Page 48 of Complete Me

Clara watched them across the room, warmth spreading through her chest. She had tried to stay out of her parents’ affairs—or rather, her father’s affairs—but it hadn’t always been easy. She knew better than anyone though that marriages had to be fixed from within. Both parties had to make it want to work in order for there to be compromise and cooperation. Her parents had stayed together this long. She could only that their new-found companionship blossomed into the romance they had once shared.

Alexander appeared at her side and followed the direction of her sight. Then he placed his arm around her, pulling him closer to him. Elizabeth babbled on her mother’s hips, still in a plaid sleeper from last night. The two had decided to keep their Christmas surprise a secret for a little while longer. But he couldn’t help but grin as he thought of Madeline Bishop’s welcome to him the day before. If more grandchildren was what she wanted, he would be happy to oblige.

If only every day could be like Christmas, he thought. Seeing the peace on his wife’s face and the giddiness overwhelming his daughter made him wish he could spirit them both away to the Scottish countryside and spend every morning like this.

“We’ll need another room to put all of her toys in,” Clara said dryly.

“Imagine how bad it will be next year,” he whispered. He had yet to decide if he hoped to buy a train set or a doll next year. With any luck, he would get to do both. Twins had run in the Royal family in generations past.

Clara’s eyes narrowed as she watched the gears turn in his head. “What are you plotting, X?”

“My Christmas present,” he told her in a lowered voice.

A rosy flush heated her cheeks. “What about my Christmas present?”

“You can unwrap that later,” he reassured her with a smug smile.

It was his signature crooked grin. The one that had caught her attention the day they met and the one that had held it after subsequent day after. She wanted to kiss that smirk right off his face, but she knew where that would lead. After last night, she was still exhausted.

“Actually,” he said, lifting a small box he’d been hiding in his other hand, “I did get you something.”

But Clara’s eyes didn’t fall on the actual present, they zeroed in on the ivory envelope on top that had been sealed with red wax stamped with the letter X. If it was anything like the notes he used to send her, its contents weren’t family friendly.

“Maybe I should open that later.”

“Open it now.” He reached for Elizabeth.

Stepping to the side, so that she was out of sight, she slid her index finger under the flap, breaking the seal, and withdrew the handwritten note inside.

Poppet,

I’ve been remiss at sending you these little notes. I took for granted having you next to me and forgot the need to romance you. I told myself once that if I ever got the chance to reclaim your heart I would never let a day go by without earning it. I’ve failed at that. But from this day forward I am going to prove my commitment to you and our children.

Clara swallowed back the tears that were creeping into her throat. But it was as if Alexander had suspected this might happen, because as the note continued it shifted from sentimental to sensual.

You should also know that I don’t plan to let ten days go by without worshipping your body. I realize that might be difficult, considering your condition, but I’m willing to try. My hands. My cock. My mouth. They exist to serve your pleasure, and I will spend every day for the rest of my life to touch, to lick, to bite, to suck, to kiss, and to make love to you.

For always,

X

“You can open your present now,” he told her huskily.

Clara gasped at the sudden interruption. His words had taken her to another place, and she needed a second to recover. Tearing open the paper, she found a long jewelry box. She flipped open the lid to discover a stunning ruby bracelet. The gems were held in place by criss-crossing slashes of gold. They formed tiny x’s all the way around. It was a message: X was reclaiming his territory.

“Help me put it on,” she whispered. It took a moment, given that Elizabeth decided to help her parents out. But when it was safely clasped, Clara studied it. “It’s perfect.”

“So are you.” He brushed a kiss over her forehead.

“Have you ever seen such a disgusting display of affection?” Lola said under her breath to Belle. Both were unabashedly staring at the love scene playing out across the room.

“You’re jealous.” It wasn’t an accusation. But rather a statement. Lola had told her that she didn’t want a relationship, but it was becoming obvious that she did.

“So what?” Lola shrugged. “My sister managed to snag one of the sexiest and most powerful men in the world, and he looks at her like he won the prize. Why wouldn’t I be jealous?”

“You’ll find him,” Belle promised.

“I’m beginning to suspect that he doesn’t exist.” It was the first time she had admitted that part of her was still looking for Mr. Right.