Page 57 of Always Mine

Incoming.

One word and my world spins on its axis again. My breathing quickens, and my pulse thunders like the hooves of a thousand galloping horses.

Chapter thirty-three

No Turning Back Now

Sophia

AverypullsupatMarco’s house, getting out of the driver’s seat and rounding the car to open my door. I hesitate momentarily then step out into the frigid night. The sight of Marco leaning against the frame of the open door in all his gorgeous, freshly showered glory makes my breath hitch.

His long, strong legs are crossed at the ankle, making his muscular quads strain the fabric of his sweat pants. It brings my attention to the star of his apology from our texts a few weeks ago. Heat radiates through me at the possibility of finally feeling him sink into me. His boxing-honed arms are folded over his chest, now thankfully covered. I may have revisited the thirst-trap picture he sent me weeks ago for more solo missions than I’d like to admit. It would seem I’ve developed quite the ink kink. I’m not sure I can be trusted around this man shirtless.

Marco’s lips lift in lazy smirk. He knows me well enough to guess, I’m probably having a mini freak-out on the sidewalk.

I wrap my coat tighter around me before turning to Avery, who’s still standing behind me. “Thank you. For looking out for me and being there for him.”

“I don’t trust many people, but I trust him with my life.” His expression softens, and his lips tip into a knowing smile. “Enjoy your night, Sophia.”

Lifting his hand, Marco calls out. “Thanks, man. Log what we have. We’ll debrief tomorrow.”

Avery nods once, and leaves. Then it’s just me and him. The dark, icy night air surrounds us but does little to curb the crackle of electricity currently sparking.

I smile softly at Marco, but my feet are rooted to the spot. I am hyper-aware that taking those few steps to close the distance between us will be life changing, crystallizing years of flirty words and stolen moments into a declaration of our true feelings. I also know he’s leaving this decision entirely up to me. I’m the one who asked for space, so now it’s up to me to choose him. To choose us.

“Can I help you? Are you lost?” he teases with a smirk. One that renders me speechless, because I know once I cross that line, there is no turning back.

“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue, Kitten?” He dips his head so his eyes bore into mine, beckoning me with his pointer finger in a come hither motion. “I promise we don’t bite.”

Teenage Sophia would have died on the spot. Ironically, twenty-five-year-old Sophia is close to doing just that, too. I giggle nervously at his cockiness and slowly walk towards him, fidgeting with my coat. Finally, I’m standing in front of the man I’ve always considered my personal version of heaven, except judging by his hungry expression, there’s more than a little devil in him too. Reaching out to stroke my cheek gently with his thumb, green eyes twinkling, he whispers my words back to me. “You came.”

Chapter thirty-four

The Sweetest Homecoming

Marco

“Hi,”shewhispers.“Icame.”

Without hesitation, I put my hands on her waist and pull her body into mine. “That’s better,” I say, smiling down at her. We’re so close I can feel the small puffs of her breath laced with mint as she looks up at me. Our lips almost touch, the sliver of space that remains in between buzzing and fizzing like popping candy.

“I’m sorry about tonight, baby. I should’ve been there sooner. I never should have even let there be an opportunity for him to be alone with you.” Anger tears through me again at the thought of what might have been if Arty had succeeded with his plan.

The last six years to get here has been the longest fucking countdown of my life, but knowing how good we could be together then forcing myself to cease communication these past few weeks has frayed my patience. My want for Sophia is a real, living and breathing thing, seconds away from boiling over, especially now with her this close.

Pulling back slightly, she places a finger on my lips to silence me. “Shhhhh. I don’t want to think about anyone else right now. Or the what-ifs or could-have-beens. I’ve done enough agonizing andrunning scenarios. Not just these last few weeks, but the entire time I’ve been gone.” She takes pause, drawing the corner of her bottom lip into her mouth, like she’s sense-checking her decision to come here and if she’s going to go through with what she wants to say next. “I want you. I want us. I want to be all the fucking way in too.”

I want to crush her, devour her right on the spot at the sound of her words. Instead, I ease her in gently.

“Are you sure you’ve had enough time to think? I don’t want to rush this.”

In response, she cocks her head at me and rolls her eyes. “Is that a serious question, Marco-Boy?”

“Okay. Okay. If you’re done thinking, can I kiss you now?” I ask with a cheeky smile.

Her responding melodious laugh is music to my ears. “Hmm…considering I know the wicked things you can do with that mouth, this feels like a honey trap.”

I smile against her soft lips before placing a slow, sweet kiss there, knowing full well that as soon as she takes that final step—into my home, my arms, my bed, my heart—we will make the best kind of bad decisions, and I’ll prove to her in every way I’m a good choice. Now and maybe forever. No regrets.