XOXOXOXOXOXO

Chapter 40

James

The moon was full, and the sky was awash with millions of stars, but none of that compared to the beautiful girl on my back, holding tight to my neck.

I was still in shock that she had kept this trip a secret and that she had chosen to get on an airplane for me.

This was truly the best birthday of my life.

I dropped the bags on the ground, and Sofia fell from my back before we dipped into the large tent.

There was a blue double sleeping bag in the center, and two lanterns lit it up nicely.

"I'll go change," Sofia smirked, sliding her hand across the front of my jeans, but I caught her wrist.

"Not yet," I purred, lifting the hem of her shirt and pulling it over her shoulders, exposing her bright pink bra, "I want to see your gorgeous body,"

She blushed, and I smirked.

Even after everything we've done, everything we've been through, she still got embarrassed every time.

"Why are you blushing, princess?" I whispered in her ear as I unhooked her bra and kneeled in front of her.

She shrugged, giggling while I removed her shorts.

"You have no reason to be embarrassed with me," I picked her perfect, bare body up and laid her on the sleeping bag, "You're so perfect, baby,"

I kissed her, running my tongue along her bottom lip, begging for entrance.

Her lips parted slightly, and I took advantage of the space, gently dancing my tongue with hers.

She didn't pull away as she had last time, and I felt my cock throb in my jeans as she moaned into my mouth.

The things this girl could do to me.

Fuck.

I wonder if she knew the full extent of her power over me.

I deepened our kiss, keeping my hands on either side of her head.

Her hands flew to the button on my jeans, but I glided my hips away from her.

"Who's birthday is it?" I whispered, feathering my fingers along her jaw.

"Yours," she pouted as well as she could with my lips on hers.

"That's right," I trailed kisses from her mouth to her neck, biting and sucking at the pale flesh above her collarbone.

I felt Sofia's hips wriggle below me, knowing she was growing impatient, but I wanted complete control of my goddess, and I took pleasure in her apparent sexual frustration.

I moved my lips down, circling her nipples with my tongue, nipping gently at her scars, and kissing around her womanhood.

I heard her gasp in anticipation as she grabbed a handful of my hair.

I chuckled, looking up at her before placing gentle kisses around her tempting opening, causing her breath to quicken.

"Please," she begged, closing her eyes.

God, I loved her.

I loved how intensely she wanted me because it mirrored how intensely I wanted her.

She could turn me on with a look, a graze of her hand on my flesh, an adorable fucking giggle.

I was well aware of how tightly she had me wrapped around her small, thin finger, but she was just as tightly wrapped around mine.

I drew tight circles around her clit with my tongue, keeping my hands on the ground beside her torso, and plunged deep into her already cream-filled core.

Her hips lifted from the ground as I tasted her, and I quickly brought her legs around my neck.

I kissed and bit at the inside of her toned thighs, ran my tongue along her slit, and kissed back up her body as I positioned myself in between her legs.

I rubbed my still covered bulge against her clit, and she arched her back off the ground.

I positioned her on my lap and slid two fingers inside her.

"Are you going to come for me, princess," I whispered as she buried her face in my neck, convulsing in my arms and repetitively making contact with my cock.

"Yes," she moaned, her breath hot on my skin.

If I kept this up much longer, I was going to as well.

She bit my shoulder hard, sending shockwaves through my body as I felt her constrict and come on my hand.

Sofia's breaths were sporadic, and her heart was beating dangerously fast, but she relaxed in my arms and kissed my neck.

"I love you," I whispered, bringing her lips to mine.

"I love you too," she beamed, tugging at my shirt.

"Go ahead," I laughed, letting her pull the green polo over my head.

She pressed her chest against my stomach, and the pressure in my jeans was too much to bear.

"Can I take them off now?" she asked innocently, running her fingers down my stomach and poking at my button.

"Yes, please," I laughed as she moved off me and unbuttoned my jeans.

I lifted my hips to let her pull them off; she left my boxers on, pulling my member out of the pocket.

Sofia's grip on me was iron tight as she stroked my length.

"Oh shit," I moaned, rolling my head back and closing my eyes.

She placed gentle kisses across my jugular, increasing her speed.

I was so fucking close, and I was surprised I had lasted this long.

I felt her tongue caress my tip and snapped my head down, finding her smirking before plunging me into her mouth.

"You don't have to do that, baby," I moaned, uncontrollably moving my hips with her.

She giggled with me in her mouth, forcing me to spasm.

Fuck, this felt too good.

My cock rhythmically touched the back of her throat, and I found myself unable to make coherent thoughts.

I was so far over the edge, but I refused to release.

My girl was better than that.

The fact my cock was in her mouth was insane enough.

"Are you going to come for me?" she mimicked me, quickly resuming the addictive motion.

"No," I shook my head, fighting off the urge.

The condoms were outside in the bag, and even though the mere thought of stopping made me hesitate, I pulled away from her and crawled out the door.

My entire body tingled, but I forced the condom on and crawled back.

Sofia was sitting on her legs with her head cocked to the side.

"You are so sexy," I breathed, grabbing the back of her neck and pressing my lips against hers forcefully.

I flipped her over on her knees, grabbed her hips, and plunged inside.

"James!" Sofia squealed, arching her back and moving with me.

I knew it wouldn't take long for me to finish, and it didn't.

I pulled her back on top of me, moving her hair and kissing her neck.

"Did I do that okay?" she asked, covering her face with her hands.

I rolled her over so that we were face to face and rubbed our noses together.

"That was amazing, baby," I breathed, "Are you okay?"

"Mhm," she closed her eyes, "I love you so much,"

"I love you too, so so much," I kissed the tip of her nose.

"What time is it?" she asked, resting her head in the crook of my neck.

I grabbed my phone out of my jeans and clicked the screen on.

"Almost four, why princess?"

"I want to watch the sunrise," she yawned.

I slid us around to the sleeping bag and set my alarm.

"I'll make sure we get up," I kissed the top of her head, "Get some sleep,"

I waited for a response, but she was already asleep, and I laughed.

She had been able to fall asleep so quickly lately, compared to how difficult it had been for her at first.

She was completely at ease with me now.

My alarm went off, and we crept outside as the sun began breaking over the hill.

"How did you manage this?" I whispered, wrapping my arms around her from behind.

"It's the offseason, and the ranger was very accomodating," she rested her head against my chest.

"Was he now?" I growled, running my nails across her bare shoulders.

"Yes, she was," Sofia laughed, elbowing me in the side, "I told her that I wanted to surprise my husband for his birthday, and she took care of everything. Especially since it's only for one night,"

"This place is beautiful," I commented, admiring the waterfall as I ran my hands along her waist, "Thank you for bringing me here,"

"You're welcome," Sofia looked up, and I kissed her.

We watched the sunrise and went back to the tent for a nap.

It was noon before we finally woke up, and she made lunch before we went swimming.

We packed our things the next morning and went to the airport.

Our flight was scheduled for eight since Sam and Miranda were supposed to get out this afternoon.

I silently watched Sofia blankly stare out the window, but I didn't need to ask what was on her mind.

What's the point of asking a question you already know the answer to.

We landed in Cincinnatti, and Sofia skipped happily ahead of me to the truck.

"Um, James?" she called, her voice laced in panic.

"What is it, baby?" I walked around the cars and gasped.

The words CHEATING BITCH were carved deep along the passenger side door to the end of the bed, and the entire side was spray-painted red.

"Do you think they got the wrong truck?" she asked, touching the paint, "It's still a little wet,"

"They must have," I slammed my hand on the hood.

There was no way this was intended for Sofia.

Black spray paint coated the front and back windshield, and I walked to the driver's side to find KIDNAPPER carved into my door with more red spray paint and growled.

Sofia ran to my side and grabbed my hand.

"What the fuck?" she hyperventilated frantically, "I don't understand what's happening,"

This sick prank destroyed my truck.

I pulled out my phone and called dad, who called the insurance company.

My truck was towed to a body shop, and we rented a car to go home in.

"It can't be Sam or Miranda; they aren't out yet," Sofia whimpered.

"It was the wrong truck, princess," I squeezed her hand, "It wasn't meant for us,"

She nodded, staring at her knees.

Sofia didn't need this on top of everything else.

"Dad filed a police report; they'll catch the bastards that fucked up our truck," I sighed.

I wasn't really mad about the truck as much as I was about the unnecessary psychological impact on my wife.

"They better," Sofia growled, "

We drove home in strained silence, and my parents ran out to us as soon as we got home.

"I reported the vandalism to the Sherriff; he's looking into it and will be by later," dad explained as I grabbed our bag out of the trunk.

Mom grabbed Sofia and hurried her into the house.

"Come eat," mom called from the porch, and I nodded.

"Are you okay, sweetie?" mom asked Sofia, handing her a bowl full of salad.

"Yeah," she lied, poking the spinach with her fork, "It's just not the right day for such an awful coincidence,"

It sure as hell was not.

I placed my hand on hers, and we all jumped as someone knocked on the door.

I jumped up to answer it.

"Good afternoon," Sheriff Roberts greeted me warmly, "May I come in?"

"Of course, Sherriff," I nodded, backing up to give him room to go through.

I led him to the kitchen, and he sat across from dad at the table.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee, Sherriff?" mom asked, grabbing a cup from the cabinet.

"Yes, thank you," he half-smiled, pulling his notepad from his pocket, "The airport sent over the surveillance tapes, but whoever vandalized your truck did it in the early morning and was wearing a mask and a dark jacket,"

"Were there any witnesses?" Sofia asked, pushing her plate away.

"I'm not sure yet; the Sherriff in Cincinnati is looking into it," he sighed, taking the cup from mom, "There is a chance the perp got the wrong truck but is there any chance it could have been meant for you? Sofia's family sees you all as kidnappers; it's the cheating part I find unbelievable,"

"It's a coincidence," I set my jaw, "I'd just like whoever it was to pay for the damages,"

"Are you sure, Sofia? Maybe it's not supposed to mean you are cheating on James, was there someone you had a relationship with back in Missouri that could be holding a grudge for you leaving?"

"My last relationship was three years ago," Sofia explained, shrugging, "I highly doubt this is Hugo,"

"What is Hugo's last name, just to be sure,"

"Thompson,"

This wasn't Hugo.

It couldn't have been meant for us.

"I punched him before we left," I admitted, "He was spreading the cruel rumors about Sofia. I'm fairly certain this isn't him,"

"Alright, I'll still run a check, though," he took a sip of his coffee, "I also wanted to come by to let you know I got confirmation of Miranda Benton and Sam Hanson's release this afternoon. And I have information about that Tyler fellow, which, I'm afraid, is somewhat confusing,"

"Who is he?" Sofia whispered, moving from the island to the chair next to dad.

"His name is Tyler Craig; he's a 36-year-old Marine who did three tours in Afganistan and was honorably discharged back in '17 for psychological reasons," the Sherriff explained, "He's from Minnesota, has no criminal record, and I can't seem to find a link between him and your family,"

"Are you sure you found the right guy?" Dad asked, shocked.

"We got the security tapes from the bus station; it's definitely him. Sofia, do you have any ideas about the connection?" the Sherriff put his hand on her shoulder.

He always found a reason to touch her, and I wanted to rip his fucking hand off.

"My family has connections everywhere," Sofia shrugged, staring at the table, "Tyler seemed nice on the bus, so maybe they have something on him. Have you been able to locate him?"

"Not yet; he rented a car in Casper the day after the incident and returned it here in Sydney a week later. We've got our people looking for him," the Sherriff smiled assuredly, running his hand up Sofia's arm, and she pulled away.

Fucking asshole.

I pulled Sofia up, and we sat back at the island.

"No offense, Sherriff, but that's what you said about Sam, and he still put Sofia in unnecessary danger," dad pointed out, crossing his arms.

"I know," he rubbed his temple, "And I'm still so very sorry for that. We're doing the best we can. My deputies will be stationed outside your house twenty-four hours a day, and I will enlist a police detail for all of you,"

"There was a deputy outside the day Sofia went out the back door; you'd better make sure they pay more attention this time," I growled.

"Of course," he nodded, "I will make sure of it.

"I want to apologize," Mrs. White leaned back in her chair, "I've unfairly judged you, James,"

Her words were hollow, and I felt a chill run up my spine.

I couldn't shake how completely creeped out she made me feel, but Sofia trusted her, and I wasn't going to push getting a new therapist if she didn't want to.

Sofia was so quick to trust people, but what right did I have to question it?

If not for her quick trust, she and I would probably still be in Missouri.

I nodded and held Sofia's shoulders tightly.

"Yes, you have," Sofia frowned.

"I want to get to know you as well as I've gotten to know Sofia," Mrs. White kept her eyes on me, "So, for starters, tell me about your childhood,"

I shot a nervous glance at Sofia and glared at Mrs. White.

I remembered the way Sofia had stared longingly at the scrapbook, and I had no doubt in my mind that this hateful bitch was trying to drive a wedge between my wife and me.

"I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and started playing Football when I was eleven," I said, hoping she would take the hint from my vague response.

"So nothing happened between the time you were born and when you were eleven?" Mrs. White smirked venomously.

Sofia squeezed my thigh and nodded her head encouragingly.

I wanted to grab Sofia's hand and pull her away from this obvious trap, but I took a deep breath and chose my words carefully.

"Both of my parents worked; mom is a nurse, and dad worked as a supervisor in a manufacturing company. They got home in the afternoons, so I would stay at the neighbor's house until they got home, and we would take trips in the summer when they went on vacation, but I usually ruined them," I explained, clenching my jaw.

"How so?" Mrs. White asked, scribbling in her book.

"I've had anger issues since I was little. I'd fight with them a lot and blow up at little shit,"

"Is that why you started playing football?" she asked, looking up.

"Yeah," I nodded, "It helped at first, but I still got into fights,"

"From what Sofia has told me, you are incredibly mild-tempered, so what sparked such a drastic change?"

"I hurt a kid pretty bad and ended up in anger management for six months," I stated, and Sofia pressed herself closer to me.

"Is that why you transferred to Missouri?"

"No, my teammates started beating the shit out of me every day after I got my scholarship, and my parents and I left," I kissed the side of Sofia's head, "But I'm glad all that happened because I have Sofia now, and she gives me a reason not to fight,"

"Do you still have the urge to fight?" Mrs. White asked, leaning forward in her chair as though she was preparing to strike.

"No. I don't," I scowled at the insinuation, "At least not unnecessarily,"

"What do you consider necessary?"

"I won't hesitate to fight anyone who comes between my wife and me," I snarled, "I don't give a fuck who they are,"

I hoped Mrs. White understood that meant her as well.

Sofia brought my hand to her lips and smiled.

"James is my valiant knight, Mrs. White," Sofia giggled, "I couldn't ask for a better husband,"

"So you're okay with the idea that your amazing husband is a potential murderer?" Mrs. White snapped.

There it is.

I fucking knew it.

"Of course not," Sofia's face fell, "I disapprove of James fighting at all; however, I know that James, Anne, and Roland will do everything they can to keep me safe. I've told them before that I wasn't worth going to jail for, but I know that if it does come to them killing someone, it will be self-defense,"

"I'm not going to go looking for a fight; I just won't back down if someone initiates it," I barked, "I'm not a bloodthirsty killer,"

"Sam and Miranda are out of jail now, right?" Mrs. White asked, staring at me.

"Yeah," Sofia sighed.

"You both know they're dangerous; what's keeping you from finding them first?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but Sofia stood up exasperatedly.

"What the hell is your problem?!" she growled, "You start the session by apologizing, but yet here you are, judging him again! I'm not sure why you are so against our relationship, and I don't know why I waste my time coming here every week. I'm not obligated to by the state anymore since James and I are married, so you can cancel my appointments since it seems to offend you so badly,"

Atta girl.

Thank God she finally saw through her.

Sofia grabbed my hand and pulled me from the office.

"Sofia!" Mrs. White chased after us, "Please reconsider; you need your medication!"

"You fucked my medication up, and I've felt better without it than I did when you had me on it. Goodbye," Sofia huffed, slamming through the door and dragging me to the car.

She reached for the handle, but I pulled her into a hug.

"Oh, my brave girl. Are you okay?" I whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"I'm not going to let her talk to you like that," she huffed, "You don't deserve to be treated like a monster,"

"I don't like how she treated you, either," I leaned back to look at her, "No one should talk to you or about you like she did. That woman shouldn't have a therapist license,"

"Do you think I should find another one?" she asked, looking at my chest, and I shook my head.

"Not unless you want to. Mom and dad will pay for one if you decide to, but it's your decision," I pulled her back to me.

"I'll think about it, but I have you to talk to, and I don't want to go back on medication," she tightened her grip around me.

"You'll always have me, baby, and I'll never push the meds on you," I assured her.

I would take care of my wife.

She was going to be fine.

The days began getting colder, and mom took Sofia and me shopping for winter clothes.

I had complained about Missouri's wet, gross heat, but I had never felt as cold in October as I did here in Ohio.

I happily grabbed the matching hoodies from coach Rassmussen and ran to the girl's locker room.

I threw mine on and threw my letterman jacket over it, huddling by the door.

I missed Texas.

Sofia emerged from the locker room in her uniform, red tights, and a matching jacket.

"Are you cold, baby?" I asked, wrapping my arm around her shoulders.

"Not really," she smiled, snaking her hand around my waist, "This is a little colder than I'm used to, but I love it! I can't wait for the first snow!"

"I've never lived somewhere where it snows; this is too cold," I complained, "But I have something for you,"

I displayed her small hoodie in front of me, and her eyes lit up.

"They came in!" she squealed, unzipping her jacket and holding her arms out for me to put it on her.

I chuckled, pulling it over her head and kissing her.

"Awe!" Vivian clapped, "You got her a football hoodie?"

"Yeah, I promised I'd get her on to match mine," I smiled, pulling Sofia to my side.

"That's adorable," Cleo giggled, "Oh! The results for Homecoming King and Queen are going to be announced today,"

"You two are going to win for sure," Bridgett nodded, pulling Sofia away and fixing her hair from where I messed it up, "We all voted for you,"

Sofia sighed, letting the brunette do as she pleased.

"There," Bridgett nodded, "Stop messing up tail's tails," she pointed at me.

"It was for a good reason," I shrugged.

"Agreed," Vivian chuckled, "But yeah, you guys are totally going to win,"

"Meh," Sofia shrugged, "It's nothing but a popularity contest, and I'm sure there are more popular people running,"

I watched the girls look at Sofia like she's sprouted a second head.

My poor, naive, blind wife.

"You do understand that you are one of the most popular girls in school, right?" Heather chimed.

"Not to mention James is one of the most popular boys, and you two are the most popular couple," Bridgett laughed.

"I'm only here an hour a day," Sofia giggled, "I get why James is popular, but how am I popular?"

Because you're the most beautiful girl at this school.

At any school.

In the fucking world.

She still couldn't see it.

"You're gorgeous, everyone loves you, you're helping a bunch of people with your SAT tutoring, you two are the most talked-about people on campus, and you're one of the best cheerleaders on the squad. As much as I hate to say it, if you had been here last year, you would probably be captain," Vivian admitted, "I wish you'd let me move you up,"

Sofia cocked an eyebrow and looked at us skeptically.

"You're all crazy," she rolled her eyes, "And I'm not going to take someone's spot senior year,"

"Spoken like the humble queen she is," Heather giggled.

"Your majesty," they all curtsied, causing Sofia's face to turn beet red.

I tried my best not to laugh, but my throat betrayed me, and I put my hand over my mouth.

Sofia shot me a menacing look.

"They're right, baby," I grabbed her hand, "You're intelligent, beautiful, talented, helpful, and, like it or not, everyone likes you,"

I made sure of it every day.

I talked about her.

I Showed her off.

I wanted everyone to know how extraordinary she is and that she was mine.

"We all love you, tails," Bridgett hugged her, and the rest of the girls jumped on her.

"You're our sister," Vivian laughed, flipping one of Sofia's tails over her shoulder.

I liked being the only one Sofia could lean on, but seeing her having so much fun with her girls and knowing that they accepted her and would help her however they could made me unexplainably happy.

Sofia hummed happily as we walked to class.

"If we do win," she began, hugging my arm, "Our costumes are going to have to be, like, insanely good,"

"What are you thinking?" I asked, knowing she had a plan.

"Pygmalion and Galatea," she giggled, holding my arm.

"Who?" I asked.

I really needed to learn more about Greek Mythology.

I loved how obsessed she was with it.

"Pygmalion was a sculptor who hated women, but he ended up carving a statue of a flawless woman that he fell in love with. He would bring her gifts, dress her in nice clothes, and talk to her all the time, but she could never love him back. So, He prayed to Aphrodite to bring her to life. When she did, they were married and lived in absolute happiness for the rest of their lives," Sofia sighed dreamily.

"Wow," I whispered, pulling her chair to me.

"She was created just for him, just like I was made for you. They only ever cared for each other, and it's one of the only Greek myths that doesn't end in tragedy or involve multiple affairs. They had a pure, wholesome love," Sofia rested her head on my shoulder and laced our fingers together.

Sofia was such a romantic, and I was excited to start seeing more of this side of her.

Being loved by her was a life-altering experience.

"You find the costumes, gorgeous wife," I kissed her cheek, "I think that's perfect,"

"Really?!" she exclaimed excitedly but quickly composed herself and blushed.

"Yes," I laughed, kissing the side of her head, "It's unique and fits us,"

"I'm glad you think so," she giggled, grabbing her phone and opening Pinterest, "Oh, this is exciting!"

I watched her face light up as she scrolled through the pictures.

She was so perfect, and I wondered if I dreamed her up at some point.

Thank you, Aphrodite.