Page 28

Jude

T he night wrapped around us, quiet and full of something heavy and beautiful.

Cyclone shifted in his chair, turning to face me fully.

His hand brushed mine — a touch so light, it would’ve been easy to pretend it didn’t happen.

But I didn’t pull away.

“You okay?” he asked quietly, his voice rough around the edges.

Different from the easy, teasing tone he used with the guys.

This voice was just for me.

I nodded, staring into the dying fire.

“I think so,” I said honestly.

“I didn’t know if I could do it... going back. Saying goodbye.”

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat.

“But I did. I closed that chapter in my life. They will forever be in my heart, but I’m okay.”

Cyclone's hand found mine again, firmer this time, his thumb stroking slowly over my knuckles.

“You didn’t just do it, Jude,” he said, voice low and sure.

“You survived it. You faced it head-on. You’re stronger than you think.”

I blinked fast, looking up at him.

The firelight made his eyes look darker, softer, full of something I wasn’t sure I deserved.

“I don't feel strong,” I whispered.

“I feel like I’m barely holding it together.”

His fingers tightened around mine.

“You don’t have to hold it together with me.”

He leaned closer, his forehead almost touching mine.

“You don’t have to be anything but exactly who you are.”

Something inside me cracked open, raw and aching.

For so long, I’d worn armor over my heart and soul.

But with Cyclone... it just didn’t have to.

“Cyclone,” I breathed, the weight of his name too much and not enough.

I didn’t have the words for what I needed.

But somehow, he knew.

He cupped my face with both hands, tilting my chin until I looked right at him. Let’s make love. I’ve missed you so much,” he said hoarsely.

“Tell me, if you want me to stop.”

I shook my head, a tear slipping free.

“I don't want you to stop.”

And just like that, he kissed me.

Slow.

Deep.

Full of everything he hadn’t said and everything I hadn’t dared to hope for.

I melted into him, gripping the front of his T-shirt like it was the only thing keeping me grounded.

The kiss deepened, his hands sliding into my hair, his touch reverent and desperate all at once. He picked me up and pulled me onto his lap, my legs went around him as I pushed myself close so I could feel his heat. His cock was hard I reached down and my hand felt it through his pants.

Then I squeezed it. “I want to be naked with you. I want you to make love to me hard and fast, and I don’t want you to stop.”

Cyclone pulled my shirt over my head, and then my bra came off. His hands squeezed my breast, his mouth took turns sucking them. I cried out. “I want more,” I whispered. His mouth covered mine in a brutal kiss. That almost made me orgasm.

When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless.

Shaking.

Alive in a way I hadn't been in years.

Cyclone pressed his forehead to mine, both of us breathing hard.

“I'm not going anywhere,” he said fiercely.

“Not now. Not ever. You hear me?”

I nodded, my heart thudding so hard that it hurt.

“I hear you.”

And I let myself believe it for the first time in six years.

Cyclone kissed me again, softer this time, as if sealing a promise between us.

Then he stood. I wrapped my legs around him as he walked inside and into his bedroom.

He pulled my leggings down and lay me back on the bed, as he kissed every inch of my body. I couldn’t keep track of how many times I orgasmed that night. Or the next morning.