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Her legs wrap around my waist. Her hips lift to meet each slow, grinding thrust. I can feel her starting to unravel again—tightening around me, her fingers clutching at my shoulders like I’m the only thing keeping her grounded.

“Come for me,” I whisper, voice wrecked. “I want to feel it.”

She does, her whole body trembling beneath me. The way she clenches around me nearly undoes me.

“I’m not gonna last,” I growl, forehead pressed to hers.

“Yes,” she gasps. “Please.”

I slam into her harder now, chasing that edge, letting the control slip.

My hand slides to her throat. Her eyes flutter open, wild and dark and so fucking trusting.

That’s what tips me over.

I come with a groan, deep inside her, body shaking as I breathe her in.

Neither of us speaks.

I just hold her.

Because even with my cock still pulsing and my body wrecked, I know?—

This was never just sex. Not with her.

The room is still when I wake. Morning light hasn’t yet reached the windows, but I can tell it’s coming. I ease out of bed carefully,not wanting to disturb her. Ani’s curled toward my side of the mattress, one hand tucked beneath her cheek, the other pressed near where my body had been.

I don’t want her to wake alone, but I don’t want to disturb her either. And it’s my turn to cook. I press a kiss to her temple, pull the blanket higher over her shoulder, and slip quietly into the hallway.

Finn’s already in the kitchen. His arms are crossed. He looks rough. But there’s something else too. A strange calm that shows in his expression.

I don’t speak right away. I’m not sure what to say.

“She’s still asleep,” I say finally.

He nods without looking at me. “You stayed.”

“I did,” I say. “She wanted me to.”

Another nod. His shoulders drop a fraction. He drags a hand through his hair, the corner of his mouth twitching. “Good.”

I study him, unsure how he means that.

“Are you alright with that?” I ask.

He meets my eyes now, gaze steady, hands by his sides. “No,” he says. “But it’s not about that.” He shifts his weight, crossing his arms again.

“What exactly is going on between you two? I mean, I thought…”

He huffs. “I want her more than I’ve ever wanted anyone. I think I fell for her the moment I laid eyes on her. But, she’s not ready for that yet. And she deserves to have everything she wants.”

Just then, Boone comes into the kitchen. His jaw is set tight, arms crossed even tighter. He watches me for a long second, then turns and disappears into the living room.

He’s part of this too. And no matter what mask he puts on, I know what he’s thinking.

Chapter 14

Boone