Page 188 of Between Regrets and Promises

I grab another foil packet and put my hands behind my head as she slides it down my cock. Then she rises above me and slowly lowers herself onto my hard shaft.

“God, Mason…” She settles before she leans over and starts rocking against me. I grab her hips and arch up to meet herthrusts. “Why does it feel so good?” she whispers, her head hovering above me. “Better than I could’ve imagined.”

I brush the hair from her face. “It’s meant to be good when you’re in love, can’t live without the other person, and would literally die for them. But it’s not just good, baby. It’s fucking magical, and every moment I get with you isperfect. So goddamn perfect when it’s with the right person.”

Sophie squeezes her eyes as a tear falls. I catch it with my thumb, then cup her face and cover her mouth with mine. I kiss her soft and slow, then hard and fast, for all the years we lost and the missed opportunities. I kiss her as though it’s my last dying breath.

We make love until the sun rises, and when we’re both panting and nearly passed out, I pull her into my arms and whisper, “I love you.” She looks up with sleepy eyes and repeats the very words that I never thought I deserved to hear again. And for the first time in years, I allow myself to be truly happy without remorse.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

SOPHIE

I wakeup in a tangle of limbs, the sun blaring in through the windows, and wearing a goofy smile on my face. Mason’s warm chest presses against my back, and his arm is around my waist, holding me close. I’ve never felt safer in my life than I do right now. He’s my protector, and I’m certain he’d never let anything bad happen to me.

Considering what I know about him, I see how far he’s come. How much he’s done for me and all the sacrifices he’s made to get here. The way he loves me is beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined. Most days, it seems like what we have is too good to be true. The thought of giving my whole heart to him terrifies me, and it makes me vulnerable and emotionally dependent. He has the ability to ruin me, but I trust him wholeheartedly. I don’t want to walk on eggshells anymore or allow thewhat-ifsto keep me guarded. I’m all in.

“Good morning, sweetheart,” he murmurs gruffly against my ear. He stirs, pushing his erection into my back. “You in the mood for a morning quickie?” I feel him grin against my neck.

“I’d say we’re past that, seeing as it’s almost noon,” I taunt, knowing we stayed up late and slept in. “Afternoon quickie?”

“Afternoon, evening, night—let’s make it an all-day marathon.”

“I’ve unleashed the beast now, haven’t I?” I chuckle and wiggle my ass. “You’re addicted.”

“Fuckin’ right, I am. Addicted to you. To your body, your soul, your amazing tits.” He slides his hand up and squeezes my bare breast.

“I think you might need to seek counseling…addiction can be dangerous,” I tell him.

“Oh, baby. This is one addiction I never want to be cured from.” Then Mason rolls me toward him and climbs over me. “In fact, I need another fix right now.”

Before he lowers his mouth to kiss me, I block him with my palm. “Wait!” I squeal, and he pops a brow. “I have morning breath.” My cheeks flush. “Let me brush my teeth and take a shower. And maybe eat something. You know, to gain more energy.”

Mason’s head falls back with a loud laugh. “Am I depriving you of fuel?”

“Well, you did work me quite a bit. Perhaps the hot water will help my muscles. I feel like I did a full-body workout.”

“Oh yes, I like the idea of taking a shower.” He winks, and I push him off me with a chuckle.

“I meantalone.”

He pouts, sticking out his lower lip, which causes me to burst out laughing. “You’re pathetic.”

“I’d prefer love-sick.” He grabs my hand and helps me stand.

I go in search of my clothes, and I blush at the sight of the condom box we dug into four times last night.

“You shower. I’ll start lunch.” He cups my face and presses a quick peck to my lips. “And for what it’s worth, I’d kiss your stinky breath any fucking day.” He winks and walks out of the room in only his boxer briefs.

Once I’ve successfully showered, brushed my teeth, dressed, and thrown my hair up in the world’s messiest bun, I meet Mason in the kitchen. Leaning in the doorway, I grin as he places two sandwiches on one plate and two more on another. Then he grabs a handful of chips and places half on mine and half on his. He opens the fridge, grabbing two sodas, and when his gaze meets mine, he smirks.

“You gonna watch me all day?”

“I’ve spent many days watching you. You were just too busy avoiding me,” I tell him, walking toward him and inhaling the scent of the coffee.

“You ever gonna let me live that down?” He snickers.

“Oh no.” I shake my head. “That’s going in our wedding vows.”

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