DLD.

Chapter Sixteen.

Procreation with my husband wasn't happening anytime in the near future, but that doesn't mean we couldn't practice. I actually forgot how mind-blowing sex with Alaric could be, and now that we were really back in tune this husband of mine was taking things to the next level. I was currently experiencing that soul snatching, toe curling type of loving. The type of sex where you have flashbacks at random times and gossip to your homegirls about. Alaric was putting it down stupendously, and I was enjoying every moment of it.

I bit my lip captivatingly as Alaric wrapped up our passionate session by giving me one firm yet seductive slap on the ass. Letting out a satisfied laugh, Alaric and I laid sprawled out on our ginormous king size bed panting restlessly. The background sounds of Anita Baker's majestic voice could now be heard more clearly as I glanced over at my husband admiringly, and when he met my gaze with the same energy, I was more than ready to get it cracking once again.

"I know what you're thinking. We can save it for after your family's event." Alaric smirked, stroking my cheek. "I've seen how long it takes for you to get all dolled up, better get started sooner rather than later. I wouldn't want to disappoint your parents with tardiness."

I rolled my eyes nonchalantly at Alaric's reminder of the Herberts' annual Thanksgiving soiree. My parents have been throwing this kind of shindig for eons, they were pretty much known for it in their upscale, bougie society. From the time I was born I had to sit through this elegant, overly posh party and play nice with the rich and the richer. It was beyond exhausting, but Alaric loved it. I introduced him to how the Herberts' got down back when we were dating, and he was hooked ever since. It was something he looked forward to, and I could actually sense his excitement as he eased off the bed. His action alluded that our playtime was most definitely over, so I followed suit to prepare myself for what was going to be an extremely long night ahead.

As usual, beautifying myself to attend any special occasion was always my favorite part. While I was no longer technically apart of the Herbert clan, all eyes were still going to be fixed on me as I patrolled the evening so looking top notched was a must. It didn't help that my mother pitted my sisters and I against each other fashion wise every time this event came around, and even though I prided myself on not falling for her bait, the pressure to impress was still immense. Everybody who's anybody was going to be present at my family's function, and by the time I completed my glam and slipped my dress on, I felt like none of them bitches could see me on their best day.

"Wow." Alaric chuckled. "Ain't I lucky to have you on my arm. You look amazing, baby."

"Always a charmer, aren't you?" I laughed, turning away from the full-length mirror in my closet. "You look quite dapper too if I do say so myself."

Alaric was leaning on my closet room's entrance, but he struck a pose when I complimented him. "Just trying to keep up with you babe. Shall we?"

"Yes." I replied as I gave myself one last look in the mirror, contented with what I saw looking back at me. "Let's go."

Alaric extended his hand out for me, and together we moved like a true unit. From the walk to the car, the drive itself and then our head turning entrance to the event. My husband and I were in sync, and I couldn't be prouder to be on his arm. Alaric was doing a phenomenal job of making sure I was comfortable and relaxed, because he knew all too well how I felt about being in the same vicinity as my mother for a long period of time. Joyce stepped her antics up tremendously for this year's Thanksgiving extravaganza, I wanted to find something to complain about, but I had to give her her props. She managed to transform my childhood home into a complete fall fairytale, I couldn't do anything besides take notes.

"Liking what you see?"

The sound of my mother's voice jumped the living daylights out of my husband and I, as we were busy touring the decorative spaces of the Herbert manor. Joyce snuck behind Alaric and I, so we had to turn around to face the bat shit crazy host. She was truly a breathtaking sight to see though, doing her due diligence to match the autumn theme of the soirée. Joyce gave me her version of a motherly embrace, and then proceeded to give Alaric the warmest, most welcoming hug I've ever seen. I smirked halfheartedly at her phony actions, stifling a laugh. Let the shenanigans begin.