Page 50 of HEARTSTORM

The moment called for strawberries and chocolate.

Maya reached out, dipping one into the melted chocolate, then brought it to her full lips. They curled into a slow, satisfied smile as she took a bite, savoring the taste.

I think it was one of the sexiest things I've ever witnessed.

The way her fingers slowly traced the edge of the strawberry before bringing it to her lips—it was almost too much.

"You feeling okay, Grace?"

I swallowed hard. "Yeah... why?"

"Nothing, sweetheart. I just want to check if my girl's feeling okay," she said, calm and steady.

I took a bite of a strawberry as well, feeling her burning gaze on me.

"I'm really happy right now," I whispered. "I've never felt like this before." My smile widened.

Maya reached for my hand, her fingers curling around mine, palms pressed together.

"Neither have I, Grace," she said softly, vulnerable. "I've never felt this good before."

We finished the whole bowl as I tried so hard not to be affected by the way she was eating. She made it impossible.

"Grace," she said suddenly, leaning closer, her eyes trailing my face. "We can go home, or stay here—whatever you want. I'm with you."

I paused, feeling every word like it came straight from my heart. "I want to stay here tonight. With you. That's all I want."

Maya smiled immediately, squeezing my hand tighter. "Then we stay."

And that was all I needed.

We both got up and headed to the bathroom, brushing our teeth with the kit, laughing like two idiots. Then Maya threw herself onto the bed, stretching out in her bathrobe. My eyes lingered on her, before reluctantly grabbing my phone.

"I'm telling my mom we're having a sleepover at Lily's," I said.

"Smart girl," she smirked. "Want to watch something?" she asked, grabbing the remote.

"Sure," I replied happily, glancing at the big flat-screen TV in front of us. "Disney, please."

Maya chuckled. "Knew it."

I rested my head on her shoulder as she pulled me closer, her arm wrapped tightly around my waist. We spent about ten minutes scrolling through the app, and then—I finally saw it.

"TANGLED!" I exclaimed, my excitement bursting out.

"Yeah, Rapunzel's totally your vibe," Maya laughed, not hesitating to hit play.

I snuggled closer into her arms, craving the warmth of her skin against mine. Maya began stroking my hair, and I leaned into her touch.

"You look like Rapunzel, Grace. She's beautiful," she said halfway through the movie, then chuckled. "And you kinda act like her too."

"Well," I tilted my head, amused. "You're basically the girl version of Flynn."

She smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment. He's cool."

"He's got the charm," I agreed.

Maya raised a brow, now glancing up at me. "So... am I charming?"

I rolled my eyes at her silly question.

"The charmiest," I affirmed, and meant it.

Maya kissed my forehead softly, then leaned back, clearly flattered—she already knew the answer, but it still felt sweet.

By the time the credits rolled, she suddenly stood up like she was in a hurry. I watched, confused, as she leaned forward to grab her heels and untie her bathrobe.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"There's a shop inside, and if I hurry before it closes, I can grab some t-shirts for us to sleep in."

My heart raced. And in that moment, with that small gesture she wanted to do to make me feel comfortable, I realized what I really—truly—wanted.

Maybe I'd known it all along.

"There's no need," I said, declining her thoughtful offer.

Maya paused, then slowly turned her head to me. "Why not?"

I drew in a deep breath. "Because I don't want to get dressed."

Her eyes flicked over me, unsure, as I slowly got out of bed and walked toward her. She turned to face me fully, and my gaze dropped to her unfastened bathrobe. I swallowed, feeling pulled in by her in a way I hadn't before.

Heart pounding, I let the words fall from my lips—

"Maybe we should get rid of these bathrobes... if you want."

Maya locked eyes with me and nodded, still saying nothing.

"I want to get rid of yours," I found myself whispering.

She didn't hesitate to please me, sliding her fingers to the edge of her bathrobe and letting it fall, revealing her burgundy lingerie.

This... was something entirely different—soft, tempting curves that begged to be touched.

My hand hovered near her hips, close enough to feel her warmth, but I didn't touch her yet. Not until she wanted me to.

Maya immediately leaned in, craving my touch, letting me caress her bare skin.

"You're beautiful," I said.

I saw her breath quicken as I pulled my hand back, but only to reach my own bathrobe and—

Maya gently grabbed my arm and moved closer. "You don't have to, if you don't want to," she said, voice firm but soft.

I smiled. "I want to."

She nodded, letting let go of my arm as I continued my previous action—undressing myself. Slowly.

Now, both our bathrobes lay at our feet, and we stood there in just our lingerie. It was a quiet but huge step. Yet in that vulnerable moment, I felt deep happiness—I knew I wanted no one but her.

Maya's smile softened as her eyes traced the delicate lines of my white lingerie.

"You're perfect," she said.

"Take me to bed," I whispered.

Her gaze never wavered from mine as she reached out, gently took my hand, and led me to the bed. I sank down slowly, pulling her closer until she leaned over me. Her body hovered just above mine as she began to kiss my neck—softly.

Our breaths came heavy as Maya looked up at me and kissed my lips—slowly at first, until our mouths explored deeper and deeper.

"Grace," she said. "How do you feel?"

"Nervous," I admitted.

"It's okay, sweetheart," her eyes scanned my face with attention. "You know there's no rush, right? We don't have to—"

"I want it," I interrupted her. "I really want to."

"I want it too," she said. "So much."

I nodded happily as she started kissing my neck again, drawing a soft moan from me as her kisses slowly slid down my clavicle—until her lips came dangerously close to my chest.

"Can I continue?" she asked.

I nodded instantly. Her hand roamed over my chest, the other slid down my arm, brushing gently over my scars, as if trying to tell me they didn't matter.

The way she looked at me—as if nothing about me needed to be hidden—made something shift inside. I felt safe, understood.

"You're beautiful. Every part of you," she said.

Her lips traced the curves of my breasts—slow, teasing. A shiver of pleasure ran down my spine.

"Take it off," I whispered.

Maya nodded as her fingers brushed over my chest. I lifted myself slightly, just enough for her to reach behind me—then she paused. "Do you want the lights on or off?"

"On," I replied, smiling. "I wanna see you."

She smiled back, carefully removing my bra. Now I was definitely exposed, which made me want to cover myself with my hands—but I didn't.

Her eyes drifted over me—reassuring, unwavering, and full of warmth. Everything felt right.

"I need you to use your words now, Grace, so I'll know if you're liking it or not. Okay?"

"Okay—sure," I quickly said, earning a smile from her.

Maya cupped my bare breast in her hand, her thumb and index finger trailing across my nipple, stroking it in slow, teasing circles. A moan escaped me, soft and aching.

"Is this okay?" she asked, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Yeah—definitely," I said, and suddenly my hands were right behind her back.

Maya bit her lip before leaning in, this time with her mouth—slowly licking my already hard nipple, each stroke deliberate and lingering. A deep breath slipped out—a whimper of pleasure.

"Grace," Maya said firmly against my breast. "Use your words—I'm not sure if—"

I didn't even realize I was too caught up to say anything.

"Shit, sorry—it's fucking good," I burst out, laughing at my honesty.

A smug, relieved smile tugged at the corner of her lips as I watched her regain her previous position. This time, she sucked gently, making my whole body arch eagerly toward her.

"My god," I gasped.

Her warm mouth hummed sensuously against my breast until her teeth teased my nipple with a firm, teasing pull.

"Maya," I gripped her body against mine. "You're so good."

"Good girl," she praised me.

Her lips left a wet trail of kisses as she moved to my other breast. The sensation didn't lessen—it intensified. Her mouth worked slowly, tongue circling my nipple with aching precision. A louder moan escaped my lips.

When Maya looked up at me and smirked, I felt an urge to explore every inch of her skin as my hands traced her hips and chest. She smoothly slipped off her bra.

"Perfect," I breathed, my fingers grazing her skin.

Her bare breasts were everything I had fantasized about.

I started kissing her neck, right in that spot between the lobe and shoulder—making her melt into a soft moan. I moaned even louder when she quickened her fingers on my breast.

My hands finally paused on her chest as she locked eyes with me. "May I?" I asked.

"Please," Maya said, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

My fingers brushed over her nipple—slow at first, testing, teasing. But the way her body arched against me told she was craving more.

And just like that—a rush of courage and desire flooded me. I lowered my chin, letting my tongue flick her firm nipple, this time with more intensity and pull.

"Like that?" I murmured.

"Yeah—just like that," her breath quickened as I started licking.

Until her nipple became very—very hard.

Her whole body radiated heat, pulling me in like a magnet. I was lost in the desire. I was lost in her.

"You drive me crazy, Grace," she breathed, her hand tangled in my hair.

"You're making me feel so special," I whispered out of breath.

Maya lifted my chin and crushed her lips against mine with passion, kissing me like she was starving. Her tongue slid in as I parted my lips to let her in.

And then I felt it.

She pulled back slightly to align her core against mine.

It sent electric shivers down my spine.

"Is this okay?" Her eyes scanned my face for any sign of discomfort. There was none. If anything, I was more eager than before.

"Yeah, it is—it's so good," I stammered.

Her face softened, but her gaze never wavered from mine. "I'm going to take it slow, okay? Just let me know how it feels."

"Okay," I nodded.

Maya gently held my hips to steady me, then shifted against my core, pressing her body against mine in a slow, heated rhythm.

That was new, but damn—

"It's amazing," I breathed, holding her close.

"It is, baby," she murmured against my skin.

Her movements increased rhythmically as we both moaned with pleasure, breathing in and out through gasps and whimpers.

I was already burning, but I needed more. My whole body was aching for more—for her.

"Take them off, please," I said.

Maya didn't hesitate for a single second, sliding off both our panties, her movements deliberate and decisive.

"Can I continue?" she asked carefully.

"Yes, please," I said, wrapping my arms around her neck.

She settled against me again, and this time everything felt deeper. She started moving faster, grinding her entire body against mine.

The sensation was intense, and I could feel my body tightening and curling with anticipation.

"Maya..." I moaned, not even sure what I wanted to say, just needing her.

She closed the small distance between us, kissing me with a fierce, tender hunger as I drank her in completely.

"God, I love how you feel against me," she moaned.

"I love feeling you," I whispered, brushing strands of hair from her face.

Her movements gradually slowed until she paused, her wet body melting slowly into mine. The closeness sent a wave of electricity through me.

Her eyes met mine, and for a moment the intensity between us softened.

"Grace," she said, trailing her hand down my cheek. "I want you." Her voice was low and laced with desire.

There was no hesitation—just raw need in her tone, yet her eyes were filled with a calm certainty that made my heart flutter.

"I'm here," I said, letting her know I was all in.

Her hand slid slowly away from my face, then brushed my chest and trailed down my belly, pausing.

"Is this okay to you?"

I gave her a wordless nod.

"Use your words, Grace," she reminded me.

"Yes," I said quickly. "I want you."

"We'll go at your pace, baby," she said softly. "And if you're not comfortable, just say it, okay?"

"Okay," I nodded a few times, feeling my body heat up as her words calmed me down.

Maya slowly spread my legs wider, and a wave of self-consciousness rushed through me. But when she looked at me—calm, sure, completely focused—something in me eased.

Her fingers curved gently between my folds, teasing me with slow, deliberate strokes. Suddenly my legs moved on their own, arching desperately into her touch.

Maya's eyes met mine, dark and smoldering. "Like that?"

"Maya," a needy sound left me. "Don't stop."

Then her fingers moved just a little faster...

"Oh—fuck—" I moaned uncontrollably.

She bit her lips. "Talk to me, Grace. Tell me how I make you feel."

I swallowed hard. "Like I'm burning from the inside... and I don't want you to stop."

"Good girl," Maya murmured. "That's it, you're doing just amazing."

She began to apply more pressure, making small, teasing circles on my sensitive area. The sensation was enveloping and intense. I couldn't help but groan with pleasure.

"Yes—just like that," I said, tugging at the sheets.

"That's my girl," she murmured.

Between my shaky breaths, I realized how much I needed to touch her—to share this burning, intoxicating sensation.

I wanted to feel her—completely, deeply.

My hand brushed over her chest and slowly went down...

I looked into her eyes. "Mind if I..."

Her lips parted slightly before smiling. "Go ahead, baby."

I think I'm starting to learn where to touch from the way she's touching me. Her face tensed in response, and her body arched eagerly into my fingers.

"Fast learner," Maya smirked. "You're doing so good for me."

And just like that—we were both breathless, every touch setting fire under our skin, slow and fierce.

"Maya," I moaned louder as her fingers slid deeper with more assertiveness. "Don't let me go, please."

"I will never let you go, baby," she assured me.

Her fingers quickened as my moans grew louder with every ragged gasp.

"Let yourself go for me, Grace," Maya whispered, almost like a need. Her voice turning my body into warm electricity, making my legs tremble with pleasure.

"Yes—yes," I blurted out.

"Like that, baby," she encouraged me. "You're doing great."

I couldn't hold it anymore. A strong wave of pleasure hit, making my body pulse. The climax was overwhelming and all-consuming, leaving me gasping for air as I lost myself completely.

"You did so good, Grace," Maya said softly in my ear.

She watched me with a deeply satisfied gaze, like every breath I took eased something inside her. But I wasn't done.

I gathered the strength I had left and resumed my movements fully for her—a soft gasp escaped her as our eyes met.

"I want to," I said. "Let me."

She gave me that look—the one that said yes, and nothing else mattered.

My fingers already moved with purpose—leaving her undone.

"Grace," Maya bit her lips. "Faster, baby," her voice dropped in my ear.

Her moans were so damn satisfying and good to hear as I increased the intensity for her.

Her body responded hungrily to my touch. I could tell she was close, her face and muscles tightening against me. Soon, a wave of pleasure rolled through her, and she moaned hotly, still holding me close.

Then, she let her body melt against mine, both of us overwhelmed.

I was still processing what happened between us. My body was still tingling, and my mind was full of new feelings.

"Grace," Maya chuckled. "Are you okay?"

I should improve my speaking skills in these situations...

My hand moved her hair away from her face, noticing her forehead was a little sweaty, which only increased my ecstasy.

"That was fucking amazing, Maya," I said honestly. "I don't even know what to say. Everything felt perfect. I've never felt better."

"Me too, baby," she replied, her smile glowing. "It was wonderful exactly how it went. I wouldn't change a thing."

She leaned closer into my touch as I stroked her hair, my body still trembling slightly.

"Wait," Maya whispered, lifting herself slightly, lying down on my right and carefully wrapping the sheet around our bare bodies. "Better now?"

I took a deep breath, feeling so grateful. "Thank you, Maya. Not just for this, but for everything you do for me."

She stayed strangely silent as I glanced at her, noticing her most vulnerable expression.

I let her take that moment, and the silence stretched. But it wasn't tension—it was comforting. Serene.

"Grace," she finally spoke.

I looked at her.

"I love you," she said.

My heart surged, and I felt those three words in every part of me. It was warm, intense—like my heart might burst.

It was peace. It was love.

"I love you too," I said.

We stared at each other like time stopped itself. Nothing else mattered. Everything was meant to be.

I leaned in and kissed her. It was aching, gentle, consuming.

Maya wrapped her arms around me, and I snuggled into the curve of her neck as she held me tightly. Her fingers gently traced patterns along my back, grounding me in this exact moment.

"Sleep, I've got you," she whispered.

Wrapped in her warmth, my body softened, my breathing slowed and I let myself slip into sleep.

A/N

FINALLY!!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I did—and that it was worth the wait. ;)

I just want to take a little more space to thank you all! I'm grateful for both the silent readers and the vocal ones. ??

Take care of yourself and see you soon.

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