Lucifer (Book 3, The Redemption Series) (13 page)

Lucas leans back and nods his head in agreement. He looks over at a confused Bai and holds out his hand to her.

“Would you like some cake, Bai?” He asks her.

“
Sure,” Bai says, grabbing Lucas' hand and dragging him towards the cake.

I think Lucas' offer of cake meant more to him than Bai understood. I c
an’t stop myself from smiling as the two of them make their way towards the wedding cake in the middle of the room.

“
I suppose it’s time to cut the cake?” Malcolm says coming to stand beside me.

“
It looks that way,” I say, but something catches my eyes through the windows that face out towards the courtyard.

Lucifer is standing in front of the bench watching me. Snow is falling outside, and I faintly wonder if he’s brought his own personal Hell with him to my wedding, but know it’s simply wintertime in the
down-world.

“
I need to go out there for a moment,” I tell Malcolm, keeping my eyes on Lucifer to make sure he doesn’t phase away before I have a chance to speak with him. “Could you ask the guys to play another song for me?”

“
Take this,” Malcolm says.

I chance a glance at my husband and see him take his feather cloak off and place it over my shoulders.

“It’ll at least keep you warm,” Malcolm tells me. I can tell by the tone of his voice that he doesn’t want me going out to talk to Lucifer. Nevertheless, he doesn't make an attempt to stop me from going.

“
I’ll be right back,” I tell Malcolm, leaning in to kiss him on the lips just before I phase outside to speak to my guest.

“
You missed the ceremony,” I tell Lucifer as I stand in front of him.

“
Like I said earlier,” Lucifer says, “I wasn’t strong enough to watch you ruin your life.”

“
Malcolm will not ruin my life. He is my life.”

“
I have no faith in him,” Lucifer replies, not bothering to mince his words. “I hope, for your sake, that I’m wrong, Anna.”

“
You are,” I tell him without any doubt.

I hear the music I requested begin to play inside the house.

“I believe it’s customary for the father to dance with his daughter on her wedding day,” I say to Lucifer. “Will you dance with me?”

Lucifer looks surprised by my request.

“I haven’t been much of a father to you, Anna. I don’t deserve the honor. Andre should be the one you dance with.”

“
He isn’t here,” I say. “And even if he were, I would want a dance with both of you. You haven’t been in my life for very long, but I’ve come to care about you, and, I think you care about me too. Millie told me about your yearly visits to me on my birthdays when I was younger.”

“
She shouldn’t have told you that,” Lucifer grumbles, looking uncomfortable that I know this information.

“
Why did you stop?” I ask, needing to know what happened to make him end his yearly visits.

Lucifer shakes his head.
“I couldn’t stand to look at you anymore.”

His words cut like a knife
against the inner chambers of my heart, but from the look on his face, I can tell the words hurt him just as much to say.

“
Why?” I whisper, scared to hear the answer but needing to know.

Lucifer looks at me, and a silence filled with sadness on both our parts lingers between us.

Finally, he says, “You began to look too much like Amalie. It started to hurt to look at you because all I could think about were all the happy times she and I should have had with you.”

I hold my hand out to Lucifer.
“Then don’t miss any more. It’s not too late. You can still be a part of my life if you want. You can still be a father to me. Dance with your daughter on her wedding day, and let’s make a memory we can both cherish.”

Lucifer looks down at my hand, and I fear he won’t take it. I begin to wonder if this is how Jess felt when she offered him his crown and a chance for his father’s forgiveness. I wasn’t exactly offering him redemption for his soul, but I was offering him a chance to make right one of the things he did wrong in his life. I was offering him a chance to be a part of my family
, to be a father to me. But, would he take it or would he walk away from me again?

I wait for what seems like forever. I keep my hand outstretch to Lucifer, praying that he takes it and accepts his place in my life.

Slowly, I see him raise his right hand. I realize I’m holding my breath, waiting to see if he changes his mind at the last minute.

He doesn’t.

I firmly grab hold of his hand and move in closer to him. We begin to sway to the music still playing inside the ballroom.

“
I haven’t danced in years,” Lucifer warns me, even though his movements are surefooted.

“
You’re doing fine,” I tell him, letting him lead the dance.

“
Don’t take this as my approval of your marriage.” Lucifer is quick to say, as if making sure I understand that fact.

“
I wouldn’t dare think you were that wishy-washy in your opinions,” I assure him.

Lucifer grins and lets out a half-laugh.
“Good. I don’t want you to think I’m someone who changes his mind easily.”

“
I would never associate you with someone who was indecisive. However, I do hope in time you come to understand Malcolm better. I would like for the children I have with him to have a relationship with their grandfather.”

“
Grandchildren.” Lucifer says the word like it never even occurred to him that I would one day have children with Malcolm. “I hope you’re not planning to have them anytime soon.”

“
As soon as possible,” I tell him truthfully. “After the seals are safely back in Heaven, I don’t see any point in waiting.”

Lucifer doesn’t say anything, but I see his jaw muscles tighten
like he’s holding back some words of advice I probably wouldn’t appreciate.

The music inside the house
comes to an end. Lucifer lets go of me and takes a step back.

“
You should probably return to your friends,” he tells me. “I do wish you the best, Anna. I just have a hard time believing Malcolm can be the man you deserve.”

“
He’s the man I love,” I tell him. “And I want you to know that you are welcome in our home anytime you want.”

Lucifer looks surprised by my
offer. “I don’t think Malcolm will appreciate that.”

“
He understands how important you’re becoming to me.”

“
Why?”

It’s my turn to look surprised by a question.
“Why? Because you’re my father. I would like to get to know you better.”

“
Not many people would want that.”

“
No one else is your child.”

Lucifer doesn’t seem to have a comeback for my response.

“I hope you enjoy the rest of your party,” he tells me. “And... I’ll see you soon.”

Lucifer phases away and Malcolm phases in
as if he was simply waiting for Lucifer to leave.

“
How did it go?” Malcolm asks.

“
He still hates you, but at least he danced with me,” I sigh. “That was a step in the right direction I think.”

“
I wish you didn't feel a need for me and Lucifer to form an amicable relationship with one another, Anna,” Malcolm says gently. “It’s never going to happen. Too much has passed between us for either of us to simply forget we hate each other.”

“
I know. I understand that. But I want a relationship with him, Malcolm. You won't do anything to try and prevent me from having one, will you?”

“
No,” Malcolm says. “I might not think it’s the healthiest thing in the world, but I can see how much it means to you. I would never try to stop you from doing something your heart needs. The only reason I would is if he started taking advantage of you or hurt you in some way. I won’t stand by and hold my tongue if I think he’s damaging you emotionally, Anna.”

“
He won’t,” I say confidently. “I think he wants to know me better too.”

Malcolm holds his hands out to me, and I place mine into his.

“Can we stop talking about Lucifer and go back inside to eat some cake?” Malcolm says, drawing me in closer to him. “And after all of that is done, maybe we can go up to our room so I can have my real dessert. I’m sure your skin will taste much sweeter than any confection.”

“
Well, if you would just take me to bed already, you could find out just how sweet I taste,” I tease.

“
Never fear, my love,” Malcolm says, lowering his head to mine. “I intend to take my time and explore every lovely part of you until you beg me to stop.”

“
I don’t beg,” I tell him as his lips hover over mine.

“
Is that a challenge?” Malcolm says, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

“
If you want it to be,” I say. “All I know is I want us to finally break down that wall between us. Our bodies are the only things that we haven’t shared with one another completely. Now that we're married, there’s nothing preventing us from enjoying each other in the most intimate way two people can.”

“
Then let’s go eat some cake and make our goodnights,” Malcolm says, pulling back from me. “I would like for you to get at least a couple of hours of sleep tonight.”

“
It’s not that late,” I tell him with a smile. “How long does making love usually take?”

Malcolm’s serious face reappears.
“This will be your first time, Anna. I plan to take things slowly and make it as enjoyable as I can for you. But, there will be some discomfort I won’t be able to prevent. All I can do is make it as easy for you as I can by bringing you more pleasure than pain. There are ways to make it less uncomfortable, but in the end, you will end up feeling it. I just want to make sure the experience is worth the agony.”

“
I can take pain,” I tell him. “And Malcolm,” this time it’s my turn to be completely serious, “don’t you dare hold anything back from me tonight because you’re worried you’ll hurt me. Holding yourself back from me would hurt me even more.”

“
I won’t hold back,” he promises me. “I'll give you all of me tonight, Anna. Everything.”

“
Then let’s go back inside and do what needs to be done so we can start this long love making session you have planned.”

“
You’re wish is my command,” Malcolm says with a grin as he phases us back inside the ballroom.

I silently pray I can make it through the next few minutes, and will my hormones to stay under control for just a little while longer.

Chapter 11

Unfortunately,
we have to delay the cutting of the cake because everyone seems to want to say a toast to wish us well and congratulate us on our marriage. I try my best to be gracious. I really do. But sometimes when you want something done you have to take matters into your own hands, literally.

When we actually do get around to cutting the cake and
begin to feed it to one another,
somehow
the laws of gravity intervene. The large piece I attempt to feed Malcolm slips over the tips of my fingers. It tumbles down his chest, makes a mess of his leather pants and lands, icing side down, on top of his right boot.

“
Oh, I'm so sorry,” I say, not meaning a word of it. Malcolm grins which tells me he’s onto my hastily implemented scheme. “We should probably clean that up before it ruins your outfit.”

I turn to our guests and see the mark of amusement on most everyone’s face. I instantly know my attempt at subterfuge isn’t fooling anyone.

“Yes, you really should, my sweet,” Millie agrees with a conspiratorial wink. “Or the leather will be ruined forever.”

“
Oh yes,” Linn agrees, smiling at me. Although, I am quite positive she’s holding back a laugh. “You need to get those clothes off right away. You know... before they get stained.”

“
Those were my exact thoughts too, ladies. I’m so happy to hear you agree with me.” I look at the rest of our guests. “Malcolm and I would like to thank you all for making our wedding and the rest of this evening one we will always remember. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe I have some wifely duties that I need to attend to.”

I place the palm of my right hand over Malcolm's heart and phase us directly to the bathroom attached to his bedroom.

“I don't think they suspected a thing,” Malcolm teases as he chuckles about my non-subtle ruse to finally get him alone.

“
At this moment, I really don’t care,” I say, throwing my arms around Malcolm's neck and kissing him thoroughly to finally assuage at least a small portion of my pent up desires for him.

Malcolm wraps his arms fully around my waist and holds me close. Yet, he doesn't make a move to help me remove my clothing. I release his lips from mine and look at him in total
bewilderment.

“
Is something wrong?” I ask, breathless from the impact of our kiss.

“
No, my love, nothing's wrong,” he says, smiling down at me with such tenderness it makes my heart melt inside my chest.

“
Then why am I still wearing this dress?”

Malcolm chuckles again as his lips stretch into a pleased smile at my blatant eagerness to start our evening together as soon as possible.

“Like I told you earlier,” he says, kissing my lips ever so lightly, “I want to take things slow tonight.”

I take in a deep breath and gradually let it out, trying my best to rein in my almost uncontrollable passion for the man holding me.

I bring my arms down from around his neck and take a step back from him.

“
Then tell me what you want me to do next,” I say. “I get the impression you have everything about tonight all planned out.”

“
I
have
been thinking about it for quite some time,” Malcolm admits with a devilish grin. He raises his right hand and gently cups the left side of my face. “I laid out something for you to wear. It’s laying on my bed. Why don't you go put it on while I clean the cake off my clothes?”

“
Sorry about dirtying you up a bit,” I say sheepishly, looking at the trail of white icing Malcolm is wearing. “I just couldn't think of a better way to conjure up a believable excuse for us to leave our own party.”

“
Don't be sorry,” Malcolm murmurs. “If you hadn't done something when you did, I would have.”

I smile at his statement because it completely erases the guilt I feel about my ploy to get us away from our party sooner rather than later. I reach out a hand to touch his chest again because I can't seem to control my need to be physically connected to him. I run my index finger through the streak of icing on his chest and bring it to my lips to taste the sweet confection.

Malcolm watches me as I suck the icing off my finger, and I see his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallows hard. I begin to wonder what his reaction would be to me eating the rest of the icing directly off his chest. I take a step closer to Malcolm, forcing him to drop his hand away from my face as I begin to lower my mouth to the streak of white marring his otherwise perfect skin. I glance up into his eyes before I begin and see that he’s watching me closely as he remains perfectly still. I take that as my cue to follow through with my desires. I know then that whatever I want, whatever I need to happen that night will be given to me by Malcolm.

As I begin to
lick the rest of the icing off, Malcolm's breathing becomes more labored. I lightly stroke my tongue against him, tasting the saltiness of his skin underneath the sweetness of the icing. I decide to be very thorough and take my time cleaning every single grain of sugar off because I can't seem to get enough of Malcolm and all I know is that I want more. I want everything.

Once I've completed the task to my satisfaction, I look back up into my husband's face and see his own pent up desires for me fully exposed in the heat of his gaze. Malcolm grabs hold of me and brings me fully up against him, ravishing my mouth with his lips and tongue in such a way that I’m left with no doubt he wants me just as much as I want him. When he finally does pull himself away from me, neither of us is breathing steadily, and I
’m certain if he let me go at that moment I would fall to my knees.

“
I've never wanted anyone like I want you right now, Anna,” Malcolm tells me, his voice raw with desire. I can feel his arms tremble as he controls his need to have me.

“
Then take me, Malcolm,” I almost beg because my longing to have him is just as great if not more so. I feel like I've waited my whole life for this moment. It's not just the sharing of our bodies that excites me, but the ability to finally show in actions and not just in words how much I love the man I've pledged my heart, body, and soul to. I want him to know just how much he's loved and that everything in his life up to this point, good and bad, was meant to happen. If one thing had been changed, it wasn't outside the realm of possibility that we might not have ever met.

Malcolm leans forward and kisses me on the forehead
lovingly, making me sigh in disappointment. It's a sure sign that he isn't going to throw caution to the wind and simply throw me down on the bathroom floor to have his way with me. He intends to keep to his original plan of making my first experience as gentle and pleasurable as he can make it.

“
Why don't you go put on what I left for you on my bed?” Malcolm suggests. “I'll clean up and be out shortly.”

I sigh, but don't say anything, just phase to the bedroom as he requested.

Laying on the thick red velvet comforter is a white negligee with thin spaghetti straps and a low cut V neckline with a lacy edge. The material looks extremely thin, and I can't imagine that it will leave much to the imagination.

I quickly shed my wedding dress, being careful to lay it out on a nearby chair. I
wouldn't disrespect Millie's gift to me by simply letting it lie on the floor in a crumpled heap. I slip on the nightgown and find that it only reaches down to just above my knees. I take out the pin in my hair and let the heavy mass of curls fall freely past my shoulders. I also unhook the earrings and lay them on the nightstand beside the bed.

Malcolm comes out of the bathroom shortly after dressed in his dark green bathrobe. He walks over to the fireplace and stands in front of it. The red-orange
glow from the flames accentuates the angles of his face as light fights shadow. The beauty of my husband completely takes my breath away, and I almost feel unworthy to have a man like him love me. Almost.

His eyes find mine easily in the near dark of the room, and he makes one simple, softly spoken request.

“Come to me, Anna.”

I hesitate.

I don't hesitate because I don't want to go to Malcolm, that's not it at all. I hesitate because I suddenly feel the flutter of nervous butterflies inside my stomach. This is it. This is the moment I've been waiting so long for. It's the first time since we met that I feel any trepidation in making love with Malcolm. It’s only then that I realize his decision to make our first time together an unhurried experience for me was extremely wise. He probably knew I would eventually feel this uncertainty and wanted to walk me through it gradually, not rush me along just to satiate his own burning desires. I knew I would be relying on his skills that night.

For a fleeting moment, I imagine the rest of our lives together and see a multitude of moments such as this one. Each flash of our imagined future together only confirms for me that
we were always meant to be. Neither of our lives would have been made whole without the other one.

I pluck up my courage and walk over to Malcolm, feeling my body become flush with excitement and nervous anticipation. As I stand in front of him, I feel uncertain about what to do next and simply put my faith and trust in him to guide me through with a gentle hand.

Malcolm doesn’t touch me right away. Instead, he walks around to the back of me, gingerly pulling my hair off my shoulders, better exposing my neck.

I feel him undo the latch of my necklace and remove it from
around my throat only to replace it with another necklace.

I reach up a hand and feel the
braided silk choker that has a star encrusted with gems dangling from the middle.

“
I know we haven't exactly talked about it,” Malcolm says. “But I thought it would be prudent to delay having children until your mission is complete.”

“
I agree,” I tell him. “There's no way of knowing what the seals would do to them.”

“
This necklace was made by JoJo. She's also the one who made your outfit. As long as you wear it, you won't get pregnant.”

“
She sounds like she was a very resourceful person to have around.”

“
She was,” Malcolm says, letting his fingers linger around my neck after latching the necklace's catch. “I'll tell you more about her sometime but not right now.”

The instant I feel
Malcolm's warm lips press against the side of my throat my eyes close of their own accord. The unhurried movement of his lips and tongue produce a pleasurable torment, heightening my need to have him. Malcolm gently sucks the sensitive flesh where my neck and shoulder meet, making every inch of my body come alive and crave more. As he slowly works his mouth up the side of my neck, I sigh my contentment and simply wonder what will happen next.

“
Anna,” Malcolm whispers in my ear, tugging at the bottom of my earlobe with his teeth, “open your eyes, my love.”

“
Why?” I ask, instantly abiding by his request. I’m only curious about his answer. I would never second-guess Malcolm's motives

“
Because I want you to watch everything I do to your body,” he whispers. “I want you to see how much pleasure it gives me to make you feel how much I love you, how much I want you.”

Malcolm splays his fingers against the small of my back, spanning its width. He slowly glides his hands over the thin veil of fabric, reaching around to the front of me until they come to rest on my abdomen. Malcolm angles his hands upward until each breast is cupped within the warmth of his palms. He gently teases my nipples with the tips of his fingers, sending tiny sparks of electricity throughout my body with each new twist and tug.

Malcolm brings his body firmly up against mine from behind as he continues to tease my breasts with his hands. I gasp slightly when I feel the proof of his desire push itself into my lower back. I feel a moment of unease as I sense the fullness of him, realizing just how well-endowed Malcolm is compared to how small I am.

“
Are you all right?” Malcolm asks, returning his lips to the side of my neck. “Your heart’s racing.”

“
How can my heart not race when you make love to me?” I ask, leaning even further back against him and allowing his loving manipulation of my body to wipe away any nervousness I might feel.

“
If you need me to stop at any time,” he breathes against my neck, “I will, Anna. You just have to tell me.”

“
Don’t you dare stop,” I say, feeling my heartache with just the thought of Malcolm not making love to me that night. “I’ve waited for this moment for far too long. I trust you with my heart and my body, Malcolm.”

One of Malcolm's hands leaves the breast it holds to slide down past the flat pla
in of my stomach. I feel his fingers work to gather the material of my nightgown until his hand is able to go beyond the hem and caress a part of me that no one, besides myself, has ever touched. A gasp parts my lips as Malcolm slides his fingers into the folds and gently coaxes the core of me into a frenzy of sensations.