Page 52

Maverick’s grin shone big when he heard me agree to have a honeymoon. He led me to his Harley, which we’d parked near the dunes. I hoisted my dress slightly, laughing at the absurdity, freshly married, riding off on a motorcycle in my gown. He tossed me his helmet. I slipped it on, knowing I probably looked ridiculous.

We roared off, leaving the wedding party behind on the beach. The ocean wind whipped over us, headlights carving a path through the night. My arms wrapped around Maverick’s torso, cheek pressed to his leather clad back. A thrill pulsed in my veins.

This was our future, wild, free, and together.

We arrived at a quaint bed-and-breakfast perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Atlantic. Fairy lights twinkled around the porch railings, a warm glow beckoning us inside. The owner greeted us with a polite nod, handing over a key to a snug room on the second floor. She barely blinked at my dress or Maverick’s biker attire, as if used to all kinds of visitors.

The room was small but charming, with an iron-framed bed, lace curtains, and a window revealing moonlit waves crashing below. The gentle lull of the ocean echoed through the walls. Maverick set our small overnight bag in the corner, then turned to me, eyes alight with both tenderness and desire.

I exhaled, letting the excitement of the day slip away. “This is nice,” I whispered, stepping closer.

He wrapped his arms around me, the smell of leather and sea salt flooding my senses. “Yeah. Real nice.” He brushed a thumb over my cheek, his voice thick. “My princess. My ol’ lady. My wife.”

My breath hitched. “My husband,” I murmured back, tilting my head for his kiss.

Our lips met, soft at first, then deepening as the weight of every obstacle we’d overcome melted into that moment. He carefully slipped the lace straps from my shoulders, guiding me toward the bed, each movement carrying reverence.

The night stretched on in blissful warmth, me losing myself in Maverick’s kisses, his hands tracing every line of my still-recovering body. But he never once made me feel less than beautiful. A tear slipped down my cheek as he whispered how perfect I was, how grateful he felt. We moved together in a slow dance of rediscovered intimacy, each whisper, each caress a vow of devotion.

But the night turned. Maverick stopped our lovemaking all together. “Lexi, I have to tell you something.”

My heart was in my throat as I worried for more trouble on the horizon. “What is it?”

“This isn’t me. This sweetness. It’s just an act,” Maverick admitted, hanging his head.

“What do you mean?” I croaked, on the verge of tears.

“No. I love it, I love you, anything with you, but I don’t want to scare you.”

“Maverick, what are talking about? Scare me?”

“I have some kinks. And I’ve been holding back, trying not to scare you off,” he said, his voice real low.

“Okay, what do you mean by kinks?” I pictured him in a leather mask with a whip and grimaced.

Maverick blew out a breath. “I can’t really describe it, not in words. Princess, basically, I want to tie you to the bed. You’ll have little control over what’s happening. Some of it might seem… harsh. It might hurt a little, especially if I decide to spank you or to test your limits. But I promise, you’ll love it.”

Spank me? Tie me to the bed? Test my limits? Maverick had no clue about the smut that’d read. “That actually sounds pretty amazing,” I said offering my wrists to him, though I was still nervous as hell. Reading was one thing, but in reality, fuck… I was really moist.

Maverick proceeded to secure me to the iron bars of the bed. My naked body was laid out for him to do whatever he pleased. Tugging on the tie, I had no control. Maverick’s hot and hard naked body loomed over me. Fuck. This was naughty, hot, and I was on pins and needles, anticipating his next move.

“This first time, I’ll be gentle,” he promised.

And by the time he finally slid his dick into me, I got off almost instantly. Then Maverick had another command. He planned to go again, and all night. Taking me to the big whirlpool tub, he planned for me to keep up with his stamina.

“Are you up to it, Ms. Hart?”

Sinking into the water with him, I was more than happy to oblige. But when he slipped his arms around me and shoved a butt plug into my ass, I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t have second thoughts.

“That’s going to stay in while I wash every inch of you,” Maverick said in a hungry voice. “His soapy fingers slipped down my breasts and inside my pussy.”

I gulped. “And what do you get out of this?” I asked, clearly the winner.

“I enjoy watching you squirm. Believe me, I’ll get mine once you’re ready.”

I was living a romance all right, but I’d leaped right out of Jane Austen into Fifty Shades.

Eventually, we drifted off in a tangle of limbs, totally spent, moonlight spilling across the bedspread. I was sore in the most amazing ways as I felt like the biker took my virginity anew. The first time had been easy. Now, the biker was introducing me to his actual wants and needs. I felt like a fish out of water all over again, but for the moment, I was one sated fish.

A gentle breeze carried the distant roar of waves, lulling us to a dreamless sleep, content in the knowledge that this was the beginning of a real marriage, one built on choice, love, freedom and an amazing chemistry in the bedroom. I looked forward to learning all about Maverick’s desires and wanted to satisfy all of them.

At dawn, I stirred to the soft glow of sunrise edging through the lace curtains. Maverick still slept, arms around my waist, face relaxed. For a fleeting moment, I watched him, marveling at how his rugged features looked almost boyish in sleep. My husband. He looked so much like our baby Adam. The thought rippled with joy.

A quiet knock sounded on the door. I gently extricated myself from Maverick’s embrace, slipping on a robe. The owner had left a small breakfast tray outside, fresh croissants, jam, coffee. I carried it inside, the aroma making my stomach rumble.

Maverick roused, blinking away sleep. He broke into a slow, lazy grin seeing me. “Hey there, Mrs. Hart,” he teased.

I giggled, passing him a coffee cup.

We ate in companionable silence, sipping coffee, sharing small smiles. The sunlight painted his scarred arms golden. He caught me staring, lips curling in amusement.

“What?” he asked, brushing a crumb from his lip.

I shrugged, cheeks warm.

And I can’t believe you got so much work done in the last year.” I spoke of the tattoos he’d gotten covered up. When I looked at him, I would no longer be reminded of his other women.

“I needed a fresh start.”

“Just… can’t believe we’re finally here. Married, happy, no one chasing us.”

He nodded, hand sliding to interlace our fingers. “We still gotta figure out the rest. I leave this week, and it’s going to be hard. But this is ours, princess. No one can take it.” He lifted my hand, pressing a kiss to my ring. “I promise.”

I swallowed, heart tight with gratitude. “Thank you. For everything. For saving me, for being patient, for loving me when I felt unlovable.”

He set his coffee aside, pulling me into his arms. “You were never unlovable,” he murmured. “And you saved me, too, from a life of running with no purpose.”

I rested my head on his shoulder, letting the moment wash over me. Outside, the ocean crashed, a steady reassurance. We had battles left. But we’d face them together, forging a path that included our son, our friends, maybe even a new law practice for me one day.

For now, we savored the gift of a day without fear, cradled in each other’s arms, the vow of forever sealed in the hush of this seaside dawn.

The End For Now