Chapter 14

“We could always ask the driver to take us home.” There was an indulgent tone in his deep voice as they pulled up at his mother’s place half an hour later. They had taken the circuitous route on his command. He had wanted to spend moments with his new bride before facing their guests.

Touching a button, he had activated the privacy glass and settled her on his lap, where he lavished her lips with ardent kisses that left them both breathless and straining for more. It had taken a supreme amount of control for him not to take her right there.

She deserved better than having him making out with her in the backseat. It did not matter that it was a limousine of the highest quality. He wanted her in their bed where he could gaze at her and love her the way she deserved.

She shook her head and tried to tamp down the panic and apprehension.

“There are more than a dozen vehicles in the driveway, and she hired a valet.”

He loved it when she appeared flustered and the endearing habit she had of biting her lip. It sent the blood rushing to his loins.

“Mother does not know the meaning of a small gathering.”

“Who do you think is in there?”

Taking her hand, he forced her to look at him. “We could leave.”

“No.” Taking a deep breath, she clung to him. “Let’s go face the music.”

He pressed the button and gave the driver the signal to open the door. “As soon as you feel overwhelmed, we are leaving," he promised.

“I will let you know.”

He had every intention of reprimanding his mother for disregarding their wishes but decided against it at the look of awed wonder on his bride’s face as soon as she stepped into the vast living room that had been transformed into one of utter elegance.

There were flowers everywhere, turning the room into a bower of perfume and vivid colors.

A raised dais had a live band playing, and Collette’s eyes widened as she recognized the well-known group. On a table in one corner, a three-tier cake made of vanilla and raspberry was showcased. People were milling around and being served refreshments.

Lenny, who had not made it to the ceremony, walked on stage and serenaded the newlyweds with one of his heartrending songs that spoke about a new life, a new beginning, and love unlike any other. By the time he finished, she was clinging to her groom with tears in her eyes.

“Feeling better?” her husband whispered in her ear as they made their way through the crowd toward their table.

“Yes,” she replied softly. Her smile was genuine as she greeted their guests and accepted congratulations from everyone. Balloons, glittering trails of confetti, a champagne fountain, and enough food to feed an army had Collette admiring her mother-in-law’s skill at putting things together at such short notice.

Rodney, the very able assistant did his part as well and beamed at her, looking dashing in his three-piece gold suit that should have looked ridiculous on him, but he managed to carry it off.

Lenny came over and took her arm, dragging her away from Richard. “I told him I wished I had seen you first.” Bending his head, he kissed her lavishly on the lips, earning a glower from his friend. “It’s still not too late. Why don’t you run away with me?”

“I am afraid it’s too late, and I would not want to ruin a friendship,” she told him laughingly. “Have you met my sister?”

“There is another one?” He grinned at her. “Point me in her direction.”

She led him over to where Janice was chatting with Rodney and made the introduction.

Richard came to claim her, and she left them chatting.

Instead of being overwhelmed, Collette enjoyed herself.

Her husband was very attentive, and his speech was flavored with humor and adoration for his new bride. They cut the cake, danced their first dance as a couple, and ate some of the sumptuous food provided.

She managed to get some time alone with Ruth and was effusive in her appreciation for what was done.

“It’s nothing, darling. I enjoyed the planning, and I want to welcome you again into the family. You have made my son very happy.”

“He has done the same for me.”

To her surprise, even when they were ready to leave, Lenny and her sister were still talking, their heads close together.

“Should I interrupt?” Collette asked her husband with a frown.

“Why?”

“I want to tell her that we are arranging a ride for her to get home.”

“I will take care of it.” He went over to his mother and whispered something to her, and she nodded.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

They said their goodbyes and left.

“We are going on our honeymoon tomorrow. Tonight, I get to spend time with my bride in our home.”

“Are you going to tell me where we are going?” She was content to snuggle against him.

“No.” He kissed her on the head. “It’s a surprise, and you are going to love it.”

*****

Collette stood in front of the double mirrors inside the bathroom and stared at herself, her heart pounding. It was funny that she was so nervous. She had begged him for a few minutes in order to get ready for bed, and he had jokingly told her that he was giving her ten, and if she was not out by that time, he was coming to get her.

“I am impatient to get the honeymoon started. You left me all by myself last night, and I have to warn you that I am ravenous.”

The lingerie was skimpy and transparent. And it clung to every part of her body. The bodice plunged all the way to her navel and barely fitted over her breasts.

It was cut high on the thighs and was stingy on the front. In the back, there was practically nothing there, the thong style settling into the crease of her buttocks. It was a very daring outfit, and Monique had urged her to buy it. Her hair was shiny, and her teeth brushed.

Turning away from the mirror, she headed out and stood just inside the doorway.

He was about to take off his robe when he looked up and saw her standing there. He went still, his breath strangling inside his throat. Every nerve ending was screaming, and he felt the blood racing through his body and settling in one place.

The bathroom light delineated every single seductive curve. The material was so flimsy that he wondered if it did not melt under his hot gaze. The black was a sharp contrast to her caramel complexion, and frankly, he could not believe she was real.

And she was his. She was wearing his ring and had taken his name without the slightest hesitation. She was Collette McBride, his forever, as long as they both shall live. Shrugging off the robe, he stood there naked and proud, his erection full and throbbing. “Come here, baby," he whispered lowly.

She came walking toward him, every step intent on driving him insane. She stopped when she was right in front of him.

“However much you paid for this, it’s worth every penny.”

“Good, because I put it on your account.” Her smile was tremulous.

“Money well spent.” He caressed her nipples through the sheer material, his eyes getting glassy as he watched them react to his touch.

“Are we just going to stand here?” she asked breathlessly.

“For a minute, yes. I want to look at my bride. Admire the woman I am irrevocably in love with.” He peeled off the straps and worked the material over her hips.

“My wife.”

“My husband.” He felt a jolt when she closed her fingers around his hot shaft.

“It’s time.” Lifting her into his arms, he carried her to the bed and laid her on the pillows almost reverently.

Sliding the sheets down, he settled in next to her, green eyes wandering over her face.

“When I was exchanging my vows, I could not believe I was finally marrying you. I thought I was dreaming.”

Her hands settled on the hairs curling on his chest, smiling when his muscles leaped reflexively. “That’s my line. I often wonder since I met you if this was just a dream and I am going to wake up and find that you are gone.”

“I am here to stay.”

“Richard?”

“Hmm?”

“Make love to me,” her voice was aching, her body turned toward him eagerly.

“That’s what I am doing. With my eyes first and then my hands.” He cupped a breast.

“And my mouth will follow. I intend to take my time.”

“We have all night.”

He only grunted in agreement. He was fascinated with her skin tone. One night, after a strenuous hour of lovemaking, she had told him about her parents. “Mama was beautiful, Janice looks like her.” Her tone had been wistful, telling him how much she had been reminded that she was not the beauty in the family.

“They adored her, of course. She was beautiful and witty and always made them laugh. I was the serious one, and even though I tried to do everything to please them, it was never enough.”

He had roughly told her that she was more than enough for him.

Tonight, he was going to love her until she knew how much she was valued.

“You have a beauty spot here.” His fingers trailed over a black mole at the base of her neck.

“Or a flaw?” she whispered, gasping when he bent his head to tongue the mark.

“Does that answer your question?” he rasped.

“Yes.” She turned into him, fingers gliding over his chest and touching his small nipple.

“No.” Taking her hands in his, he braceleted them and pulled them over her head.

“I don’t want to come, not yet. Tonight is yours, and I want to lavish all my attention on you.”

“That’s not fair.” She murmured as he shifted so that he was hunkered over her.

“I decide what’s fair.” Using his free hand, he covered a breast, loving the feel of her large nipple. His manhood was stiff and throbbing, almost painful, but he was determined to continue.

Bending his head, he crushed his lips over hers, tongue sliding over her bottom lip and alternately nibbling the soft flesh until she felt as if she was going to burst with need.

“Richard.”

“Hmm?” he kissed the seams of her lips, nudging them apart so that the tip of his tongue entered the sweetness of her mouth. He grappled with her tongue, leisurely exploring her mouth, stroking her teeth, his tongue touching hers and withdrawing before plunging in again.

She tugged at his hold on her wrists; the need to touch him was so fierce that she could barely stand it.

Her body bucked and heaved as he continued to hammer at her senses. White-hot darts of flames were licking at her, threatening to consume her. She who had thought she was passionless, was now experiencing something so intense, she was being swallowed whole.

He finally ended the kiss, only to press his lips on her lids, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, and move to the hollow of her throat. He licked the skin, nibbling, biting, and pulling the flesh between his teeth.

He had made love to her countless times since their first time in his office, but it’s as if the change in their status made him want to put his stamp on her.

He had been having sex since he was thirteen and had honed his skills over the years. Tonight, he put out all the stops, determined to use everything he had learned on her.

By the time he captured a nipple between his teeth, Collette was a quivering mass of pure nerve endings.

“Please!” she gasped. “Let me touch you.”

He released her hands, and she dug her fingers into the thickness of his hair.

His tongue adored the indentation of her navel, swirling and dipping, leaving it with moisture. Her stomach was quivering, body arching toward his mouth. A sob escaped her when he kissed the hairs covering her sex.

“Richard,” she breathed, fingers flexing on his shoulders. Her body arched clear off the bed when he slid his fingers between the folds of her sex. His tongue—just the tip of it, played with the mound while he inserted a finger to discover her dewy moisture that was telling him how ready she was for his entry.

Cupping her bottom, he lifted her toward him, his tongue plunging deep into her, wringing a soul-shattering climax from her that had her body lifting and twisting out of control.

Before she had even recovered, he was on top of her, sliding into her in one deep, smooth movement. Cradling her face between his hands, he stared at her, eyes taking in the sheen of moisture on her face, the brightness of her eyes, and the tear sliding down one cheek.

Bending his head, he captured the single tear with his tongue.

He was throbbing, pulsating inside her, his lean body going rigid in order to prolong the pleasure. He knew that as soon as he moved, it would be all over for him.

His lips took hers in a soul-searching kiss, and he moved then, his hips undulating slowly at first. When her legs came up around his waist, he increased the pace. Her hands were restless, leaving his shoulders to his back and then digging into his hair.

His mouth filled hers, the kisses turning turbulent. The climax claimed her again, the sweet sensations racing through her body like a tidal wave.

He felt his own body tightening, his blood roaring in his ears. Gripping her hips, he turned her sideways, his stroke sure and long and deep. He came then, flooding her with his seed, his body shuddering, his heart pounding until it drowned everything else.

When it was finished and his heartbeat quieted down somewhat, he turned on his side and brought her with him, hands cradling her against his chest.

Collette was still trembling, her breath coming in gasps against his fevered skin. She was married to this very wonderful and passionate man who had taught her so much, taught her to love her body and how to accept pleasure and give it in return.

His hand came up to massage the back of her neck, his fingers curving around her throat as he brought her head up. His green gaze searched her face, expression gentle.

“My love.”

Tears gathered at the back of her eyes, and she blinked them away.

“Richard.” His name on her lips was more eloquent than spoken words of love and had him kissing her again. Sweet Christ, he couldn’t get enough of her!

“I should let you get some sleep.” His voice was gruff with emotions and tempered with regret.

Her smile flashed alluringly. “I thought we would have all night.” “I shouldn’t– we shouldn’t–”

He stopped the flow of words effectively by wrapping her fingers around the thick length of his arousal.

*****

Their honeymoon was magical. He took her to places where he had invested in real estate. They went to the Bahamas and then Hawaii. St. Vincent was their next destination, and they spent two weeks basking in the warmth of the islands.

He treated her like a queen. As soon as the press found out about their nuptials, they went crazy and, of course, it was brought to the public’s attention about her past. By that time, Collette did not care.

She went to every function with him, and they were frequently photographed together. Their obvious intimacy was commented on. Richard McBride was in love, and it showed.

What was even more astounding was the fact that his bride was not someone from his society. But then again, it was also noted that most of the members of the Elite Club had fallen for women of color; most of those women had been ordinary members of society. It had become a pattern, as one reporter commented.

Christmas came and went, with him taking her skiing in Switzerland, where they stayed at his chateau and could not believe she did not know how to ski. He remedied that, and after several failed attempts with her landing flat on her backside, she became a fairly decent student.

He argued with his fleet of expensive lawyers who insisted on her signing a post nuptial agreement. Richard’s holdings were vast, and they had been dismayed to learn that he had gotten married without consulting them on the legalities of it.

He had told them to go to hell. But Collette had insisted on signing the agreement. She didn’t care about his money; all she wanted was the man. He spoiled her. She would arrive home to see something else he ordered for her.

She had more clothes than she could possibly wear and when she remarked on that, he had reminded her that they were required to entertain frequently. “I never minded this before, hon, but people will be watching to see what you are wearing.”

And he was right. The question: “Who are you wearing, Collette,” was shouted at her more times than she could count.

She was deliriously happy, and so was her sister. Janice and Lenny had formed an attachment, something she had been wary about. But Lenny had assured her that it was real.

“My best friend married my best gal, so I have to settle for second best," he told her teasingly before sobering. “She is good for me, darling. We bonded at your wedding reception and found something in each other.

She makes me happy, and she told me everything that happened between the two of you. I was prepared to hate her for hurting you, but the opposite happened.”

They had been married a month when Richard came home to darkness and an absence of her in the living room or kitchen waiting for him.

He had called her at the agency and was told that she left early, and tried her on her cell, but it had gone straight to voicemail. He had left a message, telling her he was running late as he was going to be in the studio.

A frown touched his brow as he went through the downstairs rooms, including the library and the gym, before venturing upstairs.

Stepping into their suite, he noticed in alarm that she was curled up on the bed, wearing the same clothes she had worn to work this morning. And the room was in complete darkness, except for the sliver of light from the moon shining through the floor-to-ceiling window.

Fear had him bridging the distance until he was sitting on the edge of the bed. And when he saw the tears, it escalated to new heights.

“Oh Richard!” He caught her in his arms when she hurled herself against him and started sobbing. He went stiff with apprehension, and every debilitating illness flashed through his mind. She was sick.

When he could not get her, she must have gone to the doctor. And the diagnosis was bad. He had prayed and asked God for sixty years at least so that he could make up for the time he had lost with her. He was in his mid-forties, and that was not enough.

God had not granted his wish. He was going to lose her to some incurable illness. He was too happy and, in his estimation, whenever one was that happy and he was delirious with it! When one was so happy there were bound to be repercussions.

He had to know, no matter how awful it was, he had to know what was going on. Clamping his hands on her shoulders, he eased her away from him, expression bleak.

“What’s wrong?” he could barely form the words.

“I am not pregnant.”

Of all the things he expected to hear, it was certainly not that. “What?”

“I am not pregnant.” She whispered hoarsely. “My periods came this afternoon while I was at work. Oh Richard, I had so hoped–”She started crying again, and he crushed her against him, his relief so palpable, he could scarcely breathe. She was not dying! Thank Christ! She was not dying.

“Baby, stop.” He shook her firmly. “It’s hardly the end of the world, and certainly no cause for you to be getting so upset.”

“I want a baby. Our baby.”

“And I want you.” He tilted her chin up. “I am selfish, darling. I am not certain I want to share you with anyone, not even a child.”

“You need an heir.”

“I need you more. No more tears," he said with authority. “Have you eaten?”

She shook her head no. “I was going to take a shower.

“How about we take one together?”

She stared at him mutely. “I am– my period–”

“I am not bashful.” He grinned at her and swung her into his arms.