Page 101 of Boots & Scars

But she was here, safe with me now. I had to focus on that. I took a deep breath, trying to temper the rage boiling insideme. Gently, I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek.

She stirred slightly but didn’t wake up. Her presence was a balm to my fury, calming the storm within. It was all too easy to let anger consume me, but that wouldn’t help her heal. She needed peace, not more chaos. And so did I.

I glanced down at her, watching as she slowly stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a sleepy smile.

"Morning," she murmured, voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "How do you feel?"

"Like I could sleep for another year," she said with a laugh that warmed my heart.

"Well, you've earned it," I teased, planting a kiss on her forehead.

She shifted closer, wrapping an arm around me. "I can't believe we're here," she whispered.

"Neither can I," I admitted. "But I wouldn't trade it for anything."

Her eyes sparkled with affection as she looked up at me. "Do you have to be anywhere today?"

I shook my head. "Nope. I'm all yours."

"Good," she said, nuzzling into my chest. "Because I'm not letting you out of this bed."

I chuckled softly. "Deal."

We lay there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other's presence. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in our little bubble of happiness.

As the morning light filtered through the curtains, I felt her warmth beside me, an intoxicating presence I couldn't get enough of. Her fingers traced idle patterns on my chest, like it was special. Like I was special. I met her gaze and saw the same hunger mirrored in her eyes.

Without a word, I shifted, leaning down to capture her lips in a slow, tender kiss. Her response was immediate, her body arching toward mine. I slid inside of her with ease, and it felt like coming home. Like the first fucking time. We moved together naturally, like we were meant to fit this way all along.

I took my time, savoring every touch and kiss. Her skin felt like silk under my hands, and the sound of her soft sighs filled the room. The urgency from the night before had transformed into something deeper and more deliberate. Each movement was unhurried, each kiss lingering.

She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me closer. I could feel her heartbeat against my chest, matching the rhythm of mine. It was a connection that went beyond the physical; it was like we were sharing something fundamental, something primal.

Her hands roamed over my back, nails grazing just enough to send shivers down my spine. The way she looked at me—like I was her whole world—made everything else fade away. In that moment, nothing existed outside this room. How I deserved a look like that from someone like her, I didn't know.

I wanted to make it last forever. Every kiss and touch felt like a promise, a silent vow that I would never let go of what we had found. Her breathy moans urged me on, driving me to pour every ounce of affection into our union.

Her body responded to mine with an eagerness that matched my own. The slow build of pleasure was exquisite torture, drawing out every sensation until it felt like we were on the edge of something profound.

When we finally reached that peak together, it was like an explosion of pure emotion. I held her tightly as waves of pleasure washed over us both, leaving us breathless and trembling in each other's arms.

I didn't want to let go. Even as our breathing began to slow and our bodies relaxed into each other, I knew that this—being with her—was something I could never give up.

Eventually, though, the reality of the day crept in. My stomach growled loudly, reminding me we hadn't eaten since dinner last night.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," Everly teased.

"Yeah, well, you wore me out," I shot back playfully.

She grinned mischievously. "You love it."

"I do," I admitted without hesitation.

She sighed contentedly and pulled away slightly. "All right, let's get some breakfast then."

We reluctantly left the warmth of the bed and got dressed. The kitchen beckoned with promises of coffee and something to eat. As we moved through the morning routine together—making coffee, frying eggs—I felt a sense of peace settle over me.

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