Page 15 of A Runaway Bride For Christmas
“Relieved?” I can’t believe anyone would be relieved to lose Allie. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did he propose if he didn’t love you?”
She sighs heavily. “It’s complicated. There are expectations in families like ours.”
Ah yes, families like theirs. Wealthy privileged families.
The familiar hurt burns in my veins at the way her mother dismissed me two years ago, but this time I don’t let it take me over. Allie looks sad, and maybe there’s something I’m missing.
“Tell me about it,” I say gently.
She glances at me, and there are tears in the corner of her eyes.
“I don’t get to choose, Hans. Ever since I can remember, it’s been drilled into me that I’ll make a good match one day, an alliance for my mother. I’m a commodity to her, one more thing to trade.”
Her words make me angry, and her tears destroy me. I slide over to her on the couch and take her hands in mine.
“Allie,” I soothe, wiping the tears away with my thumb. And when that’s not enough, I press my lips to her cheeks, tasting her salty tears. “You’re not a commodity. You’re the smartest, most beautiful woman I know.”
She blinks back the tears and rewards me with a smile.
I cup her cheeks in my palms. I can’t bear to see her cry, and my heart aches out for her.
“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we kissed two years ago.”
Her eyes flick to mine.
“Neither have I,” she whispers. “You’re the only real thing that’s ever happened to me, Hans. And if I could choose, I’d choose you every time.”
Her words floor me. And my heart lifts. I didn’t imagine the connection we had. This woman I’ve been dreaming about for the last two years is here before me and speaking the words I’ve longed to hear.
I press my lips to hers, and two years of longing comes out in that kiss. Her mouth molds to mine, and her tongue scrapes my teeth. Heat floods my veins, and my cock stiffens.
“Allie,” I whisper as my mouth moves hungrily over her throat. Her skin tastes salty and sweet, and I want to devour every part of her.
I pull her onto my lap, and she whimpers as my hand brushes her thighs. She moves against me and her hips press into mine, sending jolts of energy through my veins.
I’ve got Allie right where she belongs, and it feels so damn right. I feel fucking alive for the first time in two years.
The harsh ring of my phone interrupts us. I ignore it and slide my hand up her top.
“Are you gonna get that?” she asks with a giggle.
“Nope.” I move my hand around to her front and grasp her breast in my palm. Her back arches, and she moans.
The phone rings again, and a part of my consciousness knows I should get it. I’m responsible for people on the mountain, and we’re in the middle of a snowstorm.
I grab my phone off the side table with my spare hand.
“What?” I bark into it.
It’s Axel. The snow has stopped, and he needs help clearing it away. It’s going to take more than one day, and he wants to ensure everyone at the resort is okay.
Damn. My conscience knows I need to help, despite the warm body straddling me.
“The storm’s stopped,” I tell Allie. “I’m needed to help dig everyone out.”
Her face falls. “I don’t want to go back yet.”
I pull her toward me and kiss her swollen lips. “You don’t have to go back, Allie. Not ever.”
