Authors: Ella Celestine
“Maddox,” she moaned as he slammed into her, setting off her first orgasm of the day.
“God, you are so beautiful. I can’t get enough of you, Bri.”
His voice was rough and gritty when he spoke. His strokes deepened, proving his words true. Their bodies were so tight, so connected that each time he slid against her walls, it felt like they were merging their bodies, little by little until they became one.
“You own me,” she groaned as his strokes triggered another orgasm.
He flipped her around and pulled her to the floor, sliding in without pause. “I want to,” he whispered as he used his entire body to bring her to another, even more, earth-shattering orgasm than the previous ones. The power of the sensation was such it had knocked her out for a few moments.
“Wow,” she laughed when he came to.
“Damn, you scared me, but I really feel like
the
man right now.” He puffed his chest out, laughing down at her with those enticing blue eyes.
“You should because that has never happened to me. That was seriously, the best.”
He kissed her softly on the lips, and she felt the last of her protection against this man crumble.
Maddox pulled her into his arms, their naked bodies pressed tight together. “You are seriously the best, Briana. Stay with me,” he muttered as he drifted off to sleep.
Hours had passed before she managed to pretend she hadn’t heard the words she’d longed to hear for weeks and finally fell asleep.
“Oh Maddox, I’m so glad you’re here!” Angie barreled up the aisle and flung herself at him. “I was terrified you wouldn’t make it.” She beamed up at him, smiling bright and beautiful like a woman in love.
“Thanks for inviting me, Angie. Congratulations. Stone is a lucky man.” He meant every word. He had been wrong about her, but she’d shown him her true self and forgiven him for his mistake. Now, he really enjoyed talking to her and already considered her a sister. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” she beamed another smile. “Introduce me to your friend.”
With a smile on his lips, he did. “Angie this is my good friend, Briana. She’s an organizing sorcerer and a bean counter. Briana this is my soon to be sister, also known as the best candy maker in the land.”
“Congratulations,” Briana muttered shyly, and Angie pulled her in for a hug.
“Nice to meet you, Briana. Thanks for getting Maddox home,” the bride to be whispered back before releasing Bri, who smiled nervously and only gave a quick nod in response. She focused her attention back on Maddox, “Have you talked to your brothers?”
He gave her a pointed look but decided not to call her out on her BS. “Not since I ran into Stone at the mall.” They’d stayed close to the hotel after the run-in with his twin.
Before Angie could say anything else, the planner and Molly showed up next to them. “Okay people, let’s do this so we can eat!” Molly clapped to get everyone’s attention and shooed them into their places.
To Maddox, his place was at the back of the church, where he would draw the least bit of attention. As the other people in the wedding party started to take their places, the door opened, and Carter stood there, an imposing figure with an immovable scowl on his face. He looked sideways at Maddox and lifted a brow. “Didn’t think you’d show up.”
He shrugged. “Angie asked.”
Maddox clenched his teeth, fists balled in anger. One mistake and, all of a sudden, he was the unreliable guy. He took a few more steps away and waited for his turn. His gaze landed on Briana sitting in the middle of an empty aisle, rows and rows away from the next guest. She was an island, and it made him sad even though he was, at least for now, in the same boat.
He needed to get her to stay with him—in Bora Bora or someplace else. As Carter accompanied his wife Molly down the aisle, Maddox wondered where she’d be most happy As. As he watched his parents follow his brother, he wondered if she would want to see him after this week was over or if she would be happy to see the back of him.
Finally, it was his turn. He stood beside Angie, acting as the vessel that would carry her to his brother and future husband. “I really am happy for you, Angie.”
She smiled at him. “Thanks. Stone said you’re leaving right after the wedding.”
“That’s true, I’m going home.”
“This is your home.”
He shook his head but kept the smile fixed on his face. “This is where I grew up.” He’d never imagined a time when he didn’t consider Blossom Cove home, but right now, he wasn’t sure.
“Well, I hope that changes. I hate that you haven’t been around to see Sasha grow up.”
His smile grew tighter as he handed her off to Stone and took his seat away from the rest of the group. He zoned out until the rehearsal was over, everyone knew what they were supposed to do at the wedding, and they were all corralled out of the church and to the Emerald Cove. “Ready?”
“Are you?” Briana’s eyes were filled with concern as she cupped his cheek.
He shook his head and held her when she laid her head over his heart. “I’m sorry, Maddox. Give it time.”
With a nod, he pulled her through the church and out of the wooden double doors. He needed to get out of there and away from the tension. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. “Thanks for coming with me, Bri.”
“You’re welcome, big guy. I’m happy to help.”
~
It broke her heart to see this version of Maddox, all subdued and melancholic. She physically ached for him, and once they entered the restaurant, she stayed close and kept them in their protective bubble for the most part.
“The food is delicious.”
“Island food is better,” he replied darkly.
She smiled at how difficult he was being. “Well, this town is lovely, but it’s no paradise,” she agreed and laid her head on his shoulder.
How am I going to say goodbye to him tomorrow?
She couldn’t because after all that hard work toward independence and self-sufficiency, she’d done the unthinkable. The impossible, really. She’d fallen in love with this man.
“What’s with the sigh?”
“Just thinking. I’ve been having so much fun with you I haven’t thought about anything else.”
Nothing but you.
His smile made her heart flutter in her chest. “Good, I love that you find me so distracting. Let’s me know I’m not alone.”
Her green eyes flared, and her lips parted in surprise. She squeezed his hand under the table. “Definitely not.”
“So, Maddox, you’ve finally decided to grace us with your presence,” his mother sniffed, breaking through Maddox and Briana’s moment. She’d been nothing but rude and unimpressed with Briana.
“Not at all, Mother. Angie asked so here I am.” His jaw ticked, letting her know that the question bothered him.
“We shouldn’t have to ask you to come home.” Her haughty reply sailed past him, and he ignored it.
“How long are you sticking around?” Carter asked in a tone that made it clear he didn’t care about the answer.
The reply came from Stone, “He’s leaving after the wedding.”
Briana stole a glance at Maddox. He looked like he might get up and leave now if they didn’t stop badgering him. “Angie, will any of your treats be served tomorrow? Maddox talked about your champagne truffle like they were magic.”
The women smiled at each other diffusing the tension. Briana listened intently as the blushing bride told the story of how she came up with the Blossom Cove cupcake.
“I didn’t make any, but I’ve finally hired help so you can grab some before you leave.”
“Can’t wait.”
Carter’s voice and probing gaze broke their conversation, making Briana incredibly uncomfortable. “So Briana, how do you know my brother?”
“I met him on the island. He helped me out of a jam, actually.”
Carter scoffed, and she prepared herself. Briana didn’t think she’d become a target tonight, but she’d happily deflect for Maddox.
“How much was this jam?”
Of course, I’m after his money.
She wished she was one of those people who could pull a witty remark or a cutting burn out of her hat, but she wasn’t. Instead, she went for brutal honesty. “He gave me a job since the guy I went to the island with kicked me off his boat without my things after I refused to stuff my body full of drugs for him.”
She wiped a few tears away and excused herself from the table. As she ran to the bathroom, a thought passed through her mind,
being an island has to be better than this.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Maddox’s voice echoed in the ladies’ room.
She hung her head and, in a weak voice, said, “At first, because I figured you’d think the same as your brother. Then, I was ashamed of being so stupid and gullible. Again.” She gave an angry swipe to her falling tears. “I’m sorry, but I didn’t want you to know. I liked that you looked at me like I had it together like I was someone special instead of a wreck.”
“You are someone special, Bri. I wish you could see it as well as I do.” He kissed her gently and held her close. “I’m sorry about my brother.”
“Don’t be. He was just repaying the favor,” she laughed mirthlessly. “It’s fine, Maddox.”
“It’s not, dammit.”
She loved him for coming to her defense. “It is. Your family wants to make up with you, but they don’t know how. Go, let them.” She gave him a peck on the lips. “I’m going to take a cab back to the hotel. That should get rid of some of the tension, okay?”
“I don’t like it, but okay.”
He kissed her like she mattered and Briana held on to that feeling tight. She would need it after they said goodbye.
“Have fun, okay?” He nodded and she kissed him again before slipping away.
~
“Where’s Briana,” Angie asked, concerned written all over her beautiful face.
Maddox sighed and sat down. “She wasn’t feeling well and went back to the hotel.”
He hated that she’d gone without him, but she was right, they needed to see if this tension could be fixed.
“Alone? Maddox,” he mother said in that disapproving tone.
He took three long breaths in and slowly released them. “She asked me to stay because, for some reason, she thought there was something to stay for.” He stood and let the napkin fall to the floor. “Apparently, she was wrong. Good night. See you in the morning, Angie.”
“You don’t get to be the victim!” Stone’s voice bounced off the private room of the restaurant, silencing the whole group. “You were wrong, Maddox. You screwed up.”
Maddox nodded. “And you all made sure I paid for it, didn’t you? Six months and not a word from any of you. Yeah, I know I’m not the victim,
brother.
” Sarcasm and disdain dripped off of his words.
He was done with this shit. Yes, he had messed up big time, but it had all turned out alright, and he’d apologized. Profusely. He’d stayed away to give everyone enough time to get over it, and they’d forgotten him.
It was all right, really it was. He would make it through tomorrow and then he would go home. Maybe he could convince Briana to go with him and forget they existed as well.
“If you feel that way, maybe you shouldn’t come tomorrow.”
His brother’s words were like a knife piercing his heart, but he refused to show it. “If that’s how you feel, maybe I won’t.”
This was it for him. He turned to walk away from his family without knowing when he would see them again.
But then, Angie’s voice echoed through the room stunning the family into dead silence. “Then the wedding is off.”
“Angie, please,” Stone pleaded. “Don’t do this.”
He looked at her and saw the sadness in her eyes. “He’s right. I’m not worth it.” Holding her gaze, he walked to where she stood and wrapped his arms around her. Ignoring the glaring gazes he was receiving, he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Tomorrow is your day, sweetheart. Enjoy it.”
She shook her head. “Walk away if you want to, but if you don’t show up, there won’t be a wedding.” Angie’s voice was serious and sincere. She meant business which meant he needed to man up and do this for his brother.
“See you tomorrow, then.”
“I’m sorry.” Those were the first words Briana heard when she stretched herself awake. Big, sad blue eyes stared down at her with so much regret.
“For hogging the blanket? I forgive you but only because your body is so warm and hard.” She winked even though they both knew he was talking about something else.
He sighed and tried for a smile, but it barely covered his mouth and never made it to his eyes. “For my family. For everything.”
Briana smiled and cupped his face. “Don’t apologize, Maddox, your brother, was right. I’m a penniless stranger, and you’re
not
penniless. It was an absolutely reasonable accusation.” She meant the words, but still, it had hurt her feelings terribly. She’d come to the hotel and cried until the tears ran dry.
Maddox shook his head angrily. “No. They didn’t have a right to do that.” He had a point, but she didn’t want to pour more gasoline on the fire. “Let’s just get through the ceremony and then we can go wherever you want.”
Her heart stopped beating for several long seconds and then began to race double, no triple time. It was hard to breathe, and she didn’t know why. His words were gentle, kind even, but nothing life-changing. Except they felt pretty life-changing to her.
“You don’t have to say that Maddox.”
He cupped her face. “I know I don’t, but dammit, Bri, I want you around. Always.” He kissed her mouth slow and so achingly sweet a tear slipped from her eye. “You don’t know where you’re going, but wherever it is, I want to go with you.”
“Or I could just go with you.” She wanted that more than anything. However, the pull of independence was still too strong for her to deny. “I just need to figure out what I want to do. I don’t want to live off you, Maddox.”
His smile was sweet. “I know you don’t, and it just makes me want to take care of you even more. You can be independent, but you should do it with me.”
A laugh broke free from her unbidden. “How does that work?” She had to admit she was intrigued, but she couldn’t let him take care of her. Not financially. “If you try to give me money I swear I’ll maim you!”
He laughed and pulled her close. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
She sighed at his handsome smile. “God, I love you. Shit!” she exclaimed as the realization of what she’d just said washed over her.
Smacking one hand over her mouth and the other over her eyes, Briana tried to turn away, but he stopped her.
“Oh no, you don’t.” He pulled her tighter to him. “Hey, look at me. Did you mean that?”
Still trying to cover her face, she nodded. “I did. I just didn’t mean to blurt it out like that, but dammit . . . you were being so sweet.”
Please don’t let this be a huge mistake,
her inner voice begged.
Maddox tilted her chin up and pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth. “I love you too, Briana. I mean, if this nauseous feeling and racing heart are love, then yep, I’m totally in it. With you.”
That drew another laugh from her. “Do you really?”
“I do. I was going to tell you after the wedding, once we were far away from here. I didn’t want to taint it with all of this family crap.” His thick brows furrowed, telling her more than any words could have, just how tense things still were.
“What happened?”
Maddox sighed. “Everything.” Briana tried to comfort him as he told her all about what went down at the restaurant after she left. When he was done, he asked, “Can you believe he said that to me? That I’m not the victim? Like I could ever forget that fact.”
Her heart went out to him. She had no family to speak of so she knew what it was like to lose them all. “You’re a victim too, no one gets to take the title alone. However, you don’t have to
act
like one. We’ll get all dressed up today and go to that wedding. We’ll smile and play nice, and then you can decide what we do after. Okay?”
“How did I get so lucky to win your love?” The sight of his smile hit her right in the chest and spread out, warming her body all over.
“You were just you.” It was true, she realized now. She never stood a chance against his charm, his kindness, and his big heart.
“Now, you’re going to make me blush.” He batted his sun-whitened eyelashes and leaned in for a kiss that quickly spiraled out of control, and turned to the most thrilling, satisfying lovemaking of her life.
Maddox separated their bodies with a smile as he stood. “If you hurry we could shower together before we have to get to the church.”
Briana hopped off the bed with a smile. “Last one in the shower stands in the back!”
~
The wedding ceremony was short and sweet, just how Maddox hoped it would be. Angie was a vision in a white dress that made her look like a princess. He told her as much as he greeted her before the ceremony and she’d started crying, terrifying him until she stopped. Even his brother had tears in his eyes as he spoke his vows.
It was all very touching, and Maddox was happy for them both. However, he was anxious to get the hell out of there now that it was all said and done. Everyone looked at him like he shouldn’t be there like it wasn’t his family too.
“Hey Slugger, smile. There are cameras everywhere.”
He smiled down at Briana, who had done her best to distract him from the tension of the day. Her green eyes sparkled with love and her hand remained wrapped in his.
Maddox put on a bright fake smile for her sake, and she laughed. “Better?”
She nodded. “Much. So what are we doing? Are we staying or going?” He knew she was up for whatever he decided to do.
The problem was, he had no idea what he wanted to do. He would love to stay and see the first dance and hear the toasts, but he couldn’t stand another minute of the tension, the stares, and the discomfort. “I don’t know, babe. Help me out here.”
She laughed and pulled him into the sunny day. “I don’t know how to answer this for you. I want to tell you to stay because I think it will be good for you, but I can’t stand to see you in pain.”
Damn, he loved this woman. Tears shimmered in her eyes on
his
behalf. No one had ever cried for him before. He released a burdened sigh and looked around. His brothers and their wives were busy taking photos. Without him.
“Let’s get out of here!” He grabbed her hand and pulled her down the street.
“Are you sure?”
“Hell no, but with you by my side, I don’t think it’ll matter where we are.”
Suddenly, she stopped, and he turned to see why only to find more tears shimmering in her eyes.
“You mean that, Maddox?”
He nodded. Of course, he meant it.
“Then I think we should go to the reception, at least for a little while. If it becomes too much, we can get the hell out of there. Okay?”
He took a big breath and reached for her hand. “Okay.”
“Okay?” Her smile widened, and Maddox knew how lucky he’d gotten to have such a wonderful woman being proud and in love with him.
“Okay. But, let’s stop for a drink first.”
She laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m buying!”
“What are you buying,” Angie asked, startling them both.
Briana laughed nervously, hand to her chest. “Congratulations, bridal ninja. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” she beamed a smile up at both of them, but it quickly dimmed. “You guys aren’t leaving are you?”
Busted.
“No, we’re just going for a drink before the reception.” He could see that she didn’t fully believe him, but she didn’t challenge him either. “We’ll be there.”
“Promise?”
Briana nodded and placed a hand on Angie’s bare shoulder. “We just want to get away from the tension for a bit, but I will personally make sure he’s there to see you dance with your husband for the first time.”
Angie’s shoulder sagged in relief. “Okay. I’m really sorry about last night, Briana. Carter was out of line.”
“Don’t worry about it,” she dismissed the apology, but Maddox tightened his grip around her. He’d seen the tear tracks that had dried on her cheeks when he came to bed last night and knew how badly she was hurt. “The photographer is calling for you.”
Angie left in a flurry of activity, arms flailing and white dress dusting up in all directions as she cried, “See you guys later!”
~
“To a long and happy life!” Everyone lifted their glasses as Carter finished his toast the happy couple.
Maddox raised his, albeit reluctantly. He should be toasting his brother, dammit. Molly had finished her toast as well, and it was now time for the first dance. He watched Stone gather Angie in his arms and, as the music began, they began to sway.
They looked so happy and in love, Maddox hoped they’d always stay like that.
Too bad I won’t be around to see it.
That was the part that stung the most. Time had passed and still he was being treated like a pariah, so he knew he wouldn’t stick around. He wasn’t even sure if he’d come back for a long time. Stone and Carter switched dance partners and soon his parents were out there too.
“Can we get out of here now?”
Briana looked concerned, but she nodded and grabbed her impossibly small purse. "Of course.”
While the crowd was busy watching the happy couples dancing, Maddox and Briana slipped from the ballroom. They were so close to freedom when Maddox heard his brother speak. “You’re leaving?”
They both froze. After a deep breath, Maddox turned around. “Yep. Congratulations Stone, I’m sure you and Angie will be very happy together.”
Stone’s look darkened. “When are you coming back to Blossom Cove?”
“I don’t know.” He wasn’t sure he would come back for a long time. Not that it would matter to anyone in town anyway.
Arms folded over his chest, Stone looked angry as hell. “You’ll just stay away forever? What the fuck?”
“What difference does it make, Stone? You don’t give a damn. Just be happy I’ll be out of your hair.”
“Happy? My brother —my twin — tells me he’s leaving and never coming back, and I’m supposed to be happy about it?”
Maddox shrugged. “You did fine without me for six months, so how the hell should I know?” He was done with this conversation. “Don’t go and act all hurt now. I apologized, and it wasn’t good enough for you. I went away like
you all wanted
and somehow I’m still to blame.”
He shook his head and scoffed.
His brother physically deflated at his words. He looked ashamed, defeated. “You’re my brother, Maddox, of course, I want you around. Dammit, it was a fight!”
“No Stone, it was exile!” That’s what it felt like to him anyways. He’d been sent away where no one could see him as if he was a stain on a nice rug.
“I never meant it to be that way. I was just upset.” Identical blue eyes shimmered with liquid. His brother was hurting as much as he was.
“Okay,” he said with a sigh.
Stone’s surprise showed on his face. “Okay? That’s it?”
Maddox nodded. “Yeah. Okay. I’m still leaving, but if you need me, I’ll be here.”
Briana squeezed his hand and looked up at him like he’d just hung the moon for her.
Stone pulled him into a hug, patting his back the way men do. “Alright then! I really am sorry, Mad. I didn’t think you’d just stay away forever.”
Maddox smiled. “In the past, brother.”
Stone clapped his back with a smile and walked away. “See you both around,” he waved.
“I’m so proud of you!” Briana flung her arms around Maddox’s shoulders and kissed the hell out of him right there in the lobby of the hotel. “I love you, Maddox.”
He laughed and held her close. “I love you too, Briana.” And he really did. Never, in a million years, had he figured he’d fall in love, but he was head over heels for this little sprite of a woman. “I think our first stop should be Las Vegas. What do you think?”
Her brows furrowed. “Why Vegas?”
Maddox smiled down at her and kissed her hand. “So we can get married, of course. Are you game?”
She laughed and cried as he took an emerald and diamond ring from his pocket and slid on her finger
“Hell yeah, I’m game! I can’t wait to be your wife,” she replied with tears in her eyes.
Maddox was glad to hear that. They hadn’t been together long, but he felt deep down in his soul that it was the right thing for them. “I can’t wait either.”
“Know what else I can’t wait for?”
Her smile was contagious, and he shook his head. “No, what?”
“The honeymoon.”
Maddox grabbed her hand as they walked out of the lobby laughing and kissing and crying. He couldn’t wait to start the wild and crazy adventure known as marriage with that woman by his side.
The End
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