MVP: The MVP Duet, #2

Prologue

Malone

Do you have any bags, ma’am? the taxi driver asks as he picks me up outside the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.

No, nothing. I shake my head, wiping the tears that just won’t stop coming from under my eyes. I just need to go to this address. I fire off the address I didn’t get the first time I was here. The one I blatantly stole from my boss at the charity.

The man gives me a double-take, like he knows where he’s taking me, wondering if I know where I’m going. Here?

There, I confirm.

As I sit in the back of the Uber, I continue to text Slade, telling him yes, over and over again. Letting him know I’m coming, asking him to please allow me five minutes. I have no idea what’s going to happen once I get there, I’ll need his permission to get to the penthouse floor. While I can see he’s read every single one of them, he’s yet to respond to any.

One thing I know, I can’t give up this time. I have to keep trying; I have to prove to him I’m serious. With that in the back of my mind, I square my shoulders and prepare for the battle of my life. Doesn’t matter that I haven’t slept in over twenty-four hours, that I literally came here with nothing but the purse in my lap and the phone in my hand - I have to make him understand.

When the taxi drops me off, I fumble getting him the money he’s asked for.

"Are you sure you don’t want me to stay here and wait on you, ma’am? I know who lives here, and you look upset. I know who you are because of the stories that were printed about you. Forgive me for being forward, but this doesn’t exactly look good.

For some reason this person’s consideration of my feelings, someone who doesn’t even know me, is the last straw of what has been an emotional twelve hours. Tears fall as I shake my head.

No, I refuse to leave here without what I want. Thank you, but no.

He gives me a card. This is my personal number, if you need a ride later on, call me. I’ll come get you.

I won’t.

He presses it into my hand. In case you do. Sometimes love isn’t enough, ma’am, even though that’s the most tragic thing in the world, it’s the truth.

I grasp on to the card like it’s a lifeline before climbing out of the taxi. With shaking hands, I text Slade again.

M: My phone is at 5%, I have no luggage, I maxed out my credit card to get here, and all I’m asking you for is five minutes of your time. Please, Slade.

When I get to the elevator, I press the button for the penthouse, but it doesn’t light up. My stomach drops and I start to lose the little bit of hope I had coming here. I try again, and again it won’t light up.

M: I’m begging you. Please, five minutes. This time, it will be your fault…

Sending up another prayer, I press the button, and praise Jesus, the button lights up and the elevator rises. Hopefully to the future I’ve always envisioned myself having.

When the door opens, he’s standing in the foyer, leaning against one of the walls, his arms crossed over his chest, wearing the most broken look I’ve ever seen.

Five minutes. He gestures with his hand.

Now that I’m here, I’m pissed and I’m going to make good use of my five minutes.

You lied to me, you son of a bitch. You promised me you’d give me time. I warned you initially I would probably run, would probably freeze.

Why is the question, he interrupts me. Why do you always feel the need to freeze? Why can’t you just love me?

Those words break me, tears stream down my face. I do love you, Slade. I love you more than you’ll ever know. I love you so much it hurts, but when you asked me, I did freeze. Not because of you, but because of me.

That’s an easy cop out, Malone.

But it’s the truth. Immediately I wonder, what can I bring to you? What will I give to you? How will I not be a distraction, or something else you have to take care of?

The answer to all of that is easy. He pushes off the wall. You bring me peace, you give me love, you make me more focused, and I want to take care of you, but you have to give me the chance.

And you have to give me the chance to say yes. You didn’t hear it. I said yes, I said yes a million times.

His voice is broken. But did you mean it?

With everything I have. I came here with nothing; I’ll leave you with nothing if that’s what you want. But if you’re willing, I would love to spend the rest of my life with you. I won’t freeze again. We’ll be partners, and we’ll face anything that comes our way together, like we should.

I want to trust you.

You can. I walk toward him, pushing him up against the wall.

His arms close around my body. Don’t disappoint me ever again, Malone. Please, I don’t think I can live through it.

One

Malone

A Few Weeks Later

Holding onto my Dad’s elbow as I walk down the aisle towards the love of my life is the most surreal moment I’ve ever experienced. The smile on Slade’s face lights up the room so much I’m sure it can be seen from the moon, and I’m equally sure mine can be too.

Who gives this woman? The officiant asks.

Funny, I don’t even remember the walk down, all I remember is Slade’s smile.

Her mother and I, I hear my Dad speak, but my gaze is only here for one person.

He kisses my cheek and then puts my hand in Slade’s, which is so warm, so strong, and everything I’ve ever needed to feel. As we stand facing each other, all I can do is look into his eyes and smile. My face hurts I’m smiling so hard, but I want him to know how happy I am in this moment, that there were no second thoughts, no hesitation on my part.

Malone, do you take Slater to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?

There is zero hesitation on my part as I speak loudly and proudly. I do!

My exuberance is met with laughter by everyone in attendance. After all, they know our story.

What we thought was the end, was really only the beginning.

You look beautiful.

The words are said on a whisper that causes me to smile.

Yeah? I tease Savage, turning fully around so that I can see him too.

Wow, you clean up really nice.

You think? He winks as he strikes a pose that he undoubtedly has before for some magazine. I’ve been told I’m one of the hottest, most eligible bachelors in the world.

Not anymore. I grab his hand, flattening our palms together so our newly placed wedding rings touch.

His face takes on a seriousness I’ve never seen as he closes the distance between us, cups my chin in his hand, and tilts my head so we look into each other’s eyes. Thanks for making me listen. His tone is ragged, reminiscent of how it was that night.

Thanks for giving me a chance, when you didn’t have to.

Nah. He folds his arms around me. As soon as I got that first text from you, I knew I’d let you come back to me. It just took a little while for me to be able to admit it.

I look down, as he turns me to him, our hands clasped. The dark wedding ring he wears makes my heart thud. We’re married!

He laughs, and it’s a sound I realize I haven’t heard in so long. We are, and I can’t wait to do life with you, Mrs. Harlow.

I can’t wait to do life with you either, Mr. Harlow.

Should we go greet our guests?

Let’s go!

Together, holding hands, we make our way into our reception, and I’ve never been prouder than to be the woman standing next to him.

Savage

I’m glad the two of you finally got it together, and I’m so happy to have her in the family, my Mom says as she has a seat next to me. I wasn’t sure it would ever happen, and it was difficult watching the two of you, she grabs hold of my hand, soothing me the way only mother’s do.

I know, but we did get it together, I lean over, putting my arm around her neck, pulling her into me. Thanks for coming, I know you don’t fly, I know you’re not a fan of the big city, but you braved both for me, and I love you for it.

I love you too, son, she kisses my cheek. But you and I both know the only way you’ll get me back here is grandbabies.

She and I both laugh at her lack of subtleness. I’ll keep that in mind, Mama.

Be sure that you do, she stands up, waving to Dad. There’s only so many times in our lives that I’ve been able to get your Dad on a dance floor, and I’m about to guilt him into it by using your wedding. I’ll see ya later.

See ya, Mom, I laugh, sighing with complete and total happiness.

"Get ready for some of the best times of your life."

I’m sitting at one of the tables, nursing a beer when Caleb sits down next to me, with one of his own. What do you mean?

Marriage, man. A lot of the guys I work with told me it would feel different, that it would be much different than just living with someone or dating them. I thought it was a load of shit, to be honest. I didn’t think I could love Ruby any more than I already did, but I found out I could. Marriage is a whole new ballgame. Prepare to be one whipped fucker for at least the next few months.

I give him a look. I know you’re talkin’ from experience.

Dude, I don’t even wanna hang out with the guys right now, all I wanna do is Netflix and chill with her on my days off. A blush works up his face. It’s just different; I can’t even begin to describe it. You’re gonna love it though; you’ll be one of those guys who thrives in a marriage. For us who live these busy lives and need someone to ground us? It’s amazing. I wish you and Malone a lifetime of happiness.

He holds up his bottle of beer, I hold mine up to his, clinking the necks together. Same to you and Ruby.

Speaking of, I’m going to go find my wife.

As he gets up and leaves, my eyes search for Malone. I see her standing next to Ruby, the two of them laughing at something. Caleb interrupts them, and I see a softening in Ruby’s gaze, and I know by the way she blushes he’s probably said something to her that no one else should hear. They excuse themselves, and that’s when Malone’s eyes meet mine.

She walks across the small place we rented for the reception, coming to stand in front of me.

What are you doing sitting over here by yourself?

Just watching my wife from across the room.

A pleased smile covers her face. She leans down, giving me a glimpse of her chest as her dress gapes. What do you say we get out of here, Savage?

She hardly ever calls me Savage, but with that look in her eye, I know exactly what she’s thinking and I’m down to give her whatever it is she wants. Standing up, I grab her hand in mine. Let’s go, baby. Nobody will care if we leave our reception early.

Two days later, we’re lying in bed, the wind coming in off the water fluttering the curtains. There’s a steady rain falling outside, but it does nothing to dampen our spirits. We haven’t left this room, this bed, since we got here. If I could keep her here for another five days I would, but unfortunately we have to go back to the real world.

She’s naked under a sheet that barely covers her, and so am I. When we made the quick exit from our reception, we hopped a private plane to the Gulf. So far, no one knows we’re here, and since we’re leaving first thing in the morning, I think we’re safe.

Are you relaxed? I run my hand up and down her thigh.

I’m on my stomach, gazing up at her. She’s on her back, hot as any picture I’ve ever seen in a porno mag. The sheet is situated in such a way that all the naughty parts are covered, but every other portion of her body is there for me to look at.

Mmm hmmm. She stretches, causing the sheet to dislodge from around her chest. The most relaxed I’ve ever been.

Good. I sneak my hand up her thigh, under the flimsiness of the sheet. I’m pretty relaxed too, but I think I’d like to get there a little more.

Oh really? She gives me a sultry look, spreading her thighs for me.

Yeah. I reach up, extending my index and middle fingers, tucking the rest against the palm of my hand.

You’re almost there. She tilts her head back against the pillow. Maybe a little to the left.

I chuckle against her skin, nipping lightly with the edges of my teeth. You don’t get to direct this. I push my fingers inside her tight heat, groaning as she wraps herself around me.

Savage, she moans when I