Now, I sit in Elijah’s lap, a blanket wrapped around my shoulders and a giant, steaming mug of cha in hand.
Mummy sits back, kicking her feet into Papa’s lap. She takes a sip of the tea, and I have to clamp my lips shut at the way Elijah holds his breath, awaiting her assessment.
Her brows climb her forehead, lips smacking gently before curving into a smile. “It’s good! More cinnamon next time, but very good, Elijah,” she praises, and I swear the man beams behind me.
“Thank you for teaching me, Deepti.”
I settle against his chest, turning my attention to the telly where Papa’s cricket team is playing. “Any interest in moving to India and playing cricket instead?” Papa asks. Elijah clears his throat, the hand wrapped around my waist squeezing me gently, then tightening.
“I’ve given up a lot to get to where I am right now, and I think I owe it to myself to stay true to that. But I wouldn’t mind learning and playing a friendly match with you,” he says, winking at my dad.
I can’t help the rush of pride that swarms me at his words.
He’s been a constant pillar of strength for me throughout the worst months of my life, and I’ve had the honour of seeing him show himself some of that same kindness, no longer becoming lost in his need to be agreeable, to fix everything for everyone. And the knowledge that I get to see him continue down this new path, hand in hand with me, is unlike any other thrill I’ve ever experienced.
This must be whatselfless loveis like—a quiet surrender, no matter the stakes.
CHAPTER
SIXTY-FIVE
“Elijah,”I whine, hating the neediness in my voice, but enough is enough.
“Yes, sweetheart?” he asks, his lips and stubbled chin glistening with my cum as he tilts his head back from where he’s had his face buried between my thighs. “Something wrong?”
I roll my eyes. “You’ve been edging me for weeks.”
His gaze softens, lips tilting into a gentle smile as he climbs up my body, resting on his side with his head propped on his hand. The sun’s setting rays peek through the living room curtains, casting a golden glow over his sharp cheekbones and full lips, sage-green eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s not on purpose, baby. I’ve been enjoying learning your body and my own.” He brushes the pad of his thumb over my swollen bottom lip, pulling it free from my teeth.
“And I’ve bloody loved it. I have, I promise.”
“But?” he asks, tilting his head, worry etching between his brows.
“But,” I repeat, dragging the word out, “I’m ready for you to impale me with your massive schlong.”
He falls back against the sofa cushions he has littering the living room floor, creating a nest—that familiar, safe space we so often get lost in together. Throwing a forearm over his face, laughter bellows out of him. “Are these analogies going to get worse the more I hold out? Next, will it be ‘Stuff my hot pocket with your bangers and mash’?”
I smack his shoulder and drape myself over his chest. “That’s bloody vile,” I murmur. He uncovers his face, resting his palm along the base of my spine.
His expression mellows, and he presses a kiss to my temple. “I want you so fucking badly, Adhira,” he whispers against the shell of my ear.
“Then what’s holding you back?” I ask, knowing damn well it isn’t a lack of attraction. The man is obsessed with me. Besides, I’m a delight.
His cheeks heat, and he turns sheepish, averting his gaze from mine, but I tuck my fingers under his chin and draw him back to me. “It’s just that—” He nibbles his lower lip, nose scrunching, and I desperately want to kiss him, but then we’ll get distracted, and I’ll lose all sight of this conversation.
“Just that what?” I coax.
“You deserve perfection, Adhira. And I know I’m not bloody perfect, but what we have is as close to it as I think any two people can get,” he says, burying his face in his hands.
Butterflies whirl around in my stomach. I hate that he overthinks everything, but love that it’s because he cares so much. “Then what’s the problem?”
“I just wanted it to be special, but every time I thought of ways to surprise you, my ideas fell flat, or they were just…bloody weird.” His face flames, and I adore it.
“Weird?” I cock my head, unable to keep my smile tethered.
He groans. “Like renting out an aquarium for the night.”
“Wait…for?—”
