Page 31

As I sat in front of Colt, watching the fireworks explode above the bluff, a strange, unexpected sense of peace settle over me. It didn’t erase the ache of losing my parents—nothing ever would—but in this moment, the sharp edge of pain dulled a little. I hadn’t thought that was possible.

I leaned back against Colt’s chest, and almost immediately, his lips found the curve of my neck. He kissed me there, slow and soft, over and over again, until I let out a low moan and pressed against him.

He responded by wrapping an arm around my waist and tugging me closer. His hard length against my lower back was a silent message I was more than ready to answer.

I twisted around to face him, straddling his lap in one smooth movement. Colt’s hands slid down to my thighs, then up again, gripping my ass.

“Fuck, Ellie,” he groaned, voice thick with desire. “No panties again? You’re gonna be the death of me. ”

I smirked and leaned in, kissing him deeply. Our tongues tangled as the fireworks crackled above, lighting the sky like our own private show.

His hand slid between my legs, finding my clit and rubbing in slow, deliberate circles. I gasped into his mouth.

“Is this what you want?” Colt murmured, lips brushing mine. “To be fucked right here in the open? Where someone could come by and see?”

I bit my bottom lip and nodded, shocked by how true it was.

Colt growled, then reached for the straps of my dress, pulling them down to reveal my bare breasts. The night air licked across my peaked nipples, sending a shiver through me.

“Let them watch,” he said, voice rough. “Because no one will ever touch you the way I do. Isn’t that right, baby?” He teased my nipples with one hand while he circled my clit with the other.

“Yes, Colt,” I whispered, eyes fluttering shut as he rubbed me harder. I was close—so damn close—from just his fingers alone.

Desperate for more, I reached between us, unbuttoning his jeans with trembling hands. I needed him. Now.

Colt leaned back on his elbows, lifting his hips as I pulled down his pants, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. “I want to watch you take every inch of me.”

I wrapped my hand around him, guiding him to my entrance. Slowly, I sank down, taking just the tip. The mix of anticipation and need hit so hard, I couldn’t stop—I slammed my hips down, letting him fill me completely.

“ Fuck ,” Colt hissed, his head falling back. He gripped my hips tight, helping me move. “That’s it, baby. Ride me.”

The fireworks above were nothing compared to what was happening between us. I moved faster, driven by adrenaline and something deeper—something reckless and raw.

Off to the side, the bushes rustled. Maybe an animal. Maybe a person. I didn’t care.

“Don’t stop,” I gasped, riding him harder, chasing the high.

Colt’s grip tightened, his nails digging into my skin, sending a jolt of pain and pleasure through me.

“Why are you so fucking wet right now, Ellie?” he asked, smirking like he already knew the answer.

He smacked my ass—hard. The sharp sting of his palm against my skin sent me reeling. Pleasure and pain tangled together as I cried out, grinding down on him harder, chasing every last drop of release.

Colt clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth as his body stiffened beneath me. He spilled inside me, hot and deep, each pulse crashing through me as he groaned.

My body trembled, breath shallow, as I gasped, trying to pull air back into my lungs. My heart, still racing from the high.

I slumped forward, chest heaving, my forehead resting against Colt’s as we both tried to catch our breath, tangled together under the night sky, the echo of fireworks still cracking in the distance. Colt wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me close like he wasn’t ready to let go .

“You okay?” he murmured, voice low and rough against my skin.

I nodded, unable to speak just yet. My body still trembled, but not from the sex. From the way he held me now—like I was safe. Like I was his.

“I’ve never…” The words caught in my throat.

“What?” Colt asked, brushing my hair out of my face. “Talk to me, Ellie.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ve never felt anything like that. Not just the sex—it was everything. You. Me. All of it.”

His eyes searched mine, then he leaned in and kissed me—not rushed or wild like before—but slow and deep, like he wanted to memorize the taste of me. I sank into it, letting the world fall away. Just for now.

Eventually, I collapsed on top of him, our bodies sticky and still tangled. He chuckled softly, brushing his fingers along my spine.

“Reckon this bluff’s never seen a show like that before,” he said.

I laughed, muffled against his bare chest. “Poor trees. They’ll never be the same.”

We lay there for a long time, wrapped up in each other, the fireworks fading and the stars taking their place. And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel broken. I didn’t feel lost.

I just felt… alive.