Everything we never said

Chapter eleven - Mine

I dial Alexander Stark, guy with muscles and a truck and stuff.
It rings.

"There's my beautiful girl" he smiles through the phone.
"Hey birthday boy, you having a good night?" I giggle at his surprisingly good mood and level of intoxication.

"Hmm yeah I am, my brothers have insisted my participation in bar attendance is compulsory. I'm sorry Ron, I won't be home yet just" he explains with a pout like I should feel sorry for him.
"We'll make sure you add a large Pino Gris for me, maybe a scotch since we're celebrating" I roll my eyes with a smile.

"I wish you were here with me, I miss you" Alexander almost whispers and I picture his eyes closed.
"Sorry Xan, stuck here growing a tiny human for you. I'm busy" I tease rubbing my swollen belly.
"Thank you for that. Seriously Ron, thank you" he tells me sober and his voice creates goosebumps over my skin.
"Welcome daddy" I breathe.

My heart races in the loaded silence and I just listen to the way he breathes, Alexander Stark has real sexy breath.

"I love you Veronica"

I smile at the way he says it, with authority and grumpiness, like I should be sorry he does.

"I love you too Xan, go enjoy your night..... just no pretty girls with tight lips and short skirts" I tease.
"You're my beautiful girl, you know you're everything I need. You are my everything Roni, you always have been" he grumbles and I giggle.
"Then I'll see you when you get home, I'll be the one giving the birthday boy his gift. Naked" I smile.
"Austin?! You're crashing with Cam!" Alexander yells out away from the phone and I laugh. "Mine" he growls only to me.

"Prove it" I challenge and he grunts accepting. "Night Xan" I sing.
"I love it when you call me that" he smiles before he hangs up.

I stir in my sleep, uncomfortable and restless. The mountain of pillows do nothing to support my back and I groan in pain as I roll once again.
My eyes flutter open as I punch the pillow and I see him, just a silhouette in the darkness. He studies the painting in the corner with his hands on his hips, he's still fully dressed.

"Xan...?" I mumble sleepy and his head snaps to me. "You're home" I smile as my eyes close again.
"I wish" he mumbles under his breath and stumbles closer as I pat his pillow inviting him to join me.
"How was your night?"
"Lonely" he grimaces as he sits with his back to me on the bed. "I had a scotch or two for you, I'm sorry Ron" he whispers hanging his head.

"Good boy" I smile and rub a tired hand over his back. "I was quiet thirsty tonight. C'mon, into bed" I pull and he falls back next to me.
"Jesus, some warning woman" he grumbles but kicks off his shoes.

I feel him lift his hips to shimmy off his jeans and hear them thump on the floor with the weight of his wallet and keys.

"Be warned Alexander Stark, you get under these blankets and I'm snuggling you" I smile.
"Then I should probably go" he whispers but I don't let him move.
"Not tonight Xan, maybe not ever" I whisper back and get my hands on his bare chest.

"Fuck...." he breathes and takes hold of my hands.

I'm spun faster than my body would like and Alexander's chest presses into my back as his arms wrap around me, pinning me still.

"You like my painting?" I smile when I feel his male thing on the back of my thighs.
"Yes" he grumbles and kisses my shoulder. "It's me right? It's not my brother?" He asks unsure.
"Is Austin here?" I mumble.
"No. Should he be?"

"I just thought.... It's you Alexander, it's us. Do you remember? My third strike. Your mother loves this painting, she cried. Is that weird?" I giggle.
"Yes" he grunts and kisses me again.