Lexus from Dallas to Irving. It may be spring break, but I wanted to spend it with my best friend instead of the beach. When Rob offered to let me stay at his place, I jumped at the chance at a normal, middle class, relaxing family visit. I hated the crowds and all the drunk bitches trying

to crawl up my body, looking for a ride on my cock. With my bag in my hand, I made my way up their steps. I was about to knock on the door when it opened and I saw the hottest female I’d ever seen. Now, I’d let her crawl up my body. “Hi, you must be Alex. I’m Calista, but most call me Cali. Rob’s in the back.” I paused for a moment—stunned. This had to be Rob’s little sister. He talked about her all the time, but never showed me a photo. Now I understood

why; she was beautiful. The first thing that popped into my brain was that she was only sixteen. She didn’t look anything like a normal sixteen-year-old. Everything about her from the way she stood, to the curvature of her body made her look older. Even her face looked at least twenty-one. She stood there with her blonde hair in a tight ponytail, in skintight workout clothes. My body had an immediate and very inappropriate reaction to her. I didn’t know how to get my boy down. I wanted her and it was wrong. I never did anything wrong, so it

pissed me the fuck off and like a prick, I took it out on her. “Yeah, I am.” I swallowed deeply. “You know, you shouldn’t answer the door like that. It’s not safe.” I knew she took it the wrong way, when she looked down at her clothes like I disapproved. Granted, I did because that shit was too tight, but I was talking about the fact that she didn’t even look to see who was at the door before she opened it. I took in her appearance again because I couldn’t stop myself. Jealousy skirted through my mind, irrationally.

She was technically a kid. It was not for me to even look at, let alone feel territorial over; but sure enough, I did. “There’s nothing wrong with my outfit,” she snapped. “My brother’s that way. Excuse me, I’ve got to run.” She rushed passed me in a pair of yoga capris and a tight running shirt, making her way down a wooden path across the street from their home. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her ass bounced so nicely, I forgot she was just a teen. If I forgot, so did every other guy that she crossed paths with.

Rob came up behind me as I stared off into the distance watching her jog away from me. “So you met my sister.” He chuckled. “I told you men think she’s older. We’ve got a lot of trouble on our hands when she starts dating. Anyways, come on through, enjoy some food and let’s chill.” I was still looking out the door when he closed it. “She’s fine,” he said, tapping my shoulder. “Yes, she is,” I muttered under my breath. I let it slip and Rob shook his

head. “In two years, Alex. She’s legal in two years, but not before.” He gave me a look, warning me off. He knew I wasn’t a bastard toward women, but Cali was his sister. So it didn’t matter if I was perfect. “I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” Fuck, get it together, I mentally chastised myself. Calista was a little girl. “You’re not the first, Alex.” That jealousy came back again with a

vengeance. He just gave me a smirk and walked to the backyard. The entire time we sat in the backyard, having beers and eating steak, I was looking at the door, waiting for her to return. Participating in our conversation was damn near impossible when all my concentration was focused on when she would get back. “Don’t you think your sister’s been gone a long time?” I asked. “No, man. She’s only been gone about an hour. She should be back soon.

She’s usually gone about an hour and a half.” Damn that was a long time. Cali needed a fucking treadmill. I was going to look into that Tread Climber when I got home. ~~~~~ Holy shit balls. I opened the door to the man who would steal my soul if I’d let him. Alexander Richmond was stupidly handsome. I couldn’t believe the way my body reacted the moment he smiled up at me. It didn’t last long, after the welcoming smile came the stone cold

look that I noticed my brother give my friend Lydia anytime she was around. Immediately I knew what he was thinking. Rob thought Lydia’s crush on him was annoying and out of control. Did I look as pathetic as she did? Was I drooling like a silly school girl. I was a silly school girl, which was probably why Alexander was giving me that damn arched brow. He had to be about six three and built like a quarterback. His eyes were the brightest blue, brighter even than the Texas morning sky. They narrowed at me before he made a nasty

remark about my clothes. What a fucking dick! There went that crush. Oh well, Danny Moore was still handsome, and he didn’t give me that ‘I smell manure’ face. Spotting Rob, out the corner of my eye, coming from the backyard, I excused myself to go on my run. My brother would try to make me stay to be hospitable, and I needed to get my head together before I talked to the sexy jackass Alexander again. My usual route to the park

wouldn’t be good enough, I had to go the long way around, through a few hills. The spring breeze cooled my heated body the minute I hit the trail. Within the first mile, I had managed to calm down. I didn’t know why I was so riled up. Maybe it was because I was offended. My outfit wasn’t any different than any other runner. It fit me snug like it was supposed to, but he had a problem with it—like I was inviting trouble. I ran harder than before, hating that I wanted to ask him why he was being mean to me. I was about three

miles in when I was focused on the image of Alex’s face. He had light brown hair with pretty baby blues. His jaw was taut with a little bit of facial hair. I was meditating on the crooked smile he gave me when I opened the door and didn’t see the other person on a bike. Trying to avoid a serious tangle up, I tripped up on my own feet and twisted my ankle. In frustration and emotional defeat, I sat there thinking about Alexander and his stupid face. I mentally accused him for making me careless. Starting to make my way back, I

was about two miles from the house and close to the main path when I saw my friend’s older brother. “Hi Mark. I didn’t know you ran?” I asked. I knew he hated it, but maybe he thought he needed to workout. “I just started. It’s harder than I thought. Are you okay?” he asked, noticing my gait. “Just tweaked my ankle,” I told him. I didn’t want to go into details. God, I hated to be interrupted while I was running. When I ran, all I wanted

was my music and to be alone with my thoughts. “So, do you run often?” “Every other day,” I said blandly, hoping he’d get the hint. “Maybe we could run together sometime. Well, at least until I quit.” How did I know that was coming? “Ha-ha. I don’t have a set time that I run, so it’ll be kind of hard to meet with your work schedule.” “I can make time to run with you. Besides, it would be safer if you had

someone to run with.” He wasn’t getting the hint. Sometimes I wondered if he and Lydia were truly related. Mark was so different. “Truthfully, Mark. I like to run by myself. It clears my head.” “That’s cool.” He looked down the path closer to his house. “I’ve got to go. Are you sure you’re alright?” “Yes, thanks.” I gave him a half smile. “Okay, don’t forget movie night. Lydia’s looking forward to it.”

Somehow I had a feeling he was looking forward to it, too. “You know I won’t.” He ran in the opposite direction. I liked Lydia’s brother, but the way he looked at me kind of unnerved me. It was like he wanted me—intimately. I shook my head, wiping Mark from my brain, but unfortunately that brought Alex to the forefront. Damn it. I limped into the house, but no one heard me. I assumed they were all still out in the back, so I went to the upstairs

bathroom. Looking in the cabinet under the sink, I couldn’t find the wrap for my ankle. I had no idea where Rob put it, so I had to shuffle back down the stairs to ask my mom. The moment I hit the backdoor, Alex’s eyes were trained on mine. I blushed looking away, but I could feel his presence. Fuck, he ruined me for anyone else—with just his concern. ~~~~~ It was almost dark when she came in sweating and limping. Her family was

frantic with concern and invading her space, but as a stranger I had to stand back. I really wanted to knock them out of the way to take care of her. They laughed at me when I asked when she’d be back, but I was right; something bad had happened. “What happened?” her mother asked. “Some dumbass on a bike didn’t see me. I tried to get out of his way, twisting my ankle in the process.” She flushed with embarrassment when she

noticed me standing there. Feelings of protectiveness washed over me the moment we made eye contact. I wanted to go find that dumbass and punch him in the mouth—accident or not. “You sure it’s not broken?” I asked from the sidelines, wanting to take her to the hospital like they should be doing in my opinion. “Yeah, it’s just swollen,” she answered, smiling back at me. I gave her a little smile back, but grabbed my beer and headed to the

kitchen to toss it, and get some air. We were in the backyard for fucks sake and I still felt like I couldn’t breathe. If she liked me even a fraction, I would be in a heap of trouble. I slept in the guest bedroom down the hall from her, and it was the longest sleepless night ever. I was hard, but I refused to jerk off to her. Even though we weren’t that far apart in age, she was still a minor. I felt dirty for even thinking of it, but my cock didn’t care. ~~~~

The next day, she was sitting at the kitchen table working on some homework. She turned up to me with a smile and asked, “Hi, Alex. Are you hungry?” “I am, actually.” I needed to get some coffee and out of this house. There was more temptation at this house than I’d ever had at spring break anywhere else. Cabo was sounding like a better option at the moment. There wasn’t anything spectacular about her appearance this morning. She

wasn’t dressed provocatively and she didn’t have any makeup on, but she looked perfect to me. I wanted to walk back out of the room, but I also wanted to stay, maybe even more. “My mom made some bacon and sausage before she left this morning. What kind of eggs do you like?” “You don’t have to cook for me. I know how to do it for myself. Doesn’t your ankle hurt?” “No, it’s feeling better. The wrap is tight, and I need to move a little bit

since it’s been up all night. Besides, you’re a guest in the house. My mom would beat me silly if I let you cook for yourself.” She smiled, then asked, “So, what kind of eggs?” “Scrambled would be great.” “Do you like anything particular in them? Onion, salt, pepper?” Wow, that was exactly how I liked them. I wanted to growl because I was getting carried away with myself. “That sounds good.” I looked at her and wanted to kick my own ass. I

watch her sexy legs as she cooked for me. I never thought of myself as an old fashioned man, but a woman in the kitchen seemed really nice. Two years. ~~~~~ I could swear he was watching me as I made his eggs. I was trying to hide my blush because just his presence did new things to my body; every nerve was going haywire. He was everything a guy could be. He was smart, handsome, and sweet. The way he asked about my injury showed how considerate he could

be. I had a crush on one of my classmates a few weeks ago, but that was long gone. My feelings for Rob’s best friend were a thousand times stronger than that, but it really wasn’t a good thing. We had nothing in common, and I was too young for him to even consider a relationship with. My ankle did hurt like hell, but if he knew that he wouldn’t want me to cook for him. I wanted to take care of him and show him I could be domesticated. In honesty a total waste of time because we couldn’t

be together—but a girl could dream. Maybe I was reading more into the looks and concern he showed me since he had arrived. I thought about the way he bit his lip in nervousness last night. Those strong lips…I wondered what would his kiss be like? I know it would be better than Rick’s that kiss was sloppy and gross. I wanted the kisses I saw in those hot, madly in love movies. Oh shit. What if he had a girlfriend or fiancée? I was so lost in my thoughts that I

burnt his eggs. It took that funky smell to hit my nose for me to notice. “Damn it,” I hissed, tossing the pan off the burner to cool. Shit, there goes my homemaker skills. “What’s wrong?” He stood up in a flash and came too close for my comfort. He was all in my personal space. Damn, he smelled fantastic. I wanted to press into him, but I knew it was wrong. I looked up into his beautiful eyes that were full of concern. My heart was thumping. “Umm…nothing really. I just

burned the eggs. Don’t worry, I’ll make some more.” He looked at my mess and gave a look that was hard to describe. I hurriedly turned away, tossing the old eggs into the trash, ducking past his huge frame that nearly boxed me in. He gave me a nod and thankfully didn’t tease me about it before stepping back to give me some space. I was already feeling out of sorts with him in the house. Only five more days and he’d be on his way back to school. “Where’s the coffee?” he asked,

giving me an arched brow. “Oh, I can make it.” I put the pan down to get it started. “No, Cali. I got this. You’re making my food as it is, but thanks anyway.” I reached up in the cupboard and pulled out what he needed. I involuntarily took in a deep breath, inhaling his scent when he caught me. He gave me a look and swallowed hard. Shit. I must have looked like a pathetic young school girl. “Sorry, I love the smell of fresh

coffee. I don’t drink it, but I love when it’s first brewing.” “Okay.” I didn’t think he bought it, but he took a seat quietly at the table just as Rob walked in. After that, the conversation took a turn toward business after they graduated. I excused myself to work on my homework somewhere else. ~~~~ Damn, the day wasn’t getting any easier. I tried to avoid talking to her this morning. After catching her taking in my scent, I needed to sit before she spotted

how hard she made me. It would have been fantastic that she was interested, but it was two years too early. Rob’s entrance was perfect timing. We started talking about my plans to join my father at his corporation in Dallas. I was happily following in my dad’s footsteps. Being in Dallas may be a great thing. I needed space from this sudden fascination with the little blonde beauty. Rob and I were going to a Mavericks game that night. We were just about to walk out when Cali came bouncing down the stairs. “Where are

you going?” Rob asked her in irritation. I wanted to ask the same thing. She was dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a super tight top that emphasized her breasts, which were huge. I had to bite back a groan. So damn sexy. “I’m going to hang with a couple of friends tonight. We’re going to see a movie,” she said with a snotty, mind your business tone. “Does Mom know?” Rob asked again, seeing what I was seeing. She looked like she was going to more than a

movie—more like sneaking out to a club. She rolled her eyes at Rob. “Duh. Seriously Rob. This isn’t, like, the first time I’ve gone out.” “Just be careful.” I heard the concern in his voice, but he didn’t try to take her with us. I should have suggested it; I wanted to suggest it. Even though it would put me in more danger of falling for her, it was better than her going somewhere I couldn’t supervise. Just because I couldn’t fuck her doesn’t mean

she couldn’t be having sex with someone her own age. I wanted to smash my head against the wall for my obsession. “I will. Have fun boys.” She rushed passed us out the door to a red sports car and a tall man waiting for her. She gave him a super tight hug before he opened the door for her. There was a girl in the back, but Cali had shotgun. I thought that was weird, unless he was her boyfriend. I wasn’t liking that one bit. Cali should be coming with us. “Who the hell is that?” I snarled,

hating how jealous I was feeling, but it was unstoppable. I felt like running out there and knocking that smug looking motherfucker on his ass. “That’s her best friend’s brother. He usually takes the girls out. Lydia is sitting in the back seat as usual.” He acted like it was no biggie, but if I had a little sister, I wouldn’t be letting her go out with an older jackass in a lame ass sports car. That just screamed predator to me. I didn’t have room to talk, but that didn’t mean I was going to run off with her. Now, when her birthday came, I’d

make her mine. Until then… "And you're going to let her go out with him?" I was seething with anger. Rob was supposed to be her protector and my best friend. She was mine. If I could only stake my claim, then she’d be sitting next to us at the game getting treated like an untouchable princess. "Are you jealous?" Rob asked laughingly. This shit wasn’t funny. "He's too old for her,” I grumbled as I watched the car pull out into the street.

"Yeah, and I warned him, too. He’s showed interest, but knows my parents won't even consider it until she's legal. I don’t want her with him, so don’t worry. I’ll put a good word in sometime in the next two years." He smirked again. So he was one of the masses when it came to Calista. She had a following that I was going to have to monitor. There wasn’t anyone that was going to stop me in two years, but until then she could meet someone her own age. "How many more are there?"

He laughed at me. "At least two. You've got a lot of competition." He slung his arm around my shoulders, still chuckling. I pushed it off and we walked to my car. I didn’t drive a flashy sports car because I wasn’t that kind of guy. He thought this was funny, but I sure as fuck didn't. Two years was a long time, but one day she'd be mine. After we got back from the game, she still wasn't back. I waited up, bullshitting about the game with Rob and his dad. It was an hour later when I was

told that she was spending the night. I drank a beer, then went to bed really fucking pissed off. ~~~~~ When I woke up in the morning she still wasn't home, but then again it was only seven. Needing to clear my head, I went for a run. I didn't give a shit that the skies opened up and unleashed a torrential pour on me. I ran and ran, hoping the burning in my lungs would stop the thoughts of her being in the same house with another man. I wondered if

they had a secret relationship. By the time I got back to Rob's, she was back. I wanted to tear her a new one for not coming back last night but I had no right. And, damn it, she looked great this morning. "Oh my gosh! You're soaked. What the hell were you doing running in the monsoon out there?" "Trying to clear my head. Excuse me." I walked past her, jealous and angry.

I had to take a hot shower so I didn’t catch a damn cold, when I really needed a cold one. That run only served to make me more possessive. I wanted to set some ground rules for the next two years, but I didn’t have any damn right. I stepped out of the bathroom barefooted with a pair of gym shorts and tee shirt, towel drying my hair. Needing to pass her room to get to mine, I noticed her door was closed, but I could hear sounds coming from it. Rob took his mom grocery

shopping and her dad was at work. It was just me and her in the house alone. It wasn’t a smart move on their part, and I wasn’t sure I could handle being alone with her. The smart thing would be to run to my room and lock myself in until they came back. I wasn’t smart, it seemed. She let out a loud cry and I could have sworn I heard my name. I rushed into the room thinking something happened. There she was laying on her bed, her eyes wide with her hand between her thighs. She was looking at

me in full embarrassment. Her face was flush. Was it because she got caught or was that the way she looked when she came, chanting my name? “Sorry. Fucking shit.” I walked the fuck out of the room before she could freak out. “I…I…” I heard her stutter. I got to my room as fast as I could, breathing harshly. My dick was about to fucking explode. She was fucking playing with her pussy while thinking of me. I pulled down my shorts, my cock

stiff and thick. I was about to cum just thinking about her sweet little mound hidden under her tee shirt. I took my length in hand, giving it a few strokes. It wasn’t long before I came hard. Shame filled me up, and I refused to speak to her the rest of the day. ~~~~~ “Alex, can we talk about yesterday?” she asked meekly the next morning. “I’d rather not.” My tone was harsh, but I didn’t want to talk about how

beautiful she was when she came to visions of me. “It’s just…” I made her feel bad and I didn’t want that. It wasn’t her fault that I was too old for her. “Listen, I shouldn’t have rushed in there like that. We all do that. There’s nothing wrong with it,” I offered. “So why are you avoiding me?” That was a good question. “I thought you were feeling embarrassed about it. I didn’t want to

make you feel uncomfortable,” I lied. I was trying not to sneak into her room and commit a crime. “Can we pretend you didn’t see me?” “Definitely.” I answered too quickly and she took my meaning the wrong way. It was better that way, though, but I didn’t like the sad look in her eyes. “Are you two ready to watch the Mavs play the Heat?” Rob asked interrupting us, something about it told

me he didn’t like me talking to her alone. This would be the last private conversation I would have with her during my stay. The rest of my time at her house only made me fall deeper into her spell. My heart was like a fly teased and taunted into her spider's web. I knew by the end of the week I was in love and thoroughly fucked.

Chapter 2 I was back again. Almost every weekend since Rob and I graduated, I visited him at his parent's house. I worked at Richmond Holdings in Dallas, just an hour away from Cali, but it was still too close. I was a glutton for punishment. Her body, smile, and laugh had me at the balls. Her brain and her tastes in everything had my soul. I was hers, but she still couldn't be mine. All summer long she tormented

me with her short shorts and super fucking tight tops. Part of me knew that she liked the attention I gave her, but she was young and at that age when attention was something girls craved. One afternoon, she was tapping her leg and it was getting irritating because it made me focus on her bared legs, so I grabbed her thigh and asked her to stop. It was a big mistake. Our eyes met and the pleasure from touching rushed to my nuts. I left ten minutes later and refused to go back for a couple of weeks. It felt like the longest two weeks of my life, but I

needed the distance. One day after work, I had a heart to heart with my father. “So son, are you and Rob like a thing?” “A thing? What?” I wanted to laugh at his question, but except for the few that knew that I was there for Cali, they all assumed the same. “You know. I’m trying not to judge, but you visit him every weekend.” “No…God no. It’s definitely not like that. Besides, I don’t go there every weekend, but I have to admit I do go

there for a reason. A reason that could get me into a world of trouble, but I can’t stop myself.” “Not drugs, please.” I shook my head. “Oh, she is a drug alright, but not the way you’re thinking. I’m obsessed with Calista Delaney, Rob’s younger sister.” I felt relief, letting it off my chest. “Does Rob think you’re not good for her?” My dad didn’t know how young she was, and seemed pissed. I was everything a father or brother would

want in a boyfriend for their girl. “It’s not that. She’s too young. Dad, she’s sixteen.” I watched the expression changed from anger to worry. “Don’t freak out. I know she’s not old enough to be with me. I’ve decided to wait for her to reach eighteen, then the gloves are off.” “It’s that bad?” “It’s like breathing is getting harder to do without her nearby. When I get there and she’s out, I’m irrationally jealous. It is…I never thought I would

lose my mind over a woman, let alone one who is too young to even consider for anything more than a conversation.” “Falling in love happens to the best of us.” “Yeah, but why couldn’t I have fallen in love with her two years from now.” “I don’t know. Maybe you needed to enter her life at this time.” “You’re sounding wise, old man.” I laughed. “Yes, that’s me. You must call me

Jedi Master Xander.” We loved Star Wars and watched them annually as a family. “I don’t want to know what Mom calls you in private.” He just cracked up laughing. Then my mother walked by. I felt awkward because I thought she was out shopping. She poked her head into the room, and said with a straight face, “Actually, he makes me just call him Master.” I almost threw up in my mouth, while she sauntered away from the room.

“That’s what I get.” “Yes, but I think I have a solution to your little miss issue.” I didn’t like the look he was sporting. “Yeah, like you can speed up time?” I joked, wishing it was possible. “No, but I can keep you out of trouble. You can take the job in Milan.” “The one managing the building and set up of the hotel?” “Exactly” “I don’t know. That’s a big decision. Can I handle being far away

from her? How long will the project take?” “If everything goes as planned, less than two years.” “Damn. I’m going to talk to Rob about protecting her better before I give you an answer.” “It may be the best thing, Alex. Just consider it.” He was right. Being around her or waiting to see her was becoming harder and harder to do. “Okay. Thanks, Dad.” My father gave me an opportunity

to prove myself to the world as a brilliant business man and not just a rich boy riding my father's coattails. It was a decision that would take me away from her. I didn't know if I could do it, but after what happened I knew it was necessary for both of us. After having a talk with Rob, my decision was set in stone. I was going to miss the fuck out of her, but it was for the best. ~~~~~ It’s been a magnificent summer so far. Alex spent his summer after his

graduation visiting us as often as his work would allow. He worked for his father up in Dallas, but he came to Irving most weekends. I was starting to think he came for me, but one day he made it clear I wasn’t the one he’d come to see. I was just about to enter the room when I heard him tell my brother Rob, “Man, what’s up with your sister? She doesn’t dress like her age. She does know that invites unwanted attention, right?” “I know. I’ve told her about that

shit several times already, but it goes in one ear and out the other.” “Well, I find it…gross.” I felt my heart falling to pieces onto the floor, the sound was deafening. I closed my eyes to stop the tears I felt caress the rim of my eyelids. Fuck him. I was gross. Was it because I wasn’t a size zero like the girls Rob brings around? My curves caught men’s attention, so I knew I wasn’t disgusting. I thought we had something going on. He seemed like he was at least a friend.

I did an about face, then practically ran to my bedroom. I let the tears fall that I hadn’t shed before while I stripped the stupid outfit off. Time to shake Alex off my body. My crush was over. Once I got myself together, I walked downstairs dressed in joggers and a tee shirt and a towel in my hair. There was no point in looking good in front of him anymore. All that effort and skimpy shit was a waste of time. “Hey guys, where’s mom and dad?” I asked my brother, avoiding making eye contact with Alex.

“They went out on a date. You’re stuck with us tonight,” Rob said with a shrug. “Actually, I’m not feeling company, so I’m going to my room.” I returned his shrug with one of my own. “I’m leaving for Italy tomorrow,” Alex piped up, jumping from his seat on the sofa. “Good for you. Have fun,” I said with a steady voice I didn’t know I had. “It’ll be for business for two years,” he added, like us not seeing each

other was supposed to mean something. “Good for you. Make money.” “What’s wrong with you?” Rob asked me. “Nothing’s wrong with me. I think I’m just fine. I can’t wait for you to leave. I wouldn’t want you getting grossed out by me anymore.” “Cali,” he called out to me. I hated hearing him say my name. It was tainted now. “Don’t Cali me. Only friends call me that, and you sure as hell aren’t one.”

I pressed my finger into his chest angrily. “Have a safe trip, Mr. Richmond.” “I’m sorry.” “You’re not sorry. You’re just sorry I heard. Goodbye.” It was my last words to him for the next two years.

Chapter 3 “Alex is getting engaged.” I think my heart stopped when Rob announced the news to the family. I wanted to cry on the spot. I didn’t know what I expected. It had been two years since we last saw each other, and he was in a place with beautiful Italian women. Over the years he did ask about me and Rob told me about his time in Italy, but not once did he tell me that he was dating someone. I knew it wasn’t my business, but after

two years my crush hadn’t gone away. I thought about him all the time. I couldn’t even date because of him. I tried, but it failed during the first few days. “Wow,” I muttered. My parents and brother looked at each other then back at me like they were gaging my reaction. I thought my feelings for him were well disguised, but apparently I was wrong. “It’s fine. Congrats to him and whoever he’s marrying.” I tried to feel nothing, but I couldn’t. My heart hurt. My

birthday was tomorrow, and Rob told me he was coming back in two weeks. “If you’ll excuse me, I don’t feel like going out tonight.” “That’s fine, sweetheart. It’ll work itself out,” my mother said, giving me a big hug. “Thanks, Mom,” I hugged her tight before my brother pulled me into his arms, then my dad did, too. “I’m okay, everyone. I may have had a school girl crush, but it’s nothing I can’t get over.” I was about to walk

upstairs when I changed my mind. “You know what? I’m going to go out with you.” Rob wrapped his arm around my shoulders and told me to stay home. “No, stay and take it easy. We’ll bring you something back tonight.” “Okay.” I wasn’t hungry anyway. I woke up at midnight when my doorbell rang and my world collapsed. ~~~~~~ I had just landed in Dallas and was on my way to Irving to surprise

Calista. I missed her so much that I didn’t care that I had wait until tomorrow for her birthday. She was mine, and I needed her to know that. I called Rob to see what was going on. “Hey, man. Are you home?” “Yeah, but we’re all going out to dinner tonight. When are you coming back?” “I just landed in Dallas. I’m waiting for my luggage then I’m on my way to Irving. You did tell your parents about my feelings for Calista, right?”

“I didn’t need to. You called me all the time to talk about her. Everyone but Calista knows. She thinks you still don’t like her.” “I plan on fixing that tonight. I need to see her. It’s been too long. I’ve been missing her like crazy. How about I meet you all after dinner?” “No, I’ll get her to stay here, and you two can talk in private. Just don’t knock her up until her birthday.” He teased me. “Don’t worry. I waited this long,

another day won’t kill me.” “Cool, well I’ve got to get ready to go out.” “See you soon, bro.” “Love her.” I took his warning seriously because I loved her with everything in me, and it was finally time to claim her as mine. “Always,” I promised. I was pissed because the drive wasn’t supposed to be long, but there was a storm going on right now, and my luggage hadn’t arrived yet. I couldn’t

leave it, but I needed to see her. I was tempted to call, but I waited. This morning, my dad had dropped a car off for me to use to drive to Irving with. It was ten at night when I finally got out on the road. It was dark and wet. There was an accident on the road so I needed to go slow. I kept trying to call Rob, but he wasn’t answering. Damn, did they go to bed early? I just kept driving on. It took twice as long to get there. When I finally pulled up to the house, their car wasn’t in the driveway. That was strange. Maybe they were at

the movies. Just as I got to the door, there was a squad car pulling up. Fear bubbled in my gut; something was wrong. Two cops approached with blank expressions. “Officers, what’s going on?” I asked them, trying not to freak out. “We’re here to speak to any residents of this house. Do you live here?” The female officer asked me. “No, I came to see my best friend and my fiancée.” “Sir, yours, your friend, and your

fiancée’s names, please.” “I’m Alexander Richmond. Rob Delaney is my friend and his sister Calista is my fiancée.” “I’m sorry sir, but Mr. Delaney and his parents were involved in a serious accident.” What the fuck?! I couldn’t believe it. They were all safe drivers. “What hospital are they at?” I asked, ready to run to the hospital once I had Cali in tow. “Sir, they’re gone. I’m sorry.” I

grabbed my chest. I was too healthy for a heart attack, but my heart felt broken when I looked the house. “Does Calista know?” “No, sir. We came to notify her.” With tears in my eyes, I turned back to the officers and said, “I’m going to tell her. It should come from me. It needs to come from me.” “We’ll stay just in case we’re needed.” I nodded. I couldn’t understand. How? Why? I rang the doorbell, and it opened

a minute later. She looked shocked to see me, but then she saw the police behind me. “Can we come in?” She let us in. I didn’t get to greet her liked I planned, but then again, Rob and his parents didn’t plan this either. My tears fell from my face when I told her, “Cali, babe. I need to talk to you.” “What? Why are you here? The cops?” She had a catch in her throat. “Calista, please.” I pulled her into my arms and carried her to the sofa.

“Cali, there was an accident tonight. Damn it, they’re not coming home. Rob, your mom, and dad all died tonight.” “No!” She screamed and jumped out of my hold. “No, this can’t be.” She paced the floor, crying and pulling on her hair. Shaking her head. “No, this can’t be. It can’t. It just can’t. They told me they were coming home. No.” Cali collapsed to the floor. I rushed to her, holding her close. “Do you want us to get her some water?” the female officer asked.

“Please.” I pointed to the kitchen area. The officers walked to the kitchen while I sat her in my lap. “Cali, I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say or do. I know I can’t make this better, but we will get through this.” “They’re really gone?” She looked into my eyes so lost that I wanted to lie, but there was no going back. “I’m sorry, they are.” Fuck, this wasn’t supposed to happen. “No, I don’t want this.” She cried

to herself, pressing her head into my chest. “I know. I know.” I caressed her back, then the officers came back in with a bottle of water. Handing it to me, I opened it and made her take a drink. She barely took a sip, unable to stop sobbing long enough for more than that. “We can send someone to talk to you in the morning, if that’ll work better,” the male officer offered. I nodded. They told us how sorry they were and let themselves out.

I rocked her in my arms until she couldn’t cry anymore. I carried her up to her bedroom and laid us both under the covers. The night was long as our hearts broke. My beautiful wife-to-be was in my arms. “Rest, my love.”

Chapter 4 I woke before the sun came up. It took me a moment to realize it wasn’t just a nightmare. Everything that happened last night was real. Alex was holding onto me like he was afraid I’d disappear. I knew it was only grief that held him to me. He had someone else, but he knew I needed him and he loved and lost my brother, too. I unapologetically pressed my body into his. I felt the ridge of his cock against my

ass. There was nothing to read into that, though. Men woke up with them stiff as board. It did feel nice and thick. I didn’t care that he had a fiancée; it felt incredible to have him keep me safe, to keep me from falling apart. Alex groaned and pulled me close. “Come here, baby. I don’t want to let you go.” I melted into his embrace and felt the gentle kiss on my neck. Closing my eyes, I tried to decide what to do. Could I be strong and get away from the only

man I’d ever loved, or would I succumb to his dreams of his woman? No matter how much it hurt, I had to go away. I pushed out of his arms and ran into the bathroom. Locking the door, I leaned against it; forgetting about the damn robe hook, I hit my head against it. That was what I get. I almost let my feelings overtake my morals. What the hell was wrong with me? Oh yeah, I knew that answer. I lost my entire family and the man I loved in the same night. My heart started to crumble knowing that I’d never see my family

again. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. The tears streamed down my face as I slid down to the floor, balling up and crying like a baby. Rob was never going to tease me again. My mother couldn’t be here to make it better for me. My dad couldn’t threaten any boy with his shotgun anymore. God, it didn’t feel real. I pinched myself, but there was no waking from this. This was my new, fractured reality. “Cali, do you need me?” Alex asked through the door.

“No, Alex. You can go do whatever you need to do.” As much as I wanted him to stay and hold me, I couldn’t handle the pain of a love lost on top of the loss of my family. “Open the door, Cali,” he demanded. I didn’t want to but the sooner I got him to leave, the easier it would be to forget him. I took my time to collect myself, stood up, and opened the door. Damn it, the look he gave me could melt the polar caps.

“Come here, Calista. Fuck, shit. I don’t like to see you cry, but I know there’s nothing I can do to fix that right now.” He took me into his arms, pulling me to my bed. We sat together there, but as much as I’d always wanted him. It wasn’t right. “Alex, can you please leave?” I asked no matter how hard it was to do. “What?” “I need you to leave. I can talk to Mark to help me take care of the arrangements for my family.”

“Who the fuck is Mark?” he roared angrily. “Oh, you probably don’t remember him, but he’s my friend’s brother.” “Wait, the one that picked you up that night we went to the game?” he asked. I couldn’t believe he remembered that. “Yeah, that’s him.” “You two are dating? You’re just eighteen, today.” “It doesn’t matter right now. I lost

my entire family. I need him.” “The fuck, you do.” Alex flipped me really fast onto my back, and his mouth came down roughly onto mine. I moaned into his mouth. His lips were a mix of strong and soft. I felt a sense of euphoria in this kiss, but it wasn’t right. I pushed him away once I realized he wanted another woman. I caught my breath. “Don’t, Alex.” ~~~~~ “I’m sorry, Cali. I didn’t know that I was going to do that.” She just lost

her family. I needed to control my need to mark my damn territory. “Well, you shouldn’t have.” “It was wrong, but if your family was still here it would have been perfect.” It would have been. They would have teased me and planned the wedding so Cali wouldn’t be walking down the aisle with a rounded belly “What do you mean?” “You’re eighteen this morning and legally mine for the taking. I’ve been waiting for two years to kiss those lips.”

She pushed at my chest again, trying to get out of my arms. If she thought that shit was going to happen, she was so unbelievably wrong. “Don’t lie to me. You have a fiancée.” “Where did you get that from?” I had to know why she would have such a ridiculous idea in her head unless she somehow heard about me buying a diamond ring or a bad ass home for my wife. “Rob told me that before they left.”

“Babe. Do you know why I was here last night?” “To inform me about my family?” “No. The police came up the driveway as I did. They told me.” I pulled her back to me. “I came to tell you that on your birthday, you were mine.” “What? Then why would he say that?” “Because he needed you to stay home so I could surprise you. As horrible as it is to say, I’m fucking

grateful that he lied to you. It kept you here and safe.” I couldn’t even think about her being in the car with them. I wouldn’t survive. “Oh my God. I kept on insisting I should go with them, even though I didn’t feel like it.” The tears started again, my poor beloved. Fuck, I wished they all stayed home instead. We would’ve had a big celebration. “Cali, don’t cry. I’m sorry they’re not coming back, but I promise to do all I can to take away the pain.”

“Oh, Alex,” she cried before kissing me. I grabbed her hair, tugging her head closer to me. “I love you, Cali,” I whispered into her ear. “I’ve loved you since the first time you walked through our door.” “We’ll get through this, Cali. I promise.” ~~~ I took her back to bed because the sun was barely up and we needed to get as much rest as possible. I wouldn’t fuck

her until she was ready. We slept for a few hours then we were woken up by a noise. Her phone was on the side table and buzzed several times. My jealous heart wondered who was calling her. Had she had any boyfriends in the two years we were apart? Had she given up what belonged to me? “Have you been dating anyone since I left?” I asked indifferently, hiding the fact that the answer meant everything to me. “Yes.” Her admission sent my

body on edge. It was unexpected and painful. “What?” “What’s the big deal? You left me and moved away to where there were tons of beautiful women.” “I haven’t dated in years, damn it. Who is the guy? Or guys?” “I’ve only had one boyfriend in the past two years.” “You were supposed to wait for me,” I roared, fucking ticked off. I waited for her more than just two years.

My entire life, I spent working hard and staying focused. “Why? I thought I was gross to you,” she asked with a pant. Watching her breasts rise and fall rapidly as she breathed deeply. It was a curse and a blessing at the same time. My dick was so hard I couldn’t think about anything but claiming her, but at the same time, I was trying to do the right thing. I was so enraged that I let my feelings out. “What’s gross was my fascination with you. I wanted you

before it was even appropriate to want you. I hated myself for it. I left because I couldn’t take seeing and not claiming you. Then you went ahead and found someone else.” Angrily, I leaned over her, my hips pinning hers down. “Did he fuck you?” I would kill the little fucker. She looked at me with fear in her eyes. I didn’t care because I wanted an answer. He’d be dickless if he did. “Answer me, my Cali.” “No. We hadn’t, yet.” “Yet? There won’t be a yet. The

only dick you get for the rest of your life will be mine. I’ll be in you any time your pussy feels needy. I’ll never give you a reason to want another man’s cock.” “Alex,” she moaned. Her body moved under me, trying to ease her ache. Her hips pressed up against my erection, and I was doing everything I could to keep from fucking into my woman. This wasn’t the time to take her virtue. I wanted her to give me her pussy when she was sure and definitely not in jealousy. She deserved better than that.

I had an idea to help us both. “Blondie, do you know how to play with your pussy?” I knew she did. I remembered that day I walked in on her. She nodded with a blush, remembering that day, too. Fuck. Her pale skinned pinked so brightly I wanted to touch her everywhere, but it would have to wait. I backed up and undid my pants. I took out my cock. It was hot, hard, and starting to cum. Her eyes trained to it, and her tongue slipped out of her mouth. Fuck me, she was looking like she wanted my cock in her mouth.

“Tuck that tongue back, babe. I’m not letting you do that today, Cali. Take off your panties.” She slid them down her thick legs and off her painted toes. I let out a deep growl when she parted her thighs, placing her heels on the edge of the bed. Her mound was glistening with her honey. The blonde curls were darkened, and I wanted to part those lips and lick up all that goodness that was there just for me. “Touch yourself, babe. Touch my pussy and show me how you satisfy yourself. Show me how you touched

yourself that day for me. You called out my name, didn’t you?” “Yes,” she whispered. “Come on, babe. Let me see. I’ve thought about this for a very long time.” She hesitated for a moment until she watched me grip my cock, trying to stem the flow. Her hand parted her folds, and she slipped a dainty finger along her slit. I heard a little purr come out of her mouth as she dipped her finger inside. We moaned at the same time; our eyes never left each other as we played

with our bodies. Cali grabbed her breast with her free hand sending me off. I came hard which set her off. My cum shot all over her mound, hand and her belly. Fuck, it was hotter than hell to watch my seed all over her. She took the little bit of cum that landed on her mound and ran her fingers through it and pressed her it into her pussy. I was stiff again. “Little sweet, you messed up really good.” I growled before stuffing my semi back into my boxers.

“Why?” Her eyes looked sad. I leaned down and kissed her lips. “I can’t wait to get you in my home and in my bed. My kid is going to growing in your body soon, very soon.” “I still can’t see how I messed up,” she said with a smile. “Because you’re stuck, babe. Stuck with me.” “I guess I’ve messed up,” she said, unable to contain her smile. This was the first genuine smile I got in two years. I knew it was temporary, but it

was good to see her not crying for a moment.

Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Epilogue

Chapter 5 It was about ten in the morning before we took showers. I had to run to my car and get my suitcase. I used the shower in Rob’s room and she used the one just outside hers. There weren’t going to be any group showers until we were together for the first time, and that’s not something I felt comfortable doing in the house. When I walked into his room, I felt the pain of his absence. Rob was my

best friend, and even though I came over to see Cali all those weekends, I still loved hanging out with him. I couldn’t believe that he was dead. It was so surreal. His room hadn’t changed much in two years. It looked a little more adultish, but the first Rocky poster was still on the wall. I cracked up a bit, thinking about when we saw the last Rocky film and how we weren’t going to be able to see Creed together. Damn it, he was gone. I could hear the other shower turn on, so I hurried up. Cali was going to

need me to be her rock. He may have been my best friend, but Rob and her parents were her family. I couldn’t even comprehend the agony that was eating her up. My shower was quick, and I changed into a tee shirt and khakis. By the time I got to back to the hallway, I heard the water turn off. I knocked on the bathroom door. “Cali, babe. Are you almost done?” “Yes, I’m just getting dressed,” she called out the door.

“I’m going to make coffee.” “Okay. I’ll be down in a few minutes.” I left her to go make the coffee, but if she didn’t come down within ten minutes I was going to get her. This was only the beginning of our nightmare. Today should have been a day to celebrate. Instead we haven’t even begun fully to mourn our losses. I walked into the kitchen I hadn’t been in since I left two years ago and saw nothing had changed. I reached for the coffee and got it started. Opening the

cabinet with the mugs, I saw a mug that made me laugh. “I’ve bean loving you, forever.” It had a cartoon woman with her arms wrapped around a sack of coffee beans. This reminded me of Cali so much. When we met she hadn’t tasted coffee, but the week before I left for Italy she gave it a taste. Rob told me she’d been hooked ever since, and I was to blame. I smiled as I relived that morning. I’d just stopped by for a morning run with Rob when I smelled her coffee brewing. I needed to have a cup,

especially because she made it. Her mom handed me a cup with a smile because they all knew why I visited, only Cali was kept out of the loop because they knew she had a crush on me. I’d just taken my first sip when the bubbly, sunny blonde moped into the kitchen looking like the night got away from her. Her hair was a mess and her face said don’t mess with me. She didn’t hesitate to walk straight up to me and grumbled, “I made that for me.” She snatched the mug from my

hand and took a drink. “No, squirt, your mom made it for me.” I snatched it back making sure I put my lips where hers had been. It was the stupid little things that kept me sane and patient. She narrowed her eyes at me, but then shrugged her shoulders. “Fine, I’ll get my own.” She got up in her barely-there shorts, making my running shorts tight. Fuck, I had to wear layers to come to their house. I tried to calm down and took a seat

before she saw how hard I was. “Since when did you start drinking coffee?” I quizzed. “Since I slept like shit last night,” she growled at me. I would’ve laughed, but I was afraid she’d take a bite out of me. “Why?” “Our air went out last night and the HVAC guy just left,” her mother answered before shuffling out the kitchen with her cup. “I’m sorry. If I’d known, I

would’ve invited y’all to my family’s home.” “We’re not destitute, you know?” “Yeah, I know, but see squirt, it’s what grownups do for their friends.” “Don’t be a condescending prick.” “Wow, remind me never to wake you up early.” “Don’t worry, you’ll never get the chance.” Oh yeah, I would. I couldn’t wait for the day for me to get ahold of her and cuddle up all night

long and wake her up with kisses. I took a sip, waiting for her to come downstairs, thinking last night I got to hold her tight. It was something that kept me going through two years of loneliness. Cali walked through the door and took my cup from my hand. “Hey, babe. You can’t be stealing my coffee.” “Tough, big boy. It’s mine. You shouldn’t have been drinking out of my cup.” “It reminded me of you.” I

grabbed the mug from her hand and placed it at the table. Taking a seat, I reached out and pulled her onto my lap. The feeling was so relaxing. I couldn’t do this two years ago, but now I could. “It’s your fault, I got hooked.” “You’re blaming me? I didn’t push the coffee in your hands.” “No, you pushed your way into my life and now I’m hooked.” “You started that shit. I walked into the house, thinking I was going to have a peaceful week off with no

females walking around half naked, and someone done blew those plans out of the water. My thoughts were so damn inappropriate I was living with guilt.” “Thanks for waiting for me to grow up.” “I waited as long as I could. Saying goodbye to you two years ago was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but your brother constantly kept me up to date. All except the boyfriend thing,” I grumbled the last bit. “That’s because he didn’t know. It

was a school relationship that lasted less than a school week. I only saw him in passing through the halls and maybe when we all hung out at lunch. My heart belonged with the man that left me for another land.” “I want to take you there one day. When the timing is better and when we have nothing to do but explore each other.” I held her tight, resting my head on her round breasts. “Alex, how am I supposed to… it’s just. I can’t believe they’re not going

to walk through that door and bust us.” It hurt to think of them never coming back. “What I wouldn’t give for them to catch us. Cali, I don’t know what I can do to ease your pain, but anything you need, just tell me.” “I will.” The doorbell chimed and we both looked at each other taking a deep sigh. I knew it was time to face the music. I hoped it was the police department’s social worker or some shit. Since we didn’t turn on the television, I didn’t

know if their names had been released. She jumped out of my lap, taking our cups to the living room. “Can you get the door? I don’t feel like talking to anyone except the police.” “Okay, love.” I didn’t blame her on that one. People would be showing up to express their condolences, but we didn’t need that at the moment. It was the police, and they did bring along a grief counselor. “Hello, I’m Alexander Richmond, Ms. Delaney’s fiancé. Please come in; Calista’s in the

living room.” I escorted them to her before taking a seat at her side. With her hand in mine, we waited for the details. “Ms. Delaney, we’re truly sorry for your loss.” “Thank you. Can you tell me what happened? Did they suffer?” “No, they didn’t. When help arrived on the scene moments later, they were all deceased. It seems that they were traveling the speed limit, but with the slick roads and cold night it was very dangerous. Their car veered off the

road and over a railing and down to a line of trees.” “That’s strange because my father was a very safe driver. He wouldn’t speed, especially in the rain.” “Was there another car involved?” I asked. “We don’t know. We’re still investigating the scene. If there wasn’t a blowout, I don’t see how he could have lost control like that, but our investigators will know something this afternoon.”

“What happens now?” I asked, Cali was holding onto me tightly. “They’re at the county morgue. Their identification was in their personal effects, but we will need a verification.” Cali looked frantically at me. “I can’t. I just can’t,” she sobbed. “Don’t worry, my love. I’ll do it.” I turned to the officers and asked, “When do we need to do this?” “As soon as possible,” the lead officer said.

I looked at all of the officers. “Okay, well. I can go down there with you.” I turned to my woman, and asked, “Cali, do you want to wait here for me?” “I don’t want you to go. What if?” Her fear shone in her expression. I tipped her chin and looked into her eyes. “I’ll be careful. I promise.” “Actually, Mr. Richmond, we can take you down there and drop you back off,” an officer suggested. “Will that work, Cali?” I asked her softly. I knew it was hard for her to

let someone leave in a vehicle again, but I wasn’t too worried. My issue was leaving her here alone. She was too sad and upset, besides I’ve missed her for two years. Being away from her had been brutal, but it had to be done. Separating for even an hour was too much for me. “It’s fine, Alex. I’ll be okay. I need to make some calls anyway before it’s all over the news. Oh my! Is it already over it?” “No, miss. We didn’t get a

verification yet, so we waited.” Her tension eased, then she whispered a heartfelt, “Thank you.”

Chapter 6 Alex just left and my anxiety hit a ridiculous level. My loss was real, and Alex was the only reason I didn’t turn into a pool of misery. If something happened to him, I wouldn’t be able to make it another day. Without him here, I felt the pain. I started to shake the moment the front door closed. Leaning against it for support, I tried to calm my racing heart. Now I knew what a panic attack felt like. He needed to come back.

My breathing was unsteady and my head was pounding. I rocked myself against the door frame, hoping time would fly and my rock would be here to make it better. Just a few minutes later, I felt my phone buzz. Answering without looking, I said, “Hello.” “Hey, babe. I just wanted to talk to you during the short ride. I wanted you to hear me so you’ll know I’m safe.” “Thank you. I need this.” “Anything for you. Just so you know this isn’t the first time I’ve been in

the backseat of a squad car. You’re marrying a hoodlum, Cali.” Alex called me and the stress lightened. He knew what I needed. “Oh, no. I guess I’ll have to rethink that. Especially since you didn’t ask me.” “Well, it was a done deal two years ago. You just didn’t know it back then.” No, I didn’t know, but I dreamed of it. I wished for it. “So, what did you do?” I hesitated to ask, but I my curiosity got the better of me.

“I got into a fight in high school with a guy on the football team and broke his nose. His father had me arrested on the spot. It was dropped; the jackass hit me first. Luckily, the school had a camera there or I would have gone to juvie.” That seemed a bit harsh for a punch. “Just for a fight?” “Being the mayor’s son holds a lot of weight, but his punch didn’t.” he chuckled. Oh shit, he was lucky he didn’t

face serious charges back then. The mayor’s son had seemed to calm down more recently, but that was after a small stint in jail. He went away for domestic violence. The man was rumored to have a serious complex when it came to the opposite sex. I was certain that the fight had to be over a female. “What did you fight over? A girl?” “Yes. He thought I was after his ex-girlfriend. I didn’t do anything with her. She was after me and he hated it. I may have goaded him about it,” he said with another laugh. Damn, he did have a

sexy laugh. It was a deep chuckle that came from the soul. I smiled, then shook my head. Men. I should be jealous about the exes in his life, but I wasn’t. Life was too short for living in the past. I lost everyone I loved last night—but Alex. Fighting over something before we met had no real purpose. “Men and their egos,” I remarked sardonically. “Yes. That’s true, babe. I’m cocky. You’re going to have to remind me when I get out of hand.”

“I see you being bossy, but cocky and a jerk to others doesn’t seem like you.” “No, but if someone challenges my manhood where you are concerned, they will get knocked out.” “I don’t think it’s good to talk about assault while in the back of a squad car.” “No, it isn’t, but I still mean it.” Again my frown was gone. He worked magic on me every time. He teased and spoke to me for five more minutes, then

they pulled up to the front of the hospital. “Hey, Cali we’re here. I’m going to let you go. I’ll call you as soon as I’m on my way back.” “Okay,” I said. My mind was back with my family in the cold morgue. The tears were there at the bottom of my eyelids, just ready to spill over. “I love you, Calista.” Hearing those words were a soothing balm to my wounded spirit. “Alex. I love you, too.” I hung up before he walked inside. I didn’t want to

accidentally hear anything about them that I couldn’t handle. I closed my eyes and thought about the last time I saw them and how they hugged me so tight, like they knew it was going to be for the last time. Wiping the tears that leaked down my face, I pushed away from the door. I walked back to the sofa, just to think. I had a lot of calls to make. The most important being to my grandparents. My dad’s parents were still alive, and I knew it would crush them. I made the call, but no one

answered, so I left a message. “Nana, Papa, please call me when you can. It’s very important.” Next, I called my aunt Marie and uncle Joe in Houston and broke down as I told them. They were on their way up and would call my other relatives because I couldn’t do that. It was hard just telling my mother’s brother. Hearing my uncle break down just gutted me. Leaning on my elbows, I played with my cell phone in my hand, twirling impatiently, waiting for Alex to call me back. I didn’t know how long it would

take, and frankly, I didn’t want to know. Lost in thought, I dropped my phone when the doorbell rang. Getting up was hard to do at the moment, but I wondered who could be at my door. Was it on the news? I opened to see Mark Reddick, my best friend’s brother, here. The look he gave me told me they must have announced it on the news. I didn’t want to be visited by well-wishers and hearing how everyone was sorry for my loss; no one could bring them back. I appreciated the gesture, but I wasn’t up

for it. “So, it’s true?” Mark asked with wide eyes. I nodded, my eyes watering. “I’m sorry, Cali, baby. I saw it on the news and the car looked like your parents’ car.” He pulled me into his arms, holding me tight. I knew that if Alex saw he would lose his mind, but Mark was just a friend and nothing more. Mark knew that, too. I told him when I was dating Danny that I wasn’t interested in a relationship with him. I wasn’t really

interested in dating Danny either, but my obsession with Alex was making me miserable. Danny dumped me the next day claiming I, but it didn’t matter to me because my feelings hadn’t ever been for anyone but Alex. “Please, come in before somebody nosy comes by. I can’t deal with people and their pity right now.” I closed the door behind him, leaving it unlocked for Alex. “No problem. I’m sure your place will be inundated today. I can’t believe

this.” We walked into the living room. Being here felt like I was invading my parents’ space. My breath caught in my throat and the sadness engulfed me. I stopped in my tracks trying to catch my breath. “Cali, are you alright?” he asked frantically. “Yeah, I just need to get something to drink.” I started to move toward the kitchen, but he put a hand on my wrist stopping me in my tracks. “I’ll go get it. You just sit down

and relax,” he commanded gently. I just nodded in agreement as I looked at all the photos that sat on the fireplace mantel. There was a photo of all of us at a Cowboys game. It was a great day. Our Cowboys beat their rivals, the New York Giants. It was an intense game with fans from both teams getting rowdy and belligerent. I loved it. I had a grin on my face before the feelings rushed through me that we’d never have one of those fun times again. I had to look away, wiping the tears. I sat down on the sofa while he

got us something to drink. My hurt was sharp as ever. I had nothing to focus on in the room. Every single piece of the room had a memory. Having Mark here did nothing for my sadness. With Alex, at least I forgot about my loss for a moment. I couldn’t wait for Alex to come back. He had been all I thought about and now he was my crutch. I had an uncomfortable feeling being alone with Mark without Alex, but maybe it was because I was afraid of what Alex might say. I’d never felt anything but normal around Mark. He

came back into the room so quietly that I didn’t notice he was there until he spoke. “So have you started making arrangements and everything?” He handed me my glass and I took a large drink of my soda. I think it was flat because it had a little carbonation and tasted lousy. My throat felt dry. So despite it tasting like shit, I downed the glass. “No, I haven’t. I only learned of it in the wee hours of the morning,” I admitted. Alex was going to take care of

that for me. I wasn’t strong enough for this, but Alex was my hero. “Well, if you need me to handle the arrangements, just say the word. When I lost my parents in an accident, I had to figure it out all on my own.” I remembered him losing his parents right after Alex left to work in Europe. I spent so much time with Lydia and Mark during their time of grief. Mark had been the strong one. I think it was a man thing. The fatigue of all that happened was starting to wear on me, I felt

extremely sleepy. “Mark, I’m drained and just want to go lay down. Can you excuse me?” “Absolutely. I just needed to know if it was true. Again, I’m so sorry, Cali. Of all days, you should be celebrating, but instead you’re dealing with such a loss.” I completely forgot about my birthday because to me it wasn’t significant at the moment. I stood up to walk him out when he took me in his arms again, squeezing me tight. Truthfully, his hold was the only thing keeping on my feet. I felt like falling out.

That was when the door opened and it was Alex. ~~~~~ “What the fuck? Who the hell are you and get the fuck away from my woman,” I roared. Walking in on someone else holding Cali didn’t sit well with me. I’d been calling Cali, but she hadn’t picked up her phone. The fact that she didn’t answer made me panic, but I talked myself down from the ledge of constant fear. Then, I walked in to find another man hugging her. Murder

was going through my mind. After what I’d been through with identifying the bodies and the information I overheard the police mention about the accident, I couldn’t deal with rationality. They had reason to believe it wasn’t truly an accident. I wasn’t going to say anything to Cali about it, but I was sure the police were going to be visiting again. Now this fuck is touching what belonged to me. She stepped away from him. It was the guy’s face I hadn’t forgotten. She

had the nerve to narrow her eyes at me. “Alex, this is Mark Reddick, he’s my best friend’s brother. He came to check on me.” “I bet he did. Well, I’ve got this, Reddick. My fiancée and I will see you at the services. Thank you.” I hurriedly walked him toward the door, but not without giving Cali a warning. “I’ll deal with you in a minute.” I knew she was going through some shit, but for her to ignore my calls, scaring me half to death, only to be alone with some other man, she was in for it.

I opened the door and glared at him. “I’m engaged to her. I know you were interested in her when she was too young, but she’s mine now. So do remember that. Don’t try to play on her grief.” I could tell he’d like to fight me, but I knew he was too much of a pussy to swing on me. “I’m not. She needs someone. You disappeared two years ago, and now you show up out of nowhere just as her parents are killed in an accident?”

I didn’t like the way he phrased it. I knew my paranoia was from the news I heard, but there was something about Reddick that bothered me, besides the fact that he wanted my woman. That piece of shit looked at me like he was ready to punch me in the face. His scowl didn't bother me; she was mine, end of story. I’d drop him before he got his fist all the way up. “I was working and waiting for her to be legal while you stood by stalking her. I know you want her, but it’s time to find your own girl. She’s mine,

and don’t make me tell you again.” The moment I shoved his ass out the door, I returned to my angry little Cali. She had her arms crossed like I was the asshole, but she didn't know that he still wanted her. I looked around but didn’t see her phone. Maybe that was why she didn’t answer it. I bet she left it in the kitchen since I saw two cups on the table. I should have been a fucking detective, but I couldn’t work long hours for mediocre pay. "Babe, do you want to be with

him?" I asked seriously, hoping the answer would be no. "No, of course not. You're all I want." "Then good. Stay away from him. He wants you, and I warned him, too. The look he gave me told me he was ready to fight for you." "But he knows I'm not interested," she said, sitting down on the couch. "Cali, sweetheart, he doesn't care." That kind of scared me because if he knew she didn’t want him, why was

he still willing to fight me? "He's just being nice. I lost my family, and he's checking in on me." Cali brushed it off, like it was no big deal. "Then why didn't he come with his sister?" She was stumped on that one. Even she couldn't defend that. I looked at her, waiting for a response, but that was when I noticed my woman's eyes were drooping. She hadn’t eaten since yesterday some time, so I needed to get some bites into her before she fainted.

Cali huffed and her shoulders slumped. “I’m so tired, Alex. Can we go to bed?” I just nodded. She must have been worn out. I scooped her up, carrying her back to bed. After she was settled in, I headed back down to make us some food. There were some steaks in the freezer, so I thawed them out and looked for some veggies. I remembered how much she loved T-bones. Setting them to thaw under cool water, I unwrapped them and tossed the packaging in the trash. That was when I saw her phone in the garbage can in the kitchen. That it

explained why she didn't answer it just like I thought. She was probably so out of it she dropped it in there instead of the soda cans on the counter. I wiped it down with a damp paper towel, then dried it quickly. I wondered if she knew that she didn’t have it. After I got dinner started, I needed to call my family and let them know what happened. My dad was shocked at the news and said he hadn’t seen anything on the news about it yet. “Talk to Cali to see if they had a

funeral plan or where important information’s stored. If they don’t, your mother and I can make the calls to set up the funeral.” “Thanks, Dad. I’ll call you when I know more, but I’m sure I’ve got to get a move on the services.” I paused a moment considering what I should tell him. He would be at my side doing all he could to protect me, but I couldn’t risk his safety. “Dad, there’s something I need to tell you. I haven’t told Cali yet, but it wasn’t a simple accident.” I stopped again and thought about how to

put it. “Mr. Delaney was shot, and the police believe that was when the car lost control and crashed” “Do you think it was a random shooting on the expressway? Or intentional?” “I don’t know because it was a clean shot in the head. Since the car crashed, the broken glass couldn’t tell them if the shot came from outside or inside the car. They need to do some more investigation into the matter. I don’t want to leave the house if there is

someone after Cali, too.” “Stay inside, and if you need anything, I can send someone to bring it. Okay?” “Thanks, but what about the house? Can we delay the surprise until I can take her home?” “Absolutely. Try not to worry, I’ll handle everything, or rather your mother will. Just promise me you’ll be safe.” “I promise.” I finished chopping the vegetables to make a salad and tossed them into a bowl.

“Take care, son,” he said nervously. I hung up with him feeling grateful for his support. My family knew about my fascination with Cali and the long wait. They worried at first that I would do something stupid, but were happy when I took up my father’s offer to work out of the country to set up another five-star hotel. It took another five minutes before I was done with the food and turned off the stove. I tucked the powered off phone in my pocket, then went to get the love of my life. I didn’t hear any

movement as I went up the stairs. When I opened the bedroom door, she was still passed out. I wanted to let her sleep some more, but our meal was ready and she needed to eat more than she needed to sleep. I leaned over the bed, kissing her sweet lips, but she didn’t react. I whispered. "Babe, time to wake up. Time to wake up." I shook her a little, but got no reaction. Shit, she couldn’t be that tired. I shouted, “Get up, damn it.” All I got

was a slight movement, but she didn't wake. Panic set in; something was wrong. I picked her up and rushed her into the shower turning the shower to the blue setting. I let the cold spray hit her face, forcing her to wake up. It did the trick, but she had some explaining to do because that grogginess wasn't from being tired. It was drugs. In college it happened to a friend of mine at a party. He’d taken too much and was almost comatose. She started to fight off the spray, so I turned off the water.

Once she got her bearings, shaking off the drops from her face, she yelled at me, "What the hell was that for?" I was wide-eyed and freaked out and she had an attitude. She could have OD’d. I would have lost her. "What did you take? Don't lie to me." Serious as a heart attack, I glared at her demanding an answer. "I didn't take anything,” she swore, acting like I was the one who was on something.

I shook my head, then cupped her chin roughly. Looking deeply into her eyes which were still glazed, I broke. "Damn it, Cali, I know it hurts, but I thought you wanted to stay with me—not join your family. I knew I shouldn't have left you alone." She tried to push out of my arms, but I wasn’t going to let her fall into the shower. I set her down on the bathroom vanity. I took a towel and wiped her face. Her head was drenched, which dripped onto her shirt soaking it. She snatched it angrily from me. "Alex, you

think I was trying to kill myself?! Are you nuts? All I did was sit in the living room waiting for your call." "If you were waiting for my call then why was your phone powered off and in the kitchen garbage?" I leaned over her with both arms on her sides, trapping her on the counter. Her expression was a seriously confused look. "Garbage? I didn’t go in the kitchen after you left.” “Well, you had it when I talked to you. So how did it get in the trash?” We

stared at each other before something clicked. "Mark,” she answered looking off in confusion. "Did he use your phone?" Jealousy embedded itself in my chest, marking it like a tattoo. I don’t know if there will ever be a time that I didn’t get jealous when it came to my Cali. "He shouldn't have. I was lost in memories while I looked at the fireplace. Mark went in the kitchen to get us something to drink. He didn't ask to

use it, and I wasn’t paying attention to him." It made me feel good that she could be so dismissive of him, but it still begged the question why he would take the phone. If he got her the drinks, did he slip her something? It would explain why she wasn’t lucid and hard to wake and still a little fuzzy. If he drugged her, he was as good as dead. We needed to talk to the police. We went back into the bedroom so she could change her shirt that was now wet. If the police didn’t act, I was going to have to hire a tail to follow that fuck. I

wasn’t going to leave anything to chance. I'm not sure I wanted us to leave the house until I was sure it was a random shooting and I knew Reddick’s whereabouts. I was pacing the floor nervously, thinking and planning my next move. "Babe, I need to make a call. Are you okay here for a few minutes?" Our dinner was getting cold, but I needed to feel secure for the both of us. "Yes. Can I have my phone?" She

held out her hand. "Sure, Cali, but don't make any calls. He might be listening in. Something about this doesn’t add up." She nodded and took the phone from my hands. “Just one more thing,” I said, climbing back onto the bed and kissing her lips. They were soft and sweet. I groaned when she tugged on my hair, meeting my kiss with fervor. Fuck, I leaned deeper into the kiss, pinning her to the bed. It took a minute for me to

control my need enough to pull back. I didn’t know if I could wait for us to marry before I fucked my baby into her. But first things first, deal with that bastard. I ran downstairs to call the cops. I had the one officer’s card. He picked up on the first ring. "Detective Clayton." "This is Alex Richmond. I think we may have a suspect. Mark Reddick came over after I left—to supposedly check on her. She was ready to pass out when I got here. I took her to bed then

about forty-five minutes later, I couldn't wake her. I actually had to take her in the shower and shock her awake." I paced the living room and accidentally bumped into the coffee table, spilling some of the full drink and noticing the empty glass next to it. Shit. "Do you think he drugged her?" I continued to stare at the empty glass, knowing I was lucky I got back when I did. If he did drug her, his intentions weren’t good. In fact, she knew who he was, so either he planned to keep her locked away or he was going to

eventually kill her. Either way, I was going to get him before he got another chance to get close to her. I would move heaven and Earth to keep her safe. My anger was prominent in my reply. If I’d found the phone before I tossed him out on his ass, I’d be arrested for murder. "Yeah, he poured her a drink out of her sight. Then he pilfered her phone, turned it off, and tossed it in the trash. I couldn’t reach her on my way back with Officer Nichols. He could have put a trace or some shit on her phone."

"That’s true, but I need proof. Don't leave the house and whatever you do don’t confront him. After what happened with her family, he may very well be the perp we’re looking for." "What about her? I don't know what he slipped her." "We'll bring a medic with the forensic team." "Thanks," I said, taking a deep breath. Damn, it dawned on me that I wiped down her phone because it was in with coffee grounds all over it.

I walked back upstairs slowly, trying to compose myself. She’d been through enough and didn’t need to deal with what was to come until she ate at least. She was sitting there staring off into the distance. “Cali,” I called out in a gentle tone. She turned her head and smiled. “For a minute, I thought you wouldn’t come back.” “Honey, I’ve got no intention of letting you leave my sight for the next month.”

“What about work?” “I worked seven days a week in Milan to finish the project faster so I could come home to you. I have time off.” Her smile grew and her face blushed. “Really, Alex?” She got off the bed and stood in front of me, her heart shining through her eyes. “Yes, my soul. It’s always been about getting back to you. Always you.” I was taken off guard when she jumped into my arms with her lips

planted on mine, but I used it to my advantage letting the pleasure of her body pressed against mine fulfilling some of my hunger for Cali. Her lips parted and let out a low sex-filled moan out into the air. I grasped her ass in my hands. I’d waited for what seemed like forever to do that. It was fucking everything I hoped it would be and more. I felt a bit of cum leak from my tip onto my boxers. That was it. I needed to get her downstairs and some food into her empty belly before I nailed her right where we stood. I untwined our bodies,

leaning over to catch my breath and get my act together. I didn’t know how long I had before they got to the house to do the cursory search and examination. I stood straight up, my erection pointing at her through my pants. Her eyes moved to it in need. With a lick of her lips, I was about to cum. “No, don’t think of it.” “You know you keep telling me that. I’m starting to think you don’t want me like that.” “Cali, love. Trust me, I want you

on your knees in front of me as often as possible. Hell, I’ve fantasized about it more times than I should have, but the police are coming to check out your phone. Besides, I’ve got to feed you real food.” I gave her a wink before picking her up into my arms, carrying her down to eat. ~~~~~ How he could make me forget that my world had dissolved around me was an accomplishment. The way his light blue eyes darkened to a deeper blue

when he stared at me took away some of the sadness. His touch made me forget everything but the zing of passion running laps through my body. He sat me down at the kitchen table while he moved about the room in a hurry. He tossed our steaks in the broiler while he served me a salad with my favorites. “I can’t believe you remembered what I like in my salads.” “Why not? It’s simple—carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. Besides, I don’t think there’s a thing I’ve

forgotten about you.” “You’re amazing, Alex. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I meant that, too. I fell in love with him two years ago, and he came back in time to pick up the pieces of my broken heart. “Me, either. I didn’t know I’d fall in love with anyone, let alone someone I had to wait what seemed like a lifetime for.” He laughed, but I knew that he was serious about it. If he felt a modicum of the love I felt for him, he’d be missing me always. From the look in his eyes, I

knew he loved me. I watched as he went about the room reheating our food. He looked so at home in the kitchen that I wondered if he cooked for himself all the time. He opened the broiler and, one by one, placed a massive T-bone onto each of the plates. My hunger pangs hit me the moment the perfectly cooked steaks scent reached my nostrils. I licked my lips at the steak he placed in front of me. “I can’t help being jealous of that meat.”

“Are you going to try to take this one away from me, too?” He groaned and reached for his hard cock, giving it a squeeze. With a growl he commanded, “Eat. Before someone comes, and I’m not just talking about the visitors.” Oh, wow. My thighs rubbed together, thinking about him cumming from my teasing. I stood up to add the salads to our plates, but he pulled me away from the table and pressed my back into his chest. I felt every inch of him, rubbing my ass against his long, thick cock.

“Stop and sit,” he gruffly whispered in my ear, nipping at it. I moaned again before taking my seat. We ate in silence because we were both too worked up to think straight, however there was a big problem with that. With every bite, I looked at the fork and plate, thinking my mom would never be washing dishes after dinner. Closing my eyes, I tried to wash away the pain. I couldn’t take the silence anymore. “Talk to me. I keep thinking about my mother. How was Italy?”

“Okay. It was busy. Like I said, I worked seven days a week. I had three different advisors and a translator that I ended up not needing after three months. I learned Italian, Bella mia.” “Damn, you’re not playing fair.” My shorts were wet in between my thighs and I didn’t like that really soaked feeling. I was going to be embarrassed when the officers come. “I’ll get even with you, Alex.” I stood up with my plate in hand, emptying it into the trash, bending at the

waist. My shorts rode up my ass, giving away my wetness, and I was certain he could make out the shape of my pussy. “You win,” he grunted. I turned my head, still in the bent position, and smiled. He gripped the table and looked like he would smash it to bits. He closed his eyes, and I knew I really won. He stood up and excused himself from the room. Before he stepped out the kitchen, I called out, “Looks like you were the real winner.” We both laughed before he left me

there to clean up the mess. I did the dishes while I waited for him to finish. Pulling my phone out of my pocket and thought about the police wanting to look at my phone. I hadn’t turned it on yet because I didn’t want to feel obligated to call my family back when I wasn’t supposed to call anyone. I powered it back on because there were things I didn’t want them to see, but it seemed like Mark took care of that for me. My wallpaper was back to its original stock screensaver. It should have been a picture of Alex. Embarrassment hit me

right away. There were several pictures of Alex in my phone. I took them when he wasn’t looking or when my mom took group photos of us. I wondered if he saw them, too. I looked like I had a school girl crush. I flushed and looked through my pics. They were all gone. My photos were all gone. I collapsed to the ground because it wasn’t just that I lost Alex’s pictures; I’d lost all the ones with mom, dad, and Rob. ~~~~ I walked to the bedroom in shame.

I couldn't believe I nutted in my pants from staring at her ass. I shook my head because I knew that was a lie. When I was visiting some of the tourist landmarks in Milan, I saw several nude statues of women, and I thought of Cali. Would her breasts be that pointy or her nipples that small? I remembered that although she was slender, she had curves. I cut my tour short because I was so stiff that only one thing would get rid of it. Once I got to my villa, I climbed into the shower and began

sliding my wet and sudsy hands up and down my length. I let out a low groan, tossing my head back against the shower wall. I knew it was wrong to jerk it to thoughts of Cali, but it was wrong to think about anyone else. I came hard, my cum splashing through the shower spray. I should feel guilty, but I didn’t. Cali was mine, and I wasn’t touching her. Soon I would be, very soon. Quickly jumping in the shower, I washed up then dressed before getting downstairs. Cali gave me a bright smile

that was beautiful but didn’t stretch to her eyes. Taking her into my arms, I hugged her tight. Being around her, I wanted to hold her and make the heartache go away; but at the same time I want to make love to her. I pulled back, tilted her chin to look into her lovely eyes. “I love you, Calista Delaney. Marry me.” I stepped back, got down on one knee, and pulled the box out of my pocket. Her mouth opened wide, but then a smile appeared on her face.

“Yes, of course. Oh my gosh, Alex, of course.” I stood up and slipped on the beautiful five carat diamond ring. I got in Italy a week after I got there. There was this little shop that had been there for generations. The ring stood out so prominently, that I knew it was meant for her. She gave a little giggle with a bit of tears as I slipped the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit, but that was due to Rob; he checked her rings for me. I missed him already.

“Alex, kiss me.” I gripped the hand that now sported my ring. A sign of my possession of her. One day she’d have another sign. I kissed the back of her hand then brought it to my cheek. “Anytime,” I whispered, tipping her chin and kissing her softly, I sealed the deal. Our mouths moved tenderly against each other, until she pulled away from me. “What’s the matter?” It was just getting deeper. “The doorbell.” Just as she said

it, the doorbell rang again. We both walked to the door, but I held her behind me as I looked through the peep hole. It was Detective Clayton and a bunch of other law personnel. With her behind me, I let them in. I didn’t trust if a shooter was behind them. “Alex, I doubt Mark is coming to steal me away. You don’t need to be paranoid,” she said, moving from behind me. “Actually, Mr. Richmond has the

correct idea.” They rushed in the door, moving to block the door until everyone was inside, then it was locked. Cali looked at all of us in confusion when the detective said, “You didn’t tell her yet, did you?” “No, it wasn’t the right time.” “Right time for what? What were you supposed to tell me?” “Babe, you don’t really want to know, but you have to be told. The thing is, come here and sit down.” I took her hand and sat her down next to me. I

wanted her in my lap, but then I needed to look her in the face because this was going to be difficult. “Cali, it wasn’t just an accident. Your father crashed because he was shot and lost control of the car.” “What? No! There was no one that would try to hurt my family.” Her eyes begged me not to be true. “Sweetheart, I don’t know if the gunshot was meant for someone else or for your father, but it’s very true. That’s why I don’t want you to go outside.”

Realization hit her that we were looking at Reddick for this. “You think Mark did this?” “Well, he did mess with your phone.” “Calista, I’m Dr. Nina Levine. You can talk to me if you want. I know that this is the most difficult time in your life.” “No, thanks, Dr. Levine.” She shook her head then placed it against my chest. I squeezed her, giving her my strength.

“Ms. Delaney, we need to see the phone.” She took it out of her back pocket and handed it to the officer. It was the first time I noticed him. The tech guy must have only been about twentyfive at the most. I wanted to growl at him, but instead I pulled her onto my lap. She was sexy even with her tear stained face. I didn’t want him to get any ideas. “Are these the glasses from earlier?” Detective Clayton asked, pointing to the two on the coffee table. “Yes, the empty one was mine.”

“Ok, Keith, swab it for trace evidence.” The other guy, who had to be younger than the other fuck, grabbed the glass with gloved hands and wiped the inside with some circular absorbent cloth. Then he tested the glasses for fingerprints. It was insane, but I hated that he had his hands all over Cali’s glass. Her lips had been on there, lips that belonged to me. What was with this detective? He brought all these young men around my woman. I’d punch one of them in the face if they smiled at her. “So, Ms. Delaney, can you tell me

what happened when Mr. Reddick stopped over?” Clayton asked with his notepad in hand. She took a deep breath, then began. “Yes, I’d been sitting here twiddling my phone waiting for Alex’s call when he rang the doorbell. I opened it and he looked right at me with a pityfilled expression. I knew that he knew about my parents. He told me he saw it on the news, but the license plate was partially showing.” “Wait. When was that?” The

detective asked with a quizzical expression. All the heads in the room turned to hear her response. Her eyes were wide with fear. “Just few minutes after I talked to Alex on the phone. I remember thinking that you weren’t supposed to release it until the bodies were identified. I was pissed but didn’t tell him that.” “The news report didn’t air until an hour ago,” Detective Clayton informed us. “What?!” Cali and I shouted in

unison. The room became silent as we all realized the truth. Reddick knew more about what happened than he pretended and more than likely was the shooter. I could feel Cali shaking in my arms, then she pushed out of my embrace. “It had to be him. How could he? Excuse me.” Cali ran from the room, so I followed after up to the bathroom. “Cali open up.” She was retching in the toilet. I pounded on the door before she

mumbled, “It’s open.” Trying the knob, she was right; it opened with ease. She tearing off her clothes. I tried not to be turned on with her in her underwear. Cali ran the shower. “Babe, what’s going on? What are you doing?” I stopped her before she walked. “I have to wash him off my skin,” she said vehemently. Reaching around her back, she unsnapped her bra, letting it fall. Damn. Her tits were so fucking perky and perfect.

“What do you…Wait, he was hugging you when I came in.” The bastard had been trying to comfort her from his own handiwork, that cost her everything but me. She nodded vigorously entering the stall. “Yes, he took the opportunity to tell me how sorry he was for my loss. How he could help plan the funeral.” I wanted to punch the wall and lose my cool, but she needed my support though. I’d make him pay later. “Listen, Cali, I know you’re

disgusted. He’s vile and more than likely a murderer, but remember you didn’t do anything wrong. His hug and kindness was a part of his plan.” She nodded then closed the shower door. “Fine, Cali. Come back down soon. I’m sure the police will have more questions.” “Okay,” she shouted over the spray. I walked to the door, then turned back to glance at her. My rage was reaching astronomical proportions. There was nothing better than death for him. I closed the door and joined the officers back downstairs.

“Is she going to be okay,” Dr. Levine asked. I rubbed the back of my neck in frustration. “Yeah, he hugged her, offering her support.” “Yes, psychopaths like that will venture to view the aftermath of their actions. If we don’t get to him, I think he’ll make his appearance again.” The detective and I sat around and waited while the rest of the team did their thing. “I want her to have some protection on her. We can’t leave the

house until I know she’s safe. I would say that I was enough protection, but as you can see, he is a coward and attacked from a distance.” “We can hire someone, but it can’t be twenty-four hours. The budget won’t allow for it.” “No, I want someone to tail him. If he’s monitored, then I’d feel better.” “We could do that, but again it couldn’t be twenty-four seven.” “I can hire a few people to keep tabs on him until he’s arrested.”

“We might be able to nail him if we have enough evidence for an attempted kidnapping and assault on Ms. Delaney.” “Hey, Keith. Is there anything in the glass?” Clayton asked while another member of the forensic team took photos. “Yes, sir. There’s traces of GHB and/or methamphetamines. We’ll need to run some more tests, but there are definitely drugs in this glass. Also, there’s several prints on here. I will

need a copy of hers along with the other glass because his fingerprints should be on it.” Everything was bagged and photographed. The tech asshat approached us with the phone in an evidence bag. “There’s not tracking information on her phone, but all her photos are empty. Do you know if she took pictures with her cell? Most people do, so it’s strange that there’s nothing there and there’s no special screensavers. Most people change their screensavers at the very least. There’s not even a picture for

that.” “I don’t know; I didn’t see her phone.” “They were erased. Every image I had in there is gone. Every single picture of my family has been erased.” Her overwhelming sorrow got to everyone in the room. I rushed to her side, wrapping her up in my chest. “I can see if I can recover them, but that will have to wait until we have all the evidence we can gather from it.” “That’s fine, but I need to contact

my family members so I need the information from the phone.” “Here, I have a cable. Mr. Richmond, can I see your phone?” I handed it over. He connected the two phones with a cable and transferred the contacts and messages in a few minutes. We couldn’t believe it, but she had everything she needed to speak with her family. I noticed she had twelve voicemails. “One of these is from Lydia.” “Who’s Lydia?”

“She’s Mark’s sister and used to be my best friend.” “Great, play the message. I hope she has something to tell us.” Cali. Oh my God, I can’t believe it. Rob’s gone. I don’t know how this could happen. I’m sorry about your parents, too. It’s so terrible to lose them all, especially because it’s your birthday. Mark, what are you doing in here? Shut your fucking mouth. This is all your fault. She’s with that bastard…

Ahhhh! A gunshot could be heard in the background, and then the phone went dead. “Cali, where do they live? Now!” She spat out the address and the police made a call while they packed up and rushed out. We were all alone again on her birthday and more tragedy struck. “Are you okay, Cali?” She shook her head. I didn’t think so either. “Alex, will you do me a favor?” she asked.

“Anything, my love.” “Make love to me.” I inhaled deeply. I thought we should wait because of all the bad news. “Baby, are you sure? You don’t want to regret this.” “Alex, I’ve waited, fantasized, came to the idea of you taking my virginity. I need to feel alive, something special. I want something special, something good, to remember about today Please don’t make me beg.” “No, no. You don’t have to beg.”

Chapter 7 I tilted her face up to see her beauty before I kissed her soft lips. “I’ve waited so long for this, Calista.” Standing up, I put my hand out for hers. The moment she grabbed it, I pulled her into my arms. This time my mouth came down on hers hard and demanding. My cock throbbed in my pants so intensely that could feel my pulse through it. I growled in her ear, taking it in between my teeth. My hands slid into her hair,

and I tugged her head back. My mouth explored her neck, licking her throbbing vein on her pale flesh. I wasn’t planning on fucking her on the sofa, so I stopped our kissing reluctantly. Scooping her up, I carried her to her bedroom, but not before checking the locks on the front door. We slowly climbed the stairs, stopping to kiss every few steps. Her pussy rested directly on my cock, giving both of us that rush of friction with each stair. The moment we hit her bedroom, I

slammed the door shut with my foot. Without breaking our kiss, I carried her to the bed. I kicked off my shoes as our bodies hit the mattress. Fuck, I felt the stirring in my balls; I was going to come before I got in her. My hips ground into hers as I worked my way to lifting up her tee shirt. I felt her smooth skin pimple up with goosebumps. Her nipples pebbled through her bra as I skimmed past them to rid her of that damn shirt. I broke our kiss long enough to slip it over her head. Tasting her mouth once more with mine, I moved my greedy mouth and worked

my way south. Her back bowed off the bed when I bit through her thin bra and sucked her hard nipple in my mouth. “Ah,” she cried out. “More, Cali?” I was well past gone already. I knew anything she asked for, she’d get. I was about to cum at her breathy moans. Needing to taste her soft yet firm breasts, I yanked down her bra. “My, my, my, what do we have here? Damn Cali, these are some perfect breasts and they’re all mine.” I licked the underside before I traced my tongue around her light pink berries. They

peaked even more as I blew onto them. Sucking her nipple into my mouth, she cried out, her body cumming fast and hard. I let out a little whimper as my body felt the stirrings of my own orgasm. I moved back up to her lips, kissing her and cumming in my pants. I groaned as I felt my load empty. I was a little pissed that I wasted it, but I had plenty more where that came from. I lifted off of her and the bed. “Please tell me that you’re not going to stop,” she said in

disappointment. “Fuck no, take off your clothes, Cali.” I was still hard, even after cumming. I made quick work of my clothes, standing in front of my woman stark naked with my cock pointing at her. Her eyes widened as she eyed my wet tip. “I want. Can I?” “Baby, just a bit.” She let out a wicked giggle. “Can I be honest with you?” “Always,” I grunted. I hoped to

hell what she said didn’t kill my mood by telling me about another guy. Her body blushed as the nervous smile crept up on her face. “Every time I played with my pussy, I thought about what your cock would feel like in my mouth. I wondered how you liked to have it licked. It set me off so often. It did that day you barged in,” I squeezed the tip to stave off the need to cum. I’d just come, and I was struggling not to nut again. Fuck, I walked toward the edge of the bed and

sat down. Letting her get down to the floor, she knelt down in front of me. I ran the tip along her lips. “Open wide, Cali.” Her tongue trailed after my tip, then she parted her pouty lips. She darted out her pink tongue and licked the drop that was sitting on my head. I groaned out loud as her mouth wrapped around my cock. I pushed my hips forward, letting her take me down deeper into her hollowed out cheeks. I didn’t know how to breath as she took her hand and wrapped it around my

base. Her fingertips barely touched around my girth. Damn, I didn’t realize how small she was in comparison to my body. It was going to be hard to break through her tiny pussy. I looked down and watched her work my cock over. I moaned deeply and felt the build up again. I was close, but I had wasted enough cum. I pulled back, and she pouted at me angrily. “I can taste your cum. It’s sweet yet tangy, Alex. Why are you taking away my treat?”

“Because I’m done wasting my cum outside your little pussy. I want my kid growing in you, and I can’t do that nutting everywhere but your pretty little cunt.” “But once I’m pregnant?” “Then you can have your fill. Now kitten, it’s time for me to taste my treat.” Instead of being as forward as she’d been to suck my cock, she turned into a shy little thing. She blushed, and hesitated to get on the bed. “No time for being shy, sweet

Cali. I want your pussy and I will have it. Up and spread those thighs wide, or I’ll part them myself.” She climbed back on the bed with her knees bent but closed and her body resting on her elbows. She arched her brow challenging me, but it had been two long years of self-loving. I worked my way in between her thighs, roughly parting them. I eyed her mound with its pretty blonde curls; they were wet and darkened with her dewy desire. I pressed my head down to her heat and inhaled her scent. Like I imagined, it

was sweet. Parting her little lips, I ran my tongue along her slit. I groaned as her taste went straight to my balls. Her legs ground against the bed, bending and straightening as she tried to ride the wave of pleasure. I started to stretch out her heat by scissoring two fingers in her tight core. I could feel her barrier, and I pressed lightly against it. It sent my ego soaring that I would be the only one to know her pussy. She was sweet like candy, and I ate her up until she started to ride my face, cumming hard. She soaked my mouth with her

release, and it brought me back to the brink again. I reached down to my cock put it in a death grip hold to stem the flow. It worked. I felt the sweat sliding down my back as I sat at the edge of cumming. With little strength and will power left, I stalked up her body and pressed the head of my cock at her entrance. She cried out as I pushed my way in, making us one. It felt like a vise that wanted me out, but I was stubborn enough to fight back. I sat fully seated in her pussy. Her eyes briefly expressed

pain, but the look of love overcame that shit. “Oh wow, just what I thought,” she murmured, breathlessly. “I think it’s broken.” “Yeah, I broke you open, but you’ll get used to it, my Cali. Just relax.” My mouth went to hers, slowly easing my tongue into her mouth. Her walls started to ease up on my cock, her juices beginning to give me some leeway. I pulled back, until I left just the tip in, then rocked back in lazily, letting her get

used to me and fighting my urge to cum. I managed to hold back long enough to hear her panting for more. She sang my name with every thrust. “Alex, Alex.” She had me so close that every moan, cry, and plea brought me closer to cumming. My hand moved between us to tease her clit because I wanted us to cum together. She wrapped her thigh around my waist, tilting her hips and letting me drive in at a different angle. Her clit hit my base, sending her into another wild orgasm while her tight pulsing walls squeezed out every drop of seed from

my cock. I thought about the fact that my little guys were hitting her unprotected womb, trying to fight to tie Cali to me. The image made me cum a little more. My vision blurred as I felt the most immensely powerful orgasm I’d ever had. I looked down into her eyes and felt like I was home. She was mine, and now there was nothing I would let separate us. “I love you, Cali.” “Thank you, Alex. Thank you for making me feel alive.”

Chapter 8 I looked down at her as she slept. Cali’s long blonde hair was messy, thanks to me, and it brought a big ass grin to my face. Two years of waiting were over and my heart was one with hers. There was no more doubt that maybe she didn’t want me or that she would want someone else. My biggest fear now rested on keeping her safe. We weren’t a hundred percent sure that it was Reddick, so I

had to look out for all potential suspects. I had a feeling it was him, though. If he was willing to hurt his sister, he was willing to kill someone else. I knew that Cali didn’t want to know what happened to Lydia because it was probably the worst. They were best friends, and I knew that Rob’s death was eating me up. Crawling out of the bed around ten o’clock at night to find out what happened to Lydia. Walking downstairs so I don’t wake Cali, I texted the officer. He sent a message back. Turn on the news.

I did, and the first thing I saw was the breaking news. There was a manhunt out for Mark Reddick. He’s suspected of murdering his sister who was found dead in their home and involved the death of the Delaney family. I ran my hands through my hair. “Damn it. How am I going to break this to her?” I muttered in angry frustration. “You don’t have to.” She came walking toward me, tucking her head into my chest. “Why is he doing this?” I hated that she had to go through this. If

what I think is true, he was obsessed with her. “We can’t understand some people’s minds and the shit that they keep locked away.” “This is all my fault.” I knew this was coming—the guilt. “No, it’s not. Don’t think that shit.” I grabbed her chin, making sure she understood me. I knew it was killing, but I didn’t want her going down that rabbit hole. “You didn’t do anything but have a really great friend. Tell me. Was

Lydia a bad friend?” “No, never.” Her eyes welled up with unshed tears. “Then you had no reason to believe that her brother would be so evil.” “You’re right, but I can’t help but think I did something to get him to want me.” Her natural essence could attract any man. Smarts, beauty, a sense of humor and a natural goodness about her. She was everything wonderful wrapped up in a small package.

“You didn’t do anything but be yourself. You’re a sweet and loving person. I fell in love with you on the spot, and you did nothing but welcome me into your home. Hell, you gave me attitude right away and all I could think about how I had to bide my time.” It was the truth. She was lovable, even when she was cranky. “I guess so,” she muttered, dipping her head back against my chest. Lifting her face again and looking into her lovely eyes, I said, “I know so.”

“Thanks for being my hero, my love, and my friend.” “Always,” I promised before tasting her lips. Our kiss deepened and I lifted her up into my arms, grinding my cock against her mound. Fuck. We were both turned on so badly that we almost missed the doorbell ring. Pausing to listen again, we heard someone ring the motherfucker multiple times. “Whoever it is, better have a reason to be here,” I growled. Setting her down onto the sofa,

I adjusted my erection and whispered, “Wait here.” If it was Reddick, I didn’t want him to get a chance at harming her. I walked to the door, looked through the peep hole and didn’t immediately recognize the four people at the door. I opened it and asked, “Can I help you?” “Where’s Calista at?” a middleaged man asked. “Who are you all?” I asked. “I’m her aunt Marie and this is her uncle Joe.” The middle-aged woman

pointed to the man staring me down. “We’re her grandparents,” a much older woman said. I never met her family because they all lived out of state and hadn’t visited that summer. Then I heard Cali coming to the door. “Oh my God. You all came.” “You didn’t answer your phone when we called.” Her grandmother pulled her into her arms hugged Cali tightly. “Okay, we can get to talk inside. Please come in fast.” I spotted the cop

car with Officer Nichols sitting with her partner. I gave them a subtle nod of appreciation. Her family looked at me strangely, but clung to Cali and moved into the house. “I didn’t mean to be a dick. It’s just we’ve got a problem, and there’s a killer on the loose.” It was better to tell them sooner rather than later. “A killer?” Her uncle and grandfather asked at the same time. “Yeah. By the way, I’m Alexander

Richmond.” “You’re Rob’s friend,” the grandmother said, with meaning. They all looked at each other and that was the first smile I’d seen them crack. “So, what do you have to do with this situation? And, what about this killer?” the grandfather asked angrily, clutching his granddaughter in his arms. We all gathered in the living room while Cali and her aunt fetched some coffee. I went into the details of the day and the speculation. I also told them

about the squad car that was lurking outside for our protection. They were all pissed more than scared. I was both because I couldn’t lose Cali. “We need to start preparing for the funerals,” her aunt said, starting the hard topic. “My parents are making the arrangements for us. I’m going to follow up with them in the morning.” “Why are they doing it? It should fall to us,” her grandmother asked clearly offended.

“My father offered because Cali wasn’t feeling up to it and I wanted to take care of her. Cali didn’t have her phone; the police have it, so we had no idea anyone would show up until we told everyone the service dates.” “I can’t believe their gone. I’ll help your parents and make sure they have everything they need. Robert and Connie had all their funeral plans set up with their life insurance policy. I believe they keep it in the family safe.” “Oh, I didn’t know. I can go look

for it,” Cali suggested. “I will tell my father. He told me to look and see if they have anything placed as a precaution.” “They did, but they didn’t have anything for Rob. No parents expect their kids to go before them,” her Uncle Joe said. “No, we don’t,” Cali’s grandfather replied sadly. I felt his heart falling apart knowing he had to bury his child. “We can set up the guest

bedrooms for you.” Thankfully, t had two of them because I didn’t think Cali would like anyone in her brother or parents’ rooms. ~~~~ It took two hours to get everyone situated for the night. I carried my sleepy Cali upstairs, cradling everything that was precious to me. “Cali, how are you feeling?” I asked after climbing to bed. “So mixed up. My only happiness comes from you, and it’s marred by

every terrible thing around us. I keep thinking it would be better if Mark just came after me,” she muttered in frustration turning her head away from me and looking at the wall. I felt the sting on that one. My sympathy fled for the moment, and rage took its place. I was pissed that she said that shit to me. It was as if she was saying her life was fucking meaningless. I flipped her onto her back and straddled her. Looking at her deeply, I gave her a stern warning. “Don’t you ever say some stupid shit like that again. Yes, you’re in

pain and your heart is broken, but what you’re saying would take you away from me. That’s not something I could deal with. I don’t want to lose you, so don’t think like that. If you want me to get you a therapist, I will. In fact, I think that shit would be a great idea, but first let me get you to see how much you’ve got to live for.” I stealthily took off my boxers that I wore to bed and slipped her nightgown over her head. I left her tiny lace panties on because I wanted something to hold my seed inside her. Pushing them to the

side, I tested her entrance with my fingers. She was wet, so I played with her clit. I wanted her dripping for me before I entered her. I kissed her while my fingers strummed her sweet center. Her moans were muffled by my lips. I took in her cries and moved my body in between her thighs. My cock lined up perfectly with her core, and I slowly worked my way inside. I cupped her mouth when she cried out loudly. “Ssh, my love. We have your family here.”

She nodded, so I removed my hand. “You’re so perfect, Cali. You feel so warm and tight.” We moved against each other unhurriedly with our bodies connected from head to toe. We glided together with her body under me. This was what we needed. Our movements were aided by the sweat building between us. With us this close, it felt so intense. I never thought my love for her could grow, but my heart pounded harder than ever. “You’re everything to me, Cali. Please don’t ever leave me.”

“I don’t want to ever leave you.” I growled and kissed her deeply, continuing to make love to her. It wasn’t long until we both came and passed out wrapped up in each other.

Chapter 9 The following morning, we had a houseful of Cali’s family and my parents. There was no sign of Reddick yet. Our families worked together to organize the funeral in the relative safety of the house. We wanted to have a wake, but it wasn’t possible. Open caskets were not going to be able to happen. We agreed to have a small service before the actual funeral with tons of security. My father hired several sets of

security teams while the police were still on a manhunt for Reddick. When the police arrived at the Reddick house after the voicemail, he was long gone and Lydia was dead. The news posted photos of him, but also reminded the public not to confront him if they did come into contact with him. The problem with Reddick was that he looked normal. There was nothing about his features that stood out. He had been good looking, but nothing special, so it was hard to spot him from any other six foot, brownhaired, brown-eyed guy.

We all sat on pins and needles waiting for some news. The service and funeral would be held in three days, and we prayed that he would be picked up before then. It was the middle of the afternoon when my father and I got a chance to speak in private. “Son, how are you hanging in there?” “As good as I can be. I have Cali, which makes me so damn happy that I could fucking scream it out to the world, but it wasn’t supposed to be this way.

Rob should be here threatening me to treat Calista right.” “No, it’s not supposed to be this way, but we can’t change the past so we have to move on. Well, you can move on once the bastard is caught. Starting your family and life, but never forgetting the memories.” “I hope he’s caught soon. We can’t leave the house, and I don’t like Cali living here all the time. She steps into the room and tears are always ready to pour. All she has to do is look at

something and it sets her into a spiral of grief. Living here isn’t going to give her any relief.” “After the funeral, take her back to Dallas. Your place has been waiting for her to make it a home for almost two years.” “It has been. We need to send in a cleaning crew to make sure that it’s dust free, all the furniture is in place, and the fridge is stocked with fresh food.” My phone rang, interrupting our conversation. It was Detective Clayton.

“Tell me you’ve got him,” I said before he could say anything. “No, he got away. He was spotted in Arkansas, using his credit card at a gas station. We got the footage, but he’s flitting under the radar. Police in Texarkana and both Texas and Arkansas State Troopers are setting up road blocks.” “When was this?” “In the past two hours. We don’t think he was trying to go back to Texas, but we don’t know for sure.” That

wasn’t any real assurance, but it was more than nothing. At least he was several hours away from her. “Okay, we’ve got a swarm of security officers working around the clock to keep him away from Cali. Thankfully he has no way to get to her from the backyard, so at least she can get some fresh air.” “Good. I would say keep her locked in the vicinity of the house so she doesn’t become a target.” “Thanks for keeping me

informed.” “Absolutely. We’re hoping Reddick doesn’t claim another victim. Richmond we’ve got everyone looking for him. I promise, we’ll find him.” I hung up with him just as Cali came into the room. “Hey, babe. Were you able to get some sleep?” “Yes, I think I really needed.” “I just got off the phone with the police. Come sit down and I’ll tell you what he said.” She went to take a seat next to me, but I pulled her onto my lap

where she belonged. “He’s trying to get away from Texas and go into Arkansas. We need to be careful, but it looks like maybe he’s more worried about getting away than coming after you.” “Thank goodness, but what happens when he goes after someone else?” “Babe, we just need to be concerned about us and getting through the next few days.” She tucked her head into my neck

with her arms around me, kissing my shoulder. “I love you, Alex.” “You’re my reason for existing, Cali. Are you hungry?” “No, but I’m sure my aunt and grandmother are getting dinner ready as we speak.” “I thought we were going to order in?” “They said they wanted to keep busy.” “I understand.” The next three days were almost

identical. No news on Reddick and arrangements being made while all the women cooked. Some reason BBQ didn’t seem right, so the men didn’t cook. The backyard was a place to party. It had been where we’d all gotten together in the past. It was a place to laugh and joke, so it didn’t feel proper. Barbequing in Texas is a second nature. Good times and good friends, but we wouldn’t get those moments with Rob and their parents.

Chapter 10 “Morning, my love,” Alex said, rolling over to lean above me. He was so handsome with his early morning scruff. Everything about him was sexy. How could he wake up looking like her belonged on the cover of dirty novel? “Morning, Alexander,” I whispered. Today was the worst day for me. I was burying my family. It shouldn’t be this way, but there was nothing I could do to change it. My pain had been

sitting at the surface and broke through several times a day. The only thing that kept me together was Alex. He stayed by my side, holding me, comforting me, and making love to me. His passion and strength dominated my agony and smashed it to pieces. I loved that he understood that I could be happy one moment and sad the next. I needed him at the moment. “Alex, can we shower together?” “Babe, you know what happens when we shower together,” he said.

Catching the look on my face, he knew that was why I wanted to shower. ~~~~~ I knew she needed an escape from the pain of reality. I carried my little fairy into the bathroom down the hall, then sat her on the vanity and undressed myself before taking her clothes off. I scooped her back into my arms and into the shower but refused to set her down. While the water cascaded down our bodies, I softly whispered, "I love you, Cali."

Pressing her back against the wall for leverage, I used one hand to rub my cock along her pussy lips. I felt her shiver with desire as I pushed the tip through her parted folds. I could feel every inch of her walls squeezing my length. Staying completely still I let her control the ride. Cali rose up then slid slowly down, a moan ripping from her throat. I bent down and sucked her nipple into my mouth, then licked around her hardened point. Her body arched when I bit and tasted her flesh under her peak.

Cali bounced up and down, riding my cock while the water splashed against our heated bodies. “Cali, cum for me.” “Yes,” she cried out, cumming on my cock and squeezing every ounce of cum out of me. We grunted and moaned, rocking out every last bit of pleasure before I pressed my head against her chest. I could hear the rapid beating of her heart, and I placed my ear closer to listen to the rhythmic sound.

~~~~ We managed to sneak back to my bedroom before any of my family members saw me. I didn’t want them to know what Alex and I were doing. They probably would be offended because I shouldn’t be so happy in Alex’s arms when I just lost my family, but he makes me feel whole for a moment. “I hope no one heard us,” I said, looking nervously at my bedroom door. “Sweetheart, I don’t know if they did, but I’m sure they understand.”

“How could they? I just lost my parents and brother, and I’m having sex like a greedy rabbit.” “I wouldn’t say greedy rabbit, maybe a cat in heat,” he teased with a smile. “Jackass.” “Cali, we’re not the first to use sex as a way of coping. Hell, we’re not the first to do it today—in this house.” I stared at him wide-eyed. “Are you trying to imply someone in this house was having sex?”

“I’m not implying; I’m saying. I went to call my Dad and check on security for today when I heard shit I don’t think I’ll ever get out of my head. Let’s just say, I’ll be looking at some of your family with a side eye.” He guffawed and pretended to gag. What a shithead. “I don’t want to know who it is.” “Neither do I, but I do. Just so you know, if you misbehave, that might be a great punishment.” “Damn, I might have to be on my

best behavior.” “Let’s get ready. I know you’re stalling, but we have to be on time, my love.” “You could tell?” I made a face then added, “Okay. I’m getting ready.” He gave me a surprise hug and promised, “We’ll get through this— together.” I nodded and moved off to get dressed. I took a deep breath as I thought about what I would say to those in attendance. There were so many things I

could say about how wonderful my family was, but I knew anything would cause me to breakdown. After we were ready, we met with my grandparents and my aunt and uncle. Some looks passed between everyone, but I didn’t want to know who did what. I just wanted to curl up in a ball and cry until my dad picked me up and told me it wasn’t real. There were no death monsters taking them away from me. ~~~~~ The service went better than I

expected. The security blended in so well with the guests that no one was aware of what was going on. All they knew was that the accident had left the remains barely recognizable and required closed caskets. Cali didn’t make it more than a sentence into her speech before she broke down. Her grandfather and I took the reins and finished the dedication to the Delaneys. It was a struggle to stem my own tears. I loved Rob and respected his parents. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room once we were done, even our

security felt our pain. The night before the funeral, I had her clothes and some of her belongings sent to our new house. There was no way I was taking her back to the house. Every little thing set her off this week. Hell, I had moments when I broke down. We didn't manage to go through most of her family’s things because it was too much too soon. Every one of her family members left after the funeral. Somehow, seeing the caskets made it all real to them, and they couldn’t go back to the house yet either.

After the funeral, I had a team to escort us to Dallas. I bought her a house two years ago, and I was finally going to be able to take her home. She laid her head down on my lap as we made our way to our new life. I caressed her blonde hair, making her fall asleep. As we drove, I thought about how much I took those two years for granted. Anything could have happened to her. “I’ll never leave you unprotected again,” I solemnly promised her. Life without her would be impossible.

Once we got about five miles out from our home, I woke her up. “Are we here?” She looked around groggily. “Not yet. I just wanted to make sure you were up to see your new home.” “How long have you lived here?” “Technically, never.” “What does that mean?” “It means I bought it two years ago, but I’ve never lived here. See the thing is, I was waiting for someone to grow up.”

“Wait, you got this house for us?” “Yes, my love.” She smiled brightly and blushed. ~~~~~ I walked into our new home in freaking awe. The man had this house built from the ground up just for me...well for us. It had to be a milliondollar home. My family home wasn't more than a quarter of that, and I loved it. This was grand, yet it suited me. "So tell me. Did I do good?" "Good? You did great. I can

believe you did this for me." "For us," he whispered, sliding up behind me wrapping his arms around waist. His hands pressed flatly on my belly. "For us," I chanted, feeling a world of peace wash over me as I covered his hands with mine. "Come on. Let me give you the grand tour." He latched tightly on my hand, then spun me around like we were dancing. My body slammed into his chest and we both cracked up, then his

lips came down hard on mine. We moaned together, my arms sliding around his neck. He pulled back, gripping my shoulders, and said, "Woman, stop distracting me." "I believe you kissed me." "I never said I didn't, but that giggle drives me wild. You have a musical laugh. I don't think I ever told you that, but there were times when I had to walk out of the room because I was on the verge of kissing you."

He dragged me along through the house. Each room was a different shade of greyish blue. Every bedroom we entered was bigger than the last. I couldn’t believe that there were eight bedrooms in the house. We finally reached the last one—the master bedroom. It was twice the size of the other bedrooms. In the far corner was a kingsized bed with pretty sheets in my favorite color, blue. It had four large masts that were on each corner of the frame with a canopied top. I moved to it,

jumping up onto the mattress with the massive black wooden frame. Closing my eyes, I thought of the nights to come of lying in Alex’s arms. He was the balm to my aching soul, the love of my life, and the hope that I held deep within my shattered heart, healing it from the center. “What are you thinking?” “I want to spend a lifetime in bed with you,” I admitted with a dubious smile. “Oh, we will.” He leaned over

me, his lips near my ear. His hands touched my back, then I felt the slow slide of the zipper on my dress. It was like the world had quieted and all I could hear was the sound of the zipper, his heated breath against my neck, and the racing of my heart. Each sound echoed like the beat of a tribal drum. I felt his first kiss to my neck, it was soft and light, just under my jaw, sending goosebumps down my skin. I felt the smile on my shoulder as he planted little kisses along every bit of flesh he bared. My voice was missing; I let out a

little whimpering moan, pleading for more without uttering a word. The silk of my dress slid past my breasts, and Alex’s mouth followed. Kneeling before me, he took my nipple into his mouth, sucking through my thin black lace bra. The feel of his tongue and the lace was too intense, and I let out a moaning whisper. “Alex.” With my nipple still in his mouth, he looked up at me with a wicked glint in his eyes and unsnapped my bra and tossed it across the room. After watching me bite my lip, he returned to the task at

hand with a growl. As the dress made its way to my core, so did his lips. His tongue darted out and pressed against my pussy through the cloth of my panties. Panting, I laid back against the soft comforter. Forgetting any patience, Alex tore the rest of my clothes off, then roughly parted my thighs. His fingers dug into my flesh of my thick thighs. I was a slender build, but I had the curves in all the right places, so Alex told me. He pressed so hard that I knew I would have tiny little bruises and a reminder of what he was

doing to me. I arched my back off the bed as his lips kissed my honeyed ones. He gripped me harder, holding me down. “If you cum too soon, I’m going to have to start all over again—until I’m good and ready to stop.” My eyes rolled back into my head. Fuck me, he was going to try and earn a fucking gold medal today. The man made delicious threats. He sucked on my pink swollen flesh, and pressed his finger into my wet center. With his digit fucking my core, and his tongue petting my clit, I was spiraling closer and closer to an

orgasm. He pressed his finger hard toward the wall near my ass and that shit did the trick. I was purring, grunting, and moaning, tugging on his hair. My body shook wildly as I bucked on his face and hand, riding them until I fell back down to Earth. Huffing, trying to catch my breath, I hardly noticed Alex carrying me to the center of the bed. He bent down and kissed me. “Take a nap, my love. I hope that helps you sleep.” I greedily took his offer, too

exhausted to fight my fatigue. I felt the covers pulled over my naked body, and I smiled as I fell into a deep sleep. ~~~~~~~ I was glad she was asleep because my phone had been buzzing since we walked in the door. Taking my phone out, I saw several missed calls from Detective Clayton and some voicemails. “Call me. It’s important.” “Damn it, Richmond. Answer. I haven’t heard from you.”

“It’s about Rob.” I called him back as soon as I got down to the kitchen to cook dinner. “What’s going on, Clayton? We just got to the house in Dallas.” “Sorry, but I found out something you should know. The day of their murder, an order of protection was put out on Reddick. It was for your sister. The complainants had been your parents and Rob. It states that they witnessed Reddick staking out their house on multiple evenings with binoculars

looking into Calista’s room.” “No, that bastard.” Getting my hands on him would be a pleasure I’d pay for. He’d been stalking my fiancée. How did she not know? “Yeah. Rob ran after him, but he took off in his car before he could catch him. He did confront Reddick the next day and warned him to stay away from Calista. The next week the report was made after he started joining her on runs. It looks like he had been served the notice a little while before their

murders.” “Damn, that’s crazy as fuck.” “All of which the family kept from her. They thought it would ruin her friendship with Lydia, who had been spending more time at the Delaney house. There’s more, but Calista needs to hear the rest.” “So when will you be out to see us?” “Tomorrow. By the way, what is going to be done with Lydia’s body? They had no other family.”

“I’ll pay for the services. We can discuss it when you stop by.” “I’ll be there around ten in the morning.” “Okay.” I started dinner after hanging up with him. A simple steak and baked potato was the plan for tonight. I hoped she got some sleep. It wasn’t too long, but dinner was almost ready. Towel drying my hands, I went to go get my woman. When I got up to our room she wasn’t in bed. Instead she was staring at a frame picture I had blown up

and placed on a side table near the window. “This was taken at the Cowboys’ preseason game we went to.” It was. I remembered because Rob made us pose together. It had been in my phone since that day. I looked at it every time I was missing her, which was constantly. In the picture, I had my hand wrapped around her waist as we smiled brightly into the camera. I remembered itching to kiss her cheek. “Rob teased me all the time about

this picture,” she said with a blush. “Really?” I wondered why. I didn’t have siblings, so I guess it was just the brotherly teasing. Especially since he gave me a copy of the picture without me asking for it. “Yeah. I sent it to my phone, wanting to remember your face.” That deserved a kiss for that. I captured her lips with mine for a fast taste. “It was on my mine, too. I kept you close since the day I left. And now that I’m back, I’m never letting go.”

I heard the rumbling of her tummy. She didn’t get a chance to eat today, or rather she didn’t feel like eating. “Oops, I guess I really need to eat.” “Oh yeah, dinner is ready. Come on. I need to feed you.” We walked downstairs and into the kitchen to eat. During dinner, Cali asked, “Alex, I know this is a lot to ask, but can we do something for Lydia? I want her to be buried properly.” I grabbed her hand from across the table. “Babe, of course. It’s not a lot

to ask at all. I planned to ask you about it. We can start the arrangements tomorrow. We still have to find out when they’ll release her.” “Thank you, Alex.” Once dinner was polished off, we went into the living room to watch some television. It was a late Rangers game in San Francisco against the Giants, so we caught it after the first inning. We relaxed in each other’s arms and watched the rest of the game, or rather, I did. She fell asleep in my arms during

the eighth inning. After the game ended, I stretched for the remote, trying not to wake her up, and turned off the TV. I carried her up to bed, stripping her down to her panties and me into my boxers. I tucked her into my arms, and we let sleep take over.

Chapter 11 The next day, Alex seemed really uncomfortable. He looked ready to say something, but kept closing his mouth. “What gives, Alex?” I said, turning off the frying pan with his omelet that I just finished. Setting it on a plate, I handed it to him with a stare, waiting for an answer. “Nothing, babe.” “Don’t lie to me. You’ve been distant this morning. Did I do

something?” Panic set in. What if he’d thought this would be great, but he woke up realizing it was a big mistake? He took me off balance and pulled me onto his lap. “You didn’t do anything. I’ve just got a lot on my mind. We had a great evening last night despite the morning’s painful funeral. I want this chapter of our lives to be behind us. Not the loss of your family and friend, because I don’t think that will ever be possible. But until Reddick is caught, I’ll be a worried about your safety.”

“I wish it was over, too. And you’re right, I’ll never get over losing them the way we did.” “To be honest with you, Detective Clayton is planning to stop by in an hour or so. He has more to tell us.” I tilted my head, waiting for an explanation, because I knew he knew why the detective was coming over. “I’ll tell you what he told me last night—after you eat.” I moved to get up, but he held me down. “You can sit here and eat.” I could feel the stiff ridge of

his erection pressing into my ass, so I wiggled a bit. “Damn it. You can have your own seat then.” He grasped my waist and lifted me off him, but I resisted. “Nope, you started it, and I happen to find this seat very comfortable.” I ground my ass into his lap, causing him to growl in my ear. “You’ll pay for that after he leaves.” I was fine with that because I was sure that after the detective left I was going to be an emotional wreck

again. “Promise,” I said with a giant grin. ~~~~~~ By the time the detective came, I had told Cali everything I had learned from Detective Clayton. She was freaked out but shocked that they had managed to keep that from her. “I think it was because I was so out of it. I missed you so much that I barely noticed another human being. It would have been easy for him to get

close to me. I think he was hoping that once I turned eighteen that I would finally be interested in him. The restraining order may have been the point when he realized I would never be his willingly.” “That sounds about right,” Detective Clayton said. “Now to the point of why I’m here. Lydia Reddick will need to be buried soon and the coroner has released the body. Besides her brother, does she have any other family members?”

“No, she doesn’t. They were the only ones left in the family.” I knew it bothered Cali that Lydia had no one but us to morn her. I didn’t know her, but if she meant so much to Cali, I knew I would have liked her. The detective ran his hand through his hair, in nervous energy. “There’s more, isn’t there?” Cali asked. “Yes, there’s a lot more. We learned that she was pregnant. Only a month, but she was.” “What? She didn’t even have a

boyfriend. Oh God, please tell me he didn’t rape her?” “No, he’s not the father. You need to read this. This was her diary. Her last entry will fill you in.” Today, I got the most terrible news possible. Rob is gone. I want to join him. I want to lie next to him and let him hold me for all eternity. He was everything to me. He owned every part of my soul. How can I survive without him? What is worse is that he’ll never

know about our baby. Our baby. I couldn’t believe it. I was planning to tell him at Cali’s surprise birthday party, but it wasn’t going to happen. God. Why does it hurt so bad? My world is broken, and I don’t know how to make it right. Mark just came back, breaking the news to me, but something in me felt it. I knew that he was gone before he told me. What’s worse is that Mark seemed like he could give two shits that they were gone. That my Rob was gone. I thought we would have our happily

ever after, but it wasn’t to be. I hope that Cali gets it with Alex. Rob talked about how nuts Alex was for her. I knew Rob loved me as much as I loved him. He told me every time we snuck a moment alone. I still have the ring he gave me that night. I wasn’t supposed to wear it until I told Cali about us, but I waited too long. I wanted the world to know that Rob and I belonged together. Why? I can’t take the pain. Even with every tear shed, I can’t

seem to heal inside enough to care for this baby. I hope Cali doesn’t hate me because I need her more than she could ever know. I knew that night with Rob was forbidden, but I loved him with everything that I had and I could never regret it. I have to love and cherish this last bit of my Rob growing inside me. Damn it, why did he have to leave me? Maybe one day the pain will ease, but probably not. Could I possibly die from the heartache? If it wasn’t for this little one, I would.

I need to call Cali and tell her how sorry I am. I truly am sorry, broken, and empty. I loved him so much, I couldn’t believe it when he told me how much I meant to him. God. I love you, Rob. My heart will belong to you for the rest of my life. Please give me the strength to carry on. Cali collapsed after reading Lydia’s heartache. That was why Rob couldn’t wait for Cali’s birthday. He was going to announce to everyone that he and Lydia were getting married. Fuck.

This was worse than I thought. “Poor Lydia. My heart breaks for her even more than I thought.” She tucked her into her hands, crying. Getting herself composed after a few minutes she asked, “Can we? Do you think…we could?” “Could what, Cali?” I asked. “Can we place her with my brother?” “It’s up to you. We can have it done. I’m certain the dirt hasn’t settled.” “Just so you know, she had her

diamond ring around her neck on a long chain hidden under her blouse,” Clayton informed us. “Good, she should be wearing it when she joins my brother,” Cali said with tears in her eyes. ~~~~~ For the next two hours we organized a simple but secured service to have it done today. There was still no sign of Reddick, so we hoped to have it done as fast as possible and give them both what they had planned. My parents

showed up for the service as well. They felt for the young girl, too. Under a tent, they laid Lydia and their unborn baby with Rob. Cali broke down looking at her brother’s dead body, but she needed it. The casket was closed for the final time after Cali whispered, “I love you both. Now you two are together for eternity.” Our security team rushed us back to the car so that Reddick didn’t have us in the open. I took Cali into my arms, held her as she wept, wiping my own tears in the process. Finding Reddick

had become a bigger priority than before. Seeing Rob and Lydia’s love affair cut short brought to reality how lucky Cali and I were to still be alive.

Chapter 12 A week after the funeral Reddick had been apprehended. He had been hiding out in the woods in the middle of Arkansas. A hunter, out on early start, spotted him under some brush. Having seen the reports, he stealthily approached Reddick and raised his rifle at his head. Unable to reach his weapon, he had no choice but to surrender. The hunter held him until the police came. Using some of his rope he’d brought

with him to hunt, he tied Reddick to a small tree. According to the police, Reddick was ready to be caught and all the fight had been out of him. He was looking ragged and had lost so much weight. They search his belongings and mixed in with some stolen IDs was a photo of Cali. It had the eyes poked out and “whore” written across it. When they told me about the picture, I asked to speak with him. They refused to even agree to that after seeing the unbridled rage in my eyes. I watched the interview through the one-way

mirror. “Mark, you do know why we arrested you, right?” the detective asked. I wondered if Reddick would play the crazy card. I hoped no one bought that shit. “Yeah, I killed my little whore’s family and my sister. I know what I did, but it’s all that bitch’s fault.” I wanted to jump through the glass and choke the fucker to death, but I felt the hand of an officer on my shoulder. “If you can’t handle this, you’ll

have to leave, Mr. Richmond.” I hated that I couldn’t get my revenge on that little bastard, but I wanted to know what possessed him to kill his sister. “Mark, why did you kill your sister?” “Because she introduced me to Cali. She started all this pain. Can I have my lawyer now?” “Okay. We’ll get you one.” That ended the interrogation. I headed back to the house where

Cali was hanging out with my parents. She was laughing and it warmed my heart. “You’re back!” she squealed, jumping off the stool and into my arms. I caught her, wrapping her thighs around my waist. “I missed you, too.” With my hands tugging on her hair, I kissed her sweet lips, tasting the pineapple she had been eating on her tongue. “Mm…you taste sweeter than normal. I wonder if your honey tastes

sweeter, too,” I whispered in her ear, before taking a little nibble. “Mmm…I guess you’re just going to have to find out.” “Once we get rid of my parents, I’m going to hold you to it.” “Are you two done?” my father asked. “Not yet,” I said, pulling her face to mine and kissing her deeply. Reluctantly, I let her go so I could tell them what happened. After spending an hour talking

about the situation, my parents went home. Then it was time to take Cali up to our bedroom so I could take away the bad feelings she had, but I was too wound up to bother. I tossed her pretty ass onto the couch, pouncing on top of her. My facial hair tickled her neck while I left little kisses all over her throat. She had on a tiny skirt, making it easy for me to get to my prize. I worked my way down her body, slipping off her top and bra. Her breasts were perky and commanding my attention. I laved each

one thoroughly. Her hips were pumping up and down impatiently waiting for my tongue. I couldn’t keep my lovely woman waiting, so I tore her panties off her pussy, exposing her pale curls that were wet with her sweet juices. Growling, I dipped my face into her thatch, taking in her scent. My dick was so hard that I thought I would cum before she did. It wasn’t long before her body was shaking as intensely as mine. She came on my tongue and fingers with her hands gripping and pulling my hair. I groaned

as I pushed my way into her pulsing center, barely hanging on. Her walls squeezed and released my cock as she finished her orgasm. Pumping in and out, I was barely aware that she was on the verge of cumming again. My hands slid up her sides, cupping her breasts and pushing them together. She made a super sexy sight, her large breasts were even bigger like this and I thought about pulling out and fucking them with my cock, full of our juices. “Damn, Cali. I want to fuck your breasts so damn bad,” I practically

begged. She moaned and came from my dirty thoughts and I couldn’t hold on any longer. My body jackhammered into hers as I came, roaring out her name. “Cali!” ~~~~~~ It had been a few days since Mark had been charged, and there wasn’t going to be a trial because he confessed and just wanted to be sentenced. After all the shit he’d gone through to get me, it was surprising that he would cave so easily, but hell if I cared. Never having

to see him again was a joy I couldn’t even describe. Alex and I were going shopping. I couldn’t believe that I really hadn’t been out of the house. Since the day of the accident, I had been inside. Going to the funeral and then to the new house were the only times I wasn’t locked away. The first thing we had to do was head over to the police station. They said I could pick up my cell phone. I didn’t know if I would be able to get my pictures back, but I really hoped they could. There were pictures of me and Rob in the

backyard making faces, and I remembered there were several with Rob and Lydia together. Now that I look back on it, their relationship wasn’t that hidden. They often went to pick up stuff at the store together and had private conversations near the grill. Once we stepped into the police station, I saw the officer who took my phone. “Hello Ms. Delaney. I have your phone over here. I just need you to sign it out.” I signed for it, then powered it on.

Gasping, I saw that my screensaver had been back in place. “You did it,” I squealed, hugging the officer. Suddenly, I felt me being tugged away from the officer. I thought I was getting arrested for assaulting an officer, but it was Alex. “Don’t be hugging other men. I don’t like that shit.” “Sorry,” I apologized to both of them. I was a little bit embarrassed, but still giddy. “How did you manage it?” “It was easy actually. You had a backup on your phone with your Google

drive. It saved the files every time you took one. So, he only deleted what was on the physical phone, not in the cloud. If we hadn’t needed it for evidence purposes, I would have given it to you sooner.” “Well, thank you so much.” Alex drug me out of there before I hugged the officer again. The smile on my face wouldn’t go away, even after we got back to home. “Damn, I wish I gave you that constant smile.” “Don’t be jealous. These pictures

are so important. Look.” I went through a slideshow of photos. He gasped seeing photos of Rob, and me laughing and smiling. “Okay, babe. Now, I get why you rubbed up all on that jackass nerd.” “You know that jealousy is really sexy. Why don’t you show me how angry you were with me?” He groaned and growled like a wild beast then scooped me up and did me rough and hard all afternoon.

Epilogue “I’ll be outside waiting for you. You can do this, Cali. I love you.” I kissed the shit out of her before letting her go into the doctor’s office. We got married a month after the funerals. It was bittersweet, but it needed to be done. I’d wanted her to be my wife for over two years. A freight train couldn’t stop me. We’re working on our first of hopefully many little Richmonds. At three months along in the

pregnancy, she started going through emotional breakdowns daily. I knew part of it was the hormone changes she was going through, but losing her family only made it worse. Signing her up for some therapy had been my idea, but now that I saw the doc, I had a change of heart. Once she got out of the appointment, we’d be looking for a different doctor— a female one. There was no way a freaking psychologist should look like that. He was built like a tank and had a handsome look about him. I wanted to growl and go steal my wife from the

bastard. Why did I let her go in there by herself? There should be a law against it. What happened to the ones they used to show in the movies? They used to be short, balding, nerdy guys. This guy was the exact opposite. It took all the patience I had not to run into the room and steal my woman away. He had five more minutes. I sat down and stood up so many times that I probably looked like a madman. I had enough, so I jumped up from

my chair and walked to the door. I was about to bust in when it opened. “All done?” I asked, grabbing her hand and pulling her to my side. “Yes, Alex. Dr. Everett has been very helpful.” “I bet he was.” I gave him a menacing glare. “So then you don’t need to come back.” “Don’t worry about the cost. It’s built into the insurance, Mr. Richmond.” “I’m not worried about the damn cost. I could buy this building several

times over and not even make a dent in my pocket change.” “Alex, don’t act like that.” “We’re going to find you another doctor without a swinging dick.” “You’re being ridiculous.” “No, I’m not.” I knew I wasn’t. By the look on his face when he walked her out, he wanted to fuck her. He had a predatory glint in his eyes. Fucking asshole. I ought to knock him out. “Let’s go.” She waved off the doctor and we

headed down to the parking garage. It was dark and sweaty. I could feel the heat the moment we stepped out of the cool building. My poor Cali was probably burning up. “Are you okay?” I asked. “You’re being an asshole. You’re the one who wanted me to come to see a specialist for my grief.” “I didn’t expect someone who looks like a fucking underwear model on steroids.” “Let’s go home so I can go and

soothe that fragile ego you have.” “I don’t have a fragile eagle.” “I said ego.” She rolled her eyes at me. I was just trying to lighten up the tension. “Well, I don’t have that either. I saw the way he looked at you from the start, and I didn’t care for it.” Too riled up in jealous tension, I started to walk to the car, then opened the door for her. I didn’t want to have this conversation here. “Then why didn’t you just come in

with me?” she asked with her arms across her chest, pressing her breasts up. I licked my lips because even though we were arguing I still wanted to touch them. I leaned down, with one arm on the door and one on her waist, then I growled out in a growing roar, “I promised to only come when you needed me. After ten seconds, I was ready to rush in there and pull you down onto my lap while you two talked about your family.”

“I might have liked that,” she said saucily. “You know I find your jealousy very sexy.” “Fine, let’s go home, and I’m going to fuck you until I’ve calmed down. Then we find you a new therapist.” I closed the gap and captured her lips. She made me want to fuck her right here, but I didn’t want anyone to hear her cries. That shit belonged to me and me alone. The moment we hit the front door, I marched her straight up to our

bedroom, tearing off my clothes in the process. She gasped when she saw me ass naked with my cock pointing at her angrily. “You were serious.” “Extremely. Strip, my wife.” “Okay,” she said, rubbing her thighs together in anticipation, then she stripped out of her dress. I groaned because I was trying not to come. She had me weak as fuck when it came to her figure. I dropped to my knees and rubbed my hands all over her growing belly.

Her body is so fucking beautiful. I gave her little kisses all around the big bump before going lower and kissing her covered mound. Feeling animalistic, I picked her up and placed her on the bed roughly. Barely testing her entrance, I pushed my way through her heat. Once we were connected some of the tension eased, but it wasn’t enough to stop the beast in me. I didn’t fuck her too hard, but I let her know who the fuck she belonged to and no meathead of a doctor was going to steal her from me. “Don’t be gentle with me. I don’t

want doctor hands; I want your hands.” She knew mentioning that fucker would set me off and it did. I bent my head down and took her super sensitive nipple into my mouth and sucked on her tender flesh. Her body bucked, but I halted that shit with a tug on her hair. “You want it rough? I’m going to give you rough. I don’t want to hear about another man’s anything on you or near you. Understood?” Giving me a vigorous nod, she moaned, “Yes.”

I worked her pussy until we were both panting and moaning. Then I pulled out and flipped her onto her knees. Holding her back to my chest, I pressed into her from behind. Slipping my hand under my baby, I found her heat and strummed her clit. I thrusted my hips up with my other hand resting on her breast, letting my cock stroke her walls while I held her still. “You’re mine. Aren’t you, Calista?” I whispered against her neck. “Yes, I am.”

“No one’s ever going to take you away from me,” I said. “Never,” she cried, cumming hard against my hand and on my cock. I gave her a few pumps before emptying my load into her depths. “I adore you, Cali. You’re my happiness.” “I love you, too, Alex.” She laid her head back against my shoulder sleepily. ~~~~~~ It had been two months since I

started seeing the new female therapist. Alex had lost his shit with the first therapist, so after my body was thoroughly fucked as promised, we found a new doctor. It was good, too, because a week after our visit he was brought up on charges of sexual assault. Then just last week we found out his license had been suspended before. Of course Alex told me so. I ignored him because I knew he was right. When the doctor and I were alone, he gave me a creepy vibe. That was why I ended our session short, but I wasn’t going to tell

Alex that. He would have gotten into a fight with that asshole. So when I met with Missy, Alex and I were happy. She was as professional as possible. We met twice a week and it worked. My meltdowns weren’t as often and didn’t take hours to calm down. Alex had been back at work for a while, so I spent a lot of my time alone. She said the pain will never really go away, but it will get easier. We were finally going back to the house to get some things and box some

stuff up. A part of the healing process was to go through their belongings. Alex took some time off to help me this week. The first hour of boxing and sorting had been the hardest. After a while, the flood of memories made me laugh. Rob always had a way about him that made him so affable. We planned to put the house up for sale because that part of my life needed closure. It hurt to say goodbye but it needed to happen. "Love, are you almost done with

the boxes for today?" Alexander called out from the kitchen. “Yes. Give me one minute.” I could smell the food cooking, so I knew dinner was almost done. Alex too great care of me. I cooked more often than he did, but he always pitched in when I had a bad day. After I finished packing the last of the living room things I wanted, I walked into the kitchen. There he was standing there in his boxers. I loved those ones. They were a plain cotton plaid pattern. They

screamed sexy yet manly. “Um…I didn’t know you were on the menu for today,” I said, licking my lips as I eyed the thick erection pressing against his waistband. “I’m not the only one, my good wife. I have a real craving for some Cali. You don’t know what I thought about the first time you stood by the stove cooking for me. God, I might cum from just reliving that moment.” He had me undressed before I made it to the counter. He lifted me onto the granite surface. The cool top sent

pleasure to my overheated body. I let out a soft purr. Then he pressed his lips to mine, capturing the rest of the sound. He pressed his hand against my wet pussy, parting my folds. I let out a deep sigh of pleasure. “When your brother walked in, I felt nothing but relief. You were so damn tempting. I remember you sniffing me. You’ve no idea how fucking nuts I was about you at the time, but if you’d done one more thing to show interest, I don’t know if I would have held back.”

“That’s why you left me. As brutal as it was, I love that you did the right thing.” “I wouldn’t say always the right thing. I stroked my cock every day thinking about when I’d see you again.” I could hear the pang of anticipation in his voice. “We are married now, but we had a lot of time to make up for.” Panting, I parted my thighs for him. His passion echoed through my body. He knelt before me and started to eat his way to making me cum. It didn’t take more than a minute before I was irrationally tugging on his

hair, pressing his face into my mound, and vigorously running my heels along his back. “Alex,” I moaned. He didn’t stop until I my body came alive again. After licking the wetness off his lips, he dropped his boxers and seated himself deep inside me with one long stroke. He wrapped my legs around his waist and fucked me until we were both coming hard. “Thank you, Alex.” “Thank you. I love cumming

inside of you and fulfilling a long overdue fantasy.” “Do you have any others?” “Plenty,” he said wickedly. “No other women—ever,” I warned his ass with a dirty glared added for emphasis. Because that shit would never happen. He laughed then gave me another thrust of his still stiff cock. “Don’t worry woman. My fantasies are only filled with you. Always you.” THE END