Epilogue
LONDON
Three Months Later…
Stretching like a cat, my lips are quick to lift into a broad smile as I luxuriate in the sumptuous sheets of this enormous bed. How did I end up here? Off the coast of Malta on a fantabulous mega yacht celebrating some ridiculously sweet made-up anniversary. Through the curved seamless windows, the darkening sky and even darker water greets me.
When I'd fallen asleep, I'd been wrapped in the arms of my handsome love, held tight against his chest as he fell asleep murmuring softly in my ear how much he loved me. This girl has gotten used to being adored and absolutely spoiled rotten. It's not the tangible gifts that make me love him, though each one is thoughtful in its own way. What I cherish most is the unmistakable adoration in his voice, the warmth in his gaze that follows me wherever I go, and the way he proudly loves and claims me, no matter where we are or who’s around.
But right now, I’m furious. He can't just leave me to wake up alone. Scrambling from the bed, I cross the room to the beautifully appointed bathroom that matches the primary bedroom’s colors of cream and gold. Turning on the shower, I grab my shower cap, needing to be put together and clean off the cum residue to really give him a piece of my mind.
The room starts to steam up as I step inside the enclosure, and I sigh as the warm water with the perfect amount of pressure hits me from just about every angle. As the water sluices over me, relaxing muscles and soothing my wrecked body, I reconsider. These delicious aches are all from the exquisite lovemaking of just a few hours ago. Now I’m being pampered in this spacious shower aboard this massive ship after being whisked away just forty-eight hours ago. Can I really be mad at him? And as I remember his gorgeous face, sexy and serious as he pounded into me, intent on giving me the utmost pleasure, the little voice inside tells me no, knock it off, you can’t stay mad at that face and glorious dick.
Chuckling to myself, I liberally add body wash to my loofah, remembering the night we met. My flight had been delayed, so I’d arrived shortly before the wedding, looking forward to catching up with my family before the ceremony. Auntie J was happy to share the what’s what and who’s who in the crowd as we all waited for the grand event. As we made our way out to the beach to the magical ceremony site, I’d snapped pictures of the billion candles and glorious floral arrangements when he came into view.
I’d obviously seen him before, in pictures and videos online, but never in person. But as Xander and Drew made their way to their seats, I inconspicuously snapped a few candids. Windswept jet-black hair, obsidian eyes, golden skin, impressively broad shoulders wrapped in the perfectly tailored pale blue summer suit, and a sexy grin gracing lips that I wanted to taste. Drew was his complete opposite and did nothing for me but the two of them together were striking.
I snapped a few more pics, zooming in to perfectly capture the quirk of his lips as he joked with Drew, when he’d looked up and his eyes locked on me. Lowering my camera, goose bumps pricked my skin as our eyes met just as the processional music rang out.
Zing . I’m pretty sure I said it aloud, or maybe I mouthed it, but he smirked, so fucking cocky, and I knew it was on. We’d avoided each other until after the ceremony, everyone loosening up during the cocktail hour. I’d been inside taking in the views from one of the balconies when Xan finally approached me, oozing confidence.
“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Xander.”
His voice was husky, enticing, and so smooth. I was a goner as soon as he opened his mouth.
“London.”
“Well, London. You’re gorgeous.”
“Thank you,” I murmured.
“I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but what do I have to do to get London’s britches to fall down?”
My mouth fell open, utter shock rocking through me and I laughed. Guffawed, chortled, cackled, howled, whatever you want to call it. But when I finally caught my breath, Xander was still standing there, not perturbed in the least, so I said, “Seriously? That was the worst pick up line I’ve ever heard.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “Doubtful.”
I shook my head. “Yes, zero out of ten. I wouldn’t recommend.”
“Hmmm, you’re looking for ten, huh?” He rocked on his feet, sliding his hand in his pocket, drawing my gaze down.
Oh. Oooh . “You’re cocky.”
“Like you wouldn’t fucking believe.”
My heart raced. Was I really going to do it? Let loose for one night.
My eyes met his, the fire blazing in them almost hypnotic, as I licked my lips. “Well, lucky for you, ten is my favorite number.” Ten inches, ten minutes, sounded like a great tradeoff.
Strong arms wrap around me, pulling me from my memories, and I happily sink into his body.
“Here’s my girl, right where she belongs. It’s about time you woke up. I knew that fuck was one for the record books. Knocked you right out.” Those big hands roam over my slick skin.
I hum. “You’re right, you did, and I do belong in your arms, which is where I would have been if you hadn’t snuck out of bed.” Turning, my arms lock behind his neck as I pout.
“My apologies, pretty girl. You know this is where I want you always, but I had to get in a quick swim before it got too late.”
My man and his swimming. But who am I to complain when it keeps him looking so damn good.
“Swimming? I didn’t give you enough of a workout? Do I need to do a better job taking care of my man?”
I kiss along his neck as he moans, his hands gripping my ass in the way I love, while mine glide over his rippled back. A pulse of electricity flows between us as he growls against my lips. Being with Xan has changed me. I never would have said this to a lover in the past and actually meant it. But Xan lets me know every day how much he wants me, loves me, treasures me, and my confidence has soared because I know I give him everything he needs.
“Babycakes, you take the best care of me, don’t you worry. Now, let me do the same for you so we can get to dinner.”
In a blink, his long finger parts me, sliding deep, and I gasp. “I can’t get enough of this needy little pussy. She’s always so warm and wet for me. But this time, I feel me inside of you. Did I fill you up, baby? Are you still wet with my cum?”
I whimper, my forehead falling to his broad chest as he works me over slowly.
“Yeah, you are. It’s all over my finger.”
Another finger slides in easily and I struggle to stand up right as he strokes along my sensitive places.
“Spread your legs for me. Give me what I want. Good girl.”
I do, and I cling to him, because how could I fucking not, and another moan is ripped from my throat as a third finger joins the party. The stretch is heavenly as I rock with him, fucking myself on his long fingers. My sensitive nipples tighten as they brush his slick skin.
“That’s it, baby. Just like that. You’re so fucking sexy. So wet.”
Xan has expert level skills and when he finally caresses my clit, I’m unsteady, my legs wobbling, but he’s there, always, supporting me, holding me, and I give myself over to him as he adds the perfect pressure to my clit.
“Your body responds so perfectly to mine. I love how you move for me. How this pussy grips me. How your body calls to mine whenever I’m near. You’re mine, London Cameron. Body and soul.”
His words wash over me like lava and my body quakes for more, as I pant, “Yes, always yours.” The pooling heat in my stomach builds, my body tightening in anticipation, as he finally whispers, “Come for me. Let me feel you.”
I go off like a firecracker, bright lights flash as I detonate and clench around him. Xander’s soft murmurs of I love you, you’re so beautiful when you come, and I’ll never get enough , have my heart soaring. I’m so incredibly in love with Alexander Grant. Ex-fuckboy extraordinaire.
Lifting my head, our mouths meet, the faint taste of salt still coats his lips as his tongue sweeps mine languidly, and I float along in complete satisfaction.
But when my stomach growls, bursting our bubble, Xan immediately squirts body wash into his hands. I laugh when I see it’s his body wash, but I continue to lean into his body as his hands run over my heated skin.
“I was finished with my shower. I’m all clean,” I whisper into his skin.
“I know, but I can’t resist running my hands all over you when you’re wet. Besides, now you’ll smell like me.”
“There are other ways you can make me smell like you. I especially love when you paint my face,” I murmur.
He groans. “Don’t tempt me, baby. I need to feed you more than just my cock on this trip.”
Offering me one more kiss, he backs away, his perfect dick standing strong and upright, reaching for me, begging for my attention as he quickly washes himself before moving back under the spray and rinsing us both off.
Stepping out of the shower, Xan wraps me in a warm towel, offering a tight squeeze and a kiss before he grabs one for himself.
As I apply Xan’s favorite scented lotion, he stands in his palm tree printed boxer briefs, holding up different items of clothing and I nod to the one I prefer. The man dresses impeccably, but I like that he still asks for my input. Once he’s dressed in gray linen slacks and a white shirt with the sleeves rolled to expose his tan and veiny forearms, I wipe the drool from my chin as he pulls up a chair.
Goose bumps prickle my skin as Xander watches enthralled as I finish my makeup and style my hair. He says I’m his favorite show, so this is not the first time I’ve had his undivided attention while I primped for him.
I’m pulling on my dress, a bubblegum pink mini, the short voluminous skirt reminds me of a rose blooming, the deep V-neck shows off my assets and after our time in the sun, no tan lines.
“I love watching my fuck doll get all pretty for me,” he murmurs from his seat as butterflies fill my stomach.
“Yeah?” My eyes find him in the mirror as I add a shiny gloss.
“Definitely. Watching you like this, knowing you’re mine. Knowing you’re doing it for me, even if just a little. I don’t know, everything about these moments feed my possessiveness. Or is it obsession? No one else gets to see you like this. No one knows you like I do.”
Smiling, I can only nod. It is this thing that we do together and however mundane, it’s incredibly intimate. For him to see me as the mess that I can be first thing in the morning, before the hair and the makeup, but he always looks at me the same way. With adoration and devotion in his eyes. But we also use this time to catch up, whether about our plans for the day, something funny that happened, or even just being in the same room together without a ton of words, makes me happy. I just like being near him.
Kneeling, he helps me fasten the new ankle bracelets he bought me today. I can’t resist running my fingers through his messy hair, and he practically purrs, relaxing into my caress, before affixing my clasps.
“I’m going to leave you to finish up and grab a drink. Would you like one?”
I hesitate, considering. “Yes, thank you, stud.”
Standing, he drops a kiss to my shoulder, those smoldering eyes never leaving mine until he’s out the door, and I double time it to get to him. The desire to be with him, to be held by him, to blossom under the steady gaze of his attention, it’s all I can think about. I’m so needy for him, and I give myself a few sprays of his favorite perfume, fluff my hair once more, and head off to find my man.
But taped to the door, I find a folded note on pale pink paper. Peeling it from the surface, I open it to find Xan’s confident scrawl.
Cum find me .
The giggle that bursts from me is involuntary. It looks like we’re playing games tonight, but at least now I know it’ll be something I love, and not those silly pranks we played on each other when I first moved to Chicago. Although those photoshopped posters will be put up in our new house, Xan just doesn’t know it yet.
Thankfully, the renovations are well underway, but we still have several months before we can even think about moving in. But for now, we’re still in our apartment. Xan wants to find a new place for us in the city, something bigger with more bedrooms, but I’m not too concerned. I have everything I could need right now.
Stepping out of our room, or cabin, as Xan called it, along with sounds of the sea, is the faint echo of music that I follow through the dark hall to dinner. Climbing the last few steps, I stop short when I catch sight of him.
There he is, standing on the upper deck with his arms raised and open wide, a fucking captain’s cap on his head, and that grin I love. And even though I’m drawn to him, my eyes flit around him. Filling the space surrounding us are pink candles in an assortment of sizes and pink roses and chrysanthemums. After months of flower deliveries, it turns out they’re my favorite.
“Come here, babycakes.”
He extends his hand, and I take it without hesitation. Letting out a deep breath, his gaze never leaves mine as he sinks to one knee, and my heart races, threatening to burst from my chest.
“I loved you long before we fell in love. I didn’t know it then, but I longed for you every day. I’d never met someone that made me think of a future, perfectly see the life I wanted so badly that I had to grab on to it with both hands. You were my distraction, an obsession I couldn’t deny. But now, you and our future family, you’re my focus. The very reason I get up every day. Everything else in this world is a nuisance when all I want to do is be with you. Laugh with you. Cook with you. Hell, anything with you is what I want to be doing. Will y—”
A sense of calm flows through me before incredulity takes over as his words sink in.
“Seriously? You do this now?” I screech, tugging on his hand.
Dark brows furrow in confusion before he asks, “What? When else was I supposed to do it?”
“Tonight was my turn to surprise you.”
“Well, if the surprise is you’re saying no, consider me gobsmacked,” he says, stealing a favorite word of mine, so I know he’s not too upset.
Pulling him to his feet, I cradle his face in my hands, his dark stubble prickly against my palm.
“Slugger, how could you ever think I would say no? You always have such beautiful words for me. Always with sweet gestures, but this time I want to do that for you. But of course…” I gesture to all the splendor around us. “You beat me to it again.”
Taking his hands in mine, I kiss both his knuckles before pulling him to the stairs.
“Where are we going?” he grumbles but follows along as I lead him to the lower level.
“Close your eyes,” I say outside the door to a small cabin.
He complies with a huff as I pull him inside, the low lighting flipping on as I position him in front of the projection screen I set up.
Dutifully, he allows me to maneuver him around and I can’t resist pulling him down for a soft kiss before whispering, “Open your eyes.”
Those dark eyes flash open, meeting mine before he brings our lips together again deepening the kiss and stealing my breath before pulling back with a soft smile.
“I’m ready to be wowed, future wife.”
Every bit of air is sucked out of my lungs and my eyes shoot wide as I wheeze. But Xander’s soft laughter in my ear as he wraps me in my arms, calms my racing heart. Burying my face in Xan’s neck, I inhale deeply, basking in his words and the perfection of this moment.
Pulling away with a soft nip to his neck, I dim the lights before hitting play.
“Mr. Grant.” Me from just days ago says in the video taken with my phone’s camera. “I apologize for how I look.”
Nuzzling my neck, Xan sighs. “You’re always perfect.” I shush him as video me continues.
“I know this isn't what you expected to see today, I didn’t intend to be here. But I woke up with this feeling and I just felt complete.” I sigh dreamily, a dopey smile on my face. “Whole and so wonderfully happy. You're already off to work, handsome and debonair as ever. You always look so good in your charcoal suits. Have I ever mentioned that?”
Warm lips brush the sensitive shell of my ear and shivers wrack through me.
“And something about today told me to do this. Something in my heart, the rhythm just felt different, told me that today was the day. I am the freak who is recording themselves. Even though I’m sure I’m right beside you, in this moment, I wanted you here with me, so you didn’t miss a thing. So, I'm gonna take care of something and I'll be right back. Have some champagne while you wait.”
I hand him a glass as he watches me, his brows furrowed but he happily accepts, and I grab my flute.
“Babycakes, what's going on?”
“Patience, handsome. Try it out.”
“The pretty lady’s got jokes. Okay, anything for you, my love.”
We sip from our flutes giving each other flirty eyes, but after another minute, I'm back on camera. My eyes are riveted to Xander as he watches me on the screen. Even now when I look a mess in the video, no makeup on, and in one of his oversized T-shirts, the love in his eyes is so evident I don't know how I ever missed it. Whoever thought he was a careless fuckboy didn’t know the real him, especially when he's been nothing but careful and deliberate about everything with me.
Video me’s smile beams as I speak into the camera again, as my face heats and I force myself to swallow around the lump forming rapidly in my throat.
“Stud, it looks like you live up to your name,” I whisper, the awe in my voice clear as I watch myself hold up a pregnancy test. The positive pregnancy test.
Xander’s gone stock still beside me.
“I’m pregnant,” I murmur the line with myself on the video in perfect unison. “Xander, you're going to be a daddy. We’re going to love you so much,” I say, rubbing my stomach. “We’re going to have the absolute best life with so much love surrounding us because of you. Because of who you are. You love so deeply, so completely, I know we'll never know a moment of not knowing how much you love us. I love you, Xan.”
The video stops there, and I turn to face my oddly quiet man.
Xander’s face is frozen as he stares at the image of me, teary-eyed and holding my belly on the screen. The emotions surge within me once more as I relive that moment all over again. My face scrunches up as I exhale a shaky breath, trying to keep it together for just one more minute. Slowly, he sets down his champagne, before doing the same with my flute of sparkling juice.
“Baby?” Xander cups my cheeks, eyes wild as they search mine. “You’re gonna be a mommy?” His voice cracks and that's all I can take.
I nod, my nose burning as my tears spill over.
“I’m going to be a daddy?” His voice is hoarse, like I’ve never heard it.
A sob tears from my throat at his words, and I nod again. “Yeah, we're going to be parents. You and me.”
He cuts me off. “Our family.” Next thing I know, I'm in his arms, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist, as he whoops and hollers, swinging me around and all I can do is squeal and hold on tight. I’m never letting him go. I want to stay in this exact moment of pure joy. Joy like I've never felt, or ever imagined. Even when this is all I wanted, I never knew I could be this happy.
He finally stops spinning us, the euphoric expression on his face is worth the bout of dizziness. As if he realizes something, his dark eyes shine like the brightest diamond as he says, “I always knew you were precious and now you’ve given me another gift to treasure.”
Placing me gently on my feet, he immediately drops to his knee again, pulling a navy ring box out of nowhere. “Baby, I'm here on my knees to make promises, asking you, begging you, willing you to be mine. Look up devotion in the dictionary, and it’s this face. You’re my one wish upon a star. My every dream come true. I can’t live, breathe, or think without you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. The luckiest night of my life showed me what I was missing. Something so obvious, so huge, that I couldn’t see it. It was you. Your spark. That fire. I was missing my better half. Marry me, baby. Live this beautiful life with me. With us.”
Each word pierces my heart like cupids’ arrow, and I shake with exhilaration that we made it here. As dark, hopeful eyes stare into mine, I wipe my tears away, take a deep breath, and say the only thing left to say.
“Yes.”
The ring dazzles as he slides it onto my finger. The pale pink diamond, surrounded by pavé diamonds, sits on a rose gold band—exactly what I would have chosen for myself, only about five times bigger.
He’s on his feet in a blink, and with a hand on my belly, his raspy voice tickles my ear as he says, “You never stood a chance. You were mine the moment I saw you and this cements it.”
My arms go around his neck and my grin matches his. “It does, huh?”
He meets me in a soft kiss.
“Absolutely, babycakes. This just confirms that I’m always right. Deal with it.”
I throw my head back, my laughter ringing off the walls. This is what my life will be, my life for the next sixty years. Love and so much laughter.
“Now, you know we’re going to have the biggest fucking wedding, right? I want to see my favorite girl in a wedding dress. What’re you thinking? In four weeks? Six?”
I blink up at him as he barrels on.
“What do you say we go find the captain and say our I Do’s? A rendezvous, just us two?” His hand trails down to my stomach. “Just our little family.”
“Yes. My answer is always yes.”
“That’s what I want to hear. Now, let’s talk about the honeymoon.”
Xander
You see what persistence, recon, and strategic rendezvouses can get you?
Every fucking thing .
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