Chapter 122 122. Sex Toys
My breath hitched. We weren't saying the word directly, but I understood exactly what Lucien was telling my father. What he was promising me.
Forever. He was promising me forever.
Silas smiled, eyes suspiciously bright. "That's all a father can ask for."
Lucien turned to Seraphina next, holding my hand.
"And I hope I have your blessing too, Mrs. Ashford, as Camila's mother."
The word 'Mother' hung in the air.
Seraphina's hand flew to her mouth, tears threatening to spill over.
"Of course you do. Of course." She crossed to us, pulling me into a hug. "You'll always have my blessing, both of you."
Something shifted in my chest. I can't believe I once despised her. She was just an innocent woman filled with love, always gave out to love to the people around her and is just trying to love me the best way she knew how.
"Thank you," I whispered against her shoulder.
"Okay this is getting too emotional," Damon called out. "Someone needs to embarrass Camila to lighten the mood."
"Please don't-" I started, but it was too late.
"So when's the wedding?" Maya asked with a smirk. "Or are we gonna act like that wasn't a proposal?"
"Maya! That wasn't-we weren't-"
"She's blushing!" Little Iris crowed. "Look at her face!"
"I am not blushing."
"You absolutely are," Lucien murmured in my ear, clearly enjoying this. "It's adorable."
"I hate all of you," I muttered, but I was smiling.
After dinner, we walked everyone out. Hugs, handshakes, promises to do this again soon. Rafael and Maya were last, but they left together, laughing happily about something.
Finally, it was just Lucien and me in the parking garage. But instead of heading toward his usual Mercedes, he led me to a sleek black convertible that gleamed under the low lights.
"When did you get this?" I ran my hand along the cold smooth hood.
"This morning." His eyes had that spark they always got when he was about to do something reckless. "Thought we deserved something special."
He opened the passenger door. Inside smelled incredible-leather and that sharp chemical scent only brand new cars had. I slid into the seat, running my fingers over the dashboard.
Lucien circled to the driver's side, movements eager. The engine's roar to life was a deep purr that I felt in my chest. He pressed a button and the roof retracted, opening us to the night sky.
"Hold on tight, Fiera."
He peeled out of the garage. The acceleration pressed me back into my seat, stealing my breath. Wind whipped through my hair, tangling it into knots I knew Lucien would comb out for me tomorrow. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white as we flew down the street.
I threw my hands up, screaming my freedom into the night. "Freedom! Freedom! I can move!"
Lucien's hair whipped across his forehead, dark strands dancing in the wind. My heart kicked against my ribs just hearing that rich melody of his unrestrained laughs. His hands gripped the steering wheel with easy confidence, muscles in his forearms flexing as he shifted gears.
Every fast corner we took was nothing short of exhilarating. This was living. This was freedom.
Finally, he slowed, pulling up outside an ice cream shop. The sudden stillness felt strange after all that speed. My ears rang slightly, pulse still racing.
"Come on." He killed the engine. "A sweet treat for my lady."
We got chocolate and vanilla again, walking hand in hand down the sidewalk. The night air was cool against my flushed skin. People passed us, some doing double-takes, a few pulling out phones.
"I think that's a new bookstore," I pointed across the street. "The sign looks different."
"Mmm." Lucien wasn't looking at the bookstore. He was looking at me.
"And that boutique-oh, that dress in the window is gorgeous. The blue one with-"
"Fiera."
"What?"
He nodded toward a shop ahead with Neon signs. "Is that-"
"A sex shop?" I finished, heat flooding my face.
His grin widened. "Want to go in?"
"Absolutely not."
"Come on." He was already pulling me toward the door. "Where's your sense of adventure, my queen?"
Inside, soft lighting cast everything in warm shadows. The shop was organized, almost elegant. A bored-looking clerk sat behind the counter, barely glancing up from her phone.
Lucien picked up a leather crop, running his fingers along its length. "What do you think?"
My mouth went dry. "I think you're insane."
"Excuse me," he called to the clerk. "I need something that'll make my girl cry like she's never cried before."
My eyes went wide. "Lucien!"
The clerk perked up, suddenly interested.
"And I need something," I interrupted loudly, "that'll make my man beg for mercy."
His eyebrows shot up. Challenge accepted.
He moved to another display, picking up something with multiple straps and buckles that I couldn't even begin to understand.
Oh, that mischievous gleam in his eyes?
Fine. I can play this game as well.
I picked up a smooth silicon ring. Surely, these are for men. "What about this?"
His brow furrowed slightly. "You wouldn't."
"Try me."
He grabbed a vibrator next, and it was not small!
I retaliated by picking up something with feathers and silk restraints. His eyes darkened.
Back and forth we went. He chose a blindfold made of the softest leather I'd ever touched. I selected something that looked like it belonged in a medieval dungeon. He found a bottle of massage oil that promised warming sensations. I grabbed its counterpart that promised cooling tingles.
The clerk was having the time of her life, suggesting additions we hadn't even considered.
By the time we finished, over twenty items sat on the counter. Some I could name. Others I had no idea what they did and was almost afraid to find out. Lucien pulled out his card and paid without hesitation.
"You have no idea what you just did," he murmured in my ear as we left, bags in hand.
"Oh, I know exactly what I did." I looked up at him through batted lashes. "And I can't wait."
"Careful..." His eyes went molten, "...or we won't make it home."
We kept walking until we found a bench near a small park and sat down. The bags were tucked discreetly at our feet, while the street noise faded as we settled into comfortable silence.
My head rested prettily on his shoulder as I licked the last of my ice cream, watching the few people still out this late. A couple arguing quietly across the street. A jogger with headphones. Normal Friday night scenes.
"It's over, right?" I asked quietly. "With Ronan arrested and the evidence handed over?"
"Yes mi amor. It's over."
"What about Jessica?"
Lucien's hand found mine. "I can't just let her go. She'll sue me for kidnapping."
"So we talk to her." I squeezed his hand. "Heart to heart."
He almost laughed. "Heart to heart? With Jessica?"
I raised my head from his shoulder and glared at him.
"Fine." He sighed. "You are right. You're always right. I'll try talking-"
"I am coming with you to Switzerland."
"Absolutely not."
"Lucien, I'm coming with you, and it's not up for argument. End of discussion."
He studied my face for a long moment. His jaw worked, clearly running through arguments and counterarguments in his head. Finally, he sighed.
"You're not going to back down, are you?"
"Not a chance."
"That's good. You should always stand your ground." He pulled me close, pressing his forehead to mine. "We go together. We handle this together."
"Two tickets to Switzerland, coming right up!"