Chapter 21
I”m standing in the center of the ice rink, the cold air chilling my skin despite the layers I wear. Today marks the first day of the Olympics, the day I”ve trained so hard for, and yet, anxiety twists my stomach into knots. The choreography, the routine I”ve practiced countless times, suddenly feels foreign, unattainable.
Raven stands at the edge of the rink, her eyes on me. “Focus Ash,” she calls out. “You”ve got this. Show them what you”re made of!”
I take a deep breath, trying to quell the rising panic. This is it.
The music starts, and I begin my routine, gliding over the ice, each step carefully calculated. But today, even the simplest moves feel like a monumental task. The jumps that used to come effortlessly now seem impossible, and my nerves threaten to get the best of me.
As I execute a spin, my thoughts drift to Rock. He understands my fears, my anxieties about the competition. I”ve been putting on a brave face, but the weight of expectation is crushing me, as are Raven’s actions.
After I finish the exhibition, I skate over to the edge, seeking solace in Rock’s presence. He”s been a pillar of support throughout this journey, and right now, I need someone to understand the turmoil raging inside me.
“You did amazing, Princess.” He wraps me in his arms.
“I felt like I was falling apart out there.” I close my eyes, hiding the tears that threaten to have the best of me. The realization hit me hard, but I can’t pull back. Not now. I owe it to mom.
He looks at me, concern etched on his face while he glances toward Raven. “She didn’t realize it, give her time.”
“What?”
“You were incredible out there Ashley, flawless.” She pushes me toward the stand, I look up at the monitor and seeing the points adding up my score makes me burst into tears.
“You’re second, Ash, you need to bring it home! No excuses, okay?”
I nod, or think I do.
Raven forces me to look at her. “There’s no room for errors, got it? You can fall at home, but not here!”
“Will do.” I try to sound positive but my stomach knots. You fucking bitch!
I move toward my locker with Rock following. The door closes and I let out a long scream. “What’s up, Princess?”
“I”m so tired,” I admit, my voice wavering. “Physically and mentally exhausted. I don”t know if I have it in me to bring it home.”
Zane gives me a sympathetic smile, his eyes reflecting understanding. “Take a breath, baby. You”ve got it. Tonight we’ll stay in and go to sleep earlier, okay.”
“Movie and cuddles?”
He opens his arms and I relax in his embrace. “Everything you want, Princess. Tomorrow everything will finish. Be you and enjoy it.”
“What if I fail?”
“Fail what?” He scoffs. “You got here, Ash. Babe, you’re only twenty-one and you’re the best figure skaters I know.”
I raise my head and peer at him. “How many do you know?”
He scoffs. “Ehm, you, but that’s not the point.” I giggle, hiding my face in his chest. “It’s a great goal you’re here and even if you don’t get on that podium, who cares? You’ll get it next year.”
I burst out laughing because he has no idea, but I get his point. I already chose my future and if I can’t win it well, that’s okay. I have everything in my life that’s worth living for. I lived mom’s dream and mine.
As I prepare for the next practice session, I draw strength from Zane”s words. The Olympics might be intimidating, but I won”t let my fears overpower me. I owe it to myself to give this competition my all, to skate with passion and determination, and to face my anxieties head-on.
I watch Ashley with a mix of pride and concern as she gracefully glides across the ice, determined to perfect her style for tomorrow. She”s focused, pushing herself to perform flawlessly, but I can”t shake the worry I saw lingering in her eyes. She”s been pushing herself hard, relentless in her pursuit of perfection, but she”s also been plagued by doubts and fears about this moment. I want to erase those worries, to make her see herself the way I see her: as a remarkable skater with an incredible talent and determination.
While she continues to practice her routine, I grab my phone and quickly dial the hotel. “Hi, I’m Zane Mitchell, from room 2409. Could I ask for a favor?”
“Of course, Sir.”
“Could you please prepare our room for a romantic evening? Rose petals, candles, the whole shebang. We’ll be back in two hours.”
The receptionist assures me that they”ll take care of it, and I hang up feeling a surge of excitement. I want this night to be special, a chance for Ashley to relax and unwind before the big day, to remind her that she”s more than just her skating routine.
As Ashley finishes her training session and skates over, I put on a smile. “You did amazing out there, Princess.”
She smiles back, but I can still see the tension in her eyes. “Thanks, Rock. I”m trying my best.”
I take her hands gently in mine, looking straight into her eyes. Where’s my lioness gone? It’s been weeks since her mood shifted and she tenses when Raven is around. Truth is, even around Monica she was the same. I found it weird to see her train with Raven in the morning and push herself for five hours in the afternoon with Monica. Never together. It may be because they were working on two different choreographies. But seeing her nervousness makes her adorable and fragile at the same time. “You”re doing more than your best. You”re incredible. Your dedication, your skill, everything about you is amazing.” I make her sit and start to untie her skates. I plant a kiss on her foot and help her wear the boots. “And tonight, I want you to forget about the competition. I”ve arranged something special for us.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Rock, I’m not in the mood...”
“Hey,” I interrupt, gently cupping her cheek. “You”ve worked so hard, but tonight is about you. Just relax and enjoy. Let me take care of you.”
She hesitates for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. “You always do.” Not as much as I’d like, Princess, but I’m trying.
“Trust me,” I wink at her. “I want tonight to be perfect for you.”
As we leave the Arena and head to the hotel, I notice a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes. I hope this surprise will bring her some peace, a moment of respite before the competition. I want her to feel cherished and forget about the pressure that consumes her. She”s my priority, and I”ll do everything I can to make it unforgettable for her.
The concierge nods at me as we walk past the reception. The elevator opens up to our floor and I find myself nervous. I’ve never done something like this for someone but in movies it works so I guess it should be fine.
“What have you done?” her voice breaks through my thoughts.
“Hmm?”
“You’re nervous, Rock, is everything okay at home?”
“Sure, they keep texting,” I let the key pass over the scanner, unlocking the door. “Ladies first.” I swallow the lump in my throat.
She comes to a halt as I do. Red roses scattered on the floor and bed, candles and heart balloons are hanging everywhere. “Oh my God,” she carefully walks in. “Rock you shouldn’t have.”
I set the bag down and help her take her coat off. She gets on her tiptoes and kisses me while I scoop her up. Kicking the bathroom door it opens on a bathtub with foam and red petals. I let her down. “This is your night, baby. Get yourself into it.”
“I love you.”
Winking at her, I take off my shirt leaving my jeans on. She starts to undress, making my mouth water at her beauty. I help her into the tub and sit on the edge. I don’t know what I did to deserve her but I’m the luckiest man alive.
“I’m scared when you’re lost in thoughts.”
I smile, while I take a petal and stick it to her forehead. “Close your eyes and relax, be right back.”
“You gonna leave me alone?”
“Not a chance, Princess. You relax and I’m going to…” I pause, and chuckle at myself. “You’ll see. Just relax and enjoy.”
She scoffs. “Hard without you, but okay.”
I close the door and browse online for soft music to relax. The knock on the door makes me smile. Right on time. I open the door and they set up the food and bring the roses as requested. They look almost the same as the first one I gave her for her birthday, and I hide them in the wardrobe.
“You can leave the trail outside. Oh, almost forgot,” the lady hands me a tiny bottle from their spa.
“Thank you so much.”
Once they leave, I play the music and knock on the door. “How are you feeling?”
“I’d stay here all night,” she giggles. “I needed it, thank you.”
“My pleasure,” I take the bathrobe and hold it for her. She steps out and wears it but peers at me intently. “Why are you still nervous?”
I move away and lead her in the room. “Because you keep asking questions.” I grab the seat and make her seat. “I figured you were starving since you skipped lunch.”
“Have I told you that I love you?”
I nod with a smile. “A couple of times.”
“Not enough.” I kiss her. “Let me wear something…”
“Nope,” I put my hands on her shoulder. “Have dinner first.”
“You’re acting weird.” She peers at her plate, and then at me with sparkly eyes. “Our first dinner.”
“Let’s say this one is prepared by a chef.”
“Yours are delicious, Rock.” A shy smile shows up. “No one other than Dad ever cooked for me before.”
“I was the first and will be the last too, baby girl.” I want to slap myself, but it seems she hasn’t figured it out. Okay, just breathe.
The small talk carries on and it relaxes me seeing her laugh. “I’m stuffed.” She sighs. “I think only with tonight’s dinner I gained weight.”
We get up and I walk near her. Pulling the string that holds her bathrobe together I smirk. “Let me see if you’re right.”
“Oh really,” she lets it drop on the floor and approaches with a grin.
Showing her the oil tube, I point at the bed and the towel I’ve displayed on it surprising her again. “Time for a massage, Princess.”
“You’re killing me.” She moans but gets on the bed displaying her ass while lying on her stomach. Squeezing a good amount of oil I start to massage her legs. The moans get me already hard but I keep going until her muscles relax. I move down to her foot and carefully massage it up to the ankles.
“Good God, Rock, I didn’t know you’re that good at it.”
“Couldn’t display all I got, Princess.” I move to the other foot and do the same. Moving upward I massage her thighs and her pants are a torture. I let drip some oil on her back and start putting a little pressure up to her shoulders and along her arm.
“I could marry you just for this massage.” Her giggle hits hard and my heart pounds in my chest.
After a good five minutes of working on her shoulder and arms I squeeze some oil on her ass, making sure it lands between her cheek. “Hmm, please.”
“Behave, baby.” Because it’s a challenge not to take her right now. While massaging her muscles I let my finger hover between her thighs, ripping a powerful moan from her.
“Rock, stop teasing me.” She fists the sheets as I let my thumb slip between her lips. Her body shakes as she tries to have more contact. My cock is already pressing on the jeans’ zip. I should have worn sweatpants.
“What about taking care of the front too.” I try to play cool but it’s fucking hard. I’m obsessed with her body.
“Yes please,” she rolls over carefully not to lean off the towel. I start over again from her legs. “Such a bastard.”
“Oh really?” I’ll show you how bastard I can be, Princess.
I put some pressure on her thighs moving inches from her glistening pussy but carefully working on her inner thighs. I squeeze oil from her navel, up to her stomach and on her tits.
“Are you planning to fry me or what? Add some salt and pepper and I’m good to go.”
I can’t help but laugh out loud. “It may be an idea.” My hands move on her stomach and I sense it tense. I get lost in her eyes and I know I’m fucked. Cupping her tits, I circle her nipples so erect and begging for attention. She bites her bottom lip and I free it, forcing my tongue in her mouth. The muffled pant that leaves her is powerful, making my cock twitch.
I spread her legs, and she grinds against my crotch. With her frantic moves she manages to open my jeans and takes out my dick. “I need you, Rock, please.” The sheer desire in her voice is my end.
I pin her hands over head and in one thrust I’m in heaven. I work my hips slowly in a circle hitting her spot making her cry out my name. My mind goes blank as I kiss her. When she comes squeezing my cock so hard I push even faster prolonging her orgasms. Her body goes rigid and shakes while she squirms. “Give it to me baby, I want another one.” I hold her close and roll over making her ride me. She takes it so well that it makes me go crazy. We fit perfectly and it begins even more intensely when her nails dig in my skin, increasing her pace.
“I love you, Princess.” The last two lunges make us shake while I claim her mouth.
Running my fingers through her hair, peace envelopes me. There’s no doubt she’s my one. “Are you awake?” I know she is but still she stays silent. “Princess, having you in my life means more than I can explain. When I say you’re my life, I mean it.” Her breath starts to tremble and I know she’s close to crying. “With you I learned the real meaning of love and that night has been my resurrection, my first breath of oxygen after what seemed a lifetime. And I want to breathe in every day of my life. With you.” Her tears land on my chest and I’m that bastard to let her continue to act the beauty asleep. “Marry me, Princess.” She holds her breath and I kiss her head. “I want the happily ever after, but I want you to sleep on it because once mine there’s no way out.”
“Zane,” she sobs, “you can’t…”
I kiss off her tears. “I don’t want an answer now and no tears even, okay?” She nods. “Now go wear your pajamas.”
“I love you, Rock, to the moon and back.” I sit on the bed and watch her jumping off. “Were you serious?”
“Dead serious, Princess.”
“But it wasn’t a real question.” She opens the wardrobe, backing off. The roses are displayed in a colorful rainbow and the velvet box opened on top. I move toward her while she takes the box with shaking hands. “You’re crazy, Rock!”
“Because I want to tie my life with the woman I love?”
She turns around and shakes her head. “I thought I made it clear.”
I’m lost. What is she saying?
“I don’t need a ring, I’m sure it was outrageously expensive.”
“It’s nothing compared with what you deserve.”
She gasps and wipes her tears. “No, Rock. I won one of the most amazing prizes the night I met you. I wouldn’t trade you for this.” She wears it. “I knew you’d be mine forever.”
I scoop her up and kiss her.
“So… since you’re the King of The Black Panthers does it mean I’ll upgrade at Queen?”
“Nope, that’d happen in some years when you’ll give me my first baby.”
“Your first baby, huh?”
I nod with a smile. “Once you’ve accomplished all your dreams, we’ll think about them.”