He slams into me, and I gasp.
“You’re the only thing I need, Addison. The missing piece.”
Firelight dances across his face, and he’s never looked more beautiful.
“I love you,” he confesses. “I’m so in love with you that it terrifies me because I didn’t believe this was possible. I don’t care what being with you costs. I love you, Addison Cross.”
I feel the words everywhere as my vision blurs with tears. I pull him down and kiss him, pouring everything I am into it because my words will never be enough. His hips move, and it’s more intentional. The orgasm builds like a tide, rising higher with every thrust.
“I love you too,” I say against his mouth. “No matter what the world throws at us.”
His hand finds mine, fingers interlacing, pinning my hand beside my head. I shatter around him, crying out his name into the stale air of the hidden room. My pussy clenches and pulses around him. Seconds later, Louis follows me over the edge. He buries himself deep inside with a guttural groan. Desperate breaths fill the room as he gently kisses me. It’s tender and sensual.
The fire has burned low, casting the room in amber and shadow. The only sound is our breath and the occasional pop of embers. His face is buried in my neck, and I run my fingers through his damp hair. The velvet of the couch is warm beneath my back. I want to live in this moment forever.
“I’m going to marry you, Addison,” he whispers against my skin.
“I hope you do,” I say.
He kisses me softly, slowly, then pulls out of me. I feel the loss of him immediately. After we clean ourselves, he pulls me back onto the couch, and I lie against his chest, listening to his heartbeat as he runs his fingers through my hair.
“What was your plan?” I ask, curious.
“I had a very motivating speech prepared,” he says. “Turns out, after your painting, it wasn’t needed. Just know, I’ll spend the rest of my life properly thanking you for that.”
I snicker. “Lucky me.”
Tomorrow, the world will try to tear us apart. But tonight, I’m wrapped in his arms in this room that time forgot. With the fire barely burning and his heartbeat steady under my ear, I let myself believe that our love is enough and it can conquer all.
My eyes grow heavy, and I let go, knowing I’m delusional.
We both are.
30
ADDISON
The morning light is golden as we slip through the hidden door and back into the palace corridors. Louis keeps my hand in his, not bothering to hide it anymore. I’m still wearing last night’s ball gown with my heels dangling from my other hand. My hair’s a disaster, and I’m wearing old makeup, but I don’t care. For the first time in weeks, I can breathe without feeling that weight on my chest.
“What have you been doing all night?” Louis asks, glancing over at me, grinning.
I haven’t seen him this happy—maybe ever.
“You.”
“Fair point.” He pulls me closer and presses a kiss to my temple. “After you change clothes, we’ll return to my loft, then figure out breakfast. Afterward, we will deal with my parents.”
“I have a very uneasy feeling.”
He stops walking and turns to face me, tucking a strand of tangled hair behind my ear. “Hiding isn’t an option, babe. We have to face the fire.”
“And what if we get burned?”
“Suppose we’ll be ash together.”
Louis rubs his thumb against mine as we take the long path to the artists’ quarters. The air smells like summer and salt from the sea. I admire the soft pinks and oranges of the sky and how gorgeous the sun looks as it rises over the horizon. The palace is quiet this early on aSunday morning. Most of the ball guests left last night, or they’re sleeping off champagne hangovers.
I spot my cottage ahead with its blue door and overflowing window boxes, and for one perfect moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to live this life with him. Waking up with him beside me every morning would be a fairy tale.
