Control

Chapter 56

When awareness came back to Mikaela, she tensed in her husband’s arms. “What did you do?” She whispered. “You took control of me again…in front of…the others.”

“We’ve made love in front of them before.” His deep voice rumbled through her and her eyes fluttered with the intensity of the feeling. “We sent the single guys packing though.”

“Why?”

“Could have something to do with the couples all having sex.” He purred in her ear.

She giggled like an embarrassed teenager. “We are a bad influence, aren’t we?”

“Definitely but in a very good way.”

“”I’m exhausted but starving.”

“I’ll get the guys together and we’ll cook. Why don’t you lay out in the sun, relax, and I’ll feed you?” He kissed her neck and she melted in his arms.

He walked them to the edge of the water with her arms and legs wrapped securely around him. She gave him a sultry smirk. “You’re still inside of me.”

“Yeah.”

“I don’t want you to leave.” She licked his lips playfully.

“I won’t be long. I promise.” He knelt, lowering her to the ground while he kissed her tenderly. He pulled away and refastened his shorts. “Stay here, baby. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay.” She mumbled drowsily. He smiled as she dozed off and turned to the house.

He walked into the kitchen and found the 3 single men sitting around drinking. “Guys.” He looked around the huge modern kitchen. “This is interesting. This place is as much of a contradiction as she is.” He opened the fridge and pulled out some meat. “Someone wanna give me a hand with lunch?”

“Sure, Dom.” Anton joined him behind the counter and dug through the pantry.

“Have you guys taken the grand tour yet?”

“I haven’t actually wandered around but I saw the floor plans when she designed it.”

“How old style does it go, Richard?” Dom asked nonchalantly as he seasoned the meat.

“It has an assortment of hidden rooms and passageways. Don’t tell her I said shit or I’ll deny it to my dying day. Fuck. I forgot who we’re talking about.”

“Yeah. There is no getting away with lying to her.” Leon glanced up at Dom’s comment to see if he was looking at him. He wasn’t. “What kind of hidden rooms? Are we talking about tombs here?”

“No man. I don’t think she has any dead bodies hidden away but they are designed like tombs. In other words, trespass at risk of death or dismemberment.”

“No shit. Do you know where they are?” Anton piped in with an adventurous look on his face.

“I know where some are but what part of at risk of death don’t you understand?”

“Dom can enter unharmed.” They all looked at Leon curiously. “I found one earlier. That is where she discovered me before she drug me outside.”

“What’s in it?”

“Weapons.” Dom answered Anton for Leon. “Damn. That woman has enough weapons to wage a war all on her own.” He seemed exasperated at the thought and then turned inquisitive eyes to Leon. “How did you get in?”

“I just did. Do you want to see it?”

“Maybe later. I need to feed her. She hasn’t been eating and all the stress she’s been under can’t be good for her.”

“Is she ok?”

“She should be gaining weight, Leon, not losing it. She says she’s hungry but she picks at her food. Patricia is going to kick my ass when she sees her.”

“Dom. I’ve known her for a long time. Of course, she’s never been pregnant but I know when she eats it feeds her muscle first. Her metabolism is fast and converts it all to her muscle tone. She has dropped a little weight in the past couple of days but she’ll be fine. Besides, we’re all here to keep an eye on her.”

“Thanks, Richard. I’ll need all the help I can get. We all know how stubborn that woman is.”

“I believe I am the accused stubborn woman you are talking about.” They all turned to see Mikaela standing in the entry. “Oh and I do believe that is the look of busted on your faces.”

“Hi baby. We’re getting the grub together and…shouldn’t you be outside relaxing?”

She patted his cheek. “Nice try, Dominic. I don’t need any more sun and Mia is coming in so we can plan her wedding.”

“I assume it won’t be here.”

“You assume correctly.”

“She’ll be disappointed, Mick. This place is the best Egypt has to offer. It is a touch of paradise in the middle of an ancient civilization.”

“She hasn’t said that she wants it here.” She began to pace the kitchen.

“I know my sister, babe. She’ll want it here.” He saw his wife’s anxiety before he felt it and moved to her side. “I’ll explain it to her if you want me to.”

“No. I won’t break Mia’s heart and ruin her wedding. If she wants it here, she can have it here.”

“What about keeping this place a secret?”

“I have 5 others.”

“Are you sure?” He cupped her cheek in his palm.

She sighed heavily and glanced around at the sacrifice she was making for her sister-in-law. “Yeah. I’m sure.” She met his eyes and smiled wearily. “Her happiness is worth it. Besides, how long can Sallah possibly live anyways? It will be a secret again.” She looked at their startled expressions with a straight face.

Richard started to laugh and pointed at the others. “You guys really need to get a handle on her dry ass sense of humor.”

She smiled at the 3 oblivious men. “I was joking. The old bastard will probably outlive me.”

“He will for sure if I don’t feed you. Sit that beautiful ass of yours down and rest.” He swatted her behind and steered her to a chair at the table.

“Ouch! Take it easy, big guy.” She sat next to Richard and across from Leon. “Happy now, milord?”

“I’m getting there.” He leaned down and kissed her lips sweetly. “Now…I’m there.”

“Flatterer. I do believe I did well in choosing you as a husband.”

He walked back to the counter and returned her smile. “I hit the jackpot with you. Tell me…am I the wealthiest man on the planet? I have a beautiful wife, a slue of kids on the way, and my family.”

“Uhh.” She flopped her head down to her arms on the table. “Stop talking about more…births. It reminds me of my nausea.” She snapped her head up and put a hand to her throat. “Oh shit.” She scrambled out of her chair and ran out of the room.

“Okay. Either one of you helps Anton cook or you’re on hair holding detail.”

“I’ll go.” Richard got up and followed her down the hall. He rushed into the bathroom, gathered her hair, and rubbed her back. “It’s ok, Micki.”

“No.” She gasped out. “I’m not use to this.” She got up shakily and leaned on the vanity. “I feel like crap.”

He watched her turn on the water, splash some on her face, and rinse her mouth. “It’s natural, honey.”

“Not for me! Don’t you understand, Richie? The only thing I ever had complete control over in my whole life was my body.”

She broke down into tears and he held her to his chest. “It’s okay and I do understand. We might have never been bonded but I learned to read you pretty well over the years. You know what? I bet I know what will make you feel better too.”

She sniffled and looked up at him. “What?”

“How about you get out of those wet clothes and I run to my room to get you a t-shirt and shorts?”

She gave him a small smile and nodded. “That sounds perfect.” He helped her to the bed and turned to go when she stopped him with a whisper. “Richard, will you ask Vince to join us on your way back?”

“Sure, honey.”

Five minutes later, the 2 men entered her room and found her wrapped in a towel seated on the bed. “I delivered on both promises. Here are some clothes.”

“Yes! Have I told you I love you lately?” She snatched the shorts out of his hands and slipped them on.

“Not lately but I know.”

“You haven’t told me you love me at all.” Vince watched her drop her towel and take the offered tank top. “But that is a good start.”

She pulled the tank on and grinned at Vince. “I do love you. You make me laugh, you make me proud, and you make me feel secure. You are like me in some ways. You live by your emotions and you are a good man.”

“I’m impressed, Mick. This is the first time in recorded history that Vince has been left speechless.” Dom was leaning in the doorway with a tray balanced on his hand. “I see you are breaking the rules, love.”

“What rules?”

“I told you no clothes allowed in our bedroom.”

“Dominic, I am coming right back out.” She clenched her fists in irritation.

He walked into their room and set down the tray. “No, you’re not. You are going to lie down, eat, and get some rest. Now say what you need to Vince and Richard so they can get on with their business.”

She scowled at him. “Richard, tell Brian and Mia to get ready for their wedding.” She held Dom’s eyes as she addressed them. “Vince, will you please go fetch my grandfather?”

“Mikaela…I thought you didn’t want…”

“It’s okay, Vince. I’m doing this for Mia. When you get back, we’ll light the exterior torches and have a sunset wedding.”

He gently took her hand and her attention snapped to him. “Are you sure?” She smiled, nodded her head once, and squeezed his hand. “Okay, princess.” He released her and he and Richard left to do her bidding.

“Take off your clothes, Mick, and get in bed.” He grinned at her when she crossed her arms and furrowed her brow. “I love it when you pout. If you make me take them off you won’t be able to wear what’s left of them.”

“You are an insufferable man.” She pulled the tank over her head and threw it at him. “Always barking commands at me like I’m your personal plaything.” She pushed the shorts down her legs and kicked them to his feet. “Just like you ordered, my lord. Naked and waiting your next command.”

“Beautiful.” He murmured. His eyes burned over her skin and he felt his heartbeat quicken at the sight of her. “Lie down on the bed, baby.” She did as instructed while he retrieved the tray and placed it beside her. “Now I want you to eat every bit of that. I need you at your top form.”

She bent her legs and crossed on over the other. “Why is that?”

“I want to continue our sword lessons.”

Her mood was mercurial and she smiled. “Really?” He nodded at her and moved to the foot of the bed. She took a bite of her steak and realized there wasn’t enough food for two. She looked at him with concern in her eyes. “Are you going to leave me in here by myself?”

“No, baby.” He knelt on the bed, uncrossed her legs, and spread them. “I have all I need to eat right here.” He skimmed his fingertip over her velvety lips and she closed her eyes briefly. When her eyes caught his, he saw them darken with desire. “Eat your lunch, baby. I’m gonna eat mine.”

About 2 hours later, Dom was holding his fed and sexually spent wife in his arms. A soft knock on the door intruded with his rapt fascination of her sleeping form. “Come in.”

Leon poked his head in and averted his eyes when he saw her naked body draped across Dom. “Sallah is here and the girls are jonesing to get ready.”

“I wish I could let her sleep.” He ran his hand over her hair and smiled when she snuggled against him. “She’s exhausted. I don’t know where she gets these bursts of energy from that keep her going.”

Leon moved into the room and shut the door. “I think it is half desperation and half necessity.”

“She was an insomniac when we met. Nightmares of Rob’s death and the torture she suffered from Bill wouldn’t allow her to sleep. She said that the first decent sleep she had in a long time was the night we met. She had a nightmare that had her screaming so loud I could hear her outside. I snapped her out of it and held her in my arms all night.”

Leon watched him caress her face with love in his eyes. “I didn’t know all of that went down. It must have been a hard time for you.”

“It killed me to see her hurting like that.” He kissed her forehead softly and kept a watchful eye on her to make sure she hadn’t woken. “When we woke up, I claimed her as mine.”

“You two were made for each other. There isn’t a doubt in my mind.”

“Then why did you take her?”

“Whether you believe it or not, she belongs to me too. I don’t know how to explain it. She…I don’t know how it happened.”

“I think I do. Serena told her that she and I were destined for each other. We were made for each other on every level. She also said that you are a close runner up.” He looked into Leon’s startled eyes and glanced back to his mate. “Janna was wrong. The Romanians were wrong about the bond. What they have experienced with their bonds is not the same as ours. We are connected to her on a whole different level. She never had sex with Rob when they were bonded and he never kept a girlfriend. He was only for her.” He looked up at Leon with a look of genuine concern. “I think you are both still attached in spite of what Sallah did and I hope that doesn’t stop you from finding someone of your own.”

“I found someone and I ruined it.”

“You didn’t ruin it. Honestly Leon, I don’t think she wanted to let you go either. I know I come first in her heart and in her life but you found a place in there too.”

“So, where does that leave things?”

“Oh she is mine. Make no mistake about that but you are something more than a friend. If anything ever happens to me, I expect you to take care of her.”

He nodded his head grimly. “I’m going to light the torches and start cooking so she has a little less to deal with. I’ll see you out there.”

“Thanks. I’ll get her up. Give me about 10 minutes before you send the girls in.” Leon nodded his head again and quietly left the room. “Baby?” He stroked her cheek lightly.

“Hmmm.”

“I hate to wake you, precious, but the girls are getting restless.”

“Okay. I’m up.” She nuzzled her face into the side of his neck and he heard her breathing even out again.

“Mick, love.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “You have a wedding to get ready for.”

“I’m already married…wonderful man…fantastic lover.” She mumbled in her sleep.

He smiled at her words and chuckled at the fact that this secretive woman talks in her sleep. “Brian and Mia’s wedding.”

“Oh shit.” She lifted her head and slowly opened her eyes. “Is it that time already?”

“Yeah, baby. Mia and Letty are calling for you.”

“Doesn’t anyone have long engagements in this family?”

“Their engagement was long compared to ours.”

“Smartass. I could sleep for the rest of the day right here in your arms.”

“I wish you could. You need it.”

She kissed his lips and grinned. “You’ll just have to tire me out later so I can get some more…sleep, I mean.”

He ran his hands down her back and cupped her ass. “I look forward to it. Now get up and get the 3 of you dolled up.”

A couple of hours later, the anxious groom was standing in front of Sallah with Dom at his side. Both men were dressed in unbuttoned white silk shirts and drawstring pants.

“Calm down, Brian. She’ll be here in a minute and then you’ll have forever.” Dom elbowed Brian in his side and pointed. “Here comes my eternity.”

Mikaela and Letty walked down the lit path towards them. They wore their hair in ponytails secured by gold rings. Their white silk dresses were sleeveless, form fitting, and stopped above the knees. All 3 women wore thick gold arm cuffs on their biceps. Mia followed behind them escorted by Vince.

Her hair was up as well but curled so that her ponytail was in ringlets. Her dress was floor length. The bodice attached behind her neck in a bow and was backless. From the waist down it appeared to be several silk layers that were still fitted to her and her legs were visible through the slits as she walked.

Vince walked her down the aisle, placed her hand in Brian’s, and took his place at Dom’s side. Sallah performed the ceremony in English and bound their joined hands in a gold silk rope while they exchanged their vows.

When he asked for the rings, the couple was startled when Dom and Mikaela handed them diamond inlaid gold bands. Brian turned questioning eyes to Dom and he indicated Mikaela with a nod of his head. She gave him a quick wink and a smile that matched his own.

“Children, it is my honor to declare you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, son.”

Brian pulled her into a deep kiss and everyone clapped and whistled. They separated and smiled at their family. Mia hugged her brother with tears of joy running down her face. “Congratulations, little sister.”

“I love you, Dom. Thank you for letting him back in our lives.”

He pulled back and smiled down at her. “I love you too, Mia, and you know who to thank for beating it into my thick skull that he was supposed to be here.”

They both looked over at Brian kissing Mikaela’s hand and pulling her into a tight embrace. “Thank you for the rings…for everything. I owe you so much.”

“Brian, you don’t owe me a thing. I just want your happiness. The rings belonged to my parents and I can’t think of 2 loving souls who deserve them more.”

Mia looked at her ring in awe and whispered. “These are your parents’ wedding rings?” Mikaela nodded her head once. “Why didn’t you and Dom use them?”

“My parents married each other. My union with Dominic transcends marriage.” She held his eyes for a moment and continued to speak. “Our eternity bands were made eons ago for our specific circumstances. The rings of my makers were made for you two.”

“Thank you.” Mia hugged her sister-in-law. “I love you, Mikaela.”

“I love you, baby girl.” Brian hugged them both and Mikaela’s eyes began to water. “Okay. Too much love. You’re squashing the irritable pregnant woman.”

Dom pulled his wife free of their embrace and held her to him. “Back off of my mate and let’s party.”

The food and drinks were laid out and waiting. Mikaela whispered to Vince and Richard as they carried their plates and glasses to the ponds edge. They nodded their heads in response and all sat together waiting for the others to catch up. When everyone was seated, the 2 men picked up acoustic guitars and began to play. Mikaela sang and they backed her up on vocals.

Say that I love you
Is not the words I ought to hear from you
Its not that I want to
Not to say but if you already knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel

More than words
Is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn’t have to say
That you love me
Cuz I’d already know

What would you do
If my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real

What would you say
If I took those words away
Then you couldn’t make things new
Just by saying I love you
More than words

Now that I’ve tried to
Talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is
Close your eyes and just reach out your hand
And touch me
Hold me close
Don’t ever let me go

More than words
Is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn’t have to say
That you love me
Cuz I’d already know

What would you do
If my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real

What would you say
If I took those words away
Then you couldn’t make things new
Just by saying I love you
More than words

“That was fantastic, baby.” Dom leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. “You three sound great together. You should take this show on the road.”

“Thank you, guys. It was beautiful.” Mia was fanning the tears that welled in her eyes and smiling from ear to ear.

“You’re welcome, baby girl.” Mikaela spotted Janna venturing out of the house to scavenge food and again whispered to Vince and Richard. She got up, grabbed Leon’s hand, and pulled him along to stand center with her. “I hope you know this song because you are singing it with me.” She told him the song and he nodded his head. “You start and I’ll join in.”

Leon – I don’t want to hear about it anymore
It’s a shame I’ve got to live without ya anymore
There’s a fire in my heart
A pounding in my brain
That’s driving me crazy

Janna’s attention was drawn to Leon the second he began to sing.

Leon and Mikaela – We don’t need to talk about it anymore
Yesterday’s just a memory
And we closed the door
Leon – I just made one mistake
I didn’t know what to say
Leon and Mikaela – When you called me baby
Don’t say goodnight
Say you’re gonna stay forever
Oh oh all the way

Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Mikaela – To fly me over
Leon – Fly me over
Leon and Mikaela – Yesterday
Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Mikaela – It’s never over
Mikaela – Yesterday’s just a memory
Leon – Yesterday’s just a memory

When the rest of the group joined in the chorus, it took the 2 singers by surprise. They grinned and got into the song with more emotion.

Leon and Mikaela – I don’t want to live without ya anymore
Can’t you see I’m in misery
And you know for sure
I would live and die for you
And I know just what to do
When you call me baby
Don’t say goodbye
Say you’re gonna stay forever
Oh oh all the way

Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Mikaela – Can you fly me over
Leon – Tie me over
Leon and Mikaela – Yesterday
Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Leon and Mikaela – Its never over

He moved closer to Janna as he sang. She looked back to her older cousin’s smiling face as she sang solo for a moment.

Mikaela – Yesterday’s just a memory away
I was running for the door
The next thing I remember
I was running back for more
Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah

Everyone was on his or her feet and Dom pulled Mikaela’s back to his chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist while she started the last verse.

Leon and Mikaela – Don’t say goodbye
Say you’re gonna stay forever
Oh oh all the way
Mikaela – All the way
All the way
Yeah

Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Mikaela – Can you fly me over
Leon – Fly me over
Leon and Mikaela – Yesterday
Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Leon and Mikaela – It’s never over
Leon and Mikaela – Whoa whoa whoa whoa
Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Mikaela – Won’t you fly me over
Leon – Won’t you fly me over
Leon and Mikaela – Yesterday
Everyone – Can you take me high enough
Leon and Mikaela – It’s never over
Leon and Mikaela – Whoa whoa whoa whoa

She watched the estranged couple talk quietly to each other and sighed. “Damn, I’m good.”

“Yeah, you are.” He kissed her head and rubbed her stomach. “You ready to call it a night?”

“Let’s see. I made the bride and groom happy. I started peace negotiations between those two. My work here is done. Oh shit.”

“What is it, baby?” He stilled his hands on her abdomen and bent down to look at her face. “Are you feeling okay?”

“No. I forgot something. Hey, Vince. Last one, darlin.” He nodded his head and he and Richard began to play. She turned to her husband and blushed. “I’m singing this one the way it was written. Use your imagination on what inspired me to pick this one.”

I spend my days alone
I use to stay at home
Lost in seclusion there
Like I was in a cell
A captured heart as well
Surrounded by despair
Darkness filled my soul
Losing all control

Down on the streets below
Bright city lights would glow
The energy would rise
And through the heat I’d gaze
Still counting empty days
With fire in my eyes
Living through this hell
Can I break the spell

Fever
You set my soul on fire
Fever
You fill me with desire
Fever
You always get it right
Fever
All day and all night

Then one night as I walked
I heard your body talk
I saw a shooting star
In some magnetic trance
Our beating hearts would dance
And crash down from afar
Oh how strange fate is
Never dreamed of this

Fever
You set my soul on fire
Fever
You fill me with desire
Fever
You always get it right
Fever
All day and all night

So destiny has brought us
Oh so close together
We were like angels in the night
Living the dream
At last I’ll be with you forever
And all at once it feels so right

Fever
You set my soul on fire
Fever
You fill me with desire
Fever
You always get it right
Fever
All day and all night
Fever
Oh you set my soul on fire
Fever
Filling me with desire
Fever
You always get it right
Fever
All day and all night

“Now my work is done.” He pulled her into a hard embrace and he hid his tears. “I love you, Dominic.”

“I love you, baby.” He swept her up in his arms and glanced at his family. “Enjoy the evening and tomorrow because we are going home the morning after. Excuse us.” He carried her off into the house and they weren’t seen again until the departure.