Forced: A Bad Boy Billionaire Romance (The Blackthorn Brothers Book 1) (18 page)

The night air was brisk, but between the fire and Ash’s warm, muscular body, as we sat back in the lounger with me nestled between his legs, I was warm enough. He’d even set up a tent for us, and though I wasn’t sure how comfortable it’d be, I really didn’t care. As long as he was by my side, it’d be amazing—and something I’d wanted to do since I was kid. But my parents…they weren’t the outdoorsy type, and truth be told, as much as I was enjoying myself, I was pretty clueless when it came to this sort of thing, and so I’d never attempted it on my own. And though we were just in Ash’s backyard, it couldn’t be more perfect.

It was getting late—not that I was in the mood to sleep. Shifting in Ash’s arms, I leaned back into him and pressed my lips to his neck, trailing kisses over his stubbled skin and raking my teeth over his pulse. His hold on me tightened and then his hands skimmed my curves as he pinched my nipple while his other hand dipped down to tease my clit through the fabric of my jeans.

I couldn’t suppress my groan, my hips tilting to meet his touch. “Keep that up, and I won’t be able to stop myself from fucking you, right here, out in the open.”

“No fucking until we’re married, little bird.” Not that it kept him from undoing my jeans and slipping his hand against my skin, making me wish I’d worn a skirt. His expert fingers stroked my clit and teased my opening as I gripped his arm, trying to keep from gasping when he plunged deep inside me.

“Please tell me you’ll let me come, at least. ’Cause if not, then you’re just being mean.” I knew he’d have no problem getting me all worked up and then leaving me that way until after we were married.

“As tempting as that might be, no…I want nothing more than to hear you crying out my name into the dark of night.” Finding a torturously slow rhythm, he finger-fucked me until my body melted into his, and I could think of nothing but the promise of a mind-blowing orgasm.

“Keep that up and you’re going to get your wish.” My words were spoken on a ragged breath, as his deft fingers hit all the right spots while his palm pressed against my clit, applying just enough friction to have my head spinning.

“I fucking love it when you’re like this, Wren…” He pressed his lips to my cheek, the gesture so sweet, and such a contrast to the wickedness he was inflicting.

And just like he’d wanted, I cried out his name in a mantra as pleasure tore through me, leaving me to ride one wave of pleasure after another, my body quivering in his strong arms. And as I lay there against his body, my breathing still ragged as he shielded me in his embrace from the cruel world, my heart could belong to no one but him, despite the fact that it was weighed down heavy with my guilt.

“I love you, Ash…with all my heart, I love you.” And then I was turning around to face him, catching his mouth in a hungry kiss as I climbed into his lap, straddling his muscular thighs as my cunt pressed against his hard cock and I rocked my hips along his length. He gripped my waist and caught my mouth in a hard kiss, his tongue dancing over mine, my clit sensitive from having just come, and yet I still needed him with such desperation, even if this wasn’t about me.

“Little bird… You’re fucking killing me.” The need in his voice, the urgency, only made me want him more, so I could think of nothing but submitting to him, needing to give him pleasure and to have him claim me as his own.

I reached down between us to undo the button and zipper on his jeans, freeing his long erection from the constraining fabric, and then sank to my knees, loving how he groaned when I took him in my mouth, his fingers sinking into my hair. His pre-cum was salty on my tongue, as I teased him and worked my way down his shaft, eagerly sucking him.

He thrust up into my mouth, almost as if unable to hold back, his head dropping onto his chest as he watched me take him, our eyes locked on each other’s. And knowing that I was giving him pleasure only spurred me on, my pace increasing as I moaned against his shaft, knowing he could feel the vibrations.

I took him deeper, trying not to panic as his cock slid down my throat, blocking my airway…and yet, that flicker of panic only turned me on, my cunt aching to have him. I wanted all of him, especially when he took control, knotting his fingers in my hair to try to control my pace and how deep I took him. And yet he knew me…knew what would turn me on, knew that I liked how it felt when I was no longer the one in control.

“That’s it, love…take me deep… Fucking hell, that’s good…”

I couldn’t keep my pace from quickening, even as I stole breaths of air between his thrusts, my own clit throbbing and heavy. And then he was coming with a grunt, his cock pulsing deep down my throat as he shot his cum and I swallowed all he had to give me.

His breathing was still heavy as he pulled free of my lips and gathered me up off the ground and into his arms, his briny taste on my tongue even as he kissed me and carried me off to the tent, so we could sleep under the stars.

And tomorrow, we’d be married—and just maybe, I’d finally find a bit of happiness.

I stood there at the front door of what would soon be our home together and kissed Ash, my arms wrapped around his neck as I held onto him. “Please…don’t go. I don’t care about stupid superstitions.”

“I love you, Wren. It’ll be all right… You have my word. I’ll send a car to come get you at noon. Okay?” He caught my mouth in a toe-curling kiss, brushing my face with gentle fingers, before leaving me to get ready for our wedding.

I knew by the way he’d been looking at me, he was worried that the moment he left, I’d hop in my car and take off—and yet, I couldn’t run. Couldn’t risk having my father take out his anger on innocent people in retaliation for my defiance.

Trying to stay optimistic, I hopped in the shower, and then started to get ready, knowing my friend, Lizzie, would be here soon—and she was, by the time I finished my hair and makeup. I answered the door and pulled her into a hug, wearing one of Ash’s flannel shirts so I could easily get changed without messing up my hair. “I can’t thank you enough for coming. I know it was short notice.”

Flashing me a huge smile filled with excitement, Lizzie was gorgeous as ever with her wavy red hair and adorable freckles. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. And I can’t believe you’re finally marrying Ash after all this time.”

“I can’t believe it either.”

There was something unnerving about standing at the altar on your wedding day, wondering if your bride would actually show up or if you’d be left waiting there until it became embarrassingly and heartbreakingly obvious that you’d been jilted and you wouldn’t be getting married.

But as my mother slipped into her seat in front of the small crowd that we had gathered, she caught my gaze and gave me a nod and a reassuring smile. I finally let go of the breath I’d been holding—and then my brother, Slater, filled the garden space with the delicate sounds of his guitar as he played Pachelbel’s Canon.

Lizzie came into view, down the garden path, and though she looked lovely in a pretty gown of smoky lilac, my gaze immediately fell on Wren, her arm linked with her father’s.

And I swore, I’d never in my whole life seen anyone look more beautiful. She stole my very breath and sent my heart soaring. Her hair was loosely pulled back and adorned with a delicate silver headpiece, while stray locks were left to frame her face. And her dress…it suited her perfectly, bohemian and ethereal. Even Sammie was there, trotting by Wren’s side with a lilac bow around her collar.

Wren kissed her father’s cheek, and handed her flowers and the leash to Lizzie, before turning to face me as I stepped forward to take her hand in mine, feeling it tremble just a little. I couldn’t help but lean in and steal a quick kiss, my head bent to hers. “You look beautiful, little bird.”

With our eyes locked on each other’s and her hands in mine, the rest of the ceremony felt like a bit of a blur, my focus entirely on her. But then we were speaking our vows, and Finn was handing me the rings, Wren’s smile mirroring my own as we slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers.

It felt like the whole world shifted in that moment when we were pronounced husband and wife. And…fucking hell…we were actually married. I pulled her into my arms and kissed her like my life depended on it, as our friends and family clapped and cheered, and then we were walking down the aisle, hand in hand.

I led Wren toward the back of the garden, wanting a bit of privacy. Wrapping my arm around her slender waist, I cupped her face and nuzzled her as I brushed my lips against hers in a kiss. “I love you, Wren.”

“I love you, too.” She gave me a smile, and yet she still looked so worried.

A part of me wanted to let it go, figuring she’d eventually come around, and now that we were married, it was a done deal. But Wren was now my wife, and I wanted more than anything for her to be happy. This was no longer about keeping my family safe. “I know this was a big step in our lives, but if there’s anything you need, love…just ask. Because your happiness and safety mean everything to me, and I don’t want you feeling unsure of what’s between us.”

“I don’t want you worrying about me. Everything’s fine, Ash. It’s just nerves. And you do make me happy. You’re the only one who ever has.” And then she was going up onto her toes to kiss me, distracting me from my concerns. “Come on… Everyone will be waiting for us.”

And then I spotted him.
Fucking hell…when had Conor gotten here?
“I can’t fucking believe it…” Closing the distance between us, I pulled him into a huge hug, having missed him. Though I was close to all my brothers, Conor was the next oldest, and we’d always been great friends.

“Paige and the baby weren’t up for traveling, though she sends you her love. I’m just sorry I couldn’t have been here earlier. There were all sorts of delays—though I did catch your vows. And fuck, man…but you guys look happy, and of course, Wren…you look lovely, as always.” He gave us a huge smile and held up his camera, which he was never without, since he made a living as a photographer. He’d been the only one of us who had decided long ago not to go into the family business. “Got some great pictures of the ceremony—and I’ll be sure to get more of the reception.”

“It’s good to have you back.” And it truly was, especially when I’d soon be able to give him news that this nightmare would be over. Maybe Wren and I could go pay him and his family a visit in Ireland, since I didn’t get back there often enough.

The rest of the day was a bit of a blur, though the food was fantastic, the drink was plentiful, and the cake was delicious. And though I was eager to get Wren back into my bed, there was still one thing I needed to take care of.

I kissed Wren on the cheek as she chatted with a few of her friends and excused myself, having spotted Turner at the bar. I made my way over to him, wanting to finally put this mess behind me. “We need to talk.”

“I’m a man of my word, Ash. And I don’t know how you managed to get Wren to marry you willingly, but I’m relieved to know she’s happy.” Turner took a long sip of his whiskey, before setting down his glass. “Evan will take care of your issue tonight. Your family is safe, Ash.”

“I want their name. If there’s any backlash, I need to know where it’s coming from.” Though I’m sure Turner could find ways to be persuasive, his power would wane once he was gone, and though things might die down, given that my family and I would no longer be players in that world, I needed to stay vigilant.

“You’ll get their names once Evan takes care of the matter.” It wasn’t the answer I was looking for, but it’d have to do. “Are you sure you don’t want to take over in my place? Seems like a waste—especially when I spent my whole life building my business.”

“I’m sorry, but no. I’m done with this life, Turner, and so is Wren.” And it had never felt better to walk away from something.

We eventually made our escape to the cheers of our family and friends as we drove off. “We could head to a hotel, if you want…go somewhere for our honeymoon…”

I felt like a bit of a shit for not having more planned for our wedding night, but I swore to myself, I’d make it up to her.

“Home is fine for tonight. And as for our honeymoon, we can figure it out. It’s not like we had a whole lot of time to plan things. And…with my dad sick…” She didn’t have to elaborate on the matter further, since we both knew her father didn’t have very long, even if he did his best to hide it, for appearances’ sake.

“It can wait, love.” We had our whole lives ahead of us now, and there was no need to rush things, especially given how fast we’d gotten back together.

Despite being seat-belted in, she leaned across the middle console, and nestled herself against my side as I draped my arm over her shoulder and kissed the top of her head, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that we were now married. “Is my dad going to…you know…take care of things now? Will your family be safe?”

“I sure as hell hope they will be. And yes…your dad’s having Evan take care of the matter tonight.” Though what exactly that entailed, I didn’t want to know. I wouldn’t put anything past the two of them.

“I’m sorry it couldn’t have been a simple matter. But I’m glad you and your family won’t have to worry anymore.” She pressed her lips to the curve of my neck, trailing kisses to my cheek. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Wren. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now. Till death do us part.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.”