The guards at the gate nod as I pass through.
The house is quiet when I enter, most of the staff already retired for the evening.
I take the stairs two at a time, my heart pounding with anticipation.
Our bedroom door is slightly ajar.
I push it open slowly, not wanting to startle her.
Sophia lies curled on her side in our bed, one hand tucked under her cheek, her black hair spread across the pillow like silk.
The soft lamplight catches the gentle swell of her belly beneath the thin nightgown.
She’s so beautiful it makes my chest ache.
I strip off my jacket and tie, toeing off my shoes as quietly as possible.
My shirt and pants follow.
When I’m down to my boxers, I slide onto the bed beside her, careful not to jostle her awake too quickly.
She stirs slightly, making a small sound in her sleep.
I press a kiss to her shoulder, then another to the curve of her neck.
My hand slides over her hip, feeling the warmth of her skin through the silk.
“Mikhail?” Her voice is drowsy, confused.
“Shh.” I kiss her again, my lips trailing down her spine. “I’m here,moya lyubov. I’m here.”
My hands are gentle as I ease her nightgown up, exposing the smooth expanse of her thighs.
She shifts onto her back, her blue eyes still heavy with sleep but warming as she realizes my intention.
“You’re home,” she whispers, her fingers threading through my hair.
“I’m home.” I settle between her legs, pressing kisses to her inner thighs. “And I’m going to show you how much I missed you.”
I take my time, worshipping her with my mouth until she’s gasping my name and trembling beneath me.
When I finally slide inside her, it’s slow and deep, savoring every sensation.
This isn’t about possession or dominance.
This is about connection.
About reminding us both why we fight so hard to stay together.
We move in perfect synchronization, our bodies remembering what our minds sometimes forget—that we belong to each other completely.
Her nails dig into my shoulders as she climaxes, and I follow moments later, burying my face in her neck as pleasure crashes through me.
Afterward, I hold her close, our hearts beating in tandem.
She traces lazy patterns on my chest, her breathing gradually evening out.
“I love you,” I murmur into her hair.
