Page 170 of Flawed

"Fuuuuck," I moan, doing everything I can so I don't release into her.

The other woman shrieks, "I'm coming! Oh God! I'm..." Her eyes roll just as my stellina's do.

"Jesus Christ!" the man blurts out, his face red and a bead of sweat dripping down his cheek. He breathes through his nose, determination fills his expression, and he clenches his jaw, keeping the same pace as I do.

"Luca!" Chanel moans.

I spin her into me, reaching for the back of her thighs and picking her up.

She wraps her legs around me, and I thrust back into her. Our mouths meet in a frenzy.

I slam my hand on the buttons, turning off the sound and lights in the other room. I assert, "Only us."

She nods, gripping my hair so tight I think she'll pull it out.

I press her back to the glass and palm her head, keeping her mouth firmly pinned to mine.

And there's no way either of us can hold back. Our bodies convulse against each other, letting go of years of longing and regret.

In the aftermath, we don't move, except for our ragged breaths and beating hearts. A long time passes before I lift my head out of the curve of her neck and lock eyes with her.

Several more minutes go by, then I slowly lower her to the ground. When I'm sure she can stand on her own, I escort her through the restaurant, into the alley where my driver is waiting, and we get into the SUV.

She straddles me the moment we pull out, adding fuel to the flame that never goes out.

We don't stop kissing the entire way to my place. I swiftly move her through the building and into my penthouse.

All night, we stay wrapped up in each other. When morning comes, she's peacefully sleeping in my arms. I reach into the nightstand drawer and pull out a ring. My pulse creeps up, and I kiss her on the head.

Another few hours pass. My nerves continue to escalate, not over what I'm about to do but about how she could answer.

There are no doubts on my end. She's the only woman I've ever wanted.

She finally stirs, glancing up at me with a tiny smile. She shyly says, "Morning."

I give her a chaste kiss on the lips. "Morning." I flip her onto her back.

Her smile grows larger. She laces her fingers in my hair and asks, "Am I really waking up in your bed? With you next to me?"

Happiness fills me like never before. I feel almost giddy, answering, "Yes. It's real.We'rereal, stellina."

She doesn't respond, caressing the side of my head.

I muster my courage, holding the ring in front of her.

Her eyes widen.

I take another moment to gather my thoughts but end up blurting out, "You and me, stellina. Forever. It's all I've ever wanted. You and me, and now, Zara, too. Marry me."

Her eyes glisten, darting between mine and the ring. Her silence makes me nervous. "Luca—"

"Don't say no. Please, don't say no," I plead.

Her lips twitch, and she slides her palm over my cheek. She says, "I'm not saying no."

Relief hits me. "You're not?"

She shakes her head, and a tear drips down her cheek. "No. I've always loved you, Luca. From the moment I laid eyes on you, my heart was yours. And all I've ever wanted was a life with you."

---