46. Epilogue
Chapter forty-six
Epilogue
Charlie
There’s nothing better than sleeping with the man I love every night, and waking up to him between my legs every chance he gets. The man can’t seem to get enough, and neither can I. That man does wonderful things to my body.
Ever since that day, Owen’s been true to his word. He’s open with me, sometimes too much.
We tried to take it slow, but we couldn’t do it, not when I proposed in the back of the van. We go on dates, we just live together and sleep with each other every night, day and any chance we get in between.
Xander came out on top that day, used all his connections, pulled a lot of strings. He supplied the police with everything they needed to arrest them all, including information on Annie. I have no idea how he got that, but he did. And I’m grateful it was done before we even made it out to the van. Xander and my brothers caught Annie and the others coming from the building. She went a little nuts, shouting shit about how I’d never make it out alive. That they’d have to watch as I burned along with the building.
I’m not going to lie, it still hurts.
My brothers and Xander didn’t take that too well and added a couple of extra charges to the long list she will be convicted of. It’s still hard to believe she was such a good friend. I’ve not seen or spoken to her since, and I think it’s for the best.
Turns out she was left in charge when her father was murdered, something she was responsible for, and the organisation was passed down to her. Mr Summers was, in fact, the accountant and front man. A high-ranking officer for her who did her dirty work like the others, but was a little more discreet about how he did things. Until I found that video. And messed up their plans. It’s fucked up.
My brothers arrived just after Owen ran into the burning building to get me. They, along with Leon and Ethan, took great pleasure in blowing a hole in the side of Praise to get us out. I think they have since formed a solid bromance.
A few days after we got back, Owen filled me in on what happened to Simon. Luckily, he’s going to be okay.
Our Friday nights at Millie and Jack’s house have become the bit of normal I needed after all that. I love having everyone together. And so does Millie, with her growing baby bump.
“Why won’t you set a date for the wedding?” Owen’s pinned me to the sofa to ask again why we haven’t set a date. He’s been annoyed beyond belief about it for the last few days.
When I asked him to marry me three months ago, I would have married him there and then. Broken rib, cuts and bruises and all, in the back of that van. I don’t want fancy, I did that before, and look how well that turned out.
Owen already admitted that he would never, in a million years, get on the mat with me for a sparring session. Of course, I took offence that he was trying to go all hero on me again. The guys laughed and said he was too scared to even step foot on the mat, that he was worried he would lose. We all joked about it, but I want him to be able to train with me, and he keeps refusing.
I’ve asked him constantly if he would come to class with me when one of the others was unable to make it. I’d love him to step in and train with me.
“You know why I’m not going to set a date yet, baby.” And he does. When I asked him a few days ago, I offered him a deal: we’ll set a date when he trains with me.
He hated it, told me so, and sulked like a teenager for three days. Today he’s asked me the same question three times, and he already knows the answer.
He’s got to get over those feelings at some point. Right? He knows I’m good. He’s seen me fight with some of the guys. Although the last time he came to watch, he did rush the mat when Ethan and I were into it. He tore me off Ethan, picked me up, and took me to the office, where he showed me just how much he loved what I could do, but also how much I was his and hated anyone else touching me. Fuck, it was hot, so fucking hot the way he made me his against the wall of the office, all sweaty and needy. I loved it so freaking much. My thighs clench at the memory of his hands on me.
“You thinking dirty thoughts, Angel?”
“Yep, want me to tell you?” He’s pinned my hands above my head, bringing his mouth down to my neck, his lips kissing the sweet spot there. “The way you fucked me in your office.” I’m needy already, lifting my hips to meet his. He grinds into me.
“A date for the wedding, Angel.”
“Train with me first.”
“Angel.” His deep tone makes me shiver. I think Alpha Owen is my favourite.
“Don’t Angel me, Owen Archie Stone,” I say, placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Fuck, okay.”
Oh, my life.
“ Okay?” Opening my eyes, I’m met with his annoyed dark green ones.
“Yes, Charlotte Hudson, I will join you on the mat tomorrow morning.”
“Yes!” I think I squeal at him. I’m so excited. I want to grab my phone and tell everyone.
“Just us, no one else.” I’m a little disappointed, but yes, finally I get to train with my man.
I still told everyone. Although Owen banned everyone from coming, I wanted to do this at the gym, with all his friends there for support. Instead, Owen drove us to the lodge, where the gym was set up ready for us.
I don’t know what to expect from this. There is so much tension between us, a mixture of nerves and unease.
Facing each other in opposite corners of the mat, we stare for what feels like the longest time. God, he looks good in gym shorts, his flame tattoos on full display for me to devour.
“Ready when you are, Angel.”
“Oh, I’m ready Owen Archie Stone.”
“You may need to stop looking at me like you want to fuck me if you want to fight.”
“Or we could move straight to the good fucking part and I’ll take you on this mat just how you like it?”
He knows I like him in control. I also love to give as good as I get. But when his eyes rest on my throat, I imagine how his fingers feel when they slide against my pulse and he knows he has me.
“I want to do both, kick your ass, then you can take me on this mat and do whatever you want to me.” I smirk. He lets out a low grumble. It’s tormenting him to hold back. I’m not sure doing this alone was a good idea, but I’m glad we are, in a way. I have a strong feeling we won’t get much training done. And I’m all for it.
“You look a little flushed. You okay over there?” He asks, licking his lips, a wild grin on his wicked face.
“Hmm, just remembering what your hands feel like on my neck” His eyes darken, and he steps forward. I smirk right back at him.
My heart’s beating so fiercely, nerves, desire, and love for this man run so deep inside me. I didn’t think we would get here. There was a time I didn’t think I would see him again. Not after the fire.
I know I laid down this challenge, and this is my own doing, but I never thought he would be here with me on this mat. I would have given in and married him tomorrow. I just liked to see the conflict on his face. I know he likes it when I fight; I know it turns him on, and I know he hates it at the same time. Other people’s hands on me. That’s when Alpha Owen comes out to play. But being in this moment has all of my senses on high alert, sparks coming to life, ready to blaze and burn anything in their path. I can feel the tension, his eyes sweeping over me in anticipation for what my first move might be. I can hear the blood racing through my system, I'm ready to take on whatever he is willing to give.
I’ll take it all, willingly.
I’m poised and ready. “Game on.” He moves towards me. I dodge, sweeping my leg low, catching him off guard. He falls with a low laugh but turns around, taking me with him. We land with a thud, me on top of him. Before he can move, I’m straddling him, my arse on his chest. Grabbing my hips, he pulls me backwards. A sharp sting radiates from my backside.
“Ow, did you just bite me?” Spinning my head round to face him, the smile that spread across his face says it all.
“You put your arse in my face, Angel. Of course I’m going to take a bite.” He chuckles. “I think I’m going to like training with you a lot more than I thought I would.” He grins, nipping it again as I pin him down with my hands and legs. “I’ve got a pretty good view too.”
Not what I was aiming for with this training, but still a wicked outcome, if you ask me. Is this our new foreplay? I’m game if he is.
“If that’s how you want to play it, then game on, Owen Archie Stone.” I pin him with my legs, hooking his arms so he can’t move. Leaning forward, I brush my hands up his thighs. I know he could overpower me, but we decided it was skill, not force at play today.
I trail my mouth down his abs, holding his legs firmly down with my hands. I can see the outline of his already hard dick through his shorts, so I trail my mouth over the bulge.
“Oh, fuck, Angel.” His hands try to move and grab me, but before he can do anything more, I’m up and off him.
“Teasing me? Just remember you started this.” Owen stands, his eyes locked on mine.
“Oh, I’m ready” I step forward only slightly when he pounces. Stepping to the side, I duck and move behind him, cupping his dick, before jumping on his back, my arms hooking around his neck. I place a quick kiss and a tiny bite on his ear,
“How about next June?” I ask, just before he reaches over his head, grabbing my arms, and pulling me in one strong and easy move. He slams me down on the mat, coming down with me, pinning my arms to the mat with his legs, just like I did to him. I can’t move, just wiggle.
Fuck, this is hot.
“Too far away. Try again.” I feel his hot mouth through my tight shorts before he presses his face between my needy legs and nips at my aching lady parts.
My back arches, needing more. “Owen,” I whimper.
He lets go. We roll around with each other on the mat, trying to gain the advantage over each other and failing. I’m on fire, just for him.
Breathing heavily, his breath caresses my skin, sending white-hot flames through me, his hand sneaking into my hair as he places kisses on my neck, the spot just where he can feel my pulse with his lips. I’m a goner. It’s my weak spot, and he knows it.
“Owen,” I murmur, my heart rate spiking as he continues to torment me with his wicked lips and tongue. Each touch and sweep driving me crazy.
I thrust upwards, but he doesn’t move, his hips grinding against me, his hardness prominent and unforgiving. Lifting his face from my neck, he meets me eye to eye with a devastating grin. Knowing full well I can’t deny him, his mouth comes down on mine in a searing kiss. All the fight goes out of me and I’m lost in him. He devours me, leaving me breathless.
His hand grips my hair, his fingers tangling in my white blonde locks, and loving the slight sting, making me catch my breath. Fuck, I crave him like the best drug known to womankind. I will always need more of him. Just like he does me.
Moving my hand to get a better grip, I tug on his dark silky hair. Hair that’s become a little more unruly than normal. I love it. He trails his hand down to my sports bra, lighting a fire on my skin with each brush of his fingers. I feel the moment he unzips the front of me.
“October?”
Moaning through the sharp inhale as his mouth clamps down on the hard bud of my nipple, I lift my chest to his lips, needing to bring him closer to me.
“Try again.” His tongue flicks the tip of my nipple and I cry out.
“When then?” I’m done suggesting. I need this man like fire needs air to burn. And I burn fucking hot for him.
“Next week,” he murmurs into my ear. He can’t be serious, can he? There’s always so much to plan in a wedding, big or small, you need time to do it. And the dress. I know I said I wanted a small, intimate wedding, but I still want an amazing dress.
“Next week?” I repeat only questioning his sanity a little. His hand slips beneath my shorts and into my knickers, cupping me firmly, giving me a glimpse of the friction I need while his fingers tease my entrance.
“So wet for me, Angel.” There's a growl of approval that sends shivers over me, urging the need to go further. I grind myself into his hand. I need the friction, I need what he can give me. I need him. “I have a secret to confess.”
I moan in protest when he takes his hand away and shoves my shorts down, making quick work of his own. Fisting in dick in one hand, he positions himself at my entrance, teasing me as he rubs himself through me.
“Confess for me then, Owen, before I take matters into my own hands.” Reaching my own hand down towards my clit, I circle it firmly, letting out a whimper before he removes it, sucking my fingers into his hot mouth. He lets out a groan.
“Mine,” he growls, and fuck does that do all the good things to me. My insides heat, my breathing accelerates and my eyes flutter shut. “Eyes on me, Angel. I want to watch you come.”
Sinking himself deep inside me, my breath catches as he thrusts, bringing me higher with each roll of his hips as he hits the perfect spot to push me closer. His thumb traces the pulse on my neck and I’m coming like a freight train with no end in sight. It’s hard and fast, taking him with me as I clench and fall to pieces around him.
Breaking eye contact for the briefest of moments, his lips reach my ear. “It’s all booked. All you have to do is get your dress.”
“Are you serious?” I ask breathlessly.
“As the day I met you, Angel.”