Page 121 of Love Me

Celine shifts in my arms and opens those enchanting midnight eyes that own me. She presses a kiss to my lips.

“Good morning.”

“Waking up to your face, that’s how I want every day to start.” I gather her in my arms, carrying her inside the shower. Her face turns pensive. Fuck, what I wouldn’t give to keep her here, all happy, safe, and mine.

“We’re going to be fine,” she says resolutely, the determination etched on her gorgeous features.

“We will.”

“You and me.” She starts, and my heart races, hearing the beginning of that declaration. That vow turns my knees weak.

“Today, tomorrow, always.” I press her hand to my chest, interlacing our fingers.

“You can’t go back now. A vow is a vow.”

This damn fear nags at me, trying to tear through my newfound happiness.

Celine snorts a laugh, easing me. We’re made of the same fabric, and without words, we understand what each other is going through.

“We need to be careful.”

“And Grandmother’s dinner is tonight.”

She bites her lip and turns her head while I shampoo her hair.

“We’re going to be fine.”

“I don’t know what bullshit she’ll come up with next.”

The last time we were in the same room, I almost choked on the food after her little marriage announcement. I won’t be surprised if they make Abi and me sleep together in front of them, just to make sure. My jaw clenches so hard it might break, and Celine grips my chin.

“Whatever it is, I’ll handle it,” she says.

Strong, brave, and perfect.

It pisses me off to have the woman I love sit next to me at dinner while I have to play house with another.

“I love you.” Three words that should convey the depth of my feelings. What a joke.

“They’re monsters,” she whispers. “And I will bring them down.”

“This isn’t just your battle. We all want to escape.”

“No one gets to hurt you and get away with it.”

There’s no feeling better than having your love reciprocated. Her loving me pumps me up so I feel invincible.

We wash each other with gentle touches.

Celine’s the first to slip out of the bathroom while I watch her mouthwatering ass jiggle on her way out. Even though I know she’s mine, I can’t tame my need for her. It’s a wild beast wanting its mate back.

The moment she’s not in my arms, I crave her back. I am only complete when I can touch, kiss, and feel her close––when there’s no bit of space between us.

I hurry to dry off, missing her already. Insatiable? Most definitely. Mad about and irrevocably in love with her? My ultimate truth, and I wouldn’t change a damn thing.

Getting out of the bathroom, I see her propped against the window. I could just watch her and never tire of the view. She looks at me over her shoulder and bites down on her lip. “This time, I’m going to ask. Before we leave, can I read more of the letters?”

I nod, and the sudden urge to play for her pushes me toward the piano. Walking downstairs, I sit, remembering how I used to play for her or lose myself in the music when I had to tune the world out.

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