Page 138 of Adoration: Isn't What It Seems (Love Isn't What It Seems 2)

“Yes,” I answered him smiling. “It’s pretty magical.”

“I’m glad you like it, Liberty,” Alexander’s deep voice was right behind me and I turned around, meeting his eyes dark with lust causing my core to shiver in need for him. “Because it is my wedding present to you.”

“Are you trying to shove us in a castle, away from civilization, Alexander?” I retorted dryly. Sarcasm and defiance were the only defenses I had left.

“If that is what it takes to keep you with me.” His reply shocked me. I met his gaze, wondering what exactly that meant.

“You have to give him a hug and a kiss, Liberty,” Brandon jumped in and nudged me towards Alexander. “And say thank you. That’s what Mommy used to say.”

Alexander’s face was inches away from me, his familiar cologne entering my lungs, making me quiver in need and anticipation for him.

Damn to hell this body of mine.

I stood up on my tippy toes and kissed him softly on the cheek, as my heart beat wildly I was sure he could hear it.

“Thank you.” My voice was a whisper. He must have gone home after our rendezvous in the office and shaved. I almost missed his shadow of a beard.

His arm came around me, pressing my body against his hard muscles and his lips sought out mine. Of its own will, my body responded as I returned his kiss.

“Yay,” Brandon cheered and both of us stopped abruptly. For a second, everything and everyone was forgotten, but we were back to reality.

“Thank you,” I repeated. “But you shouldn’t have.”

“What should I have gotten you for your wedding gift, then?” he asked, his arm still holding me close to him.

“Honesty,” I replied sadly and forced myself to step away from him as I took Brandon’s hand and walked into my wedding gift.

He owned my heart. Why couldn’t I have his?

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Alexander

Iwatched as Liberty and Brandon walked into the castle, hand in hand. Liberty didn’t bother turning around but Brandon sought me out with his gaze. I winked at him and a smile spread across that face.

These two were my family. I loved my brother and grandfather. I came to respect my father after finding out the whole truth. After all, I owed him. It brought Liberty into my life. She was the reason I could finally understand him and forgive him. But all that love didn’t scratch the surface to what I felt for Liberty and our family. I wanted to be around to see Brandon grow into a man, have many more children with my wife, I wanted it all with Liberty.

I had to leave them and rush into town to take care of the last bit of paperwork for this property purchase. I would give her all my honesty, and I intended to make many new memories with Liberty.

* * *

I was finally backfrom the town. As I strode through the castle, I didn’t see any staff nor Liberty with Brandon. I searched through the library, bedrooms, sitting rooms, nowhere. As I stood in the hallway, the dead silence around me, I heard a far away laugh and followed the noise.

The closer I got, the sound of Liberty’s and Brandon’s voices echoed closer with soft music in the background. And then I saw them.

Liberty was gently swaying to the music as she stood over the stove, cooking, while her phone sat on the windowsill playing music. Brandon was being her little helper.

“I never heard this song before, Livy.” Brandon was handing her salt.

“It’s a country song,” she explained as she smiled softly. “I was kind of missing home so I thought maybe music would cheer me up.”

“Did it work?” He looked at her. “Are you going to get sick again?”

“No, I’m good, baby,” She got sick? She looked pale and tired. The whole trip to Scotland she seemed to fight her exhaustion. I’d talk to her about seeing a doctor.

“You are better now?” Brandon worried so much about Liberty. There had been too many changes in his life. Liberty and I had to get our shit together and resolve this.

“Yes, much. I just didn’t like that chicken. Which is the reason we are making eggs for dinner.”

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