Page 41 of Choose Me

"You want me, baby?" he breathed.

"Yes," I panted, "Now."

"I can feel how wet you are for me," he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear lobe.

Without warning, he thrust his cock inside me, stretching me, and I moaned as he filled me. There was nothing soft about his thrusts this time, only raw power and passion. His cock pounded into me, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. He held my arms above my head, increasing his pace. I cried out as my orgasm built quickly, the tension in my body growing with each frantic thrust. I felt like I would burn in his blazing inferno, my release teetering on the edge. His eyes locked on mine, so intense and possessive. I was drowning in him, and I didn't care. My body seized around his cock, squeezing him with each wave of intense pleasure.

His thrust became erratic, and he shouted my name as his cock twitched inside me. I lifted my face toward him, pressing my lips to his, taking his moans into my mouth.

"Holy fuck, baby," he breathed into my mouth as our lips parted.

"I know." My voice was raspy and heavy with lust.

"I guess you can shower now," he quipped, his smile growing.

23

TWENTY-THREE

AVA

I ran the bristles of my hairbrush through my hair, dragging them against my scalp. The jagged teeth caught on the tangled knots and pulled them out, one by one. James and Everett were getting ready and making final preparations with the security details, and I was busy trying to turn myself into a princess. I managed to curl my hair in loose curls that cascaded down my back.

Much better. Less homeless and more civilized human.

"Hey, can I come in?" Amelia peeked her head into the bathroom.

"Of course."

She carried a black box in her hands and stood beside me with a smile. "I brought you something."

Curious, I put down the hairbrush and turned to face her. "What is it?"

"It's a surprise." She winked at me and lifted the lid of the box.

My eyes widened as I saw what was inside. A gold headpiece lay nested on a cushion of plush velvet. I was speechless. I carefully picked it up and studied the intricate design. It was more beautiful than I could have imagined. This was the first time I had seen something like it. The craftsmanship that had gone into its making--each delicate diamond-studded vine winding around the perfect rose gold band was more stunning than I could put into words. "Is this for me?"

"Yes, of course it is."

"This is too much. I can't accept this." I stuttered, placing it back into the box.

"Yes, you can, and you will. Every woman deserves to feel like a princess once in a while." She gave me a knowing smile. "Besides, it was designed for your dress, and it would be an affront to the designer if you don't wear the whole ensemble."

"Thank you, Amelia. It's beautiful." I relented and let her place it gently on my head.

"Now, let me help you. The banquet starts in an hour."

I graciously accepted her help, and within a half hour, she had finished my makeup and helped zip me into my dress. My lips were painted a deep crimson red matching the color of my dress, my eyes lined with black winged eyeliner, and my cheekbones glittered--a combination of blush and bronzer.

The back of the dress cascaded in a V-shaped pattern, and the intricate lace detailing caressed the nape of my neck. The velvet fabric clung to each curve of my body, hugging my pregnant belly. It was floor-length, and the sleeves fell to my wrists. Nothing I had ever worn before could match this level of grandeur. When I saw myself in the mirror, I was left speechless by the sheer beauty of it all.

I turned around to find Amelia holding a pair of gold stiletto heels. She helped me slip them on, and I stood up, feeling like a goddess.

"You look amazing," she said, her eyes sparkling with pride.

"Thank you so much for everything you've done for me. I can never repay you for your kindness." I told her, my eyes welling with tears.

"You're carrying my niece or nephew, and I know you have not been dealt the best cards. I may not know everything, but what I do know is you are important to James, and now you're important to me, too. I want all of this psycho stalker shit to be over with so you and him can have the life you both deserve. James will always downplay the things he went through in Afghanistan like it wasn't a big deal. But I saw how he would start to sweat in big crowds or stay up all night because his nightmares were all too real. It took him a long time to learn how to manage his demons. Since you've been in his life, he smiles, laughs, and sleeps more than ever. I enjoy my sleep, and since he found you, he calls me less in the middle of the night. You saved him, and I will always be grateful to you for giving me more time with my brother. He was all I had for the longest time, and now we have you and this baby. And I am fiercely protective of my family. I'm rooting for your happy ending and will do whatever I can to help you find it."

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