Page 23

It had been a little over two months since I gave birth to the child that essentially changed my life forever. Nothing was the same anymore, and it was like the baby had stolen all of my time, my attention, and even my strength.

No one had prepared me for this: the after-effects of giving birth. Child labor was one thing, but raising an infant was an entirely different thing altogether. Why didn't anyone tell me just how stressful and demanding these babies could be?

I barely slept and had no time for myself, my business, or my husband. The little thing—my precious daughter—just didn't give a shit what I had to give up to attend to her. Babies were attention seekers, and boy, was that exhausting.

Erik had offered to hire a professional babysitter, and even the older maids in the mansion suggested they take care of the baby. However, I refused. I was polite, of course; I just wanted to be with my baby at any cost.

I’d endured the pain of child labor, so handling this baby's demands shouldn’t be such a big deal. Plus, this was an opportunity to spend more time with one who opened my womb.

Our little girl meant the world to me, and there was nothing that I wouldn't do for her. Devoting my time and attention was a small price to pay, and I would willingly pay it without hesitation.

Despite the stress and aches and exhaustion that came with caring for and raising this baby, there was a kind of joy and fulfillment deep within me that I couldn't explain. I'd never felt that much joy before, that much happiness and fulfillment. Ironically, all of those intense emotions came from the one person that stressed me out the most in the world. How intriguing.

Everything about my daughter was fascinating: her tiny form, her rosebud lips, and those adorable green eyes. At some point, I may have grown so attached to her that I became selfish with her, sort of. I didn't want anyone else holding her, and maybe it was because I was scared of anything bad happening to her.

I didn't trust anyone else with my daughter, not even the maids who worked for me. I was so overprotective of her that her life was my number one priority.

I was doing too much—handling and overseeing everything that concerned my child—but I couldn't help it. I couldn't bring myself to stop even if I wanted to.

Erik's lifestyle wasn't encouraging, either. The man had enemies here and there—violent and dangerous men who would do just about anything to see him suffer. If I was sure of one thing, it was how much Erik loved our daughter. He would gladly lay down his life for her if it ever came to it.

What if word got out that Erik was now a father? What if one of his many enemies decided to attack him by going after our baby?

Erik was more than capable of keeping us both safe—that was an established fact. But for how long would he keep us safe? How long until one of his foes got to us in order to make him suffer?

I was so afraid of the future and what it had in store for us that I didn't realize how much I was losing sight of the present.

I'd ignored everyone and everything around me because I deluded myself into thinking that I was devoting all of my time to my kid. But was that really what I was doing, or was I just running away from my problems?

Erik's feelings about me remained unclear, and I was afraid to face him, to talk to him about it. He had slithered his way into my heart, but I wasn't sure if I had done the same with his. I couldn't determine if this feeling was mutual or one-sided since he wasn't exactly the type of man to express his emotions verbally.

The uncertainty of where I stood in his life and who I was to him had me all riled up. Thank God for this baby for keeping me occupied. I knew I needed to have a talk with my husband about our current situation and get the clarity that I needed. But I was afraid.

If I hadn't felt so much love and affection for this man, maybe things would have been a lot easier for both of us. However, that wasn't the case here; it was the exact opposite because I couldn't help but love him.

Was it really love? Maybe. It was the only logical explanation as to why he was on my mind all the bloody time.

Despite how distracted I appeared to be, despite how nonchalant about him I seemed these past months, he was always in my head. I missed him more than he'd realized, but I had to distance myself for a while.

We hadn't been intimate since I gave birth, and my excuse had been that I was still in the healing process. Childbirth was a horrible experience, and indeed, it left me almost traumatized. Physically and psychologically, I was bruised, but as the weeks went by, my body and mind slowly recovered.

Erik had been an understanding husband and also super supportive. He helped out with the baby in all the ways that he could, and it was always fun watching him hold our infant in his big, strong arms. Whenever he carried her, he'd beam with pride, love, and affection. With her, his smile was different—authentic and so genuine.

This wasn't the man I agreed to divorce after two years. No. It was like he was an entirely different person, and his change was both intriguing and scary at the same time. Had he truly changed for the better? Or was this just a phase that would soon pass?

These questions bothered me a lot, but I hadn't summoned the courage to speak with him about my concerns yet. Maybe I would sooner or later. I'd damn the consequences and face my fear. But for now, I'd just go with the flow.

I cradled my baby in my arms as I stepped into the nursery, the soft glow of the nightlight enveloping me. The atmosphere was serene, and the delicate mobile over the crib swayed with a gentle motion, its shadows dancing across the pale yellow walls.

My eyes settled on the crib, and I strolled over to it. I carefully laid down my baby, making sure that the mattress was firm and the bedding was secure. Her tiny fists curled up, and her eyelids drooped as she lay on her back, her rosebud lips pressed into a fine line.

A small smile spread across my face as I reached out, and with a tender touch, I stroked her cheek. Her skin was soft and smooth beneath mine, and the connection between us stirred up a flutter in my chest.

My soothing voice, soft and low, weaved a spell of calm over the nursery as I sang her a lullaby. My heart was warm with love and affection, my lips curling into a much broader smile.

In no time, my little girl was quiet, her tiny chest rising and falling with soft breaths.

“I love you, sweetheart,” I muttered, my heart overwhelmed with emotions. “I love you so much.” The back of my fingers caressed her chubby cheeks, and my gaze was fixed on her adorable face.

I felt my eyes sting, and tears threatened to stream down. Overwhelmed by the intense feeling of love coursing through my blood, I blinked, sniffling, my gaze unwavering as I drank in the awesomeness of this little creature.

It baffled me to think that someday, this little girl would grow up to be a woman like I was. All I could do was hope and pray that she would have better luck in life. I prayed she wouldn't have to suffer as I had or endure her father's negligence like I did.

Erik was not my dad, and he just might be a better father. But one couldn't be so sure.

One thing was certain, though. I'd never let my daughter be subjected to the same fate as I was. She wouldn't be deprived of her ability to choose her own path. I wouldn't be the kind of mother who'd sit idly by and watch her husband ruin their daughter's life. No. This child would have my full support for whatever good and sensible thing she'd ever want to do.

I would make sure that she never had to suffer what I did. She'd be second to none in everything, and even if she eventually had a sibling or siblings, I'd spread my love equally amongst them. I would be a better mother than mine.

My child wouldn't have to go out of her way just to get her father's attention. She wouldn't have to prove that she was capable of doing great things like I was. She would never have to feel like she wasn't good enough, like she was a last resort. She would never be sidelined, and she would never live in the shadows.

I carried that cross, that burden, and so I'd make sure that she never had to experience the terrible things that I was unfortunate to experience.

“You'll have everything that I lacked,” I whispered to my sleeping baby, my voice trembling slightly. “Love, respect, and free will.” I sniffled and wiped the lone tear trickling down my cheek. “Sleep tight, little one. Mama loves you plenty,” I murmured, leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on the infant's tiny forehead.

With quiet steps, I headed toward the door and stole one last glance at the baby's crib before dimming the lights. The soft glow of the nightlight illuminated the space, and I left the room, gently shutting the door behind me.

I rolled my neck in a massaging motion as I glided through the hallway, my mind reeling with the thoughts of easing my stress. I strolled into the master bedroom, enveloped by the warm chandelier lights. Exhausted, I tossed myself onto the plush couch, its fine leather crunching under my weight.

As my fingers massaged my temples, the rich scent of his cologne invaded my senses, and for some inexplicable reason, I caught myself smiling. I turned toward the door, and there he was, strolling in with soundless footsteps, his aura exuding confidence and composure.

“You have to teach me how to do that,” I said, my tone soft and laced with admiration.

“How to do what?” he asked, a faint smirk twitching at the corner of his mouth.

I knew he was only feigning ignorance, but I was going to indulge him anyway.

“How to move undetected…like a ninja,” came my response, my eyes discreetly roaming his body.

Erik wore a crisp white button-down shirt that accentuated his chiseled physique. The fabric, neatly tucked into his black pants, created a sharp crease that emphasized his lean waist. His polished black shoes seemed to reflect the warm lights, adding a touch of sophistication to his overall look.

As he moved, the fabric of his shirt stretched across his broad shoulders, highlighting the muscles underneath.

My eyes dropped to the top two buttons that were left undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his chest. Erik's strong, defined jawline and piercing green eyes completed the picture of an undeniably attractive man: my husband.

I had almost forgotten how handsome he was, and as we locked eyes, I felt a flutter in my chest, and my heart skipped a beat.

He pursed his lips, a gorgeous smirk accentuating his ruggedness. His voice bold and husky, he said, “I’d teach you how to move like that. But you've been distant lately.” He halted in front of me, placing his briefcase on the coffee table.

I felt a pang of guilt gnawing at me as I caught the glint of abandonment in his tone. My eyes trailed him until he was seated beside me on the couch, his gaze locked on mine.

I cleared my throat, my finger pushing my hair behind my ear. “Yeah, well, I've been quite busy these days.”

“These few months, you mean?” he teased, raising an eyebrow, his arm flying across the headrest.

“Okay, I see what you're doing,” I said, chuckling, my eyes leaving him for a fleeting moment.

“I’m just correcting a notion, that's all,” he replied, his gaze still lingering.

He was right. It had been months since we had a decent conversation despite living in the same house and sleeping in the same bed. But how was I going to admit that even though I had my reasons?

I couldn't stand his gaze, and my eyes were fixed on the floor, my hands on my lap.

“Did you miss me?” he asked, his voice sharp and stern.

My heart sank into my stomach, and a heat wave spread across my body. His question was sudden, and it took me aback. What was I supposed to say, the truth? Because sitting next to him right now made me realize just how much I did miss him. But should I admit it, or should I lie? What was the best move to make?

This conversation might lead to the topic I'd been avoiding for months now. I had a few nerve-shattering questions of my own; however, I wasn't sure if this was the right time.

“Silence means yes, you know,” he said with a teasing smirk.

“You'd like for that to be true, wouldn't you?” I looked back at him, pursing my lips to suppress my smile.

“Would that be so bad?” he asked, staring deeply into my eyes.

My mouth was shaped like an “O” as I groped for the right response but found none. He literally left me speechless, puzzled by what he was trying to achieve here.

His gaze never left my face, and in his eyes was a glimmer of passion. My breath hitched in my throat, and I wondered if this was an opportunity to raise the issue that had bothered me for a while now. He seemed like he was ready to listen, and we were already talking about something as sensitive as that.

“Is there anything on your mind?” he asked, his voice smooth and easy.

I swallowed subtly, my heart hammering in my chest. This was it. This was the moment of truth, and it would be foolish to miss it now. What was the worst thing that could happen if I told him how I felt? He was my husband anyway.

Erik's eyes squinted, and he edged closer, the couch crunching at his gentle shift. “Tessa, what is it?” he questioned, a glint of concern creeping into his tone.

I drew a deep breath, feeling his touch on my chin, tilting my head to face him. I locked eyes with him and felt a shiver sprinting down my spine. It was like I had cold feet at the last minute, but my mind was made up. Now was the time for this conversation. It had lingered long enough already.

“What do you feel about me?” I asked, holding his gaze. My breath ceased in anticipation. “Do you feel obligated to love and care for me?” I added. “Is that what your sudden change is, a sense of obligation?”

His expression softened, his smirk gradually transforming into a bright smile. “You’re afraid, aren't you?”

“Like hell I am.” I sprang to my feet reflexively, my anxiety building. My words broke as I vented out my emotions. “I'm afraid, Erik. You make me afraid. Everything about you is dark, cold, and violent, and sometimes, I ask myself if you're even human at all.”

He just sat there, his head raised to watch me express myself, his gorgeous smile retained.

I pressed on anyway. “And then recently, it's as if a whole new person has emerged—a better version of the ruthless and cruel Bratva boss I married.” The words spilled from my mouth in a frantic rush.

“That's a good thing, isn't it?” he asked, calm and collected.

“Maybe. Maybe not because I have no idea why you're doing it. I don't know if it's because you feel obligated to or because you actually want to.” I paused for a fleeting moment, letting the words sink in before continuing. “Your reason matters a lot, Erik, and I need to know the man I'm choosing to spend an eternity with. We have a baby together now, which means things, and I need to know that we're on the same page.”

He gradually stood up, his impressive height looming over me, yet he bent his head to meet my gaze.

With a racing heart and trembling lips, I dared to ask, “Do you love me, Erik?” My eyes bore into his, searching for answers.

He drew nearer, closing the small distance between us without breaking eye contact.

“I need to know that this isn't one-sided, that I'm not the only one in love here,” I said, my heart racing in my slowly heaving chest, my voice a low whisper.

His arms wrapped around my waist, and he pulled me to himself, his fingers pushing my hair behind my ear.

My body trembled at his gentle touch, and my breath caught for a moment. I could almost hear the sound of my heart pounding as I anticipated his response.

“Isn't it clear already that I feel something for you…something deep?” His soft tone and calm demeanor sent tremors down to my core.

“I just need you to say the words,” I urged, staring into those green eyes, which gazed back into mine. “I need to hear you say them.”

His grip around my waist tightened ever so slightly, and he pulled me closer, his groin against mine. “I'm not sure how you did it, but you, Tessa, have unlocked something in me. You've awakened a part of me that's been asleep for a long time.”

I felt my cheeks warm up at his soothing words, his fingers caressing my hair as he spoke, his eyes still locked on mine. My chest rose and fell with heavy breaths while the rest of the world seemed to melt around us.

“You make me feel a certain way, a way I've never felt before,” he said, pausing for a moment, his eyes boring into mine. “Recently, I came to the conclusion and the realization that what I feel for you is actually…love.”

My heart skipped at the sound of the word on his lips. It sounded weird coming from a brutal and uptight man like him, but it still worked its magic. My eyes widened at his confession, and a wave of passion stirred within me. I held his gaze and studied his countenance to find even a glimpse of insincerity or dishonesty. Fortunately, I couldn't find any.

His voice was laced with conviction, like he actually believed what he’d just said, and his expression softened in a way that filled me with gladness.

“Do you mean it?” I asked, my tone barely above a whisper, seeking more clarity.

“Cross my heart,” he replied, demonstrating with his hands.

“And I love you,” I replied, my heart pounding like a freaking drum.

It had been months since we had sex, and now it was like all of that pent-up desire came rushing back at once. Subtly, my thighs brushed against each other in response to the tingling sensation between my legs.

As I stood before him, holding his intense gaze, a sudden heat overwhelmed me, rapidly spreading across my body. It was like my legs had turned to jelly, unable to carry my weight.

In his eyes was a glaring desire that burned so bright, betraying his usual composure. It was clear as day that he wanted me as much as I wanted him, and right now, there was absolutely nothing holding me back.

He moved his waist, brushing his erection against my thighs. I felt my body shudder at the familiar feeling that always affected me, and I was already super turned on. My breath was stuck in my throat, and breathing became ragged and difficult.

My entire body was trembling, and beneath the heat wave was a kind of cold that made my lips tremble. I felt my heart burning with desire, and my longing for him grew stronger by the minute.

His fingers dug into my shoulders in a massaging motion that left me vulnerable. His eyes told the story of a horny man in desperate need to get laid.

I was so fucking wet, and at that moment, I didn't crave sensual sex; I didn't want to be made love to. No. Strange, but what I wanted was to fucked like a bloody whore. It was almost like I was losing myself, like I was a bad bitch ready to be nasty.

The good girl in me wanted to hold back, but that bad girl wouldn't let her. I wanted to go wild, to free the animal for once and experience hard, maybe rough, mind-blowing sex. It was what I wanted at the moment. It was what my body craved.

My husband was more than capable of performing the task. But why hadn't he taken me yet? Maybe he was waiting for instructions.

I grabbed his hand and whispered, my voice soft and slutty, “What're you waiting for, big guy?” I lowered his hand down between my legs, my body quivering subtly. “Fuck me.”

His lips twitched at a corner, a hot smirk lighting up his face.

“Fuck me like you know you want me,” I added as his hand went up the hem of my nightgown.

He grabbed a handful of my hair with his free hand and tugged it down, forcing my head to jerk upward.

“Yessss!” The word tumbled out of my mouth. “Don't you fucking hold back on me,” I said, my voice stern and seductive.

Within seconds, his lips crashed against mine, and he kissed me fervently, his tongue sliding into my mouth. I felt my organs coming back alive, and every molecule in my body, every cell, reacted to his touch.

A flame of passion ignited within me, and the more his finger thrust into my wet entrance, the more I craved his cock. Our passion burned so bright it threatened to consume us both.

My pussy was so wet that it stretched to accommodate two of his fingers at once. “Oh, fuck yes!” I cried out, feeling the intensity of his moves.

With a fiery look in my eyes, I broke our kiss, my fingers ripping his buttons apart, sending them splattering across the floor.

His expression darkened with desire, and his lips curled into his signature gorgeous smirk. “I'm gonna make you pay for that,” he said, his husky voice dripping with ecstasy.

“Then get to it,” I said, seductively slipping out of the straps of the gown as it slid down my body and welled at my feet.

His eyes drank in the sight of his naked wife, and before I could even blink, he rushed at me, his possessive hands traversing my body. His deep kiss indicated just how much he wanted me, how much he'd been starved.

He devoured my lips with an intense fervency that left me breathless—unsatisfied and wanting more.

Erik's strength was incredible when he spun me around and flung me onto the armrest of the couch. A soft giggle escaped my lips as I fell over it, my ass arched upward.

I heard the sound of his belt being dragged off his pants, and the next thing I heard was a soft, delicate, yet somewhat painful whip on my ass. “Ahh.” I winced, trembling at the sweet pain that traveled across my body. It felt good, and I wanted more. “Is that all you've got?” I teased, completely out of control.

He whipped me again, a little harder this time, and I moaned, feeling his grip on my hair. I didn't realize he'd taken his dick out until he slid it inside my wet pussy. I moaned, and my eyes widened at his entry.

His first thrust shook my entire body as he hit a spot that sent tremors down to my core. I’d yet to bask in that when he hit me again and again and again and again.

“Yes, baby, yes!” I cried out, my face scrunched up in ecstasy. “Fuck me harder. Harder!” I groaned deeply.

My hard nipples grazed against the couch's leather, the soft contact sending shivers through my body. He rammed me harder and harder, his groin slapping noisily against my ass. His pull on my hair was relentless, and I felt my eyes turning white, rolling back into their sockets.

He spanked me with the belt again, his cock driving deeper into me while I moaned with his name on my lips. “Erik, oh, Erik!”

The more I moaned, the more I said his name, the more he plunged into me with vigorous strokes. He released my hair, and my head fell downward, my teeth biting into a pillow.

His strong hand bound both my wrists together at the small of my back, restricting my movements. I was at his mercy, with no control whatsoever over my own body, but I loved it. I loved the feeling of his dominance, the feeling of surrendering completely to him.

I was his to do with as he pleased.

I lifted one leg and placed my knee on the armrest while balanced on the other foot planted on the floor. His grip on my wrists tightened; this time, both hands held me in place.

“Oh, my God, yes!” I cried out, feeling his penetration hit differently in his position. “Go harder. Harder. Harder,” I pleaded.

His waist ground into me from the back, his vigorous thrusts digging deeper into my slippery cunt. I buried my face in the pillow, my legs shaking like a leaf, and still, my husband wouldn't stop ramming me hard. It was almost like I was losing my mind, but I loved it. “That's so good! It feels so fucking good.”

“You like it?” he demanded, going harder, his voice breaking with each thrust.

“I love it,” I moaned, tearing up from all that sweetness coursing through my body. “Don't stop. Don't you fucking stop.”

He let go of my wrists and slapped my ass with both palms, his strokes hitting me the way I wanted.

“Yes, baby, yes!” I cried, my legs shaking in ecstasy. “I'm yours. I'm yours, baby.” An intense sense of possession washed over me, fueling my desire. “Fuck me like you know you own me!”

He rammed on, energetically slamming into my pussy. I pushed my butt outward, helping out with my hips moving in sync with his. A series of loud moans escaped my lips—a primal expression of the intense pleasure flowing through my blood.

“I love you, Erik,” I whispered, the words echoing through my soul.

At the sensation of his fingers digging into my hips, holding me in place, I shuddered. It was almost like I could taste my own arousal—a metallic tang on my tongue that left me hungry for more.

The scent of his skin, a mix of sweat and cologne, intoxicated me. The sound of his ragged breathing filled my ears, accentuating my desire.

He pulled out and released my hands, and I dropped to my knees, swiveling around to grab his shaft. I raised my eyes and met his gaze while my hand stroked his length. I twirled my tongue around his cap, my grip gliding over my wetness smeared on his cock.

A deep groan escaped his lips as his eyes shut in ecstasy, responding to my touch.

A thrill of naughtiness sparked within me, heightening my arousal. “I'm feeling a little nasty,” I confessed, both hands stroking his length. “Can you fuck my mouth?” I asked unashamedly, pleading with my eyes. “Please?”

“As you wish,” he answered, his hand pushing the back of my head.

I put his cock in my mouth, and he pushed me deeper into his groin, my eyes drooping.

“Look at me,” he commanded, gently tugging on my hair.

I lifted my eyes and again met his gaze, his cock deep in my throat. I could barely breathe and was choking and gagging until he pulled my head off. A loud gasp came forth as I stared at the giant shaft hanging outside my mouth, a thread of drool linking my lips to his cap. Nasty but so fucking hot.

He penetrated my mouth and did as I wanted, plunging in and out like it was my entrance. His move was rapid but delicate at the same time. Erik had my eyes glued to his all through the process.

His smooth skin glided against my tongue, sending shivers down my spine, and my mouth watered in response, flooding my senses with the taste of him. The ridges and veins of his shaft created a thrilling texture that left me in awe.

Erik pulled out and, in a jiffy, whisked me into the air effortlessly. I yelped at the sudden move, giggling as I wrapped my legs around him, locking my feet around his waist. He headed toward a table, where he lowered me on the surface and spread my legs. My hand reached down to grab his cock, stroking his length while devouring his lips.

Our heads moved together in perfect sync, feeling the passion coursing through our bodies.

I inserted his shaft into my entrance, and my back arched at the deep connection that sent shivers down my spine.

His lips crashed against mine, his palms fondling and squeezing my breasts. My hand wrapped around his waist, seeking deeper penetration. His tongue slid into my mouth, sending shock waves across my body. He broke the kiss, lowering his head to kiss the nape of my neck while I jerked my face upward.

A series of soft purrs escaped my lips, feeling his shaft deep inside me. I dug my nails into his back, my hips moving in sync with his as he drove mercilessly into my cunt.

His hands caressed my body—curves and contours—each touch accentuating my desire. My legs wiggled in the air the faster and harder he thrust into me. For support, I gripped the edge of the table with one hand, and with the other, I smoothed my hair backward.

“Yes, baby. Don't stop fucking me like that—right there! Yes, yes, yes…!” I murmured, my voice catching on a sob.

My breasts bounced up and down to the rhythm of his relentless strokes. Slowly, I lifted my head as his hand climbed up to my neck. “Choke me, Daddy,” I whispered, begging, eyes fixed on him.

His grip around my neck tightened, his fingers digging into my flesh, making it almost impossible to breathe. “You like that shit?” he asked without slowing down.

“Yesssssss!” I groaned, a low, throaty sound.

“Say my name,” he commanded, his eyes boring into mine. His grip loosened slightly, enough to let me talk.

“Erik! Oh, Erik,” I mewled, my face contorting in sheer pleasure.

I fell on my back on the table, and I felt him lift both of my legs, holding them in place. Erik pounded into me like an animal, each thrust leaving me wanting more and more of him.

“Mmmmmm. That feels so good,” I murmured, ecstasy coursing through my blood.

“You're so tight, and I'm gonna make you come so hard,” he said, his voice thick and husky, heightening my desire.

“Yes, please, make me come. Make me come, Daddy,” I pleaded, my body vibrating from all that pleasure sprinting through me. “I wanna come for you.” My hand snapped out to settle on my clit.

“Yeah, just like that,” he encouraged, watching me play with myself.

He kissed my feet and caressed my thighs while still hammering my cunt. The feeling was ecstatic, especially with my fingers rapidly rubbing over my clit.

My eyes rolled into their sockets, and my face contorted, a mirror of the intense passion that had overwhelmed me. My jaw dropped in a silent scream, and my breath hitched in my throat as I moved my hand faster.

Erik's thrusts dug deeper and faster, his speed matching that of my fingers over my clit. I tried to moan, to scream, but I couldn't find my voice, yet this pleasure was threatening to consume me.

I was climaxing, and the feeling had me speechless as a tidal wave of pleasure crashed over me. A fiery passion burned within me, and I felt myself unraveling, threads of tension snapping free. “God, I'm coming!” The words jumped out of my mouth.

Erik unleashed a primal growl, signaling his own arrival, his strokes traveling deeper inside.

My toes curled, and my legs trembled—unsteady and weak. My muscles contracted, and my breath caught, a sharp gasp escaping my lips.

Erik's groan deepened as he slammed his hip into mine, his shaft traveling further in. I took my hand off my clit, and that was when it happened—I came.

A gentle tremor ran through my body as a dam burst within me, releasing my tension like water from a fountain.

Erik didn't stop thrusting into me, and soon, he said, “I'm gonna fill you up now,” his voice breaking under the weight of his desire.

“Yes, please. I wanna feel you inside me,” I replied, moaning.

His legs trembled as he released himself, filling me up with his warmth. My muscles relaxed, and I felt my body going limp. My heart rate slowed by the second, a warm glow spreading through me—a comforting, soothing sensation.

A soft, satisfactory sigh escaped my lips, my hand flying to smooth my hair backward. “That was amazing,” I confessed, sitting up to look into his eyes.

His hands framed my face, forehead against mine, as we exchanged heavy breaths. The air was filled with a mix of sweat and arousal, his fingers coming through my moist hair. “You're mine, Tessa,” he whispered, his breath brushing against skin.

“I'm yours,” I replied with the same tone, locking eyes with him.

His lips curled into a smirk, and he kissed me before lifting me in his hands. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he led us to the bathroom.