Page 94 of Your Sharpest Edge
“I—” I didn’t know what I was trying to say. “That was everything I could have ever asked for or needed, Alex,” I finally said softly.
“Me too, malyshka,” he whispered, holding me close as if afraid I might slip away if he let go.
His embrace was so tight, it felt like he was trying to fuse our bodies together, ensuring I felt safe and cherished.
For a long moment, we lay there, wrapped in each other’s embrace. I could feel the steady rhythm of his heart against mine, the warmth of his breath against my hair. It was a moment of connection.
With a gentle but firm grip, he lifted me and brought me into the shower, the soft light casting a warm glow on the cool tiles. His movements were tender, and as he set me down, his hands never left my body.
He carefully cleaned me up, his touch gentle and soothing. The warmth of the water and the tenderness of his actions made me feel treasured in a way I hadn’t felt in years. Each movement was a silent promise that he was here for me, that he would take care of me.
When he was done, he wrapped me in a soft towel, lifting me again with ease and carrying me to the bedroom. He laid me on the bed, the sheets cool and inviting against my skin. He climbed in beside me, curling his chest to my back and pulling me in tightly, enveloping me in his warmth.
The weight of his words—“Me too, malyshka.”—echoed in my mind, their meaning so profound that I knew there would be no going back. It was a declaration, a promise that he was in this with me, for the long haul.
With him wrapped around me, the world outside faded away. His arms were a fortress, a safe haven from all the pain and uncertainty that had plagued my life. I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the rhythm of his breathing lulling me into a sense of peace I couldn’t remember feeling.
For a while, we lay there in silence, the comfort of his presence speaking volumes. He stroked my hair, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on my scalp. It was a gesture of love, of reassurance, and it made my heart swell with emotions.
“Alex,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Thank you.”
“I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
The sincerity in his voice, the conviction in his words, made my heart ache with gratitude. I nestled closer to him, letting his warmth envelop me, letting his love wash over me.
“Me either,” I whispered back.
33
alex
“You’re sweating.” Cole badgered me as he handed me a beer from the cooler.
“Yeah, because it’s fucking hot,” I said, grabbing my shirt and fanning it out a few times.
We were upstairs at the pool of our apartment, and, of course, Chicago decided to be a little bitch and have it be one of the grossest hottest and humid days of summer.
“We got everything here. I even picked up Damien’s ‘extra apple’ apple juice that he told me he liked when he came by for pizza.”
“Good job, Ledge.” I gave him a pat on the chest, but there was more to it. I appreciated him managing my crazy need to make everything perfect.
“She’s going to be here soon?” Ledger asked, and I nodded.
“Should be.” I stared between the door to the pool deck and my phone.
I rented out the entire rooftop, which pissed off most of the residents because, well, it was the hottest day of the year today.I didn’t give a fuck. All I cared about was making her happy and comfortable.
“And next weekend? Are you still on?” I asked.
I’d asked Ledger if he’d be down to watch Damien overnight so I could take Stassi on a staycation over the weekend.
“For sure. The little guy is fun to be around.”
“I’d ask Dirks...” I didn’t want Ledger to know exactly what kind of a date I had planned for Anastasia.
“Wait... Hold the fuck on. Are you taking her to a?—”
“Don’t. No, I’m not,” I huffed out, feeling extra anxious. “How do you even know when the party is?”
