End Game (Games Thriller Series) (16 page)

His strong heartbeat echoed in her ear, her head nestled on his chest and their breath laboring, calming and she traced his chest and shoulder blade with her fingers, trailing the fine gold. He stroked her hair, running his fingers through the long locks, deepening her state of relaxation.

Finally, she lifted her head and met his peaceful gaze.

“I knew tomorrow would be a little hectic and I wanted to have a special night with you,” he admitted. “So I guess this is our pseudo wedding night.” He kissed her cheek and rolled her off him, sitting and grabbing the champagne bottle. He popped the cork and poured two glasses, handing one to her.

“Here is to a million years of happiness.” He clinked her glass and took a sip, his eyes sparkling as much as the bubbly. Nimbly, he plucked a couple strawberries out of the bowl and handed one to her. “These are really good.”

“They are.” She smiled and put her lips around the strawberry, sucking it before biting down, severing the sweet fruit from the vine.

“I swear girl, you are gonna kill me.”

She chuckled, running her fingers down his sweat-tainted arm. “I think we need a shower.”

“MMM
,” he replied. “I like shower sex with you.”

Jessica laughed. “You have energy for more?”

“Hell yeah.” He smiled. “This is just the beginning. I can go all night with you.”

“We can’t leave the kids all night. They’ll worry.”

“True, but I’m not ready to go back.” He kissed her neck. He leaned up and ran his finger around the outline of the diamond necklace. “This looks beautiful on you.”

“It’s a beautiful necklace.”

“On a very beautiful woman.” His eyes smoldered and she glanced at his lap, his cock hardening to attention.

“Good
God, Chris, you’re gonna end up killing me, not the other way around.”

“I’m not Chris right now.”

“Ty, you are insatiable.”

“That I am,” he agreed and kissed her. “Kneel
, baby.”

She crawled to the center of the circle and spread her legs, glancing over her shoulder at him. He approached, crawling like a sinuous predator, running his hands from her ankles up her calves and thighs, giving her ass a little squeeze before sliding his hard member into her waiting pussy.

His fingers were doing delicious things with her clit while his cock stroked in long strokes, and his thumb, slick with saliva, caressed her anus in lazy circles, the combination quickening her response and she pushed with her arms, wanting him deeper inside her, wanting him to fuck her until she couldn’t walk.

The pressure on her anus changed, tingling as his finger penetrated, slow in comparison to his other hand flicking her clit, contradicting the long strokes of his cock and she moaned, twisting to look at his face. His eyes cast downward at her ass as he played, shifting his hips lower and sliding his index finger all the way to the knuckle. He wiggled it, meeting her questioning gaze with a smile.

She raised an eyebrow in his direction, this was something new, something he never tried in the five years they lived together mostly due to the memory of his stepbrother brutally raping her while he watched. But tonight, that seemed to be the furthest thing from his mind.

“Relax,” he whispered, “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

She opened her mouth to protest but the slow motion of his hand stopped her, the pleasure centers around her anus pulsing, her body surprising her, wanting more of the gentle prodding. Turning away from the intense plea in his eyes, she closed her eyes and relaxed, concentrating on his sensual trifecta.

The intensity of the bliss throbbing through her body dulled the pressure, turning his finger strokes into a thrilling experience. One finger, two fingers, three fingers, stretching, relaxing, titillating. Her moans turning to pants and when his slick cock switched from her dripping pussy to her anal pathway, she moaned through the sudden pressure accompanying the orgasm gripping her.

His fingers slid from her clit deep into her, his thumb continued massaging where his fingers had left. Slow strokes increased in speed and velocity, and she pushed into him, meeting his thrusts with her own, and each full plunge pressing her G-spot and sending tremors through her body. Pleasure beyond imagination gripped her as he rode her ass, speeding up to a frantic frenzy, both moaning wordlessly until he came and collapsed on top of her, driving her into the mattress with a groan.

“Ah
God,” he whispered and kissed the back of her neck. He rolled on his side pulling her with him and spooning her. When they both stopped panting, he whispered, “Now a shower would be good.”

Jessica tilted her head to the side so she could kiss him and then rolled away from him onto her stomach. “That’s a very good idea. Where’s the shower?”

He pulled her off the bed and led her into the master bathroom. The shower was typical of any boat—a snug fit for two but he pulled her in anyway. Their lips found each other, tongues rolling in lazy circles, exploring the depths of their mouths, soapy hands wandered, washing, cleaning the sweat off their skin, lather running down the drain forgotten in the wake of the kiss.

He pulled away, and took the soap, cleaning and rinsing his penis before returning the soap to the shelf. He ran his clean hands through her hair, getting it soaked in the warm water stream.

Jessica ran her hands down his chest, over his finely-chiseled abs and down to his cock, wrapping her fingers around his already hardening shaft. “Insatiable,” she said, chuckling. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him before dropping her kisses to his chest, trailing down over the path her fingers blazed. Dropping to her knees, she took him in her mouth, rolling her tongue over the sensitive tip, the sweet scent of ivory soap drifted from him and the trickle of warm water gave her lips a slick surface to glide on.

“Jessie,” he whispered and leaned against the wall with his hands buried in her hair.

She sucked him with long slow strokes alternating between sucking and licking the length of his hard shaft, flicking her tongue around his tip before sliding his length in her mouth. She smiled at the tremble in his hands while they stroked her soaking hair, at his throaty, sexy voice repeating her name with reverence.

She sped up her strokes and was rewarded with a torrent of cum flooding her mouth, and she sucked through each subsequent tremor until he groaned okay. She sat back and wiped her lips with the back of her hand, squinting into the spray.

Chris’s glossy eyes met hers and he reached down, helping her to her feet. He grabbed her face and kissed her hard, not caring where her mouth had just been. “I can’t wait until you’re my wife,” he said and turned off the water.

“I can’t wait to be your wife,” she said and wrapped the towel he offered around her, crossing into the room and finding the trail of clothing, slipping her clothes on and glancing in his direction in time to see his boxers cover his sweet ass. She stood, scanning his bare torso, her eyes lingering on the gold against his skin and she licked her lips.

He laughed aloud and raised his eyebrows. “You want to go again?”

Jessica blushed; she could go all night, just like Chris could. “We have to get home soon,” she said and reached into the pocket of her coat, pulling out the other gift she had bought him. She shyly handed it over.

He opened it, smiling. He already knew it was a watch, but when he opened it, he was taken back. A slick two tone Rolex with diamonds as the four points on the watch and chips for the rest stared up at him. “Wow.” He slid it on his wrist, setting the clasp and smiling up at her. “You definitely have great taste.”

“I like to think so.”

He turned, pulling two more boxes from the inside pocket of his coat and handing them to her.

“You got me more than this?” She touched the necklace.

She gasped at the matching bracelet and earrings, putting the studs in her ears and holding her wrist out so he could put the bracelet on. “You went overboard,” she said checking out the prisms of light reflecting off the bracelet.

“I want you to sparkle tomorrow.”

“I love you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a kiss. “But we have to get home.” She moved his wrist so she could see the time. They had been gone for close to four hours.

“I would be lost without you.” He stepped out of her arms and slipped his shoes back on. He shook his hair and ran his hands through it to get it in some semblance of order before grabbing their coats and helping Jessica on with hers.

The boat passed the Statue of Liberty when they emerged on deck, giving a nod to the Captain. She shivered in the cold air, her wet hair enhancing the chill and he wrapped his arms around her.

“Do you want to wait inside?”

“No, the Manhattan skyline is so beautiful. I can deal with a little chill.”

He chuckled. “It’s freezing out here.”

She turned and looked up at him. “Do you want to wait inside?”

“No.” His dimple
-enhanced grin flashed in her direction. “I like the view too. I still can’t believe we are getting married tomorrow.”

“Yeah, well, if our wedding night is anything like tonight, we might be dead by the end of the weekend.” She smiled up at him and he burst out laughing.

He pulled her closer and kissed her. “If we didn’t have the boys, I would never leave the bedroom again.”

Her laughter died in her throat as the nightmare came flooding back.

“What is it?” he asked, sensing the change in her mood.

“Nothing,” she said and smiled uneasily at him.

He waited raising his eyebrow.

“The nightmare I had last night.”

“Honey, it was just a nightmare, and as I said last night, I don’t plan on dying any time soon. I’ve got the rest of my life with you and I want it to be long.”
Because once I die, that’s it, I’m heading straight to hell, never to see you again
, and that was his worst nightmare.

Chapter 23

The darkness enveloped him and it was so cold. Chris shivered, looking for any signs of light. The complete blackness disoriented him and he slowly circled, his arms in front of him, reaching for anything solid. He pushed the ebbing panic away.

“Jessie?” The sound of his voice fell flat as if in a void. “Jessie,” he screamed, but as before, the sound went nowhere. Chris knelt down and put his hands on what he thought was the floor and pulled them away from the sticky slime in disgust.

Laughter filled the void and Chris jumped.

“You will never see her again,” the familiar voice boomed.

Chris covered his ears, wincing at the decimals pressing against his eardrums flaring sharp pain. Deep darkness blinded him and he couldn’t see where the voice came from.

“You will never see anything again.” The laughter continued. “Welcome to hell, little brother.”

Chris sat up in bed, his eyes wide with terror as they darted around the dark room. The familiar setting coming into focus slowed his frantic heart. Jessica slept peacefully in the bed next to him and he sighed, glancing at the clock. It wasn’t even four in the morning and he rubbed his face, lying back on his pillow. He stared at the ceiling trying to make heads or tails of the nightmare and when no answers came, he rolled on his side and began to run his fingers gently through her hair. He closed his eyes and felt the texture of her hair against his skin, memorizing the feel and smell of it. He ran his hand down her arm and a slow smile crossed his lips as she stirred under his touch.

She rolled and looked at him. “Morning.”

“Not quite. It’s only a little before four.”

“What are you doing awake?”

“Nightmare,” he answered, continuing to graze her skin, his eyes still closed.

Jessica moved closer to him. “Was it Frank?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes,” he said, continuing his exploration of her body with the tips of his fingers, memorizing her curves and the feel of her skin.

“What are you doing?” She laughed as he ran his hand up her side, tickling her unintentionally.

“Memorizing the way you feel.”

“Why?”

“I may need to know.”

Jessica rolled and looked at him. “Chris?”

He opened his eyes and looked into hers, seeing the concern. “I’m not going anywhere.” He assured her. “Go back to sleep, we have a long day today.”

She did as he said, drifting back to sleep within minutes.

Chris closed his eyes and continued memorizing the feel of her skin and he too drifted back asleep as his hand came to rest on her waist.

Chapter 24

The bed shook, jerking Chris awake.

CJ and Tommy jumped on top of them. “It’s time to get up!”

“Hey, we told you to stay out of their room,” Eric whispered from the hallway.

“It’s ok
ay,” Chris said and rubbed his eyes. “What time is it anyway?”

“A little after noon,” Eric replied.

“You were able to keep them out of here this long?” Chris asked with a small laugh as Jessica wrapped her arms around CJ and Tommy, doling out kisses.

“It wasn’t easy. But we figured you needed your rest.”

“But that only gives us a couple of hours to get ready.” Jessica released the boys and hopped off the bed, heading into the bathroom to start her wedding day preparations.

Chris watched her go and then turned his attention to the boys. “Thanks. We did need the rest,” he said and stretched. CJ and Tommy tackled him and Eric gave a nod, turning away from the door.

“Eric, I have a suit for you,” Chris called after him and the boys relentlessly tickled him.

“I know,” Eric said. “I got it from your closet last night. Thanks.” He disappeared from sight.

The boys continued wrestling with Chris, tickling and jumping back and forth like little lemurs.

“Have you two eaten?” He grabbed their little hands.

“Yes, we had breakfast and lunch,” CJ answered.

“Then I guess it’s time for a bath.”

“Aww, do we have to?” they both whined.

Chris nodded and threw back the covers. “You need to be nice and clean and be the perfect little gentlemen today, understand?”

They nodded.

“Can I carry the rings?” CJ asked.

“You each can carry one.”

“I want to carry Mommy’s,” Tommy said.

“That’s okay. I want to carry Daddy’s,” CJ said and pushed his little brother.

“Let’s go,” Chris said and pulled on a pair of sweat pants. Bathing two four-year-old boys was a little like herding cats and Chris had to stifle laughter a few times and mop up stray puddles from the constant splashing. He managed to get their hair washed and their bodies squeaky clean before pulling them out of the tub, towel drying and dressing them in their little suits. “Now this means you can’t get into anything until after the wedding, you hear?”

CJ nodded and Tommy followed his lead and Chris brought them into the living room where they happily climbed onto the couch next to Eric and picked up the extra controllers.

He stepped into the bedroom and whistled. Jessica smiled up at him from the edge of the bed, rolling her nylons gracefully up her legs and clipping them to the white garter belt. The simple motion moved him, stirring the need for her and he inhaled, closing the door behind him.

“Get going,” she said, tilting her head toward the bathroom.

“It won’t take me that long.” He crossed to her, reaching out and running his fingers over her bare shoulders.

“There’s no time for that.”

He glanced at the clock and his eyes widened. He only had a little more than a half hour to get ready before the car picked them up. Grabbing his clothes, he headed into the bathroom.

Chris emerged from the bedroom twenty minutes later decked out in his tailored Armani suit and a crisp white shirt open at the collar revealing the gold chain she gave him. The watch poked out from behind the diamond cufflinks and he stopped in his tracks at the living room entry. His breath locked in his chest at the sight of her, stunning was an understatement and she turned, flashing him a smile that made his legs lock in place, holding him upright against the urge to fall to his knees in front of his angel.

Her dark hair flowed in ringlets over her shoulders, her eyelids accented with soft shades of blue bringing out that color from the calico combination in her eyes. Her lips looked like pink rose pe
tals glistening in the morning dew and he couldn’t remember her looking more beautiful. “Wow,” he said and seeing her triggered something. His eyes got a little wider and he turned back toward the bedroom.
The rings
.

Jessica laughed. “It would not be good to forget those,” she called after him.

He came out, slipping the ring boxes in his pocket and holding his camera. “I want a picture of the kids,” he said. “Come on.” He rounded them up onto the balcony and sat Emily in the chair and had Eric kneel on one knee on the side facing her, positioning CJ and Tommy between Eric and Emily. With highly inappropriate jokes, he got them laughing and snapped off at least a dozen pictures, grinning from behind the camera lens, capturing the group and individual close-ups as quickly as any professional photographer.

“Now you and Mom,” Eric said and stood, taking the camera out of Chris’s hand. Eric moved the chair and pointed to the spot he wanted Chris to stand and then went inside to get his mother, escorting her to stand next to Chris in the cold air. Chris put his arm around her and they smiled for the camera, forever capturing the start of the most memorable day of their lives.

Chris pulled out coats for each of them from the hall closet and smiled as Jessica approached. He pulled out the beautiful white mink shawl and wrapped it around her, kissing her on the cheek. “You look more beautiful today than I ever remember you looking.”

“So do you.”

He escorted her out, closing and locking the apartment door behind him and met the rest of their family at the elevator. They stepped into the lobby a few minutes later and the door attendant nodded to them as he held the door.

“Your car is waiting
, sir,” he said as Chris approached at the tail end of the group.

Chris smiled and hung back a moment, watching as they filed into the waiting limousine. He pulled out a tip for the doorman. “Thanks
, Fred.”

“Always a pleasure
, Mr. Ryan.” He pocketed the bill without looking. “What’s the occasion?”

“I’m getting married,” Chris grinned.

“Congratulations, sir.”

“Thank you,” Chris said and slid into the car. It took everything he had not to fidget in the seat, excitement thrummed in his veins and he couldn’t wait until the last surprise was sprung on his bride-to-be.

“And what surprise would that be?” Jessica smiled from the other side of the car.

Chris grinned and exchanged a quick glance with Eric.

“I already know,” Eric smiled.

“Keep that wise ass mouth of yours shut,” he warned with a small laugh.

“Yes, sir.” Eric saluted and they broke out laughing. “Does this mean that after today I have to call you Dad?”

Chris cocked his head. “You can call me anything you want.” He hadn’t thought Eric and Emily would call him anything but Chris.

They pulled up at city hall and an elderly gentleman opened the door, helping each one out. Chris hugged the man. “It is good to see you, Sam.” He smiled and held his hand out to help Jessica from the car.

Her eyebrows knit together at the stranger.

“Jessica, this is Sam Trueman. He’s my lawyer and probably the closest thing to family that I’ve got. He’s represented the Aris family for as long as I can remember.”
And he believes I’m Chris.

“It is a pleasure meeting you,” Jessica said and extended her hand.

“The pleasure’s all mine,” Sam said and took her hand, bringing it to his lips and pasting a dry peck on the back in gentleman’s fashion. “Chris told me so much about you, but you are more stunning than he described.”

“Thank you.” She blushed and let Sam escort her up the steps.

Chris spoke briefly with the driver and then headed up after them. He caught up and held the door for Jessica and Sam.

“The judge’s office is this way.” Sam led the family down the hall and into Judge Henry Sampon’s chambers.

* * * *

Jessica entered and gasped. The joy of the day increased threefold at the sight of her parents and her sister and she twirled
, throwing her arms around Chris’s neck and kissing his cheek. Her vision distorted through tears she blinked away and she whispered, “Thank you,” swallowing the lump in her throat.

“Surprise.” He brushed his lips against her cheek.

“Nana, Papa!” the boys yelled and ran to them, wrapping their arms around their knees in fierce bear hugs.

Judge Sampson smiled, scanning the chaos in his chamber before clearing his throat.

Chris crouched and called the boys to him, handing each one a box. “You need to give us these when the judge asks for them, okay?”

CJ and Tommy nodded and then everyone took their places.

Jessica and Chris stood in the center, bordered by CJ and Tommy. The rest of the group fanned out behind them.

Judge Sampson began, “
The step which you are about to take is the most important into which human beings can come. It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another.” He paused and looked at the two of them.

“Do any of the witnesses know of any reason why we may not legally continue with this wedding?” Everyone shook their heads.

“Chris, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.”

“Jessica, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, keep only unto him, so long as you both shall live?”

“I will.” Jessica smiled up at Chris.

“Take hands and repeat after me.” He waited until they were holding hands and voiced the vows.

Chris stared into her eyes and she could see the bright sheen of tears pooling and he blinked them back, but his voice never faltered.

“I, Chris, take you, Jessica, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish, from this day forward.”

The judge turned to Jessica and repeated the instructions.

“I, Jessica, take you, Chris...” she paused and thought
Ty
, causing his smile to widen a fraction... “to be my wedded husband, to have and hold, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, to love and cherish, from this day forward.” Her voice wavered, shaking with emotions overwhelming her.

“Do you have a ring for the bride?” Judge Sampson asked.

“Yes,” Chris said and turned to Tommy, putting his hand out. Tommy placed the box in his father’s hand. Chris took the ring out and handed Tommy the box again, patting his head in appreciation.

Chris slid the ring on her ring finger and looked into her eyes. “With this ring, I thee wed.” He blinked back tears.

“Is there a ring for the groom?”

“Yes,” Jessica replied and turned to CJ.

“Here Mommy.” CJ opened the box and took out the ring, placing it in her palm and smiled up at her.

“Thank you
, sweetie.” Jessica turned to Chris. Sliding the ring on his finger, she repeated the judge’s instructions. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Blinking didn’t work for her and a tear brimmed, tracing a hot path down her cheek.

“Let these rings be given and received as a token of your affection, sincerity and fidelity to one another,” Judge Simpson said and paused for a moment. “In as much as Chris and Jessica have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company, and pledged their vows to each other, by the authority vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

Chris and Jessica smiled at each other.

“Son, you can kiss your bride,” the judge whispered, leaning closer to Chris.

Chris leaned in and pressed his warm, wet lips to hers and the world disappeared. His, kiss, tender and sweet, filled her with overwhelming joy, more so than the words of the judge. She laid her hand on his chest, feeling the thud of his heart hammering against her palm and when they broke apart, his blue eyes shimmered with tears.

“My wife.” His husky voice gave away the emotions inside and he blinked his eyes clear before turning in the direction of the family. A grin spread over his lips.

* * * *

After the paperwork was signed and dotted, Chris peeled off a hefty tip for the judge. “Thank you again, Judge Sampson. I appreciate you fitting us into your busy schedule.”

“Put your money away, son, this was a favor to Sam.”

“Seriously.” Chris put the money in his hand. “It is the least I can do.” He folded the judge’s fingers around the bills. “If you don’t want to accept it, give it to charity, but I’m leaving this with you.” He smiled and escorted his family out of the judge’s chambers to the waiting limousines.

They arrived at the South Street Seaport ten minutes later and boarded a privately chartered ferry. As the boat pulled out in the direction of the Statue of Liberty, Chris led Jessica out onto the dance floor. The light music transitioned and he took her in his arms and twirled her around with ease, expertly navigating the small dance floor. He sang the words to “Calling All Angels” loud enough for her to hear over the piped in music. “I must be dreaming because I believe I am holding an angel,” he whispered in her ear and then dipped her before she could respond.