Page 85 of Rebel

She leaned back against me, her body relaxing into mine.“Yeah,” she agreed.“It does.”

The rocking chair sat by the window, catching the last light of the evening.I couldn’t take my eyes off it, this tangible symbol of the future Rio and I could build together.Something solid and lasting in a life that had always been defined by movement and change.

“Been a while since I had a real home,” Rio admitted quietly, following my gaze to the chair.

“Same,” I said.“Guess we’ll figure it out together.”

She turned in my arms, facing me.Her blue eyes searched mine, looking for something I hoped like hell she could find.Whatever she saw must have satisfied her, because she nodded once, decisive.

“Together,” she agreed, and sealed it with a kiss that felt like a promise.

* * *

I clicked the deadbolt shut, turning to find Rio already heading toward the bedroom, her hips swaying in a silent invitation.The house -- our house now -- felt different.Quieter.Like it was holding its breath for whatever came next.I followed her, my boots soundless on the new hall rug someone had brought.Even in the dim light spilling from the bedside lamp, I could see the transformation extended to this room -- the mattress now sat on more than a bed frame, with sheets that matched and pillows that weren’t flattened from years of use.

Rio stood by the bed, her back to me.The shadows carved her silhouette against the faint light -- strong shoulders, narrow waist, the curve of her hips.She’d changed my life, stormed in and rearranged everything from my furniture to my heart.I hadn’t stood a chance.

“You gonna stand there all night?”she asked without turning.

I moved behind her, close enough to feel her warmth but not touching.Not yet.“Just admiring the view.”

She glanced over her shoulder, those blue eyes reflecting the lamplight.“Smooth talker.”

“Only stating facts.”I reached out, fingers hovering just above her hip.“May I touch you?”

Something flickered across her face -- appreciation, trust.She nodded, and I placed my hand on her hip, feeling her lean back into me.We’d been together enough times now that I knew the rules -- ask first, move slow, let her lead.The reasons behind those rules lived in the shadows of her eyes sometimes, in the way she’d flinch at unexpected contact.

“You transformed this place,” I said, lips close to her ear.

“We did.”Her voice was softer now, the hardness she showed the world melting away in the privacy of our room.

“Never thought I’d have curtains that match the bedspread.”I snorted.“Fuck.Didn’t think I’d have a bedspread for that matter.”

She laughed, the sound vibrating through her back against my chest.“Low fucking bar, Dixon.”

“What can I say?You’re raising my standards.”

She turned in my arms, face tilted up to mine.“Good.”

I waited, watching her eyes.Then I bent to kiss her.The first touch was gentle -- a question more than a demand.Her lips parted beneath mine, and the kiss deepened, became something hungrier.She slid her hands under my cut, pushing it off my shoulders.It hit the floor with a softthud.“Been waiting for this all night,” she murmured against my mouth, fingers working on the buttons at the top of my shirt.

“Watching you boss everyone around was pretty hot,” I admitted.

“Yeah?”Her smile turned wicked.“You like being bossed around?”

“By you?Maybe.”

She pulled my shirt off, palms flat against my chest.“Let’s test that theory.”

Her touch was confident now, sure.Each time we were together, she grew bolder, more certain.I let her set the pace, responding to her cues.When her hands went to my belt, I covered them with mine.“You sure?”It was something I asked every time, not wanting to assume it was okay.

Her gaze met mine, clear and stead, as she climbed onto the bed.“I’m sure.”

The urgency built between us as our clothes found their way to the floor.The dim light painted shadows across her skin, highlighting the scattered freckles that I’d come to memorize.I traced them with my fingertips, then my lips, mapping constellations across her body.

“Dixon,” she breathed, her hands in my hair.

My name on her lips never failed to undo me.I moved slower, more deliberate, watching her responses.Her breath hitched when I found a sensitive spot, her back arching when I hit another.Learning her body felt like unlocking a complex puzzle -- infinitely rewarding, endlessly fascinating.

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