Chapter Thirty-Eight
Jill
The Chicago skyline is a beautiful sight through the plane window. The last time I was on a private plane, I was flying in the opposite direction and couldn’t get away fast enough. But I’ve missed my city.
“Welcome home, baby.” My eyes leave the window to find Gage watching me. He hasn’t taken his eyes off me once since I woke up to his face buried between my legs.
Gage had eaten my pussy this morning like he’d never get the chance again. Once he’d had his fill, and I’d come on his tongue three times, he fucked me so roughly and thoroughly—talking so dirty it made me blush—that my body still aches deliciously from the power of it. Then he made love to me, soft, sweet, and slow, as he took me to heights of pleasure I’d never experienced before. And while he was worshiping every inch of the body he’d just completely destroyed, he’d showered me with praise and words of adoration that I’ll never forget.
Gage Lawless is madly in love with me. And as much as I’d still like to fight it—and fight him—I’m just as devoted.
Exhilaration washes over me at the thought of it all. I’m home with the man that I love. Everything is as it should be. Well, almost. It’s going to take more than a morning of sex and five orgasms to make things up to me. Gage still has a lot of groveling to do.
I don’t forgive so easily.
He didn’t tell me what he did with Tommy’s body, and I didn’t ask. Honestly, I don’t give a shit. My brother wouldn’t care what happened to me, so why should I worry about his eternal resting place?
Gage’s car is waiting for us on the tarmac when we arrive. I allow him to help me down the plane’s stairs, but I refuse to let him hold my hand as we walk in silence to the car. I wait in the passenger seat as Gage and the flight crew load my luggage into the trunk.
When Gage climbs behind the wheel, I don’t offer my hand to hold as I look out the window. But when his large hand reaches over to rest on my thigh as he drives us away from the small airport, I make no move to remove it.
I’m still not happy with this man, but damn did I miss him. I missed his touch, his voice, the smell of his cologne. I missed the weight of his eyes on me and the way my body responds to his presence. I even missed that damn smirk of his.
Half of me—the angry, vindictive half—refuses to let my guard down with him after the deceit. I know what type of man he is, and I’m still bitter that he used it against me. He was a weapon I thought I had a handle on, but it blew up in my face. So, while he might currently be allowed in my presence, I’m not gifting him my attention.
“What are you doing?” I ask as we turn in the opposite direction we should be going.
“I’m taking you home.”
“This isn’t the way to my apartment. Where the hell are we even going?” I look around as we make our way through an unfamiliar part of the city.
“Do you trust me?” Gage’s question has me cutting him a look that says he must think I’m an idiot. So, he clarifies. “Do you trust me to keep you safe?”
Yes.
The answer echoes through my mind clearly and without hesitation. I don’t have to say it out loud for Gage to see it on my face. He flashes me a knowing smirk, and I barely refrain from rolling my eyes like a petulant child. That has me settling back against my seat with an annoyed exhale. “I’m already starting to regret coming back with you.”
“It’s too late now, baby. There’s no going back.”
We weave our way further and further away from downtown, towards the suburbs. The distance between properties grows wider as the houses grow bigger. My brows knit in confusion when we pull up to a fancy gated community. With the click of a fob on his keys, the detailed metal gate swings open to allow us entry.
Winding through the ritzy neighborhood, Gage finally turns into a greenery-lined driveway that leads to a house tucked away from the street. Although house isn’t the right word to use for what’s waiting at the end of a circular drive. Manor is more like it.
The massive white colonial mansion stands in the center of immaculately manicured grounds, with detailed white pillars reaching the full two stories on either side of the front door. Gage pulls up to the front door and cuts the engine. I can feel his heavy gaze on me as I stare out the window, taking in every detail of the gorgeous home. When I pull my eyes away from the house to look at him in confusion, I find him staring at me with such passion it makes the breath hitch in my chest.
“Come inside, I need to show you something.”
I open my mouth, but before I can ask him any of the questions racing through my mind, he’s climbing out of the car. I watch him round the car, my eyes narrowing as he pulls my door open and offers me his hand. I stare at the offered palm for a second, trying to decide if I’m willing to play his little game.
Finally, curiosity wins out and I place my hand in his. He helps me out of the car and refuses to let go of my hand as we talk towards the front door. I expect Gage to knock or ring the bell, but instead, he walks right in, taking me with him.
The grand foyer opens up with an imperial staircase leading up to the second floor, with two-story vaulted ceilings and original detailed woodwork. From this standpoint, I can see a parlor on the left, a dining room to my right, and a large kitchen past the staircase. The walls are painted in rich, moody colors, with panels of ornate wallpaper decorating the spacious entryway. My heels click on the checkered flooring made up of black and white marble tiles.
“What do you think?”
“Of what? How you just broke into someone’s house?”
“The house. What do you think of the house?”
“Why? Are you thinking of buying it or something?” I look over at him to find him staring at me expectantly, so I relent. “It’s a beautiful house. Absolutely gorgeous.”
“Good. I think so too.” He grins from ear to ear as he uses our connected hands to pull me through the entryway towards the kitchen, passing a library full of gorgeous built-in bookshelves on the way.
“Did you drag me all the way here to ask me what I think about a house you’re thinking of buying?”
“It’s not for sale, baby.”
“Then, what? Don’t tell me you won it in a poker game. I swear those idiots don’t know when to quit.”
“This house isn’t mine.”
“Then who’s is it?”
“It’s yours.”
I stop dead in my tracks as my stomach does a fucking cartwheel. Gage looks back at me and grins, his hand tightening around mine.
“What did you just say?” There’s no way I heard him right. I must have hallucinated or something.
“It’s yours—sell it, gut it, keep it. Whatever you want.”
“You bought me a house? Why would you do that?” I’m in utter disbelief.
“Your dick of a landlord wanted you out of the apartment so his idiot son could move in. I knew I’d bring you back before too long, and I wanted you to have somewhere to come back to.” I listen to what Gage is saying, but it doesn’t seem to compute. I simply stare at him, bewildered, as I try to process what’s happening. Gage takes advantage of my stillness to tow me into him.
“I can see that you’re trying to decide between kissing me or killing me, so let me show you the place before you decide. Deal?” I slowly nod, my eyes narrowing slightly.
Gage takes me through the house, showing me the sunlight-flooded forest green kitchen—with its black quartz countertops, walk-in pantry, and top-of-the-line appliances. I follow in silence as he tells me about each room, pointing out details and the history of the building.
Next comes the butler’s pantry, a large dining room, a massive living room with a gorgeous fireplace, a sunroom, the library, two powder rooms, and a home office. Following him upstairs, he takes me through four large bedrooms, with two full bathrooms, and finally, the primary suite.
Walking into the spacious bedroom, I feel like I’ve stepped out of my body. The arched floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, with high coffered ceilings and stunning crown molding that looks original to the house. A king-size bed sits perfectly made in my bedding, and a second glance shows me my nightstands on either side. The rest of the room is empty until we walk into the closet of my dreams.
Gage flips the switch, and the room fills with light, revealing rows and rows of clothes, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. I step further inside, I can’t help it. My hands brush along some of the neatly hanging clothing, and I recognize them as the clothes I left in my apartment. But then, as I round to the other side of the closet, I realize the clothes are unfamiliar and still have tags hanging from them. Designer, luxury materials, gorgeous custom pieces. They’re all for me.
My head is swimming, and I barely register the glorious primary bathroom with a giant soaking tub, steam shower, marble tiles, and double vanity sink.
Gage takes me by the hand and leads me back downstairs, through the kitchen to the sprawling backyards with an Olympic-sized pool and jacuzzi. We don’t go down into the finished basement, but Gage tells me about the theater room, wet bar, and wine cellar. And in the three-car garage, my car sits waiting for me like I left it here all along.
When we finally make it back to the kitchen, I’m in a daze. A million thoughts are swirling around in my head, but there’s only one that makes it out of my mouth.
“You bought a house?”
“It’s your house, Jill.” Pulling his key ring out of his jacket pocket, Gage places the house key and gate fob on the kitchen counter. “Everything has been paid in full under your name. This place is yours, not mine or anyone else’s. No strings.”
“No strings,” I repeat. He takes my tone as wary, and maybe it is.
“I won’t pretend that I’ll ever let you walk away, Jill. But I can take a step back until you’re ready for me again. If watching you from afar is what it takes to keep you in my life, I’ll do it.”
Gazing at him, everything comes crashing down on me all at once—our fight, the plane ride, the house. And the thought of Gage leaving that key for me and walking out the front door, leaving me in this big house alone, feels like a punch to the gut.
I don’t want him to leave.
I don’t want this house to be just for me, I want it to be ours. My chest aches at the idea of having to live in this mansion without the man I love.
Rounding the counter, I walk over to press my chest against his, my arms snaking up around his neck. Gage doesn’t hesitate to wrap me in his arms, pulling me in so close that there’s no distance between us. Raising up on my toes, I kiss him. His eager lips move with mine desperately, drinking me in with an unquenchable thirst.
“Ok, fine,” I say between kisses. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” Gage asks against my lips, his tongue slipping in to tangle with mine. I let him devour me until my head is spinning, and my knees are threatening to buckle.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.” Gage pulls away abruptly to look down at me, a glorious grin spreading across his face. He stares down at me, looking like a man who’s just won the lottery. Then he slowly shakes his head, his brilliant smile never faltering.
“I’m not asking you to marry me, little devil.” He gestures around the kitchen. “This isn’t a proposal.”
“But you will. And when you do, I’ll say yes.” I pull him back down to recapture his lips with mine. “But you better ask me very nicely.” Gage inches back to rest his forehead against mine, our breath mingling between us with our proximity.
“Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head. When I ask you to marry me, there won’t be any choice but to say yes.” One of his hands cups my face, his thumb tenderly stroking my face. His dark eyes remain connected with mine so deeply I can feel our soul ties tighten. “Cut me, fight me—hell, you can even kill me—but don’t ever fucking leave me again. You are my soul, Jillian Hart.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” I’ve never meant anything so strongly in my entire life. “I love you, Gage Lawless. Forever.”
Epilogue
Gage
Paradise isn’t a place, it’s a person.
Jillian Lawless.
Watching her walk towards me—bikini-clad, my diamond sparkling on her ring finger as she carries her drink, dark hair swirling around her in the tropical breeze with her eyes set on me—it’s my wildest fantasy come true. Even from across the beach, she’s a fucking vision.
Her dark red string bikini does little to hide her voluptuous curves, a black mesh mini skirt hanging low on her full hips. The small triangles of fabric display her gorgeous tits and the marks covering them.
My marks.
Love bites and hickeys cover most of Jill’s perfect body, declaring her mine like the ring on her finger and her new last name. She’s finally mine, and I’ll do everything in my power to stake my claim on her so that she, and the rest of the world, know exactly who she belongs to. Just like how I’ve been hers from the moment I laid eyes on her.
The wedding was an intimate ceremony in a Gothic church. Jill wanted what she called ‘romantic elegance’ with hundreds of white candles, blood-red roses, and all of the guests wearing black. I’ll never forget when the church doors opened to reveal Jill standing in her ivory wedding gown, a black layered veil, and a bouquet of red roses. When she walked down the aisle, eyes locked with mine, her stunning smile brought attention to the red on her crimson lips.
Me.
Standing in front of our closest friends and family, declaring our vows, and committing to each other for time and all eternity—not even will death do us part—was the happiest moment of my life.
A honeymoon in St. Barths was Jill’s idea, one I happily agreed to. Sun, sand, and my gorgeous wife strutting around in tiny bikinis? Easiest yes of my life—after saying ‘I do.’
As Jill walks closer, I’m reminded again just how lucky of a bastard I really am. Lifting up a hand, I gesture with my pointer finger for her to give me a little spin. She flashes me a look and rolls her eyes but pauses a few feet from me to turn around, giving me a full three-sixty view of her in all her glory. That bikini was made for her, and the little mesh skirt adds coverage while still showing off the thong bottoms being swallowed by that lush ass of hers.
“Goddamn,” I groan, making her bite back a smile.
“Do you think I’m pretty?” she asks, closing the distance between us to walk into my awaiting arms.
“The most beautiful woman to ever walk this earth,” I state without hesitation.
“Do you want me?” She melts into me, her eyes softening like they do only for me.
“More than my next breath.”
“Do you love me?” The softness of her tone gives me life, a glimpse at who she is just with me. Seeing her be sweet and vulnerable is a privilege—one I plan to earn every fucking day.
“Like it’s my reason for existing.” I lean down to press a kiss on her forehead.
“Mmm,” she hums softly. “I love you.”
“I have a present for you.” I can’t help but grin at the way she perks up.
“What is it?” she asks, her eyes scanning around us for a package or a clue. Not seeing anything, she turns her narrowed eyes back to me. “You better not be playing with me.”
“Oh, I’ll be playing with you very soon,” I promise with a salacious grin. “Follow me, I’ll bring you to your gift.”
Taking her by the hand, I lead her away from the bar down a secluded path to a private beach. I can feel Jill’s eyes on me as we walk, growing more and more curious. A small maintenance shed sits tucked away in a grove of trees. Opening the door, I let her enter first before I latch the door securely behind us.
The interior of the hut is mostly empty—with a few rakes, sandbags, and some landscaping equipment tucked off to the side. But that’s not what I brought her to see. A man stands in the center of the room, his wrists bound above his head and tied to the support beam on the ceiling. He stands, body taut against his restraints, his ankles tied together tightly with a cord. He starts making noise against the rag stuffed into his mouth that’s been secured with duct tape as we enter, hoping we’re his chance at being rescued. When his eyes land on me, his tone changes to angry desperation.
Jill stops just inside the door and takes in the whole scene as she processes. When she looks back at me, I can see the confusion dissipating as the excitement starts to settle in.
“Is that…?”
“The man who groped you at the bar last night.” The memory has my tone darkening.
“So this is what you were doing while I got my facial?”
“I had to keep myself busy somehow,” I reply with a smirk. She leans up to capture my lips in a sensual kiss, allowing my tongue to dance with hers. She tastes like everything I’ve ever wanted. When she leans back, an amused smile tugs at her full kiss-swollen lips as she swipes her lip gloss off my mouth. I’m tempted to pull her back in, to indulge my insatiable craving for her, but then she pulls away to get a closer look at her present.
Walking over to the pathetic asshole, she stops just a foot away from him. His eyes, wide with fear and glassy with pain, dart between me and my beautiful wife.
“He looks like he’s been crying,” she comments, tilting her head at him. I walk up behind her, wrapping my arm around her waist to pull her against my side.
“I may have shattered every bone in both of his hands,” I say, my hold on her remaining nonchalant despite the violence edging my voice. She looks up at me with those gorgeous green eyes of hers, and my anger at the fucker spikes all over again. “He touched you.”
“He did.” The sharp edge to her voice speaks to my violent urges. “I wonder what color he bleeds.”
“Fuck, I want to watch you find out.” I need to. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out the knife I sourced for this very moment. Jill’s face lights up with a radiant smile when she sees the switchblade, its warmth touching the deepest, darkest parts of me.
I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her smiling like that for the rest of her life.
When she reaches out for the switchblade, I keep my hold on the knife to tow her close enough to kiss—I can’t help myself. I don’t want to. My mouth clashes with hers to pour all of the passion and attraction I feel. I’m so turned on right now, it’s all-consuming.
Jill is all-consuming.
My wife.
“You look so pretty with my ring on your finger,” she comments. “My husband.”
One of Jill’s hands grasps mine left hand, lifting it to her mouth. Her lips press to my wedding band, eyes on me, as her teeth nip at the metal—the sign of my devotion. I all but nut in my pants at the sight of it, an inebriating cocktail of potent lust and unadulterated love surging through me until I feel invincible. With this woman, I can do anything.
For this woman, I will do anything.
Letting my hand drop, she turns to the man awaiting his fate. The resounding metallic chink as her switchblade springs open makes the man start to panic, pulling at his restraints. With Jill’s step closer to him, my anticipation rises, adrenaline coursing through me. I’m so hard right now, so ready to watch my soulmate indulge her dark urges.
She glances at me over her shoulder, eyes bright with excitement with a smile that’s all for me. My adoration for this woman is overwhelming, it threatens to swallow me whole like a black hole. There has never been anything more beautiful than my wife, unapologetically twisted, sensually dark, and mine.
Forever.