Page 26 of Heartbeat

“I’m just nervous. I want tonight to go smoothly, and honestly…” Raven bit her lip as tears pooled in her eyes, “I don’t want you to see me as aprincess.” She took a deep breath and sucked up the tears like I’d imagined them.

I saw her transform right in front of me. The vulnerability that she always showed me was replaced by a vacant stare and a fake smile. I hated it.

“You are a Princess!” I stated vehemently as I got in front of her face, so she would have no other choice but to look me in my eyes. It may have started off as a derogatory name, but things have changed, and I meant that shit now. “You are elegant, caring, loving, intelligent, and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You hold yourself to a higher standard than anybody that I know, and when you walk into the room, everyone takes notice. You are a fucking princess.”

A slow sexy grin broke out on Raven’s face replacing the solemn look she held before my declaration. I couldn’t resist her any longer. Raven telling me her fears about her family meant she really trusted me. This was no longer the fake relationship that it started out as, this was real.

I kissed her lips softly with feather-light touches, not at all like the demanding kisses that I usually gave her. I softly caressed the side of her cheek while I ran my lips from her mouth to her neck. Her breath hitched, and I smiled against her soft, warm skin.

Raven smelled like sweet fruit and a fresh breeze. I have no idea what perfume she wore, but the shit was addicting. I licked her on her collarbone, up her neck, and behind her ear. I sucked her earlobe in my mouth before I traveled back to her soft, swollen lips.

“Kiss me,” she whispered wantonly, and I gave her a wink before pulling away.

“Ask me nicely, wife,” I demanded hovering above her lips. Raven let out a cute little growl before her small hand wrapped around the nape of my neck, tugging me forward aggressively. She bit my bottom lip like I so often do to her, and it made me smile.

She slipped her tongue into my mouth and kissed me like a woman starving. I let her have control for about two seconds before I took over the kiss. Raven had let go of her inhibitions and relaxed just like I planned.

CHAPTER 13

RAVEN

When Lennox finally stopped kissing me, I was dripping wet and horny. I was in a perpetual state of wetness when dealing with Lennox Nash. It was like he had a direct line to all of my wants and desires, and he triggered them with a snap of his thick fingers.

It was one of his many superpowers that I had to admire about him. He was also fiercely overprotective of me and sweet. I never thought I would have a man in my life that would feel the need to protect me.

My father was supposed to be the first man with the job, but he neglected that role for whatever reason. He was a provider, and I never wanted for any material things. However, I always felt that sense of loss because I never felt my father’s love. At least not the same type of love he showered my sisters with.God, I have daddy issues.

“You’re not in this alone, Princess. I will always be there for you.” Lennox kissed the back of my hand before the driver opened the door.

I nodded at the driver as I straightened the wrinkles out of my simple ruched, pink bodycon dress. I would’ve never worn something like this in the past, but Lennox makes me feel confident in whatever I wear. I know I shouldn’t depend on a man to build me up, but having an encouraging partner in my life is a win. And I like his input, so it is what it is. He gives me the strength I need until I can find my own, and I love him for it. I admit that I love him. I just can’t admit it to him yet.I’m scared to tell my husband that I love him. I am a mess.

Lennox opens the door for me, and as I pass by him, he subtlety rubs his large hand over my ass. When I look up at him with wide eyes, he winks and kisses my cheek sweetly. That’s the thing that makes me love Lennox. He gives me exactly what I need when I need it, and he loves to keep me guessing.

“Mrs. Nash, you are wearing the hell out of that dress tonight. I can’t wait to fuck you in the car on the way home.” My eyes grow wider, and I bite my lip. I can’t even pretend that I’m not turned on.

If I were wearing panties, they would’ve disintegrated by now. Between the scorching kiss in the car, the soft touching, and the heated looks Lennox gives me, I’m wound tight and about to pop. I’m afraid if he touches me once more, I might embarrass myself and have an orgasm in the middle of the restaurant.

Lennox places his hand right on the top of my ass. His thumb rubs up and down on the small of my back, and a shiver runs up my spine. He pulls me into his side and kisses the top of my head as he continues to lead me into the private dining area.

All eyes are on us as the hostess leads us through the popular eatery. I know my mother chose to eat here because it is the Founder’s Island version ofChateau Marmontin Hollywood. Anyone who’s anyone eats at this restaurant. And the Bishops are here to be seen.

“You’re the last of your party to arrive, so would you like drinks?” The young hostess asks Lennox, her eyes roaming over his body lustfully. Although I frowned at the girl, I really couldn’t blame her.

Lennox was looking incredibly sexy with his blue, tailored pinstriped suit with a light blue shirt that brought out the color of his twinkling eyes. His hair was cut short in his usual side-parted style, but he started growing out a beard on his usually clean-shaven face.

That dark hair on his face and head and those light eyes made me a sucker for him. I often wondered if it was wrong to lust after your own husband.

Lennox quickly ordered a bottle of their best red wine to be brought to the table and politely dismissed the overeager waitress. He was “Hospitable Lennox” tonight, and I didn’t often get to see that version of him. It was very endearing.

“Shit, I can’t believe we’re the last ones here. We’re fifteen-minutes early,” Lennox leaned down to whisper. I nodded. I figured we would be the last ones because of how insistent my mother was about us coming.

“Hello, everyone,” I greeted as we walked into the private room. The chatter completely stopped, and it was like everyone was holding their breath. It was unnerving.

“Son, Raven. Nice of you to finally join us,” my father greeted us. I held my face in a neutral expression, but having my father call Lennox, son, and address me by my name instead of daughter was fucked up. I really was tired of his shit.

I saved the hospital from ruin and saved his ass from having to crawl to Uncle Andres to bail him out. He should at least pretend to be thankful. Instead of me addressing him like I normally would, I bypassed him and hugged my mother instead.

“Hey, Mama. You look pretty.” I kissed her cheek and continued on to greet everyone else, completely ignoring my father. I was a twenty-six-year-old married woman; I didn’t need my father’s approval.At least that’s what my new therapist said.I would believe her one day if I kept telling myself.

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