Cufflinks and Claws, page 5
Sid’s thoughts reeled and he kissed Dixon with abandon. Christ. There had to be some kind of magic. Has to be. He’d never had this strong a reaction to someone. Never wanted to be this connected before. He couldn’t wait for the clergy to show up—preferably after they finished in the shower.
Sid broke the connection and panted. “I can’t breathe.”
“Yeah?” Dixon nipped along Sid’s chin to his throat, then to the soft spot where his neck connected to his shoulder. He pumped hard against Sid. “I need to come.”
“I…” He wanted to answer Dixon, but the words were gone. When he looked into Dixon’s eyes, he saw forever. The orgasm started low in his belly but spiraled through his being faster than he’d ever thought possible. His knees buckled as he came. He surged against Dixon’s hand and cum spurted onto his lover’s belly. The water washed the evidence of his climax down the drain in seconds.
“Fuck, I love that.” Dixon sucked on Sid’s neck, then back down to his shoulder. He pressed his face to Sid’s skin as he shivered and his own ribbon of cum decorated Sid’s abs.
Sid held him tight to his body, not wanting to miss a moment of this. He cradled Dixon’s head and basked in the thrill of orgasm. Damn. He’d never get any work done this way, but did that matter? Not when he could be with Dixon instead.
“Hell.” Dixon let go of their dicks. He braced himself against the wall with one hand and held on to Sid with his free arm. “You make showering fun.”
“So do you.” He trailed his finger down Dixon’s face. “We’re not getting very clean.”
“We will.” Dixon took the lead and washed Sid, then cleansed himself. He offered the bottle of shampoo as he rinsed his body.
Sid lathered his hair before stepping under the spray. He marveled at Dixon’s body and the fact he had his attention. Dixon was one in a million. No, one in a billion and worth twice that. And he was a wolf, too. “Does your wolf like to get a bath?”
Dixon laughed and the throaty sound echoed in the bathroom. “I have never been asked that.”
“Sorry.” The tips of his ears burned. “I was out of line.” But he had so many questions.
“No you weren’t.” Dixon shampooed his hair. “No one has ever inquired on that, but I do like to swim in the river, so it’s sort of like a bath in my wolf form. I’ve never tried to bathe myself that way because I can’t exactly bathe myself with soap and water in that form. Since I haven’t had a person who isn’t part of the pack see me in that form, it’s never come up.”
“Oh.” He rinsed a final time, then stepped out of the stall. He dried himself and luxuriated in the thick towel. “It’s silly. I knew you had a shower and the closet. I’ve been the one who replenishes the clothes and towels, but it didn’t dawn on me I could use them now.” It hadn’t dawned on him he would be welcomed this deeply into Dixon’s life—not until now.
“You can.” Dixon rinsed the suds away, then turned off the water.
“What about now, though? Am I still your assistant? Should I resign? Lay low? Am I still supposed to replenish your clothes and supplies?” They needed some ground rules and fast. “I don’t know what to do.” God, the confusion left him helpless.
“Slow down.” Dixon dried himself. “First, this is early and no, you’re not my employee any longer. I’ll take care of you, but I don’t expect you to work for me. Second, we’ll pick out a new assistant. You’re my partner, so you’ll be in on the decision. Third, we have to get married first.”
Married. That word was back. Sid tensed and held on to the towel. “Dixon.”
“Talk to me.” Dixon combed his hair, then faced Sid. “Whatever you need to tell me, I’m listening.”
“Just the idea of us being married seems so foreign.” He needed to stop being so wishy-washy and accept his fate. It wasn’t like he was going to be treated poorly. He’d live in the lap of luxury. Hell, he’d be in the lap of the lap of luxury. “When are we getting…hitched?”
“Hopefully at four.” Dixon rested his hands on his hips. “I’ve got flowers coming and the clergy on the way, plus suits in the closet for us.”
Yes, Dixon took charge of everything, but he’d thought this through a lot more than Sid had expected. Suits in the closet? Flowers and clergy? What if the suit didn’t fit? What if he were allergic to the flowers? Oh, God. He needed to stop overthinking.
Sid nodded. He might as well go along with this—except he had a few more rational fears. “Will Kael show up?”
“Not here.” Dixon embraced Sid. “You’re okay.”
For a split second, he swore he saw the flash of the wolf in Dixon’s eyes. The flash soothed him a bit. “I’m worried about you.” He draped his arms around Dixon’s shoulders. “I can’t shake the feeling the person or shifter who hurt your father will be trying to kill you.”
“It’s possible.” Dixon tipped his head. “Does that bother you?”
“It does because I don’t want to lose you.” He sighed and splayed his hand over Dixon’s heart. “I’m attracted to you. Have been since I started working here. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want you to think I was using you or trying to get ahead.” He hadn’t wanted to be seen as a gold-digger.
“I knew what you were doing.” Dixon grinned. “You’re one of the most loyal and honest people I know. That’s why I shared my secret with you.”
“I’m not sure that this is love, but I know I like you and I want to help keep you from losing your position. I still don’t understand the shifter thing, but I want to help.” He toyed with Dixon’s nipple. “I’m here and I’ll marry you.”
“I never doubted you.” Dixon kissed him. “I should get you a ring, too.”
A ring. His heart fluttered. “Sure. Did you forget the ring? You remembered everything else.”
“I didn’t settle on one particular ring.” Dixon led him from the bathroom to the thickly carpeted closet. “First, we need to get dressed. I’m going to wear a black suit. But you…you’ll look good in navy. It’ll bring out the darkness of your eyes.” He selected a suit for Sid.
“Thanks, but how do you know this will fit?”
“I checked your spare suit you keep here when you sleep at your desk because you don’t go home.” Dixon crooked his brow. “Didn’t think I noticed that, did you?”
“I hoped you didn’t.” Sleeping at his desk and spending the night in his office wasn’t great. He hated looking rumpled and slept-in, but he hadn’t been able to put gas in his car at the time.
“I checked and I sent the information to my tailor. He came through with three suits for you.”
“Thanks.” Then he didn’t have any room to complain. He admired the different ties. “What about these? They match.” He touched a pair of peach-toned neckties.
“Perfect.” Dixon dropped the towel, then padded over to the dresser. “I bought this when I was in Milan a year ago. I liked the band and decided one day when I met my future husband, I’d give this to him as a gift.” He held up a ring with an onyx set into the band.
“Dixon.” He remembered that trip. He’d tagged along as Dixon’s private secretary and fretted when Dixon had disappeared for two hours after the more intense of the two meetings. Dixon had returned with a slew of bags and the keys to a new car, which he’d had shipped to the States.
At the time, Sid swore his hair would gray from worry over what Dixon had gone off to do, but he should’ve trusted Dixon.
Dixon took Sid’s hand and slid the ring onto his finger. “It fits your pinkie finger perfectly.” He beamed. “My wolf is happy and soon you’ll be wearing a wedding ring, too. This is meant to be.”
“Yes.” He hoped so. The ring felt so heavy on his hand, but oddly right. “How did you know it would fit?”
“I didn’t.” Dixon dressed in a pair of black boxer briefs. “I wasn’t sure at all, but there’s magic in the air.” He offered over another pair of boxers.
Magic in the air? Sid accepted the garment. He had to get ahold of himself. Jesus. He’d accepted the proposal and decided he was going through with this wedding—no matter how small. Dixon deserved a partner who believed in him. He could be that man. He dressed in the suit and luxuriated in the soft fabric against his skin. Part of him wished he’d left a change of clothes in his desk, but he hadn’t thought that far ahead. Hell, he didn’t even have a go bag with him—just his extra suit in the broom closet in his office. The rest of his things were back in the car at the cabin.
Dixon opened the closet of shoes. “You’re a twelve, right?”
“I am.”
Dixon offered over a pair of dress socks, then withdrew a pair of designer loafers. “These should fit.”
Sid hesitated. The shoes cost more than his weekly paycheck. “Dixon. These are designer and handmade.”
“So?” Dixon didn’t look back as he selected a pair of black smoking slippers. He paired the shoes with the suit, then shook his head and chose a different set of shoes—this time a pair with thin gold buckles.
He needed to get over his uncertainty with the luxury items. This was Dixon’s world and if he was going to float through it, he’d have to deal. He donned the socks, then shoes and admired his look in the mirror.
“You’re amazing.” Dixon threaded his arms around Sid and rested his chin on Sid’s shoulder. “And so sexy.”
“I have a handsome man behind me. It’s not hard to look better when there’s someone already hot in the picture.” Sid held on to Dixon’s hands. They did make a striking couple together.
“Well, handsome man, the clergy should be here, and Margaret will be around in a moment with the flowers.” Dixon offered Sid the wedding ring. He let go of Sid long enough to offer his arm. “Shall we?”
“We should.” He walked out of the closet with Dixon and into his new life. Someone should go back and pick up after them. “Wait.”
“What’s wrong?”
Sid dashed back to the bathroom and draped the used towels on the rack, then closed the dresser drawers. He shut the cabinet and switched off the light.
“You’re such a good assistant.” Dixon half-grinned. “You know how to take care of me.”
“I try.” He slipped his arm around Dixon’s and left the closet for the main portion of the office.
True to Dixon’s word, Margaret waited in the foyer with flowers and a velvet box. She smiled and said little as she affixed the boutonnieres to their lapels. She stepped back and clasped her hands in front of her mouth. “You both look so handsome.”
Her lack of shock at him being the groom impressed Sid. So did her ability to slide into his former job and be indispensable to Dixon. He wanted to question her but didn’t. There wasn’t time.
“When will the minister be here?” Dixon adjusted his tie. “Are you willing to take the photographs?”
“Of course, sir.” She held up a cell phone. “Ready when you are.”
“Good. We’ll get a professional photographer later when we have the bigger wedding in front of everyone. We’ll throw a true bash then.” Dixon flicked imaginary lint from Sid’s lapel. “I’m nervous.”
“Why?” He’d never seen Dixon nervous, not even when he’d dealt with the largest land acquisitions. “This is me. There’s nothing to fear.” He’d never thought about having a big wedding or a bash. But then he hadn’t planned on getting married, either.
“I know.” Dixon lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’m scared because this is a big change. I’m not good with change.”
“And you’re…” He didn’t say shifter in case Margaret didn’t know.
“Mr. Ayers, you don’t have to whisper. I know the secret. I’m a pack member and his aunt.” Margaret toyed with the phone. “Dixon’s father was my brother. I didn’t agree with all my brother’s choices, but I’m glad he created my nephew. Dixon’s a worthy alpha.”
Sid dipped his head. She was a shifter, too. Well, okay. He’d never thought about the fact he’d been surrounded by shifters. He’d worked with Margaret for years. Now that he knew the truth, he saw his coworkers differently, but more honestly. No wonder she’d been able to slide into his job. She was already part of the inner circle.
Margaret held up her hand. “The minister is here with your sister, Ava. Just a moment.”
“Sister Ava? It seems so strange to think of you with siblings.” Sid tucked his hands into his pockets. “There’s so much about you I don’t know.”
“I’m a hard man to love.” Dixon abandoned the box on his desk. “I’ve had to live my life very carefully to keep from having my life ended. You’d be surprised at how many people think shifters are dangerous. How many want us as pelts or trophy heads. How many guys glom onto you wanting money. They think I’m made of money, so I should give them some or most of it. It’s tough to know who’s authentic and who to trust.”
“And marrying me will help that?” He didn’t see how. He also didn’t see why someone would want to kill a shifter and make them into a trophy, but he’d seen firsthand the people who showed up expecting to be made into Dixon’s sugar babies.
“The power of being with my partner and mate makes me stronger.” Dixon slipped his arm around Sid. “Are you ready to make this marriage a real thing?”
Margaret entered the room with a blonde woman and a minister clad in a black suit and multicolored stole. He held a Bible and documents.
Sid’s heart skipped a few beats. This was really happening. He was about to marry Dixon. Holy shit. He already wore one ring. Now they’d be saying the words to make the wedding real, and he’d have the official ring.
Dixon let go of Sid, then opened the box. A pair of rings inlaid with a rectangular ruby were nestled in the black velvet. Their wedding rings.
Sid had seen the rings before and had been there when Dixon bought one in Venice. “Dixon?” He hadn’t realized his soon-to-be husband liked jewelry so much. Nor had he realized how much money Dixon had spent on those rings. They had to be made of platinum. Dixon never did anything cheaply.
“I knew even then. When I looked into your eyes, I knew I wanted you, then the wolf told me he wanted you, too. How could I resist?” Dixon nodded to the minister. “We’re ready.”
Sid wanted to speak, but the words evaporated. He barely recognized what was happening as he said the important words. He did indeed take Dixon to be his husband and he’d both love and cherish him—forever if he had his choice. Dixon slid one of the signet rings onto his finger. He did the same, putting the other ring on Dixon’s finger.
“I now pronounce you husband and husband,” the minister said. “You may kiss and have a wonderful future together.”
Dixon kissed Sid and held him tight. Sid reeled but leaned into the kiss. They’d taken the first step. They were married. They weren’t out of the woods and would have to get through the next twenty-four hours, but he could do it. He’d show Dixon that they were meant to be together and he could handle anything Dixon gave him.
His heart belonged to Dixon.
Already.
Chapter Five
Dixon couldn’t wait to get Sid to his penthouse and delight in every inch of him. First, he needed to give his wolf a chance to mark him—if Sid agreed to be marked. Marriage was one thing but love and mating were others. Only the strongest bonds could handle being mated.
He rubbed Sid’s back and welcomed their connection. The wolf paced within him and growled, needing to be with his mate.
Ava beamed. She opened her arms to them. “I’m so glad my big brother is happy. Sid, you’re the luckiest man in the world.”
“Thank you.” Sid gave her an awkward hug. “I don’t know what to say.”
“That’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” She stepped back, then hugged Dixon. “I’m assuming you’ve told him. “
“I did.” He resumed rubbing Sid’s back. “I told him right away.”
“Good.” She switched her gaze between them. “We’ve got the best Halloween costumes in the world because they’re part of us. We kill in those costume party competitions.”
“Don’t tell your wolf that. She’d be pissed,” Dixon said. “Mine is a noble beast.”
Sid’s eyes widened. He toyed with his new ring. “I see.”
“You’ll get used to us,” Ava said. “We’re all unique.”
Margaret grasped Ava’s hand. “We are, but we’re all family, too.”
“Even Amanda?” Sid asked.
Ava paused and Margaret’s brows rose as she gasped. “You’ve told him about your other sister?” Margaret asked. “You’ve truly grown close to him.”
“He knows, yes.” Dixon nodded once. “Amanda is just as much part of the pack as anyone else. We should accept her like she’s a shifter.”
Ava rubbed her arm. “I suppose you’re right.”
“I am.” Dixon held firm. “We should be coming together, not pulling apart because we’re different. Hell, the three of us are different and we’re expecting the rest of the world to accept us. This is the same thing.”
Sid nodded and half-smiled.
“You’re not wrong,” Ava said. “She is your sister, and we should be accepting because we couldn’t control our father’s desire to roam.”
Dixon winced. He didn’t want to have to keep explaining this to Sid, but he couldn’t hide his past, either.
“Well, we should leave them alone.” Margaret ushered the minister and Ava from the room. “I’m assuming you’ll be having a party tonight?”
“Not yet.” Dixon hadn’t planned on a reception. He’d rather get through the next twenty-four hours first. Once he mated to Sid, he’d be fine.
“Right.” Margaret shut them in the office.
“She wants us to have a party.” Sid faced Dixon. “I guess we should’ve planned a reception.”
“We can do that later.” After the shit passed. He didn’t want the distraction of the party. They’d have the big wedding, blow-out party for the reception and one hell of a honeymoon once the danger was gone.
“I suppose you’re right.” Sid sat on the edge of Dixon’s desk. “Now what?”
