Fade Out (The Morganville Vampires #7)(84)
He leans in close to my ear, sending a shiver of yearning through my body. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispers. “How long do receptions last…because I’m not sure I can wait to get you out of that dress.”
I laugh. And like that, this moment is perfect. Ryder is perfect for me.
* * *
Ryder
“I thought Becca was going to pass out when she tasted the wedding cake,” Ari says. “You so should’ve prepared her for that.”
“And what?” I say, wrapping my arms around her tighter, bringing her close. “Ruin the surprise? It was totally worth it.” The wedding cake was the one responsibility Ari’s stepmother allotted me. And I made my only contribution to our wedding count: carrot cake.
She shakes her head. “You’re too much,” she says, her amber eyes glistening in the starlight.
“And you’re my wife, Misses Nash.”
I lean in and capture her soft lips with mine. I will never tire of tasting her, of desiring her.
The low, melodic chime of classical music surrounds the balcony, and our movements slow, the dance forgotten as I lose myself in the feel of her. I’d wait all over again, fight through every barrier ceaselessly, if that’s what it took to get here with her.
Pulling back, she says, “I’m happy she could make it, Ryder. Your mom looked so happy.”
A pang resonates in my chest. “She did.” When Jake showed up with our mother, it was more than a surprise. She stopped treatments a few months ago, and her doctors said she most likely wouldn’t live past this year—that’s why Ari decided to officially give us a wedding date.
Still, I didn’t think her health would allow for her to attend the wedding. And even though I was reluctant to invite my brother, Ari asked that I trust her. Having him there was worth the discomfort to see my mother happy.
“So, Vee was in on this scheme, too,” I say.
She nods, swaying lightly in my arms. “Yep. We’re a bunch of sneaky sneaks.”
“Maybe we should’ve paired her up with Jake…” I start, then reconsider. Jake is the last person I’d wish on one of Ari’s best friends. Although he’s trying to do better, he’s still a far ways away.
“She was really okay with Gavin. And she’ll find someone again…she’s just going through some stuff right now.” Ari looks away. She’s worried about her friend, but trying not to darken our moment. Gavin gave me the clipped replay of what went down between them to finally end things, but I know there’s more to it.
“Besides,” she says, grazing her fingers along the back of my neck, bringing all my attention back on her. “I think they did have a little fun together decorating your car.”
“Ah, no. I don’t believe for a second that was all their idea.” I mock glower at her, and she struggles to hide her knowing smile. “Just married spelled out with spoiled milk and condoms… You finally took your payback, huh?”
“I plead the fifth,” she says.
I swoop down and lift her into my arms, loving the contented squeal she gives me. I walk us toward the private hot tub of our suite, and her eyes go wide.
“Ryder, you know that I’m not materialistic…but this dress does not deserve a chlorine bath.”
I lower her, gently setting her feet to the tile floor. Then I move behind her and take the clasp of her dress. Pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder, I drag the zipper down slowly, reveling in her shaky exhale, the tremble of her body against mine.
“I would never…” I say near her ear. As I push the dress down her body, my hands mapping every delicate curve, I run my lips along her neck, sending a heated breath of desire over her skin.
“Oh, you so would,” she says, her playful tone giving way to passion. “But I prefer this way much more.” Turning in my arms, she lifts up on her toes to kiss me.
Bending at the knee, I grasp the back of her thighs and lift her against me. She wraps her legs around my waist, and I release a low groan. “I, on the other hand, have no qualms about ruining a rented tux,” I say, taking us toward the edge of the hot tub.
She only has a second to gasp as I begin to lower us into the water before my lips are back on hers. I hold her to me as I submerge us below the bubbles. My hands slide over her slick skin, my mouth devouring hers, and I quake with need as she expertly works my tux open, connecting us skin to skin.
“Oh, no,” she says, pushing back. “We had a deal.” She begins to refasten her bra as she sits up, her legs still straddling my waist.
“You’re kidding me,” I say. “It’s our wedding night. We have to consummate, Ari. It’s the rule.” I roam my hand up her thigh. “I promise, I’ll finish it. Tonight, even. Just later.”
She shakes her head. “You’ve been saying that for a month. What are you waiting for? You brought your laptop, right?” She runs her hands over my chest, working a long groan from me. “Finish the last chapter…and then I’ll consummate the hell out of you.” Her wicked smile heats my blood.
I reach up and cup her cheek. Bringing her face close to mine, I say, “I’ve been waiting for you—for this day, for this moment. And I won’t know how to complete the book until we finish this scene…” Then I seize her lips.