Beyond Christmas (Corrupt Chaos MC #1.5) Read online

  “When ye find the pickle on Christmas morning, ye get an extra present.”

  “Right, I’ve gathered as much. But seeing as though I’m the only person who could’ve won, it makes the prize rigged. So, what’s in the box?” I shake the gift in front of me with a playful attitude, and Lachlan steals it from my hand. I try to steal it right back, but he’s too quick. In the blink of an eye, the bow is being torn off and the wrapping paper ripped to shreds.

  “Stop!” I squeal, slapping at his big hands. “That’s mine! Don’t open my present!”

  “Fine, as long as ye stop bein’ a pain in my bloody arse,” Lachlan muses with a chuckle, placing the unwrapped box in my hand. The pretty paper and bow are now in shambles, decorating our floor.

  “I will never stop being that,” I threaten.

  “Didnae think so. Now open the box. I know ye like presents.”

  He’s right. I do.

  “Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants.” Lifting the lid, I let it fall to the floor with the rest, and extract a littler black box that’s nestled inside. This box is um … I swallow thickly … It’s a…

  Lachlan kneels at my feet and my eyes go wide with shock. This can’t be happening! Tears of joy spring to my eyes, and my heart starts to beat out of my chest, slamming against my ribs, hoping to break free. Lost in emotion, I drop my towel by accident and it pools at my feet. Lachlan grins, making me feel funny inside as his own gaze mists over.

  “Wh—what are you—” I fumble, losing my words.

  Oh. My. God.

  Unable to control it, tears begin to trail down my cheeks. This can’t be real! Please tell me it’s a necklace and he’s merely kneeling to pick up the paper mess.

  “Open the box, my bonnie leannan.”

  Through blurry vision, my shaky fingers snap the lid back.

  Oh. My. It’s a ring. It’s a gorgeous ring!

  A torrent of tears start to stream down my cheeks. Lachlan plucks the ring from the box before I drop it to the floor. Covering my face with trembling hands, I begin to sob.

  “My leannan,” Lachlan prompts with the gentlest tone.

  “Yes?” I sniffle, rubbing the wetness away with the heel of my palms.

  “Ye’re the love of my life. I knew from the day I saved ye, that I couldn’t live without ye. Will ye make me the happiest bloody man on the planet and be my wife?”

  I can’t believe he’s asking me this…

  Without warning, a surplus of emotions crash through me—Fear; because I don’t know if I’ll ever be enough. Excitement; because I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. Guilt; for finding the love of my life after losing Brian. Happiness; because he’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Happiness and joy are what I cling to. I wrap it up, curl it around me and focus on how blessed I am to have this moment again in my life, on this day, with this man.

  Shuddering a breath, I nod and whisper a faint, “Yes.”

  “Aye?!” he beams, meeting my eyes.

  “Yes.” I giggle merrily.

  With unbelievable speed, Lachlan shoots up from the floor and envelopes me in his embrace. I melt into him, my cheek to his chest, listening to the cadence of his sturdy heart. Locking my arms around his torso, droplets of my liquid happiness dampen his chest hair. God, I adore this man.

  He presses tiny kisses to my clammy forehead. “I love ye,” he mutters.

  “I love you, too,” I blubber, nuzzling into his heat, trying to soak it in. My entire body is alight with emotions, every nerve ending oversensitive. I need to chill the heck out.

  Lachlan pries my left arm from around his waist. “Let me put yer ring on,” he remarks, using one hand to pull the ring from the box, then letting the velvet clatter to the floor. I offer my finger and he glides it on. The new weight on my hand feels perfect—just right. And, it fits. How did he know my size?

  Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I rest my chin on his chest to peer up at him as he stares down at me. “Do ye like it?” he asks.

  Biting my lip, I lift my hand to inspect the ring. I barely got a chance to look at it before.

  It’s perfect, isn’t it? White gold with a round diamond in the center, that’s surrounded by tons of littler diamonds on all sides. Even the band is encrusted in them.

  The Christmas tree lights catch the gems in just the right way to make them sparkle. It’s truly amazing.

  I rest my palm on Lachlan’s pec so I can continue to admire this ring and wrap my head around what happened. I think I’m still in shock. “Why’d you ask me today?” I regard him with a soft smile, wanting to ask why he even asked me to marry him in the first place. But I lock up those thoughts and keep them to myself, so it doesn’t sound like I’m complaining. I’m not. I’m over the frickity fracken moon.

  Seriously, I can’t believe it. I’m engaged … which means I’m getting married! Whoa, that’s a crazy notion. This is definitely something we never discussed. I’ve always assumed after spending seventeen years in marital hell with Meredith, that he’d be opposed to this. Luckily, I was wrong.

  Lachlan’s palm covers my hand that’s resting on him and smiles at me. It’s one of those rare ones that makes his eyes light up and his age lines crinkle. It showcases his contentment tenfold, as it makes my stomach heat and dip all at the same time. My heart even flutters at the sight. What this man does to me is crazy. If I didn’t know better, I’d say I’m a lovesick puppy. Shoot, who am I kiddin’? I know I am.

  “I wanted tae ask ye around Halloween, but it didnae seem like the right time. I was afraid ye’d say na,” he explains, barely above a whisper.

  Awe!

  Leaning in, I kiss the top of his hand. “I would always say yes to you.” It’s true. I would have said yes since the first time we ever made love—maybe even before. I guess we’ll never know.

  “Ye would?”

  “Yes; of course, I would.” I kiss his hand again, allowing my lips to linger there, bathing his skin in my hot breath. The urge to lick him is great, but I curb the need by taking a deep breath and focusing on his scent that invades my every cell. My nipples stiffen in succession, aching to be sucked.

  “That’s what I like tae hear.” Lachlan’s opposite hand slithers down my back, trailing goosebumps in its wake, and stops when he palms my bare bottom.

  Expelling a tiny growl, his hips pitch forward, grinding his rising thickness to my belly. “I like tae hear ye when ye do other things, too,” his voice grows husky.

  Shivering at his words, I succumb to temptation and taste his flesh. He flips his hand over at first touch and cuffs it around the back of my neck, as his other hoists me upward. Swift and without remorse, he takes my mouth, thrusting his tongue past my lips. Wet and hungry, we kiss, swirling and battling for more. In haste, air pumps from our lungs and our hearts hammer. I can feel his pounding against mine.

  Lachlan rumbles in his throat and lifts me a little higher until I’m forced to hook my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist.

  Starved, I go mad and grind my clit against him like a bitch in heat. Moans funnel from my throat and pass my lips, straight into our brutal kiss. He grips both of my cheeks with his fingers and digs them in, before he slides a finger through my crack and into my wetness.

  “Aye,” Lachlan groans to my mouth, tortuously gliding a finger into me. I shudder at the sensation. Moaning, I undulate my hips, seeking more—needing more—willing to beg for more.

  Back, back, back, Lachlan stumbles, his finger gently pumping in and out of my pussy. Then, he drops onto the couch and I gasp, severing our kiss as his thick finger bottoms out.

  Maneuvering to gain leverage, I straddle my fiancé, my knees pressed into the cushions of the couch, and I fuck his digit for all it’s worth. Roughly, I bounce, my nipples brushing his hard chest, making them throb.

  Suddenly, he tugs his finger away, and before I can complain, he replaces it with his wet cock. With a satisfied groan, I slide to its base, feeling that remarkable str
etch.

  “That’s it,” he rasps, cupping my breast and sucking my rigid bud into his mouth.

  I lose myself in him. Everything amplifies, making me acutely aware of his searing lips tugging in hard pulls. His goatee scraping my skin. The way his cock hits deep, forcing a moan to belt from my lungs.

  Arching my back, I heave my chest upward as I ride him, making him suck harder. Up, I move until his dick is just inside. Then I clench around the tip, feeling it twitch before slamming back down on his glorious length. He purrs a lecherous groan of appreciation, swirling his tongue around my nipple. I do it again and am rewarded with the same sound.

  Lost in pleasure, I impale myself on his dick, over and over. Sounds I didn’t know I could make fall from my lips, and he sucks harder, thrusting his hips to meet my downward strokes. My eyes lose focus, as my labored breathing and moans come in staccato notes. Sweat drips down the sides of my cheeks. My breasts bounce in his hands. He grasps them both, swapping from one to the other, teasing and taunting me with his nibbles and expert ministrations. Rocking my hips, I grind my clit as I fuck his iron perfection.

  Oh … yes…

  My insides burning hotter, molten ecstasy spills into my veins, traveling through my arms and legs, only stopping long enough to churn at my core. My stomach tenses and a spark of consuming elation ignites between my thighs. Everything coils tighter as I dig my nails into his shoulders, feeling the muscles protest under my strength.

  This is it … yes … I’m gonna…

  “Come for me,” Lachlan demands, thrusting into me so hard that I see stars before everything shatters. Throwing my head back, I scream my release as my pussy clamps around him. He drops my breasts to grab my hips.

  With brute force, Lachlan hammers into me, our skin slapping as he forces another crescendo of bliss to wash through me, catapulting me off the ledge. Unable to control myself, I wail in ecstasy, again and again, as orgasm after orgasm peaks and fizzles into oblivion, only to crest again. My brain turning to sated mush, I shudder in uncontrollable pleasure. The world becomes nothing, and all I can feel is him, hear his feral growls, and experience his pleasure mixing with the whirlwind of mine.

  “I’m—” Lachlan stills, leaving me a moment’s rest before he spills his seed into my depths while rumbling my name.

  Releasing a sigh, I collapse, becoming boneless. My head drops like a leaded weight on his shoulder.

  “Whoa,” I breathe, my damp chest sticking to his as it heaves to regulate.

  That was one of the best, if not the best sex I’ve ever had. Every part of me tingles in relaxed bliss. Even my eyeballs and tips of my toes are satisfied.

  I turn my head to nuzzle his neck. “Thank … you … for that.”

  Lachlan runs his hands up and down my damp back. “Fuck, I never thought sex could feel any better with ye. Then it does.” He pauses a beat to inhale deeply and release it slowly, his stomach quivering. “Bloody hell, ye’re gonna kill me.”

  “I hope not.” I chuckle lightly, too exhausted to make much noise. “I’d love to keep ya around for another thirty years or more.” I kiss his neck, running my tongue in tiny circles, savoring the saltiness that bathes my taste buds.

  “I think we need tae get washed up. We’ve got a long day ahead … Oh, and Merry Christmas, my leannan.” He squeezes me in a brief hug.

  “I already took a bath,” I remind, before adding, “Merry Christmas to you, too,” as I hug him in return.

  “Aye, but I just dirtied ye up. I need tae wash ye again.”

  Well, who could argue with that? Surely not me.

  “Whatever you bloody wish.” I giggle and kiss his neck once more.

  Shifting uncomfortably, he groans as his fingers dig into my butt in warning. “If ye keep doin’ that, I’m gonna have tae go another round.”

  I do it again out of spite. In response, his cock twitches against my pussy and I swivel my hips to tease him.

  Smack! Fire explodes from my bottom as he spanks me so hard that I shoot upright and mock glare at him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Hey! Don’t spank me.”

  He does it again, grinning devilishly. It stings something fierce and I truly glare at him this time.

  “That’s not very nice.”

  “Neither is my fiancée, tryin’ tae kill an old man when he just got done havin’ sex with her.”

  I roll my eyes at that one, even though I’m smiling like a dork on the inside for him calling me his fiancée. “You’re not old,” I contend.

  “A lot older than ye.”

  “Well, then, old man, pick up your fiancée and let’s take a bath. I would like to wash you, too.”

  He shakes his head, still grinning, as his fingers draw lazy circles over my burning backside. It dulls the ache. “Na way, Lassie. Puttin’ ye in the bath will end us up in trouble. Time tae shower, where I can at least keep my hands off ye half the bloody time. Aye?”

  “Yes, bossy butt.” I quickly peck his lips, then meet his gaze. “If you want to shower, then I suppose I gotta give that to you. But after Whisky’s, we’re making use of our bed.”

  “Deal.” His lips meet mine and kisses me ravenously until I’m left dizzy and ready for round two.

  With my head still swimming, he carries me to the bathroom and sets me on the countertop to cool down as he readies the shower for us both.

  Looks like it’s time to wash so I can show my fiancée off to his family. Ekkk! I can’t believe how wonderful today has been.

  Merry Christmas to me and you and the whole flippin’ world!

  Now I gotta shower with my man.

  C’ya soon.

  “Oh, my, fucking shit! Let me see that rock!” Whisky squeals, sprinting over and grabbing my hand as soon as Lachlan and I walk through the clubhouse’s barn doors. In her iron grip, she drags me over to the small group of women, who are tending to the tables littered with fresh food. Even those are festive, covered in Christmas print cloths.

  Whisky holds up my hand, allowing Penny, Bridget, Rosie, and Fawn to admire the beautiful thing. I get a little squeamish being under their appraisal, but their genuine smiles and coos of delight simmer my nerves.

  “It looks even better on!” Bridget claps, bouncing on her heels, and smiling so huge I should probably shield my eyes.

  “Who knew he had this?”

  “Out of us? Just Pip and I. He told us in October he was thinkin’ about proposing. But he didn’t let me see the ring. Only Pip got to inspect it,” Whisky explains, bumping her shoulder to mine with glee. “You’re gonna be my sister-in-law,” she beams, and I beam right back.

  “Aye, she is,” my beloved intrudes, joining our little girl circle, along with Cas, who slides between Fawn and Bridget, throwing his arms over their shoulders. Once again, he makes Bridget uncomfortable, but she tolerates him. Lachlan’s arms fold around my middle, his warmth and scent enveloping me. I sigh.

  “So are you two gonna have kids?” Penny asks.

  “No!” I blurt at the same time Lachlan says, “Aye.”

  I peer at him over my shoulder, my brows pinched in trepidation. “We’re having children?”

  His own face is serious. “We’re not?”

  “You want more kids?” I can’t believe we are having this conversation right here, right now. I don’t think it’s the proper place, but I guess it’s gonna happen whether I want it to or not.

  He jerks a nod. “Aye, I want more kids. Pip and I already talked aboot it. She doesn’t care. I think she’d even be happy tae have a couple little brothers and sisters.”

  Whoa! What?! He must have really thought a lot about this if he talked to Bridget ahead of time. How is it he has our future all planned out, and I don’t even get a say in it? Do I love children? Yes, of course. However, I’m in my thirties and Lachlan’s in his forties. I know some people are okay with being parents late in life. Not me. I want to enjoy him and our life with Bridget. Then, when the time comes, we’ll have grandchildren. That’s all I
need—him and her. That’s what matters. Not more children. Not when he’ll be in his sixties before they even graduate from high school.

  Spinning around, I cup his jaw with my hand, running my thumb over the apple of his cheek. “I don’t want children, Lachlan. I just want you, Bridget, and our family like it is. I want us to grow old together, have Pirate, and then when Bridget has kids, we’ll have grandbabies. But, we’re not young anymore and I’m happy with our family the way it is.”

  His face deflates, frowning. I want to cry. “Ye dinnae want a baby with me?”

  Oh, no, not those weepy eyes. I can’t stand those weepy teal eyes. “If our lives were different, then yes. But I just want us. We’ll get married—”

  “On New Year’s,” he cuts me off, and my eyes morph into saucers.

  How did we not talk about this before? Today, we were too engrossed in our little love bubble of us washing each other in the shower, and him helping me cook meatloaf. After, he put me on the kitchen counter and gave me three orgasms with his mouth. Then, we freshened up and made out like horny teenagers on the couch while the meatloaf cooked. Once it was finished, we headed over here with the food and a load of presents. We didn’t spend any of the time talking about the important things. Maybe we should have discussed this before.

  “We’ll leave you two to confer.” Whisky pats me on the shoulder and the group disperses.

  Briefly, I rake our surroundings before returning my attention to Lachlan. There’s an enormous Christmas tree in the middle of the barn that nearly touches the ceiling. It’s decorated with huge ornaments and lights. Little heaters are chugging hot air into the room to keep us toasty, and the smell of the food is making my mouth water. From the looks of it, all of the men are here, wearing their vests and drinking beer. It’s just like the club parties, but there are more family members in attendance. Even Whisky and Sniper’s boys have come out to party.

  “We really shouldn’t be talking about this here.” I gesture to the room, hoping to delay this discussion until later.

  “Ye dinnae wanna marry me on New Year’s?” He changes the subject back to the one I am dying to stay away from. My stomach balls into a knot.