He's Captured My Heart (Captured Series Book 1) (33 page)

“Sleep, my beautiful girl.” He moves until he’s touching me. I lift my head so he can put one arm under me. He gently places the other on my waist. I am now in the safest place in the world: safe in Alex’s arms.

“I promise I’ll wake you in the morning.”

“You better, because if you leave tomorrow without saying good-bye, I will not be a happy bunny,” I tell him. “Good night, Alex.”

“Sweet dreams, baby,” he says, leaning and kissing the back of my head.

Alex is deep in my thoughts as I start to drift off to sleep. He already fills a huge part in my life, a part I didn’t even know needed filling. But that’s just what I am beginning to realise, I need him, and I most
certainly want him. How did I not notice there was something missing from my life? Oh, that’s right. I’ve been busy with Ethan, Lucy, and the hotel.

Fear. I am fearful. I am fearful of what will become of our relationship when he goes home. Will it just fizzle out? What do I want to happen? Could a long-distance relationship work? Do they ever? I doubt it. I suppose I should think about learning to accept the idea that when he leaves, that will be an end of us.

As I am finally drifting off, I am suddenly aware of Alex’s soft voice. I could be dreaming, but if I am, it’s a great dream. His words are softly spoken, but I hear them nonetheless. “Libby, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I had absolutely no idea I could ever feel about anyone the way I feel about you. I’m crazy about you. You’re such a strong, beautiful girl, and I want to keep you safe in my arms always. I love you.”

I love you?

I awaken to find Alex still in the same position in which I fell asleep, with his arms round me. Did I hear him right last night? I am sure he used the
L
word. Maybe I was just dreaming. Is that how I feel about him? Could I love him? The answer to that is easy. Yes. Although I do feel it’s far too early for declarations. I need to go to the bathroom, so I ease myself slowly out of bed, trying not to wake him. I manage it.

I slide back into bed and lie facing him. I need to wake him—he wants to see his parents before he
leaves for London—but he does look so peaceful. I can now appreciate the times he left me sleeping, just watching me. I could watch him all day.

I run my hands across his muscular torso and watch as he reacts to my touch, even asleep. His chest rises and falls with every breath he takes. I lean across and place a small kiss on his chest and rest my head there. I continue touching his warm skin, and soon he stirs.

I allow my hands to travel down the line of his belly and settle between his legs.

“Good morning, Libby. I could get used to waking up like this,” he says with a smile. “Oh hell, I admit it. I’m
already
used to waking up with you beside me. I’ll miss you tomorrow morning.”

What do I say to that? I’ve enjoyed having him in my bed. Do I speak to him now and ask him about us? Us. I don’t even know what I want from him. Maybe I need to think this through first. What do I want? A proper relationship with him would mean one of us having to give up a lot. His life and business are based in the States, and mine are in Scotland. Could I give up my life here for him? My family?

God, maybe I am just jumping the gun. He might not even want a relationship. I suppose his trip to London without me will give me time to think about that. But at the moment, I can’t imagine Alex not being in my life.

“Good morning. You do need to get up so you can see your parents before leaving.”

“I think you’ve already gotten me up,” he says. “And I’m tempted to just stay here in bed all day with you.”

“Well, that’s not happening. Although…” I move slowly from his chest, and our eyes meet. I know what he’s thinking. I’ve gotten to know that look quite well. And I want to have him thinking of me all day after he’s gone today.

I slide my hand over his hard length, stroking and teasing. He lets out a small groan. I keep my eyes on his face as I dip my head and tease him with my tongue.

“Libby…” His voice is strained.

I smile, hearing his voice, knowing it’s me who’s about to drive him insane. My turn to take care of him…to touch, to pleasure, and to taste. He’s not the only one who gets pleasure from this. I gently rub the base of his length with the palm of my hand. I press my lips over the tip and draw him in, teasing him with my tongue.

He was already hard before, but I feel his body responding. His groans are low but not low enough. Pleasure to my ears. I run my tongue along his impressive length. He tightens in response. I draw him in again, teasing with my tongue and pumping with my hand at the base.

His fingers entwine in my hair tightly, firmly holding me in place. He matches my movement thrust for thrust. I feel the tension as he gets closer and closer to the edge. He is losing control, and I am the one controlling his control.

“Libby…” His voice is tight. “Libby, I can’t hold on much longer.”

I lift my eyes back to his but don’t break our contact. I continue with the job in hand, so to speak. My hand. My mouth. His grip in my hair gets tighter as his thrusts get deeper. Deeper in my mouth. I take him as far as I can. It’s only a matter of time. I feel the first trembles before tasting his warm, salty fluid slide down my throat.

“Holy fuck,” he says, his voice trembling. “That was incredible. You are full of surprises, Miss Stewart. You take my breath away time and time again.”

I move slowly back up the bed, and his arms wrap round me as he pulls me in for a kiss. The look in his eyes is one of contentment. Mission accomplished. I don’t allow the kiss to continue, because I know where it will lead, and that is not my intention. Instead, I rise from the bed, much to Alex’s surprise, and head straight to the bathroom, where I switch on the shower.

I hear Alex talking to someone in the other room, so I dress quickly, pulling on a pair of jeans and a vest top. I pull my wet hair up into a clip. I can dry it later. I go to the sitting room and find Alex closing the room
door. He’s dressed in pyjama bottoms that sit on his hips and a white T-shirt. Good enough to eat.

He’s ordered room service breakfast, and the table is set for two.

“I thought we could at least eat together before I head off,” he says, pulling out a chair for me. Such a gentleman. “My parents are coming here in about half an hour, so we’ll have some time together before then. I ordered an omelette for you. Is that okay?”

“Perfect,” I say, sitting down.

I take a sip of the orange juice sitting in front of me and relax in the chair. Alex goes into the bedroom, but he comes back in a moment with my painkillers. He pours a glass of water and hands both to me. There is an understanding in the silence between us.

The atmosphere during breakfast is light and relaxed. Actually, today I feel so much better. The pain has eased off a bit, and I am happier today, although the happier part surprises me since Alex is leaving me today.

“What do you plan on doing while I am gone?” he asks.

“Well, I have a few things to take care of around the hotel today, so I’ll get those things done. And your mum wants to go out for dinner.”

“What, without me?” he laughs.

“Of course. That’s the best time to talk about you—when you’re not there.” I smirk. “I thought I could take them both out tonight.”

“Hey, wait a minute. If you’re going out, you could’ve come with me!”

“It’s not the going out that bothers me, and you know that. I just don’t need the hassle with attending a premiere tonight looking like this. All those cameras, all those questions that are bound to be asked. And with you being in London, I should be able to go out without being the centre of attention.”

There is a light knock at the door. That will be his parents. I move my chair to get up, but Alex shakes his head at me as he goes and opens it. Sarah greets him with a kiss and a hug, then walks towards me and does the same.

Alex pours his parents some coffee, and they join us at the table. I move the plates to try and make a bit of room.

“So you all set for your trip?” Richard asks.

“Just need to grab a shower and dress. Then I’ll be ready. My suits are in the carrier, and I have a bag packed for tomorrow. That’s all I need,” he says. “What about you both? What are your plans for today?”

“Well, I’m going for a pamper session, courtesy of Libby, and your father is going for a round of golf with Stephen, I think.” Sarah sounds excited about that. “Then we’re going out to dinner this evening.”

“Yes, I know Stephen’s looking forward to getting outside,” I say.

“Promise me you’ll take care of Libby this evening for me?” The question is intended for his parents, but his eyes are locked on me. He places his hand on top of mine, and the slight touch sends shivers down my spine.

“Of course we will. You don’t even need to ask,” Sarah says, watching Alex interact with me. You would think she’d never seen him with a woman before. Maybe she hasn’t—not behaving like this anyway. “We’ll get going, so you can get ready.”

“I’ll give you some time alone. I need to go and dry my hair anyway,” I say. “I’ll see you both this evening. I’ll book a table for seven if that’s okay for you?”

“Perfect,” Sarah replies with a smile.

I get up and leave them to say their good-byes. In the bedroom I sit staring at my reflection. I’ve finished doing my hair, and it looks half-presentable, if I don’t say so myself. I wish I could do something with my face, but it’s still a bit sore to touch, so there is no point even thinking about putting makeup on.

“Thank you.” I turn to see Alex enter the room. He walks towards me and bends and places a kiss on my head.

“What for?” I ask.

“For what you’re doing for my parents.” He smiles at my reflection. “My mom is so happy, and as for my dad, you’ve made his day he loves golf.”

He rests his hands on my shoulders and gently rubs, massaging lightly. I close my eyes and enjoy his
touch. This I will miss, although he’s only going away for just over twenty-four hours.
What am I going to do when he goes home?
I open my eyes and smile at him. The look in his eyes tells a story, and I shake my head. I know that look well. Very well.

“Shh. Get in that shower, or you’ll never get away from here today,” I say, chasing him towards the bathroom. He goes in reluctantly. Whilst he’s in the shower, I have a few calls and texts to take care of. I text Kirsty first:

Libby: Enjoy London. Try and behave x

Straightaway I get a reply:

Kirsty: I will try. Wish you were going as well but at least I have your mum x

Libby: Me too x

I call my mum. She tells me she wishes I were going with them, but she understands my reasons for staying behind. I have to admit I am a bit jealous of them. I’m going to have to keep myself busy around here to keep my mind occupied. Before I end the call, Mum tells me she will bring me something back.

I call Kieran.

“Libby, is everything okay?” he asks.

“Yes, I’m coming down to the office when Alex leaves. I presume there’s plenty of work for me to catch up with.”

“Are you sure? I mean, of course there’s work, but it can wait. Shouldn’t you be resting?”

“Kieran, if I hear that once more, I might hit the person who says it. I need stuff to do. I’m bored.”

Alex walks into the room wearing just a white, fluffy towel round his waist, distracting me from my conversation. His muscles are well defined. He obviously works out a lot, although he’s been here a week, and I’ve not seen him work out once. Perhaps he has some obscenely expensive personal trainer.

“Libby? Libby, are you there?” Kieran shouts, bringing me back to earth.

Alex laughs.

“Yes, Kieran. Still here. I’ll be down when the car comes for Alex in about thirty minutes, so make sure you’re available.”

I hang up and follow Alex with my gaze. I watch him get dressed. He seems to be putting on quite a floor show, which I am more than happy to watch. I lean back on my elbows on the bed and take in the tantalizing sight in front of me.

“See something you like?”

“Of course. As always,” I answer.

He walks slowly towards me as he fastens the belt on his jeans. There is a black T-shirt sitting on
the bed. I pick it up and throw it at him. He pulls it over his head and ta-da, he’s ready except for shoes. He bends down and places his arms at either side of me. It would be so easy to pull him in and let my emotions take over.

“You have no idea how much I am going to miss you. I have gotten so used to being around you. I’m really considering playing hooky and missing the premiere.” His voice is soft, and I can feel his breath on my lips.

“I’ve gotten used to you being here as well,” I say quietly, “but I might as well get used to it for when you go back to the States.”

I’ve struck a nerve. Pain is etched all over his face. He can’t bear the thought either.

“Libby, I’ve already told you that I want you to go to the States with me when I return. I haven’t changed my mind. Now that the trial might not go ahead, you might be able to get away sooner than you thought. I hope you’ll consider it.”

His face has been edging ever so closer to mine. We are almost touching. I want nothing more than to run my hands through his still-damp hair and claim him with my mouth. But he acts first. His mouth claims mine with passion and softness. I respond with the same passion, but no softness. He pulls away slowly, very slowly, seemingly struggling with his emotions. The look on his face tells me I
did
hear him correctly last night. I see love in his eyes, but I also see conflict. That worries me.