The Rivals - Dylan Allen Page 0,455

a way that is comfortable for both of us. I want you to have whatever privacy you need, but I won't lie to your family. I want to hold your hand and I want the whole world to know that we live together and that one day, you'll say yes to being my wife."

I huff in surprise at that. "I probably won't, though Max."

"That's what you said when I asked you to move in with me for the first time. I'm very, very good at waiting for what I want. I never give up."

He presses kisses to my neck and drags his lips down.

When he stoops and drawn my nipple into his mouth through my dress, I gasp and hold his head in place even as I say, "Anyone could walk by. I'm sure Remi's looking for me."

"I sure hope not, because he's going to get an eyeful when he seems my head between your thighs."

"Maxwell Priest. You can't think to do that--"

My words die in my throat when drops to his knees in the grass in front of my and lifts up the front of my dress in one smooth movement.

"God woman, you are so beautiful," he groans before he leans forward and buries his face in between my thighs.

His mouth is one of the wonders of the world. And when he uses it like this, I can't think about anything, much less my children. He feasts on me, licking, sucking, fucking me with his tongue until I’m insensible.

When he's done, he stands up, straightens my dress. Without another word, we link hands, walk back to the party and tell the children our news.

Chapter 9

Hayes

The Gathering

My father’s been dead for more than half my life and time has put distance between me and the unbearable pain of losing him. But it’s done nothing to dull it. Tonight, on the first Christmas Eve that feels like the ones we shared when he was alive, I miss him more than I ever have. How I wish he could have seen what his family has become.

“Who knew macaroni and cheese went so well with turkey?” Gigi chortles next to me as she piles her fork with more of both.

I chuckle. “According to my wife, everyone who grew up in the South.”

“Well, this is better than any macaroni I’ve ever had. Who did the catering? I want to place an order. Tonight.” She shoves a huge forkful of food into her mouth and rolls her eyes in delight.

“It’s homemade. Dorothy can give you the recipe.”

Her mouth full, she nods eagerly.

I’m lifting my own forkful of food to my mouth when her hand covers mine. I look over and find her eyes full of tears.

“Thank you, Hayes.” She speaks so quietly I can barely hear her over the din of conversation around our table.

“You’re welcome, but I don’t think the recipe is a secret or anything.”

She rolls her eyes and cocks her head across the table to where her husband, Lucas, is sitting next to Phoenix, trying to feed him. He’s got more food on his shirt and face than he’s managed to get into my son’s mouth. But they book look as happy as pigs in mud.

“The pleasure’s mine, Gigi.” I squeeze her hand quickly and take a sip of my water to hide the knot of emotion I’m swallowing down.

I’ve forgiven her, but we never speak of my paternity. The story that Kal wrote about the mysterious return of Lucas Wilde didn’t mention that I was his biological son. That secret is under seal and for the sake of my father’s memory, I’d like it to stay that way.

I introduce Gigi as my aunt and him, as my uncle. I know they want more. But, I have one father and I’m a Rivers.

Confidence nudges me under the table with her foot and I turn to her. The instant our eyes meet, I smile. This entire day has been perfect, and I know it’s because she made it so.

“You were far away. You okay?”

“Better than. Thank you for today.” Her wide blue eyes are bright with the kind of happiness that money can’t buy.

She leans forward to place a light kiss on my lips. “You deserve it.” She murmurs against my mouth.

“I don’t. But I promise I’ll never stop trying to.”

Her smile deepens and shakes her head. “You do. And I live for that smile on your face, King.”

Her love humbles me in a way nothing else ever has and I can’t find