Page 98 of The Love Syllabus

Brushing his lips against my ear, he whispers, “Get some sleep, baby ‘cause that was just me getting you ready. Next time, I’m gonna stretch your tight, dripping wet pussy open with my dick and fuck you so deep you’ll still feel me hours later. Until you knownobodyowns you, butyousure as fuck own me. I’m yours, Kerry Kind. Only yours.”

Suddenly, my body pulses around his fingers, and I go limp in his arms as he brings me to yet another burst of pleasure.

Vic kisses my forehead, my lips, and my neck, then holds me like I’m his world. And just before I drift off to sleep, I realize…

This is going to be the longest but greatest weekend of my life.

Chapter 26

Resurrection – Kerry

My nap, though short, was so needed after the energy Vic poured out and into me on that plane ride. The man eats as well as he cooks, and now I’m starving for more.

But we have an awards show to prepare for.

I’ve never been to New York, and I’ll admit, it looks different than I expected. I’ve always pictured it as some fast-paced, gritty metropolis, the kind I’d seen on reruns ofLaw & Order: SVU. But as I peer out of the car window, watching the golden glow of the late afternoon sun flicker against towering glass buildings, I realize it’s beautiful. Not just the city, the moment itself. The silence. The peace. And the man beside me.

Vic is focused with his head down as he texts furiously, deep in conversation over the upcoming restaurant launch. He’s so sexy when he’s focused—the tension in his jaw, the way he absently rubs his temple, and the steady tapping of his fingers against his screen. I watch him, admiring how deeply he pours himself into everything he loves.

“Where’d you say we were going again?” I ask, my voice light and teasing.

Vic lifts his head, blinking as if I just yanked him out of his own head. He sighs, then chuckles. “Shit, I’m sorry. I’m being a terrible travel guide, huh?”

“You’re fine.” I shake my head, smiling.

“The opening is stressing me out,” he admits, stretching his long legs. “This menu is new, and I’m nervous to see how people react to it. But anyway—” he exhales, shaking off the stress, his gaze warming when he looks at me, “we’re on our way to Lake Placid. I bought a home there a few years back, but I’ve never stayed in it. I figured this weekend was the perfect time to enjoy it. With you.”

My heart melts.

“Aww, Vic.” I pull him in for a sweet kiss. “That sounds amazing.”

He cups the back of my head, lingering against my lips. “Good. I want this weekend to be perfect for you.”

“And indeed it will be. Now, get back to work. I’m just over here enjoying the change in scenery.”

“You sure?” he asks, thumb stroking my knee.

“Work, Vic.” I say firmly, smiling. “I’m fine. Really.”

The moment we pull into the driveway, my breath catches in my throat. It’s breathtaking.

Nestled between the towering Adirondack pines, the estate is a stunning fusion of rustic and modern luxury. Warm wooden beams stretch across the lodge-style home, with its massive floor-to-ceiling windows gleaming in the fading sunlight. The house practically glows, golden and inviting, standing against the backdrop of a deep blue lake and sprawling mountains.

“This…” I whisper, stepping out of the car and taking it all in, “this is unreal.”

Vic watches me with his hands tucked into his coat pockets and a pleased smile playing on his lips. “You like it?”

I turn to him, grinning. “Like it? I love it.”

The inside of the home is even more impressive. It has vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace crackling with warmth, plush fur rugs, oversized leather sofas, and a kitchen straight out of a chef’s fantasy.The entire place smells of cedar and vanilla, cozy and rich.

“C’mon,” Vic says, taking my hand. “Let’s get comfortable.”

We make our way through the impressive home to the master bathroom, where we take our first shower together. Steam curls around us as Vic’s hands move over my wet skin, slow and steady, like he’s memorizing me. A lazy kiss here, a lingering touch there, washing away the morning… and making space for more.

“Vic…” I sigh, pressing against him. “You can take me now, you know? Right here.”

He hums against my skin. “OrI can just enjoy how good your body feels against mine.”