Chapter 35 NANCY
SUNLIGHT STREAMED THROUGH THE SKYLIGHT, waking me early the following morning.
I guessed it was four or maybe five a.m..
It was almost the longest day of the year, so I couldn’t be sure.
Honestly, I didn’t care. Time didn’t matter much when I was pressed up against my boyfriend’s delicious naked body.
Alex’s strong arms held me close, his sculpted chest rising and falling in settled sleep. I took a deep, contented breath, filling my lungs with his intoxicating scent. He looked as serene as I felt.
Last night had been more amazing than I could have imagined, so much so, I couldn’t believe that just a month ago I’d resigned myself to a life of celibacy.
To have trusted someone like that was a minor miracle, and only possible because Alex was willing to hand me complete control.
I’d never believed that was possible of a man, but he’d proved me wrong.
It couldn’t have been more different to my first time.
Waking to find him on top of me, his hate-filled eyes staring through me.
I’d spent every second of the eight years since believing that the root of sex was domination.
That intercourse was only for a man’s enjoyment.
At best, it was an act women tolerated; at worst, it caused terrible pain.
After what happened, I wanted nothing to do with it.
But I realised now that I hadn’t had sex before last night.
I wasn’t a participant the first time, just an object. Last night was my choice.
Admittedly, taking Alex for the first time was a shock, but as we kept going, it quickly became manageable, then amazing.
The feel of him filling me to my limit. His heat, a lush soreness that had nothing to do with pain and everything to do with connection.
It was more intimate than I’d ever thought two people could be.
We’d made love with gentle words and soft eyes.
I’d felt safe, and when I’d let myself go, the resulting orgasm was mind-blowing.
I watched him doze, feeling bewitched. It was probably the hormones talking, but I felt so deeply bonded to him, not just body to body, but as souls too.
Alex reflected me in a strong, kind, and lasting image.
And now he was all mine. I hadn’t realised how much I needed that reassurance after this last week.
Alex drew a deep breath and shifted lazily on the sheets, his fingers stroking along the plane of my back as a smile grew over his face. His eyelids flickered open, meeting my gaze.
“How long have you been awake?” he asked in a gravelly voice.
“Not long. You looked so peaceful, I didn’t want to wake you.”
He drew a long, satisfied breath. “Making love with you clearly relaxes me.”
“Me too.”
“And how do you feel this morning?” He skimmed his nails along the dip of my spine. Those wicked nails.
“Good.”
“Good?” He paused.
I laughed. “Spectacular then! I honestly thought vaginal orgasms were a myth concocted by men.” I cat-stretched, pliant in his arms.
“I’m more than happy to bust that myth anytime you want.” He took advantage, kissing across my chest. I gasped as his teeth grazed my nipple and his hand slid between my legs, finding his slickness. “Fuck.”
“Are you okay that we didn’t use a condom?”
He lifted from my breast to focus. “Yes. Are you okay with it?”
“Yeah, I loved how it felt.”
“I’ve never had sex skin-to-skin before.”
“Seriously? Even with all the women you’ve been with?” The image prickled me, but I pushed it away.
“It was always something I’ve done. I never trusted not using a condom.
But with you…” His fingers explored further.
“It felt bare and raw, like it was the first time.” I surrendered to the sensation with a moan, and he moved in, kissing me fiercely.
We tangled in each other’s arms, desperate for more and unable to get enough.
I stood by the shower watching Alex in mild panic as he ran a cutthroat razor down his neck, removing the stubbly shaving foam with an unnerving scrape and depositing it on a towel draped over his shoulder.
He chuckled at my anxious noises. “You know, the old ways are the best. You’ll never get a closer shave than this.”
“Yeah, ’cause at any moment, you could slice your neck open. That’s why they invented safety razors.” I snatched up a disposable and began to shave my soapy leg. “See! …Oww!” I looked down to find my knee nicked.
“See!” he impersonated, and I flicked water at him. “I’ll shave those legs for you in a minute.”
“You stay away from me with that thing!” I backed against the tiles, laughing. His lip angled, and he put down the razor, launching forward to lift me over his shoulder. “You’re getting shaving foam on me!” I shrieked and kicked out wildly as he spun me on the spot.
“Back in the shower then,” he snickered, carrying me under the warm rain. I watched him, spellbound, as he placed me down, took the safety razor, and meticulously shaved my legs. I didn’t receive another nick.
Once dressed for the gala, we went to the garage to meet Evan by the Bentley. “Thanks for looking after my mum last night,” I said.
“My pleasure, Ms Cooper.” Evan gave me a rare smile. “Your mother is a kind woman who knows how to make a strong cuppa.”
“She does that.” I laughed, sliding along the bench seat as I teased my hair.
I’d styled my coils into a full, shiny afro to complement the bold colour and cut of my red maxi dress.
Alex joined me, looking sophisticated and not a little seductive in his Savile Row tuxedo.
“Damn, you’re a guy who wears a suit.” I eyed the black-on-white setting off his lightly bronzed skin and collar-length hair: a wild edge to the cool-headed gentleman.
“Thank you, bella. As do you with that dress.” He ran his hand over my smooth skin, peeking out the long side slit, and continued up the soft fabric until he reached my bare neck.
His fingers traced the ridge of my collarbone.
“Something is missing, though.” He removed his hand and reached into his inside pocket to reveal a red Cartier box.
“What’s that?”
“A little something to complement your outfit.” He smiled innocent-ly and opened it. Inside was a matching rose gold choker, tennis bracelet, and cascade earrings, all dripping with round-cut diamonds.
I gasped. “Oh dear god! Alex, this is too much!”
“No, it’s not, but I hope it will do for now.”
I ran my finger along the black velvet to avoid touching the precious gems. “They’re beautiful.”
He leaned into my ear. “They’ll look better on you.”
I smiled hesitantly as he gently hooked on each earring, kissing my lobes in turn.
Then he fastened the tight necklace, placing a kiss on my nape.
Lastly, his fingers slid along my gloved arm and clipped on the bracelet, gently pressing his lips to the pulse on my wrist. The coolness of the jewellery sent a shiver through me, and, seeing my raised skin, Alex lifted my wrap and drew me into his warmth.
We arrived at the rear of the Park Palace Hotel, and Evan pulled in next to the catering lorries.
Alex led me to the staff entrance, my nerves rising with each step.
He navigated us through the maze of drab corridors, bustling with servers, until we came to a door that deposited us in the grand foyer, overflowing with chandeliers, sumptuous fabrics, and sprays of fresh white roses.
It was in such stark contrast to the back of the hotel that I faltered.
Promenading past us on a red carpet like movie stars at award season were the most well-dressed people I’d ever seen in one place. I gripped Alex’s hand. “You’ll stay with me tonight, right? This is way outside my comfort zone.”
“Of course. It’s just the two of us.” He checked my wrap at the cloakroom, then tucked my arm under his and guided us towards an elaborate set of doors leading to the ballroom.
I looked around in wonder at the colossal crystal chandelier, gold gilding, and luxurious ice-blue drapes that tumbled down the walls.
The hotel was fairy tale fancy.
“Champagne?”
“Please,” I said, grateful for anything that would take the edge off.
Alex passed me a flute from a nearby waiter and clinked my glass. “Here’s to a wonderful evening.”
I exhaled my nerves and smiled up at him. “So, what do we do now?”
“Mingle a little, then dinner, and entertainment after. Remember, I’m taking you to a casino tonight.”
Oddly, I’d forgotten, and the thought brought a smile to my face. He reached out and stroked my raised cheek with his thumb, looking pleased.
“Alex! I wasn’t sure if you’d come tonight,” a voice announced from behind.
I turned to see a tall, elegant woman walking towards us, wearing a fitted column of royal blue that emphasised her svelteness.
I guessed she was in her fifties, although it was difficult to be sure.
Her porcelain skin made her look timeless, especially around her eyes, which were keen and bright—and fixed on my boyfriend.
“Catherine. It’s good to see you,” Alex said warmly, bringing the back of her hand to his lips. “And may I introduce my girlfriend, Nancy Cooper? Nancy, this is Catherine Black. She’s a primary shareholder of Toverton PLC.”
Catherine turned, smiling graciously. “How wonderful to finally meet you, Nancy.” She examined me from head to toe. “And my gosh, don’t you carry off that Versace well. Stunning, just stunning.”
I blushed. “Thank you. It’s wonderful to meet you too, Catherine. Your dress is also lovely.”
Catherine’s smile broadened. “What a charmer you are. And what an intriguing accent, too. Let me guess.” She feigned consideration. “Peckham, am I right?”
I gave a confused laugh and glanced at Alex, who seemed nonplussed. “Actually, I live in Chelsea.”
“Gosh, how up-and-coming. Good for you,” Catherine said blithely, turning back to Alex. I blinked, trying not to furrow my brow. “Sorry, dahling, but I have a couple I need you to schmooze with.”