Then Came Absolution (Southern Love #3) Read online

  Lily started to cry. “I’m so glad he’s okay.”

  Paul breathed a sigh of relief while he held Alexandra.

  Alexandra rubbed his back and kissed his chin.

  Paul looked down at her then rubbed his nose against hers before he approached the bed. He stared at his father for a moment before he patted him on the arm. “Mom would have killed you if you died.”

  Toby and Daisy laughed. Even Lily smiled.

  Toby leaned toward his father. “That means no heavy cream, bacon, or steak for you.”

  Their father gave a faint moan, and everyone laughed.

  “I think he can hear us.” Lily glided her fingers over his knuckles.

  “If he can, he hates us,” Daisy said with a smile.

  Paul patted his mother on the back. “Mom, I’m sure you haven’t slept in days. Go home and rest. Alexandra and I will watch him.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t sleep without him anyway. This is where I belong.”

  “Are you sure?” Toby asked.

  “Run along, kids,” Lily said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Okay,” Daisy said.

  They all hugged Lilly goodbye before they left the hospital and approached the street.

  “Want to get some drinks?” Toby asked. “To celebrate Dad’s health?”

  Paul grabbed Alexandra’s hand. “We haven’t slept much. Rain check?”

  “Sure,” Toby said.

  Daisy hugged Alexandra. “It’s nice to see you. I missed you.”

  Alexandra returned the warm embrace with a fuzzy heart.

  “You didn’t miss me?” Paul asked.

  “Eh.” Daisy shrugged.

  Alexandra laughed.

  Paul rolled his eyes. “Yes, you did.”

  “The only reason why I spend time with you is to see Alexandra.”

  “Then I’m hogging her,” Paul said. He pulled her closer then waved down a cab.

  “Jerk,” Daisy said with a smile.

  Paul opened the door and helped Alexandra get inside before he slid behind her. They drove back to the apartment in silence. He rested his hand on her thigh, his eyes glued to the road.

  When they returned to his place, they both sighed.

  “That was a long day,” Paul said.

  “Really long,” she agreed.

  Paul grabbed their bags and carried them into his bedroom. He set them in the corner then fixed the sheets of his bed. They were in disarray from his quick departure a month ago.

  Alexandra walked to the nightstand and saw a picture of the two of them. They were at a Yankee game. Every year, they went with his family because his dad had season tickets. They wore matching jerseys and had their faces painted. The memory pained her heart. Their relationship was so perfect. A single catastrophic event changed everything.

  When she looked up, she saw Paul standing in front of her. His hands were in the pockets of his jeans. His shoulders were broad and packed with muscle. He stared her down but said nothing.

  “I’m glad your dad is okay,” she whispered.

  He nodded. “I’m so grateful.”

  She stepped toward him. “Your dad is too amazing to leave this world so early.”

  “Don’t tell him that,” he said with a smile. “It’ll go straight to his head.”

  “My lips are sealed.”

  His eyes turned serious. “

  “Alex, I want to ask you something.”

  She felt her heart increase. “Yeah?”

  “When my family was talking about marriage…how did you feel about that?”

  She fidgeted in place. “I don’t know…”

  “Is that something you ever think about?”

  Alexandra swallowed the lump in her throat. “It was.”

  “Well, it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while.”

  His meaning hung heavily in the air. Her heart was beating so hard, she could hear the blood thud in her ears. She had a slight tremor in her hands.

  “So, whenever you’re ready for that, I am too. I just wanted to tell you that.” He stepped away then grabbed his shirt. He pulled it off then tossed it on the floor. His wide chest was developed with prominent muscles. His stomach was lean and strong, with tight abdominals that were as hard as stone. The cursive lyrics trailed down his side, moving over the muscle that covered his ribs. Alexandra stared at it, her lips slightly open. He unbuttoned his jeans then pulled them off. When she saw his hard ass, she almost drooled. Paul went to the gym in the morning before work. He hardly missed a session with his trainer, and it was only because he was too sick to get out of bed. Paul adjusted his boxers before he looked at her.

  When Alexandra met his gaze, she quickly looked away. But it was too late. Paul could read her expression better than she could. Her emotions clung to her skin like words written on a page. All Paul had to do was look at her. Like a shark that smelled a drop of blood, he moved in.

  Alexandra looked at him again and saw the fierce desire in his eyes. His need for her was etched into the tightness of his lips. The fire in his eyes danced like a new log had just been thrown in. When he reached her, he didn’t touch her. He pressed his face close to hers, his body radiating heat like the sun.

  It suddenly became very quiet. Her breathing was loud, and she wondered if he heard it. It was like she just ran a marathon. When he didn’t move further, she wondered what was holding him back. She knew Paul had been patient with her, not pressuring her to do anything she didn’t want to do. But she also knew he was frustrated. If he hadn’t been with anyone else since they broke up, and he’d been sleeping with her every night but not getting any, she knew he was ready to explode at any moment. But she also knew he was emotional right now. After almost losing his dad, he wanted to cling to her for dear life. But he didn’t initiate anything until he saw the same look in her eyes, the look of heat.

  Alexandra felt his breath fall on her face. It warmed her skin and made her shake. She wanted to feel his lips against her own, to taste the familiar sweetness of melon. When Blaise entered her mind, she shook the thought away. There was no Blaise anymore. It was just Paul, her boyfriend.

  His hand moved up her shirt until it rested on the steep curve of her back. The searing heat from his palm almost stung her. Paul stepped closer but still didn’t go in for the kill. Alexandra was tired of repressing her feelings for Paul. Despite the horrible thing he did, he was an unbelievable friend and boyfriend. He made her feel safe, and helped her manage her heartbreak over Blaise. Most guys wouldn’t put up with that. But Paul was different, understanding.

  “I’m tired of keeping you away,” she whispered.

  His hand moved further up her back, slipping under her bra. “Then start pulling me closer.” With a quick movement of his fingers, he unclipped the clasp and her bra came undone. His hand moved freely, touching her bare skin. But he still didn’t kiss her.

  “I’m making it very clear I want you to kiss me.”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “Then why don’t you kiss me instead?”

  Alexandra licked her lips then pressed her mouth against his. The explosion in her mouth made her lips light on fire. They burned like a raging fire that spread throughout the countryside, burning everything in its path.

  Paul was aggressive like he used to be. His large hands moved over her body, feeling her stomach and her hips. He always had an unusual fascination with her belly, loving to kiss it whenever he could. He broke their embrace then pressed his mouth to her ear, breathing into it. The sound of his labored breathing as he fondled her made her excited. “I’ve never held something so beautiful in my life.” His lips moved to her neck then her shoulder. She closed her eyes as she felt his tongue slide across her skin.

  Paul grabbed her shirt and pulled it off. Her bra hung low because it was undone, and she suddenly felt naked. She hadn’t revealed so much of herself to him since they broke up. But now she was unveiled.

  He pulled her strap dow
n then kissed the bare skin. The gentle caress caused a quiet sigh to escape her lips. He lightly bit her just the way she liked. Flashbacks of their lovemaking came back to her, which made the skin between her legs burn. When his hand grabbed the back of her neck, she was lost. He pulled the other strap away then pressed his chest against her breasts. Her nipples hardened and rubbed his bare flesh. She felt joined with him, like they were a single person. His mouth devoured hers, taking over her mind and her senses.

  Her hands had their own desires, and they grabbed the waistband of his boxers. After fingering it for a moment, she pulled it down and revealed his hard cock. It twitched slightly as he was unveiled. She stared at it for a moment, remembering every groove and vein. His head was slightly larger than most, but that always made his entrance feel more sensitive.

  Paul undid her jeans then pulled them down, revealing her ass in a white thong. She stepped out of them and felt him caress the material of her underwear. He bit his lip while he stared down at her body, enjoying the sight of her every curve and hill. He grasped the back of her thong and yanked it off. Paul lifted her slightly as he dragged it down her legs. When they were both naked, they stared at each other.

  Paul placed his hands on her tits and rubbed her gently. He stared at her face while he squeezed them and pinched her nipples. Alexandra loved it when he did that. Her breathing increased as he groped her, being harsh at the right moment. He watched her face light up in desire.

  She reached her hand down and grasped his cock. She slid her thumb over the top then trailed the liquid down. He moaned when she started to rub him gently, constricting her grasp when she reached the tip.

  Paul’s eyes turned dark with desire. His breathing was heavy and shallow, like he was trying not to let himself crumble. The slight twitch of his cock and the definitive breaths he took told her he was spiraling out of control. If she was worried he lied to her and slept with someone else when they were apart, she wasn’t concerned anymore. He obviously hadn’t had sex in a long time.

  He touched the apex of her thigh and found the swollen nub. As soon as he touched her, she felt the tenderness in her groin. He rubbed in a circular motion, applying the right pressure at the right moment. Paul must have known she was on the brink of coming because he pulled his hand away, taking the warmth with him.

  He sealed his mouth overs hers then moved her to the bed. When she lay down, he moved on top of her, separating her thighs with his. While he slipped his tongue into her mouth, he pressed his hips against hers. His cock moved against her pussy, and she felt him move past the moisture that formed between her legs. He rocked slightly, rubbing it up and down his base.

  Alexandra wanted to feel him inside her. Just feeling him rub against her was making her crazy. She ran her hands across his shoulders and down his back before she grabbed his ass. She always squeezed it when she wanted him to move into her harder, make her come.

  Paul pulled away, his cock oozing with fluid. He opened his drawer and grabbed a packet.

  She moaned while she waited for him to rip it open.

  “Almost, baby.” He ripped open the plastic then rolled the latex to the base of his cock. He left a small pouch at the tip but it had more space than usual. He obviously expected to come more than usual. The revelation made Alexandra even more aroused. He positioned himself between her legs again then cupped her face. She ran her fingers through his hair while she waited for him.

  When he positioned his tip against her opening, she suddenly saw Blaise’s face before her mind. She tried to shake it away but she couldn’t. She felt guilty for what she was about to do even though she shouldn’t. She picked Paul and made it clear that her relationship with Blaise was done. But she still couldn’t do it and she didn’t know why. “No,” she whispered.

  He steadied himself but his tip was still pressed against her, ready to slide in.

  “I—I can’t.”

  Paul said nothing.

  “I’m so sorry. I’m just not ready yet.”

  He stared at her for a long time, his desire still in his eyes. Then he kissed her forehead gently. “Don’t apologize for not being ready. I’m sorry I rushed you.”

  “You didn’t.”

  “What are you ready for?” he asked.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m okay with not making love, but I would really love to do other things at least.”

  “Oh,” she said. “I think I’m ready for that.”

  “Good. Because if I don’t come, I’m going to have a serious wet dream.” He moved between her legs then pressed his mouth against the lips of her swollen pussy. As soon as she felt his kiss, she gripped his hair and moaned. The precise movement of his tongue made her head roll back in euphoria. She forgot how good Paul was at that. Her breathing came out in heavy sounds.

  “Paul…”

  He rubbed her clitoris with his thumb while his tongue slid inside her. His lips smacked against her wet skin, but the sound just made her legs shake harder. She dug her fingers into his scalp as the freight train of pleasure crashed into her.

  “Oh god…oh.”

  He rubbed her clitoris harder until she was completely done.

  She recovered for a moment, feeling him lick her tender area. “Baby…”

  He crawled back on top of her then sealed his mouth over hers. His hand ripped off the condom then moved under thigh, pinning it back. He pressed his cock against her wet clitoris then started to move against her, his eyes glued to hers. The pressure of his thick cock made her moan again. He slid against the pool of moisture and breathed heavily. Their behavior was juvenile but she enjoyed it anyway.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to come again…”

  He gripped her neck then increased his pace.

  She stared into his eyes as she felt the explosion in her lower belly. It tingled her nerves, making them ignite in a blaze. “Paul, I love you.”

  His eyes softened and he decreased his pace suddenly, the words moving directly into his heart. “And I you, baby.”

  She gripped his ass as she finished her orgasm, loving the delectable feel of the fire.

  Paul moved quickly then gripped her hip, making a few final thrusts as he came onto her stomach. His cock squirted and dribbled everywhere, reaching her breasts and her belly button. His moans were louder than normal and he had more seed than ever before. When he was finished, he pressed his forehead against hers and caught his breath.

  “I’m never letting you go again, Alex. You’re mine forever.”

  Chapter Three

  Alexandra woke up before Paul did. She stared at him for a moment, watching the rise and fall of his chest. His lips were relaxed, and his jaw wasn’t clenched tight. He seemed so peaceful in sleep.

  She moved out of bed and grabbed her phone. When she was in the living room, she checked the screen. She expected to have missed calls and text messages from Blaise, but there was nothing. He hadn’t reached out to her. She was surprised he finally let her go.

  After she made breakfast and coffee, Paul came down the hallway wearing his boxers. His hair was messy and ruffled, but she liked the way it looked. The lines of his thin hips were noticeable. She thought about running her tongue along the grooves.

  “I know that look,” he said with a smile.

  “What?” she said playfully.

  He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “You were always a morning sex kind of girl.”

  “Well, I get tired at night.”

  “And I have to have it before bed every night.”

  “Yes, I remember.” She smiled then grabbed a mug from the counter. “Coffee?”

  “I prefer you.” His hand moved up her shirt then down the front of her underwear.

  “Paul, we need to go to the hospital.”

  “And I need to make your legs shake,” he whispered into her ear. His fingers reached her clitoris and rubbed her gently.

  “Oh…”

  He pushed her against t
he counter and moved behind her. When he lifted her leg and placed her foot on the counter, she felt her skin pickle. His left hand groped her breast, pinching her nipple slightly, while he inserted his fingers inside of her. “I have a feeling it won’t take long.” He kissed her shoulder and her neck.

  “Paul…”

  He nibbled her ear gently. “I can’t wait to be inside you again, baby. You were always so wet for me.”

  She bit her lip and felt him move inside her. Her pleasure was already bubbling on the surface. She steadied herself by gripping the counter, and she latched onto Paul’s neck as her strength disappeared.

  “You’re there, baby.”

  She felt it explode inside her then drift outward. It singed all her senses and made her explode in a fiery explosion. “Oh…yeah.”

  He moved his fingers faster until she was done then pulled them out. He sucked on them before he kissed her neck. “Sweet, as usual.” He helped her return her foot to the ground.

  She turned around then grabbed the rim of his boxers.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “It’s your turn.”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “Don’t worry about it. We have tonight.”

  She pulled the top down and revealed his hard dick. It was tilted slightly to the right, the head bulging. “It doesn’t look like you don’t want me to worry about it.”

  His eyes darkened as he stared at her.

  She touched herself for a moment and gathered the moisture that pooled between her legs. She lathered it on his pulsing shaft until he was drenched with her juice. Paul’s breathing increased he as watched her. The more fluid she extracted, the darker his eyes became. When he was wet, she grabbed his shaft and started to move up and down.

  He took a deep breath and watched her.

  When she reached his tip, she squeezed a little harder before she went down again.

  Paul lifted up her shirt then grabbed her breasts while she jerked him. His head was pressed against hers and he rocked into her. “I’m about to come,” he said through his heavy breathing.

  She moved her hand faster until his threshold was reached. He exploded and released himself onto her breasts, shooting in three different waves. He moaned loudly as he moved into her hand, finishing off.