Wanted - Dead or Alive: A Bad Boy Outlaw Romance (16 page)

“
D
on’t be mad
,” I tell my sister the second we walk through the door.

I’m panicking. My emotions are all over the place because I have no idea how this is going to go. If it took me a while to forgive Dex fully, then it’s going to take my sister years.

Oh God, why am I doing this?

“Why?” she says suspiciously.

“We found my Daddy!” Ellie Rose screeches past me, completely ruining the softer version of the story that I intended to tell.

“What?” Nicolette screeches, almost bursting my eardrums.

“Just hear me out.” I shake off my jacket. “It isn’t what you think.”

“What? It isn’t Dexter, the fucker who left you high and dry…”

“Yes, it is me.” Dexter appears behind me.

“I told you to wait outside,” I hiss, but they both completely ignore me. I had a plan…does no one care about that?

“I know that you want to smack me, punch me, yell at me…and I want you to. Believe me; I know that I deserve it. But please, all I ask is that you hear me out first.”

Please
, I beg her with my eyes.

“Okay,” Nicolette finally says after a few agonizing moments. “I’ll hear you out,
only
for Willa, but then I’m gonna kick your ass.”

Dexter smiles. “I don’t doubt it.”

I play in the front room with Lucas and the kids while Nicolette and Dexter discuss things in the kitchen. I’m nervous, and I know that it can’t be going too well—after all, Nicolette is mad as hell at him—but I also know that they both need this. If they can hash it out, then we can all move forward and have a future.

Like a real family.

I’m exhilarated, nervous and totally afraid all at once.

“Are you okay, Willa?” Lucas asks, picking up on my mood.

“Yeah. I mean, I know it probably seems crazy to you, but I’m so glad that Dexter is back.”

Lucas smiles. “I don’t think it’s crazy. I knew you two would end up finding your way back to each other.”

“Like destiny?” I tease.

“Yeah, sure. Why not?”

Lucas might be a serious, calm man, but he’s also a great person to talk to. He’s always been open and honest with me. I really respect him and his opinion, and I’m so glad that he’s with Nicolette. They are perfect together, and he fits really well into our little family unit.

“This is just the start of our future now.”

“Yeah.” I smile. “Yeah, it is.”

I
’m dead nervous
. I can’t stop pacing up and down in my apartment. I’m taking Willa out on a date tonight.

Our first real date.

Well…my first real date ever.

I have no idea how it’s going to go, but I’m really hoping for the best. I’ve booked a nice restaurant; nothing too fancy, I know affluence won’t impress Willa, but the place is nice enough. On top of that, I’m suited and booted, clean-shaven and looking smart. This is a little weird for me, but it’s all a part of the new me. I need her to see that I really am a changed man.

The second I found out that Ellie Rose was my daughter; it put everything into a much clearer perspective. This is it, my one shot to make everything right again, to make my family whole. I may have a lot to make up for, but I’m sure that I can do it.

I could spend my time focusing on all that I’ve missed, or I could work towards a bright and positive future for us all. I know what old Dex would have done, but that’s not me anymore. I’m not that self-destructive man these days. I’m someone with something to offer the world.

“Hold it together, Dexter,” I whisper to myself.

I’ve already discussed our future with Nicolette. I knew that she’d be the hardest to convince, to turn back around to me, but I’ve managed it, which bodes well for all that’s to come. I opened up, I expressed my deep regret and love for her sister and eventually, the ice queen thawed.

She will always
have an eye on me, but I don’t mind that. Anyone looking out for Willa is all right in my books. I can’t exactly complain, she’s already given me more than I deserve.

I make the walk over to Willa’s apartment, trying to remain cool and confident…at least on the outside. I don’t want her to discover that I’m freaking out. The restaurant isn’t too far from where she lives, so I know that she won’t mind heading there on foot, which is perfect for me. I need the walk and fresh air. Willa is definitely not a high-maintenance woman, which is just one more thing to love about her.

I knock lightly on her door, hearing the kids screaming inside, and I beam at that sound. They’re all so happy. I’m so glad that my daughter has had such a fulfilling life where I’ve been absent. It would have been awful if I’d found her bereft and sad. I just hope that I can add to that, to make things better for her. I don’t need to make her whole, but I hope that I can be a positive addition to her life.

“Come in!” I hear Willa calling.

She sounds a little stressed, like she’s rushing round, not quite ready yet. I tremble a little at the thought of what she might be wearing, already feeling heady with desire for her.

I tentatively push the door open a crack.

“Daddy!” Ellie Rose comes rushing over to me, throwing her arms around me.

I’m so glad that we’re already in a good place. She could have been shy or unsure of me, but she isn’t. I’m sure there will come a time in the future where she’ll have all sorts of questions for me, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

“Hi sweetie, having fun?”

“Auntie Nic said me and Toby can stay up late tonight and eat ice cream!”

“Wow.” I laugh. “She’s brave.”

“Okay, Dexter?” Nicolette asks me knowingly. She knows this night is massive for me, and she knows that I want to get everything right. She can probably sense me freaking out.

“Yeah.” I nod. “I’m…good. Happy.”

“One minute!” Willa shouts from the other room.

“The kids haven’t given her a second to get dressed. Do you want a drink while you wait? Beer?”

“Do you have any soft drinks?”

She eyes me suspiciously but hands a soda over.

“No Dutch courage?”

“No, I’m good, thanks.”

I don’t want to drink before going on this date. I need my mind to remain crystal clear.

I chat and laugh with Lucas for a few moments, just waiting for Willa. I can’t help but feel
right
. This is exactly where I need to be. This is where I should have been all along. Not that I’m bitter about that…at least this is where I am now.

“I’m here.” Willa races into the front room, looking wound up and a little disheveled, yet somehow drop dead gorgeous.

“Wow.” I drink in her appearance. Her long blonde hair dangles down her back in its natural style and her face is free of makeup. She’s completely natural, which is just how I want her. She doesn’t need anything to intensify her beauty, and I’m really glad that she’s remained herself. It’d be a bit weird if she was too dolled up—she’d look like someone else.

She’s wearing a light blue summer dress which hugs her every curve in the best possible way and hangs lightly from her hips. I can see a glimpse of her cleavage, but it’s nowhere near enough to be slutty. The dress matches and brightens her stunning blue eyes, making it impossible for me not to stare into them.

She has nude-colored high heels on, really making the outfit. They cause her to stand confidently tall. She’s natural, graceful and elegant all at the same time, and I’m already turned on just looking at her. But tonight isn’t about sex, it’s about love.

She smiles. “You look nice, Dex.”

I can’t believe that I haven’t even complimented her yet; I’ve just been standing here, staring at her like a fool.

“You’re breathtaking, Willa.”

Suddenly Ellie Rose and Toby race into the room, chasing each other and screaming.

“Are you still here?” Ellie Rose stops dead in the room, staring up at us with a confused expression.

We burst into laughter. “I guess that’s our hint to go!” I announce as we’re ushered out of the door.

“Have fun!” Everyone yells behind us as we go.

We laugh and talk as we wander along, but there’s a gnawing fear inside of me that slowly starts to take over. I become increasingly quiet because of this.

“Are you okay?” Willa finally asks.

“Yeah…yeah, sorry, I know I’m being quiet. I’m just a little blown away by you.”

“Me too,” she replies. “But I’m happy that you’re here.”

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t always…”

“Let’s just forget the past. Start from now. A fresh new start.”

“I like that plan.” I grin brightly at her. “A new future, a do-over. And on that note, here we are.”

I wave my arm towards the restaurant, ready for our night to begin.

We walk in and take our seats, both starting to really relax around each other. I forget my nervousness and simply concentrate on Willa. It’s so nice to hear her melodic voice once more, to see her expression when she gets excited and the way that she pulls on the end of her hair when she’s listening intently. She’s real, she’s really here and I will
not
fuck this up again.

“Do you want dessert?” I ask after we’ve finished our main meal.

“Hell yeah!” She laughs. “I’ve been eyeing that chocolate fudge cake all night. There’s no way we’re leaving until I’ve had some.”

“Okay, great.” I breathe out a sigh of relief. I have more time to compose myself for the perfect end to this wonderful evening.

As our desserts are set in front of us, I get a burst of courage and run with it before she even has a chance to take a bite.

“Willa?”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

This is the first time I’ve said those words to her out loud. I can’t believe that it’s taken so long. I should have said it a million times already.

“I… I…” She’s a little taken aback. “I love you too.”

“I always have, from the very first time that I saw you in that seedy bar. I always will. I haven’t just spent these years apart protecting you; I’ve been planning for our future too. I’ve been saving up, making money and setting aside a nest egg for us…and Ellie Rose too.”

Her eyes are wide, as if she has no idea where I’m going with this.

“What I’m trying to say is…” I pull a small box out of my pocket. About four years ago I made the decision that this was what I wanted, so I started working towards my plan. I bought this gorgeous princess-cut diamond ring about eighteen months ago, and now the moment for its unveiling is here.

It’s all been building up to this.

I could wait for this until we’re more settled, but what’s the point? I know what I want, and I’m pretty sure that Willa wants me too. We can figure out our life from this point forward, just as long as we’re together. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

“I want to know if you’ll marry me, Willa. I will love you forever, I will protect you, and I will ensure that our family is provided for. I’ll be the man that you deserve. Ever since you walked into my life, I’ve been a changed man. You’ve made me better. You’re stunning, sweet, kind, sexy as hell and just the perfect woman for me.”

Tears are filling my eyes, but it’s okay because they’re streaming down her cheeks too. I finally stand up from the chair and get down on one knee in front of her. We start to attract the attention of other diners, but I don’t care. This moment is all about me and Willa.

“So will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?”

Her hands claps across her mouth as the color comes flooding into her cheeks.

“Yes. Oh my god, yes! Dexter, I can’t believe it, of course!”

I pick her up and swing her around in my arms. People start cheering and clapping around us.

She said yes!

In that moment, everything becomes worth it. All of the shit that I’ve been through in my past no longer matters; it was all leading to this. Me, Willa and Ellie Rose, starting our family for real this time. And we’re going to do it in the right way.

“Come on.” Willa grins. “Let’s take this cake home and go back to yours. Nic has the kids all night, so we’re free.”

“Sounds great to me, dirty girl.” I grin, kissing her passionately. “Let’s go and make some more babies!”

A
s we walk back
to where Dexter now lives, I can’t help repeatedly glancing at my ring. It’s perfect—understated, pretty and glamorous. It just proves how much Dexter really knows me.

And now I’m going to be his wife!

“I just can’t believe it, Dex,” I squeal. “We’re getting married!”

We’re both on a real adrenaline high, acting like crazy school kids. This is officially the best day of my life. All of the waiting, the loneliness, the stress, the bad date…it all seems worth it now. It’s as if my heart refused to move on because I knew that he was coming back all along.

“Believe it, baby. Things are about to change now!”

We stagger through his front door, his lips already on mine. We’re kissing and stripping like horny teenagers, and my heart is pounding with excitement. I feel my dress tumble to the ground, and the feel of the material scraping my skin sends shooting waves of desire through me.

Dexter pushes my underwear-clad body against the wall. I can already feel his erection straining against his jeans, and I become the sensual, passionate woman that only he can make me.

I part my mouth and tilt my head back, begging him to kiss me. Instead of responding in the way that I thought he would, he starts to press his lips along my collarbone, which makes my mouth run dry with desire.

Oh God, it’s really me and Dex….just us two.

His fingers start to tease the waistband of my underwear and I almost lose it right there and then. I’m so wet, so desperate for him that I almost scream. He trails his fingers down and eventually pushes one inside of me, giving me a little bit of what I need.

“Oh fuck, Dex!” I can no longer keep it inside anymore. “Dex, I
need
you. It’s been too long, I’ve missed you so damn much.”

His other hand reaches up and unhooks my bra. His thumb starts to work its way around my nipple, making my whole body feel like it’s on fire, and he stares at me the entire time, allowing me to lose myself in his dark, brooding eyes.

“I love you,” he says before leaning in for a hot, ferocious kiss.

I don’t get a chance to respond to that because I’m being swallowed by his lust and it feels so damn good.

I fumble with his pants, wanting them gone so that I can hold him, feel him in my hand. He shrugs off his suit jacket and almost rips off his shirt. As soon as he’s naked too, I trace my hands along his torso, noticing that his abs have become even more sculpted than I remember. He’s been working out.

Then I slowly run my fingers down to where he wants them, grabbing his length with both hands.

“You’re so big” I gasp. “You feel amazing.”

I remember how huge he is from our escapades before, but holding him here, feeling it for real again, is slightly overwhelming.

“Take me here,” I beg.

I’ll never make it from here to the bedroom, or even the couch. I want him to fuck me up against the wall in his hallway, right here, right now. This is exactly how I want our reunion to go. Hot, sexy and dirty.

Dexter takes himself out of my pumping hand and angles himself at my entrance.

“You’re amazing, baby girl,” he says, slipping himself inside of me.

I groan loudly, feeling every inch of him guide his way inside. Dexter is taller than me, but I still have my heels on, so it works perfectly. Better than I ever could have hoped. He’s rubbing against my clit with every single movement and it feels fucking wonderful.

“Oh fuck, Dex, I love you so much!”

He wraps his arms around me, kissing me whilst thrusting powerfully. I get lost in the rhythm of our bodies, the smell of Dexter smothering me and the rising tide of bliss that’s crashing inside of me.

“I’m so close,” I whimper.

“Wait,” Dexter says, pulling himself out of me.

What the fuck?

I glare at him angrily. What the hell is he trying to
do
to me? Does he not know how much I need this?

“I’m sorry, baby girl, but I absolutely
need
you to straddle me in those heels. You look sexy as fuck.” He rubs my arm, but I throw him off. “My dirty girl.”

He grabs hold of my hand and guides me towards his lounge room, giving me no choice but to follow. I take a little glance around, drinking in all of his gorgeous home. He has absolutely everything that anyone could ever want. How the hell has he managed that? There’s even a giant shag pile rug in the middle of the floor.

My bad mood evaporates. Now that I’ve seen it, I want to do it there too.

Dexter sits down on the rug, staring up at me. I keep my gaze fixed on him while tugging my underwear down. There will be no pushing them aside for this.

“So beautiful,” I hear him murmur. He’s the only man to make me ever even think that about myself. I always thought I was plain before, definitely not something exciting to look at. How has he done this to me?

I stand over him, letting him get a very good look at all of me before I playfully push him into a lying position. He doesn’t break focus, until I climb on top of him and push him inside me. He throws his head back and closes his eyes in elation.

“Eyes open,” I growl in a similar way that he did to me all those years ago.

His gaze snaps right back up. “Yes ma’am.”

He grins before moaning in ecstasy once more as I start to move.

I love being on top and in control because I can make things amazing for both of us. This time, when the waves of pleasure start to build, they are even more intense. It’s as if the delayed gratification has made it that much better.

“I love you, Dexter,” I cry out as I begin to climax.

“Oh, fuck.” He grunts, exploding too. “I love you too, baby girl.”

This time, as we collapse next to each other, it’s as a newly-engaged couple, and that energy fills the room. We’re confident, comfortable, relaxed.

This is it now. Me and Dex, forever.