My body spasms around his cock, my fingernails digging into his back as I hold my breath and come so hard I fear I am going to lose consciousness.
He follows me right after, a loud moan reverberating from his chest, as if the weight of the world has been just lifted off his shoulders.
For a moment, neither of us dare to speak.
He catches his breath, chest heaving against mine, and a crooked grin pulls at his lips. “Well,” he murmurs, voice thick with amusement, “I think that counts as a proper offering…though I’m afraid it might make all other prayers feel dreadfully inadequate.”
I can’t help myself and giggle, suddenly very aware again that we are, in fact, in a church and have just fucked on the altar.
“I do hope Heaven has a sense of humor…because I think we just broke a few rules.”
He chuckles low, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face.
“If what we just did is a sin, I have no interest in Heaven. I’ll take my damnation gladly…as long as it’s here, with you.”
And I believe him.
Click.
* **
After, the storm begins to quiet.
It has softened to a low murmur outside, rain sliding down stained-glass in silver ribbons. The air inside the church is warm and heavy.
“I don’t know how to do this,” I say quietly.
Ashford exhales slowly beside me, still sprawled against the cool stone.
“No? That’s remarkable. Because from where I’m lying, you seem to knowexactlywhat you are doing.”
A reluctant smile tugs at my mouth. “That is not—”
“I am not entirely sure,” he continues, voice dry with exhaustion, “that I am capable of surviving another round.”
I roll my eyes faintly. “You exaggerate.”
“Do I?” He shifts just enough to look at me properly. “I am not sure I can go again…but for you, I would attempt it. If you feel you require the practice.”
I laugh softly. The sound echoes gently against the vaulted ceiling, too bright for the weight gathering in my chest.
“You are insufferable,” I murmur.
“And yet,” he replies, faintly pleased with himself, “you remain here.”
The humor lingers for only a heartbeat longer.
Then it fades.
I draw my knees closer, folding my hands over them.
“I meant this,” I say more seriously. “After.”
Understanding settles over him at once. The playfulness vanishes from his expression, replaced by solemn attention.
“I know,” he says quietly.
Outside, distant thunder rolls.
