The Guardian of My Soul (Soul's Desire) (17 page)

Alec, Paola and I arrived at Mom’s fashion show a couple of hours before it was due to begin. She hugged me warmly and refused to let go, apparently regretting giving me the silent treatment.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” she whispered in my ear.

“Now you’re talking to me?”

She nodded, her eyes filled with regret. “I’m sorry I overreacted and gave you a hard time on your first week at work. I was so eager to do this together. It made me sad to see you did not seem to share my enthusiasm.”

“Mrs. Mancuso!” a man called worriedly, interrupting us. “One of the models is feeling really sick and she might not be able to get on the runway tonight,” he announced out of breath.

“What?” she barked. “Where is she?” She followed the man and we joined them too. Mom blanched when she saw the girl with the doctor by her side. “Damn it, not you!”

“Mom!” I blinked concerned. “Don’t be mean. Can’t you see she’s sick?”

“She’s the one who’s supposed to wear the most important gown in the collection! Please tell me she’ll be fine,” she said to the doctor, shifting nervously from foot to foot.

“She hasn’t had much to eat today. That combined with the nervousness led to hypocalcaemia. I’m afraid she can’t work tonight. We need to take her to the hospital and give her intravenous calcium. Don’t you have a replacement?”

Mom frowned exasperated. “This is the first time I’ve had a problem with a model. I didn’t think to contact other girls. What the hell am I going to do now?”

“Mom, have Ana do it.” I suggested.

“There are fifty girls tonight, Kristen, and they each have their own gown to—” She stopped speaking abruptly, pinning me with her gaze.

“What?” I quirked my brow questioningly.

She walked to me and gently grabbed my arms. “I need you to do this for me.” Her voice was strong and firm, but also pleading when she said the words.

I gaped, staring at her as though she’d grown another head. I pulled away from her and cowered next to Alec, instinctively searching for his protection. The prospect of parading myself on the catwalk in front of so many people startled me.

“Absolutely not!” I panicked, moving closer to him still, seeking his help.

“Kristen, please! I wouldn’t ask you to do it if I wasn’t in such a desperate situation. I know you hate it, but you’ve got to help me.”

“No!” I blurted out, taking Alec’s hand in mine without thinking. “Tell her I can’t do this,” I told him.

“Sweetheart, you know how to walk and what you’re supposed to do up there. I’m begging you. I’ll do whatever you want, just give me a hand. Please...” Her eyes widened as she awaited my answer.

“Oh, how I wish I could do it,” Paola said, rolling her eyes at me in a defying way.

Her words and attitude only managed to make the situation worse.

Alec squeezed my hand and gently nudged me forward. “You can do it,” he said, full of trust in me. “Don’t be so scared. I’m sure you’ll knock them dead.” He winked.

I looked at him worriedly, but nodded, not wanting to disappoint him. “Fine,” I replied hoarsely.

Mom burst with excitement and wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you, baby. I owe you one,” she whispered and dragged me after her, waving frantically at the stylists to get my hair and makeup done.

“I honestly hope this is not one of your maneuvers to force me to get on a catwalk. I’d never forgive you.”

“What are you talking about? You saw the girl yourself.” She crossed her arms, looking offended.

“I’m just making sure,” I grumbled resigned.

“You really think I’m capable of that knowing how much you resent the whole thing? Seriously, Kristen...” She gave an aggrieved sigh.

“Fine, don’t get all worked up. Just make sure this is the first and last time I’ll be asked to do this. You should pray I don’t trip and embarrass myself and you in front of everybody.”

“I’m sure you won’t. You’re much stronger than you think you are and I have faith in you. Every obstacle you’ve faced...you always managed to overcome it. You’ll do a great job tonight. I love you,” she praised me sweetly and kissed my cheek before leaving me in the hands of the stylists.

I twiddled my fingers and started feeling my palms get sweaty, but I did my best to remain calm and not allow myself to have a panic attack. I jumped involuntarily at the slightest sound, but my heart settled and adjusted to a semblance of its normal rhythm when Alec showed up and occupied a chair close to mine. His presence calmed me, and I gave him a small smile when our eyes met.

“Where’s Paola?” I asked, wrinkling my nose.

He pursed his lips. “With your mom. Hopefully she stays there.”

I giggled, amused by his reaction to her name. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

“Why?”

“I’ve always been afraid of crowds and I hate being the center of attention. Now thanks to my lovely mother all eyes will be on me. I should have stayed at home.”

“I thought you were braver.”

“Alec, don’t give me a hard time right now.”

“I’m just saying you shouldn’t allow your fear to get the best of you. Look at it as a new experience. Many would kill for a chance like this, but they don’t get one. Imagine there’s no one out there. Imagine you’re walking to me,” he said in a hushed voice. His expression was sweet and caressing, and his face illuminated with the most beautiful smile. Yet, there was a trace of mischief in it.

Reassured by his words, I closed my eyes and dreamed of a place where I could be with him without the constant fear of getting caught. The thought soothed my pounding heart, calm flooding through my system. Just the idea of such a place caused fire to be let loose in my veins.

I was the last one in line, waiting for my turn to come. My floor length mermaid strapless gown was a tight fit. Mother had outdone herself. The dress was a light shade of turquoise blue, embedded with thousands of blue, turquoise and gray crystals all over the slim fitting garment. It hugged all my curves and fit tightly across my rear. Featuring a sweetheart neckline, the strapless tight bodice of the dress made my breasts look even bigger than they were. The layers of sheer tulle gave it a stand out style which was sophisticated, sexy, and flattering.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror and could hardly recognize myself. The hair, the makeup and the beauty of the dress rendered me speechless.

The other girls shot envious glances at me, but I chose to ignore them and let my mind focus on what was about to happen. Ana was the only one who approached me to encourage me.

“Don’t mind them. They’re just acting silly. I’m used to this type of behavior,” she said, holding my hand. “You look stunning!”

“Thanks. Mother is a fabulous designer. I’m so proud of her.”

“Yes, she is. Good luck, Kris! Don’t forget to look straight ahead and watch your step.” She kissed my cheek before leaving my side.

One by one, the girls strutted down the runway, shaking their rears in that typical professional model walk. I watched them while pacing from side to side in my attempt to make myself comfortable in the tight dress, trying to tune everybody out. An electrical spark shot through my heart when my turn finally arrived. Humming nervously to myself, I focused on the music and let it guide my scattered mind down the catwalk.

Mom gave me the thumbs up right before I stepped onto it with the most confidence I could gather. I ignored the gasps and the curious eyes riveted on me as I swayed my body across it in the most professional way I could. At the end of the catwalk I spotted Niall’s face and I stopped midway, my body suddenly refusing to cooperate with my mind. The hungry pinning look he was giving me unsettled my already nervous self. I posed for the photographers to save the moment, then turned around and headed back toward the safety of the backstage area, away from the spotlight.

I didn’t have time to catch my breath as Mom took my hand and yanked me back out there to salute the public, followed by all the other models. The proud look on her face to have me there with her as everyone applauded was hard to describe. The flashes never seemed to end and she posed triumphantly, while all I wanted to do was to get the hell out of there as quickly as I could.

“That was amazing, honey!” She squealed with joy when we reached the changing room.

“I’m glad I didn’t embarrass you,” I said, peeling the dress off.

“Are you kidding? They loved you!” She grinned. “I’m so proud of you. And thankful!” She wrapped her arms around me while I was still in my underwear.

“Thanks, Mom. Can I go home now?”

“Yes, you can. I’ll be there later too. I’ve got some interviews to give.”

*  *  *

The alarm clock on the bedside table said it was eleven-thirty. After a tiring dinner with Mom and Paola, I found myself still unable to sleep. Alec’s promise to visit kept me wide awake, but I soon began to lose hope he would come.

I was about to give up when I heard the door open. In the dim light I saw his unmistakable figure closing and locking the door behind him. A smile of relief crossed my face. I pushed the covers off my body in an invitation for him to settle next to me.

He gladly accepted it and without a word his warm lips crushed mine. I placed my hands on both of his shoulders and pulled him closer until he eased on top of me. I could feel his hot breath on my tongue, the weight of his body pressing me down into the mattress.

“I thought you weren’t going to come.” I was hanging onto him as if my life depended on it.

“I had to make sure everyone was asleep.” He kissed my eyelids, my forehead, my cheeks and then he found my lips again, smothering me with warm delicious kisses which shook the core of my existence. His low voice became deeply guttural as he said, “You looked so beautiful today. But then again you’re always beautiful.”

I beamed at him, enchanted by his compliment. I was thankful for the dim light which prevented him from seeing my flushed cheeks. I took joy from the texture of his hair between my fingers. Light brown silken threads, finer than any I’ve ever known. “I missed you,” I confessed.

Even in the dark his face gleamed with desire. His eyes dropped to my breasts and my breathing quickened as his hot gaze caressed my flesh. The intense, aroused gleam told me without words he’d fantasized about kissing my breasts for a long time.

I swallowed heavily, the yearning in the depths of his eyes triggering my own raw desire. With shaky hands, I pushed the straps of my nightgown off my shoulders and tugged down at it, exposing my breasts for him. My pink nipples were already standing at attention, but the sexy groan he released got them even harder.

He stared at them for a long time, as if trying to imprint their image on his brain. Then his hands cupped them with such tenderness that I shivered at the intimate contact, arching my back when he began to knead them gently with an occasional tweak of my nipples. His gesture sent spasms of pleasure through my overheated body, causing me to wrap my legs around him instinctively to stop him from pulling away.

A moan of ecstasy escaped my throat when he lowered his head and kissed the valley between my breasts. “Your skin is so soft and you smell so damn good,” he whispered right before taking a hard nipple into his mouth. He sucked on it reverently, drawing it deeper inside, each suck slashing directly to my core.

I could feel the growing bulge in his pants as he ground it slowly against my throbbing flesh. My panties began to soak with the juices his touches invoked. For a moment, I wished there was no barrier between us so I could feel him more intimately, skin on skin.

He bit, licked, and nibbled on my breasts until my nipples were swollen and sensitive. The feeling was sublime, but soon I wanted more of this gorgeous man and I slipped a hand between us so I could rub his ever-growing erection. It felt impressive in length and girth.

Low growls of excited anticipation rumbled from the bottom of his chest when I molded his pulsating member through the fabric of his pants. His teeth sank into my neck and I shuddered, each nibble sending a fast pulse through my sex. I squirmed in his strong arms when I felt his hand slide from my waist to cup my bottom. My fingers closed around him, still not daring to slip inside and touch his bare skin.

Alec’s green eyes took me in, lingering over me as though a picture was being drawn in his mind. Our lips were an inch apart as we drank in the scent and taste of our mingled breaths. Suddenly, they met again and joined in a feverish kiss, my chest flattened against his own. The expertise of his kiss pulled me into a whirlwind of pleasure. Then my instincts kicked in and I pushed at his pecs until he rolled onto his back. I straddled him, my tongue insistent as it plundered his mouth. Moving lower, I lifted his T-shirt and pressed soft kisses to his solid abs. They rippled beneath my touch and Alec leaned his head back and groaned. When my gentle caress continued its path downward his eyes snapped open and zeroed on me.

“Kristen, are you sure? You don’t have to do this.” He grabbed my wrist as if to stop me, his voice raspy with desire.

“I want to...” My hand finally slid inside and reached for him. Skin soft as silk covered his steel-hard member. When he pushed his pants down I stared, trying to see. I could barely make out much but it appeared he had nothing to be ashamed of. There was no way to miss that shadowy shape which stood erect and proud. His manhood was long and thick, just like it had felt. Licking my lips, I longed to give as much pleasure as I’d received. Gathering my courage I began and my efforts didn’t go unrewarded.

Just one stroke and he was at my mercy. I felt him swell more in my palm and the feeling of power went to my head. I pumped and molded, marveling at how big and hard and alive he became as I loved him. I gripped him more firmly, moving my hand against the crown of his member to trace the rim.

“Please, Kristen.” He trembled beneath my touch. Leaning closer I slowly took him in my mouth, giving myself permission to do all the things I had only dreamed of. I cupped his sac and took him deep. I hummed my excitement and smiled around his girth as he bucked his hips, straining to grasp every bit of ecstasy I offered. My head moved up and down along his length with exquisite care, my lips pressing firmly each time I drew back. I worshiped every inch of his flesh, savoring his taste. Even though he was gentle, Alec gripped my hair to hold my head still, then began to push in and out of my mouth, ending my sweet torment. I loved him. I was pleasing my man and there was nothing more fulfilling. “God, baby...” He made another growling sound as I sucked mightily, my tongue and hollowed cheeks making a warm, wet tunnel around him. He panted, he bucked, he tensed and when he reached his peak, I accepted everything he could give—every drop, every pulse, every whispered word of praise.

I held him tight, kissing his stomach, his abs. “Thank you. I loved doing this for you.”

He pulled me up into his arms. “No, thank you, baby.” He smiled reverently.

His ringing cell phone startled us both, causing me to jump back from his arms. He quickly arranged his pants and pulled it from his pocket, staring agitated at the display. “Damn, it’s Dad!”