It was the plane ride back to Chicago that things started to sink in. Lily was sitting on Max's lap and they were sharing a glass of wine as she admired her wedding band. He took her to one of the most expensive jewellery shops in Vegas that cater to the very wealthy and allowed her to pick out their wedding bands. It had meant a lot to her. She instantly knew what she wanted, but when the price was revealed she tried to stop him from handing over his credit card, but when he gave her a wry look she stopped. Obviously he could afford them, but she still felt guilty. However, as her eyes guided to his ring finger and the wide platinum decorative ring he wore, the guilt evaporated. It all seemed so surreal that she was married to a man that she was and had been hopelessly in love with forever. Max had hauled her into the first wedding chapel he could find and when they stood before the minister, he phoned Luke long distance so he could hear the exchange of nuptials. She wasn't sure what Max had said to him beforehand but she was sure he wasn't happy. For once she didn't care how Luke reacted. She wanted Max as her husband more than she feared Luke's anger. Lily always wanted a big fairy tale wedding, but for some reason it didn't matter anymore, because she was Mrs. Maximilian King. It was her dream come true. Nothing could spoil her happiness not even surgery. Even if things didn't go well, she at least had Max even if it was for a short time. When the minister told Max to kiss the bride, did he ever! If she had any doubts before they were gone with the force and passion in that kiss. It was the minister clearing his throat that broke the two apart. She was a little embarrassed, but looking up at her new husband she could see the promise in his eyes of more to come. Oscar was waiting for them with the Limousine when the plane landed and he immediately congratulated Lily telling her it was about time the boss did something about his infatuation which got a mock look of anger from Max before they got in the car.
-It seems everyone knew how you felt about me, but me. She said feeling herself smile. He tightened his arm around her waist,
-It's because you're full of humility honey. You never take anything for granted.
-Is that what that is? She teased,
-I thought I was just dumb.
-That is something you can never say, he continued with a serious expression,
-I value your intelligence like a treasure. I've worked beside you remember? Dumb is something you're not nor ever will be. Now let me kiss my new wife. She did just that. Once at his building and after he inserted his key card in the slot of the elevator and entered a code in a separate panel to take them to his penthouse on the top floor Max scooped her up in his arms without warning.
-Max! He grinned,
-You may not have a proper wedding honey, but I'm going to give you a proper wedding night. She felt a thrill go through her at that deeply voiced promise, but the feel of his strong arms about her made her sigh and lay her head on his shoulder. Nothing could destroy her happiness at this moment, and she was going to savor every second of it. His arms were comforting and hard like the rest of him. She never forgot on how wonderful his body was when she slept naked next to him. Ever since then she craved that again, but was never able to tell him. In fact she hadn't had a restful night since the night on the yacht. The doors to the elevator opened and he retrieved his key card from the slot before stepping through and marching down the hall to his room without breaking his stride. Once inside his bedroom he bent his head and kissed her but only released her legs letting them slide down his body. Then he turned her toward him and slowly backed her toward the bed all the time his mouth moved over hers.
-You'll have to excuse me Lily, if I seemed rushed, but I waited a long time for this.‖ He murmured against her mouth. She never said anything but her hands went to the buttons on his shirt, fumbling to get them undone.
-Well it looks like I'm not the only one. Do you ever shut up? She smiled against his mouth while shoving his shirt off of his shoulders forgetting that he wore a tie. He chuckled while reaching up and loosening his wit causing her laugh at her own eagerness. Tossing the tie on the floor, he helped her strip off his jacket and shirt piling them on the floor beside them. Her hands went to the belt of his slacks and he stilled her.
-No. It's your turn. He said huskily. Her cheeks pinked up but she started undoing the buttons of her blouse until it hung open revealing a light blue lacy bra.
-Nice. He said while he slowly opened the ends of her blouse and moved his fingers up the inside of the collar to slide it off her shoulders. It fell in a soft swish behind her. Then his fingertips moved over the swell of her breasts as his eyes followed their path.
-Touch me too Lily. She didn't need to be asked twice. She missed the feel of him and easily ran her hands over the hard contours of his chest savoring the masculine feel of him,
-I missed you. She said softly guiding her eyes up to his slowly. His hands framed her face so he could look down at her with rare affection,
-Me too darling. I can't even begin to describe how these past few weeks have been for me. I should have never touched you in Greece. It would have saved you so much heartache. She smiled faintly.
-Then I would have never known how you felt Max. I never had regrets about that night ever, I thought you did. If that was the only memory she had of him it would have been enough for the rest of her days.
-No, I cherished it. He said releasing a long breath,
-More than you could possibly imagine. I thought it was just too soon for you.
-Like I told you I would have married you when I was sixteen if you asked. He gave her a sinful grin.
-I think twenty is fair button. I wouldn't have touched you until now anyway. You are young, but now you're my young wife. The word wife sounded so wonderful coming from his mouth. Her arms went around his neck as she stepped up to him and looped his arms around her pulling her tight against him as he bent his head and crushed her mouth under his. Soon she was forming her body against his and responding as if someone lit a fire in her. His hands reached down and undid the button of her skirt followed by the zipper. His own belt had managed to get undone and was hanging loosely from the loops of his slacks. HE threaded his fingers in her hair and pulled out the pins letting it tumble down her back while his other hand circled around her lower back and pulled her tight against his body. He knew she could feel the length of his erection against her soft belly but she didn't move away, in fact she moved closer.
-Max you're driving me crazy. She moaned against his mouth.
-I am? He chuckled moving her toward the bed,
-I'm so hard it hurts. He pulled her hips tighter toward him,
-See?
-Should that be turning me on so much? She asked innocently,
-I mean we never…
-Oh, Christ honey! It's your turn to shut up. Her little naive statement nearly made him explode. She released a laugh as he scooped her up and tossed her on the bed coming down on top of her. He wasn't only tall but heavy with muscle and she loved the feel of his weight on her. Then she heard him chuckle and shift his weight.
-What is it?
-I forgot to take my pants off. He said quickly sitting up and disposing of the rest of his clothing shaking his head at her soft giggle. He was so eager to be with her that he'd completely forgotten about his slacks. Then he turned and looked down the length of her body. She was still wearing her lacy undergarments, but he purposely did that. He wanted to slowly undress her himself. A pink tinge entered her cheeks and he shook his head again,
-If you knew how beautiful you were to me, you wouldn't be embarrassed Lily. He said. He reached over and ran his fingers around the waistband of her panties slowly pulling them down her legs. He could see her embarrassment, but knew like last time, it wouldn't take much to dispel it.
-Remember this? His said sliding his hands up her long silken legs until he reached the soft junction of her thighs. Then he slipped his fingers in her causing her to arch off the bed and moan.
-Apparently you do. He added with arrogant pride at her reaction to him while moving his hand with a practiced technique.
-Oh God Max! She reached for him and he obliged by moving over her and using his other hand to quickly unsnap her bra exposing her beautiful breasts. He teased and tormented them with his tongue and hot mouth until she was sobbing while twisting her fingers in his hair almost painfully. Somehow she'd already managed to lift her legs and wrap them around his hips. He lifted himself up on his forearms and took her mouth with a possessive display of desire thrusting his tongue between her parted lips. One of his hands reached over to the bedside table and vaguely Lily heard a door slide open and closed. She opened her eyes and watched him open a condom packet.
-Max?
-Shh, it won't be for long Lily. I'll give you all the children you want when this whole thing is over with. We can't have that risk right now. Okay? She almost cried at his tenderness. How he even was able to think of her through his desire was beyond her. She couldn't even remember her own name at that time. He was right. If she had to go through any sort of treatment it would harm the baby. He knew she couldn't handle that and as always Max was taking care of her. He centered himself back over her,
-Let me know if I hurt you baby, I'll take it slow. She nodded to afraid to say anything unless the tears she felt prick her eyes threatened to fall. Then he shifted his hips and lowered them against hers probing for entrance,
-One quick thrust Lily, then it'll be done. He said quietly bending his head to kiss her. How his mouth made her forget all of her worries, she'd never know, but soon she was back in the fever of forgetting her name. Then he moved. It was quick and there was a stab of pain as his hips met the soft flesh of her inner thighs. She cried out unable to stop it and he instantly stilled smothering her with kisses.
-I have to move honey or I'm going to die. He murmured as he captured her mouth again. She was so tight that he could instantly feel himself pulse within her at the rapid beating of his own heart. There was no way in hell he could remain still for long. She nodded responding to him as if there was no pain because he easily made her forget. When he pulled out there was a small stab but then just discomfort until he pushed back into her again. Her eyes flew wide and she released a gasp of wonder causing him to grin against her mouth.
-Again, please! She said arching her head back into the mattress.
-Oh hell yes! He growled beginning a slow torturous rhythm until she was begging him for more, but he still didn't give in. She had to experience the pleasure of lovemaking to its fullest extent for her first time, and he was going to give it to her. Finally, when her hands started clawing at his shoulders, she was writhing beneath him like a wanton goddess, and his own need could no longer be ignored, he raised himself up on his hands and began stroking more forcefully.
-Open your eyes baby! He rasped out.
-I want to see you come. She did as he asked and although he'd made her climax before during that night they shared, it was nothing like this. It was like someone set off firecrackers in her. Ripples of agonizing pleasure flushed out from her pelvis and rocketed through her. She actually heard herself scream his name which was cut off by a deep masculine shout of his own. She saw his expression of intense release as he arched over her before groaning in a rush of breath as he brought his full weight down on her capturing her mouth at the same time. It was a good five minutes before he finally lifted his head and looked at her,
-Sweet Jesus Lily, if I'd known it was going to be that good, I really wouldn't have waited until we were married.
-Are my toes supposed to be numb? That got her one of the sexiest grins she'd ever seen on him.
-Mine are too. He shifted his hips and she released a gasp.
-Don't start. He groaned,
-I've got to let you rest for a bit before we make love again. It was your first time.
-I didn't know, realize that it would be so incredible. She said softly feeling like weeping.
-It isn't, but it is with us because we love each other. He'd told her that earlier in the day but it still hit her with a wave of emotion. This time she did start weeping.
-Hush baby. He said softly kissing her tears tenderly,
-I'll go draw us a bath and grab a bottle of champagne. Meet me there in twenty minutes.
-That sounds like heaven. She managed with a smile.
-It will be. He kissed the tip of her nose and rolled off her.
Lily rolled onto her side to watch his naked form as he walked into the bathroom. Then he stopped and spoke without turning around,
-If you keep watching me like that, I'm going to change my mind and come back to bed. She released a laugh,
-How did you know? Slowly he turned around not the least bit shy about his body. And why should he be, she thought, he was gorgeous.
-Because Lily, only you could make my skin heat up from your gaze. She lifted herself up on her arms,
-Really?
-Every time you looked at me, I knew it.
-You must've been warm a lot then. She said without thinking. He threw back his head and laughed,
-twenty minutes. He repeated leaving the room. Almost twenty minutes later he led her toward his bathroom.
-Wait, he said, this way.
-It would help if you took the blindfold off. She said in a laughing voice as he directed her from behind with his hands on her waist. She had her own arms thrust out in front of her.
-I don't think you trust me. Put your arms down. He said with laughter in his voice.
-No. you'll throw me in the tub.
-Will I? He said in a very unconvincing voice,
-Stop here. He said releasing her waist to remove the blindfold.
-Oh! Just when she thought he couldn't surprise her anymore,
-You did this in twenty minutes? She said in disbelief. He had about a dozen candles lit surrounding the sunken tub which was loaded with bath bubbles. On the marble ledge beside the tub was a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
-Max, this is so sweet. She felt overwhelmed with emotion. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and kissed her neck,
-I've waited years for you Lily. I'm never taking you for granted. Not for one minute. That confession coming from a man like Max was earth shattering. He was a womanizer through and through, yet he just laid his heart out for her. Without her saying anything she turned around in his arms, lifted herself up on her toes and pulled his head down towards her so she could kiss him.
-Another drink Mrs. King? Max said reaching for the bottle. She was settled in between his legs with her back against his chest in the hot soapy water of the tub.
-Is it okay? He glanced up at the clock,
-There's still some time left before midnight. One more drink and then we're going back to bed.
-Oh, Mr. King, you certainly don't have to get me drunk to take advantage of me.
-No? he said taking her glass from her hand and setting it beside the tub before running his hands up her body to cup her breasts. She sighed and tilted her head back into the crook of his neck causing him to groan.
-Jesus honey, you respond like fire to my touch. She could feel the sudden jut of his erection against her back,
-Apparently so do you. She said turning around and facing him. He lifted her up so she was level with him and kissed her hard,
-No more Mr. nice guy. He said.
-Thank God! she laughed just to have it cut off by the hard press of his mouth followed by a lot of splashing and another giggle
The next morning while she was lying on the stretcher to be taken to surgery Max leaned over and gave her one last kiss on the forehead. Luke squeezed her hand.
-I'll be back. She smiled trying to alleviate their worries.
-We know button. Said Max,
-But we just want you to know that we'll be here when you get out. Luke leaned over, q -Scared honey?
-Terrified. She said still smiling,
-But I believe I can do anything with you two behind me.
-We're ready. Said a nurse as she flipped the breaks off the gurney and gave the two men a reassuring smile as she wheeled it through the double doors that they weren't allowed through. Luke and Max stepped next to one another until the doors closed. Luke put an arm on his shoulder causing Max to look at him.
-I'll buy you a coffee.
-That sounds good. Said Max. There was no mistaking the worry in Luke's eyes. He half expected him to tear a strip off of him for eloping with his sister, but obviously he was too anxious about Lily like he was to think it was important. Luke led him to the coffee machine and threw some change in the slot. The cup dropped followed by the hum of coffee being poured,
-How was she last night?
-Worried, but, he couldn't quite tell his best friend that he managed to keep her mind off it by ravishing her all night. With that thought came images of his new bride riding him with abandon while tilting her head back and moaning gloriously. It was possibly the most beautiful thing he'd ever witnessed. She was willing to try anything and when he made the suggestion that she get on top he was able to coax her until she overcame her initial embarrassment. Hell did she ever, once he showed her what he wanted she was wildly passionate. Even the thought alone made heat rise to his groin.
-she was happy Luke. He said not elaborating. Luke handed him his coffee with a slight look of embarrassment,
-Sorry I asked. Max couldn't help but grin,
-She is my wife.
-But still my sister, don't forget that. He added slanting him an uncomfortable look.
-You wouldn't let me. He chuckled. The next few hours were the longest of both the men's life as they waited for news of Lily. Finally Doctor Jenson walked into the waiting room wearing green OR scrubs and a surgical mask hanging from around his neck. Both men shot to their feet causing him to smile. He lifted a hand,
-She's fine. We're moving her to a private room and you can both go see her in about twenty minutes after the nurses are done their assessments and making her comfortable. Chances are she's not going to be much of a conversationalist until late this evening. People usually sleep for the first twelve hours straight and if they do wake up, they don't remember.
-And the lump? asked Max. The lump was encapsulated
-What does that mean? Luke interrupted.
-It means we got it all and that the chance of the cancer spreading is minimal, it's a good sign. Both of them visibly relaxed.
-Remember, it may not even be cancerous. He added.
-When can you tell us? Max asked.
-In a few hours at the latest. He answered.
-The lab is on site here, so we should have full results by supper.