Victoria rocks her hips, pleasure flickering through her features. “Show me.”
And I do.
We move together, lost in the heat and urgency. It’s passionate yet unhurried, every touch, our whispered “I love you”s vows of their own.
My balls tighten, my release rushing toward me.
I dig my fingers into her waist, adjusting the angle until I hit a spot that makes her keen.
“Oh god, oh god, oh god.”
She’s close, I can tell.
Her eyes flutter closed, eyelashes fanning her cheeks.
She grips my shoulders, using them for balance as her release barrels down on her. “Simon, I’m gonna come.”
“I’ve got you,” I say, and that’s all it takes to send her over the edge.
Watching her orgasm leaves my restraint thrashing.
Winding my arms around her waist, I bury my head in her breasts and thrust inside her again. My orgasm rips through me, leaving me clinging to her as tightly as she’s clinging to me.
We collapse against each other, our tangled limbs trembling and spent.
I brush curls off her face and press lazy kisses to her shoulder. She kisses my cheek and then attempts to wipe off the lipstick.
Judging from her expression, it’s not wiping off. She can leave it for all I care, let everyone see she’s marked me.
For the rest of the ride, we just exist like that. Wrapped up in each other, heartbeats and breaths slowly returning to normal. The debauched after-party buzz leaves us dizzy and happy.
An indeterminate amount of time later, the limousine slows.
My phone chimes with a text. With a chuckle I show it to Victoria. “It’s Luis. Double-checking the coast is clear before he opens the door.”
We both giggle and arrange our clothes.
“How do I look?” she asks me, a crinkle in her brow.
Like I completely ravaged her. Which I did, but I don’t think she’ll feel as overjoyed about that as I do. “Gorgeous. Perfect. Mine. Pick one, they all apply.”
As soon as I give Luis the all-clear, the door opens.
His eyebrow arches the tiniest bit. He’s obviously amused by my disheveled appearance.
I reach inside and help my bride out of the vehicle, the breeze causing her veil and her skirts to flutter.
Our private jet is waiting for us a few yards away.
The pilot nods in greeting as I escort my bride inside.
“Ready for our next adventure?” I ask her as we settle in side-by-side seats.
Overhead, the pilot announces our next stop will be Fuji.
Victoria takes my hand, her eyes sparkling. “With you? Forever and always.”
Epilogue
VICTORIA
The sun dips low over the rolling hills, painting the sky in pastel hues as I stand on the porch of our ranch, watching the horizon.
Waiting for my husband. This last business trip felt like it took forever. Although I know it’s due to a combination of missing him and eager enthusiasm.
I have something important to tell him. I’m not sure exactly how important or life-changing yet. It felt like I should wait for him to be with me when we found out.
A warm breeze rustles the tall grass, carrying the scent of hay and wildflowers. I inhale and smile, enjoying the serenity. This is home.
Simon knew it before I did. When he originally offered to relocate to Texas, I assured him I’d be fine back in New York.
And I was fine.
It took my grandmother’s passing to admit it to myself, but this is where I belong.
When Simon and I bought the five-hundred acres next to my mom’s ranch, it wasn’t just land. It was a promise. A promise we’d build our life here, and he’d work remotely, flying to New York as necessary.
After a year of being married to Simon, it shouldn’t have surprised me. He’d do anything for me, even walk away from his company. And while I’d never ask, because he’s damn good at what he does, I love him all the more for it.
I glance at the small pharmacy bag I placed on the porch swing. My nerves perform somersaults in my gut, stirring up a melee of emotion.
I’m late. I’m never late. Especially not three weeks late.
While celebrating our one-year anniversary a few months ago, the idea of a baby was as exciting as it was surreal. While I’d stopped taking my pills, I didn’t expect to get pregnant so fast-it took my mother years.
Now I’m alternating between believing I am and preparing myself for the disappointment if I’m not.
Scenarios I’ll need Simon by my side for, regardless of what I find out.
With a sigh, I sit on the swing next to the bag with the pregnancy test. I plant the heels of my boots and let go, my stomach lifting along with the glide through the air. For the past couple of days, I’ve spent countless hours imagining our child. Part me, part Simon.
Would he get my bad luck and soft heart? Or his father’s easy confidence and stubborn streak? Blonde curls or brown waves? Eyes blue or green?
It’s slightly terrifying. Joyful and exhilarating. And the anticipation is killing me.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.