The pressure of his hand intensifies his stroke, making me clutch the sheets with barely there control.
I rotate my hips in time with his and when that dizziness takes over again, I fall into it. I clench my walls around him, screaming out in ecstasy.
“Ah, fuck, Gianna. Just like that. You’re so beautiful.” His jaw clamps shut, and his thighs tighten as he calls my name with reverence while joining me over the edge.
After taking a minute to collect ourselves, he pulls out of me and my core twitches at the loss of connection. He falls to the side of me and pulls my body into his, kissing the top of my head.
We both fall silent for a minute and my heart is full and content with everything. I can’t believe he’s my husband. He’s my world.
“I want you to know how much I love you, Finn, and loving you is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me. I can’t imagine doing this life without you,” I say the last word with so much love in my heart.
“I love you too, Gianna,” Finn says, kissing my forehead. “Now and forever.”
Gianna
EPILOGUE
I headto the shower after messing with Finn. Mornings are usually the favorite part of my day because I get to wake up next to my husband. I turn on the shower, and the warm water hits my skin. A soft sigh escapes me, and I lean into the water.
Every day for the past six months has been amazing, but fear keeps creeping into my mind that all of this can be taken away, so I hold onto every moment like it's going to be my last.
We haven't been in touch with family for the past few months, and I like it that way. It's not that I don't miss some of them, it's that I want to learn more about myself and my freedom, independent of anyone. Which is why I urged Finn to buy this building.
I've never done anything for myself or on my own before, so I wanted to try something new and so far, I'm enjoying every single moment of it. It feels great to have something in my life that I control by myself.
I step out of the bathroom, wrapping myself in the robe. I need to be out of here quickly to start working. I dry my hair and change into my clothes. A pair of blue jeans and a simple tropicaltop to pair things up. I brush my hair and put on a little makeup—mascara and lip gloss.
I check myself in the mirror and grab my bag. "Finn!" I call, but the room is quiet. "Finn!" I call again, but no answer. I walk to the bedside stand and see a note for me.
I went into the city to get some things, see you later today for our midnight stroll. I love you.
I smile, tucking the note in my bag before stepping out the door. Finn and I usually go for a walk on the coast after work. It's also a part of our day I look forward to. Truth is, I look forward to anything as long as Finn is there with me.
The hallway smells like lemon polish and lavender. I always make sure it does. It's silly maybe, but scent lingers and people remember it. The wooden floor creaks in familiar places as I walk. That's what I love about this place—how the walls speak if you know how to listen.
The hotel isn't big or flashy, but it has a heart and it's mine. Light spills in through the tall windows at the end of the hallway, painting stripes across the walls and the old framed paintings I scavenged from flea markets and antique stalls. Every corner of this building has my handprint on it.
I pass two guest rooms and glance down at the "Do Not Disturb" tags swinging gently on the doors. The lounge opens up ahead, cozy and sun-dappled. The old velvet couch is slightly lopsided again; I make a mental note to fix it later. The mismatched chairs around the coffee table are right where they should be. The travel books, the chess set, the basket of folded throws. All good.
I catch the scent of something warm and sweet drifting from the kitchen. "Morning," I say as I pass the cafe counter.
Bella looks up from behind the small open kitchen. Her hands are dusted with flour and she's halfway through mixing anew batch of dough. "Morning, G," she says, smiling. "Scones are in the oven and will be ready soon."
I grin. "Keep up the good work."
The cafe is quiet, the espresso machine humming low as it warms up. I glance at the pastry display, brushing a few stray crumbs into my palm. Everything is in order.
I circle around, check the back hallway, jotting down reminders to call the florist, order more oat milk, and check on the outdoor string lights before the weekend crowd. Just the usual. My mind is already half on tonight's wine-tasting group and whether the weather will hold for the terrace.
When I make my way to the front desk, Finn's already there. Leaning lazily against the counter. A mug in one hand, the other scrolling through the tablet. Sometimes, I wonder if he's satisfied with this kind of life.
Finn is used to handling bigger, much more challenging tasks. He headed big companies and had many staff, and now I can't tell if he's just settling for this because of me or because he wants to.
"You're back early," I say, stepping behind the desk where Mary, our receptionist, is, and glance at the register, checking for any overnight bookings or cancellations. Just a couple of new inquiries, nothing urgent. "I changed my mind. We can go together later," he answers, sipping from his mug, and I smile.
I glance at Mary. "Everything looks nice, Mary. Keep up the good work." She nods and smiles. Mary is a rather shy girl. I mean, for a girl in her early twenties, you'd think she'd be more outspoken.
Finn was against me employing her, but something about her clicked for me. I walk to Finn and take a sip from his mug. I almost gag, forgetting he only takes black coffee.
