Layers Peeled (21 page)

“You know, you
two should get married before the baby arrives.” Okay, that was not
what I was expecting.

From the
corner of my eye I saw Tristan lift his lazy eyebrow as Emma
continued.

“If I’m truly
going to be an aunt, a real aunt, that’s the only way. You know, I
could ask the minister to perform the ceremony right after Sam and
Gabe’s. It’s really not a problem. I’m sure he won’t mind. And
don’t worry about the dress or the details. I can take care of it
all. We still have plenty of time before we return home. Want me to
ask them?”

I was sure
Emma was ready to completely take over this wedding and make it
mine and Tristan’s.

“Emma, I don’t
think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s a great
idea. Just ask Tristan. I’m sure he’ll say yes because if he
doesn’t, I won’t forgive him. Besides, you’re meant to be.”

“Well, I’d
much rather Tristan made the decision on his own – if it’s all
right with you, that is.”

“Yeah, I guess
that’s fine.” Emma furrowed, let out a long breath, and rolled her
eyes wiggling her finger at me. “I see what you did there. But
I
guess
if I have to wait, I will.”

And just in
time Tristan interrupted us. “I want to take you on a
toboggan.”

“Really? I’ve
never been on one before.”

“OMG! I have
to come with you! Tristan cheats when he races and he’s bigger so
he’ll go downhill much faster. If you and I team up, I’m sure we
can beat him. I just have to finish these lights and then we can
go.”

“Emma, we’re
just going to be enjoying the scenery.” A hint of desire rolled off
his tongue and I wondered how much scenery we would actually
see.

Mrs. Cross
stepped in just in time. “Emma, if we don’t get half these lights
up before the end of the day, the job you said you could do won’t
be done. You wouldn’t want to disappoint Sam and Gabe, would
you?”

Emma tightened
her jaw and patted Tristan on his shoulder, saying, “Sorry guys,
but it looks like no work can get done without me.”

Of course it
couldn’t.

After a deep
breath, she found her new victim to hustle.

“Thank you,”
Tristan said to his mother, who only winked in response.

The scenery
outside was breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains and trees covered
with fresh powder looked like something from a fairy tale. The noon
sun shone as if it were summer, and I found it warm enough to not
have to wear a jacket, but Tristan insisted the weather could
change any moment. Higher in the mountain, Gabe and Sam’s home was
settled between beautiful hills and valleys, with trees scattered
in uneven patterns.

Tristan pulled
the toboggan along what he said was a path, although to me the
white snow all looked the same. I held onto the wooden seat at
least as firmly as if I’d been riding a motorcycle for the first
time, and I was glad Tristan was turned so he wouldn’t see silly
me, a black-belt master, scared and excited as if she had just
flown to the moon. But I hadn’t felt like a kid in a long time, and
I hadn’t realized this would be such a wonderful idea until Tristan
started pulling on the rope.

Snow squeaked
underneath Tristan’s boots. Light gusts of wind lifted the flakes
off trees and carried them back toward the heavens. After a while,
the flakes would find their way down, some to the ground, others to
neighboring pines. The sound of chirping birds carried in every
direction, and a bald eagle passed overhead.

After a
fifteen-minute walk, I said, “Tristan, you’ll tire out.”

“Are you
suggesting a break?”

“Yes.”

He let go of
the reins. I lowered my feet to the side and made space for him to
sit. A few feet away, a track of footprints weaved between the
trees.

“Deer prints?”
I asked.

“Those ones
are bear.”

“You’re trying
to scare me.”

“Why do you
think I’m carrying this?” He opened his jacket. Inside was a
strapped pistol. I don’t know why that made me excited. The tiny
swirl of adrenaline in my tummy began to tickle.

“I like a man
who’s prepared.” I bit my lip.

“And I like a
woman who’s not afraid of a weapon,” he growled possessively, and I
swear my body temperature just shot up by a few degrees.

“Have you ever
seen a bear out here?”

“Yes, but they
tend to stay away from the house.”

“I’m glad we
got some time to ourselves.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.

“Me too. I’ve
been meaning to catch you since this morning.”

Even from a
side angle, that lopsided smile I couldn’t resist compelled me.
Tristan’s scar soared into its sexy lift.

“Except for my
nightmares.” I’d had the same one every morning and couldn’t fall
asleep afterwards.

“You sneak off
downstairs too quickly, Allie. Are you all right?”

No!
But
I didn’t want to worry Tristan, not before his cousin’s
wedding.

“Well, we
can’t really have sex every hour.” I rolled my eyes, acutely aware
I was teasing him because nothing would make me happier than
staying in bed with Tristan Cross all day long. Sex with him was
always earth-shattering. Our connection and mutual rhythm never
ceased to amaze me.

“Says who? I
could make it my priority to have you every hour. Like right now
sounds good.”

Judging from
the hungry look on his face, he was serious, too!

“It’s too
cold.”

“I bet I can
get your heart rate going just like that.” He snapped his
fingers.

By the way my
body was reacting to his unbelievable invitation, I knew he’d win.
That earlier swirl in my tummy was beginning to turn at the speed
of an ocean whirlpool, sucking all my hormones down to between my
legs.

“Is that a
challenge Mr. Cross?” I got off the toboggan and Tristan’s weight
tipped him over into the snow.

He sat in the
white puff still serious while I laughed.

“If it gets
you to lower your pants, hell yeah.”

“You can’t
mean it...” I held onto my tummy instead of paying attention to his
swift move. In one pounce Tristan had me in his arms, merging his
lips with mine, insisting that I comply with his craving. And how
could I resist those warm lips and his persistent tongue? I could
still smell the remnants of his morning aftershave mixed with that
intoxicating cologne of Tristan. I weaved my fingers into his hair,
pressing his head to mine. I couldn’t get enough of him. Every
breath felt sharper and wanton. Every nerve awakened with a need to
be stirred and satisfied. And within seconds Tristan managed to
turn this snowy day into a paradise. With my eyes closed and
Tristan’s body melting into mine, I imagined us on the hottest
beach – because admitting snow lay at our feet would be a lie. His
hands were all over my body, searching for an entrance from
underneath the layers of clothing.

My back
pressed against the tree. The rough bark dented into my ass, and
for a moment I wished I’d worn thicker pants. Tristan pinned me and
gripped my engorged breasts in his palms, molding them hard enough
that I felt my tight nipples peak even higher in search of his
touch.

The sound of a
zipper danced through the air. I didn’t care whether it was his or
mine, because the second one followed like an arousing echo.

“Turn around,”
he asked.

I complied,
bracing my hands on the tree as Tristan lowered my pants. The cold
air assaulted my skin, but as soon as his hot firm flesh touched my
ass I was lost. He reached between my legs, spreading my
wetness.

“Perfect,
always perfect,” he murmured into my ear.

That little
note of praise made my heart drum against the tree as if it wanted
to send the message up and out to the whole world.

Placing his
foot on the inside of my soles, he tapped gently to part my legs
wider. And I listened, anxiously awaiting him. The moment his hot
tip touched my opening, all my patience evaporated in the air. I
burned for him to be inside me. The ache broke through my belly in
a carnal need I didn’t know I possessed. But being out here in the
wild, the primitive instincts of two primates surfaced all on their
own.

“Fuck me,
Tristan.”

“As you
please.”

It took one
swift lunge and he was deep inside me. The warmth of his cock
swooshed back and forth, slowly at first allowing me to appreciate
his width all over again. As I braced my hands against the tree,
Tristan’s grasped my hips, centering me on him, pulling me deeper
each time he advanced. And I was so ready and drenched in my need,
his slick cock entered me in a suave motion.

Once his tempo
sped, Tristan lowered his hand to my front and rubbed my cleft with
perverse strokes. My body couldn’t refuse the oncoming orgasm, and
I knew it would happen fast and it would be strong. And I’d
forgotten we were in the middle of the woods; in fact, it felt as
if I’d left my body and nothing around us mattered. If that bear
came by right now, I wouldn’t even care.

Tristan’s
front slapped against my ass, and my tits bounced back and forth.
It felt liberating to relinquish my body to him, to let him control
us both. Tristan took over the timing of my release with his. We
would come together, I knew that for sure. His fingers knew their
way around my pussy so expertly, as if he’d studied me day and
night for the past hundreds of years. They slithered back and
forth, flicking in between. I jerked and twisted along with
Tristan, as the spasms began to roll in.

Tristan’s
heavy breaths formed white puffs in the air.

“You can
scream out here, Allie. No one will hear.”

And with his
permission I let out my delight, fearing I might cause an
avalanche.

The chalet
transformed into an elegant venue. Paper snowflakes the size of
basketballs held up by nearly invisible fishing lines from above
floated in the air. Ice-blue and white streamers hung from the roof
beams, connecting the structure in an intricate design. White
lights had been wrapped around every column, corner, doorway, and
railing. Hydrangea bouquets filled empty nooks, tables, and
counters. Their aroma floated from one room to another with a
gentle breeze from the back yard. Pulling on my sweater straps, I
wrapped it tighter around my body and ventured toward the patio
door that led to the back yard. I felt like I’d stepped into a
fairy tale.

The day was
sunny, which was a good thing since Gabe and Sam decided to have
the official ceremony outside. And if I’d thought the indoor
decorations were elaborate, I didn’t expect to see the magic behind
the house. The outdoor heated pool, which could have been used all
year long, had been covered with Plexiglas. Steam rose from
underneath through random holes that had been drilled specifically
for the occasion. Not only did the pool glow blue from underneath,
but with the hovering steam it appeared you were walking among
stray clouds up in heaven. A tent had been assembled over the pool
as well. Even if the sky didn’t hold a single white mark, the
guests could use the area later at night for dancing. The morning
sun shone brightly, reflecting the snow, which overnight seemed to
have covered every inch possible with a dusty layer.

A pair of blue
jays sat on a spruce tree, jeering between each other and ruffling
their feathers. I wrapped my arms around my front, feeling
intrusive during their private moment.

At the end of
the pool, where the infinity ledge seemed to connect it with open
space, a white gazebo had been erected for the main ceremony.
Tangled in sparkling lights, flowers, and delicate white streamers,
the space overlooked a village in the valley below. The view was
absolutely breathtaking and couldn’t have been more perfect if it
had been drawn on paper.

The elaborate
decoration was too much to take in all at once; I would have to
admire the work Emma and Mrs. Cross had done for a while longer. A
week of preparations for a few hours just seemed like too much.

The rest of
the house was still quiet. Some were sleeping, others had begun
getting ready. No doubt Kendra was helping Sam prepare. Within
hours, this home would be bursting with music and lively family
conversations, celebrating Gabe’s and Sam’s marriage. Even with
only family present at the ceremony, there’d be almost twenty
people here. Wanting to enjoy a moment of peace, I left Tristan in
bed before tiptoeing downstairs.

I stepped into
the kitchen where Olivier, along with an entourage of staff, was
preparing the artful lunch and dinner. It seemed Tristan wasn’t the
only one fond of the chef.

“Breakfast is
ready in the dinette, Allie.”

I took a
whiff, smelling fresh pastries. My stomach grumbled.

“Thank you,
Olivier.”

“Would you
like some tea?” he asked.

“Yes,
please.”

And with a nod
to one of the servers my tea was being poured. It looked like
Olivier was preparing food for one hundred, and he must have read
my mind.

“It was the
bride and groom’s wish to make sure everyone’s favorite dish was
available.”

“That’s a lot
of work.”

“It doesn’t
feel like work when you love what you do.”

I could
definitely understand that. I missed New York and Laura, and
wondered how she would be spending her Christmas. I hoped she’d
received my little gift I’d sent her: an almost identical pink
scarf to the one I’d ruined when she used it to wrap my wound in
the alley. I also wondered whether she’d found out anything about
the guy who pimped Marissa.

I held both my
hands around the mug and went to sit by the fireplace. In one of
the chairs, Kendra had curled her legs underneath her and seemed
mesmerised by the dancing flames in the fireplace. She looked much
healthier than the last time I’d seen her. Her cheeks were no
longer sagging, and the dark circles under her eyes had
disappeared. I remembered her dry skin full of blotches. Those were
gone too. A hint of well hidden fear still remained, though.