Page 18 of Break Me: Smith and Belle

“I think I’m too full,” I whispered to Smith. But he’d already picked up a strawberry and dipped it into the chocolate. “Just one for me, beautiful.”

He brought it to my mouth and pushed it gently past my lips. My teeth sank into it, my eyes never leaving his as the tart sweetness of strawberry mixed with rich dark chocolate on my tongue. This was definitely becoming foreplay.

“Do you want to stay until midnight?” he asked in a husky voice.

“Do you have something else in mind?” I asked, feigning innocence.

“I can think of several ways I’d like to ring in the new year with you.” He brought his lips to my ear, brushing the stubble on his chin across the sensitive skin of my neck. “But one dance first.”

I nodded, lost to words, too intoxicated by the man next to me to think of a thing to say. My thoughts were already racing forward to being alone with him. Deep inside me, my core clenched in anticipation as he stood and offered me his hand. There was no traditional dance floor in the Briar Rose, but a few couples had pressed close together to sway to the jazzy music playing on the stereo. As we stood it shifted to a more bluesy rift, and I found myself laughing when I recognized the Rolling Stones. “They’re playing our song.”

“I know,” Smith said with a devilish grin as he swept me into his arms.

“You’re full of surprises tonight, Price.” I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I guess I always feel romantic on our anniversary,” he murmured as I laid my head against his shoulder.

“What if I want you to be a little dirty instead?” I asked him.

“I think I can manage both. As you said, I’m full of surprises, and, beautiful, you’re going to be full of me soon.”

I felt the bulge of his erection press into my belly as if to prove the point. He bent to whisper in my ear. “I will never have enough of you. This year. Next year. Every year.”

It was perfect. The beginning that I wanted. Here with him, belonging to him, remembering our past but moving forward together. Nothing could tear us apart like the song said. When it’s final bars faded away, Smith looked down at me. “Should we say or should we go?”

“I think I’m ready for you to show me how you want to ring in the new year,” I told him, lowering my lashes flirtatiously.

“I’ll warm up the car.” Before he could move towards the door, he leaned and kissed me full on the lips. My mouth parted in welcome, a happy sigh escaping me as he pulled away with a smirk. “Consider that a sneak preview.”

I made my way back to our table to find my wrap and my clutch, scanning the room to say goodbye. Jane and Hughes were tucked in a corner, their heads close together talking. I hated to interrupt them. Instead, my eyes found Edward. He had just finished a dance with Tomas and gone to the bar to get another glass of wine. Maneuvering my way through the crowd, I joined him. Before I could stop him, he poured a glass for me, too. “Actually, we’re leaving.”

Edward frowned, his eyes narrowing in concern. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I think we just want to be alone,” I said, biting my lip. It occurred to me that maybe I should stay with my best friend, so he didn’t have to face the new year alone. But Edward didn’t seem concerned over my departure, instead he gave me a swift kiss and a smile. “In that case, happy early new year.”

I tapped my glass against his in a toast. “To a new start.”

“To a new start,” he echoed. I saw the same hope I felt in his eyes. This year had to be better than the last one for both of us. I downed the drink quickly as Smith reappeared in the doorway.

“I think your Prince Charming has arrived,” Edward said with a grin.

I wouldn’t consider Smith my Prince Charming. He was my dark knight, my savior, my protector, and my haven. At his hands, I’d found the beautiful pleasure darkness could bring. I found myself in places I’d never expected to go. And even now, walking through this shadowed path with him, I knew. He might not be a Prince Charming, but he was my happily ever after.

9

Smith

Belle’s hand stayed in mine as I drove through the wintery streets of Briarshead. The village was still filled with boisterous celebration, drunken crowds weaving with pint glasses, singing off the new with exuberance. The festive atmosphere faded along with the village as we took the country road that wound to our estate.

“It’s lovely,” she murmured watching the snowflakes fall out the window.

“I was thinking the same thing.” I raised her clasped hands and kissed the back of hers.

“I wish we didn’t have to go home,” she admitted in a soft voice.

“Beautiful,” I began, searching for the words that might remind her that the darkness would pass. It always had before. But I didn’t want to color this evening with its shadow, so I pasted a cocky grin on my face. “I thought you wanted me to take you home to ring in the new year.”

Belle twisted in her seat, dropping her free hand over my groin. She brushed the bulge there and my dick leapt to attention. “I do want to ring in the new year—with you. Only you.”