Tangled in Chains (10 page)

With a slow shake of his head, he offered her a reassuring smile. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“Were you serious when you told Blaze about your new job here in the states? Or was that just to piss him off?”

“It’s the truth. I wasn’t going to accept it unless things worked out with you. No way was I going to stick around and watch him dangle you in front of me if you had turned me away.” He lifted her hand and laced his fingers with hers, then kissed her fingertips. “Once I realized you were serious about leaving him I made up my mind.”

“Even after what he did, you’d have left the decision to me?”

“I would’ve fought for you either way after having you. But the choice had to be yours. There had been enough manipulation. If I couldn’t win you the honest way then I’d have flown back to Europe an unhappy man.”

The way she looked up at him filled his heart with happiness. She had the most sincere eyes and lovely expressions. Her aura carried a perfect blend of innocence and fire, spiked with just enough naughty to make her utterly irresistible. He liked that she took pride in her work and the flowers she arranged were a perfect extension of her delightful personality.

Lifting her hand again, he pressed his lips to her palm in a soft, lingering kiss. “Such pretty and talented hands deserve to sparkle. You said you’d be mine.”

“Yes,” she said with a sweet smile and a slight air to her voice.

“Would you like to make it official?” Reaching above her head, he fumbled with the leather jacket lying on the floor.

“What do you have in mind?”

He studied her face while sliding a gold band sporting a lovely diamond on her ring finger. Her eyes glistened with tears and he said a quick, silent prayer that he hadn’t moved too fast. “I hope those are tears of joy.”

“Yes!” she replied in an excited whisper. “Definitely tears of joy. When did you decide on this?”

“Remember I had errands to run while you waited for Blaze to return?”

She nodded. “I was worried you might not get back in time.”

“I’ll always be on time for you.” He gave her a wink.

“I have noticed that you seem to have excellent timing.” A subtle innuendo shone in her smile.

“What do you think?” He placed a light kiss on the ring perched on her dainty finger. “Are you ready to share my name, or am I moving too fast?”

Graceful arms curled around his neck. “I love that you know what you want and that you like to go fast. I’m more than ready to share your name.”

“You’re without a doubt my kind of woman.” Lifting her into a tender embrace, his lips moved close to hers and he spoke softly. “I’ve waited a long time to find the love of my life. No long engagement, okay?”

“You dropped into my world from out-of-the-blue, saved me and swept me off my feet. I’d be crazy to make you wait.” Her warm breath feathered his lips. “Choose the day and I’m yours…nothing would make me happier.”

“I love you, angel. I’ve always loved you and will never stop.”

Burying one hand in the thick of her long, lustrous hair he covered her mouth with his. She sighed pleasingly and relaxed against him as he explored the sweet taste of her. Nothing had ever felt more right. This precious woman who’d left one man bound in chains had just freed his heart and committed herself to him for life.

“We never did make it to bed,” she purred in the seconds their lips were free.

He stood up with her in his arms, gazing at her in adoration. “I can take care of that. But once we’re there, don’t plan on coming out for a few days.”

She snuggled against his chest and tightened her hold around his neck. “Sounds wonderful, take me to bed, you gorgeous stud.”

Lying on his bed wrapped around each other they engaged in another heady kiss, picking up where they’d left off.

Destiny had bridged the distance between them and two years of anguish melted away in her arms. He poured his love over her, holding nothing back as they sunk into a delicious exchange of affection. She belonged to him now and he vowed to love and protect her forever. Never again would either of them be tangled in chains.

About the Author

Storm is a multi-published author with various pen names in many different genres with Extasy and Divine Destinies Books. Currently she resides with her husband and two sweet Maltese dogs.

She dreams big and continues working toward her goals. Her non erotic books can be found under the names Susan Zoe Bella and Austina Love.

Her passion for music continues to burn and inspires much of her work. Once in a while she picks up her guitar and jams to her favorite songs and she loves to dance. Always the dreamer, never the realist, Storm takes life one day at a time while battling the daily challenge of Meniere's Disease.

As an animal activist, Animal Guardian and Ambassador for the ASPCA, she relates better to animals than people. She never looked back after leaving the farm and prefers indoor activities.

The love of her life was a Bichon named Austin and she believes his spirit is lighting her way. His story and those of several other very special animal friends are featured in her novel, Rainbows Hearts and Puppy Tales.