Chapter 15 Loyalties
Birkhoff studied her profile, wondering when he was going to wake up to find he was only dreaming. Unable to keep his eyes from her, he watched as she tucked a lock of her hair behind one ear and looked up from the display of rings to meet his gaze. Then her face was transformed with light as she smiled at him, a look of pure joy in her eyes. When she looked at him like that he was possessed by a mad urge to grab her arm, drag her into the alley and have his way with her. Forcing a smile, he swallowed hard and nodded, terrified by this new obsession with her. After years of maintaining a certain level of self control this was certainly something he should be able to handle. But Alex had gotten under his skin and lodged herself inside his heart, and the realization was scary and thrilling at the same time. When her expression changed, going all sultry on when she seemed to pick up on this, he glanced around to see if anyone noticed. They were in public, after all.
"Daniel," she said in her low husky voice.
"What?" he choked more than said, his voice sounding higher than normal.
Her smile changed to an all-knowing expression, switching again to calm reassurance."Come look," she ordered gently. "I think I found the one."
He obeyed, coming to her side and staring at the place where she pointed a well manicured fingertip. There were four rows of rings to contend with, so he lifted his eyes to her face, unable to keep from glancing at her lips before directing his attention back to the rings. Concentrating on the one she indicated to be in the 2nd row down, he studied the gold band with diagonal etchings and clear borders.
"Very nice," he sighed, looking up into her eyes. "But I want a matching set," he decided.
Her brows shot up. "Really?" she breathed, eyeing him closely. "You realize that I'll have to wear mine on a chain beneath my clothes until…you know."
He straightened, hating the thought of her returning to work after the three day holiday. "I plan on wearing mine in plain view," he sighed, glancing at the matched sets atop the counter. "How about checking out those?"
She eyed the ones he indicated, her expression guarded. Then she nodded. "They're nice…"
"But they don't do anything for you," he concluded, noting the salesclerk who eyed them intently and held up one finger.
"Not really," she admitted with a sigh. "Would you wear the etched style if we found a pair?"
"I ah…don't think so," he said carefully. "Looks too fancy for me."
"But they're unique, like us," she stated, turning to face him. "I don't want plain rings, Daniel."
"Well I do—"
"But this one is so gorgeous—"
"I don't do gorgeous well, Alex."
"And you're determined to have matching rings?"
"I am—why? Don't want to show the world we belong together?"
She looked stunned. "No—that's not what I mean! I only prefer that kind of design, but you obviously don't—"
"Wanna fight about it?" he challenged, brows lifted.
She paused, tilting her head as if considering it. "I might."
"Really? That's good because I like fighting with you."
She stared at him a moment. "Really…and why is that?"
He slid his hand to the small of her back as she beamed up at him, groaning inwardly as he saw the saleswoman coming over.
"So we can kiss and make up," he whispered as she chuckled, shaking her head. Lifting a hand, she placed it on his chest and stared at his mouth. "Don't look now, but we've got company."
"Hello there, my name is Charlene—what can I do for you two lovebirds?"
Birkhoff frowned at the woman despite Alex's soft laugh. "We'd like to look at double rings, please."
"Of course," she replied, lifting her chin as he cleared his throat. "My fiancée would like the Florentine etching if you have any with that design," he stated blandly.
"We do have some matching rings in that design, if you'll wait while I get them," she sang, turning away to retrieve them.
Alex swatted his chest. "Be nice, my love," she said sweetly, gazing up into his scowl.
"Lovebirds? That's insulting," he complained.
"I promise we'll leave as soon as we find you a matching ring."
He raised his brows. "No substitutions?"
"None whatsoever," she smiled, leaning back against him as he wound his arm loosely around her."And as soon as we go we can make out in the alley."
He smiled in relief. "You are an amazing woman—and you can read minds."
She looked up at him. "Only yours."
He shook his head. "I still can't believe nobody else snatched you up by now."
"I would have said no if they'd tried."
"Oh yeah?" he breathed, studying her expression. "Then why me?"
"Let's see," she sighed, gazing heavenward. "For one thing you're brilliant, you have manners beneath that tough exterior, you're endearingly grouchy and sexy at the same time and—even better—you make me laugh."
He met her waiting gaze with a frown. "I hope those weren't in order of importance?"
Laughing, she slid her fingers beneath the lapel of his jacket. "No, why?"
He grinned. "I'd prefer 'sexy' to be at the top of the list."
"Oh it is, most definitely," she smiled, eating him up with her gaze as the saleswoman came back toward them.
With a satisfied smile Alex tucked the velvet bag into her purse and shoved open the door. They had found the perfect set of rings, these with less Florentine design but a worthwhile compromise, and Daniel had even paid for them in advance, telling her they'd get them engraved when things finally quieted down. She looked up at his profile as they walked back up the block, squeezing his hand and thankful that he'd been patient with her and endured all the samples she'd tried on until they finally decided. It was two hours later and neither of them had had lunch, but when she saw the cut off ahead which lead into an alley with more little shops she squeezed his hand. He looked down at her, his mind seemingly far away.
"Let's take a shortcut," she told him, leading the way into the alley.
"Pleeeease no more shopping," he sighed, "I'm starv—"
Cutting him off with a kiss as she pulled him into the doorway of a closed shop, she gripped his upper arms and held on while he quickly caught on and kissed her back hungrily with a soft groan. Smiling as his arms balanced her she felt her back touch the brick wall as he pressed into her embrace. His arms slid lower, pulling her higher against him and enabling her to thrill at the hard planes of his body. She could feel his desire as they passed the kiss back and forth until he bent his head and panted against her cheek. She lifted her arms and circled his shoulders, leaning her head back with a soft laugh.
"You're without a doubt the sexiest man alive," she gasped as he laughed, his voice a deep chuckle that reverberated against her chest.
Pulling back, he studied her expression, lifting a hand to her cheek as he smiled. "Though you've momentarily satisfied one hunger, my stomach is still growling for sustenance," he breathed.
She held his gaze, nodding toward her right. "There is a small café at the end of the alley," she smiled.
"Good, but we've got to make it quick—the justice's office closes in two hours," he stated, taking her arm and helping her maneuver along the cobblestones.
"Ok, then let's get something to go and eat in the park," she suggested.
"Sounds like a plan," he nodded, slinging an arm over her shoulders as they gained better pavement.
Birkhoff straightened his tie, freezing when he saw her come into the room again. Her steps slowed, pulling his attention down to the white high heeled shoes she wore before he shot his gaze back up her petite form. Swallowing hard, he noted the satin drape of her dress, the hem just above her knees and the cinched fabric that showed off her tiny waist. His eyes traveled up to the demure neckline, noting the pearl necklace at the base of her throat and the pearl earrings dangling at her ears. He held her gaze, noting how her expression changed from unsure to proud before she smiled at his nod of approval. He swept his gaze over her pale makeup and along the line of her upswept hair. She came closer and took the hand he held out for her, squeezing it before he closed his fingers around it. She smiled and took the single white canna lily he handed her, gazing up at him and making his throat go dry.
"Ready?" he croaked, and at her nod he guided her toward the desk where the justice was waiting. The two witnesses smiled approvingly as they stepped closer while he leaned down to whisper in her ear that she looked beautiful.
Her gaze glowed with happiness, taking in the dark navy suit he'd bought while she went into the department and chose her own outfit. Clasping her hand, he realized how cold it felt and gently squeezed, smiling at her as he straightened and listened to the details. Feeling somewhat removed from this present reality, he still felt dazed even though he listened and repeated what they'd decided to promise each other. Then they both signed their licenses and he slipped the envelope into his breast pocket. Gazing down at his new wife, he noted the misty dew in her expression and slipped his arms around her. She looked up and closed her eyes as he kissed her to the soft applause of their witnesses.
Then they turned away from the empty desk and made their way out, officially closing the offices for the night before they walked down the long corridor toward the exit, clothing bags draped over their arms. Once they were outside he lifted his hand and hailed a taxi, glancing down at her while they waited for it to stop.
"Where would you like to go?" he asked her, relieved that she had no hesitation. He nodded her choice of the hotel across the river which had the best view of the city. Then he leaned down and kissed her cheek, leaning past her to open the back door.
After she'd climbed in he rounded the back of the cab and got in on the other side, leaning forward to give the driver their destination. Then he draped their things along his side of the seat, finally settling back and taking her hand in his. She rested her head against his shoulder as he leaned their hands atop his thigh and studied her profile. Their driver was thankfully silent, giving them time to accustom themselves to the fact that they were now husband and wife. Strangely enough, he no longer felt that he was in a dream from which he'd soon awaken. No, this was real. He noted the glint of the gold band on his left finger and was strangely at peace for once. All because of her.
Turning slightly, he put his hand beneath her chin, gently nudging it up to study her face. She blinked back moist lashes and smiled before he paused, then leaned closer to gently kiss her.
"You ok?" he asked gently, noting her nod. She sighed and gripped his hand tighter as they nudged through traffic toward the bridge.
"I'm just a little nervous," she admitted after a moment, glancing up at him.
"Nervous, with me?" he said gently, cracking a smile. "We must have exchanged bodies back there."
"I can't help it," she whispered, smiling despite herself. "You're not?"
"Nooo way," he answered, shaking his head. Then he pursed his lips. "Frankly, for once I feel completely calm. Weird, huh?"
She slapped his leg playfully. "No, not weird—it's just not how I expected to feel."
He studied her a moment. "You're worrying about work again," he predicted, leaning back with a sigh. "Then it's time to leave your resignation."
"Yeah right," she quipped, shaking her head. Eyeing him, she smiled shyly. "I'm sorry—it has nothing to do with you—"
"Ah but it does," he sighed. "Now it's my job to get you out of there—the sooner the better."
By the time the elevator doors closed he'd had enough. Punching the button for the top floor he turned and eyed his new wife. Her eyes were wide and desperate, which he took as a signal before he swept her back into his arms. Lifting a hand to grasp the back of her head, he kissed her hard and felt the answering hunger in her. She gripped his shoulders as he drew her up against him, pleased by her little gasp of pleasure before she twined her arms around his neck and met his kisses with her own teasing and delectable nips at his lips. He smiled against her lips, slipping his arm low to lift her higher. Her heel dug into the back of his calves as he tried to concentrate on how many chimes there were to their floor. God help them if the car stopped before they arrived, the doors parting to reveal their admittedly obvious honeymoon status.
"Kiss me harder," she ordered softly on a laugh as he fingers opened the buttons of his shirt.
"I want you so bad," he choked before obeying, though he felt the car slowing down. "Almost there, princess," he sighed, easing her back down his length. He glanced up and saw their floor was neck, glancing at her with a smile."Make sure we're decent."
She blushed, shrugging to tug up the neckline of her dress higher before patting at her hair.
"By the way, you look gorgeous," he croaked, pursing his lips as they slid to a halt. He held out his hand, which she gripped as he tugged her through the doors.
Glancing around, he found the hallway empty. She walked at his side and leaned against the wall while he pulled the key card from his jacket pocket. It clicked and the green light lit before he pushed it open and waited for her to enter. They he stopped short.
"Hold on," he ordered, moving to sweep her into his arms as she bit back a shout of protest. Grasping his shoulders, she glanced down at him as he stepped back out into the hall.
"Birkhoff what are you doing?"she laughed softly, leaning her temple against his.
"We're going to do this properly," he answered, kissing her lingeringly before carrying her back into the room. He turned while she leaned down to lock the door, which he had made sure had the "Do Not Disturb" sign facing the hall.
"All set," she breathed, releasing her hold on him.
"Wait a second," he interrupted, carrying her over toward the king sized bed. "Check it out," he smirked before tossing her gently onto the bed.
She laughed, reaching over to swipe at him but he ducked out of the way, standing with his arms crossed as he nodded toward the bed. "Check it out—too soft or too hard, we're getting another room."
Kneading the mattress, she nodded. "Just right—and it's a pillow top."
"Good," he sighed before reaching for her foot. Slipping off her heel, he lifted her other foot and did the same, keeping a grip on her ankle before he lifted her toes with a suggestive smile.
"What are—?"she giggled as he kissed her foot, sliding his hand up her calf until she squeaked in mock outrage. "Don't tell me you have a foot fetish?" she gasped, pulling her leg out of reach.
His brows shot ups. "You tell me," he shrugged, watching her jump up to stand before him. Then he wrapped his arms around her. "Come here, woman."
She slipped into his arms, and they kissed slowly and deliberately. The sun was setting and by the time he remembered to close the drapes he guided her over to look out at the skyline, guiding her back against him as he held her. Resting his chin atop her head, he heard her soft sigh.
"It's beautiful," she breathed, smoothing a hand along his forearm.
He tightened his grip on her, suddenly flooded with emotions he couldn't distinguish beyond happiness and grief. His life fast forwarded before him and stopped at this moment, and he sensed that they were meant to be together. It was no accident, and everything they'd suffered had brought them here.
"I love you, you know," he said simply, his eyes on the swirled golden lights spread out over the heavens.
Her hand stopped its slow stroke over his arm. Easing herself from his embrace, she turned to face him. Her eyes were beautiful, luminous in the sunset. Felt her hands at his waist, beneath his opened shirt. The light brought out dark auburn highlights in her hair, framing her pale face with color. Her lips parted, revealing the flash of her beautiful white teeth.
"I love you," she whispered, smiling an otherworldly smile which captivated him. He swallowed, caught in her gaze and finding himself a very willing captive.
Smiling back, inspiration filled him with a flood of what he guessed might be joy. "Mind if I turn off the lights?" he asked quietly.
She shook her head. "Not at all," she breathed, and when he turned to do so she followed, stopping by the bed. "Then I'll need your help with this zipper," she added matter of factly.
His hand swept down over the switches and the room darkened but was gilded by the golden-purple glow from the sunset. Glancing out the windows, he noted how the skyline darkened, white lights twinkling from the office windows across the Hudson River. Going to her side, he rested his hands at the base of her neck, bending his head to kiss her bare shoulder.
"Glad to oblige," he sighed, noting her little shiver of a response before he kissed the hair by her ear.
She straightened, waiting while he slowly slid the zipper of her dress down. Reaching back, she touched the side of his hip while he gently parted the back of her dress. Slipping a hand inside, he touched the warm skin of her back and closed his eyes. Her skin felt so soft.
Then she turned and eyed him, slowly sliding her hands beneath his tee shirt to encircle his low back. He bent his head and caught her lips, kissing her teasingly until she reached for his belt and began the slow choreographed dance of their first time together.
Alex gripped his head, gently lifting it from her chest to study him closely. Finally starting to catch his breath, he opened his eyes and sighed lustily. His arms slid from beneath her back to her shoulders as he lifted her just enough to capture her lips in another slow kiss.
"Are you alright?" she sighed, her body still singing and alive with the pleasure he'd given her. Pleasure she'd never felt before in her life.
"Never been better," he drawled, moving to his side and taking her with him. They were still joined together, his body inside hers, strong and sure. He nudged his head into his pillow, wrapping his arms around her.
Nestling her forehead beneath his jaw, she traced the muscled contours of his chest, now damp with perspiration. His scent was pleasing, and as she ran her fingers down his ribs and over his hip he sighed as his breathing evened out.
"You had to work awfully hard," she said carefully, feeling guilty for the efforts he'd had to expend in order to finally bring her to completion. Despite her protests and excuses that she was a tough case he'd persisted, refusing to find his own release until she'd finally soared with pleasure under his patient labors. "I'm sorry I took too long…"
He tilted his head back, opening his eyes to squint at her in disapproval. "Is that guilt I hear in your voice? If so I never want to hear it again," he sighed, leaning back with a satisfied sigh. "Believe me, I thoroughly enjoyed myself," he said with a throaty chuckle.
"Oh yeah?" she shot back in mock outrage, laughing as she hit him with one of the small pillows. "Well so did I, but you look so exhausted, like you just ran a marathon—"
"Oh I am," he assured her, grabbing the second pillow from her grasp before she could hit him. With a laugh of triumph he tossed it across the room before rising up over her, pinning her down and eyeing her with a warning look. "I'm totally exhausted and worn out from you—want to try it again?"
"Ooooh, you scoundrel!" she laughed, wrestling with him until he flipped onto his back and pulled her up over him, holding her in his arms until she met his silent command to kiss him. Touching his lips with hers, she began to tease his lips until he loosened his grip.
"Well?" he sighed, lifting his brows suggestively. "You up for another round, wife?"
She gaped at him in surprise, twining her fingers through his hair. "But I thought guys couldn't—you know, I thought guys had to wait a little while."
"Not this guy," he sighed proudly, his eyes twinkling. "I've been waiting way too long for a woman like you, and we've only got the weekend to be together."
"Oh," she sighed, shifting against him and smiling in response. "I see…in that case," she whispered, kissing him teasingly.
"That's my girl," he replied, shifting his hands through her hair as he kissed her back.
When her cell phone started to vibrate they ignored it, Birkhoff guiding her up and above him as he watched her every expression, obviously as good of a student as he'd been a teacher. She heard the phone continue to pulse but was too wrapped up in him to care. By the time he switched positions with her she was lost in a haze of pure sensation, drowning in his loving whispers and the power of his touch.
Nikita eyed Michael, who watched her expectantly. She shrugged and spoke to Alex's voice mail, tugging her suitcase after Michael's as they wove through the crowded airport.
"Hey, it's me—we're back finally. Where are you, anyway? I've been trying to reach you all day. Anyway, hope everything's ok with you and nerd. We're leaving baggage claim now, so I'll see you guys in an hour ok? And just for your information we're starving. If you haven't cooked maybe ask Birkhoff to do his magic takeout order, same as last time? See you later!"
She sighed off and waited at Michael's side for the next cab, shivering in the stiff breeze.
"You get in touch?" he asked, lifting his hand for the next cab, who ignored him and sped by.
"Not yet," she sighed, shaking her head. "Wonder what those two are up to now?"
He smirked. "Let's just hope Birkhoff hasn't flown the coop yet…he's certainly not the domestic type."
She nodded. "I'm surprised he hung around this long," she agreed. "Then again, maybe after all he's been through he'll sit back and enjoy Alex's company. She certainly enjoys his."
"Nah," Michael sighed in relief as a cab pulled up to their side. "It's just a school girl crush—she'll get over it."
"Don't say that!" Nikita laughed, hauling her suitcase toward the trunk of the cab. "Seymour has charm, I'll admit. And he's awfully cute, by the way."
"Cute?" Michael snorted, eyeing her as if she'd gone insane. "You can't be referring to Birkhoff!"
"But he's a very attractive guy—"
"Don't remind me! You two used to be outrageous flirts," he complained.
"Maybe I was serious," she teased, eyeing him meaningfully. "We had to have something to keep us going, Michael."
"Spare me," he laughed, reaching for her suitcase to stow it in the trunk next to his. "Let's get in—then we'll talk about our friend Seymour."
c. 2011 by Christine Levitt