Page 27

27

AURELIE

T he morning light filters through the curtains, casting a gentle golden glow across Rolfo's pale sheets. I've been awake for several minutes already, watching the rise and fall of his chest, memorizing the contours of his face in repose. Everything feels different this morning—clearer, as though the world has shifted into perfect focus.

Sephy sleeps peacefully in the nursery across the hall. The house is wrapped in that special kind of morning quiet that feels almost sacred. I never thought I could have this—this moment of complete safety and contentment.

Rolfo stirs beside me, his eyelids fluttering. Before he's fully awake, I reach out, brushing my thumb across the rough stubble along his jaw. He leans into my touch instinctively, like a plant seeking sunlight. The silver of his eyes catches the morning light as they open, focusing on me with wonder.

"You're still here," he whispers, his voice rough with sleep.

I smile, feeling a surge of warmth at his vulnerability. "Where else would I be?"

His large hand covers mine, pressing my palm more firmly against his cheek. "I half convinced myself I dreamed last night."

"You mean when I told you I loved you?" The words come easier now, in the gentle morning light. The first time had been harder—spoken in darkness, in the aftermath of everything with Kaelith. But now, in the quiet morning, they feel like the most natural thing in the world.

"Yes." His mercury eyes search mine. "Did you mean it?"

Instead of answering with words, I lean forward and press my lips to his. This kiss is different from the desperate ones we've shared before. It's not born from fear or relief or raw need. It's a choice—deliberate and unhurried. A quiet claiming.

Rolfo gasps softly against my mouth, his hands coming up to frame my face with a reverence that makes my heart ache. When we part, his eyes remain closed for a beat longer, as though he's trying to preserve the moment.

"I meant it," I whisper against his lips. "I love you, Rolfo."

His eyes open, and the vulnerability there steals my breath. "I never thought—" he starts, then swallows hard. "Aurelie, you deserve so much more than?—"

I press my fingers to his lips, silencing him. "Don't. Don't tell me what I deserve. For once in my life, I'm choosing. Do you understand? I'm choosing you."

The tension in his body shifts as he props himself up on one elbow, looking down at me with an intensity that sends heat curling through my body. His hand moves to trace the line of my collarbone, his touch feather-light.

"Say it again," he commands softly, his voice dropping to that low register that makes my skin prickle with awareness.

I meet his gaze without hesitation. "I love you."

Something breaks in his expression—some final restraint giving way. His kiss is deeper this time, his hand sliding into my hair, cradling my head as he presses me back against the pillows. I wind my arms around his neck, drawing him closer until I can feel the solid weight of him against me.

"I love you," he murmurs against my neck, his breath hot on my skin. "Aurelie, I love you more than I thought possible."

The words trigger something in me—a final barrier falling away. I've given him my heart, my trust, but there's more I want to give. My hands trace the planes of his back, feeling the shift of muscle beneath warm skin.

And suddenly, I can't stand another second between us, keeping us apart. I want to be surrounded by him, filled by him, consumed by him. I want everything Rolfo has to give.

I trace the curve of Rolfo’s jaw with my fingertips, my breath catching as he leans into the touch. His eyes hold mine, silver pools reflecting the soft glow of dawn. There’s a question in his gaze, a silent offering. I nod, my heart thrumming in my chest.

His hands move to the hem of my nightshirt, lifting it slowly, his calloused fingers brushing against my skin with a tenderness that makes me ache. I feel exposed, but not vulnerable—not with him. His eyes sweep over me, drinking in every inch like I’m something sacred. He doesn’t rush. Every movement is deliberate, reverent.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice rough, like the words are being pulled from deep within him. His hands slide up my sides, leaving trails of warmth in their wake. I shiver, not from the cold but from the way he looks at me—like I’m the only thing that matters in this world.

I reach for the laces of his tunic, my fingers trembling slightly as I work to undo them. He watches me, his breath hitching as I push the fabric off his shoulders. His chest is broad, scarred—a map of his battles and survival. I press my palm against his heart, feeling the steady beat beneath my hand. His skin is warm, alive.

“Aurelie,” he whispers, his voice breaking. His hand covers mine, holding it there.

I don’t speak. I can’t. Instead, I lean forward, pressing my lips to the scar that runs across his collarbone. His breath catches, and his fingers thread through my hair, holding me close. I kiss each mark, each imperfection, as though I can erase the pain they represent.

When I pull back, his eyes are dark, his pupils blown wide with something more than desire. His hands move to my thighs, gently parting them as he settles between my legs. His lips follow the curve of my hip, trailing kisses along the faint stretch marks that curve around my body.

“These—” His voice is soft, almost reverent. “These are proof of your strength. Of everything you’ve survived.”

I swallow hard, my throat tight. No one has ever looked at me like this—like my scars are not something to hide but something to honor. His lips brush against the faded burn on my lower back, and I tremble, my fingers digging into the sheets.

“Rolfo,” I whisper, my voice shaking.

He looks up at me, his eyes searching mine. “Do you know what you do to me?” he asks, his voice low, raw. “You undo me, Aurelie. Every damn time.”

I reach for him, pulling him up until our bodies are pressed together, skin against skin. His breath hitches as I guide his hand to my hip, anchoring him there.

“I want you,” I say, the words slipping out before I can second-guess them.

His eyes darken, and he lowers himself over me, his weight comforting, grounding. “You have me,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against mine. “You’ve always had me.”

When he enters me, it’s slow, deliberate. My breath catches, and I wrap my arms around him, holding on as though he’s the only thing keeping me tethered to this earth. His forehead presses against mine, our breath mingling, our hearts beating in sync.

“Look at me,” he whispers, his voice ragged.

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. His silver eyes are a storm, filled with something I can’t name—something that makes my chest ache. We move together, our rhythm steady, unhurried. Every stroke is a promise, every touch a confession.

This isn’t about survival or desperation. It’s about trust. About finding home in each other.

“Aurelie,” he breathes, my name a prayer on his lips.

“Rolfo,” I whisper back, my fingers tracing the curve of his neck, the line of his jaw.

His hand tangles in my hair, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that’s tender and hungry all at once. I’m drowning in him, in the way he makes me feel—cherished, wanted, loved .

I push against Rolfo’s chest, my palms flat against the solid planes of muscle. His silver eyes widen in surprise for a fraction of a second before darkening as he understands what I’m asking.

He lets out a low, rumbling growl from deep in his chest as he rolls onto his back, his hands sliding to my hips to steady me. The shift in power sends a thrill through me, and I rise up on my knees, hovering over him, feeling the heat of his body beneath me.

His chest rises and falls with heavy breaths, his gaze locked on mine, a storm raging in those mercury depths. There’s something raw and untamed in the way he looks at me now, like I’ve stripped away the last of his control. His hands tighten on my hips, his fingers digging into my skin.

“Aurelie,” he rasps, his voice rough, almost pleading.

I lower myself slowly, feeling him stretch me with an intensity that makes my breath hitch. His eyes never leave mine, and I watch as his jaw clenches, his teeth grinding together as though he’s trying to hold himself back. The way he looks at me—like I’m everything he’s ever wanted—makes my heart race, and a warmth spreads through my chest that has nothing to do with the heat pooling between my legs.

I begin to move, rocking my hips in a slow, deliberate rhythm. His hands slide up my sides, his touch sending shivers through me. He groans deeply, the sound vibrating through my body as I lean forward, bracing my hands on his chest. His heart pounds beneath my palms, a steady, frantic beat that matches my own.

“Fuck, Aurelie,” he growls, his grip tightening on my hips as I pick up the pace. His head falls back against the pillows, his eyes closing for a moment before they snap open, locking on mine again. The intensity in his gaze is almost unbearable, like he’s seeing straight through to the very core of me.

I feel every inch of him as I ride him, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through my body. My breath comes in shallow gasps, and my muscles tighten and release with each movement. His hands move back to my hips, his fingers digging into my skin as though he’s trying to keep me tethered to him.

“You feel so good,” he murmurs, his voice rough, strained.

His words send a jolt of heat through me, and my rhythm falters for a moment. He grunts, his hips bucking up to meet mine, driving deeper into me. I moan, my head falling back as pleasure builds within me, coiling tighter and tighter.

“Rolfo,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “Don’t stop.”

His hands move to my thighs, gripping them tightly as he helps me move, his hips driving up into me with a force that makes me cry out. My fingers curl against his chest, my nails digging into his skin. His eyes are dark, filled with a hunger that matches my own, and the sight of him—his body beneath me, his muscles taut with restraint—sends a wave of heat crashing through me.

“I’m close,” he growls, his voice barely more than a whisper. His hands slide up my body, cupping my face, his thumbs brushing against my cheeks. “Let go, Aurelie. Let me feel you.”

I nod, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I feel the tension within me reaching its peak. My body tightens around him, and I cry out as pleasure bursts through me, overwhelming and all-consuming. Rolfo groans, his hands moving to my hips as he slams me down onto him, driving into me with a force that sends me over the edge again.

His arms wrap around me, holding me tightly against him, his breathing ragged against my ear. His hand moves to the back of my head, his fingers tangling in my hair as he presses a kiss to the top of my head.

“Aurelie,” he murmurs, his voice soft, almost reverent. “You’re mine. Always mine.”

I don’t respond, unable to find the words. Instead, I press my face into the crook of his neck, breathing in the warm, spicy scent of his skin. My heartbeat slows, matching the steady rhythm of his, and I feel a sense of peace settle over me—a quiet contentment that I’ve never known before.

His hand moves to my back, tracing lazy circles against my skin. The silence between us is comfortable, filled with unspoken words and the weight of everything we’ve shared. His touch is gentle now, almost hesitant, as though he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he holds on too tightly.

“I love you,” he whispers, his voice barely audible against the stillness of the room.

The words send a warmth through me, and I press a kiss to his neck, my lips brushing against his skin. “I love you too,” I murmur, my voice soft, but filled with conviction.

He exhales sharply, his arms tightening around me, and I feel the tension in his body ease. His hand moves to my face, tilting my chin up so that our eyes meet. His silver gaze is filled with something I can’t name—something tender and raw that makes my chest ache.

“You’re everything to me,” he says, his voice rough, filled with emotion. “Everything.”

I don’t have the words to respond, so I kiss him instead, pouring everything I feel into the touch of my lips against his. His hand tangles in my hair, and he deepens the kiss, his tongue brushing against mine with a slow, deliberate intensity. My body responds instinctively, arching against his, and he groans softly, his hips shifting beneath me.

His hands move to my thighs, gripping them tightly as he helps me move, his hips driving up into me with a force that makes me cry out. My fingers curl against his chest, my nails digging into his skin. His eyes are dark, filled with a hunger that matches my own, and the sight of him—his body beneath me, his muscles taut with restraint—sends a wave of heat crashing through me.

“Rolfo,” I whisper, my voice trembling. “Don’t stop.”

His hands move to my thighs, gripping them tightly as he helps me move, his hips driving up into me with a force that makes me cry out. My fingers curl against his chest, my nails digging into his skin. His eyes are dark, filled with a hunger that matches my own, and the sight of him—his body beneath me, his muscles taut with restraint—sends a wave of heat crashing through me.

I’m close again, teetering on the edge of bliss, and I can feel Rolfo losing control beneath me, his movements becoming more erratic, his grip on my hips tightening. He groans, his head falling back against the pillows, his eyes closing for a moment before they snap open, locking on mine.

“Aurelie,” he growls, his voice strained. “I can’t?—”

“Let go,” I whisper, my voice trembling as I lean forward, pressing my lips to his. "I want you to fill me."

His body stiffens beneath me, his hips slamming into me with a force that sends me over the edge again. I cry out, my body tightening around him as he fills me, his release warm and deep within me. I collapse against his chest, my body trembling as the aftershocks of pleasure ripple through me.

He holds me tightly, his arms wrapping around me as though he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he lets go. His breathing is ragged against my ear, his heart pounding beneath my cheek.

“You’re mine,” he murmurs, his voice soft, almost reverent. “Always mine.”

And that's all I want to be.