9781631054631ChoiceAffairsSalisbury Page 4

  “You’ll come see me, of that I’m sure.”

  “Mother,” I said coolly. “I guess we’ll see you when we visit Ireland.”

  “Perhaps,” she said, with an indescribable look.

  I turned to Izzie, and we just hugged. No words were needed. “I’ll call as soon as we’re back. Remember what we talked to you about. Consider it, please.”

  I felt Apolo’s hand on the small of my back. It was time to leave. “Izzie, try to keep this lot under control,” he teased my best friend. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for everything.”

  “Uh, you’re welcome. I think.” She seemed shocked at Apolo’s out-of-character display of public affection.

  He turned to me. “If you’re ready, Mrs. Choice, my plane awaits us, as does our honeymoon destination.”

  “And where is it you’re hijacking me to?”

  He chuckled. “You’re not going to trick me that easily, Caitlyn.”

  * * * *

  Apolo

  My bride was exquisite. Breathtakingly beautiful as she came down the staircase on the arm of her father. Getting married was something I’d never actually associated with as happening to me. Not that I didn’t want it to. Don’t get me wrong. Simply said, since my accident, I had dismissed it as an option. Women seemed to see my disability and not the real me. That is, until I met Caitlyn.

  While I don’t understand a woman’s romantic notion for having to have all the pomp and circumstance that goes with a wedding, it also creates a huge headache for the groom. The best way to get through it is to nod and go along with whatever is being suggested.

  Rather than have the huge spectacle, my bride chose a more intimate and private affair. Had she chosen the other, I would have moved heaven and Earth to see that the day went as smoothly as possible.

  Susan made sure to let me know, as quietly as is possible with the woman, that she wasn’t adhering to our ground rules. I sent her off to a private spa, thought everything was under control, and wham. The woman blindsides me and Jacob. How she breeched my security, I don’t know, but I pulled Jacob aside at the party.

  “I don’t know how she got that dress smuggled in, Jacob, but find out where the source is. I also want to know how that woman managed to get past check in and into the party. Find out. I want answers by the time I return.”

  “Already working on it, Apolo. You just go enjoy yourself with your bride. Consider it handled.”

  “I want whoever it is fired. I will not tolerate behavior like this. It’s hard enough to have to deal with Susan’s total disregard for the rules—”

  “Apolo, it’s handled. Now, I’m telling you—go enjoy your party then take your bride away and relax.”

  Jacob’s a good man. He’s been with me for more years than I care to remember. Excellent at what he does. Somehow always seems to be two steps ahead of me. When he says he has it handled, I know it is.

  There are, however, some situations I just cannot leave to others. At least, I would rather take a personal interest in assisting Jacob through the situation. Point in case—Susan Pickett-White, my meddling mother-in-law.

  It’s amazing what one can accomplish simply by asking a woman to dance. Especially when you know said woman won’t do anything while dancing that might give away the fact that the conversation with her dancing partner is anything but delightful. Susan’s quite good at that.

  “Susan, you’re truly amazing.”

  “Why, thank you, Apolo.”

  “Now, how in hell did you manage to get that dress smuggled into this house is what I want to know. The second thing I want answers to is how did that woman crash this party?”

  “There are some things a woman never divulges the answers to. Take my dress, not happening. You and Caitlyn had no business telling me what I could or could not wear. Grow a pair, Apolo, or my daughter will be your ruin. As for the other situation, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why don’t you ask your lover yourself?”

  “You’re good, Susan. I have to give you credit there. But this is your daughter’s day, not yours. Why you think you have to be the center of attention, I haven’t figured out. But I assure you, I will. I’ll find out every dirty, little secret you may be hiding. You can go to the bank with that.”

  “Get used to seeing my smiling face, son. I’m not going anywhere. Not to Ireland. Not to Florida. In fact, I’m going to be looking for a place in Washington while you and Caitlyn are on your honeymoon. Never can tell when my daughter might need my advice or help with something.”

  “You wouldn’t dare—”

  “Yes, I would, and I am.”

  “A word of advice, Susan. You’re playing a very dangerous game. I won’t have you hurting Caitlyn with your selfishness. Back off. Go be the wife you so love to pretend you are. Stay out of our personal affairs. Do I make myself clear?”

  “What was that you said, Apolo? I’m sorry, the band is so loud…”

  The song was ending, and so was my dance with the she-wolf, or rather she-demon, who was my wife’s mother. I simply ignored her last remark, smiled, led her to the edge of the dance floor, and left her to her own devious doings.

  Looking around, I spied my next partner, but she was in the middle of a conversation with a local politician. Laughing and carrying on as though she belonged here. I decided, instead, to find my bride. I would make my point with this one in time, just as I had Susan.

  I waited until the time was right. Delpheine evidently had the same thought, and we set out to the floor.

  “Apolo, this is one, huge, wonderful farce, darling. How long are you going to keep up this front?”

  “Unlike you, there is no pretending. What you see is the real deal. I love Caitlyn, and she loves me. Something your cold, dark heart is incapable of.”

  “Really! Such tough talk for a new senator.”

  “What I would like to know is how you breeched my security and got in?”

  She laughed. “Breech? I didn’t breech anything, Apolo. I merely came with Senator Langdon. You know him, don’t you? Wife died about two years ago. Boring old man, but he does unlock doors for me.”

  “So, you’re merely using him.”

  “To get to you, Apolo. It’s not over between us. I give this sham of a marriage less than a year. You won’t be able to stay away, I guarantee that.”

  “You know what, Delpheine? You and Caitlyn’s mother, Susan? The two of you need to go into business together.”

  “Really? Why would you say that?”

  “You could call it ‘Bitches and Demons’ because that’s what you both are. Hear me and hear me well. Stay away from me. Stay away from my wife. Do we understand each other?”

  “Is that a threat, Senator Choice? You really are so cute when you’re being serious. However, I don’t see how you think you can make me bend to anything you want.”

  “No, no threat, just a friendly word of advice.”

  God, I needed a drink, and not champagne, either. I suddenly also had the urge to go scrub my hands, and perhaps the rest of my body, with a strong sanitizer.

  Chapter Four

  What could be a more perfect setting for a honeymoon than a tropical island? How about a private, tropical island that your husband owns? No tourists, no family, no commercialism of any sort. Just Apolo and me, and all the hot, passionate sex the two of us could stand.

  We arrived late in the evening on a neighboring island that had an airstrip. From there, we took one of Apolo’s helicopters to his piece of paradise. That’s exactly what it was—paradise. Once we were delivered to the villa via jeep, Apolo saw to our luggage.

  While he was seeing to that, I kicked off my heels and walked outside onto the huge deck overlooking the sea. The sky was clear, with a huge full moon and stars everywhere, twinkling their approval from above. As usual, the man had exceeded my expectations.

  I heard the familiar, quiet click of his shoes on the tile then on the wood. Then, he was behind me, er
otically wrapping his arms around my waist. I was still in my wedding dress. When it had come time for us to leave the reception, Apolo was in no mood to wait around while I changed. Nor was he in the mood to wait and leave in the morning, as my mother had suggested. He wanted as far a distance between us as was possible.

  “This is unbelievable, Apolo.”

  “Hmmm, it is, isn’t it? Perfect, I’d say.”

  “Why don’t you spend more time here?” I asked, snuggling back against his hard body and drinking in his scent.

  “No time, but perhaps now, I’ll find a reason. We can make this our own getaway.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  “I don’t know about you,” he said, turning me around to face him, “But it’s been a long day. One I’d never trade, nor soon forget. Why don’t we retire for the night? There are some things I want to show you, wife.”

  “Sounds naughty, husband, and yes, I’m more than ready to get comfortable.”

  His hands cupped both sides of my face as he lowered his head and slanted his mouth over mine in a scalding kiss. Not like the kisses of earlier in the day. No, this was a toe curling, exploring, wanting, needing kiss of a lover. My lover.

  I responded, dueling with his tongue, then sliding mine inside his mouth and exploring the depths. All the while, one of his hands trailed slowly down my body.

  “I believe you were going to show me where the bedroom is?” I reminded when we parted.

  “Hmmm, so I was,” he replied, our mouths mere inches apart, our eyes locked on each other. “Shall we?”

  “Yes, lead the way.”

  He cupped my ass, pulling me against his already hard cock. A reminder. Taking me by the hand, he led me back inside and up a grand staircase. It was open, and all the rooms were wrapped around it, giving visitors a spectacular view of the house and the sea outside.

  In the bedroom, Apolo poured us each a fresh glass of champagne. He was bare footed and my mind wandered with things I wanted him to do to me. He handed me the flute, picking up his in the process. I gently tapped his with mine before kissing him softly on the lips.

  “Come,” he said hoarsely. “I intend to spend the remainder of the night very slowly and very thoroughly making love to my wife.”

  I twisted away from him so that he could unzip my dress. He complied, nuzzling the back of my neck, then my shoulders, as he slowly let the zipper down. As my arms fell out of the dress, I took it in my hand and gently stepped out of it. Walking over to a nearby chair, I placed it there and then unfastened the front clasp of my beige, lace bra.

  Turning, I watched as Apolo unbuttoned his shirt, throwing it on the floor. I slid up on the bed and lay on my back. I gazed at him, still wearing my beige, lace thong.

  After removing the last bit of his clothing, he joined me on the mattress, hovering over me. He leaned down to kiss me, more passionately this time than before. I opened to him and greedily responded. I needed him to taste me, just as I needed to savor him. My legs were already spread in anticipation and need.

  He started by kissing my face then moved on to my neck, dragging his tongue slowly down my body. He nipped and sucked my breasts, causing me to arch my body underneath him. He continued his trek across my stomach and finally to my sex.

  Slowly, he ran his tongue along my mound, causing me to moan and lift myself to him. He grabbed my thong and yanked it off me, the material tearing. Quickly, his tongue darted between my wet folds, over and over. He stopped only to blow against my clit before gently nipping and licking me to the brink of orgasm.

  I could stay here all night, letting him eat my pussy. With every swipe of his tongue, my hips lifted off the mattress, and he chuckled. My hands were now intertwined in his hair. He slowly continued to savor me until he reached my nub. Wrapping his tongue around it, he sucked until I spasmed in my release.

  Raising himself over me, he inserted a couple of fingers this time. He found my mouth and began ravishing me. I wanted to taste myself on his tongue. I knew he wanted me to know that I was his and that the two of us were bound together.

  “I want you, Apolo. I want you inside of me now,” I begged.

  “And you will have me, darling. Very slowly, until you are filled with me.”

  He propped himself up and aligned his cock at the soaking wet entrance of my pussy. He teased me by entering ever so slightly and then withdrawing again. Bending down, he savored one more kiss, staring at me. Then, he buried himself balls-deep inside.

  He took my mouth again and plunged his tongue inside, mimicking his thrusts as I squeezed around his cock. It wasn’t long before I became unhinged, crying out as another orgasm overtook me. That was Apolo’s end. Furiously, he pushed deep inside me before exploding, his own release consuming us both.

  Collapsing on top of me, he quietly shifted the bulk of his weight as he tried to regain his breath.

  I ran my hands along his back, rubbing gently. “I love you, husband.”

  Looking down at my face, he replied, “I love you, too, wife. I love you more than anything else in this world. Always and forever.”

  We stayed like that, connected as one. I felt myself wanting him again and soon we slowly began making love. This time was more about coupling. He gathered me in his arms as I lay next to him. Neither of us spoke, we simply enjoyed this quiet, intimate moment we were sharing.

  Thinking he must have dozed off, I enveloped his cock in my hand, awakening it once more. Then, I was straddling him, rubbing myself against his flesh. “My turn, husband mine.” I heard him groan.

  I could feel his stare as he looked down to watch me. Our eyes met as I sucked him, taking him in and out with deep pulls.

  “Fuck, don’t stop, baby,” he whispered. I continued my assault until I began to feel his balls hardening. He started to go for his cock to help me, but I pushed his hand away.

  Instead, I lowered my mouth back over him as he came, his hands holding my head firmly in place until I had sucked him dry. Then, he eased up, pulling me up to his face, kissing me tenderly.

  “Thank you, wife. You certainly know how to take care of me.”

  “My pleasure. And there’ll be lots more where that came from over the next week.”

  “Is that all?” He pouted. “What about after that?”

  “It’ll never stop, Apolo, never. I love you, baby.”

  “And I love you, Caitlyn.”

  I awoke the next morning to an empty bed. No Apolo. Shaking my head, I sat up and swung my legs over the side. He no doubt had gotten up hours ago to do business before I awoke. The man might think he was fooling me, but he forgot how well I knew him.

  Looking around, I spied my robe on a chair. I knew better than to ask how it got there. It was all part of Apolo’s world. I tied the sash around me and headed downstairs to find my husband.

  Husband. Now that was going to take some getting used to. Stealthily, I made my way to the edge of the stairs and peered down into the rooms below. As expected, I spied him sitting at a table on the terrace, coffee mug next to him, computer in front of him. He was in the middle of typing something. Probably an email.

  The man had promised me he was going to relax, and I was going to make sure he did just that.

  If his back had been to me, I might have been able to surprise him, but as quiet as I was, he caught me coming. He quickly typed something then shut the lid on the laptop.

  “Good morning, wife,” he greeted me. He was out of his chair and by my side in a flash. He made a quick attempt to kiss me, but I rebuffed him, sliding into a chair to his left. It had a magnificent view of the water.

  Leaning forward, I grabbed the carafe and poured myself a cup, watching him out of the corner of my eye. He’d sat back down with an odd look on his face. I’d made my point without saying a word.

  “I apologize. I know I promised no business while we’re here, but there were some unfinished matters that required my attention.”

  “Apolo, I don’t know about you, but I�
�m on my honeymoon, which I intend to enjoy to the fullest. If business can’t wait this one time, so be it. I simply don’t want to hear about it or see any reminders of the real world. Understood?”

  “Yes,” he replied, trying to put on his sad face. It wasn’t going to work this time. “I promise if I have to, I’ll make sure to do it early in the morning. Deal?”

  “I thought we had an agreement. However, what you do before I get up in the morning is your business. I don’t want to know.”

  I could see his mind clicking away. He realized I was giving him the okay without saying so. A subtle smirk crossed his face. Compromise. It was all about the compromising, the deal, with him. He picked up the computer and moved it to another spot on the table, along with the phone.

  “There’s some breakfast over on the table against the house, if you’re hungry.”

  I glanced. I was hungry. I hadn’t eaten anything since… I couldn’t remember. My stomach was suddenly letting me know of its annoyance at only being fed champagne.

  “Starving,” I replied as I got up. As I passed, I leaned over to kiss him. “You better get a plateful and recharge yourself. The day is just beginning, you know?”

  He gave a low chuckle before he spoke, “What are you implying, wife? That you intend for us to stay locked up in the bedroom?”

  Grabbling a plate, I thought for a second about a really good comeback. “No, I didn’t think staying in the bedroom would be necessary, since this is your island. Surely, there are areas where we can be completely alone?”

  I began opening the various covered dishes and selecting what I liked. Seemed like a lot of food for just the two of us. He joined me, whispering, “Oh, we’re completely alone, my dear. My staff knows how to make themselves invisible.”

  “Not surprising, but do you think we really need a spread like this? There’s far too much food here for just the two of us.”

  “It won’t be wasted, if that’s what you’re thinking. Trust me, the kitchen staff has first dibs on whatever is left over. Nothing goes to waste.”