Entangled: Sequel to Awakened (13 page)

“I’ll be here as often as I can but I can’t leave Callie on her own although she seems to be disappearing more and more often on our days off. I’m wondering if there is someone in her life. I’d never be able to study either. I get so little time as it is because I want to be with you. I have to think about my degree. Since I’ve met you I hardly think about it at all.”

“I know I’m being selfish. I can’t wait to wake up every morning with you in my arms.”

“I feel the same way but it’s only ninety-one more days.”

“You’re keeping count?”

“Yes. I’m looking forward to going home and settling in with you.”

He laughed before pulling her in for another hot kiss.

“I believe I have laps to do?” As she spoke she tightened the muscles of her pussy around his hard cock. “As we are now officially a couple, I believe we should confirm it by making love.

“You, my sweet love, are insatiable.” Xavier began easing her up and down on his rock solid cock.

Chapter Thirteen

Three Months Later

Graduation Day

“Aline, will you please hurry. We’re going to be late.” Callie shouted at her friend in frustration. She had been begging Aline to finish packing and get ready for almost an hour. “Aline!”

“I’m coming. I want to make sure nothing is left behind.”

“You’ll be left behind in a minute. I’m not missing my graduation.”

Aline crossed to Callie who waited by the door. After leaving their room they caught the lift to the ground floor.

They hurried to the outside of the main auditorium where other graduating students mingled about. Aline and Callie joined a couple of other girls they knew. They all adjusted their gowns and straightened their boards ensuring they would stay firmly in place.

A few moments later, the coordinator arrived at a side door and ushered them inside. Aline glanced around the huge room in an attempt to locate her parents and Bradley who had flown in early that morning. She felt disappointment at being unable to find them. She took her designated seat and Callie sat beside her.

Aline shifted her focus to the stage. Her heart leapt in her chest when she caught sight of Xavier seated amongst the other Professors and Teachers. His smile and wink causing heat to flood her core.

The past three months had been like living in a dream. He had kept his promise and taken her back to the island. They had made love on the beach, frolicked and fucked in the lake and made love in the cloud soft bed in their tent. They had spent almost the entire stay naked and in each other’s arms. It had been idyllic.

On a visit back home, she had bubbled with excitement as she announced to her fathers, she was in love. Although they were happy for her, they also cautioned her to be careful.

Aline was deep in thought as student after student was called to the stage and presented with their degree. She had been informed she was Valedictorian and would be called last. Her final exam had been passed with a perfect score. Xavier, along with her parents and Bradley had been thrilled when she had told them. The pride in her fathers’ eyes had caused her own to tear up.

Dean Rogers congratulated the graduating students and then announced, “our final student to be awarded her degree is our Valedictorian. Aline Bennett-Miller, please come to the stage. Oh, and please be careful climbing the stairs.”

Aline felt her face flame as thunderous applause assaulted her ears. One glance toward Xavier and, his proud smile eased the butterflies swirling around in her stomach.

She shook the Dean’s hand, accepted her degree and thanked him.

Instead of him moving away from the microphone as she had expected, the Dean remained. Raising his hands, he asked the audience for silence. As soon as everyone quieted, he spoke again. “Aline has been an excellent student with an impressive, and unprecedented, average of 99.97 over the course of her degree.” He paused as the audience applauded.

Aline heard her fathers whooping and hollering above everyone else. Once again the Dean waited for quiet. “Aline was informed she was Valedictorian and I’m sure she has an excellent speech prepared. Before we move on to that, I will ask you to note the awards on the small table beside me. What Aline was not informed about is she is this year’s recipient of The Exceptional Student Award. She has won the Law Graduate of the Year Award and I have great pleasure in awarding her The Dean’s Award for Excellence. Congratulations Aline.”

The auditorium erupted led by her fathers, Bradley, Callie and other friends. Stunned, she glanced at Xavier who again smiled, winked and mouthed “love you.”
He knew.
A rogue tear escaped her eye and she brushed it from her cheek. She was proud of herself.

The Dean waited for calm. “Aline, as you have heard, is an exceptional academic and I wish her well in her future endeavors. I believe she will succeed in whichever field she chooses. Without further ado, I will hand the microphone to Aline. Please make her welcome.”

She stepped up to the lectern and unfolded her notes. While the audience clapped, she scanned the room. Alistair lifted his hand so she could see where he and Linc were. Bradley sat alongside them with Callie’s parents. She wanted to run down and hug them all but smiled instead.

When quiet returned Aline cleared her throat and began. “Dean Rogers, Professors, Associate Teachers, Administrators, Family and Friends. Three and a half years ago I entered this University alone, nervous and a long way from home. I had one goal, to gain my Law Degree from the most prestigious university in the country and make my fathers proud. Today, like many who have come before me and, like many who will follow, I have achieved my goal.”

She took a sip of water from the glass which had been placed on the lectern.

“I thank my Professors and Associate Teachers for their guidance and wisdom. Without you, this could not have been possible. I thank my fathers for their unwavering support and belief in me.” She looked up from her notes and gazed into the audience. “Thank you dad and daddy.” She saw them nod at her. Tears pricked her eyes.

“I have always had a strong interest in Corporate Law and I look forward to a long and satisfying career in this area. I would like to thank Mark, Petra, Elise and Maria – my study partners. Your support, weird sense of humor and strong opinions were greatly valued when we pulled all-nighters before crucial exams. Lastly, Callie.” She looked down at where her best friend was seated.

“You are the best friend and roommate a girl could ever wish for. Before coming here, I hadn’t had a close girlfriend. I had lots of good friends but no-one I could truly confide in about everything. From the first day we met, I knew I could talk to you about anything. I am known for being notoriously late to everything, until Callie. You made sure I was where I had to be on time. Including being on time today. When I broke my leg recently, I was able to complete my degree because Callie wheeled me to and from classes and helped me to cope with every day things we all take for granted until we are incapacitated. I love her like a sister and I am so grateful, fate brought us together.” She blew a kiss to Callie who was now sobbing into a bunch of tissues.

“As we all step out into the real world, I wish everyone the very best in your endeavors. I, for one, will miss St. Thomas, the friendships, the mischief, the fun but, it is time to spread my wings. Set new goals and hopefully achieve them. Thank you.”

Tears ran down her cheeks as everyone stood and clapped and cheered.

After a few minutes, Dean Rogers escorted her down the steps to the other graduates. They filed from the building to reunite with their families.

***

Aline and Callie stood outside chatting and waiting for their families to find them. Xavier slipped up behind Aline, wrapped his arms around her waist and placed a kiss on her cheek. “I am so very proud of you, sweetheart,” he whispered in her ear.

Aline spun in his arms and drew his head down. “I’m sorry I couldn’t thank you on stage but I didn’t think it was appropriate. I think you know how much you mean to me and how valuable your guidance has been.” She kissed him lovingly.

“That will be enough of that, young lady.”

Aline turned at the sound of Alistair’s voice, unwound herself from Xavier, and launched herself into his arms.  “Daddy.” She peppered his face with kisses.

Alistair laughed. “It’s good to see you too.”

“Hey. What about me?”

Aline pulled herself away from Alistair and threw herself into Linc’s arms. “Dad.” His face was also on the receiving end of numerous kisses.

When she finally stepped back, she noticed Bradley’s hand entwined with Callie’s as they talked with her parents.

“It’s Bradley. Oh, my, gosh, it’s Bradley, you have been sneaking off to see. Why didn’t you tell me?” Aline asked.

“We weren’t exactly sure of how we felt. I have known for a long time that I liked Brad but I wasn’t sure if he liked me. Last time I visited home we spent some time together and it sort of grew from there. He came out here a few times and we spent my time off together. We planned on telling you tonight.” Callie told her.

Bradley released Callie’s hand and hugged Aline. He whispered in her ear before stepping back. “I love her and we’re happy.”

Aline was ecstatic. She crushed Callie to her and kissed her cheek. “I’m thrilled for you both.”

“We couldn’t tell you sooner because we both knew how happy you and Xavier were and we knew you would interfere. We needed to find out if our feelings were genuine before you started pushing us at each other. Now you don’t need to push us. We got there on our own.” Bradley reclaimed Callie’s hand.

“I wouldn’t have interfered.”

Bradley and Callie tilted their heads and raised their eyebrows.

“Well maybe a little.”

They stared at her, eyes wide with incredulity.

“Okay. Yes, I would have. I like to see my friends happy. I’m thrilled you’re together. However it happened.”

“I’m so proud of you, babe. You worked hard and you deserve everything you get.” Bradley said sincerely.

“Thank you.”

Aline moved back into Xavier’s arms. “So, you didn’t know they were an item?”

“No. I knew Callie was talking with a man on the phone but I didn’t know it was Bradley.”

“I hope it works out for them. They seem happy and they look great together.”

Aline tilted her head back and gazed at him. “You want it to work out because you’re a jealous bastard.” She kissed his cheek as he laughed.

“You had better believe it, princess. No-one, and I mean no-one, touches my girl and lives.”

“Are we going for lunch?” Linc asked.

“We have a table booked at Maxjohn,” Gordon, Callie’s father answered.

“We booked at Finnegans,” Linc said.

“How about we all meet at the airport and have a drink before our flights home?” Rose, Callie’s mother suggested.

They all agreed.

“Do you mind if I join Callie and her parents for lunch?” Bradley asked Aline.

“Of course I don’t mind. Go and enjoy yourselves.”

Hand in hand with Xavier, Aline headed off with her parents.

Callie held Bradley’s hand as they followed her parents.

***

Aline squeezed Xavier’s hand as the plane landed in Dalton. “Home and it’s not only for a holiday.”

“I will now have you to myself. Every day I will wake up with the most beautiful girl on earth in my arms. I couldn’t be happier.”

“I’m so happy. I love you more every day.”

As the plane taxied to the terminal, the two lovers kissed.

When they had disembarked from the plane, they all headed for the luggage carousel.

“Are you coming back to the apartment?” Linc asked Aline.

“I’m going to go with Xavier and unpack, dad. Can we meet for dinner?”

“Where, sweetheart?” Alistair asked.

“How about you both come over at around seven and I’ll order Thai? It’s been a long day and we can relax,” Xavier answered.

“That sounds excellent. We won’t have to get dressed up,” Linc agreed.

Linc and Alistair stayed with them while they collected their bags. The men didn’t have luggage as they had only flown in for the day. Aline hugged and kissed her parents and they all left the airport to head for their apartments.

***

Xavier unlocked his apartment door, stepped back, and Aline entered.

“Home, princess.”

“Yes.”

“Six months ago I would never have imagined I would be bringing a woman home to live with me.”

“I would never have thought I would be living with a man and certainly not you. I remember how angry you used to make me.”

“No regrets?”

She moved in to his arms. “None at all. I think we should strip and make the most of the time we have before dad and daddy arrive.”

“I’ll lead the way.”

Aline held Xavier’s hand and he led her to the master suite.

While he slipped off his jacket, she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands over his chest.

“Strip,” he ordered.

“With pleasure. I like a man who is forceful and knows what he wants.”

Minutes later they were on the bed naked and in each other’s arms. Their kisses were urgent. Their hands roamed each other’s bodies.

“Roll over and up on all fours.”

Aline flipped over, ready to be taken from behind.

Xavier leaned his back against her chest and lowered his lips to her ear. “It’s time.”

Aline shivered in anticipation.

Xavier squeezed lube onto his fingers and spread it around the rosebud of her ass. He then pushed two fingers deep inside, spreading them, stretching her. Getting her ready for what was to come.

Aline’s nerves kicked into overdrive as his fingers prodded and stretched. “Oh my God. Is this going to hurt?”

Xavier sensed her nervousness and flipped her onto her back. “Princess, you’re trembling and sweating like it’s a hundred degrees in here. Are you scared?”