Page 71 of Before We Break Again
“Fuck,” I murmur, my voice hoarse.“You’re incredible.”
Her eyes lock with mine, and I can see the intensity in them, the connection between us deepening with every thrust, every touch.It’s not just sex—it’s more.So much more.I never knew it could feel like this, like everything we’ve been through, all the complications, all the pain, could lead to something this perfect.
She moans as I rub her clit faster, her hips moving harder, bouncing on my cock, taking me deeper with each movement.“Santos ...”she gasps, her hands bracing against my chest, her head falling back.“I’m so close ...”
“I’ve got you,” I whisper as I push her closer to the brink.My fingers work her clit in time with her movements, and the sight of her—head thrown back, lips parted, her body completely lost in the moment—makes me ache in ways I can’t describe.
“You’re so perfect,” I groan, my body tightening beneath her.“Every inch of you ...I’m so close, baby.I’m right there with you.”
Her hips speed up, and I feel her clench around me, her breath coming faster, the tension in her body telling me she’s right on the edge.I flick my thumb over her clit, rubbing harder, and I watch as she unravels, her body shaking with pleasure.
She gasps, her head falling forward, her lips brushing against mine as she comes apart on top of me.“San ...”she moans, her voice breathless and full of need.
I can’t hold back any longer.The sight of her, the way she tightens around me, the feeling of her body shuddering as she comes—it’s all too much.I thrust up into her one last time, hard, my own release hitting me like a tidal wave.“Fuck,” I groan, my body trembling beneath her.“I love you.”
Her body relaxes on top of mine, her breath still ragged as she slowly comes down from the high.I keep my fingers on her clit, teasing her gently as we both ride out the last waves of pleasure.
“You’re everything,” I murmur, my voice low, filled with emotion.“This ...Us ...It’s everything I needed to heal.”
ChapterThirty-Six
Santos
The restaurant is warm,bathed in soft afternoon light that filters through the large windows overlooking Baker’s Creek.This is one of the Merkel restaurants which isn’t anything too fancy, but it has that cozy, rustic vibe that fits perfectly with the town—like a place where everyone knows your name.
The air smells faintly of rosemary and garlic, and there’s a comfortable hum of conversation around us, the kind of background noise that makes everything feel alive but not overwhelming.
Halsey sits across from me, her chin resting on her hand as she flips through the menu with an amused smile.She’s in her element, the slight smirk on her lips telling me she’s already decided what she’s getting but just enjoys pretending to look.
Her hair catches the light from the window, and for a moment, I just watch her, the way her eyes flicker over the choices.God, she’s beautiful and I’m so fucking lucky to call her mine.Like she could take on the world with just a smile.
“See anything good?”I ask, my voice teasing, trying to pull her attention away from the menu and onto me.I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms with a grin.
She laughs softly, her eyes finally meeting mine.“Oh, I’m just pretending.I already know I’m getting the avocado toast with a side of fries.Balance, right?”She gives me a wink, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“That’s very you, Hals.Classy and unhealthy at the same time.”
She grins, setting the menu aside.“What can I say?I contain multitudes.”
“Multitudes of fries,” I joke, leaning forward, my elbow resting on the table as I watch her.“You know, I’m surprised you haven’t married a potato yet.”
“I would, but I’m too busy being married to my job and handling two rowdy, loving men,” she fires back.
“So no regrets quitting the other practice and coming here, with your rowdy men—who, by the way, adore you?”I tease.
She leans back, taking a sip of her iced tea, and her smile softens into something more genuine.“But really, I love what I do.It’s stressful, yeah, but there’s something about helping people, you know?Seeing them get better, seeing them walk out of the clinic healthier than when they came in ...It makes all the long hours worth it.”
I nod, listening, the warmth of her words sinking in.“It sounds like you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.”
She shrugs, looking a little shy now, which is rare for her.“It feels that way.I never thought I’d find a place like this, but Baker’s Creek ...It’s different.I feel like I’m needed here.Like I’m making a difference.”
“You are,” I say.I don’t mean only at her work, but also with us.
After that morning when we made love, things between us have been light.It’s like we’re almost back to us.Dustin wasn’t happy to discover that we broke his no sex rule, then again, it’s his rule.His trauma to fix and we’re there to help him.When he’s ready I’ll be happy to fuck him—or let him fuck me.Halsey too.
We still sleep in the same bed, but every morning he wakes up to help the farmhands with the animals and the ranch.It’s a way to keep himself occupied and have a purpose.I always knew he had bought the place for more than just being away from the public eye.
Hals and I ...well, we use the morning to have all the sex that we can, as long as my leg is okay.
