Page 51 of Mic Drop

His sentiment sinks into my very being. Who cares that my father showed up to my wedding? It’smywedding day, the one I’m sharing with the love of my life. My so-called father will disappear like he always does, not to be heard of again. Bennett, on the other hand, promised before God and our friends and family to be my husband forever. “I choose you.”

“Us,” Bennett corrects. “It’s us against the whole world.”

He lowers his head and kisses my lips. At first, I’m still too caught up in the fact my father showed up for my special day to return his passion. On an empirical level, I feel my husband hardening against my body, but my mind won’t release the questions of whyhechose today to show up. Whyhe’s talking with Ma. Why she’s talking withhim—the man who left her decades ago and never looked back.

Bennett’s hand goes to the back of my head. He exerts more pressure against my lips, yet I can’t give in to his persuasion. When his tongue darts into my mouth, though, my knees react to what my body’s been fighting, and I collapse into him. For a second, I’m his puppet, moving to his beat. Power returns to my limbs, and I stand taller, my hands rubbing against his super-sexy stubble. The stubble I want to rub against my thighs.

My husband steps back. “Time to go.”

I blink, unable to comprehend. “Go?”

His fingers intertwine with mine. The look he gives me smolders with promise, causing my stomach to leap. Bennett’s the only man on earth who can flip my switch from control freak to a compliant woman in love. This issue about my father will be here in the morning. Reality is, UC will not be, due to their tour schedule. Bennett arranged this day so Ma could be here, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. We turn and wave at our guests.

He ushers me into the waiting limo. As soon as we’re situated inside, glasses of bubbly already filled, I say, “You never told me where we’re spending our wedding night.”

He beams. “Given our time constraints, I rented us a private villa on the ocean.”

My heart sings. While Bennett could’ve done anything he wanted—fly us into New York City for an over-the-top experience—he chose to stay close to my home. Something he knew I’d love. Placing my glass into the cupholder on the armrest, I link my fingers around his neck. “Have I told you how much I love you?”

His eyes dart back and forth. “Not for the last half hour.”

He blinks several times, which causes me to giggle. “Then let me rectify the situation.” I climb on top of his lap, swiveling my hips exactly where my body craves his. Our mouths crash together, and I moan when his fingers slide over my boobs. Squeezing. Pinching. Weighing.

The limo pulls to a halt.

After several seconds, we break apart, panting. Bennett’s head lands on the headrest. “Are we here?”

“Yes, sir.”

My husband’s hand slides down to my hips as he moves me onto the seat next to him. “You’re going to love this place.”

“I don’t care so long as it has a bed.”

“Oh, it sure does. And a sofa. A kitchen counter. A shower. A?—”

My hand clamps around his mouth. “Shut up and take me there.”

Bennett glides out of the limo and holds his hand out to me. As soon as my feet touch the pavement, he swoops down and picks me up, bridal style. I giggle. I actuallyamhis bride.

He takes purposeful steps toward the front door of the villa, as he called it. It’s a gorgeous Tudor, with flowers, in all colors, blooming everywhere. The stone facade looks as if it belongs in a forest somewhere. I glance around at all the trees around us. Simply gorgeous.

Bennett opens the door and we sweep inside the marble foyer, our driver hot on his heels. “Where do you want these?” He holds up our bags.

We swing around. “You can leave them there. Thanks.”

With pink cheeks, the driver bows his head for a moment. “Congratulations on your wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy. I’ll be back around ten in the morning to take you to the airstrip, Sir. Enjoy your night.” He disappears through the front door, which closes behind him.

“Alone at last with my beautiful bride.” Still in his arms, Bennett kisses me.

Despite being carried away by his insistent tongue, I want more. I want to feel his skin against mine. I want his hands to roam over mybody, and for mine to return the favor. I want our bodies locked together in exquisite pleasure. I wiggle in his arms, forcing him to put me down.

“Let’s check the view,” I suggest.

“I only need you to look at,” he growls.

His sentiment warms my heart. “And I you. Come on.” I tug on his hand and we walk through the house until we reach the French doors, which he opens. My mouth drops open. Laid out in front of us is the ocean. Pristine sand beckons us out to the fire pit, and I walk toward it as if in a trance.

After a minute or two, Bennett joins me by the outside bedroom. A massive, king-size bed lounges on the beach, and not merely a hammock. A true bed, facing the waves. He puts down a tray with more champagne and my favorite—pizza. Not deep dish this time, but from someplace local.

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