Epilogue

Sloane

Three years later

I raise my paddle to bid for the early nineteenth-century chandelier we've been waiting for and the auctioneer nods, acknowledging my bid. Easton leans over and whispers in my ear.

"Is that the last thing you wanted? For some reason, being at an auction again makes me horny."

I stifle a giggle since we're surrounded by upper-class snobs who are very serious about bidding. I admit, it makes me feel naughty too, even though it took me quite a while to face going to an auction of any kind again. My sudden obsession with antiques made me venture into this one because, while I want that chandelier, there's something else that I'm dying to have.

"One more thing," I say, squeezing his thigh.

"That's not helping," he says, covering my hand with his to keep me from getting really naughty.

I fan myself with my paddle and smile, trying not to get sidetracked by my husband's arm around my shoulder, his fingers tracing along my shoulder. He knows how quickly he can make me wet, but I'm determined.

"Is this something for Gran?" he asks, looking at the row of things that are coming up.

Ever since Gran moved in just around the corner from us, we've both been shopping for the perfect bits and bobs to decorate her apartment. She prefers clean, modern design though, and turns up her nose at all the antiques I've filled our place with.

She's loving France though, and I am so happy having her close by. She already signed up for French classes where she met a nice, older gentleman she swears is just a friend. They have been spending a lot of time together at dark little jazz clubs in Montmartre.

"It's for us," I tell him. "Just be patient a bit longer."

Things have been a whirlwind since the wedding. My new job and our jet-setting lifestyle have been exciting. I didn't think I could be happier, but now, with Gran living here full-time, I'm ready to stay put in one place. Plus, I have a bit of special news for my husband.

I glance up at Easton, who raises his eyebrow at me. He'd give me anything I want, but he sometimes doesn't see that all I want is to be with him. Our lazy Sunday afternoons when he turns off his phone are more special to me than fancy trips or the business meetings that used to give me such a thrill. I've been so ready for this change, hoping and praying for it. Now that it's here, I feel a bit anxious.

"This is it," I say, my attention whipping back to the front as the stunning seventeenth-century baby cradle is carefully lifted onto the block.

Its curved lines and glossy wood make my heart sing and I can already picture it in the room I have all planned out. I throw my paddle in the air but so do two other people, and soon we're in a frantic bidding war.

Easton's eyes bore into the side of my face, clearly confused, but I can't spare him a look, locked in a furious battle for the cradle. I finally win it, but at an exorbitant amount, and I avoid Easton's gaze as we settle up our payments and arrange for my winnings to be delivered. I'm bursting with excitement, but keep it well hidden on the short drive home, getting excited in another way as he moves his hand up and down my leg.

Once we're in our vast apartment with a view of the Seine, he wraps me in his arms, already trailing kisses down my neck. I'm about to pop with my news, but can't seem to find the right opening since Easton was so eager to get home that he forgot all about what I bid on.

He accidentally kicks the birdcage with a succulent in it as he hurries me past the sunny windows and my houseplants. He groans and looks at my indoor garden.

"Tell me that cradle wasn't for more plants," he says, nodding toward my unconventional planters lining the entire wall and the balcony outside. He must see something in my face because his expression changes. There's hope in his eyes. "Really, Sloane," he says seriously. "Tell me the cradle's not for plants."

I can't help but tease him a little. "Would you be disappointed if it was just for plants?"

He grips my arms and nods, and the apprehension that's been tightening my chest disappears. Of course, he wants this as much as I do.

"It's not for plants," I admit. "I'm pregnant."

His face splits in a grin that makes him the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. There's nothing but love and joy in his eyes. With a whoop, he picks me up and twirls me around.

He finally slows and sets my feet back on the floor, leaning down to give me a kiss that sears my very soul. It shouldn't continue to be more amazing, but we just keep getting better together. I wrap my arm around his strong shoulders.

"Take me to bed," I say.

He carries me to our airy bedroom, all cream and gold silk and glossy old wood furnishings. As soon as I'm enveloped in his arms among the satin and lace cushions, I lock my legs around his hips so that I can pull his stiff cock close to me.

"Now who's impatient?" he asks.

"Me," I answer instantly. "Always, when it comes to you."

I close my eyes when his hard length rubs against my pussy and my eager sigh sends his hand down my body to pull up my skirt. I can feel his smile against my mouth when he encounters the delicate lace panties we both love so much. Well, I love to wear them. He loves to destroy them.

The gossamer fabric is torn off in one quick jerk, and he sends the scraps flying. Once his fingers stroke my wet heat, I no longer care about another trip to the lingerie shop. Thrusting my hips, I rub against his touch, aching for more.

"Somebody needs to be fucked," he says, pushing deep inside me. "Tell me how much you want my cock, little girl."

His growl sends shivers through my body. "I want it so much," I sigh, digging my fingers into his rock-hard biceps. "Don't make me wait any longer."

I've been dying for this ever since I found out about our good news. Almost enough to skip the auction entirely. "Would you bid on me again?" I ask, thinking of that other auction that brought us together like this for the first time.

His fingers stop their tantalizing movements, and he pulls away to look down at me. "Everything I own," he says. Then he laughs, claiming my mouth again, his tongue pushing between my lips as his fingers stretch my opening. "You're worth more than the entire world to me, Sloane. Now I need to be inside this tight little pussy of yours."

I teasingly slap his shoulder. "I've practically been begging—"

My words are cut off when his big cock rams deep. Gasping at how good he feels, I can only hang on tight while he pounds me hard and fast. When he slows and slips his hand between our slick bodies and finds just the right place, I'm lost to this earth, barely noticing the wild noises I'm making. There's nothing better than the way Easton can make me forget everything else but him and what he can do to me.

When I finally come to, he's lying across my chest and chuckling. "Welcome back," he says with a smirk.

"Oh, you loved it too," I say, closing my eyes and letting every last ounce of pleasure course through my veins.

"I love you," he answers. "I love that we're going to be a family."

Wiggling around, I slide out from under him and turn so we're facing each other. "I want to take a leave of absence from the office," I say.

"I'm going to move the main operations here," he says at the same time. "And cut back my office hours."

We both laugh, on the same page as usual. "Good, I hate being away from you for even two days," I tell him.

"I've been so ready to have you all to myself," he says. "Let's not wait until the baby gets here. Start your leave now. Today."

I don't bother explaining my open projects, because nothing else matters but being with Easton, and when the time comes, our baby. How could I have ever doubted how much he loved me? How much he would give up for me?

"I guess I'll have to," I say with a mock sigh, then give him a wicked smile. "Do you know why?"

He nods, but I want him to tell me. Then his smirk grows mischievous. "You tell me," he urges.

And of course, I can't resist him. I never could. "Because I'm yours," I say. "And don't you forget that you're mine."

"Never," he says, lowering his head to kiss me.

~The End