Page 25 of Six of Hearts
My heart pounded as I slid my hands up her sides, pushing her shirt up. When her stomach was bare, I moved my mouthdown, kissing and tasting her skin. She was sweet—everything about her was sweet.
She pulled her top off, and I reached around to unclasp her bra, letting it fall away. Her breasts were beautiful, and I took my time with them, teasing her nipples with my tongue and fingers until she was threading her hands through my hair and crying out softly.
I kissed my way down her body as I unbuttoned her jeans, sliding my hand inside to feel her through her underwear. She was already wet, and the knowledge sent heat straight through me.
"Ronan," she breathed, and hearing my name on her lips like that nearly undid me.
I took my time, building the tension, keeping her just on the edge. I wanted this to last. I'd waited so long to let someone in again, and now that it was happening, I wanted to savour every moment.
When I finally pulled her jeans away and settled between her thighs, she looked up at me with such trust, such want, that something in my chest cracked open.
"You're sure?" I asked one more time.
"I'm sure," she whispered.
"I want you, Ronan."
I kissed her deeply as I positioned myself, and when I finally pushed inside, the feeling was overwhelming. Not just physically—though she felt incredible—but emotionally. Like I was letting go of something I'd been holding onto for too long.
I moved slowly at first, watching her face, learning what she liked. She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me deeper, and I let myself get lost in her—in the way she felt, the sounds she made, the way she looked at me like I was everything.
"You feel so good," she whispered against my ear.
I buried my face in her neck, breathing her in. "So do you. God, Aria."
We moved together, finding a rhythm that felt natural, inevitable. And when she came apart beneath me, her body tightening around mine, I followed her over the edge, holding her close as we both shattered.
Afterward, we lay tangled together, breathing hard. She traced patterns on my chest, and I held her, feeling more at peace than I had in years.
"Wow," she said softly.
"Yeah," I agreed, pressing a kiss to her hair.
"Wow."
She looked up at me, her eyes searching.
"Are you okay?"
I nodded, even though the truth was more complicated. I was okay. Better than okay. But I was also terrified—of losing this, of losing her, of letting myself care this much again.
"I'm good," I said, and it wasn't a lie.
"Really good."
She smiled and settled against me, and I held her as we drifted toward sleep, knowing that everything had changed. I was falling for her, and it scared me more than I wanted to admit.
But maybe, just maybe, it would be worth the risk.
Ten
Aria
It was finally Friday, and a lower-key one at that. I loved my job—the kids were wonderful and the dads were obviously wonderful—but all the running around took a toll. I knew I had to take Mila to ballet practice later, but for now, I was taking a relaxing bath and enjoying the solitude.
My friend Khloe had texted me several times wanting to catch up, but between the kids and the guys, I hadn't had much of a chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to call her and see how life had been treating her. I pulled out my wireless headphones and dialed her number. The phone trilled a few times before clicking live.
"Well, hey there. I was beginning to think you'd ghosted me," Khloe said, warmth and teasing in equal measure.
