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"Close," I manage to mumble, my voice muffled by the warmth of him.
"Me too," he groans, and I feel him tense beneath me.
It happens almost simultaneously, waves of ecstasy crashing over us both. I cry out against him, my body convulsing with release as I hear Victor's own sounds of fulfillment. We ride it out together, clinging to each other as if we’re the only anchor in a raging sea.
After what feels like an eternity, our breathing slows. We collapse onto the bed in a tangle of limbs, our bodies still joined in the most intimate of ways. I lay my head on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart against my ear.
"Wow," I whisper, unable to contain the grin spreading across my face.
"Yeah, wow," he echoes, his breath tickling the top of my head.
We're silent for a moment, just breathing each other in. Then we laugh—a soft, knowing chuckle that speaks volumes about this crazy, intense connection between us. This thing with Victor, it's complicated; riddled with layers of our past animosities and present desires. But right now, in the aftermath of our fervent encounter, none of that seems to matter.
"Never knew enemies could be so... compatible," I tease, tracing a finger along the contour of his abs.
"Enemies, huh?" He smirks, capturing my wandering hand and bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "Seems like we're anything but."
"Maybe," I concede, allowing myself to relax fully against him. Despite the chaos of emotions and circumstances, there's an undeniable rightness to being here with him—intertwined and vulnerable.
"Definitely," he whispers, and I can feel the smile in his voice.
For now, this forbidden thrill, this tangled mess of need and want, it's ours—and I'm not ready to let it go. Not yet.
Victor's chest rises and falls beneath me, a steady rhythm that I match with my own breathing. Silence hangs in the air—comfortable, heavy with unsaid words.His arms wrap around me, a secure circle that feels like it could shield me from anything.
Victor's eyes meet mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their blue depths. He takes a deep breath, his chest rising and falling beneath my hand.
"I've never..." he starts, his voice catching. He clears his throat and tries again. "I've never felt happier than I have spending time with you and Olivia. Being a part of your little family... it's everything I never knew I needed."
My heart swells, and I feel a prickling behind my eyes. I blink rapidly, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. As I look up at Victor, I notice the dampness in his eyes, too.
Without a word, I lean in and kiss him deeply, pouring all my gratitude and affection into that single gesture. His arms tighten around me, and I feel him relax into the kiss.
When we finally break apart, I nestle against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. The warmth of his body envelops me, and I can't help but marvel at how safe I feel in his arms.
"This is nice," I murmur, tracing patterns on his chest with my fingertip.
"Yeah," he agrees, his voice a low rumble in his chest. "It really is."
I close my eyes, savoring the moment. A nagging voice in the back of my mind whispers that this is toogood to be true, that it can't last. But for now, I push those thoughts aside.
"Victor?" I say softly.
"Hmm?"
"Thank you for letting us in. I know it's not easy for you."
He's quiet for a moment, then presses a kiss to the top of my head. "You and Olivia make it easy," he admits. "Somehow, you've managed to break through all my defenses."
I smile against his chest, feeling a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the physical closeness. Even though he hasn't said the words, I can feel it – love, wrapping around us like a cocoon.
Chapter Fifty
Avery
Olivia's squealsof delight are like music set to the vibrant visuals of the parade below. She's practically bouncing out of her shoes on Victor's balcony, hands waving in the air as she tries to catch the confetti that flutters down from above. I lean against the cool railing, a smile tugging at my lips, watching Roman down there with her, his arms raised high, mirroring her excitement. He's a giant kid at heart, and it's impossible not to get swept up in their joy.
"Has he ever really grown up?" I tease, nudging Victor with my elbow. He stands beside me, a half-smile playing on his lips, his eyes following the two figures amid the colorful chaos.