Page 92 of Misery In Me

“What makes you think we won’t fight while we’re fucking?” She looks me dead in the eyes and my grip on the steering wheel tightens as I inhale a deep breath and let it all out.

“God, I fucking love you.”I whisper, reaching down to adjust my hardening cock. “Hermosa, if you wanna fight while we fuck, by all means. Slap me, call me a possessive asshole, be as rough as you want with me. But know that I’ll have you on your back with my cock buried so deep inside, reminding you that you’re my wife. And no matter how we handle things, nothing is gonna change that. There is no argument that will ever scare me away.”

Ale chuckles and rubs her growing belly and looks back out the window. “You are something else, Gage Donovan.”

“I’m just completely yours, Alejandra Donovan. That’s what I am. Yours.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

ALEJANDRA

The Marine Corps Ball is in full swing, and the grand ballroom of the hotel is transformed into a sea of blue and gold. The hum of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the melodic strains of a live orchestra fill the air. I stand on the balcony, taking a moment to myself, my hand resting gently on my very rounded belly. At twenty-eight weeks, our baby is growing stronger every day, and I can feel the life within me, a constant source of wonder and joy.

Gage has been quieter than usual tonight, his mind clearly elsewhere. I know he’s been struggling with the loss of Ryder, the guilt of survival gnawing at him. I’ve seen it in his eyes, the torment and the blame he places on himself. I want to help him, to ease his pain, but I know that sometimes, he just needs to work through it on his own.

The balcony is cool and quiet, a welcome respite from the bustling chaos inside. I take a deep breath, the night air filling my lungs, and I feel such a deep sense of pride. My husband is a Marine, a leader among men, and tonight, he’s being honored for his service and his sacrifices. I wish he could see himselfthrough my eyes, could understand the strength and courage that I see in him every day.

Standing there, lost in thought, I feel a presence behind me. Strong arms wrap around my waist, and Gage’s familiar scent envelops me. “There you are,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble in my ear. “I’ve been looking for you.”

I lean back into his embrace, feeling the solidness of his chest against my back. “I just needed some air,” I reply softly. “It’s overwhelming in there.”

He nods, understanding in his voice. “I know what you mean. But you look absolutely stunning tonight, Ale. Everyone is asking who the lucky Marine is who gets to call you his wife.”

I smile, my cheeks flushing slightly at the compliment. “Well, he’s a very lucky Marine indeed.”

Gage is quiet for a moment, his arms tightening around me. I take his hand, placing it on my belly, feeling the slight kick of our baby. Hoping what I’m about to say to him will pull him from that grey area he keeps slipping into. “Feel that, Gage? That’s our child, growing strong and healthy. That’s your legacy, your reason to keep going. Zoe needs her daddy to be strong for her. I need you.”

Gage’s eyes well up with tears as he feels our baby move. “You’re right, Ale. I know you’re right. It’s just so hard sometimes, carrying this guilt, this pain.”

I reach up, cupping his face in my hands. “I know it is, my love. But you’re not alone in this. We’re a team, you and I, remember, and together, we can face anything.”

Gage leans his forehead against mine, his eyes closed tight. “You’re an amazing woman, Alejandra. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but fuck am I glad that you found me worthy. Who would have thought the single dad with a newborn baby would fall madly in love with the nanny and it would be the greatest thing that ever happened?”

I smile, my heart swelling with love. “You’ll never have to find out, because I’m not going anywhere. We’re in this together, forever.”

He smiles, a genuine smile that lights up his face and chases away the shadows in his eyes. “You’re right. Now, what do you say we show everyone how to get this party going?”

“Aye dios, I don’t know.” I chuckle and let him lead me back to the festivities. Gage’s mood seems to lighten, and he throws himself into the party with renewed vigor. He laughs and jokes with his fellow Marines, his charisma and leadership shining through. I watch him from across the room, my heart swelling with pride and love.

This is my husband, my rock, and I am so incredibly lucky to have him in my life.

Later in the evening, as the orchestra plays a slow, romantic tune, Gage takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. He pulls me close, his arms wrapping around me, and we sway to the music. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, and I feel content, complete.

“Eight years,” Gage murmurs, his voice low and thoughtful. “In eight years, I’ll hit my twenty years, and we can start a new chapter of our lives.”

I look up at him, surprised. “Really? You’re thinking that far ahead?”

He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I am. I want to provide for our family, to give you and the kids the life you deserve. And in eight years, that will be a reality. We can live wherever we want and do whatever we want.”

“That sounds amazing, Gage. I can’t wait for that day to come.” I really can’t, and in the scheme of things, eight years isn’t long. But it’s the raising kids alone and the constant worry that will make it hard. It will never be a loss of love, because there isn’t a world where I wouldn’t love him.

Gage leans down, capturing my lips in a soft, tender kiss. “Neither can I,mi amor. Neither can I.”

The song comes to an end, and Gage takes my hand and leads me off the dance floor, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Come with me,” he says, his voice low and inviting. “I want to show you something.”

Curious, I follow him as he weaves through the crowd, his hand firmly gripping mine. He leads me out onto the balcony, the same one where we stood earlier, but this time, he doesn’t stop. He continues down a narrow pathway lined with lush greenery and twinkling fairy lights until we reach a secluded alcove hidden from prying eyes.

Gage turns to me, his eyes dark with desire. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night,” he growls, pulling me into his arms. His lips capture mine in a passionate, hungry kiss, and I melt into him, my body responding instantly to his touch.

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