Page 124 of Breaking His Law

“Come back here, Arianna,” he orders with quiet authority as I take another few steps.

That’s not what I was expecting him to say and whip back around to face him.

He stands to his full height and walks to me confidently and firmly says, “No more apologizing.”

“Okay.” I nod, agreeing to his request, but I’m not sure if I can stop myself.

“You helped bring down an entire publication today, an organization that has been led by ego for far too long. You played a part in shaking things up and for that I am so proud of you.” Another step closer to me until we’re standing toe to toe. “You were brave.”

I didn’t feel brave when I was doing it.

He cups my face with his hand, and I lean into his touch, loving the warmth of his hand on my skin again. “Arianna, I want you to know that if I was in your shoes, and if there was any doubt in my mind about the circumstance in which my family died, I would have done the same as you.”

“Do you think so?” I don’t think that’s true.

“I know so. You and I are similar in a lot of ways. We both fight for the people we love.”

“I never wanted to come between you and your brothers.” I feel terrible about that.

“What you did for us, and so many others set off a chain of events that will bring that tabloid to a close before the day is over. The police have already begun making arrests. Phone-hacking is a serious crime, Arianna, and it’s because of you that it’s finally ending. People’s privacy is safe now—all thanks to you.”

I still can’t believe I thought Julie was good in the beginning. My desperation clouded my judgment.

My heart beats faster when he brushes his thumb over the skin of my cheeks.

Unwavering, like he’s memorizing every detail of my face, he says, “I forgive you, Arianna. I know your actions were motivated by the love for your family. There is no doubt in my mind that I would have done the same.” He places a knuckle under my chin, lifting my face gently to meet his gaze. “I miss you.”

“I miss you too,” I whisper.

He clenches his jaw in the same way he always does when he’s fighting his emotions. “Come home.”

Is he serious?

He finally makes his throat work. “I love you. I won’t pretend I don’t.” His hands find my waist and he pulls me closer. “You’recoming home—where you belong. I can’t live without you, I won’t.”

“I can’t either. I love you, Nathan, I have from the start.” I’ve been his from the first night we met.

“No more secrets, Arianna.”

“I’ve told you everything.” I’ve nothing left to hide. “This is me.”

With strong athletic arms, he presses me firmly against him and then he’s covering his mouth with mine and we lose ourselves in each other. His kiss scorches my skin as our tongues collide, greeting each other like long-lost lovers and finding their way back to one another.

Threading my hands into his hair at the back of his neck, I close my eyes and immerse myself in everything him, from his scent to his touch and warmth, as I melt into him.

Nathan skims his hands down the curve of my back, making us hum into each other’s mouths in appreciation, our connection much needed.

Throbbing between my thighs drowns out everything around us as he fucks my mouth with his tongue. Thrilling sparks of energy dash between us and I can’t believe this is actually happening.

“We should stop,” I pant heavily, hearing the faint laughter of people in the distance.

“I don’t want to,” he mumbles against my lips, and covers his mouth with mine in what feels like the ultimate kiss of all kisses.

This kiss is different. It feels full of hope, love, and a future together, dissolving all the pain we’ve felt for the last few weeks as if mending our hearts. Our tongues dance together in perfect rhythm, licking and tasting each other.

For the first time in weeks I feel happy as joy flows into my heart like a warm river melting away the cold weight of loneliness, filling me with light and hope once more.

When I open my eyes, I find him looking right at me, pinning me with his powerful gaze. He threads his fingers into the hair on the back of my neck, gluing our lips firmly together, and we get lost in our forever kiss again.

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