Page 53 of Of Vows and Betrayal

The hands that were so desperate on my scalp now try to push my hips away. Catching a hold of her wrists, I draw them on either side of her head and hold them to the mattress.

“Shh,” I murmur. “Just relax.” Flexing my hips, I slideall the way home and freeze. “Just get used to me for a second.”

She burrows her face in my neck, and I feel the unmistakable wetness of tears. “Okay,” she whispers against my skin.

“I’m sorry it hurts.” Leaning down, I kiss the tears from her cheek. “Just let me know when I can move.”

She doesn’t say anything, and I wait, holding my breath. Slowly, under me, her body starts to relax. She wiggles slightly and flexes her pussy. I groan, my eyes rolling back. I need to move soon before I explode inside her.

“Javi.” Her small hands move down my back to grip my ass. “Please. Move, please.”

She doesn’t have to ask me twice. I pull out, only to drive back into her with a punishing force that speaks of pent-up desire, driving into her with a rhythm that matches the pounding of my heart. She grips my ass as I move, pushing me farther into her with every thrust.

God, this woman is amazing, and she is mine, only mine. Always fuckingmine.

“God, Phee,” I groan, my movements unyielding, relentless. “You have no idea how long I’ve imagined being inside of you.” It became a daily wet dream since that day we made out in the car. I marvel at the pleasure as I fill her, claiming her just how I want to and how she’s begging me to. I spent so many nights imagining this moment.

“Javi, Javi. More, please.”

I move faster, harder as I slip my hand between us until I settle it between her thighs, my finger finding her clit, and as soon as I touch it, she lets out a cry of pleasure.

She moans and arches her back, pleading for more.

“I’m going to come, Javi. Fuck, I wanted it to last longer.”

I press harder against her clit, and she calls my name as she orgasms, her walls tightening so hard around my cock that I come too, calling her name.

The intensity of the moment seems to stretch out, time itself bending to our desire as we cling to each other, my cock still deep inside her, our bodies moving in perfect rhythm.

I collapse on top of her, my brain empty, my body exhausted but satisfied. I kiss her neck before wrapping my arms around her and rolling onto the bed, so her head rests against my heart.

I move her hair out of her face, making sure she’s okay. When she gives me a tired smile, I brush my lips against her forehead.

“You’re mine now. Always.” I keep my eyes locked on her, hoping she sees how much I mean it, how much I need her to agree.

She moves her head and kisses my chest, her lips pressing against the crying dove tattoo. It feels almost obscene to enjoy that kiss, knowing what the tattoo represents, and yet I can’t find it in me to stop her.

“Yours,” she replies sleepily, and for now, it’s all that matters.

I barely sleep, fearing that every time I close my eyes, I’ll wake up to an empty bed and realize the night we shared was nothing more than a figment of my imagination.

In the dim light filtering through the curtains, I studyher face, committing every detail to memory. I notice the small freckle at the corner of her left eye, a tiny imperfection that only makes her more perfect to me. Her long eyelashes flutter gently as she dreams, casting delicate shadows on her cheeks. Her mouth, slightly open as she sleeps, reveals a vulnerability that makes my heart ache.

My gaze drifts to the curve of her shoulder, the smooth, soft skin that I’ve kissed so many times tonight. The way her collarbone gently slopes into the hollow of her neck captivates me, and I can’t help but lean in to breathe in her scent, a mix of floral and something uniquely Ophelia.

Guilt gnaws at me, a dark undercurrent to the peace I feel with her in my arms. I’ve destroyed her world and pulled her into mine without a second thought. Her father’s empire crumbles because of my actions, and she’s caught in the fallout. In this moment, holding her close, the rest of the world fades away. She is my universe, and I swear silently to protect her, to cherish her, no matter the cost.

I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering on her soft skin. She stirs, a soft sigh slipping from her lips, and a fierce protectiveness floods my heart, overwhelming in its intensity. I will shield her from the chaos I’ve created. I will be her anchor, her safe harbor.

As she sleeps, I make a silent vow. I will be there for her, no matter what. I will rebuild the world around her, making it a place where she can thrive. I will be the man she deserves, the man who loves her unconditionally.

She shifts closer to me, her hand resting on my chest, and I feel a profound sense of purpose. I will make things right, not just for her but for us. Together, we will facewhatever comes our way.

“Sleep well, Phee,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ve got you. Always.”

With that promise in the air, I hold her tighter, letting the rhythm of her breathing lull me into a light, vigilant sleep, ready to protect the woman who has become my everything.

It’s seven a.m. when my phone vibrates, announcing someone getting on my private elevator. I slip out of bed carefully, not wanting to wake Ophelia. Pulling on a pair of pajama bottoms, I quietly make my way to the living room.

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