Capture Me (Royals Saga: Smith and Belle Book 3) (17 page)

“Yes,” Clara said, raising a hand in his direction. “If you have an objection, I don’t want to hear it.”

“No objection here,” he said in an amused voice. “Especially if it means I can take a shower with you.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” I called.

But the two of them had already dashed off to the sanctuary of the loo. I looked down at Elizabeth. “I guess it’s you and me, kid.”

She smiled in her sleep, tugging at my heart. I’d come home, not only to Smith, but to everyone in my life and I was here to stay.

W
hen Alexander
and Clara finally reappeared, I was dozing in a chair by their hearth with Elizabeth tucked snugly on my chest. I cracked open an eye as Alexander lifted her off me.

“Did you have fun? I was so bored I fell asleep.”

He grinned widely at me. “Thanks for that.”

Apparently I’d just volunteered myself to be the sexy times nanny. At least their walls were thick.

“I’m sorry that took so long,” Clara chirped as she bustled into the room. There was no mistaking the glow radiating from her cheeks.

“I feel like the fairy godmother of orgasms.” I stretched my arms as I stood to ease the stiffness lingering after holding the baby for so long.

“It’s all yours,” Clara said, tilting her head toward the loo. “Guests are going to be here in an hour so I’m going to be playing Russian Roulette with my closet.”

A quick check in the mirror revealed I only needed to touch up my make-up and lipstick. That left the question of my hair, but for now, I did know what I was going to wear. My stomach fluttered as I unzipped the garment bag I’d hung my gown in before I left Bless. I felt instantly glamorous as I stepped into it. I’d excused myself to the ensuite bath, so that Clara wouldn’t ask why I wasn’t wearing knickers. The body-skimming fabric of my dress wouldn’t have allowed for them, but that wasn’t the reason I’d left them in my garment bag. If I had my way, I’d be ringing in the New Year with more than a kiss.

When I exited the loo, Clara popped her head out of her closet, poised to ask a question. Instead she stared at me.

I ran my palms down the silky fabric anxiously. “Too much?”

“Not remotely,” she said, shaking her head. “You look incredible. Smith isn’t going to be able to keep his hands off of you.”

“That’s the idea.” I winked at her.

“You are giving me serious doubts about my postpartum body,” she admitted.

I followed her into the closet as she began holding up dresses. The good news was that she had dozens to choose from, but that wouldn’t soothe her fears about how she looked.

“Has Alexander stopped shagging you?” I asked.

She snorted as she pulled a velvety black dress off the hanger. “I thought he was going to die after Elizabeth was born and he had to wait six weeks for sex.”

“So one of the sexiest men alive, and I’m quoting multiple magazines on that, is obsessed with you.” I stared pointedly at her, waiting for my words to sink in before I continued, “Wear sweatpants if you want, you’re already winning.”

She pressed the velvet gown to her bust, sticking her tongue out at me.

“Very mature,” I teased her. I hadn’t realized until this moment how much I’d missed just hanging out with Clara. At university, this had been the norm. Now our lives made it difficult to find the time. My list of resolutions for the upcoming year had just gotten a little longer.

“This one?” she asked. “Or do I look like I’m going to a funeral?”

“It’s a black tie event, it’s perfect. Do you think I should I wear my hair up or down?” I asked Clara as she began to dress.

“What does Smith prefer?”

“It’s never come up,” I admitted. On one hand, my husband liked to kiss my neck. On the other hand, he liked to pull my hair. Either way I was coming out a winner on this one.

“Well, based on the advice you just gave me, you could probably wear a ponytail. That man is head over heels for you.”

It was a condition I shared with him. “It’s that obvious, huh?”

“In other news, the sky is blue,” she said in a flat voice. “Help me zip this up.”

Half an hour later, we stood in front of the mirror appraising our reflections. Clara’s chestnut locks were pinned up in an elegant twist, revealing the elegant slope of her pale neck. Her raven gown dipped in the front, displaying another sliver of creamy skin.

I’d kept my hair down, allowing it to spill down the back of my silk dress. The fabric skimmed my breasts, and through some peculiar alchemy, I felt sexy and timeless at the same time.

“We are so very doable,” I announced.

“Doability? Is that a unit of measurement?” Edward’s jovial voice called from the doorway.

I tossed a towel at him, but he ducked. “A gentlemen should knock. What if we were naked?”

“Sorry, ladies, despite your
doability
, I’m still not interested.”

Clara glared at him in the mirror. “David will be thrilled to hear that.”

He crossed his arms, one eyebrow cocked inquisitively. In his tuxedo, he looked the part of the powerful man. He’d smoothed his usually wild hair and left his glasses at home. The absence of his two signature looks transformed him, showcasing his strong jawline and straight nose.

“You’re going to break hearts tonight.” I hugged him carefully so as not to smudge make-up on his jacket.

“I’m afraid that’s a cross I shall have to bear,” he said in mock solemnity. He reached up to fiddle with his bowtie.

“Stop,” I ordered him. “You’re making it worse.”

As I adjusted it, I drank in the moment. Until recently, these two people had comprised most of my world. As I prepared to start the new year with Smith, it meant everything that they would be here as well. We had our separate lives now—loves that each of us had fought for—but we also had one another.

Edward crooked both of his elbows for us. Clara and I each took a side, flanking him. He turned us toward the mirror, and in my best friends’ reflections, I saw the same understanding.

No matter what the next year brought, we’d get through it together, just as we’d weathered the storms of this one.

“Forget power couples.” Edward’s mouth quirked into a grin. “As much as I appreciate looking at us, we should probably make an appearance at the party.”

As we reached the hallway, Clara halted mid-step. “I forgot something. You two go ahead. Don’t make your men wait.”

“She’s probably arranged for another quick shag with Alexander,” Edward whispered as she disappeared back into her master suite.

“Quick?” I repeated dryly, remembering how long they had showered this afternoon. “We might miss the whole party if we wait for them.”

As we reached the stairs, Edward paused and wove his fingers with mine. “I don’t think I say this enough, but I’m really glad my brother decided to shamelessly snog your best friend in public.”

“It was the start of a beautiful friendship,” I agreed.

He shook his head, laughter playing at his lips. Despite his dashing appearance, there was a boyish glimmer in his eyes.

“What?” I asked. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing.” It was a lie. He didn’t even try to hide it.

“Spill, Your Highness.”

“Too late now,” he told me, looking over my shoulder.

I twisted my head to follow his gaze. Clara had returned, carrying a bouquet of slender calla lilies.

“What’s going on?” I repeated, but I was starting to understand.

When Clara held out the simple bouquet, I knew I was right.

“You tried to get married without us,” she told me.

“And we both feel we need to successfully get through a wedding before it’s my turn,” Edward added.

Clara shook her head. “Don’t listen to him.”

She leaned in to hug me, leaving enough space so she didn’t crush the flowers. I couldn’t process what was happening, but when Edward tugged my arm, guiding me toward the top of the steps, I didn’t hesitate.

Smith stood at the bottom, beaming up at me. His hands were folded in front of him, as if he was restraining himself. His tuxedo had been perfectly tailored to highlight the broadness of his shoulders, and I spotted a square of champagne silk in the pocket. Our gazes met, and a jolt of electricity shot through me. The first time I’d locked eyes with his stormy green ones, I’d felt it. I hadn’t understood then that it wasn’t a physical reaction but rather an epiphany.

My life had led me to this man. From this day forward, he would be by my side. The realization swelled in my chest until my whole body ached with my love for him.

There was no point trying to compose myself. Smith had undone me. He’d been doing it since that day in his office. The only way to center myself was through him.

“I can’t believe you guys did this,” I whispered to Edward as we descended the first step.

“We didn’t,” he said meaningfully, “but we helped. Your husband is more of a romantic than he lets on.”

And that beautiful mystery of a man was mine.

If I hadn’t been wearing five-inch heels, I might have ran down the stairs and into his arms. But as I took each one, more came into focus. It wasn’t the elite party I’d expected to attend this evening, but it was perfect in its exclusivity. Behind Smith, a small crowd of familiar faces was gathered, but I couldn’t bring myself to study the cluster of family and friends. I only had eyes for him.

When we reached the bottom, Edward unhooked my arm with a sigh and took my hand. Smith moved toward us, accepting my hand from him. The simple act stole my breath.

“Marry me?” Smith whispered.

“I already did,” I reminded him as he brought my hand to his lips and kissed it softly. “I’m willing to do it again though.”

“That’s good enough for me, beautiful.” He drew me to his side, our hands twining together in an unyielding grip. I wasn’t letting go of him ever again.

Alexander stood behind us, and we turned to face him.

“It’s come to my attention that the two of you got married in America,” he said, his voice booming through the space, “and obviously I can’t have that. So let’s try this again.”

Everyone laughed, setting the perfect tone for our second wedding. I’d chosen Smith before, when the world around us was dark and unforgiving. Then I’d chosen faith that we could see each other through it all. I had faltered in that belief after, but despite that, we’d clung to one another. We hadn’t given up.

Now enveloped by the love of those that had seen us to this moment, we spoke our vows once more. We were married again in front of them.

There was no apprehension. No doubt. When Alexander prompted me to speak those two simple words, my voice rang clearly across the room.

“I do.”

“I’d ask you two to exchange rings,” Alexander said loudly, “but when I asked Smith to get them for me, he said ‘You can pry them off our dead fingers.’”

Laughter rippled in waves around us. My own joy bubbled inside me as Smith clasped my hand, rubbing my wedding band. He cocked an eyebrow.

“Can you blame me?” he mouthed.

I couldn’t. Once I’d found the courage to wear this ring, I knew I’d never take it off again.

“So show everyone that you’ve made him an honest man,” Alexander prompted.

We raised our clasped hands to the cheers of the crowd. There might have been tears elsewhere in the room, but there was no room for them in my heart. Over the last year, I’d grieved and I’d feared. Today I celebrated.

“You may kiss your bride,” Alexander told Smith, adding, “again.”

But my husband already had his hand coiled around my neck, and as our lips met, a peaceful certainty settled over me.

I had found my forever.

T
he crowd erupted around us
, and when I finally forced myself to relinquish my wife, the guests rushed toward us. Everywhere I turned, I was met with a handshake or a tight hug. I hadn’t bothered with my own guest list. Before tonight, the only person I could count on was the one standing next to me now.

But none of that mattered as the people who loved Belle welcomed me into all their lives. I’d spent my life paying for my family, and she had given me one freely.

Even as we passed through the small crowd, I held her hand tightly. After the initial flurry of well wishes, I pulled her toward an unoccupied corner. I wanted a moment alone with my wife, but before we reached it, Clara and Alexander caught us.

Clara embraced her in a fierce hug, but she didn’t try to draw my wife away. Judging from the hand Alexander kept on the small of Clara’s back, she had some experience with a protective lover.

With his free hand, Alexander reached out and clapped me on the shoulder. As the women we loved whispered happily, no words passed between us. He and I hadn’t always seen eye to eye, but we had found common ground in our love for our wives.

Soon we were joined by Edward and David. I took one look at the two of them and snatched Belle’s bouquet.

She turned to me in surprise, but she couldn’t help but laugh when I thrust it into David’s hands.

“I thought we’d skip the tossing of the bouquet,” I informed the group, “and give it to someone who truly needs it.”

“I expect an invitation,” a voice cut through the laughter, and we parted to make way for Belle’s aunt.

Jane barely knew me, an oversight I’d been working to remedy since Christmas. She had championed me based entirely on instinct. I owed her more than my thanks—I owed her my life. Because Belle was my life.

I braced myself when she beckoned me closer.

“You won her,” she whispered.

The implication of her words settled over me. I had—with the help of everyone here. I hadn’t always considered these people my friends, and I had a long way to go before I could truly know most of them, but I was as committed to that as I was to my marriage. Because these people were more than friends, they were my family.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like a moment with my husband,” Belle announced, not bothering to hide the suggestiveness of her request.

More than a few knowing glances were shared before my fledgling family released us. Apparently they all understood the all-consuming appetite that came with true love.

Belle turned and immediately froze. Tearing my eyes from my wife, I looked up to see the only person from
my
past here this evening.

Georgia walked toward us, abandoning Brexton to a group of people I didn’t recognize.

The two would never understand each other. I was the pole where the two volatile forces of each woman’s nature collided. But as we stood in an awkward cluster, Belle dropped my hand and embraced her.

“Don’t hurt him,” Georgia said as she broke away. “He’s one of the few good ones.”

She sighed, as if exhausted from the emotional effort she’d exerted.

“I won’t,” Belle vowed.

“We’re never getting out of here,” I murmured to my wife as the first bluesy notes of “Wild Horses” began to play. “But I have an idea.”

Sweeping Belle into my arms, we started to dance. A few others joined in, but they faded into the background as I held my wife.

“I can’t believe you got Clara to play the Rolling Stones,” she said.

“I had to concede on a few other items,” I admitted. “There’s a band setting up as we speak. We get this one song.”

She laughed, and it was the most beautiful melody I’d ever heard. “I’ll have to thank her.”

“I think we have a lot to thank them for.” Pulling her closer to me, I lowered my lips to her ear. “Like the chance to have a proper wedding night.”

“We’ve been married nearly two months,” she pointed out, but she swallowed as she spoke. In the midst of everything, we’d barely had time to celebrate our insane decision to elope, let alone enough time spent alone.

“I think it’s safe to say we’re still in the honeymoon stage.” I nipped at her earlobe and she moaned softly; the sound was lost in the beat of the music. Only I had heard it, which was exactly how I liked it.

She belonged to me. I’d fought for her and I’d won her, and I was going to spend every day for the rest of my life proving I deserved her.

“Maybe you’ll get along better with my friends now.”

I spun her around and dipped her back slightly, stealing her breath for a fleeting beautiful moment.

“I’ll consider it, beautiful.” I winked at her, unprepared to admit that I’d already made that commitment.

“You’re trouble, Price.”

“I think that’s why you like me, Mrs. Price.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I’m not used to that yet.”

“Later”—I leaned in and whispered in her ear—“I’m going to make you come so many times that when I call you Mrs. Price, you’ll be brainwashed into accepting it.”

“I suppose hyphenation isn’t up for debate then?” But she wasn’t in the least bit put off by my caveman need to possess her. There was a hint of pleasure in her voice.

“You like it, don’t you?” I asked as I pressed her tight body against my hardening cock. “That I need to own you.”

“It makes me feel like I’m the one in charge,” she said with a breathy giggle as I kissed her throat.

“You are, beautiful.” I moved down to her collarbone. “Until the ropes and leashes come out.”

“We’re going to get kicked out of our own party.” But she made no move to stop me.

I did it for her, resuming a proper waltzing position and putting enough space between our bodies to keep me from getting too excited. A few more seconds and my primal side was going to have her naked on the dance floor.

“You can keep Stuart if you want,” I offered as we moved gracefully around the room, swiftly enough that I couldn’t make out any faces except hers, which is exactly how I wanted it to be.

“Honestly, I have no attachment to that name,” she admitted in a soft voice. “And now that the estate is gone, I think it’s time I liberate myself from the whole sordid family history.”

It was an impulse I understood. Despite my misgivings, I’d invited her mother. I hadn’t been surprised when she declined.

The music had effectively distracted the crowd, and I whirled Belle in a circle, moving us slowly toward the door to the back garden.

No one noticed as we exited. It was unseasonably warm for this time of year, but still cold.

Against my will, I released my hold on her, but only to slip my jacket off. Placing it around her shoulders, I drew her back to me.

“I’m afraid our only means of escape may be the cold.”

“I’m not cold,” she whispered.

Neither was I. It was impossible to feel anything but the warmth of her body against mine. We stayed like that, bodies pressed together, as we stared up at the stars.

“You gave those to me,” she said in a soft voice.

“I’ll give you more than that,” I promised.

I would give her my life. My breath. My soul.

But I didn’t have to—she already possessed them.

“I think we’re going to miss the countdown,” I warned her.

“You’re the only person I want to kiss at midnight,” she said breathlessly. “Actually I was thinking…”

She didn’t have to finish the thought.

It didn’t matter that it was cold. Neither of us felt the chill as I hitched up her dress to reveal her bare cunt. I lifted her into my arms, and Belle’s legs coiled around my waist. She didn’t buck or strain to press against me. Even as the final moments of the year ticked to its end, I knew we both sensed the same thing.

We had all the time in the world.

Carrying her into the shadows of the majestic house, I braced her against the stucco’s pale facade. Her fingers found my belt and unfastened it deftly, freeing my cock. Belle shifted, opening herself to me, and in one swift motion, I was inside her. We moved silently in the moonlight. My eyes never left hers as two became one.

She was my beginning. My infinity. There was no end to us.

From inside the countdown began, the cries of the crowd carrying faintly on the wind, and with each second, I thrust deep, burying myself inside her.

The new year began as she cried out, her cunt contracting around me. I found my own release in hers as the first notes of “Auld Lang Syne” began to play.

We’d been reborn in one another. I had found myself in her, and she’d given me the strength to leave my past behind. Now as fireworks burst overhead, celebrating the promise of a fresh start, I brought my lips to hers in an unspoken vow.

She was the reward I hadn’t deserved, the light that led me out of the shadows.

“You captured my heart,” I whispered.

“And I’m never letting it go,” she promised.