Afterglow: A Brother's Best Friend Romance, page 20
When is her fucking inner monologue going to be over?
I’m dying to inform her she’s been caught, but I know it’s best not to cut her off. The more she talks, the deeper a hole she digs for herself.
“Dax was always insistent he wasn’t looking for a life partner, just some fun, and I was always here to scratch his itch. He was the best I ever had. I was just biding my time until he changed his mind. Men always change their minds if the pussy is good enough. I know I have an amazing pussy, so it was only a matter of time for him to ask me to be his life partner. But no, you had to steal him away, too,” she growls out. “I had a plan to kill you the night I met you. Fortunately for you, Leo stepped in, offering a better plan. I’ll admit he went off script a little by taking Dax, but that didn’t stop me from wanting my revenge. Now I get to kill you and have the man of my dreams.”
“Not fucking likely,” Dax booms from the door, with Nixon standing behind him.
Noelle gasps, her eyes wide with fear, but she doesn’t drop the syringe. Her fingers curl around it tighter like it’s a lifeline. Her eyes dart around the room, trying to figure out how she’s getting out of here, but there is no way out. She’s fucked.
“I’m not sure… what you heard… S-sir.”
“All of it,” he declares. “And it’s all being recorded.” He tilts his head to the corner where a small camera was installed earlier today.
“No!” She gasps and turns her attention to me, fire burning in her eyes. It’s easy to tell she’s pissed. “You don’t get to survive,” she cries, her hand shaking, still not dropping that fucking syringe.
“Yes, I do. And you get to rot in jail.”
A blood-curdling scream leaves Noelle’s lips. She lifts her arm and lunges toward me. A high-pitched clicking noise fills the room, stopping her in her tracks. Her body convulses as she drops to the floor.
“When did you start carrying a Taser?” I gawk at Nixon, who’s smirking. This wasn’t talked about in our meetings.
“We didn’t want her to die, and I didn’t want her to get even remotely close to you. A Taser just made sense,” he explains, and I can’t help but giggle.
But it doesn’t take long before it turns to crying. Tears run down my face as my knees buckle, the sobs taking over my body. Dax catches me and holds me while I let out all these pent-up emotions.
It’s over.
It’s finally fucking over.
Leo and Noelle will rot in prison together, and both Dax and I are fine.
Warm, soothing hands rub my back, but it’s hard to breathe.
I thought I would be jumping with joy once Noelle was caught, not sobbing like a baby, having what feels like another panic attack.
“You’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you again,” Dax whispers into my ear while I cling to him like he’s my everything because he is.
“Did that skank hurt her?” Caidance shouts from somewhere near us.
“No, but I think she’s in shock,” Nixon says.
I wish I had the strength to lift my head and assure her I’m okay, but it’s like my muscles are being squeezed by a vice grip, and I have no control over them.
Dax never lets me go, like the night I freaked out in his theater room. He whispers words of comfort until the weight on my chest releases and my muscles relax.
“Why did I have another panic attack?” I groan when I’m able to talk again.
“Adrenaline and shock do crazy things to the body,” Nixon states, leaning against the doorframe to keep everyone out of the bathroom.
Noelle is no longer on the floor, and I wonder when they dragged her out of here. How long was I out of control?
“Can I see her now?” Caidance grumbles just outside the bathroom, bringing a small grin to my face.
“Let her in,” I say.
Nixon looks at Dax for the okay, and thankfully, he nods, knowing I’m going to want my best friend right now.
“Are you okay?” Her brows are pulled together, and her lipstick is missing on her bottom lip, probably from chewing it.
“I am now. Sorry I scared you.”
She shakes her head and pulls me into her arms. “No need to apologize. I’m just so fucking happy this is all over.”
I nod, her hair rubbing against my cheek.
“Me, too,” I murmur.
Chapter 28
Dax
“This is dumb,” Izzy says, looking at our family and friends milling around our apartment.
She might sound like she’s annoyed, but there is a giant smile on her face. One I know for a fact she isn’t faking. She can’t fake how her face is glowing and her eyes shine. Only pure joy creates that look.
It’s been one week since Noelle was arrested, and Izzy’s family thought now would be a perfect time for a ‘housewarming’ brunch since all the chaos is over. I think they really wanted it to be a you’re-finally-free-of-your-loser-ex-and-have-a-good-man-by-your-side party, but that doesn’t have a nice ring to it.
Izzy tried to protest, but I convinced her to let her family have this moment.
I wrap my arms around her and press my lips to her ear. “Remember what your reward is tonight if you’re a good girl,” I remind her, and her whole body shivers with anticipation.
She beams at me with pink cheeks from the blush creeping up her face. I kiss her before letting her go and giving her a little shove in the direction of her friends.
“Time for presents,” Mrs. Thatcher shouts.
“This isn’t a birthday party, Mom,” Izzy groans.
“No, it’s a housewarming party. That doesn’t mean gifts aren’t applicable here,” Mrs. Thatcher argues matter-of-factly.
“How is this even a housewarming party? Dax has lived here for years.”
“Fine, it’s a moving-in party. Whatever you want to call it, just go sit on the couch and be grateful,” Mrs. Thatcher scolds Izzy, and I fight back a chuckle.
Izzy mutters something under her breath but follows her mom’s instructions.
Sitting next to Izzy, I squeeze her thigh, and she offers me a small smile.
“Me first,” Caidance shouts and lets out a loud squeak.
We all turn toward her to see why she made that noise. Her face is the shade of a tomato, and Briana is standing behind her with a stern look on her face. I’m pretty sure Caidance broke a rule. I’m just curious about what Briana did to earn that squeak.
“I mean…” Caidance starts again. “Would it be okay if I go first?”
Mrs. Thatcher smiles. “Of course, dear.”
Caidance looks at Briana, who nods and steps forward to give Izzy a small box.
“I hope you like it.” She beams and walks back to Briana, who whispers something in her ear.
Izzy opens the present and gasps as she pulls out a picture frame. She stares at the simple frame that says best friends with a picture of her and Caidance. I watch as a single tear cascades down her cheek, and I wipe it away.
“Are you okay?” I check. Izzy nods and stands to rush over to her friend to give her a big hug.
“Since your douche of an ex wouldn’t let you hang your own pictures, I thought this would be a nice addition to your new place,” Caidance tells her.
Now I realize why such a simple thing pulled out such big emotions from Izzy.
“You can put it wherever you want,” I say, making her grin when she comes back to sit next to me.
“I’m sure I’ll find the perfect spot for it,” she says as she puts it on the coffee table.
The rest of the presents are just as thoughtful, and Izzy cries a few times before she throws a pillow at Harley for making a joke about how emotional she is. I think he was just trying to get her to stop crying, and it worked.
Before I know it, we are saying goodbye to everyone, and slowly but surely, our apartment empties until it’s finally just Izzy and me.
“Today was crazy.” She wraps her arms around me and rests her head on my chest.
I place a tender kiss on the top of her head, relishing in the amazing smell that is Isabella Thatcher. “You did so good. I know you didn’t want a big get-together, but I think your family needed it.”
“You’re not wrong. It was a good time, but I’m exhausted now.”
“Well, you better go have a nap, or you won’t be able to enjoy your reward,” I say with a smirk.
She doesn’t say a single word and rushes to the room to rest while I clean up. Not that there is much to do since Izzy’s parents did a lot before they left. But I busy myself nonetheless, not wanting to bother my girl.
About an hour later, I make my way into the bedroom, grinning at the perfect angel sleeping naked on our bed. Wanting to let her sleep just a little bit longer, I make my way to the walk-in closet, packing a bag for tonight.
We are starting the night by going to dinner at a high-end restaurant where I get to spoil the woman I love. Then we are going to Afterglow for the first time to actually play since the Shibari night.
With Noelle and Leo safely in custody, both having lost their memberships, we finally feel comfortable enough to play again. I have so many plans for tonight, and I can’t fucking wait.
Once the bag is packed, I take it to the front and leave it by the elevator before changing into a smart suit Izzy will love me in. Once I’m dressed, I pick out an outfit for the sleeping beauty and bring it with me as I go to wake her.
I carefully lay the dress on the bed and sit down, taking a moment to watch Izzy before waking her up.
“Hey, princess,” I whisper, petting her hair.
She blinks her eyes open and beams at me with sleepy eyes.
“You should get ready so we can go for dinner.”
She yawns and stretches, her back bowing off the bed as her head falls back before she moves it from side to side. Watching her naked body move like that makes my dick excited, and I palm myself in my pants.
“Stop being a tease.” I groan, making her giggle.
“I just woke up. If you don’t want to watch me stretch, look away,” she jokes.
“Touché,” I reply and kiss her forehead.
I know if I kiss her lips, I’ll be stripping and falling into bed with her, which will make us late for our dinner reservations, and my girl needs to eat before the night I have planned for us.
“Hurry up and get ready. I’ll meet you in the living room. You have one hour,” I instruct before leaving.
With one minute to spare, Izzy is standing in front of me wearing a black sequin dress with a low plunging front. Fuck, she looks even hotter than I thought she would. She’s perfect.
Her hair is curled, pulled to one side, and cascading over her left shoulder. She did a simple smokey eye for her makeup, and on her lips is a deep-red color that I can’t wait to see smeared later.
“Ready to go?” I ask.
She nods, and I walk toward her and press my lips to hers for a passionate kiss. “You look amazing in this dress, but I can’t wait to see you in the second outfit I’ve picked out for you tonight,” I whisper against her lips.
“Well, let’s get going then,” she replies with a smirk, and I laugh while I grab the bag.
“Come on, princess, let’s go,” I insist with a tilt of my head, and we enter the elevator.
As usual, I can’t keep my hands off her, keeping my arm wrapped around her waist, my hand gripping her hip possessively. It makes walking a bit difficult, but I don’t care. With a final squeeze, I help her into the car before rounding and sliding into the driver’s seat.
One hand rests on the steering wheel, and the other is holding on tightly to the perfect woman on my right as we head to the restaurant. I love that we can drive in silence without it being awkward. I’ve learned that’s how it is when you’re with the perfect person.
As soon as we arrive, thanks to my quick thinking with our reservations, we are seated.
Izzy has been through so much, but she’s so fucking strong, and I can’t help but admire her. I find myself staring at her as she looks over the menu.
“Stop staring,” she says with a cheeky grin.
I shrug but make no promises.
When our waiter arrives, we place our orders.
“I’ll miss Nixon, but it’s nice being able to go out by ourselves again,” Izzy says while we’re eating our food.
“We should plan a night to have him over for dinner. Just because he isn’t your bodyguard anymore doesn’t mean he can’t still be our friend.”
“I love that idea. Maybe we should invite Marcus over that night, too,” she adds with an evil smirk.
“Playing matchmaker, are you?”
She shrugs, her smile never leaving her lips. “Sometimes people just need a push in the right direction.”
“True. But you don’t even know if Marcus is into the kink community or if he’s a sub.”
“Why do you have to burst my bubble?” she grumbles, pouting in the cutest way, and I laugh.
“Sorry, princess. I wasn’t trying to burst your bubble. How about instead of being obvious about trying to set them up, we plan a game night, inviting a bunch of our friends and your brothers. That way, they can flirt with each other if they want without feeling awkward. If they don’t hit it off, it’s not as much on us.”
A huge smile plasters on her face. “That’s an excellent plan.”
I smirk and then glance at her plate, which still has far too much food on it.
“Eat up. You’ll need your energy tonight,” I instruct, and she begins eating again. “Don’t forget your water. I want you well hydrated.”
Like the good girl Izzy is, she sips her drink with a grin. I love that about her so much. She’s fucking perfect for me, and I’m so goddamn lucky she’s mine.
We enjoy the rest of our meal with casual conversations, and it’s a breath of fresh air. After everything that has happened, it’s like a weight has been lifted.
Taking in these small moments makes me realize what I’ve been missing. Or maybe it’s her. She was what was missing from my life.
As soon as I settle the bill, I guide her out to the car, place a warm kiss to her lips, then nip them with a growl, and open her door. She melts like an icicle from the tease of what’s to come. I will never tire of how she responds to my touch.
“Make sure you buckle up,” I tell her with a wink after she slides in, then I shut the door with a soft click.
While I climb into the driver’s side, it doesn’t escape my notice that Izzy is unsettled. If the strain against my zipper is anything to go by, she is just as turned on and excited about tonight as I am.
Traffic is light, and in no time, we’re sitting outside Afterglow.
“I wanted to go over a couple of things before we go in,” I state while we sit in the car outside the club.
“Okay.” Izzy looks me in the eyes and gives me her full attention.
“Are you still okay with being on stage?” I ask, wanting to make sure we are both on the same page and I’m not pushing her past her comfort zone.
Her smile is almost answer enough for me, but I need to hear the words.
“Yes, Sir, I’m still very much okay with being on stage tonight.”
“And what about the multiple orgasms? Are you still on board with that?” I check.
“Yes. I’ll admit I’m a tiny bit nervous about all of it, but I trust you. I really want to do this. I guess I always get butterflies in my stomach when we try new things…” She pauses for a second and leans in to give me a small kiss. “But the excitement inside me is far stronger than any nerves.”
She steals another kiss, bringing a smile to my lips. “You know I’ll be checking on you every step of the way. If it ever gets too much, use your safeword, and we’re done. Don’t ever put yourself in a situation that could be harmful to you just to please me. Do you understand?”
“I understand. I promise I’ll tell you if it’s too much. Now come on, I’m excited to see my second outfit of the night,” she says.
I chuckle. “I can’t wait to see you orgasm in front of a bunch of people watching.” I wink before stepping out of the car and making my way to the passenger door.
As Izzy exits, the smile on her face is exactly what I was hoping to see tonight. It’s the same smile I want on her face every day for the rest of our lives.
Chapter 29
Izzy
Once we get checked in, we make our way to the changing rooms.
“Here is your outfit, princess,” Dax says, handing me a small bag and sitting on a bench.
I turn to go to a curtained-off change area, but Dax clicks his tongue.
“Change here. When you are done, kneel beside me while I get changed,” he commands, the words going straight to my clit.
I strip out of the dress, revealing I wasn’t wearing anything beneath it.
“Naughty girl with a panty allergy.”
I smirk. “You didn’t put any undergarments on the bed.”
I pull out the outfit he picked for me tonight, gasping at how pretty it is.
The entire outfit is see-through, with blue flower applique placed in strategic areas. After I admire it, I step into the bodysuit, pull the straps over my shoulders, and do a little shimmy of happiness. The top pushes my boobs toward my chin, securing behind my back like a bra. It’s loosely connected to the bottoms with thin straps running along my sides. The bottom is like a high-waisted bikini with a diamond cutout from my belly button to just above my pubic bone. It’s hot as fuck. The flowers cover my nipples and pussy, but just barely. It’s an outfit I’m not sure I would have picked out for myself, but I love it. Of course, there are clasps at the very bottom for easy access, which makes me smile.
Once I’m in the outfit, I kneel beside Dax, and he tilts my chin up to him.
“You are so fucking perfect,” he says and leans down to kiss me.
Once he breaks for air, he changes into a pair of leather pants that make my mouth water.
