Page 40 of Letters From Victor

She squeezed around me, and I let go.

With a guttural groan, I buried myself deep inside her. The dam burst, and wave after wave of release crashed over me as I stiffened and exploded within her. My hips jerked erratically, and I drove into her one final time as I emptied myself completely.

I collapsed onto Barbara, burying my face in the crook of her neck as I caught my breath. Her skin was flushed and damp, her pulse racing against my lips. I pressed tender kisses along her throat, savoring the lingering taste of salt on her skin.

After a moment, I eased away and reached for her wrists. I untied them slowly, massaging the delicate skin where the silk had left faint marks, gently kissing each pulse point.

Barbara let out a soft, contented sigh as I gathered her close, her body melting into mine. I ran my fingers through her tousled golden hair, relishing the silky texture against my skin. After a while, she tilted her head back to gaze up at me, her blue eyes soft with emotion.

“That was…” she began, her voice trailing off.

“Incredible? Mind-blowing? Earth-shattering?” I supplied with a playful smirk.

She laughed softly, the tinkling sound like music to my ears. “All of the above,” she murmured, pressing a tender kiss to my chest. “I’ve never felt anything like that before.”

Pride and satisfaction swelled within me. I tightened my arms around her.

“I never knew it could be like this.” Her voice was soft with wonder. “So intense, so…all-consuming.”

I inhaled the sweet, powdery scent of her hair. “This is how it’s meant to be, darling. Two souls merging, bodies and hearts in perfect harmony.” I skimmed my hand down her back, savoring the satiny texture of her skin. “You deserve nothing less than complete devotion and pleasure beyond your wildest dreams.”

Her lips curled into a slow, satisfied smile. “You certainly deliver on both counts.”

“As do you.”

A shaft of late afternoon sunlight slanted through the curtains, casting a golden glow over Barbara’s skin as she lay nestled in my arms. Dust motes danced in the air, suspended in time—like us. I could have stayed there forever.

Barbara shifted slightly, her gaze drifting to the clock on the nightstand. She tensed, a slight furrow creasing between her brows.

“What is it, angel?” I brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.

She sighed, looking at me with regret and resignation. “I need to leave soon. Frank’s shift ends at five, and I have the car.”

“It’s 1951. A lady like you should have her own car.”

Barbara sighed softly, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “Perhaps one day.” She gently pressed her palm to my chest. “But it wouldn’t change the fact that I still have to go.”

I tightened my arms around her, reluctant to let her leave our intimate cocoon. “Stay a little longer,” I murmured, nuzzling her hair. “I’m not ready to give you up just yet.”

“I wish I could stay forever,” she whispered. “But you know I can’t.”

Reality crept in, slow and unwelcome, like dusk stealing the last light of day. I cupped her cheek, stroking her soft skin with my thumb. “Maybe not today. But one day, my darling, I hope you stay and never leave. Let me give you the life you deserve.” I gazed into her eyes, willing her to see the depth of my conviction. “I promise you, Barbara. I’ll move heaven and earth to make it happen. Whatever it takes.”

She said nothing in response, but her understated nod and smile were assent enough.

With a soft sigh, she disentangled herself from my arms and sat up, the sheet pooling around her waist. I drank in the sight of her bare back, golden hair tumbling over her shoulders.

Her tone was wistful, but her words were as neat and necessary as a pressed shirt. “I should get dressed.”

19

BARBARA

“What’s with the scarf?” Frank asked as he glanced at me from the passenger seat of our Plymouth.

I adjusted the silk scarf covering my hair, smoothing it into place. “Oh, I went to visit some of Mr. Cardello’s properties. My hair got messed up.” Technically, neither of those statements was untrue.

“What properties?” he pressed.

---