Page 104 of When You Were Mine

We’re together.

The revelation triggered another wave of orgasms, and his brain short-circuited. He practically blacked out.

Finally, when he settled down, he fell onto his side, dragging her limp body up against him. “Swear to God, Elzy. Nothing will ever come between us again.”

Chapter Sixteen

The second timethey made love, it was slower, more erotic. He’d kept her on the edge for so long she’d threatened to get herself off. But he’d just batted away her hand and took his sweet time.

As he’d rocked into her at a torturously delicious pace, he’d kissed the curve of her neck. “I missed this part the most.” He’d feathered his fingers down to her collarbone and licked the dip. “Or maybe it’s this one.” Then, he’d cupped her breasts. “Mm. No. Definitely these.”

And when she’d bucked her hips to get him to focus on the action below the waist, he’d said, “You’re not rushing me. This mouth has already mapped every square inch of your body, and now, it’s going to revisit all its favorite places, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

When he’d finally focused his attention between her legs, he’d picked up the pace and delivered an orgasm so cataclysmic, she’d nearly blacked out.

Now, she snuggled up against him, and she’d never been more perfectly relaxed and satisfied.

When he brushed his fingers down her arm, one of his tattoos caught her attention. She grabbed his wrist. “Wait, what is this?” It was gold and black, designed to look like it was sparkling. “I’ve never seen one like it.”

“That’s a trinity knot. It’s three separate entities that are interconnected.”

“And what are the entities?”

“Our past.” He traced the path with a finger. “Our present. And our future.”

She gazed up at him, taking in the five o’clock shadow, his thick hair tangled from her hands, and affection rushed her so hard her heart fluttered out of control. “What inspired it? Just life in general?”

“I was thinking about you.” He sat up, bunching the pillows behind him. “All of them are for you.” On his chest, he pointed to a compass. “‘You’re my best friend, my lover, my peace, my motivation, my inspiration, my North Star, and the love of my life.’”

“Your wedding vows.” She couldn’t believe it. “You remember what you said?”

“I remember everything.” He rolled to show her the ink on his back. “That’s Wild Bill and Calamity Jane.”

A wild west man and woman rode horses side by side through mountainous terrain.

Her fingers traced the outline on his warm skin. “You did not.”

He grinned. “I did.”

“Your entire body is dedicated to us.” She was stunned at how wrong she’d gotten it. Everything she’d made up these past thirty years came from her fear, hurt, and anger. Not reality.

“What else would I ink on myself permanently but you? You’re the love of my life.”

“Well, that’s just sad.” And yet, she was grinning so wide, she probably looked weird.

“It was pretty fucking sad. Why do you think I want you back so badly? I can’t look like a fool pining for a woman who doesn’t want me. I have a reputation to uphold.” He sniffed. “Sexiest man a-fuckin’-live.”

She burst out laughing. “So glad I could be of service.”

“We should get some sleep.” He reared over her, toppling her onto her back and kissing her neck. “I’ll be waking you up for more servicing all night long.”

A bright light woke him up, and his eyes blinked open. It took a moment to place himself in the lighthouse, but the woman draped over him gave him a deep sense of well-being.

Oh, man, it was good. So fucking good.

He loved her. Loved her with every fiber of his being.

Over the years, people had suggested he’d idealized his first love, used it as a shield to protect himself from getting hurt again. But he’d never cared what they thought. He wouldn’t say this to anyone, but the ink on his body was more than a love letter to Elzy.

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