Page 75 of Vapor

Despite his reassuring words, I can’t shake the thought of my father’s relentless pursuit. Until that issue is resolved, I’m not sure if Vapor and I can truly find peace and happiness. But right now, as he continues to bathe me, his touch reverent and loving, I want to believe in our future.

With the sponge bath complete, we wrap ourselves in each other’s arms, seeking comfort in our shared embrace. As I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, I hold onto the hope that someday, we’ll find a way to overcome the obstacles standing between us and our happiness. Because together, we’re stronger than any force that dares to come between us.

Chapter 19: Blue

I wake up in Vapor’s strong arms, our bodies still tangled from the night before. The sound of waves gently crashing against the shore creates a soothing melody. Beside me, Vapor stirs, pulling me closer and nuzzling my neck.

“Babe,” I murmur, my voice thick with sleep,“I can’t believe four days have passed so quickly.”

He opens his sharp blue eyes, gazing at me with an intensity that makes my heart race.“As much as I wish we could stay on this island, we have to go home today.”

“These last four days have been the best days of my life,” I confess. I lean in to kiss him, tasting the salty ocean air on his lips.

“Every day with you is better than the last,” he whispers, stroking my hair.“I just can’t seem to get enough of you.”

Our passion reignites, and we make love once more. Vapor is tender and gentle, and yet, there’s a raw, sexy energy that pulses through our connection. He takes me to new heights every time we’re together, and when we finally come crashing down, I always feel blissfully complete.

The distant rumble of a boat approaching sets Vapor into motion. We scramble to get dressed before the captain arrives to take us back to civilization. Last night, Vapor and I packed up our belongings so we wouldn’t have to rush our last morning on the island.

“Back to reality,” I sigh as the boat pulls up to the shore.

The captain hops off.“How was your stay?”

“Great.” I beam.

“What she said.” Vapor smiles down at me.

“Glad you two had a good time.” Hunter and Vapor load all the gear and trash bags onto the boat.“Ready to set sail?”

“No,” I say,“but I suppose we need to go home eventually.”

“Don’t worry,” Vapor says, helping me climb aboard.“If your father hasn’t given up yet, we’ll figure something out.”

I nod but don’t say anything. I don’t even want to think about that right now. Instead, I want to stay in fantasyland for as long as possible.

As the boat starts to drift away from the island, I look back at the spot where we camped. It’s as if we never touched it, still wild and undisturbed. A sense of awe washes over me. I’ve never truly experienced the beauty of the natural world before this trip. My parents didn’t go camping or hiking or anything that would require bug spray. They considered it beneath them.

“I want to go camping again sometime.”

“We’ll go again as soon as I have time. I’m glad you enjoyed it.” He grins, his dimples making my knees weak.

My heart swells with happiness. Having experienced something so precious and pure with Vapor, I can’t help but feel more connected to him than ever before. We really needed this time alone to see how things could be without any outside pressure. What we have together is real. It’s not just because I want to leave a bad situation behind. There’s so much more between us, and I hope we spend a lifetime getting to know each other better.

Wind whips through my hair as the boat speeds toward the Biloxi marina. The closer we get to the mainland, the more I feel a sense of bittersweet anticipation brewing within me. As if he can sense how I’m feeling, Vapor’s arms wrap around my waist protectively. His warmth is a comforting presence against the cool sea breeze.

“Once we’re back at the clubhouse, we’ll spend the night there,” he tells me, his voice soft yet decisive.“Tomorrow, I’m taking you on a motorcycle club run.”

“Really?” I ask, intrigued by the idea.“I overheard some of the guys talking about club runs. I thought those were only for patched members.”

“Usually, they are,” he admits,“but this time it’s just gonna be you and me, with Diablo riding behind us to make sure we stay safe. Bones is coming too, in the cage, since the kid we’re picking up isn’t old enough to ride safely yet.”

The prospect of being included in something so significant to Vapor’s life sends a thrill down my spine. I wasn’t sure what to expect when it came to club life, but it doesn’t seem that bad. Instead of keeping me in the dark, he’s letting me get a glimpse of his reality. I’m both excited by this and also relieved that he isn’t keeping me in the dark.

As we near the marina, the outline of the dock appears, signaling the end of our idyllic escape. I sigh and snuggle back into his arms.

“This trip meant more to me than you know,” I whisper, leaning against his broad chest.

He presses a tender kiss to my temple.“It was my pleasure.”

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