Chapter 15

Fortunately, when she packed, she had brought some dress-up clothing along with the casual ones. She had not packed a lot, because after all, her destination had been Europe, in particular Paris and Italy and she had had every intention of replenishing her wardrobe.

He still had not made a commitment to her and she had a feeling there was something he was not telling her. Hell, there were lots of things he wasn't telling her. The man was as tight lipped as a clam, and she didn't possess a crowbar to drag things out of him. Besides, she wanted him to speak to her of his own volition.

Yesterday he had been offended when she started to ask him about his ex, which meant that something was still there, and it was burning her up to realize that he might still have feelings for this woman.

Staring at herself in the mirror, she examined the black dress from all angles. It was fairly new, and the material was warm enough to step out into the frigid air.

And it clung to every curve of her body. She wasn't wearing boots this time, but had on sheer stockings and high heels, making her legs appear even longer and defined. She had lost a little bit of weight, but it only brought attention to her bust.

The dress was dipped low in the front and had slender straps crisscrossing at the back. A smile tugged at her lips as she turned to view the back. He was going to flip when he got an eye full. With a satisfied smile curving her coral painted lips, she grabbed her cashmere jacket and purse.

Another thing was bothering her, she realized as she made her way to the front door. He was still at his mother's place, and she was still at the cottage. He had not invited her to stay at his house. Telling herself that it was early days yet, she made her way out when she saw the lights sweeping through the darkness, indicating that he had arrived.

At least, he had offered to pick her up.

Her breath caught in her throat as she got her first sight of him. He was standing by the open passenger door and silhouetted by the headlights of the car. Axel Lakeside defined masculinity and rugged maleness in every inch of his body.

He was wearing black as well, the sweater molding his shoulders and chest and clinging to his body. His black dress pants were tailored, his thick coffee brown hair brushed ruthlessly back from his face. And he was smiling, white teeth gleaming against his tanned skin. She wanted to suggest they forget about dinner and go into the cottage.

"Hi." Her voice was breathless, but she couldn't help it. She was still trying to get her breath back.

"Hi, yourself." Instead of stepping aside and allowing her to get in, he caught her around the waist. "Is this waterproof?" he nodded in the direction of her lips.

"Everything proof." She assured him huskily. "Why?"

"Because…" Instead of telling her, he showed her. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips against hers slightly, before using his tongue to trace the full outline of her bottom lip.

A shudder went through her as she moved in closer so that the warmth of his body could seep into hers. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she settled into the kiss, all her doubts and fear slipping away as his tongue dove into her mouth.

He explored her sweetness, touching her tongue with his until he deepened the kiss. Her slender body was flushed against his. His cock tightened and swelled instantly.

Moving his hands, he planted them into the opening of her jacket so that he could feel more of her skin. When he inched around her back, he felt his heart thundering inside his chest as he touched bare flesh. The groan escaped him only to be swallowed up deep inside her throat.

He had another shock to his system when he realized she was not wearing anything under the dress. It was just her, all enticing and alluring flesh. Dragging his mouth from hers, he stared down at her, his chest heaving with the effort to breathe naturally.

"You are full of surprises." He growled thickly. His hands were still on her bare flesh, and he knew she could feel the evidence of his raging desire. It baffled him that he could lose control so easily with her and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

"Shall we?" Without waiting for her to respond or react, he let her go and went around to the driver's side. He was already driving out before she buckled in. Glancing at his profile, she took in the rigid set of his jaw and the tightness of his mouth, declaring that his mood had altered.

"Something wrong?"

The drive to the pub was about ten minutes give or take, but she was not going to sit in silence while he stewed.

"Not really."

"In order for us to make this work, we need to communicate."

He gave her a sardonic glance before turning his attention to the road. "Where did you read that? On a billboard for relationships?"

She managed to tamp down the anger and frustration that was bubbling up inside her. The man was an infuriating enigma and just dealing with his moods was giving her whiplash.

"A marriage counselor is on staff at the magazine, and she wrote an article on the subject. What is going on?"

"We are here." He announced. Driving into the medium sized parking lot, he killed the engine and turned towards her. His intense amber eyes studied her exquisite face and touched her lips, before meeting her eyes.

"You are an exceptionally beautiful woman as I sure you are aware. There is absolutely no need to dress to call attention to yourself. Even if you were wearing a burlap bag, men would still notice you and want to get between your legs."

For a second, she could only just stare at him, his words reverberating through her brain.

"Take me back to the cottage and then you can go straight to hell."

"Why?" He challenged. "Because I speak the truth?"

"No. Because you are hateful and a colossal jerk. I dress to please myself, always have and I never felt the need to seek validation from anyone, much less a man. Now take me back or so help me God, I am going to walk back even in these heels."

Axel felt his chest growing tight. He had messed up and it kept happening. He was damned jealous and possessive of her and angry at himself for feeling those destructive emotions.

"I apologize." He murmured stiffly.

"Take me back Axel."

He studied her mutinous face for a few seconds before backing out of the lot. Taking a deep breath, she turned her head away so that he could not see the tears that were threatening to fall.

She would go to Europe after all, she had cancelled her trip, but she could rebook and get the hell out of here first thing in the morning or in the afternoon. It did not matter. She had to get away from him. She was so caught up in her miserable thoughts that it took a minute for her to realize they were not on their way to the cottage.

Blinking the landscape into focus, she recognized the familiar terrain that led to his place.

"I don't want to be anywhere near you."

"I got that." He brought the vehicle to a stop in the driveway and killed the engine, his fingers tight on the steering wheel, his expression bleak. "You are thinking of leaving."

"Damn straight."

He nodded without turning to look at her. "I am jealous. I felt your flesh on my fingers and dreaded anyone else looking at you."

He white knuckled the wheel and took a deep breath. "It scares me how much power you have – I am consumed by you and it's driving me insane." He turned to her then, his heart pounding as he took in the brightness of her eyes indicating that she was close to tears. "I keep hurting you…"

"Yes." She whispered. "And I cannot take it anymore. The only thing I want to do is to love you, but you are making it so frigging hard." His eyes widened at the swear words, but she was too steamed and emotional to notice. "It's not worth it."

"What are you saying?" He asked hoarsely, feeling the panic starting.

"I am not sure you are ready for a relationship and…," she shook her head. "I know it's early days yet- but…" Her voice trailed off when he shoved the door open and came around to her side.

Wrenching her door with enough force to have it spring open, he bent and scooped her into her arms, kicking it shut with his foot. Without a word, he strode towards his front porch.

Neither of them spoke a word, not even when he had carried her upstairs and placed her on the edge of the bed. She watched, puzzled as he picked up the phone and made a call ordering food.

"They will be here in twenty minutes."

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" First, he took off her jacket and slung it over the chair, before bending to remove her shoes.

"Axel…!"

"Shh." He murmured thickly; his eyes caught by the sheen of her stockings that outlined her legs. Sliding her dress up around her thighs, he stared in silence at the delicate looking lace garter belt holding it in place. "Was this for me?" His eyes lifted to look at her.

"For us. I love the feel of the belt on my skin."

He swallowed the lump in his throat and bent to the task of unhooking it. Tossing it aside, he peeled the stockings down over her smooth legs until there was nothing but skin. Lifting her left foot, he bent it at the knee, fingers sliding over the smooth flesh.

She had used a cream she picked up in an expensive boutique and it was true to its word. Her skin was silky soft. Her fingers curled into the sheets when he kissed her instep before traveling the route from ankle to calves. By the time he reached her inner thigh, she was a mass of trembling nerves.

"Axel…"

"Hush." He nibbled at the skin, his control slipping away by degrees. He was going to do everything in his power to convince her to stay. Starting with this. This was something he knew a thing or two about and he was going to pull out all the stops to make her a quivering mass of willing supplicant.

The musky scent of her arousal it him head on and for a second, he was paralyzed. She was not wearing panties, and he had pushed the material of her dress far enough for him to see the glistening opening her vagina. Lifting his head, he stared at her, expression transmitting what he could not say.

"Axel." His name was like a prayer on her lips, her face dewy and soft with the passion raging inside her body. Bending his head, he parted the swollen lips, his fingers gliding through the softness of the flesh.

She jumped reflexively when he touched her engorged clitoris. His breath was all it took for her to melt. Falling back on her elbows, Ellie closed her eyes and pulled her lip between her teeth. Her breathing escalated frantically, her fingers digging into the sheets. Easing her body up, she gave into the exquisite agony of his tongue.

He took his time. First, he started between the folds of her vagina and worked his way towards the swollen flesh. The scent of her was driving him mad, but he was determined to give her everything.

By the time he plunged his tongue into her moistness it was enough to send her flying. The climax was so violent that he had to clamp his hands around her hips to keep her anchored.

Avowals of love tumbled from her lips as her body imploded, leaving her shaken and tearful. Stepping back, he hastily removed his clothing and took off her dress.

Hauling her up against the pillows, he turned her around to face him, feverish amber eyes taking in the quivering moistness of her lips and the tears on her cheeks. Her breasts were pert, the nipples raised. Sliding his hand over her cheek, he used his thumb to trace the outline of her bottom lip.

"Ellie." Her name on his lip felt like a prayer. "Ellie." Bending his head, he kissed her softly, tongue moving into her mouth as he explored the inside of her sweetness. The taste of her was inside his throat and he wanted to hold onto that. He shared it with her, tongue retreating and plunging, until she was mindless again with desire.

Shifting his weight, he covered her body with his. He was still kissing her, his body shuddering, his heart racing like a jack hammer inside his chest. Easing his body up, he rubbed the tip of his cock against her swollen flesh, the pre come liquid already pooling from the slit. Her body lifted towards his as she tried to get him to go all the way in.

But he evaded her – until he was so overcome with yearning to be inside her, he couldn't hold out much longer. With one smooth precise movement, he plunged until he was completely sheathed – her tightness wrapping around him like a glove.

Ending the kiss, he lifted his head, his eyes fierce, his face harsh and taut with passion. He belonged here. He had no idea how it was going to turn out, but he could not allow her to leave. It would destroy him. He needed her like he had never needed anyone before, and it scared the shit out of him.

"You are not going anywhere." He told her thickly. "Not without me. Is that clear?"

She nodded, too overcome to voice what she was feeling.

"Good." He bent to her again, his hips moving slowly. Cupping her face between his palms, he kissed her again, his tongue driving into her mouth, until they were both mindless with a passion so intense it threatened to tear them apart.

Her fingers dug into the corded muscles of his neck and shoulders and then bit into his back as she lifted her body to meet his frenzied thrusts.

He swallowed her moans, tasted her tears as the climax slammed into her with enough force to have her arching into him. He followed closely behind, his large body going rigid as he emptied himself inside her.

It took several minutes before he could move. His mind was hazy, his body still flushed and heated and the idea of withdrawing was not a priority now. When she stirred, it occurred to him that he might be pressing her down with his weight.

Shifting reluctantly, he settled beside her, but still held her close to him, loathed to let her go. His possessiveness startled him, and he was amazed at the wealth of emotions tumbling through his body.

"Hungry?" He whispered. It also dawned on him that they had missed supper.

"Yes."

He jerked in surprise when she reached between them and found his not so limp penis.

"For food." He chuckled.

"A little." She stretched languidly, feeling like a very satisfied cat who had eaten the quality cream.

"Why don't I go and get the food?" It had arrived while they were in the middle of their lovemaking and he had instructed the delivery guy to leave it just inside the foyer.

"Let me…"

"No." Tilting her head up, he kissed her roughly on the lips. "You are too much of a distraction. I will go faster if I am alone." Sliding out of her arms, he swung his legs off the bed and provided her with an unrestricted and very pleasant view of his backside.

"Stay naked."

He turned to see her with her hands stacked under her chin and a dreamy expression on her exquisite face as she stared at him.

"Pervert," he muttered. Her laughter tinkled out as he grabbed the robe and put it on. "I'll be right back."

Ellie waited until he had left before pulling herself against the pillows. Her expression turned sober. He had not declared his love for her even in the height of such intensity. They had both been naked and incredibly vulnerable and she wasn't sure where she stood with him.

Her thoughts were interrupted when he came back into the room, bearing a tray. "I had to heat it up a little." Putting the tray on the side table, he took off his robe before joining her on the bed.

"Fried chicken?"

"Hmm." Handing her a plate, he took his and started eating. They ate in silence for a few minutes before he spoke.

"I am not very good at this." His strong teeth crunched into a drumstick as he stared at her.

"At eating?" Her tapered brows arched as she nibbled on a fry.

"Funny." Taking up a napkin, he patted the sides of her mouth automatically.

"I thought so."

"You want marriage."

"Don't you?"

"And children."

"Yes."

"There is something I should tell you." He nodded towards her plate. "Finished?"

She handed him her plate and he used the wet wipes to dry her hands, before taking away the tray and putting it on the table.

Trepidation filled her as she waited for him to continue.

"I heard from Serena, my ex, yesterday."

Folding her hands in her lap, she stared at them and did not look at him.

"She asked to meet me." Reaching out, he tilted her chin up, so she was forced to meet his gaze. "I said yes."

"Okay." She was determined to play it cool.

"I have since changed my mind."

Her heart bumped against her ribs, but she kept her expression neutral. "Why?"

"I thought I needed closure and that was what was hindering me from going all the way with you."

"And?" She held her breath as she stared at him.

"I have closure." He smiled at her slightly. "Tonight, has proven that no one else matters except you. I have been trying to outrun my feelings because I convinced myself that I am not emotionally ready. But I am." His thumb caressed her bottom lip.

"I am in love with you Ellie and I think that has been the case since the first time we made love. I want you in my life for the rest of it. I want to marry you and give you children. I want permanency with you if you'll still have me."

Tears glittered in her eyes. She had been so worried that he was going to run again that it had petrified her. "Still have you?" She whispered hoarsely. Her hand came up to grip his strong wrist. "Still have you?" She repeated. "Always and forever. I belong to you Axel. I love you so much that it hurts here."

With her free hand, she thumped where her heart was beating unsteadily. "I never dreamed I would ever find anything like this, and I am committed to you – only you." The tears leaked down her cheeks. "I will never cheat on you!"

"Shh," he whispered thickly. Her words had an electrifying effect on him, and he knew that very soon, words would be impossible. "I know baby." Pressing her back against the pillows, he cupped her face, his fingers gentle.

"Somehow, I know. I think I always did, but I have been hurt and was afraid to trust again. But I cannot do without you. I refuse to." He brushed his lips against hers. "Marry me darling."

"Yes." Her arms came up around his neck and she held on tight. Her chest was bursting with so much happiness that it was difficult to contain it. He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth as if he had all the time in the world and he did. His sex lengthened and swelled.

Shifting, his mouth still fused to hers, he slid into her smoothly, his thrusts sure and powerful. Arching her body upwards, she met his sure strokes, her body already splintering in reaction to the lovemaking. She loved him, this powerful and unpredictable man who had humbled himself before her.

She wanted children with him. She was going to show him unequivocally how much he means to her and that it was possible to put his trust entirely in the love they shared.