What girl hasn’t dreamed of this? Of being so tenderly held? It’s more than I could have ever wanted—and I get to keep it this way for the rest of my life. In three years, even in five years, Lev and I will be making love just like this, slowly and tenderly with the other in mind.
His hands roam my body, grounding me with their dedicated exploration of my skin. Each touch sweeps me farther away from Macedon and all the horrors of my past. Every kiss transports me away from the anxiety waiting in my future. Soon we won’t have to think about those things anymore.
Soon we’ll be completely different people.
“I’m close,” I whimper as I arch against him. “Please come with me.”
A shuddering groan breaks through his concentrated features. He presses his forehead to mine and retains his rhythm, huffing as my hips respond to his bucks. I’m racing to the finish line with him, taking my time to truly feel the way our bodies slide together.
Tension coils in my gut as I dig my nails into his biceps. His muscles flex while his back goes rigid, thrusts shifting to piston-like plunges that send me teetering over the edge. I’m breaking apart by the time his rough grunts signal his eruption.
My orgasm whitens my vision, and I lose track of reality for a few precious seconds. When I come to, I’m sweating and panting as if I’ve just outrun a wild animal.
That’s how it should always feel, I think as my breathing begins to slow. Loving, caring, sweet…
Lying on my back with my fingers twining through Lev’s hair grants me a feeling of peace. I stare at the popcorn ceiling, my chest harboring his cheek, where his heavy breathing steadily sweeps over my bare chest.
“We could have kids,” he whispers. He raises his head to look into my eyes. “What do you think?”
“Kids? Plural?”
He shrugs while smiling sheepishly. “Or one kid.”
I don’t admit I’m on the pill. How can I when he looks so hopeful about starting a family? Besides, there will be plenty of other chances. Our hearts are fused now. “Lev, I’m…” I lick my lips nervously before continuing, “I think I’m falling in love.”
“I’m already in love, baby.”
The conviction in his voice, in his eyes, makes me feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I want to say it. I want to put the words into action, to make love a verb with him, but I simply can’t. Not yet. Not until I truly mean it.
“We’ll leave during the engagement party,” I tell him. “Meet at the pier, okay?”
He nods. “That sounds perfect.”
And then he kisses me like we don’t have a worry in the world.