Moving On (Cape Falls) (12 page)

Chapter Thirteen

The following night Peter did everything he could to keep his nerves in check. That morning
he’d left Rose in bed to take a visit to town. There was a small jeweller near the barbers in town. It was only small, but he’d found what he was looking for. He’d been surprised by how welcoming the town was to his presence. There were none of the usual sneers he got.

“How do I look?” Rose asked. He glanced up from his coffee to see her in a pair of dark blue denim jeans and a dark red blouse. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He glanced down to see her fidgeting, wringing her hands together.

Getting up from his seat, he placed his palm over her enclosed hands.

“Stop panicking.”

“I don’t know how to look. How does one dress for this? William didn’t tell me, and I never asked.” Her face was red, and he figured she’d been running around upstairs trying to find the right outfit.

Reaching up, he removed the band that bound her hair. “You don’t need to be so professional. Your hair looks lovely like this.”

Peter sank his fingers into her length, brushing out the strands. She sighed, leaning in close.

Tilting her head back he claimed her lips. Caressing her lips with his tongue, he so
ught entry into her mouth. She submitted to him instantly. Peter knew it was only matter of time before she gave herself to him, and he had the ring ready to take what he truly wanted from her. Letting out a moan Peter pulled away first.

“You have a just fucked look. You’ll fit right in.”

She giggled. Her hands gripped the lapels of his jacket. “I don’t want to go out tonight. I want to be here with you.”

He chuckled. “When we get home tonight I’ll make it up to you. I haven’t been to the club properly in some time. I get an excuse to watch you and be there.”

Rose sighed. “Will there be any women vying for your attention?”

“A few subs will try
to gain my attention. Don’t worry about them. I’ve got a plan that will let them all know who I belong to.”

“You belong to me?”

“Just as you belong to me, baby.”

In the few days since he’d taken her home, Rose had really flourished. He couldn’t believe how much she’d changed. Peter loved watching her grow
, and he certainly loved watching her eat. He’d never take her food away from her. If he ever saw her parents again he didn’t know if he’d be able to keep his opinion to himself.

“I’ve got to get you to the club. You’ll start your training. I’m usually behind the bar
, but just recently William has been getting Daisy to do it. You might have her for company. Anna usually watches the kids while it happens. We’ve all gotten quite close over the last few years.”

He felt her nod. “Daisy was telling me that you haven’t been to many barbeques or dinners or anything.”

Peter let out a sigh. “I hated the sympathy they’ve given me. Whenever Laura and Dean arrived they’d go quiet.” He shook his head. “It’s not going to happen anymore. I’ve got you.”

She smiled up at him. “And I’ve got you.”

The journey to the club was short. He took her in his car not wanting her to walk her first night. There were already several cars parked up outside the club. Peter knew it would only be a matter of time before the club became really popular. Not only was Control a BDSM club, but the main section was for anyone. People could come simply to party or dance.

Entering the main foyer he recognised several people from around Cape Falls. They all looked out of place but were trying their best to mingle.

Rose whistled by his side. “I never thought I’d see this,” she said.

Peter shrugged. He ignored the locals and went straight to the bar. Edward was
standing behind the bar serving up a beer.

“Who would have thought Cape Falls has a curious and wicked side,” Edward said.

“Not me,” Peter said, taking a seat.

William appeared and took Rose away.

“You nervous about tonight?” Edward asked, drawing him out of his nerves.

Peter stared at his friend. “She’s going to do her shift here
, and then I thought about taking her back to where the real action begins.”

“Bringing her to the BDSM club is a risky move. What if she doesn’t like it?”

Glancing at where Rose had gone, Peter turned his attention back to his best friend. “I’ve got to know how she handles it. First, I’ve got to see how she goes behind the bar.”

Edward nodded. “Your booth is free. I’d enjoy it while you can.”

Peter left the bar and headed toward his booth. Where he sat he got a clear sight of Rose as she came behind the bar. She was wearing an apron around her middle. He saw Edward teasing her. Rose kept blushing.

Peter chuckled when he saw her spill beer down her front, dropped a glass
, and mixed tequila wrong.

“She’s going to be a nightmare to train,”
William said, taking a seat.

“Get used to her. I’m not letting her go.” Peter couldn’t take his gaze away from her. She looked so adorable.

Edward was wiping his face from a fizzy bottle she’d opened.

He was surprised by the other man’s patience.

“Are you sure about this?” William asked. “It has only been a couple of days. You’ve been in love with Laura for a long time. You’re sure you’re not confusing the two?”

Peter smiled. “I’ve had a wakeup call. Rose is the woman for me. I love Laura and that will never change
, but my love is nothing more than the love of a brother to a sister. Trust me, William. I’m completely over it.”

William
nodded. “Then I’ve got everything ready for you later. The club will be closed, and the others will be here to witness it.” He glanced back at Rose. “If your woman can survive the night.”

****

Rose’s feet hurt, and she smelled like stale beer. She stared down at her red top with dark brown stains all over it. Edward flopped down on the nearest bar stool. He was tired, and she was thankful he hadn’t yelled at her.

“I suck at this,” Rose said.

“Nah, well, yeah, you do suck. Practice will make perfect. I hope.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle at his frown
. “I’ll do my best.”

The main bar was closed
, and Rose saw Peter heading toward her. He was laughing.

“I hate to say this, honey,
but your skills behind the bar need to be improved. Having said that, watching you was hilarious.” Peter rounded the bar, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I love you.”

“I love you
, too.” She circled her hands around his neck, pulling him close. “I stink.”

“You look gorgeous.” He fingered her shirt.
“I was thinking about going back to the main part of the club. Will you come with me?”

Her heart raced. Staring up
at Peter she saw the hope dancing in his eyes.

“I’d love to come with you.”

Peter smiled. “Edward, will you go on through to make sure everything is ready.”

“Sure.”

They were left alone. Running her hand up his side, she smiled as she imagined him naked. Her pussy heated, wanting him alone all to herself.

“How was your first day of work?” he asked.

“It wasn’t like putting books on shelves.” She scrunched up her nose. “I’ll have to get better. I stink.”

He stroked her cheek. “
You’ll always smell good to me.” Peter dropped his head, brushing her lips with his.

She moaned as his tongue plunged deep inside her.

“I could fuck you right here,” Peter said, resting his head on hers.

“
Why don’t you?”

He slapped her ass.

Rose yelped, enjoying the slight burn from his touch.

“You’re a vixen. I’ve got something to show you.”

He took her hand, leading her toward the back of the club. She followed him through a set of doors that opened up into a large room.

The lights were turned low
, and her heart stopped when she saw the small collection of people. She recognised Laura with Dean and Gabriel with Amy. William, Daisy, and Edward were also present.

“The Steers got the short straw. They’re babysitting the kids,” Peter said, whispering against her ear.

“Why is everyone here?”

“
They’re here to witness something.”

“Rose,” Daisy said.

She turned as the other woman wrapped her arms around Rose. Glancing up at Peter, Rose smiled in return.

“What’s everyone doing here?” Rose asked.

“They’re all here for Peter’s surprise.”

The other woman left, leaving her and Peter some space.

“What’s going on?” Rose turned to Peter wanting some answers.

He stroked her cheek. “I had no idea how to do this
, and then I thought asking you all alone wouldn’t make it special. I want you to remember this moment for years to come and for you to know that you mean the world to me.”

She listened as everyone grew silent.

“I’ve not known you very long, but our time together has been the best part of my life. There is no one else I would want in this world other than you. Rose, I love you with my whole heart. My life with you would be complete.”

Rose gasped as he went down on one knee.

“Rose, will you marry me?”

The room was deadly silent.

“I stink, Peter.”

“And I still love you. I’m never going to stop loving you.”

Laughing, Rose nodded. “Yes, yes, yes, a million times yes. I’ll marry you.”

Peter stood, lifting her
up in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist. Cheers went up. Rose didn’t listen to them. Her happiness was being in Peter’s arms as he swung her around.

“How is this going to be the best proposal ever?” Edward asked.

When Peter put her on her feet she turned to see Edward smiling. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re covered with stains
, and you stink,” Edward said. “I know you do because I do.”

Rose smiled. Peter’s arms were around her stomach. The tips of his fingers caressed the underside of her breast.

“This was perfect.” She would remember this moment for the rest of her life. There was no way she was going to forget her smelly clothes, aching feet, and the smile on Peter’s face when she said yes.

“You don’t even have a ring,” Edward said.

“Fuck, I knew I forgot something.” Peter grabbed the box out of his pocket. “Here you go, baby,” he said. He slid a small diamond engagement ring on her finger. “There, now it’s perfect,” Peter said.

Rose lifted her hand in the air to look at the ring. “I didn’t need a ring.”

“Every woman deserves an engagement ring.”

He tilted her head back, kissing her lips.

When Peter finally let her go, Rose was embraced by all his friends. Even though Gabriel was tense from the case, he embraced her and wished her congratulations. Rose didn’t bring Kelly up. Laura looked so happy, and so did Dean. Peter was busy talking with William and Daisy, leaving her alone with the other happy couple.

“You have no idea how happy we are for Peter and for you,” Laura said, hugging her.

“I didn’t know Peter was going to propose.” Rose kept playing with the ring on her finger. Laura looked at Dean with a smile.

“He let us know about his plans last night. You’ve made him whole, honey. I’ve never seen him so happy. You bring out the best in him.”

Rose glowed from the compliment. “I hope we’ll be present for some of the barbeques and stuff.”

She saw the couple stare at her. Feeling embarrassed Rose stumbled over her words. “I-I mean, D-Daisy said that he’s, erm, been somewhat absent. I was hoping to change that. That’s all. I’m not expecting an invitation.”

Cringing at her words, Rose looked down at the floor.

“We look forward to it. Peter has been missed
, and it would be nice to get to know you,” Dean said, shaking her hand.

She smiled.

Turning around she saw Peter on his own, looking at her. There was wickedness to his smile. She knew he was thinking about something naughty. Going to him, Rose wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Let’s take you home. I want to fuck you so damned hard.”

“Charming.”

“I’ve got a whole life time to be crude
and
charming. You’re my woman now.” Peter dropped a kiss to her lips, and Rose felt like the luckiest woman in the world.

Chapter Fourteen

Three months later

In the last few months a lot had changed in Peter’s life. He’d organised the fastest church wedding in the history of the record books,
or at least to him he had. Rose had loved the fact he wanted to get married as quickly as possible. The day had been perfect, and he’d taken her away to England with Edward trailing behind them for a honeymoon. Their days hadn’t been filled with sunshine and beaches, but they’d been stuck in bed in a five star hotel. He couldn’t complain, and he knew Rose hadn’t wanted to return home.

Edward had finished up some business and was now living in Cape Falls with no plans to return back home. Peter
, on the other hand, intended to book the same hotel year after year. Time alone in a room without being disturbed suited him.

Last night Rose had also agreed to be his submissive. He was going to be the one to train her at Control under William’s watchful gaze. Peter had asked the other man for support. He wanted Rose to enjoy that life together.

“Are you nervous?” Rose asked, glancing over her shoulder at him.

“It’s a New Year dinner. I’ll be fine, I promise.” It was the first week in January
, and the Steer brothers had invited them to their home in celebration of the New Year. They’d spent their first Christmas together. Rose had cooked a small Christmas dinner for the two of them. Together they’d decorated a tree and hung a few lights around the room.

“This is our first one as a couple,” Rose said, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Caressing her face with the back of his knuckles, Peter brushed his lips against hers.

“So much has changed around Cape Falls. My love for you has not.”

She smiled at him. Cape Falls was slowly dealing with what had happened to the young woman. Kelly had moved away from town. Gabriel kept in constant touch with the young woman. Peter had a lot of respect for Kelly. Her testimony had brought forward a couple more victims. They’d told their stories, and John had confirmed everything. Brad and his friends were going to spend a great deal of time in prison. John was also serving time, but he’d be released in a few years for good behaviour.

Gabriel had promised to do everything he could to keep Brad and the others behind bars. The town had also turned its back on the men. Cape Falls was changing in ways that shocked Peter. The people no longer looked down on the outcasts. They’d been allowed back into certain shops where they’d once been banned. The biggest surprise came at Control.

Peter couldn’t believe how many people now visited the club. To most people it was a nightclub, but he and those who knew Control, got access to the other part of the club. Rose was also going to be part of that exclusive club. She’d promised herself to him, and now she’d promised to train as his sub. He didn’t want a full-time submissive. Peter enjoyed dabbling, and now he had his own woman to dabble with.

They’d gotten over so many hurdles together. Rose’s parents had tried to make contact with her. She saw them around town
, and Peter had even been approached by them. He didn’t appreciate their push for Rose to forgive them. They could rot for all he cared. Fortunately, Rose didn’t want to forgive her parents. She wanted them to leave her alone. There were some things she couldn’t forgive, and what they did to her, Rose couldn’t get past.

He wouldn’t judge her
, and, in fact, he agreed with her. Peter wasn’t the one they’d tried to starve because they’d been paid to by another family.  No matter what she decided, Peter knew he’d always be on her side.

“I wish we were staying home. When we leave it means I can’t have you when I want.” He stroked a hand down to her breast.

Rose moaned, thrusting up to meet his touch. “It has been one month of me taking birth control, Peter. Go to this dinner with me, be good, and you can fuck me without a condom.”

“Are you trying to top me?” he asked. His cock tightened with her words. He’d
wanted to fuck her without a condom for some time. In the last few months he’d encouraged her to enrol in a college course. He’d done a lot of research, and there were classes she could take online. Peter remembered her passion for education and wanted to show her his support. During the day she studied, and at night she worked at Control.

“I don’t know what that is. Teach me what to do
, and I’ll know.”

He chuckled at her teasing.

“Okay, you’ve won me over, but you’ve got to promise me that when I give the signal we leave.”

“You always leave before de
ssert,” she said, whining.

Peter laughed. “The only des
sert I want to eat is you.”

“I love chocolate.”

Leaning forward, Peter nibbled on her neck. “I’ve got chocolate fudge cake in the fridge with your name on it.”

“We’ll leave before des
sert,” she said moaning.

Happy that he’d won their bargain, Peter grabbed her hand and headed out into the night. Cape Falls
might be changing, but he had the love of Rose to keep him happy. For ten years he’d felt trapped and like he was drowning and stuck. Rose had picked him up out of his misery and shown him what true happiness and love were all about.

His trips to the cemetery had ceased.
Seating Rose into the car, Peter glanced back at his house. He imagined it full with the sound of laughter.

All in good time.

Smiling, he climbed into the driver’s side and headed toward the dinner. He was so looking forward to the dessert.