Touched by a Phoenix (40 page)

He could no longer deny his unadulterated hunger for her. He then pushed his exquisitely chiseled manhood into her little by little until he breached the barrier. Not wanting to hurt her, he took a moment to settle himself and to give her the opportunity to adjust to his rock-hard flesh. As he fully impaled her with all that he was—he reignited her fire…sending shock waves through them both.

The Gods heard the cry of the phoenix expelling from the depth of his being. His shaft was covered in the warm nectar still flowing from her. With slow erotic strokes, he made love to her without restraint. His shaft felt as though he were floating in a velvety cavern as tight rings clamped around him, massaging him with each thrust. His upward thrust teased every sexual nerve ending within her body. His entire being was alive with excitement as she clamped and pulsated around his shaft with rhythmic contractions.

She was pure perfection, His mind reeled as she moaned with pleasure and her eyes melted into his. He had taken her to a dark place and she was enjoying it—it was more than he could stand. He could feel his arousal beginning to climb and knew he wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.

Alexis cried out with ecstasy and her body shattered around him as she released an explosive orgasm…expelling her sweet juice on him as he thrust repeatedly with long, slow sensuous strokes.

He was light-headed. His body trembling and in that split second…he lost all control. His world crumbled around him and every desire he had was fulfilled. The emotion came like an avalanche on a snow-crusted mountain…sweeping him away as if the heavens had collided and crashed to the ground. He gripped the chairs on either side of him—felt as though he might pass out.

The morning sun woke him. He watched the most beautiful part of his life sleep. Alexis had given him everything—all of her. He didn’t believe a woman existed who was capable of understanding his needs—could match his fire…yet he had found her—or perhaps she had found him. Never in his wildest dreams did he think his perfect mate would be Alexis.

His thoughts drifted. Her laughter was music to his ears, her lyrical ‘I love you’ washed away any sorrow that might have existed. Her kisses were lustful and her body luxurious pressed against his. His love for her had engulfed him from the very beginning—even before she had loved him. Hers had grown steadfast with each passing day until it reached a splendor he had never experienced.

He lay back enjoying her warm body nestled against his. He had tried to find the words to ask her to be his wife yesterday. His nerves in shambles. Then she tempted him beyond control. Today there were no nerves, there was only their love, and whatever he said would be right.

Her eyes fluttered open. A boyishly charming smiled greeted her. He kissed her softly and whispered, “Good morning, beautiful.”

She snuggled closer to him as she responded with a heavenly tone, “Good morning.”

He nuzzled her hair as he tentatively asked, “How do you feel this morning.”

She shifted her position so she could place a sweet kiss on his lips. She whispered against his, “Sweetheart, what you do to me is amazing…,” then smiling coyly, she asked, “May I have seconds?”

His smile was brilliant as he rolled her over and made passionate love to her before breakfast.

They lounged in one of the chairs on the deck. Time seemed to stand still on this trip. The day was surreal, both absorbing the tranquil beauty surrounding them. She lay against his chest, both at peace with the world.

Brad’s soft voice broke the quietness between them. “Alexis, my darling…,” his voice shook as he spoke, “you know that I love you….”

“Yes sweetheart and I love you,” as she nestled against his chest.

“Alexis, I will never own you but I must possess you as you possess me. I need you to be mine—entirely mine…for all eternity.”

Alexis sat up, curious at the depth of Brad’s words. As she turned, the extent of love profoundly glimmered in his eyes. She kissed him. “I am yours my love, forever.”

“Alexis…,” his words caught in his throat, “without you…I am nothing,” he paused as if to formulate his thoughts. “If you are lost…I will find you. If someone were to take you…I will come for you. I never want to lose you. God gave you to me and nothing will come between us.”

The pure raw emotion in his voice tore at her heart. Tears threatened to spill from her now golden eyes.

“Darling, I want to be your lover…your mate for life. I want you next to me every moment of every day…to give you children…to possess your heart as you possess mine. I need to feel your breath upon my lips and your pulse quicken at my touch. I want to make all of your dreams come true. You are the flame that lights the fire within my soul and ignites the night sky. You are the reason I live, the only reason I live…I need you most desperately.”

His hand slipped down beside the chair and brought forth a small black box as he said, “Alexandria, will you be my wife?”

The tears spilled over and she was in his arms. With warm kisses, she answered his question without words.

“I take it that is a yes,” he chuckled when he could break free.

“Yes,” she whispered as she pulled him closer for another kiss.

He laughed beneath her kisses, “My sweet Alexis…may I put the ring on your finger?”

She sat back on her heels as he opened the little black velvet box to the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. He removed the ring from the box and held out his hand for hers. She placed her shaking hand in his as he gently slipped the engagement ring on her finger. Tears of joy fell down her cheeks as he whispered, “I love you.”

She took his face in her hands and kissed him with all the love she had to give. When she was able to breath…her words were so soft, “Brad, you took my hand and didn’t let go.” She took a deep shuddering breath before she could finish her words, “That night…at the pool, I knew I had fallen in love with you. I was so afraid to share my secret—afraid that you would walk away but you stayed. You held me close and let me cry.”

She could barely breathe as she tried to continue, “And later when you said you would not change the past if it meant we could not be together…I was lost. You have allowed my love for you to show little by little until the intensity is like the sun spreading across the sky. You are the only thing I need and the one thing I cannot live without. I promise I will love you like this for a thousand lifetimes.”

Her kiss seared his lips as she showed him the depth of her love.

“You know…you stole my thunder last night,” he smiled softly as she lie against his chest kissing him lovingly.

“What…,” she was at a loss.

“Yes darling, I had the most romantic proposal planned for last night complete with fireworks…that is until you distracted me with that little outfit. Then I forgot everything but my desire for you.”

She grinned sheepishly, “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not. Last night was perfect and today you became my fiancée…life is wonderful. Now we just need the fireworks.”

“I thought we made spectacular fireworks last night,” she remarked with a devilish smile.

“Alexis,” he growled, “don’t get me started.”

“Why my love,” as she began kissing his throat.

“Alexis…,” the rest of his words were lost as her kiss deepened.

A low-cut strapless evening gown lay across the bed. Breathtaking was an understatement. The ivory gown lying before her was stunning with its sweetheart neckline glittering from the crystal embellishments. The stunning bandeau open back cut into a deep V, and gathered in the center. Crystals spilled down the back of the chiffon gown leading to a beautifully soft train. Beside the gown lay a black velvet box with a note:

My sweet Alexis:

It seems this note should be easy to write, but there are no words to express how desperately I need you or how much I love you. Nothing compares to your kiss except the love that shines in your eyes. I promise the only tears you will shed from this day forward will be from love and happiness. My darling, I love you with all that I will ever be.

Love,

Brad

Alexis opened the box to a simple teardrop pendant with matching earrings.

Everything about the evening was magical. Fresh flowers and candles adorned the deck and dining area as Brad and Alexis joined the crew to celebrate their engagement.

“You look stunning,” he complimented as his gaze wandered over her elegant figure.

Alexis kissed him sweetly. “Thank you for the gown and jewelry they are beautiful. You are far too good to me. But most importantly, thank you for your tender love. You will never know how happy you make me or how much I love you.”

Brad drew Alexis into him. “Darling, you tell me with your eyes. Every time I look into them, I see where I belong.”

Beth announced that O’dourves were about to be served, breaking their tender moment. The champagne flowed freely and excitement filled the air. The crew began to depart, leaving them to a private dinner. Alexis blushed crimson as Brad led her to the dining room table. Last night was mind-blowing…she’d never be able to look at this table the same way again, she had been dessert! Perhaps Brad was able to read her mind as his thumb gently rubbed her thigh sending shivers across her skin.

Beth had prepared surf and turf with roasted green beans for dinner to celebrate their happy news.

As they ate, Brad asked, “Would you like a spring or summer wedding?” holding his breath while he awaited her answer.

“Neither,” she replied softly.

He groaned, “Alexis, I don’t think I can wait much longer than that.”

She smiled sweetly, “You don’t have to.”

Brad’s face brightened with intrigue. “Then when would you like to get married?”

“Tomorrow. Pete can perform the ceremony!”

His boisterous laugh filled the evening air, “Darling, I would marry you tomorrow if I would not make you a widow by the weekend.”

“What do you mean?” she looked at him quizzically.

“I believe Phillip would kill me if we married without him and Catherine present.”

She sighed, he was right. It did not make sense to wait for a year though. She loved him and wanted to be his wife—to start their life together.