Thank you.” I grabbed his hand, startling him.
“ Of course. I love working for Mr. Weldon and his friends.”
I could see in his eyes that he meant it.
“ I'm the lucky one to have you, Rob.” Rock slapped him gently on the shoulder.
Tears gathered in my throat. I love this man so much. He's kind and sexy. The wealth is a crazy bonus.
Rob helped us into the limo, and Rock slid my hand into his. “I was serious about you having the choice of where you want to go. I was thinking a small ceremony, but if you want to fly everyone in and have it in a week or so, that's your choice, too. I just don't know if I can wait any longer than that to make you my wife. I came too close to losing you, Lacey.” He traced a circle on the inside of my palm with his thumb, and I shivered, desire running through me.
I closed my eyes, thinking about where I wanted to be with Rock. We could go anywhere in the country.
“ Honestly, I'd like to go back to your place and get married tomorrow—just the two of us. We can do something bigger later on.” I spoke hesitantly, still wanting to pinch myself.
“ My place, huh?” He gazed at me, his eyes sparkling with surprise in the darkness of the car.
“ Yes, because that's where this all began,” I whispered.
He pulled me into his arms then, just where I wanted to be. Rock sprinkled kisses down my neck, and I finally noticed how slowly we were driving.
“ To the airport, Rob. We're heading home.”
* * * *
Rock's jet was a familiar and welcome sight.
“ What? No Nadia?” I teased him as we boarded a little while later.
“ No. She's gone. I don't want anything to upset you—past or present. God knows I already have enough to atone for.” A sad note crept into his voice.
I took his hand and led him to the bedroom. “Hey, Mr. CEO. No more of that. You're an honorable man, and you've whipped yourself long enough over guilt.” My throat tightened.
“ But John...” he trailed off as he sat down on the bed, head in his hands.
“ Shh. He made his choice. You didn't force him to act recklessly out of what I can only assume was jealousy and hatred.”
“ My God, what I've lost.” His voice broke. I sank next to him on the bed, my arm around him. He looked at me. “And what I've gained.” He gave me a shaky smile.
“ What we've both gained, you mean,” I whispered.
A sudden light entered his eyes then. “Yes, and I need you now, Lacey.” The statement was harsh and raw.
“ Then I'm yours to do with as you will.” Wetness pooled between my legs at the thought, and I saw myself as he must. Jean-clad and rumpled.
“ Get undressed.” His tone brooked no argument. “I want to watch, so do it slowly.”
I swallowed and nodded, my old insecurities rising to the surface.
He's going to marry me. Me. Lacey who didn't have a job until this fell into my lap.
I pulled my shirt off as slowly as I could, glad I was wearing the sexy pink bra and panties he'd given me. With a pang, I found myself hoping he'd gotten all my nice things and brought them with you.
“ You're so gorgeous. I can't wait to be inside you,” he rasped, watching me through heavy lidded eyes now.
My nipples were hard, pressing against the bra painfully. I slid my jeans off and shivered in the cool of the cabin.
“ Sir, are you ready for takeoff? We'll leave at your word.” The pilot spoke through a speaker, making me jump and giggle.
“ Yes, and I don't want to be disturbed during the flight. I'll call if I need anything.”
“ Of course, Mr. Weldon. Enjoy your flight.”
Rock smiled, licking his lips. My body flushed all over in response. “I will. Thank you, Sammy.”
“ Ah, where were we?” He smiled at me. “Leave the bra and panties on and bend over my lap. I think you need a spanking for leaving me all alone in Venice.”
I gaped at him.
“ Be a good girl, now.”
I finally broke out of my shock and walked slowly toward him. Would this man ever fail to surprise me? I