Page 115 of Cut up
“Lucas,” she whispers, her voice breathless as I pick her up and move her onto the bench. “What are you doing?”
“Claiming you,” I growl against her neck. “Just like I promised. Right here on the kitchen bench.”
She gasps as I lift her up with ease, setting her on the edge. “You almost killed me with how sexy you look in that dress when I saw you today. And then you go and build your damn empire while I’m gone? You think I wasn’t going to do something about that?”
She lets out a soft laugh that quickly turns to a moan when my hands slide under her dress, pulling off her underwear, finding her wet and ready for me. “You’re everything, Camille. Everything I didn’t know I needed.”
I kiss her deeply, hungrily, hands gripping her closer to the edge as I pull her dress over her head. She reaches for my shirt, then my belt pulling my pants off, eyes locked on mine, full of heat and love and something that feels dangerously like forever. We’re stripped down in more ways than one.
“You’re mine, Lucas,” she breathes as I slide my cock inside her in one smooth thrust, her fingers gripping my shoulders.
Her back arches as she gasps my name, and I move slow at first, savoring every sound she makes, every little tremble. But it doesn’t take long before the need takes over—raw and desperate—and I start to fuck her like I mean it. Like I’ve been waiting my whole life for her.
The kitchen fills with the sounds of skin on skin, her soft moans echoing off the walls as I hold her close, kiss her hard, and lose myself in her completely.
“You feel like home,” I whisper against her lips, my voice hoarse.
“I am your home,” she whispers back.
I rub her swollen clit and squeeze her nipple.
We crash together like a wave breaking on the shore, her body tightening around me as she falls apart, and I follow right behind her, giving her everything I have.
When it’s over, I hold her close, her legs still wrapped around me, her forehead resting against mine. “I love you Lucas.”
I run my fingers along her thighs.
“I love you so fucking much Angel.”
59
This is the beginning
Today was our first day atWaves by the Sea.
The clients have come and gone. The vibe was exactly what I imagined it to be. The clients are so happy they found us, and they’re all in love with the new space we created.
We did it!
Sarah was fully booked out today too, the second I made the announcement, the appointments filled. She’s practically glowing. Its closing time and the sunset is pouring golden pink light through the front windows, painting soft warmth across the floors and walls. Everything smells fresh, new, and like my favourite vanilla and cedarwood candle. Sarah stands beside me at the timber reception desk, looking radiant in her work attire. We can wear whatever wewant here—there’s no boringblack onlyrule like we had to abide by at Snips.
“I’m so proud of you Honey,” she says, nudging me. “This place feels so right already.”
I smile, my heart full. “Couldn’t have done it without you Sarah.”
“I’m so glad to be a part of it.”
Now we’re closed, it’s time for the part I’ve been looking forward to all day. The ribbon-cutting. The celebration we planned for after our first day. Everyone starts to turn up. All my people.
But there’s a hollowness in my chest too. A quiet ache. My dad isn’t here. He said he was trying to get back in time, but I know military life doesn’t make promises.
And my mum… my eyes sting, even as I smile.
She should be here. I’d give anything for her to see this. To see me.
But I feel her. In the tones I painted on the canvas hanging on the wall. In the soft music playing overhead. In my heart. She’s here. In everything I do.
The crowd heads outside. I step back for a moment, taking it all in.
