Page 82 of The Truth of Loving You

“It stands for Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC. Your dad is laundering money.”

A tremendous sense of relief washed over me, my man could’ve been targeted by ruthless thugs or worse. Once again, my dad proved to be a piece of shit. Shane apologized all the way to the loft for involving me in the takedown of Branson Financial. I’d let him make it up to me naked.

“Is it vain to tell you I love the fact that you’re infatuated with me, and I’m your muse?” Shane asked, staring at the paintings of himself as I stroked his semierect cock after a frenzied first round of sex.

“You might feel differently if I hang them around our loft when we entertain.”

On the ride to the loft, two very important things happened. Sara called, and Shane had word-vomited everything about Branson Financial, our trip to the cemetery, and our news. He’d been nervous and ultimately relieved when Sara congratulated him and us. I felt privy to hear all the fucked-up details they shared about their parents. Some people should never ever have children. Sara wasn’t my biggest fan, but she wanted Shane to be happy, and I’d spend the rest of my life making sure that happened. Without a doubt, Sara had strong-armed a broken Shane through life, and I was immensely grateful.

The second big thing was that Shane had agreed to move in with me. My second chance at love felt destined.

“Our loft,” he whispered and melted into me. “I was thinking.” He twisted, which removed his cock from my hand, and I was not responsible for the growl that erupted from my throat. “Don’t act like I stole your favorite toy.” He tried to be stern, but his smile conveyed how much he liked my possessive side.

“It is one of my favorite things.” I reached for him. “But it’s definitely not a toy, more like a gift that keeps on giving.”

My words caused Shane to flush the pretty pink I loved.

“I promise you’ll have full access to any part of me, but before you put me in a sex coma, I...” Shane inhaled to steady himself, “you love me.”

I wanted to tell him all the things about him that I loved, but those words were difficult for him, so I waited, taking both his hands in mine.

“I never imagined someone could love me the way you do. It’s hard to believe in something I didn’t experience. I had a Shep-sized hole in me my entire life. I realized there would always be a hole, an empty ache like you have with Paxton. But we have a choice on how to fill it, we can channel despair and pain or good memories and love into the void. You help me fill it with love and happiness, and I hope I do the same for you.” He leaned in for a kiss.

“I finally understand what happiness feels like,” he said, and my heart exploded with joy.

“I’ve never been someone’s first priority. But you. You were there for me every time I needed you. When I didn’t deserve it. When I pushed you away. You are always willing to drop everything for me.”

“Pretty Boy, it’s not a hardship.” I couldn’t express in words my feelings the way he had. My heart felt bigger than the room will how his words filled me up. Since I didn’t have the words, I’d have to show him. “I’d keep you naked in my bed forever if you’d let me. We’ve only scratched the surface of the things I want to do to your body,” I said, ready to start doing those things now.

“These feelings defy logic and reason,” Shane said. “I’m not worried I’ll annoy you with my overthinking or overplanning or excessive spreadsheets. You make me feel safe and protected, which has been absent in my life. I promise to work every day to deserve that love.” He leaned in to kiss me, but I eased him back.

“You showed me that my heart could grow to accept love and still honor Pax. I think you’re the only person on earth who could love me and my past without feeling threatened or jealous. Pax and I assumed so many things about each other because we’d known each other so long. I want to spend every day until I die understanding how your big, beautiful brain works. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. And I’m honored that you chose me. You chose a life with me over an offer that was hard to turn down. Thank you.” I ran my tongue along his jaw.

“I hated that I couldn’t tell your father to go to hell as soon as he started insulting you. I know it hurt you to think I’d take the job with him. Now and forever, I’ll always choose you. I love you.” Shane’s brown eyes slayed me.

“Say it again,” I whispered. I would never tire of hearing it, and part of me still couldn’t believe it.

“I,” Shane kissed me, “love,” another kiss, “you.” He sighed into my mouth. “We’re made for each other.” Shane molded his body against mine.

“I will always love you.” I rolled him under me. “You’re in charge of all the spreadsheets, and I’ll be in charge of planning all the kinky activities,” I said and let our bodies do the talking.

“I think I’m addicted to you,” Shane moaned into my mouth.

“It’s an addiction I intend to fill every day. Several times a day. Maybe I’ll sell Unframed Art and make fucking you my full-time job.” I rocked so our hard cocks slid together.

“Yes. Do that.” Shane created more friction between us. “Fuck me, Cole, please.”

“Let’s try something new. Do you want to fuck your daddy?” I loved how quickly his surprise morphed into hunger. “Pretty boy, we are just getting started. I have so much more to teach you.”

Epilogue

Shane

A Few years later

“Keep going,” I said as my husband closed the book he’d been reading to us.

Cole whispered, “I lost half my audience,” as he motioned to our son, asleep on my chest.

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