“Yes, it’s there for the world to see,” he mumbles.
“Please, don’t blame her.”
“I won’t expect a hundred percent, but a thousand percent. You made me go back on my word, Ian. That’s never happened before. And it sets a dangerous precedent, but as a father, thank you for taking care of my daughter.”
He hangs up. Tossing my phone away, I get back to playing, losing myself in the video game. I have no idea how much time passes.
The click of my door closing interrupts my focus.
Lilly steps inside, studying me, and I let out a heavy exhale.
“Is there anything I can do?” she asks softly, walking to me.
I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, trying and failing to contain my need. “Don’t ask me that now. I’m weak and I…”
“And you what?”
“Need you.”
She lowers onto my lap and locks her arms around my neck.
“I’m here.”
I slam my mouth on hers, and the world ceases to exist.
TWENTY-NINE
LILLY
The second hislips press onto mine, I moan into his mouth—loving the feeling, loving everything about him. How I’ve yearned for his mouth on mine, lighting up my entire being.
His hand snakes around my waist and my chest bursts with this all-encompassing love. Us not being together ends right now. I am done craving him when I can have him.
He holds onto me like he’ll never let me go, and I embrace the madness fully. We kiss until we gasp for air.
Brushing his nose against my cheek, he buries his face in the crook of my neck, where he places a kiss that inflames the passion. I’ve missed this so much; I am trembling with desire.
He looks so peaceful right now, his features losing any trace of hardship. He smiles and I return it, feeling at ease—at peace with my decision.
Eyes locked, he rasps, “Hi, flower girl.”
“Hi, reckless boy.”
He stands up with me in his arms. “Can I have you?”
“You can. Never ask that again,” I breathe out.
I am his and if I don’t feel him inside of me, I will go mad. Months. It’s been excruciating, months filled with intense longing. I am done.
We can talk later, but now it’s time for our bodies to get reacquainted. With my legs and arms locked around his back, he carries me to his bed, our bed.
He places me down, and everything suddenly becomes clear as I return to the place I should have never left. It’s my prerogative to be with him.
He undresses me with a gentleness that has my chest brimming with emotions.
“I want to take my time. Show you my desperation with every kiss, my need with every touch, how much I love you with every thrust. You have consumed me.”
“You’re all-consuming,” I murmur.
