Page 76

"Neither do I," she admits, her brow furrowing. But then she adds quickly, "I'm clean. On birth control."
"Me too. Clean, I mean." Trust—it's not given easily, especially not from someone like me. But with Avery, it feels right. It feels necessary.
I climb atop her, feeling the weight of her gaze on my face, the intensity of this moment wrapping around us. "It's been a while for me," she whispers, her voice laced with vulnerability.
"Then we'll take it slow," I promise, leaning down to kiss her softly. As I begin to enter her, my movements deliberate and measured, I catch sight of her hair spread out on the pillow. It's wild and untamed, just like the woman beneath me.
Our bodies move together in a dance that's as old as time, yet every sensation feels new, feels like it's only meant for us. I watch her, lost in the depth of her eyes, the curve of her lips, the flush of her cheeks.
"Good?" I ask, wanting, needing to know she'swith me in this.
"Perfect," she breathes out, and it's the answer that fuels me, that tells me I'm exactly where I belong.
I'm barely holding on, each slow thrust an exercise in restraint. "Avery," I murmur against her neck, "you feel... amazing." The truth of it vibrates through me, a chord struck deep in my chest.
She wraps her arms tighter around me, her breath hot on my ear. "It's okay, Victor," she whispers with a gentle urgency, "just let go."
Those words unravel me, and I do. I lose myself in the warmth of her, the intimacy of this slow dance that's become a rush of emotion. My climax hits, intense and all-consuming, and I bury my face into her shoulder, trying to memorize the scent of her skin, the feel of her body beneath mine.
"Victor..." Her voice is soft but laden with layers of something I can't quite name—trust, maybe, or acceptance.
I exhale shakily, our breathing heavy in the quiet room. I don't want to move, don't want to break this spell that's somehow been cast over us. It's like time has stilled, and all the years of coldness inside of me are melting away in the heat of this single moment.
Eventually, I roll to the side, but I can't bear to be too far from her. I pull Avery close, feeling the rise and fall of her chest against my side. We're silent, just existing together in a space that feels sacred.
My hand finds its way to her hair, those wild,chestnut strands that seem to have a life of their own. She lets out a huff, a self-deprecating sound. "I hate my hair. It's always such a mess."
"Hey," I say, my voice low and filled with affection I've never known how to express before now. "I've loved it since the first day I saw you. It's fierce... just like you."
A laugh bubbles up from her throat, genuine and free. It's the most beautiful sound I've ever heard, and I can't help but smile.
"I'd say you're pretty fierce, too."
"Thanks, Chestnut," I tease, calling her by the nickname that feels as right as everything else tonight does. She's laughter and warmth in my arms, and for the first time in my life, I let myself believe that maybe I can have this—have someone who feels like home.
Chapter Forty-Two
Avery
I stir awake,my eyes fluttering open to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. Victor lies beside me, still deep in slumber. It's strange seeing him like this – all the hard edges softened, worry lines smoothed away. He looks... peaceful. Happy, even. My heart skips a beat as memories of last night flood back.
My phone buzzes softly on the nightstand. I reach for it, careful not to disturb Victor. It's a message from Samantha in our group chat.
Samantha
Hey Avery! Olivia's doing great, had a blast at our sleepover. How'd the board meeting go?
I bite my lip, unsure how to respond. Before I can type anything, Jessica's message pops up.
Jessica
Emily and I snuck in late after her shift. Sat in the back. You won't believe this – Victor postponed the whole development for a month!
Samantha
WHAT?! No way! How? Why?
I chew my lower lip, debating how much to share. The mattress shifts as Victor rolls over in his sleep, his arm draping across my waist. My breath catches.