"You're sure?" I ask again, needing her assurance one more time before there's no going back.
"I'm sure," she says, stepping closer. "I've been ready since the moment you called me Sunshine."
Crossing to her in two strides, I cup her face in my hands. "I love you," I whisper against her lips. "I know it's crazy, I know we haven't together long, but Lucy…"
"I love you too," she breathes, and the words hit me like lightning. "I think I have for months."
Then, I kiss her, deeper than before, backing her toward the bedroom.
Her skin is like silk under my touch, warm and yielding. Taking my time, I memorize every curve, every soft gasp. When I'm surrounded by sand and gunfire, I want this burned into me. All of it, every single moment. I want to carry her with me.
"You're thinking too much," she whispers against my neck, her fingers working at the buttons of my shirt.
"Just trying to remember everything," I admit.
She smiles up at me, eyes bright even in the dim light. "Then pay attention, soldier."
And I do. I pay attention to the way her breath catches when I trail kisses down her throat. The soft sound she makes when my hands find bare skin beneath her dress. The way she whispers my name, not a question, but like she's claiming me.
"Caden," she breathes again, and I'm lost.
I lift her easily, her legs wrapping around my waist as I carry her to the small bed in the corner. The mattress is old but clean, and when I lie her down, she looks like an angel against the worn quilt.
Taking my time, I unwrap her like the gift she is. Her skin is glowing and pale in the moonlight spilling through the dusty windows. When I finally have her bare beneath me, I have to stop for a breath to take her in—golden hair and storm-blue eyes and trust so complete it nearly breaks me.
"You're staring," she whispers, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.
"Can't help it," I murmur against her collarbone. "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Her hands find my dog tags again, pulling me closer by the chain. The metal presses between us, cold against warm skin.
"Shit. I don't have a condom," I start to sit up, but she pulls me back down.
"I'm on birth control and have been for a few years to help with my period," she whispers the last part.
"This is good news, Sunshine."
"I want you so bad I might die if you don’t take me now," she whispers.
Feeling the weight of the moment between us, I line my cock up at her entrance and pause.
"You're sure?" I ask one more time, my voice rough with need. "We can stop…"
"Caden," she says firmly, her legs wrapping tighter around my waist. "I want this.I want you."
Her words break the last thread of my restraint. As I slowly push forward, I watch her face for any sign of discomfort. Her eyes flutter closed, while her lips part on a soft gasp as I ease into her. The feeling is indescribable, tight, warm, perfect, and it takes everything in me not to lose control.
"Breathe, Sunshine," I whisper, brushing my lips against her temple.
She nods, her fingers digging into my shoulders as she adjusts to the feeling of me inside her. Then, in one hard thrust, I claim her virginity, and sink fully inside of her.
I freeze, watching her face twist in momentary pain before it slowly eases. Her breath hitches, and I press my forehead against hers, staying perfectly still while her body adjusts to mine.
"You okay?" I murmur, brushing my lips against her cheek, tasting salt.
Lucy nods, her eyes fluttering open to meet mine. "I'm okay," she whispers. "Don't stop."
Kissing her deeply, I begin to move, slow and gentle at first. She trembles beneath me, her hands exploring my back, my shoulders, my chest like she's memorizing me too. The way she says my name, broken and breathless, nearly undoes me.
