Dray (Miller Brothers Book 1) (18 page)

I feel my blood boil, my rage taking over. I know I’m going to completely lose it. I grab her by the throat and push her hard against the wall. She gasps but her eyes heat slightly. She thinks it’s a fucking game and I’m about to kiss her.

She thought wrong.

Her eyes widen when she sees the look of anger in mine. “Listen here, Sam. If you ever fucking come near Luce again, I will snap this neck of yours. I’ve always known you’ve never been a real friend. You’re a selfish, manipulative bitch and I don’t know why the hell she ever put up with you, but I’m finishing this. The friendship you have with her is done. You tell her that you can’t make the wedding—you’re going away, your mum is sick, I don’t fucking care, say anything. But if I see you at the wedding, I will relay every word of this conversation back to her, you got me?”

“Dray, you’re hurting me,” she gasps as I squeeze a little tighter just to get my point across before finally letting go.

Her head falls back as she tries to draw breath.

She’s pissed.

“I wonder if Luce knows what kind of violent man she’s marrying? I should tell her about this, show her the marks. I wonder who she’d believe, huh? I’m pretty good at convincing her so far that you weren’t good enough. You know, she liked you growing up, but a few words from me in her ear and that soon changed. I enjoyed letting her know all the women you were screwing, making her convinced she deserved better.

“You fucking bitch.” I lunge forward and pin her back against the wall.

“Careful, Dray, wouldn’t want to cause any more marks. I could get the police involved, have you up for assault.”

I look around the corridor; there are no cameras within view, no one around, she has nothing.

“Remember Dereck?”

Her smile drops slightly, but she pulls it together. “What about Dereck?”

“I know you fucked him behind Luce’s back,” I growl.

Her eyes bulge slightly. “You have no proof.”

“I think I do. See, I got word that he was seeing you on the side. I remember him clearly admitting it to me before I put my fist through his face. Do you remember that visit to the hospital when he was robbed in the street? Yeah, that was just an excuse. He broke up with Luce after that. I said he’d better else next time, I’d break every bone in his body.”

“She won’t believe you,” she squeaks, all confidence gone.

“Ahh, but I have evidence. A tape locked away in my safe.”

Her face falls at my admission.

“Yeah, Dereck liked to secretly film you. Luce, too, but I destroyed all of hers. Yours, I kept. Let’s call it a necessity I might need to use one day.”

“So, how come you never told her?” she whispers.

“Because her heart was broken when he left her. I didn’t need to cause any more damage telling her you were fucking him behind her back. But trust me, I will. If you don’t walk away now, I’ll tell her everything.” I move back and let her fall to the floor, holding her head in her hands.

Wow, she might have a conscience after all.

“Fine, have it your way. I’ll call her tomorrow and tell her I’ve got to go away with work.”

“I never want to see you around her again. Lose her number or trust me, I will be filling her in on how good a friend you really are,” I growl.

“I said okay, just fucking leave me alone. You’ve got what you want, now go.”

“Trust me, darling, I’m gone,” I sneer before walking back along the corridor with a huge smile on my face.

What a fucking result
.

“Dray,” Luce croaks, and she sounds sleepy. For a second, I feel bad for waking her, but I need to hear her voice more than ever.

“Hey, firecracker. Sorry, did I wake you?” I look at my watch, noticing it’s just after twelve. After I left Sam, I found a wasted Ritchie and dragged him back, leaving Tom, Jack and Charlie to head off to the strip club. They are in for an interesting night. We’ll no doubt hear all the gory details tomorrow morning at breakfast.

Ritchie groans and rolls over as he falls back to sleep.

“No, it’s okay, I was waiting for you to call. Have you had a good night?”

“Hmmmm,” I say. I just wish I was home with her.

“You sound sad, what’s wrong?”

“Just missing you, baby. This bed feels far too big.” I sigh.

Jesus, I’m turning into a girl.

“Awww, I miss you, too. I wish you were here to snuggle with,” she whines. I can only imagine she’s pouting right now.

“Trust me, we’d be doing more than snuggling right now.”

“Dray,” she whisper-yells as I smirk.

“You know it’s true,” I add, chuckling.

“What would we be doing?”

Like she needs to ask.

“Oh, what
wouldn’t
we be doing is more the question.”

“I need you to tell me.” Her voice sounds needy, which stirs my cock.

“Baby, I need to see you. Can we Facetime?” Her voice is not enough right now; I need more.

“Dray.” She sounds hesitant. “Is someone there with you?”

“Just Ritch, but he’s sleeping, baby. He’s plastered, out for the count.”

“I don’t know.”

“Please, baby,” I urge.

I will beg if need be.

“Okay,” she relents, and I smile.

I call her back and sigh, seeing her perfect sleepy face on screen.

“Hey, baby.” Her voice is husky and already I’m hard.

“Hey. What are you wearing?” I ask, grinning.

Straight to the point, as always.

“Dray,” she exclaims.

“Baby, show me,” I plead.

I need to see her.

She points the phone down her body, and she’s wearing my t-shirt.

“Fuck, you look sexy.”

“What? As if! Makeup free and in your old t-shirt.”

“Just the way I like you. Do you know how hot it makes me seeing you wear my clothes?”

“No.” She bites her lip, waiting.

“It makes me so hot. I’m so hard right now, baby, I need you.”

“Dray, what do you—”

“Take off the t-shirt. As much as I love you wearing it, I love what’s underneath more.”

She hesitates, but I see a look of lust in her eyes. She wants it just as much as me.

“It’s okay. Ritch is asleep, and the other guys have gone to a strip club,” I say reassuringly.

Her eyes widen slightly in surprise. “Did you not want to go?”

“Well, I gave you my word. Plus, the only girl I want to see stripping right now is you, firecracker, so please do this for me.”

She takes a deep breath then sits up, ripping the t-shirt over her head and tossing it to the side.

“And now your knickers, baby. I need you completely naked.”

Her lips twitch but she soon complies with my order.

“Now, show me.”

She pans the phone down her naked body and I groan.

“Stop. Open your legs. Show me what I need right now.”

Her legs slowly part and I bite my lip. I want to taste her so bad. Fuck bloody London, I want to be at home, burying my face deep and have her coming on my tongue.

“That’s so fucking beautiful. Are you wet?”

“Yes,” she groans. Her voice sounds so needy; it’s a direct link to my cock.

“If I was there right now, I’d be touching you. Are you going to touch yourself for me?”

“Dray, I—”

“Yes, you can. Take your hand, baby, and touch your tits. You know how much I love them. That’s it, tweak the nipple. Fuck, I need them in my mouth now. Harder, baby, they look so fucking beautiful. Work them, show me what you like, what you need. I’m so hard for you now.” I point the phone to my hard cock I’ve now released from my shorts. I use the pre-cum to lubricate my hand as I slowly make my way down the shaft then back up. I could already shoot my load.

“Now, show me where you need me the most, let me see. I need to see you touch yourself.”

Luce moans as her fingers glide over her pussy. She soon finds that little bundle of nerves and begins to circle it with her fingers. Her moans quicken as my hand begins to work my cock faster.

“Fuck, baby you look hot. If I was there with you, my head would be buried between your legs right now.”

“I wish you were here. I miss that dirty mouth.”

“Trust me, I’ll be eating you for hours tomorrow.”

“Promise,” she asks. Her voice sounds higher-pitched, so I know she’s almost there.

My hand yanks my cock, and I’m not far off myself. Watching her on the brink of coming is one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen.

I’m about to come.

“Luce,” I warn. I can barely speak. Watching as she arches her back, her fingers work her ever closer to an orgasm.

“Dray,” she groans, biting her lip to stop herself waking Laurie by screaming out my name.

“Luce. Fuck, Luce. Fuck,” I groan as I come hard all over my stomach. I keep going till there’s not a drop left. I’m fucking spent, but that’s the most amazing video sex I’ve ever had.

Luce’s face fills the screen now; she’s flushed and her hair is all dishevelled.

“You look beautiful, baby. I love the way you look right after you come.”

“Dray, come home to me soon. I need you.” The look in her eyes breaks my heart. She needs me just as much as I need her.

“Tomorrow, firecracker. I’ll be home, and I’ll show you just how much I’ve missed you. Now, go to sleep, you and our little angel need plenty of rest. Tell her Daddy will be home soon.”

“We miss you, too. Love you. Goodnight, baby,” she whispers while waving.

“I love you, too.”

The screen goes blank, but I continue to stare at it a few moments longer. I wipe the cum from my stomach and toss the tissue into the bin.

“I love you, too.”

My eyes snap up to the sound of a voice from across the room. Ritchie chuckles into his pillow.

The fucker.

“How long have you been awake?” I bark, not amused.

“Woke up towards the end, might have a little hard-on myself. You fancy doing a round two? We could rub one out together. I don’t have the breasts, though.”

I lob a pillow in his direction. “Fuck off, dirty pervert.

He chuckles some more and grabs the pillow, putting it under his head.

“Well, the offer’s there.”

“Shut the fuck up and go to sleep.” I turn the lamp off and slide down, nuzzling my head into the pillow. I’ll be counting down the minutes till I’m back home with my Luce.

I wake early with a huge smile on my face. I grab my sweats, heading out for a run in preparation for the big day.

Today is the day I get married.

I could not smile any harder
.

I’m antsy and buzzing with excitement. The ceremony doesn’t start for another five hours, so I need to keep my mind occupied. I make my way jogging along my usual route, fighting the urge to call Luce. I want to hear her voice, but I know I have to wait. Pushing on, I feel the burn despite my muscles screaming for me to stop. I take a hot shower and eat a hearty breakfast before the nerves start to kick in.

I stare over at the wrapped present sitting on the table. It’s a surprise gift I have for Luce, all her grandma’s heirlooms restored. Even I was amazed by the quality. I know it will mean the world to her to have them back. I could not think of a more perfect gift to present her with once we return home.

Ritch shows up at eight, and we play a few games of FIFA to kill the time. I’m just about to hang up my controller when my mobile rings, Luce’s name flashing up on screen.

Shit, is something wrong?

I click on accept. “Firecracker?”

“You know, you don’t have to marry me just because of the baby,” she blurts out, leaving me stunned.

“I’m not. Why are you saying this now, two hours before we’re due to get married?” A wave of panic rips through me.

What’s put this in her head?

“I’m just giving you an out, that’s all. We can still be together with the baby without being married.”

“So you don’t want to get married?” I can barely say the words.

“Yes, I do…but I don’t want you to feel obligated that I’m tying you down.”

“Firecracker, what the fucking hell is going on?” I bark.

I’m losing it.

“I’m just—I don’t know, maybe it’s nerves. I just wanted to give you an out, that’s all.” She whimpers. I can tell she’s crying, hearing her sniffles down the line.

“I don’t want an out. In fact, it’s you who should be questioning your commitment because when I marry you, baby, I’m marrying you for life, till death do us part and all. You sure you’re ready for that?  I sure am. I don’t want you regretting this, regretting us.”

“Dray, I would never…I’m just hormonal. I just wanted to be sure.”

“This is me saying I’m one hundred million percent sure I want to marry you. Jesus Christ, I just went from the happiest man alive to almost suicidal in two seconds,” I snort.

“Dray, I’m sorry. Forget this conversation happened, I’m just being stupid.”

“I love you, firecracker, with every beat of my heart and with every breath I take. You are my world. Today, you will change it forever, and I cannot wait.”

She descends into sobs and I smile. I know she always cries when I tell her exactly how I feel.

“Hey, Dray, it’s Laurie.”

“Hey, Laurie.”

“I can’t wait to see you all soon. Thanks for the pep talk. She’s now back in the chair as the makeup artist tries to save her face.”

I sigh with relief. “I fucking love her with all my heart, Laurie. I don’t know what more to say.”

“She knows, it’s her hormones. She just needed to hear your voice. She’ll be fine. See you at the church.”

“See you later, can’t wait.”

I hang up and groan. Ritchie gives me a look.

“Is the wedding still happening?” He has his suit in hand, ready to get changed.

“Yes, it’s still fucking happening. She just had the jitters thinking I was marrying her for the baby, but she’s fine now. I made her cry, so the makeup artist is probably wanting to rip me to shreds right now. Other than that, it’s perfect,” I growl back.

“Oh, thank fuck for that. I couldn’t handle you having a meltdown today.” He smirks before heading off to shower, his suit slung over his shoulder.

Charming.

* * *

“Have you got the rings?” I ask Ritchie, who rolls his eyes and nods.

Fine, just fucking checking
.

I tap my foot and Ritchie glares. I swear I’ll punch him in a minute. I check my watch; she’s five minutes late.
It’s only five minutes,
I tell myself over and over.

But what if she’s changed her mind?

I stare down the aisle trimmed with beautiful flower arrangements, each one mixed with variations of flowers and colours to keep with the wedding theme. The whole church looks beautiful. Kara has excelled herself in the decoration and in securing this small church steeped in so much history. I was happy to make a large donation, to make sure Luce’s wish came true. Both her parents are very church-orientated and wanted that for their only child on the big day.

Luce’s mother smiles over and winks, as she can see I’m nervous. I know the wink is her way of telling me her daughter is always fashionably late. She looks good dressed in black and gold; she’s always had an elegance about her. I’m particularly loving the humongous hat she’s adorned. I’d be surprised if anyone behind her can see. There are a few other close relations of Luce’s, but she wanted to keep it small. The person she wanted here the most could unfortunately not be here.

Her grandma.

Luce was the apple of her grandma’s eye and still misses her with all her heart. I know Agnese would be smiling down on her on her special day. She’d already been given her something old, a beautiful diamond chain passed down to her, which Luce will be wearing with pride.

Apart from a few close friends, my side is practically empty, but I’m fine with that. I know my mother is with me in spirit. Ritchie nudges me as the organ strikes up with the wedding march.

I take a long breath. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for forever. I turn in time to see Luce walk through the doors. Her eyes meet mine, and it’s like no one else exists. She’s so breathtakingly beautiful it brings a lump to my throat. Her ivory lace dress is so elegant, fitted along the bust line then flaring out to accommodate her bump, and the long sleeves give it a very Victorian-like look. Her hair is piled up high into a fine, detailed bun, which is finished off with an elegant tiara. I can’t wait to take it down later. She’s wearing the diamond studs I bought her; alongside her grandma’s necklace, they are a perfect match. We don’t lose eye contact for a moment. The love shining there in her eyes is enough to take my breath away as she makes her final steps forward before kissing her dad.

Gianni turns and shakes my hand, leaving to go sit by his wife. I take Luce’s hands in mine; we’re both shaking and we laugh.

“You look very dashing in your suit.” She smiles. The suits are the best money can buy—dark grey and cut perfectly, with matching waistcoats. They’re teamed with a white shirt, finishing off with a purple tie and cufflinks

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she replies, blushing.

I just want to kiss her.

“Are we ready to begin?” the vicar asks.

We both smile and nod as I lose myself in Luce’s eyes. Everything I’ve ever hoped for is standing right in front of me. It’s only when Luce squeezes my hands I realise I’ve zoned out.

Shit.

“Dray.” She smiles, and I look at her, confused. “Do you have anything you’d like to say?”

“Yeah, sorry.” I take a deep breath and move to grab the piece of paper safely in my pocket. But I don’t need it. I know exactly what I want to say. I’ve been waiting to say it all my life.

“Luce, you stole my heart from the moment we met. You became my best friend, and I knew I’d always have you in my life. Then over time, our friendship became more. In my heart, there would never be anyone else. You are all I’ve ever wanted, all I ever needed. Today, you make all my dreams come true by agreeing to be mine. Today is the day my life begins. I will be blessed to call you my wife.” I swipe away a tear as several run down Luce’s face. I reach over and brush them away with my thumb.

“Dray, how can I top that?” she says, giggling through the tears.

“You don’t have to, you just have to agree to be mine.”

She smiles and swallows slowly. I know she’s working her way up to saying her vows. “You’ve always been my best friend, my rock, the one I could depend upon. I was blind to it all and I wish I noticed a lot sooner, but in my heart I’ve always loved you. First as a friend, and now as my husband. I’m glad we got there in the end.”

“About time,” Ritchie pipes up, shooting a wink our way. He hands over the rings and we begin to recite our vows. I stumble a little; I know I’m going fast, but I’m like an excited kid at Christmas. Luce recites hers back, and she’s shaking with nerves. Her voice falters a little and my eyes widen, but she gives me a reassuring smile. When she finishes, I happily slide the ring on her finger and kiss it. It will stay there forever.

“And by the powers vested in me, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

“Finally.” I grin.

I press my lips against hers and she sighs. I want to take it further but it’s not the appropriate place, so I contain myself and pull back while I have enough self-control.

“Mrs Miller,” I say, stroking my thumb along her cheek. She closes her eyes and sinks into my touch. “Are you ready?” I hold out my arm as she puts hers through mine. I’m the proudest man alive at this moment. We head out of church to be immediately showered in confetti as we kiss and pose for photographs. I’ve hired the best photographer, as I want to look back and remember every single moment of this day.

Forty minutes later, we climb into the vintage Rolls Royce and head to the wedding reception. It’s an old English manor house, just like something out of the pages of a Jane Austen novel. Luce gasps when we pull up outside, her eyes alight with surprise. The gardens and the estate are just beautiful, so old English. Luce has always had that kind of charm about her, so this place ticks all the boxes.

We’re greeted with vintage champagne while Luce sips on a glass of orange juice as we head into the reception. I pull her into me and we stand there, taking in every detail of the room. The flowers, the tables and the decorations, each keeping with the colour and theme. It’s everything she’s ever hoped for. Kara has worked hard to give her the vision she talked about.

“Thank you,” she says between kisses.

“Only the best for you, firecracker.” I kiss her deeply once more before leading her over to our table. I pull out her chair to sit down then join her, taking her hand before leaning in for a kiss.

“Is this a dream, because I may never want to wake up,” she says, staring at me.

“Oh, it’s definitely real, but I can always pinch you if you need to know.” I wink.

“Just kiss me.”

“I can do that.” This time, I really lose myself. To hell with those around us; this is our big day.

“Ahem, Dray, that’s not the kind of thing your mother-in-law likes to see.”

I chuckle against Luce’s lips, and she instantly pulls back with a heated look on her face.

“Sorry, Liz.” I stand up and lean in to give her a kiss on the cheek. She grabs my hands and holds me there.

“I think it’s Mum now, don’t you think?”

Tears sting my eyes and I can only nod. I can’t speak just yet, and she knows that. She pulls me into a hug and we just stand there silently. This lady has always been there for me when my own mother could no longer be, so I can think of no worthier title.

I move away and Gianni pulls me in for a hug. “I would never have handed her over to anyone less worthy. I’m thankful my daughter has you. I see it in your eyes, the same love I have for my Elizabeth. That kind of love lasts a lifetime.” He pats my cheek before releasing me to sit back down. Luce greets them both and plenty of hugs and kisses are shared. That’s always been their way and part of me was always envious growing up, but now they’re my family, too. And with my own little one on the way, I feel truly blessed.

My family is complete.

* * *

“Can I have your attention, please!” Ritchie shouts, tapping his glass with his knife.

Here we go.

I’ve been dreading the Best Man’s speech, never knowing what that fucker is going to say.

Hope he keeps it clean.

“I’ve known Dray for over ten years now. I met him during his fighting days, when I trained at the local gym. We became friends, and we’d spar and work out together. I’ve seen him battered and broken, and I’ve watched him work his way up the ladder. He offered me a job to work alongside him, and to see what he has become today is just astounding. He became more than just my friend, my boss—he became family. I couldn’t be more proud. Sure, we had the crazy days—boys will be boys, after all—and we’ve shared a few police cells together when nights have gotten a little out of hand.”

“Whoo, Vegas!” Charlie shouts, lifting his glass as I shake my head.

“We’ve butted heads, even had fights, but we could never stay mad at each other for long. I’ve watched him change over the last few months, finally telling the woman he’s loved forever how he feels and watching him step up as he prepares to become a dad. He just amazes me every day. So, here’s to you my friend, my brother, and your gorgeous wife. Long may she keep you on your toes, and may you be blessed with more children to come. I cannot wait to watch your family grow. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I’m glad to be here to witness it. To Dray and Luce.”