Crossing the Line: Without a Trace series, a contemporary erotic romance novel (24 page)

“Talk to me. What has you upset?”

His presence steadies me, reminds me of how reliable he is, something I’ve taken for granted this past year. “I got scared.” I lift a shoulder. “What if we’re wrong, and we’re rushing things? What if we end up regretting getting married?”

“Where’s this coming from, Ella? What has you so afraid?”

I slide off his lap so I’m sitting beside him, and I look into his warm, if confused, gaze. “I…” I wrap my arms around myself, desperate to explain, but feeling ridiculous. “I’ve been all I’ve had for a really long time, Ian. I mean, there’s Noah, but we’ve always…I’m usually the one taking care of him. Not that I minded,” I rush to explain. “He’s always been there for me. But I’ve always known that I was it. If things fall apart, it’s egg on my face, and mine alone. And now, I guess I’m just a bit…off-kilter.” I hug myself tighter, unsure if I’m saying the right—or wrong—thing.

Ian watches me for a moment, then wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his side. “You’ve never had anyone else who can pick up the slack. Is that it?”

“Maybe a little.” I shrug. “I’m used to being the responsible one, I guess. I’ve never been able to let go of that feeling.”

He tips my face up so I can’t look away. “Ella, I love you. I have since the first day we met, and you showed me what sincerity and empathy were. Whatever has you worried—we’ll figure it out. Together. Do you doubt that?”

In his gaze, I see nothing other than truth and love. “No, I don’t. Truly. I’m just scared.”

He kisses me, with a passion so hot and purposeful, I’m left gasping when he pulls away. He leans his forehead against mine. “I’m scared, too, in some ways. But I think that’s a good thing. This means something, to both of us. We don’t take it lightly.” He frames my face with his hands. “I will always be there, Ella. You’re not alone anymore.”

I’m thankful I didn’t get to do my makeup yet as a tear escapes over my cheek. “I love you.”

His lips find mine, and for a few moments, I’m lost in him, remembering why I agreed to marry him only a few months ago. The sweetness of his proposal—early December in Central Park, late one night, long after the holiday revelers had dissipated—and his belief in us swept me off my feet…but even more than that—his conviction and loyalty have been unshakeable from day one. What woman wouldn’t lose her heart? I certainly did.

“I love you, too,” he says, trailing a finger over my jaw. “Are we ready to do this?”

I nod. “Yes, we are.”

“Feel better?”

We’re in the limo, and I’m already ditching the removable train and flowered headpiece. We took pictures before the ceremony, largely so our guests wouldn’t have to wait around for hours while we futzed with organizing group shots. Besides, we really wanted more candid images from before the wedding and during the reception. Not exactly traditional, I know, but when have I ever been tied to rules and conventions?

Don’t answer that.

I lean in to kiss Ian. “With you? Always.”

Our kiss turns into something a bit too scorching for a wedding dress to manage, and he glares at the tulle and taffeta separating his hands from where they want to be. “No chance this thing has an easy escape hatch like in the movies?”

With a laugh, I shake my head. “You should have seen Lux helping me get into this monstrosity. It’s like a deathtrap of lace and seed-beading.” Mind you, it’s gorgeous—a dream design that I couldn’t have been more pleased with…but the complexity of simply putting it on was daunting to both me and Lux—and she wears complicated clothing as part of her job.

“You do look beautiful in it, though. Of course, you’re stunning in sweatpants, too.” He slips his palm over my satin-trapped waist. “Or nothing.”

“Hm. Right now, I wish it was nothing.”

“You know…” His grin turns evil, and he buzzes the driver. “Can you take the long way, Tony? The really long way?”

“You got it, boss,” Tony says through the speaker. “I know how these things work.”

My cheeks are inflamed, but Ian laughs and examines my gown for weaknesses. “Aha.”

“I’ll never get back into it,” I squeal, though if I’m honest, I’m not fighting him all that hard.

“I’m an attorney. I can get you into and out of just about anything, sweetheart.” He gives me a crooked eyebrow and shady wink, and I dissolve into giggles. With some work, we’re able to pry me out of the bodice, though my torso is fully covered by my bustier.

He goes for the foundation garment’s back enclosure, but I shake my head. “No, no, this thing has about a hundred hooks. I’ll never get it back on.” I shuck my shoes, then give him one quick glance at the very skimpy g-string I wore before sliding that off and into the pile of matrimonial garb.

“What have you turned me into? I used to be a good girl with principles and proper behavior.”

He brushes my shaking fingers aside and unbuttons his pants. “You still are. But I discovered those angelic eyes and porcelain skin hide the vixen beneath.” He helps me straddle him, his mouth nipping my neck as I sink down on his lap. His cock trapped between us, I rub against him while he tugs at my bustier to free my breasts.

“You are breathtaking, Ella.” He caresses my skin, his fingers teasing the hardening tips. Bending his head, he suckles the sensitive bud, and I drop my head back, my hands in his hair.

When I can’t wait any longer, I barely have to tilt my hips, and he pushes into me. I sigh, loving the way he fills me. He continues his adoration of my breasts, letting me relax around him. Then he guides me into a slow rhythm, his mouth hungry on mine, our breaths turning ragged.

He slides his hand between us, finding me, and heat curls out from my core, encasing me in a wave of pleasure. My whimper turns into a moan, and he gently scrapes my nipple with his teeth. He continues his patient torture, and I have no choice but to follow each roiling current to the end. I’ve given up trying to silence myself, and when I feel him tighten inside of me, his own release near, he kisses me hard before urging, “Let me hear you, sweetheart.”

I cry out as he shakes against me, the impact of his climax driving my own. When the pressure finally spirals out of control, I have no choice but to give into it, letting the well of sensation overflow.

I can only hope the limo driver’s hard of hearing.

“I could watch you come for hours,” Ian teases as he wraps his arms around me. “You’re like some sort of goddess with your lusty noises and pink skin.”

“Ian!” I smack his shoulder while hiding my face in his chest.

“What? You’re captivating.” With a knuckle under my chin, he makes me look at him. “I love you, wife. You’re the most stunning, intelligent, sexy, captivating woman I’ve ever met.”

“You forgot to mention ‘noisy,’” I say in grumpy tone, though I can’t deny being a bit thrilled when he calls me “wife.”

“That, too.” He mock shivers. “I love that throaty whisper you make when you’re just at the edge, and when I touch you—“

I cover his mouth with my hand. “I don’t want to know. Let me pretend that Tony couldn’t hear us. Please.”

Amusement crinkles his eyes, and he chuckles when I finally remove my palm. “Oh, sweetheart, I promise he heard you. While they do soundproof these cars, they weren’t prepared for your fervor.” He traps me with his arms when I try to hide again. “And I love it. So be as loud as you want to.”

“I will then, husband,” I tease, then kiss him soundly. “How long
is
the long way?”

“We have plenty of time.” He turns me so I’m reclined against his chest, my legs stretched out on the seat beside him. “And I have a few more tricks up my sleeve—I should have told Tony to bring earplugs.”

Before I can object, he captures my mouth in a searing kiss. And I don’t have much more to say after that. Nothing that involves actual words, anyway…

“I’m not sure which was more amusing: when Noah dropped the ring, or when Mick tripped down the stairs.” Lux hoots at the memory, and I join her. It’s the wee hours of the morning, and we’re all seated around the head table. Rather than leave our guests, Ian and I chose to stay and enjoy their company. Our wedding was perfect: wildflowers and lace, interspersed with silver accents; Ian in a crisp, well-fitted tux waiting for me with a huge smile on his face; and my brother and Lux standing as my attendants, their happiness mirroring my own. Our reception took place at a small hotel on the Upper East Side—it’s an old library that’s been converted, rather perfect since I wrote a mystery just for today, which included intrigue, romance, and books.

Despite all the perfection, there were a few faux pas.

“I think I’ve got a nasty bruise forming on my ass,” Ian bemoans, then winks at me.

“That’ll teach you to slide across the dance floor in your socks,” I return, leaning into his side and enjoying his warmth. My wedding dress—which I’m still wearing—leaves me a bit chilled now that the revelry has subsided.

He dips down to press a kiss against my forehead. “Where’s Evan?” Ian looks at Lux.

She’s resplendent in a fuchsia dress, a simple cut that emphasizes her curves. She lifts a shoulder slightly. “We broke up.”

The merriment of the moment evaporates, and I sit up. “What?”

“Don’t be upset. It’s been a few months. With the wedding and how busy you are, I didn’t see the point in bringing it up.” She meets my gaze, pleading for understanding.

Noah’s surprise indicates he didn’t know either. Of course, there’s been a lot less partying with the increase of Elementary’s business.

“Are you okay? Is it—”

“I’m fine. Really. Evan’s a sweetheart. We’re just not the right fit. Not like you two.” She covers her emotions with a beaming smile, just a bit too forced to be real. “And it’s too beautiful of an evening to waste it on sad news. And I’m fine, really. I promise.”

We let it go, but a bit later, when we head to the restroom to freshen up a bit, I lay a hand on her shoulder. “You just haven’t met the right guy yet.”

She snorts. “Oh honey, I’m not sure I’m designed for true love. Besides, I like playing with others a bit too much to settle down.” But there’s sadness in her eyes, and I’m surprised when she meets my gaze, letting me see it. “You and Ian are perfect. I’m so happy for you.”

I hug her hard. “I
am
happy. And I want that for you, too, whatever that might entail.”

When we pull away, her eyes are glossy with emotion, and she runs her finger under each one. “Sounds good. But enough of that. We have, what, two more hours until the sun comes up? And since you and Ian won’t leave to go consecrate your marital bed…”

My cheeks flame with heat.

“Oh. My. God. Did you two do it in the bathroom?”

“No!” Though that does bring to mind another time that we did… “But we might have told the limousine driver to take the long way here.”

Lux squeals with laughter. “Always the quiet ones.”

“We’ve decided to stay awake until our flight, where we can pass out for the zillion hours it takes us to get to Italy.” Our gift from Ian’s mother and aunt is a month-long tour of Europe, something I’d never imagined I’d get to experience.

“I’m going to live vicariously through you.”

Back at the table, while Noah teases Ian about his lack of basketball ability and Mick joins in, I realize that for the first time, I have exactly what I’ve always wanted: a family. Maybe not in the traditional sense. But in the ways that matter. And Ian’s family has welcomed me with open arms. Life doesn’t get much better.