Scorch (Virtues & Lies 2)

I’m terrified and excited by the wanton fire in his promise. My body curves into his as he cups my face hard. Hands grabbing on to his wrists, I nod as he bites my lips, sucking and licking until I’m sure he’s made a mess of my make-up. His tongue presses into my mouth, and not only can I smell myself on my lips, but I can taste my need on his tongue.

Holy fuck, I swear he could make me come with the way he’s plundering my mouth. Moans and groans steal my breaths and ability hold myself up.

Christopher pulls away without warning. His body heaves like mine as we stare at one another.

Oddly, there isn’t a single mark on his lips. Their redness is all natural. They’re swollen a deep raspberry from our kiss. I love the way his face is flushed. His nostrils flare with the clench of his jaw. He looks on the verge of complete obliteration.

“We need to go.”

Sitting me on the edge of the vanity, he grabs the shoes set to the side with the gold, pearl, and diamond cuffs and matching earrings, the only jewellery that will accompany my wedding bands. All are meant to draw the eyes to my hands with a squeeze of his arm or a tuck of my hair.

Every little thing is calculated.

No necklace to detract from them. The red velvet clutch is as plain as the dress. Again, the perfect backdrop to the rings.

Crouching in front of me, Christopher slips the gold Tom Ford stilettos on my feet. Grabbing the cuffs, he clasps them around my wrists in turn.

Handing me the earrings, he takes a step back. There’s a trepid look on his face as he reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket.

“I had something made for you a while back.” A small red box rests in his hand, a neat bow sitting on top in Cartier-branded ribbon. Taking my left hand, he thumbs my rings. “I hope you like it.”

“You didn’t have to…I mean…I…” I don’t know what to say because the look on his face indicates that whatever in that box is precious beyond its material worth.

“I never got to give it to you before.” Shaking his head, he turns my hand and places the box in my palm.

“Thank you.” I’m sure it’s the silliest thing to say. Those words don’t seem to be the right ones even though I have no idea what’s inside.

I have this feeling, however, and it makes my hands tremble as I go about opening his present.

“I was going to save it for Christmas. With everything that’s happened, I didn’t want to put it on you, but today feels like the right time.”

He comes closer as I discard the top of the gift box and ribbon on the vanity, beside me. A leather box sits inside, and as I open it, he stiffens with a deep inhale.

I hold his gaze as the top flips open.

“Don’t be nervous.” I press a light kiss to his lips. “I’m going to love it, as I’ve loved everything you’ve ever given me.” Most of all him. I love him. I love that he’s given me himself so fully. Everything else is a bonus.

Glancing down at the box, I pause. Silence stills me. My heart races. My mouth dries. Tears fill my eyes.

I’m shaking, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.

“I’m sorry,” he says quickly as he steps back again.

Wide, terrified eyes greet me as I look up at him.

“It’s beautiful.” Taking the eternity ring out of the box, I hold it between us.

There’s a lone yellow stone

in the midst of the all the translucent diamonds. It was the colour I’d chosen over pink, because I hate pink even though Christopher was all for it when it came to our daughter.

“No pink, huh?” I try to lighten the atmosphere with my chuckle.

“No pink.”

The gold trellis-like band wraps around the stones in never-ending infinity swoops and swirls. Much like my wedding band, it’s not over-the-top or ostentatious. But it’s the most gorgeous thing he’s given me. And the fact that he was so nervous of giving it to me makes me the luckiest person in the world, because beyond love, care, and worship…Christopher respects me enough to be aware of my feelings.

“Are you going to put it on me?”