Page 88 of The Edge Of Us

"Don't say things like that," she whispered. "Not tonight. I'm too raw."

"Then let me be the balm."

I kissed her again. Deeper this time.

Her fingers found the buttons of my shirt.

Mine slid the straps off her shoulders.

We moved like magnets. No resistance. Only gravity.

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She gasped as my lips trailed down her neck, my hands mapping the curves of her body with reverent attention. Every sigh, every moan, I answered with a whispered promise of presence and understanding.

I'm here. I see you. You don't have to carry it alone.

She arched beneath me, legs wrapping tight around my waist, nails digging into my back like anchors holding us together. Ikissed a trail down her collarbone, over her shoulder, across her ribs, leaving a path of fire in my wake.

My fingers brushed against the lace of her panties, teasing the sensitive flesh beneath. She bucked against my touch, desperate for more. I hooked my fingers under the fabric and slowly drew it down her thighs, exposing her to my hungry gaze.

I settled between her legs, breathing in her intoxicating scent. She was dripping with desire, her folds glistening with arousal. I ran a finger through her wetness, drawing a moan from her lips.

"Please," she whimpered, her hips lifting off the bed in a silent plea.

I granted her request, my tongue delving deep into her heat. She cried out, back arching off the mattress as I lapped at her most sensitive spots. I flicked my tongue over her clit, circling and teasing until she was writhing beneath me.

Her hands fisted in my hair, holding me in place as I devoured her. I could feel her tightening around my tongue, her thighs clamping around my head. With a final suck on her clit, she came undone, her body convulsing with pleasure.

I crawled up her body, capturing her mouth in a searing kiss. She could taste herself on my lips, a reminder of the passion we shared. Our tongues danced, exploring and claiming each other.

She reached between us, grasping my hard length and guiding it to her entrance. I pushed forward slowly, savoring the feeling of her tight walls enveloping me. We both groaned at the sensation, our bodies moving in perfect sync.

I started to thrust, slowly at first, then gaining speed as she matched me movement for movement. The room filled with the sound of our moans and the slick slide of skin against skin.

She clenched around me, her nails raking down my back as she neared another peak. I felt my own release building, my hips snapping forward in short, sharp jabs. With a final cry, we came together, her walls fluttering around me as I emptied myself inside her.

We collapsed onto the bed, limbs tangled and chests heaving. I gathered her close, pressing gentle kisses to her forehead as we basked in the afterglow.

She whispered my name, a sigh of contentment and gratitude. And for the first time in years-maybe ever-I felt truly seen. Truly present.

This wasn't just sex. It was a connection. A sharing of burdens and a reminder that we didn't have to carry them alone.

And as we lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

And I was honored to be the place it landed.

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She curled into me after, her breath steady, her body warm.

I didn't speak.

Didn't dare ruin the peace we carved out in the wreckage.

Because tonight wasn't about labels or promises.

It was about presence

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