He was still hard against her flesh. They sat upright, trembling, as his mouth kissed over her
breasts. When his lips found hers, they stilled and stared at each other through hooded eyes. His potent need clear in his smoldering gaze.
Scout lifted her hips, shifting her position, as he guided his cock to her sex. Their eyes never
wavered as they each were locked in that moment in time. She was drenched with need. As his length
filled her, Scout’s moan paralleled his. The shock of pleasure broke their intense stare. Back arching, she fanned her fingers through his dark hair, fisting and pulling his head back as she came down on
him and bit at his rough jaw.
Strong hands gripped below her breasts, spanning her waist as their bodies slowly began to move in
tandem. Skin clung to skin. Breath mingled, and whispers of affection and pleasure filled the room. It
was possibly the most intensely beautiful moment of her life.
Dark eyes stared into hers and there was not a secret between them in that moment. Everything was
raw and honest and undeniably carnal. Their bodies glistened with sweat. Fingers dug into tender
muscle as nails titillated and scraped. They would each wear marks of their possession.
She seated herself and his cock pressed into her G-spot. His mouth sealed over her throat and
sucked as she rode him, rotating her hips and stealing her pleasure. Hot breath beat at her neck.
“That’s it, love. Take what you need. Let me feel you come all over my cock.”
Bowing, her mouth opening in a silent plea of pleasure as desire exploded into something
unnamable and delicious, her body pulsed and twitched as he held her. Warmth erupted into her
channel as he came, his own cries of pleasure mingling with hers.
Tipping back onto the bed, trembling, holding tight, she never wanted to let him go. Harsh gasps for
air filled the quiet room as she stared into Lucian’s expressive, dark eyes. Her thumb combed over his
dark brow and he gently kissed her lips. “I love you, Evelyn.”
It was time, time to face her reality. She caught her breath and met his stare. “I love you too,
Lucian. Please don’t hurt me ever again.”
His eyes closed and his grip tightened. She knew how long he’d waited to hear those words. They
were offered freely, without coercion, without guile. They were the only truth she had in this world.
She loved him and that love terrified her, because it had the ability to tear her to sheds and leave
nothing behind.
Part X
Lucian
Chapter 9
Breakthrough
The destruction of a seemingly strong defense, often by means of sacrifice
Lucian sighed. Contentment was not an accurate enough word for the peace filling him. His fingers
brushed the hair out of Evelyn’s eyes and watched as she slowly drifted to sleep. He almost couldn’t
believe she was there in his bed, in his arms. It was impossible to stop touching her after such a long period of not having the luxury.
Things had to change. They couldn’t go back to where they once were. Too much had happened.
She’d opened up parts of him he never shared with anyone. When he thought he’d lost her, he became
crippled with regret. Losing her again was not an option.
His mind contemplated the ring in his drawer. His fingers idly played with hers. Her unconscious
state allowed him to explore and study the many facets of her sleeping body. He wanted to slip that
ring on her finger now, but knew that would upset her.
Was it him or something else? She’d admitted she loved him. There had never been more precious
words. Did that mean she’d reconsider being his wife? He was never letting her go again. It simply
wasn’t an option, so why not marry him?
The sound of his phone vibrating from the floor distracted his thoughts. He ignored it and continued
to observe her as she slept. She was so beautiful. Her dark lashes gathered like the feathers of a quill, making soft shadows over her cheeks. Her lily-white skin was softer than the petals of a rose. There
was no one as beautiful as Evelyn.
He considered Nicole. She’d royally fucked up last night when she called Evelyn trash. He wanted
to retaliate, but feared what the woman would do in return. The last thing he needed was some
escalating game of tit for tat, especially if what Evelyn said was true and Nicole knew about Pearl and her past.
It didn’t bother him, where Evelyn came from. Nor should she be held responsible for her mother’s
poor choices. But his baby was a prideful little thing, and that sort of exposure would crush her. She’d feel like she embarrassed him, which was bullshit, but it would be a challenge to convince her
otherwise. If he could avoid a situation like that altogether, it was best for everyone.
He had a ton of shit to do. He’d been backed up with work since Evelyn had moved out. His mind