30. Eliza

30

ELIZA

A fter my run-in with Niven, Levi rarely left my side, which made it difficult to work on his surprise gift. I even had to tell him I worked far better without someone watching. It was actually true, but I anticipated he'd challenge me by saying I'd let Mike watch. Which wasn't actually true. Mike helped. Levi could not.

The manta rays at full size weighed far more than I could've managed on my own if it weren't for the hoist-and-dolly system Mike had installed for his own work.

I'd added large drop clothes to the hooks attached to the chains in the ceiling to give myself a way to hide the sections in case Levi showed up unannounced.

The day I finished the last piece and went home earlier than I had been, Levi asked if I'd be interested in visiting Casa Melro. His timing couldn't have been more perfect.

I still hadn't worked out how to get the sculpture to Algarve or how I'd install it without Levi's knowledge, but perhaps once we were there, an idea would come to me.

We agreed to stay until the twentieth of December, which was two days before we'd be married. Then, we'd remain in London until the day after Christmas, when we'd return to Casa Melro to celebrate the new year.

When Levi asked if I'd rather honeymoon somewhere else, I told him I couldn't imagine anywhere on earth more romantic than where we already intended to be.

Every so often, my unhappiness over my estrangement from Niven threatened the elation I otherwise felt. I especially missed Harper and Agatha, but like Levi, I didn't want to come between her and my cousin. That I hadn't even confided our intent to marry seemed so wrong, but what could I do? I couldn't ask her to keep it from Niv, but I also couldn't risk him trying to talk me out of it or, God forbid, show up that day in an effort to ruin it.

More complicated were my thoughts about my parents. It had been eleven months since I last saw my mother and longer since I'd seen my father. Again, the idea that either of them would say or do something to ruin the happiness Levi and I shared kept me from contacting them.

The day after returning to London, I received a surprise call from Penelope Ramsey, saying she was in town. After we spoke for several minutes, I asked what her plans were and if she was free that night. When she said she was, I asked if I could ring her back.

"I've just heard from a dear friend who's in town. How would you feel about getting together with her and her beau tonight?" I asked Levi, who I found seated on the sofa.

"Beau?"

"His name is Brando Ripa. He's actually the half brother of another woman I met the year I attended boarding school in the States. Had my parents not yanked me out even after I begged them not to…Sorry, I went quite bitter there for a moment. Anyway, Pen is really lovely. I'm sure you'll adore her."

Levi had an odd expression, but when he realized I was studying him, he smiled. "Let's make a night of it, then. We could take them to Five Hertford."

I squealed in delight and clapped my hands. "That will be perfect."

He wiggled his finger and patted his leg. "Come here, my love."

"Yes?" I said, settling myself on his lap. I had always been taller than most of my friends and at least one of my previous boyfriends. That Levi was so much taller than me—bigger everywhere, actually—made me feel dainty, and I loved it.

"Do you recall what the day after tomorrow is?"

I cocked my head. "No, is something special happening?" I could only fake my blank expression for so long and, soon, burst into giggles. "You will become my husband."

"Just so I don't put my foot in it, so to speak, do you plan to share our news with your friend?"

"I don't. I mean, it hardly seems fair, given we haven't told anyone else." We'd discussed telling Kima and asking her to be one of our witnesses but had changed our minds for the same reason I'd just said. Instead, the registry office said they could provide witnesses should we need them.

"It's another reason I suggested Five Hertford. It can also be our secret prewedding celebration dinner."

"I love that idea, Levi," I said, kissing him before scooting off his lap.

"Where are you going?"

"I have to ring Pen and let her know we're on."

"Have them meet us at the pub on Georgian Square."

"Excellent thinking." Penelope and Brand wouldn't be granted access to the private club where we'd be dining.

Levi and I arrived a few minutes early, and when Pen and Brand walked in, I rushed over to greet them.

"Penelope! Is it ever good to see you." I embraced her and we cheek-kissed.

"Likewise, and wow, you look amazing."

"As do you. Come, let me introduce you," I said, leading her over to where Levi and Brand stood chatting.

"Leviticus Marras, meet Penelope Ramsey."

"I'm Brando Ripa," he said to me, reaching over to shake my hand.

"Levi, do you two know each other?" I asked, looking between the two men.

"We do," he responded, glancing at the other people standing within hearing distance.

"Right. So, rather than order anything here, let's head over to Five Hertford. You're in for quite a treat," I said.

Levi took my hand, and I leaned into him. "You didn't let on you knew him earlier," I whispered.

"My understanding is he'll be working with the coalition."

We waited while Typhon spoke with the ma?tre d'.

"Do we have time for a drink in LouLou's first?" I asked when he approached.

"Of course. We don't want to miss the best part." Typhon winked and smiled, captivating me with his dimples. Tomorrow, he'd be my husband, and I couldn't wait. He led us downstairs to the bar.

"Have a seat," Brand said to Pen, pointing to a zebra-print bar stool.

"This is an interesting place," I heard her whisper. "Have you been before?"

He nodded. "Only once."

"What do you fancy?" I asked, intrigued by tonight's turn of events. I wondered if once we were home, Levi would elaborate about Brando's role with the coalition.

"The lady will have Booker's straight up," Brand responded. "And I'll have mine on ice."

While we enjoyed our cocktails, I filled Penelope in on what I'd been doing since our last conversation.

"Wait. Are you saying you bought Michael Beaumont's studio?"

I smiled and nodded.

"And his house," Levi leaned in and added.

"This is unreal and so fabulous. And sad, of course. Did you meet him?"

I explained that Mike, as he insisted Levi and I call him, had become a mentor to me. "Sadly, he passed away a month ago. I miss him terribly."

"I'm so sorry," Pen said, squeezing my hand. "So, tell me what you've been working on."

I leaned in closer. "Part of it is a secret. I'll tell you more later."

She nodded, and when I looked at Levi, he raised a brow, then winked.

I loved him so much and wished I could tell Pen our happy news, but I'd meant what I said earlier. It wouldn't be fair to tell her when we'd agreed not to tell Levi's parents.

We finished our drinks, and Levi motioned to the bartender. Seconds later, a man appeared and led us upstairs to the area where we'd be dining.

When we walked into a room with only one table, the fireplace was lit and champagne had been poured.

The man left and closed the pocket doors behind him. I nearly laughed when both Levi and Brand looked as though they let out a breath they'd been holding.

"I understand you were one of the galleries affected by the bloody Sicilians," Levi said, startling me. It was unlike him.

"That's right," Pen responded, clearly uncomfortable. "How nice that they have a private dining room," she added.

"I was happy to hear you'd be joining us this evening." Levi spoke directly to Brand, who was seated across from him.

"What are you doing for Christmas?" I asked, curious about whatever Levi was up to, but not wanting to make it obvious.

"Something quiet at the flat. You?"

"The same."

We made small talk through the rest of dinner. As we were leaving, I overheard Levi say, "I want you to know you'll have our support."

"Much appreciated. I wasn't informed your unit would be involved," Brand responded.

"That's because it's no one's call but mine. Who's going in with you?"

"Blackjack and Tank."

Typhon's lip curled. "Bloody Americans."

I nudged him and looked over at Pen.

"My apologies, Penelope. Present company excluded, of course."

"Don't take it personally. Typhon doesn't like anyone," I said as we walked out arm in arm.

"I beg to differ. I like you very much," he said, walking up and putting his arm around my waist.

By the time we reached my building, Levi seemed more like himself.

"You probably have questions," he said once we were inside the apartment.

The last thing I wanted to do was argue with him the night before our wedding, but his behavior was so unusual. "I'm not sure what to say."

He took my hand, led me to the sofa, and pulled me onto his lap. "Brand Ripa is in way over his head by no fault of his own. In the next few months, he'll be going undercover in an Italian crime syndicate. I've done my best to persuade the coalition commander to abandon the mission, but she won't relent."

I sat in stunned silence.

"The person I am with you, El, is not the person I can be when I'm working. Brand will be forced to follow my orders as he would any other CO. Except I'm far meaner."

I looked up at him, and he winked.

"It's for a reason. What I lead anyone who reports to me into is the most dangerous situation they'll ever be in. It's up to me to keep them alive. In order for me to do that, they have to believe I'm badass enough to do it and, also, fear me as much as they do the people we're up against."

"Without divulging anything she shouldn't have, Kima did fill me in on your professional persona."

"Ah, yes, the angry bear."

I wriggled my bottom against his hardness. "I'll admit it was a little hot."

He raised a brow, then shifted so he could cup between my legs. "Are you wet for me, my love?"

I nuzzled his neck, longing to be filled. "Always, Levi."

He stood with me in his arms and carried me into the bedroom. "I thought maybe you'd want to wait for our wedding night."

"Um, do you?"

"Waiting another five minutes would be too long for me, my love."

Even with our bodies separated by layers of clothing, I arched against him, desperate for the release only Levi could give me.

He kissed me in that hard, demanding way that made me frantic for more. I snaked my hands between us, wanting to pull my clothes from my body and to be naked under him, to feel his touch on my bare skin.

His growl vibrated through to my core. "Put your hands over your head, Eliza."

I did, gripping the slats of the headboard, arching and writhing, wishing I could have everything at once, his kiss, his lips, and his tongue torturing my nipples before moving to my pussy, where the torture would continue. He'd keep me on the edge, not allowing me to orgasm until he was deep inside me.

Any attempt at rushing him only made him prolong the mad need I had for him.

He unfastened the buttons of my blouse, then released the front clasp of my bra. He softly bit each of my nipples, then teased me with featherlight kisses.

My eyes met his deep, dark pools of unbridled desire.

When Levi eased away from me, I whimpered.

"Soon, my love," he promised.

I gripped the headboard tighter, knowing if I moved my hands, he'd stop and wait for me to put them where he'd told me to.

Watching as he undressed, I studied every glorious inch of him, every hard edge of his cut muscles, every dip and curve of his defined abs, and the natural V of the lower half of his body that drew my eye to his hardness. His size always gave me pause, but I knew he'd take it slow, allowing my body to adjust until he was finally as deep as he could go.

He unfastened my trousers, smiling when he saw the thong I'd worn beneath them. After removing both, he pressed my thighs apart and into the mattress with hands that would soon bring me so much pleasure I'd see spots before my eyes. I'd beg and plead for him to let me come, but he'd pull back just as I was about to, then promise it would be worth the wait. It always was, but I still couldn't stop myself from begging.

His tongue alone between my legs had me mewling, writhing, and arching. When he gripped my hips, holding me completely still, then circled my tight bundle of nerves with its tip, I cried out. "Please, Levi."

"Tonight, I'll give you a premarital gift, my love." His mouth crushed into my pussy, and two fingers of his hand thrust into me, curling to press against my G-spot. His lips and tongue continued their passionate assault as his fingers stroked until I begged for release.

"Give me all your pleasure, El. Let that be your gift to me."

Every nerve ending exploded when my orgasm ripped through me with blinding force. He didn't stop until I lay quivering, tears leaking from my eyes, but with a broad smile on my face.

"I love you, Eliza Fox, soon-to-be Marras."

"Levi?"

"Yes, my darling?"

"No condom tonight?"

A sound emanated from deep inside him as he positioned the tip of his cock against my entrance and thrust inside me in a way he hadn't before. Blinding pain immediately morphed into the sweetest feeling of Levi holding himself still within me.

"Kiss me," I demanded, arching up until our mouths fused, tongues invading, stroking, and battling.

He moved, slowly at first, until I let go of the headboard, put my hands on the cheeks of his bottom, and pushed him into my straining pussy.

"Tell me what you want, El."

"Fuck me, Levi. Fuck me hard."

His pounding gradually picked up rhythm, until we found blissful release together.

After rolling our bodies while still buried deep inside, he brushed my hair from my face.

"I've never felt anything so amazing. The way the walls of your pussy squeezed my cock, nothing separating my skin from yours, brought me the greatest pleasure I've ever known." He leaned forward and kissed me, this time softly. "I love you so much."

"I love you."

In recent days, we'd talked about starting a family as soon as we were married. Maybe tonight, we had.