“Yes!” I exclaim, the mere thought of us finding our release together brings me even closer to my own release.
He bares his teeth as he pushes us both toward that blessed peak, his hips moving at an inhuman speed.
Reaching up, I cup his cheek as I think back to the letters we shared, to everything we’ve been through together, and to how he’s told me how he feels about me, twice, and I haven’t done the same.
Feeling like this is finally the perfect moment for it, I pant out, “Peter, I love you.”
“Fuck!” he cries out, his hips move frantically as he crashes his lips to mine right at the moment my orgasm explodes out of me.
I cling to him and whimper into his mouth as he kisses me with a brutal passion I’ve never felt before, as if he’s not just kissing me, he’s claiming me.
His hips stutter before going still as he releases himself inside of me. Slowly, he lowers his body over mine before turning us to the side so he doesn’t crush me.
We both pant heavily as we stare at one another. He clutches both my hands between his, against his chest, and I smile at him, my heart feeling full and warm.
“I hope you know how special you are to me,” I tell him quietly. “I care about you so much. Just because I hadn’t said it before didn’t mean I didn't feel it.”
He leans forward and gives me a chaste kiss. “I knew how you felt. I didn’t need the words, although I’m definitely glad to hear them now.”
“I do, Peter, I love you. I’ve loved you for a long time, and I’m sorry I never said it before now.”
“I love you, too, Wren.” He leans forward and kisses me again. This one is slow and languid, and we take our time, his hands releasing mine as we start to explore each other’s naked bodies.
That is, until we’re interrupted.
“Sorry to break this up, but we need to leave soon,” Sly says from the doorway. And it’s like a bucket of cold water has been dumped on me, reminding me what today may have in store for us.
It’s time to finally take down my brother.
Dex holds me tighter in his lap as Elias paces the living room, the floorboards creaking under his boots. It’s the fifth time he’s gone over the plan, but we know it’s important that we’re all on the same page.
Outside, rain patters steadily against the windows. I’m not sure yet if it will help or hinder our attack on the compound.
“After I hack back into their system and start the signal scrambler, what’s next?” Elias asks, turning sharply toward us. His tone is calm, but his eyes cut like he’s testing everyone.
Sly answers first, sitting forward on the couch, elbows on his knees. “Once the network’s blind, we advance to the perimeter. Two at the east gate. We neutralize quietly, clear the approach, and breach through the supply door.”
Elias nods. “And after entry?”
Sly continues, precise as always. “Sweep and clear. We take out the interior guard station first. Maintain momentum. Minimize noise.”
Jagger’s hands move fast and sharp. I’ve learned to follow the rhythm of his signing by now. “Roof access. North side. Watch exits. No one slips out unnoticed.”
Elias glances at him and then at the others. “Good.”
Dex’s voice cuts in next, low and rough near my ear. “And I stay with Wren. We’re in the van, a safe distance from the main gate.”
“Right.” Elias folds his hands. “Engine idling. Lights off. Doors locked. You wait for my signal. If something goes wrong?—”
“We drive,” Dex says.
Pete, who’s perched on the arm of a chairwith his fingers steepled, speaks next. “I’ll take the west flank,” he says calmly, like this is a walk in the park for him. “I’ll be the charming distraction if anyone gets uppity. Or, you know, the un-charming one. Either works.”
Elias shoots him a look that could cut, but doesn’t waste words. “You’re on interior sweep with Sly. Keep your theatrics to a minimum. Don’t fuck this up.”
Pete’s grin widens. “Copy that. Limited theatrics.”
Elias scans everyone as he speaks. “If the scramble fails early, abort. Dex calls it. Everyone pulls back to point Bravo. No heroics. We regroup and reassess.”
