Page 43 of Michael
My mind wanders to Michael. He holds himself to a high moral standard and is often quick to judge others—when he saw my tattoos for the first time, they appalled him. Despite his strong feelings against me, his heart led him to take me into his own home. I’m truly lucky... I just wish he had a higher opinion of me. Even if I don’t have one of myself.
I’m forced to confront the harsh reality—it should have been Michael.Heshould have been my truest love. I love him. I fucking love him. My foolish choices have been driven by temptation, and they’ve cost me any chance at happiness.
Tears prickle beneath my eyelids, and my frustration grows increasingly strong. I grip the railings tightly with trembling hands. “That stupid necklace was so wrong!” I hiss through gritted teeth.
“Amanda…”
Michael.
My heart almost stops at the sound of his voice behind me. I slowly turn around to find him standing in the doorway, his face pale and serious. A part of me still can’t believe he’s here.
“Amanda,” he begins, his voice almost a whisper. I swallow hard, unable to utter a single word. “I must speak to you. It’s about me.”
Pushing myself to look him in the eyes, I reply with a shaky voice, “You’re an angel, aren’t you?”
His lips curl into a rueful grin as he says, “Archangel warrior,” and a cute dimple pierces his left cheek.
My face burns as I look into his deep-set eyes. He’s both teasing and sweet, and I find myself entranced by his charm, despite my current frame of mind.
“How did you know?” he asks, his voice strained with confusion.
“Stupid Jack Langley bragged about his plans to take you down, and that he’d trained Kodi to do it.” I subconsciously rub my neck, where the bruises are—or were? I’m not feeling any pain.
He steps further into the room until he’s standing scarce feet away from me. “He won’t be bothering us anymore.” Michael pauses to let his words sink in. “Jack’s gone. I made sure of it,” he says, his voice laden with conviction.
A stuttered gasp escapes me. “Really?” I ask as tears rim my eyes. In sheer relief, I utter a quiet, “Thank you.”
His chiseled features soften. “Don’t thank me,” he breathes, his voice almost a plea.
“Yeah, I know,” I reply, hugging my arms. “You’re just doing your job.” I give him half a shrug.
He shakes his head and shifts his feet, not quite able to meet my eyes. “No. It’s nothing like that.”
The air between us crackles with tension, and I wait for him to continue. Finally, he takes a deep breath and speaks. “Amanda, I love you.”
I feel the words like a fist to the gut, as though all the air has been sucked from my lungs. I am speechless, but manage to croak out, “You…?”
He leans in and takes my hands, his gentle touch surprising me. His gaze is warm and filled with an adoration that I’ve never seen before. “I think I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you,” he says, inching closer.
“Michael, I...” I whisper, but my words get lost in his kiss.
My heart races as Michael’s lips meet mine. I’m overwhelmed with emotions that I never knew existed. His kiss is passionate and gentle, sending sparks of electricity through my being. And as it deepens, his hands tenderly cup the sides of my face.
I wrap my arms around him, our bodies melting together in perfect harmony. We stay like this for what seems like an eternity, until a loud click breaks the silence and we slowly part from each other.
The clasp of my bracelet suddenly comes undone, the chain slipping through my fingers. It drops to the floor with a sharp clink, its infinity symbol snatching apart. In an instant, my world comes to a stop. I’m frozen with shock.
“It’syou,” I gasp, understanding dawning on me. “You broke Richard’s curse!”
He gently runs his thumb along the contours of my face, a satisfied smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Let’s make sure we break it properly,” he says in a low rumble, “I like being thorough.”
I laugh as he winks at me, our fingers entwined together. “I wholeheartedly agree,” I manage, my heart about to explode in my chest with anticipation.
He takes me in his arms, strong and sure, and effortlessly sweeps me off my feet. He carries me to the bed and lays me down, my breathing fast and eager in anticipation of his touch. His lips find mine and his body presses against me, claiming me as his own.
Our clothes are shed quickly. His hands move lightly over my skin, warm and tender, sending a wave of pleasure through me. I gasp as his fingers graze my curves, my heart quickening beneath his touch. His caresses grow more passionate as I surrender to him, my body writhing with pleasure.
I open myself to him completely, reveling in the exquisite sensation of being so close to him. His mouth finds mine again, warm and inviting, and I taste the sweet desire on his lips. His tongue explores every inch of me as his hands awaken my untried senses.
